Jessie and James Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on August 7, 2019August 6, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to the Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour and Giveaway for Jessie and James. You will learn all about the book, author, and be able to sign up for the giveaway. Two entrants will win an Amazon gift card. Will one of them be you?

My Thoughts:

Author Jennifer Beckstrand has written a Christian Historical Western Romance novel for the Gold Diggers Series. This is a sweet, humorous, inspirational novel that had me giggling many times.

It is the story of feisty Jessie. She is a pretty, family loyal heroine that always can be seen with her trusty gun. It is also the tale of geologist James. Poor James has been sent to the Western mining town and gets teased about wearing the wrong hot. When he and Jessie meet, one of them gets hurts, they both get a surprise and sparks start.

The author has done a wonderful job with this. It captured my attention from the beginning and I was eager to see what would happen to this mismatched pair. The characters seemed real and were easy to imagine. The plot was well planned and researched. Humor, mystery, faith, and romance were all woven together into one magnificent novel.

This book taught me a few things about mining. I love books from which I can glean tidbits of knowledge. It is readily apparent this is a Christian book. I love that, too. Author Beckstrand seems to know what readers want and delivers.

I would highly recommend this book. It is a delightful tale that will take you out West and give you a taste of the mining life, which wasn’t easy. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Celebrate Lit provided a copy but these are my honest opinions.

About the Book:

Book: Jessie and James

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Genre: Western Historical Inspirational Romance

Release Date: July 24, 2019

Jessie Madsen has her hands full helping her parents run their small farm and boarding house while every fortune-seeker in the country seems to be flocking to her small town in search of gold. It’s bad enough that claim jumpers won’t quit trespassing on her property, but geologist James Kelsey, mildly intriguing and surprisingly handsome for an Easterner, seems more interested in her than the mining business. Jessie is certain she doesn’t have the time or the need for a man, and after getting her heart broken, she has resolved never to fall for an outsider again. Add stolen cash, a fast-talking con man, and a pair of bandits, and Jessie is indeed up to her eyeballs in trouble. Will she soften her rock-hard exterior and let the geologist discover the hidden treasure in her heart?

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the two-time RITA-nominated, #1 Amazon bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries, The Honeybee Sistersseries, and The Petersheim Brothersseries for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer and Home on Huckleberry Hill were both nominated for the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth, the Honeybee sisters’ aendiBitsy, and Alfie and Benji Petersheim. Jennifer has written twenty-one Amish romances, a historical Western, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. She and her husband have been married for thirty-four years, and she has six children and seven adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

More from Jennifer

Jessie and James is my first published Western historical novel, and I couldn’t be more excited. The first book I ever wrote was a historical Western, and I’ve been wanting to write another one for ten years. (That first Western is still hanging around my house somewhere. I might decide to publish it next. J) For my research, I traveled to a real mining town about two hours from my house. Yes, it really is named Eureka, and it was a boomtown in the 1880s, the period in which my book is set. I met an old-timer in Eureka who told me some fascinating stories about mining then and now.

Did you know that you may own the ground your house sits on, but you only own it to sixty feet deep? So a mining company can come in and dig a mine right under your house, and it’s perfectly legal. Many mines were dug straight down or in any direction that would get them to ore faster. In the 1880s in Eureka, often they’d dig straight down using only picks, shovels, and dynamite. A plumb bob was utilized to make sure their tunnels were straight up and down. They usually dug down 600 feet then drifted horizontally a couple hundred feet, then dug down again. Some mines went deeper than 1800 feet. Nowadays, there aren’t many mines that deep. They’re more dangerous, so they’re too expensive to insure.

In Jessie and James, James is an ex-cowboy turned geologist looking for gold. Jessie is a feisty, independent woman who runs a boarding house with her parents and thinks Eureka needs a little more fire-and-brimstone preaching to keep the incorrigible miners in line. Jessie doesn’t want anything to do with a gold digger, and she’s willing to use her shotgun to run James off. But James doesn’t scare that easy, especially when the woman on the other end of that shotgun might turn out to be the love of his life.

Jessie and James is full of shotguns, bandits, and heart-stopping romance. Don’t miss it!

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, August 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 2

Betti Mace, August 2

Inklings and notions, August 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 4

Blossoms and Blessings, August 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 5

Christian Bookaholic, August 6

Splashesofjoy, August 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 7

Connie’s History Classroom, August 8

Maureen’s Musings, August 8

Through the Fire Blogs, August 9

Bigreadersite, August 9

A Reader’s Brain, August 10

Blessed & Bookish, August 10

Texas Book-aholic, August 11

For Him and My Family, August 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12

Just the Write Escape, August 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 14

janicesbookreviews, August 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to two winners!!

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/e57b/jessie-and-james-celebration-tour-giveaway

No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky Book Review

Posted on July 3, 2019July 2, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

“No Ocean Too Wide” by Carrie Turansky is a Christian romantic historical fiction based on true events. It is Book One in the McAlister Family Series. This was a compelling novel that I could not put down! There is no way I can do it justice with just a few words.

My emotions took a roller coaster ride with this book. I became enraged, shocked, joyful, elated, saddened, scared, hopeless and then hopeful as the feelings from the characters jumped from the characters into me.

This is a story set in England in the early 1900’s. It centers around the McAlister Family which has a mother, seven year old Grace, fourteen year old twins Katie and Garth, and twenty year old Laura. As tragedy befalls the family with the mother in the hospital, the children are separated from each other and their mother.

The characters are well described and believable. Each one has a depth that makes him or her come to life on the page. There is even a rich, handsome hero! The conversations sound authentic for the era and location. The descriptions took me to a time and place that I had never been.

Author Turansky did impeccable research. I had never heard of this before in all my reading and studies. I was stunned and livid to learn that children were sent from England to Canada, orphaned or not. In fact, at times I wished this was not based on a true story. However, I could not stop reading this captivating tale.

The writing is exquisite. The book flows at an even pace. It isn’t sluggish or hurried. The author has a style that made this book easy to read and not want to put down. It is quite the page turner. I eagerly await Book Two.

I highly recommend this poignant novel. It has stayed with me long after reading it. I keep thinking of all of the poor children in similar situations. The Christian element is definitely present. Themes of faith, family, God, helping others, and hope are woven throughout this emotional, beautiful story. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own thoughts.

Yours Truly, Thomas by Author Rachel Fordham

Posted on July 2, 2019June 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

This was an absolutely spectacular book. I devoured it from cover to cover in one evening. Yes, I stayed up all night just to finish this beautiful tale of love, intrigue, mystery, family, secrets, and honesty. Author Rachel Fordham has a talent which can only be given by our maker. Her skill is heavenly.

From the beginning I was invested in this book. “One hundred percent, let those dishes pile up, no I don’t want to watch television, sorry I forgot to fix dinner, tell her I will call her back” invested. The book had me mesmerized and I was trapped willingly in Azure Springs. Pages flipped and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. There is mystery, romance, adventure, a lovable rambunctious standard poodle, and a cast of quirky characters. Characters from other Azure Springs books spring up and I was thrilled. I would ask my husband “Oh, guess who just came to visit Penny?” He would good heartedly play along and send his best wishes.

The author has researched her subject well. This is a brilliant idea for a book. I was able to learn something about the Dead Letter Office. There is scripture, prayer, and references to God. I love this, too. If your classification is Christian fiction, put the Christians in the book, please. The big old lovable unruly dog was a very sweet part of the story.

The writing was exemplary. I felt like I was back in Azure Springs among old friends and making new ones. Conversations flowed gently and naturally. They never seemed rushed, but very authentic. The bad guys were very bad and easy to dislike. There are twists and turns to keep you on your toes and your interest piqued until the very last page.

All while reading this sure to be an award winning book, I kept thinking, this would be the best movie. It really would with the unique story, big muddy dog running amok, a quaint town with unique individuals, and mysteries. I kept changing the cast as I continued to read. Faces finally came together with characters and voila, I was ready to rally for a movie. I bet you will be, too. Let me know who your pick would be for some of the celebrities to play people from this book. I would love to hear.

Yes, I highly recommend this book to anyone. I rated this literary jewel 5 out of 5 stars. I was provided a copy from the publisher but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest words.

About the Book:

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people’s mail. Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more–a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He certainly didn’t expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny’s undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring–perhaps too much–for the one who wrote it.

About the Author:

Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”. Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children’s bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.

“Bipartisan Love” Celebrate Lit Tour & Giveaway

Posted on July 1, 2019July 1, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

This is an older Contemporary or newer historic Christian romance written by author and storyteller extraordinaire, Caryl MacAdoo. The reason I say older is it is set right after the assassination of Bobby Kennedy. While that might not seem historic to me, it actually is.

Bipartisan Love is another delicious serving of God glorifying fiction from author MacAdoo. It is a different type of story and I loved every bit of it. The author’s down home honest style of writing draws me right in from the first page and keeps me until the story is finished. This was filled with emotions, life lessons, faith, humor, and of course romance.

The author has researched her material well. The characters were delightful and very realistic. Each seemed like someone we would know. Conversations were saturated with colloquialisms, making them even more authentic. With the author’s vivid descriptions I felt like I was in the middle of the story myself.

This is the story of Cynthia and Cody, high school sweethearts. It is a tale of forgiveness, trusting God and His timing, starting over again, betrayal, love, and second chances. It is about faith, family, and friends.

I highly recommend this delightfully written novel. It gets a rating of 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was not required to write a review. These are my own honest words.

About the Book:

Book: Bipartisan Love

Author: Caryl MacAdoo

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: June 20, 2019

Don’t lean to your own understanding. Acknowledge God in all your ways, and He will direct your path.

Does time truly heal a broken heart?

Cody thought it had until she walked into the diner like she owned the world and back into his life as if she owned him.

Can betrayal ever be completely forgiven?

Cindy thought it could until she saw him with the bleached blonde. Her Cody!

Separated eighteen years, Cody Wayne Buckmeyer and Cindy think they can put the past behind them and work toward a common goal, a congressional seat . . . but is that possible?

About the Author:

Praying her story gives God glory, award-winning, best-selling author Caryl McAdoo loves revisiting beloved characters in her novels. And her readers are glad she does! She’s blessed that her titles earned over fifty-percent 5-Star ratings and eighty-five to ninety percent 4 & 5-Stars! With forty-four novels (thirty-four in the last four-and-a-half years), it’s obvious she loves writing, but singing the new songs the Lord gives her also rates high. (Listen to a few at YouTube.)

Married to Ron, her high school sweetheart, she counts their four children and eighteen grandsugars life’s best blessings. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl:

I totally enjoy revisiting characters from previous stories! That’s one reason I love writing ‘Family Sagas” like the Texas Romances that has ten full length novels and Cross Timbers Romances with two books and counting! The third launches this coming September.

In BIPARTISAN LOVE, we get to spend time again with the Buckmeyers—Travis and Emma Lee from Texas Romance Book Ten CHIEF OF SINNERS. My heart could barely leave these dear people after book ten, so I’ve written a few “Companion Books” (five and counting 😊) that go with the Texas Romance series—either going back to meet ancestors or forward for their descendants or just more stories with the characters you already love.

Readers first met Cody Buckmeyer and his kissing cousin (by marriage) best friend Cynthia Kramer as pre-teens in SON OF PROMISE. In that story, Emma Lee, so longing to be a mom, gets her heart’s desire in Cody, her husband’s son she’s never known about. The two youngsters became fast friends, but Cindy went overseas when LBJ gave her father an ambassadorship.

It’s been eighteen years, and Cody’s engaged to another. After her letters stopped, he gave up all hope. A liberal Democrat, Cynthia comes home after working in Hubert Humphries’ losing bid for the presidency, and wants Cody, a conservative Republican, to run for a Congressional seat with her as his campaign manager!

How’s this supposed to work?

Blog Stops:

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

Godly Book Reviews, June 25

Simple Harvest Reads, June 26 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, June 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 28

Connect in Fiction, June 29

Power of Words, June 30 (Spotlight)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 1

Just the Write Escape, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Artistic Nobody, July 4 (Spotlight)

janicesbookreviews, July 5

A Reader’s Brain, July 6

Inklings and notions, July 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away

Grand Prize – $50 Gift Amazon Card

1st Prize – Signed, Paperback copy of CHOICE of all my books

2nd Prize – Signed copy of Bipartisan Love

3rd Prize – eBook copy of Bipartisan Love

and

4th Prize – eBook copy of CHOICE of all my books!!

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/e4f6/bipartisan-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Brides of the Big Valley Book Review

Posted on June 29, 2019June 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Brides of The Big Valley is a compilation of three Christian contemporary Amish romance stories penned by the three Brunstetter ladies. Matriarch Wanda is joined by daughter-in-law Jean and granddaughter Richelle to produce a delightful fiction book that is unique and engaging. I have never read any Amish stories such as these.

The Amish lifestyle fascinates me and by reading these three books I was able to learn even more about it. Opening this paperback is an Introduction section that describes The Big Valley and Amish there. The three different buggy colors intrigued me. Their language and cooking do, too. The Brunstetter ladies have done their research well and really know the Amish culture. It is evidenced in their well written books.

Each story has believable characters that are true to life. They struggle with life issues such as strife, forgiveness, coveting, and not wanting to accept help from others. Through their tale solutions are given on how to deal with these unfortunate and stressful topics. God is frontmost in each of the three books.

All three novellas are set in an area in Pennsylvania known as Big Valley. There are many Amish here but they aren’t all alike in their beliefs and rules. The three separate districts here range from Conservative to Liberal. Each one has their own color of buggy to distinguish themselves.

Wanda has written the first book, Deanna’s Determination. In this story Deanna is a widow with a young son who has Down’s Syndrome. It is a heart wrenching story that has stayed with me long after I finished reading it. I was a bit bothered by switching between Dad and Daed throughout the book, but it could be a Big Valley practice. I loved the little boy, Abner. There are so many life lessons to be learned in this poignant tale.

Jean took on Book Two, Rose Mary’s Resolve. The common thread between these two books is Elmer. He works for her father. In this tale, Mary Rose is deliberating on her faith and finding a man to help her in her walk. She has been considering jumping the fence over into the Englischer World. It is a wonderful story and filled with faith, decisions, consequences, and inspiration. Jean has a very nice style of writing and knows her Amish, also.

Richelle wraps up the book with Leila’s Longing. Leila has been helping her mother and has done so without complaining. Secretly she yearns for a house and family of her own. Her friends are all married or getting married. She is goes to a singing where young people gather and mingle. Her dilemma is can a strict yellow topper be interested in beginning a relationship and family with someone from a different group?

I would highly recommend this to anyone. If you aren’t certain if you like Amish books, this is a sampling from three excellent authors. Each of the stories is equally entertaining and inspiring. After the novella each author has included a recipe from her story. There are no Discussion Questions at the end, but these would be great book club choices for many reasons. There is heartache, disabilities, and making choices involved in these captivating tales.

After reading these three novella, I am ready for a real trip to Amish Country. This gave me a taste for the real thing! I gladly rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Each individual story would get a 5, also. A copy was provided by the publisher but these were my own, honest thoughts.

About the Book:

In an area of Pennsylvania called The Big Valley, a uniquely blended Amish community thrives in which three distinct groups of Amish identify themselves by the colors of their buggy’s top—white, black, or yellow. Join New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter, her daughter-in-law, and granddaughter in experiencing the stories of three young women who search for faith and love within this special place. Deanna is a widow who sees her second chance of love slipping away. Rose Mary is at a point in life where she must choose the path of her faith and the right man to walk with her on it. Leila is burdened with family responsibilities and wonders when she will ever start a family of her own.

About the Authors:

Wanda Brunstetter

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Jean Brunstetter

Jean Brunstetter became fascinated with the Amish when she first went to Pennsylvania to visit her father-in-law’s family. Since that time, Jean has become friends with several Amish families and enjoys writing about their way of life. She also likes to put some of the simple practices followed by the Amish into her daily routine. Jean lives in Washington State with her husband, Richard Jr. and their three children, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish communities in several states. In addition to writing, Jean enjoys boating, gardening, and spending time on the beach.

Richelle Brunstetter

Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she’s learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean. Richelle enjoys traveling to different places, her favorite being Kauai, Hawaii.

The Refuge by Ann Gabhart, Book Review and Recipe

Posted on June 8, 2019June 8, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Refuge by storyteller extraordinaire, author Ann Garbart, is a delicious serving of Christian historical romance. Set in the Shaker Village at Harmony Hill, Kentucky in 1850’s, this 391 page paperback is wonderful! I found it to be a page turning delight.

If you are not familiar with the Shaker religion, this book will give you a quick lesson. I love fiction books that teach me new things. However, this time I was well acquainted with the strange sect that believed in celibacy and did not believe in marriage. I still shook my head in disbelief and was frustrated with them even though I knew what to expect.

Author Gabhart has a magical way with telling a tale. Actually, it is a God given talent. Her words are woven together and I am spellbound. Within the first few paragraphs I am walking inside the book and captivated. She teaches me things that I don’t know and always has a healthy dose of faith and inspiration included in the story. These are two of my favorite things, actually must haves, in historical Christian fiction.

This book has been well researched. The author knows a lot about the Shakers, and it is evident she has visited their historic village. Characters are very well defined and easy to imagine. I loved feisty Leatrice, daughter of widower Flynn. Darcie caught my heart and my emotions. At times I felt trapped like she did with the Shakers. The variety of personalities in the Shaker sisters was delightful and true to life, I’m certain.

This is a book about romance, faith, trusting God, and friendship. There are some twists and turns to keep readers on their toes. Book Clubs will need to come up with their own discussion questions as it does not include any.

I highly recommend this well written novel. Learning about the Shakers is worth reading it, but there is so much more to glean. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

About the Book:

When Darcie and Walter Goodwin hear of a new cholera epidemic sweeping the area, they join the Shakers whose villages seem immune to the disease. It’s meant to be a temporary stay, but Walter is killed in a riverboat accident. With no family and no money, Darcie has little choice but to stay with the Shakers. To complicate matters, she is expecting a baby conceived before she and her husband came to the Shaker village. Marital relationships are considered sinful in this celibate community, putting Darcie in a unique–and lonely–position. Can the arrival of widower Flynn Keller and his headstrong daughter offer Darcie the hope of happiness . . . and family?

Ann H. Gabhart returns to the enigmatic world of the Shakers in this emotional exploration of the power of love and the bond of family.

About the Author:

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels–The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted–as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, These Healing Hills, and River to Redemption. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm’s fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dog, Frankie. Learn more at http://www.annhgabhart.com.

Recipe Time by Nyla Kay:

My paternal grandparents lived near Shaker Town so I have many memories of going there to eat with them. Among the recipes I accumulated is this one for Shaker Lemon Pie. It is so tasty and very different. The key is to slice your lemons extremely thin.

Shaker Lemon Pie

2 lemons (about 9 oz. each), sliced paper thin (rind and all)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 double pie crust

Directions

Combine lemon slices and sugar in a shallow bowl; let stand until lemon slices are juicy, 4 hours or overnight. Remove any seeds that float to the surface.

Preheat oven to 450°F. Stir eggs into lemon mixture thoroughly.

Line a 9-inch pie plate with 1 pie crust. Pour lemon mixture into shell. Cover with top crust, and crimp edges. Cut decorative steam vents in top crust.

Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes. Without removing pie from oven, reduce temperature to 350°F. Bake until a knife inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cover pie crust edges with aluminum foil, if becoming too brown.

The Famine of the Human Dream Celebrate Lit Tour & Giveaway

Posted on June 7, 2019June 3, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thank you for visiting my stop on The Famine of the Human Dream Celebrate Book tour and Giveaway. Be sure to enter to win the $50 Amazon gift card. You could buy a lot of books with that! Now, let’s talk about this book…

My Thoughts:

Author Benjamin Mester has produced a book of Christian poems and essays in his “The Famine of the Human Dream.” This book is filled with inspiring short works by the author and Christian authors that were both known and unknown to me.

The first portion of this book contains essays written by Mester. They are well written and leave readers pondering things. He writes about the world, nature, disappointment, romance, beauty, and being human. His essays are thought provoking and need to be read slowly so that the words sink in. They are personal and he writes with transparency.

The middle section holds Mester’s poetry and the final section holds selections from other authors. The wide variety of topics here should allow something for everyone. One of my favorites was “Into My Own” by Robert Frost. The author’s short poem “Isle of Peace” touched me. It was beautiful.

Teasdale, Moore, Frost, Yeats, and CS Lewis all have works in this compilation along with some others. This is a book to keep close and pick up when you need a little encouragement. It definitely is not one to read and forget. It needs revisiting like a trusted friend.

Scripture and biblical references are heavy in this unique book. I was not able to sit down and read it at one time. I needed to savor it and soak in its words. Some pieces stirred me while others did nothing, but that is the beauty of poetry and essays. My one criticism is that while the cover goes with the title, I did not like it at all. I wish the author would consider replacing it.

I highly recommend this to all people that enjoy essays and poetry. It lifted my soul and warmed my heart. I would recommend for a pick me up gift or recovery gift for someone ill. It is beautiful (except for the cover).

I rated this 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to provide a review. These are my own thoughts.

About the Book

Book: This Famine of the Human Dream

Author: Benjamin Mester

Genre: Christian Inspiration; Essays and Poems

Release date: May, 2015

An uplifting and thought provoking look at life from a poet’s perspective. The Famine of the Human Dream will challenge you to live with greater passion, to throw off those trifling ambitions that ever grope for our attention, and learn fight for things worth fighting for. The great theologian, CS Lewis, once said:

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

The ultimate goal of life isn’t a search for happiness. The ultimate goal of life is learning how to fight for things worth fighting for. All of life is a battle. But the battle that defines each one of us isn’t primarily between right and wrong, as you would think. Rather, it’s something much more surprising. Find out what in the inspiring pages of The Famine of the Human Dream.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Benjamin Mester is an author and poet, with a passion for seeing people break away from small and shallow living and to step into the full measure of what the Lord has prepared for them. The destiny prepared for each one of us is to live a life of love and deep gladness. Benjamin Mester was born and raised in sunny San Diego, but can often be found wandering the woods of northern Minnesota, pen and paper in hand. His lifetime goal is to one day build a house in the woods, expanding it over time into a retreat center for authors, artists and others bursting with creativity. God is the most creative being in the entire universe, and as children made in His image, Mester hopes to inspire His people to explore the wonderful gift of creativity placed in each one of us.

More from Benjamin

The Famine of the Human dream was written as a response to something…a quote from a great theologian, CS Lewis.

It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.

When I read that, my heart began to burn. For though, as a younger man, I had often felt a passionate stirring to live my life to the full, though I didn’t quite know how and always felt myself slipping back into the mundane of mere survival. And so, I voraciously began to explore the many facets of life. I studied art, poetry, philosophy, beauty, and theology, prompted by Solomon’s declaration in the Proverbs, Whatever else you get, get understanding! I desperately wanted understanding of a very particular sort. I wanted to understand how to live my life to the full…this precious, brief slice of life we so often take for granted. I wanted true wisdom.

Contained within the pages of the Famine of the Human Dream are a poet’s reflections on life and the struggle to suck the marrow out of life, as Thoreau put it. This book is also an attempt to give the reader a passion for the study of poetry, which has dwindled much in modern society. The second portion of the book is a collection of my own poetry and poetry from other lovers of life that has touched me deeply. My biggest hope is that the reader will come away from this book with a renewed passion for life and an eager desire to dive deeper into poetry, beauty, and the heart of the Father.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 1

Mary Hake, June 2

A Baker’s Perspective, June 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 4

Carpe Diem, June 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 7

Simple Harvest Reads, June 8 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, June 9

janicesbookreviews, June 10

A Reader’s Brain, June 11

Power of Words, June 12 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions, June 13

Just the Write Escape, June 14

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Ben is giving away 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/e515/the-famine-of-the-human-dream-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pam Hillman’s The Crossing at Cypress Creek, Natchez Trace Series

Posted on June 2, 2019June 2, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My thoughts

Pam Hillman is a natural at storytelling. She has a way of weaving a tale that captures my interest within the first few pages and keeps it until the end of the book. This series is a tribute to her extraordinary talent. Each book was better than the last.

I felt like I had been whisked away to the eighteenth century. She had done her research and it was evident. The scenery, attire, colloquiums, and characters all added to a complete authentic experience when reading this captivating tale.

“The Crossing at Cyprus Creek is Book 3, but it could be read as a stand alone. Be warned it is so engaging that you will want to read the first two after finishing it. Why not read them in order if you haven’t?

I found the characters to be well rounded and very realistic. So much so my heart and emotions often went out to some of the characters, while others just made me want to yell at them. They have good character traits, flaws, and some downright meanness in them.

This is the story of Caleb O’Shea, who returns home from being at sea for months. He finds things quite different than when he left. It is also the tale of Alanah Adams. As an herbalist she is a healer and knows how to identify various medicinal plants and herbs, where to find them, and how to use the. She is a fascinating lady and I enjoyed her immensely.

Pam Hillman has written a Christian sweet historical romance with adventure and intrigue. Danger lurks, emotions are high, and God is to be sought and obeyed in this gritty Southern novel. Themes of faith, forgiveness, trusting God’s plan for one’s life, chivalry, love, and home are all woven deftly throughout this magnificent book. With some twists and turns added to exquisite writing, the story had a nice steady pace with no sluggish parts. It is a complete and total page turner.

I highly recommend this book and series. It is definitely worth it. I learned things, it was God glorifying, and I had a hard time putting it down. There are discussion questions at the end so get a group together to read the series. There is so much to dissect and disIt gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me.

About the Books

The Crossing at Cyprus Creek, Book 3

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O’Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother’s doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn’t certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won’t stay long.

Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she’s addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother’s logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he’s been seeking for one closer to home.

The Promise of Breeze Hill, Book 1

Natchez, MS; 1791
Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O’Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he’s sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he’ll repeat past mistakes and vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.

The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella’s shoulders after her brother was found dead in the swamps along the Natchez Trace and a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor’s help, Isabella fears she’ll lose her family’s plantation. Despite her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, she seriously considers accepting her wealthy and influential neighbor’s proposal of marriage.

Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?

The Road to Magnolia Glen, Book 2

1792, Natchez Trace, MS
Bitter since his eldest brother abandoned their family in Ireland, Quinn O’Shea travels to Natchez, Mississippi, ready to shuck the weight of his duty and set off on an adventure of his own. It’s time Connor, as head of the family, took responsibility for their younger siblings. While aboard ship, a run-in with three Irish sisters lands Quinn in the role of reluctant savior. Though it may delay his plans, he cannot abandon the Young sisters, especially the tenacious yet kind Kiera.

Upon arriving in the colonies, Kiera Young prepares to meet her intended and begin her new life. But she soon discovers the marriage her brother-in-law arranged was never meant to be, and a far more sinister deal was negotiated for her and her sisters.

Quinn offers to escort his charges safely to Breeze Hill Plantation and his brother’s care, fully intending to seek his freedom elsewhere. But the longer he remains, the greater his feelings toward Kiera grow and the more he comes to realize true freedom might be found in sacrifice.

About the Author

CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn’t afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn’t mind raking. Raking hay doesn’t take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head.

The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible? by Kate Battistelli

Posted on May 24, 2019May 21, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

I hadn’t heard of author Kate Battistelli before this book but her name sounded familiar. Do you think so, too? Ahhhh, you are smarter than I am. Yes, she is related to singer Francesca Battistelli, her mother in fact. While we all know her daughter can singer what we did not know is that Mama can write!

This is a transparent, open look into the author’s life and her relationship with God. It is written eloquently and gracefully flows from the pages of her book into readers’ hearts. The stories are so personal and interesting that I felt like I was chatting with a new friend.

In her book, the author discusses how God has plans for each one of us. He also offers assistance to equip us to accomplish our task. Like the saying goes, God doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies the called.

She is open and honest with her journey. There are many personal and family stories of listening to God and following Him. Biblical stories are used, also. All of these to help readers realize that we were all born for a purpose at this time. Our first duty is to find our purpose and the second is to do it. With God’s leading and helping us, anything is possible.

This is a thought provoking book that will have your wheels turning. Author Kate challenges readers to search and find our purpose. Then take the big step and begin working on it. This will take a lot of prayer, listening for God, trusting Him, and courage.

I love the line “God sees us according to our destiny, not our history.” God is presented lovingly, approachable, and caring by the author, which is how I perceive Him. The God Dare is such an encouraging, uplifting book. I loved it.

I highly recommend it to everyone. Seasoned Christians will benefit from the refreshing tone and delightful stories that turn hearts and minds to God and what His plans are for each of us. New Christians or Seekers will benefit, too. The true, honest writing and sweet words will help draw them in and answer some questions. They will be inspired and encouraged.

This would be a nice book for a church library. Yes, a study group would really enjoy it, too. I will be keeping this in my library but encouraging many people to buy and read it. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by the publisher but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest words.

About the Book

The God Dare. Where will you hear it? . . .

Deep down inside, you know you’re on this planet for a reason. God has a plan in mind just for you. In fact, He chose you for His plan before the foundation of the world. He designed you very specifically for this time and this place, and He’s perfectly equipped you to accomplish His purpose in the earth.

Through engaging and memorable true stories—both biblical and modern—author Kate Battistelli challenges and encourages you to discover how God has specifically designed you for this time in history, your place in the world, your role in His cosmic plan. Once and for all, let go of your fear, worry, pride and strife. . .

All God ever needs is a willing vessel. Will you say yes?

About the Author

Kate Battistelli is an author, speaker, mentor. A wife, former Broadway actress, and mom to one of Christian music’s most celebrated recording artists, GRAMMY and Dove Award winning, Christian contemporary singer-songwriter Francesca Battistelli. Kate currently writes about food and faith at her popular website https://katebattistelli.com/ She thoroughly enjoys being Mimi to her four grandchildren, Eli, Audrey Jane, Isaac James and Wyatt Samuel!

What Others are Saying

“The God Dare will challenge your heart and soul. But more than that, it will encourage you to walk closer with Jesus. And all of us need that!”
–Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Kate will inspire you to discover the path He’s chosen for you at this time in history and just where you fit in to His cosmic plan. Take The God Dare. It will change your life and change the world at the same time!”
–Dr. Josh Axe DNM, DC, CNS and author of the bestselling Keto Diet and Eat Dirt

“This book is for anyone who wants God’s best and is willing to believe that He can turn your pain into passion, your tragedy into triumph, and take you from mess to messenger. Let Kate’s words of wisdom help you embark on your own God Dare!”
–Jordan Rubin, New York Times bestselling author of The Maker’s Diet Founder, Garden of Life, Beyond Organic and Ancient Nutrition

“Frustrated with a complacent walk with Christ? Kate tells us that age, gender, anxiety, past failures, etc. are no excuse for staying where we are. The God Dare provides examples of how trustworthy He is—in surprising and supernatural ways! Become a world changer…I dare you…no, God dares you!”
–Pastor Steve Berger, Grace Chapel

The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport Celebration Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on May 23, 2019May 19, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Greetings! You made it to my stop on the Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport Celebrate Lit Book Tour. Today I will share my thoughts on the book, information on it and the author, have some words from her, a schedule of the other stops, and information on the giveaway. So keep reading and don’t forget to enter.

My Thoughts

The Inn at Hidden Run by author Olivia Newport is a dual time period (contemporary and historical) Christian mystery romance. Author Newport is a grand storyteller. She weaves past and present together flawlessly into one poignant tale.

This is the contemporary tale of genealogist Jillian and her attorney father, Nolan, from Colorado who together trace family histories for people. It is also the tale of a family of doctors and the yellow fever outbreak in Memphis, Tennessee in late 1870’s. The family turned up in research when Jillian began helping Meri, a new girl in town.

This is a very interesting plot. The author did a wonderful job with research and providing an authentic story. I am a historical fiction lover over contemporary, so needless to say, I enjoyed reading that portion just a tad bit more.

Author Newport’s tale pulled at my heartstrings. Parts of it brought tears to my eyes. I was invested in both of the intertwined storied. Her style of writing is easy and unrushed. She allows you to soak in all of the details and transport yourself to a different locale or era, and sometimes both. The characters were well rounded. They had good points and flaws. Some of them felt like new friends and I wants to have coffee with them.

The historical section read very authentic. The characters were likable and genuinely cared for people. I learned a lot about Memphis and the Yellow Fever. Like I said earlier, this is a well researched, organized, planned, and written novel.

The inspirational and faith element is laced throughout this lovely book. Life lessons of forgiveness, grace, finding God’s Will for your life, family, love, caring for ill, and hope are just a few things I found inside the pages.

I definitely would recommend this book. Get a book group together so that you will be able to toss some questions around. Genealogy lovers will enjoy the book as will mystery buffs. Contemporary and Historical fiction will each have a section to like and one to test. It gets a 4 out of 5 stars from me.

A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own honest thoughts.

About the Book

A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees Meri flunks out of medical school—and runs from her parents. Genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy’s digging traces the family long tradition of doctors to an ancestor saved during a yellow fever outbreak in Memphis in 1878. As Meri’s family closes in, Jillian gets the final puzzle pieces in place just in time for them all to learn the truth. The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to backdrop of a lovely mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that inspire them to connect with their own family histories and unique faith journeys.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

More from Olivia

Of Family Lines and Family Lore

I suppose it all started in a cemetery.

Once, while a group of relatives were visiting a cemetery, one of my cousins and I wandered off and looked at all sorts of graves, speculating about the names we read and the lives they represented. We were duly scolded both for separating from our families, which caused some consternation, and for being disrespectful—though I think the second accusation was a false one!

Just because we were young children didn’t mean we were disrespecting the dead. Quite the opposite. We were respecting lives long forgotten with our curiosity about who they were and what legacies they left.

These days a lot of people are interested in genealogy. Entire TV series spin around the theme, and DNA kits show up in Christmas stockings. Lost branches of family trees find the main trunk—sometimes with big surprises.

My new Tree of Life series is set in the backdrop of a lovely Colorado mountain town I hope you’ll want to visit often, where a father-daughter genealogy team link present to past on family trees and characters learn about who they are, where they come from, and their unique faith journeys as they discover their own Tree of Life.

It all starts with The Inn at Hidden Run. When Meri arrives in Canyon Mines because she wants to run away from her family, true answers come from understanding the past that generations have forgotten—the accounts from another time and place no longer handed down but that still form the backbone of the family’s story.

What’s the backbone of your family’s history? How is it shaping your own future?