ACTs 420NOW Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on October 9, 2019October 7, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

This Bible study is a wonderful tool to dig deeper into the book of Acts and to learn how to study the Bible. It is well researched, well organized, well planned, and extremely well written. The author, Marta E Greenman, has divided the study into eight chapters with five study days each. Opening her book with Bible Study Tips she gives readers a head start on studying their bible.

Each chapter begins with an overview of the week’s biblical truths. There is an application to help better understand it. Throughout the chapters are additional helps such as charts, lists, and diagrams to assist in learning and retaining the information.

The author uses Peter and John as examples of how to stand firm for Christ in spite of persecution. She also uses stories of well known historical figures, such as William Bradford, Martin Luther, William Tyndal, as well as U.S. Revolutionary War heroes and early leaders of our nation, to illustrate how to apply biblical truths in life.

I enjoyed this study and picked up a lot of information from the author’s perspective. It is easy to read and understand. This would make a great study too for any library. Churches libraries would benefit from keeping a copy on hand.

I recommend this to anyone wanting to expand or deepen their knowledge of the Bible. It would make a nice present for any scholar. I rated it a 4 out of stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: ACTs420NOW

Author: Marta E. Greenman

Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational, Jesus, the Gospel and Acts

Release Date: November 25, 2015

Afraid to take a stand for Jesus?

What would you do if asked to defend or recant your faith?

Discover how the apostles, as well as other historical believers, were equipped to take a stand and defend their faith. The book of Acts comes to life in Marta E. Greenman’s relevant Bible study and will strengthen you to overcome difficult circumstances in your own life.

Take an in-depth look at:

The lives of Peter and John, and other first-century believers who answered their culture while standing firm for Christ in spite of persecution
Little-known facets of the stories of pilgrim, William Bradford, Martin Luther and martyr, William Tyndale.
The faith of heroes of the U. S. Revolution and our nation’s early leaders that shaped our great nation.

Strategies for overcoming, and powerful biblical principles, are intertwined with lessons from the believers of history in this eight-week, interactive Bible study. Five strategic lessons each week will encourage you in your faith, and equip you to face difficult days. Interactive questions will help you examine your own life and leave a deposit of faith.

“For we cannot stop about speaking what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20 NAS)

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marta E. Greenman was called out of corporate America in 1988, then joined a church-planting organization and traveled the world in evangelism and discipleship campaigns. In 2002, she and her husband, Marshall, moved to Romania to help church plant and work with street children. In 2011, Marta founded Words of Grace & Truth Ministries, which is dedicated to teaching God’s Word to the nations, and teaching others to do the same. She is the author of two other Bible studies, Bound to be Free, and Leaders, Nations, and God, teaches and speaks nationally and internationally, and makes her home with her husband in Plano, TX.

More from Marta

What can we learn from the first century church to make the twenty first century church more “successful.” Join me in a journey to rediscover principles from the first century church to apply them to your life. We will start from the foundation of Christianity, there is salvation in none other than Jesus Christ, and build from there. We will start our journey in Acts 4 and explore strategies for overcoming.

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, October 7

Just the Write Escape,October 8

Mary Hake, October 8

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Godly Book Reviews, October 11

The Becca Files, October 12

She Lives To Read, October 12

Texas Book-aholic, October 13

Through the Fire Blogs, October 14

Older & Smarter?, October 15

Genesis 5020, October 16

A Reader’s Brain, October 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 17

janicesbookreviews, October 18

Inklings and notions, October 19

Kathleen Anderson, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marta is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/ed1e/acts420now-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Promise to Break Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

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

My Thoughts

A Promise to Break by author Kathryn Spurgeon is a Christian historical fiction set in 1930’s Oklahoma. It is based on the lives and experiences of the author’s family. When I learned that I felt like a fly on the wall watching as things happened.

This is the story of Sibyl (yes, the spelling is correct) and her desire to please her father by promising him to be part of a political movement that would change the world. She comes from a well to do family and is used to the finer things in life.

It is also the story of Fremont who is down on his luck and a self proclaimed hobo. He does come from a Christian family and is one himself. They are completely different but drawn to each other.

The author has given us a nostalgic tale of life in America in the Great Depression as well as Kansas in the Dust Bowl era. Life was hard and the author beautifully illustrates family issues, political and financial problems, as well as faith. Details are enjoyable and bring the story to life.

Characters are relatable and seem so real. It was easy to become invested in the story and their lives. I remember tales my own grandparents and parents told about the misery of the Great Depression and the author has captured the emotions well. This is a well researched, organized, and well planned novel.

The inspirational message to trust God is not watered down nor is it hidden. It was encouraging to watch as Sibyl grew in her faith and person. I learned more about the people and time period of the setting. Books that inspire, educate, and entertain are definitely my favorites.

I would recommend this book. The writing style was nice, dialogs were realistic and flowed easily, and the characters were memorable. I rated this 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: A Promise to Break

Author: Kathryn Spurgeon

Genre: Christian Historical

Release Date: July 11, 2016

SIBYL TRIMBLE, the daughter of a wealthy banking family during the Great Depression in Shawnee, Oklahoma, promises her father to be part of a political movement to change the world. By 1932, the timing to fulfill that promise seems right. Her life consists of fashionable clothes, cruising in a Model T, and dancing every weekend at the local speakeasy.

FREMONT POPE is a handsome, blue-eyed, down-on-his-luck hobo, and Sibyl’s life turns upside down when she meets him. Her love for him and his Christian family opens her eyes to a different way of life than she has ever known.

Based on a true story, this historical novel follows Sibyl through some difficult choices. She must dig deep within herself to find strength to face her father and determine which, if any, of her past beliefs can be salvaged. What is more important, love or duty?

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

A Christian writer, Biblical counselor, teacher and speaker who offers insight, the author loves connecting to people individually and through retreats and conferences.

Kathryn’s mission is to teach that the passion of godly love knows no boundaries. Whether with prisoners, international students or those needing assistance, her platform strategy is the concept of personal, intimate encounters with Jesus. Her historical novel, “Up Town,” shows the importance of spiritual encounters with Jesus—small encounters that lead to a more mature spiritual life. Kathryn’s Biblical counseling and teaching background lends itself to this message.

She lived in South Korea for two years in her early twenties, spent time in an orphanage and adopted two Korean babies. A single mom for 18 years, she went from welfare to owner and CEO of a multimillion dollar corporation, Integrity Healthy Care. Her company took care of the medical needs of over 4,000 prisoners and during that time she counseled over 200 women.

Kathryn and her husband, Bill, hold Bible studies for international students attending the University of Central Oklahoma. They have had many different students live in their home and try to help students in all areas of their lives.

Kathryn is on the Mission Team at her home church, Henderson Hills Baptist Church, in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she has been a member for over 13 years. While attending her prior church, Country Estates Baptist Church in Midwest City, Oklahoma, she was on the Finance and Long Range Planning Committees, and taught DivorceCare and Financial classes. She is a Crown Money Map coach.

Bill and Kathryn have six children and nine grandchildren at the last count, including some adopted. Their family is internationally diverse. God’s love is enormous and includes all of us.

More from Kathryn

Nostalgic book

Have you ever wished to go back in time and question a relative who is no longer around? Ask what motivated her, discuss her greatest heartaches and how she overcame them, analyze her spiritual journey?

My grandmother’s life was full of upheavals and I wish I could have spent more time with her and studied her thought-processes. My mother did spend more time with her. With a clear mind of that time, Mom (and many others) enthusiastically shared memories and discussed the lessons the once wealthy Sibyl Trimble may have gathered in life.

What a trip it has been! Autobiographies. Publications. Notes in attic boxes containing information about secret love affairs and heart-breaking losses told with spiritual honesty. The more information I uncovered, the more I wanted to get to know Sibyl Trimble, the person. I wanted to know how God worked in her life. I wanted to write her story.

The nostalgic era of the 1930s came alive to me as I travelled to places of lively, boogie-woogie music, old handwritten documents, and tombstones. The amazing, booming town of Shawnee, Oklahoma, was the perfect setting for a Great Depression tale. Some people moved to California during that time. Others stayed in Shawnee. In contrast to “The Grapes of Wrath,” this book relates the experiences of some who remained during one of the worst times in U.S. history. They stayed and thrived.

This book is not a recount of simple facts but examines the essence of a brilliant woman who traversed through life, maneuvering the hardships along with the blessings. I uncovered anecdotes, read newspaper articles, and confirmed family lore that had been passed down through generations.

Many readers agree Sibyl could have been their grandmother, their heritage, and after reading this book series, they will know Sibyl almost as well as I do.

This story is an intimate look at a searching individual during the wistful days of a long-gone era. I expect, after you read “A Promise to Break,” you’ll agree that Sibyl Trimble’s story needed to be told.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1

To Everything There Is A Season, October 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 2

Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 2

Through the Fire Blogs, October 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , October 3

Connie’s History Classroom , October 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4

Betti Mace, October 4

Older & Smarter?, October 5

Blogging With Carol , October 5

Hallie Reads, October 6

Life of Literature, October 6

Genesis 5020, October 7

A Baker’s Perspective, October 7

Rebekah Jones, Author, October 7

Moments, October 8

Emily Yager, October 8

For the Love of Literature, October 9

Maureen’s Musings, October 9

She Lives to Read, October 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 10

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, October 10

Pause for Tales , October 11

Connect in Fiction, October 11

Reader’s Cozy Corner,October 11

Texas Book-aholic, October 12

Bigreadersite, October 12

Inklings and notions, October 13

janicesbookreviews, October 13

Bloggin’ ’bout Books, October 13

A Reader’s Brain, October 14

Batya’s Bits, October 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathryn is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/ed93/a-promise-to-break-celebration-tour-giveaway

Stitches in Time Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on September 30, 2019September 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Stitches in Time by Author Suzanne Woods Fisher is Amish Christian Fiction at its best. Author Fisher is an expert wordsmith and masterfully weaves a captivating tale. It is engaging and so interesting that I could not put it down. It is about God doesn’t call the qualified but qualify the called.

There were so many relevant life lessons in the powerhouse of a book. Foster-care is discussed in all aspects. Marriage is dissected. Silence verses opening up is discussed as is being truthful.

If you are a longtime fan, there will be many familiar names pop up in the lovely book. For me it felt like a friendly reunion. Characters are so well described that the are like friends well before the end of the book. I am invested in their lives. In fact, I want to chat up on all the latest news while the new stuff is happening.

This tale had a strong spiritual message which I really appreciate in any Christian book. It had plenty of scripture, life lessons, and taught me things I did not know. Parts of it made me chuckle, angry, sad, and want to rejoice. This is the most different, yet refreshing, Amish story I have ever read.

There is a yummy recipe at the end. I am going to try that tomorrow. That is followed by a sneak peek for her next week. Then you will find Discussion Questions. Book Clubs, get this book! There is a lot to ponder and discuss. The author has included some notes, too. Be sure to read the section on Foster Care.

Anyone will glean something from this skillfully crafted novel. I highly recommend it. I think everyone will adore it. Even if you are an Amish fan, you will love this book. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: Stitches in Time

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Amish fiction

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Detachment had worked well as a life strategy for horse trainer Sam Schrock. Until he met Mollie Graber . . .

New to Stoney Ridge, schoolteacher Mollie has come to town for a fresh start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she’s the first to raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the dropped stitches in a child’s heart and knit them back together.

Mollie envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What the 11-year-old twins bring to her home is anything but. Visits from the sheriff at midnight. Phone calls from the school truancy officer. And then the most humiliating moment of all: the girls accuse Mollie of drug addiction.

There’s only one thing that breaks through the girls’ hard shell–an interest in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, Sam Schrock gets drawn into Mollie’s chaotic life. What he didn’t expect was for love to knit together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.

Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the little Amish church of Stoney Ridge for a touching story of the power of love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carol-award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes untold stories about inspiring people. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to the historical novel Anna’s Crossing.

More from Suzanne

Have you ever felt the tug to become a foster parent?

On any given day, there are nearly 438,000 children in foster care in the United States. Most states have a critical need for more foster parents, and the number of children placed in foster care increases yearly.

There are plenty of assumptions about having foster children, but most are incorrect. The media has a tendency to focus on the negative, but from all the research I conducted to write this book, for every bad news story, there were two good ones. Good stories just don’t make the news.

Below are some of the most common assumptions about foster care, with corrected information that is applicable across the United States (but keep in mind that each state has their own requirements).

Myth: Kids in foster care are bad or troubled.

Truth: Children in foster care are good kids taken out of a troubled situation. They need a caring foster parent who is patient and understanding. When given the opportunity, most of these children begin to thrive.

Myth: To be a foster parent, you need to be married and own a home and be a college graduate.

Truth: You don’t need to be married or to own a home or even be a college graduate. That means if you’re single or renting, you can be a foster parent.

Myth: I can’t afford to be a foster parent.

Truth: There are monthly reimbursement rates for children in foster care based on the level of care you provide. Medical and dental care is paid through state Medicaid programs.

Myth: Most kids in foster care are teenagers.

Truth: The average age of a child entering foster care is seven years old.

Myth: Most kids are in foster care because their parents have abused drugs.

Truth: Now, this one is not a myth. It’s true. There are fifteen categories that can be responsible for a child’s removal from a home. Drug abuse from a parent has had the largest percentage increase.

Myth: Fostering could require a commitment until the child turns eighteen.

Truth: Generally, children remain in state care for less than two years. Only six percent spend five or more years in foster care.

Myth: It’s too hard to give a child up to his biological family.

Truth: Most children are in foster care for a short time, returning to their biological families. Reuniting a child to his family is the ideal situation. Foster families provide a safe haven for a child. Healthy grieving is to be expected, but it’s for the right reasons. It’s healthy.

Myth: You can’t adopt foster children.

Truth: In 2016, more than 65,000 children—whose mothers and fathers parental rights were legally terminated—waiting to be adopted. Also in 2016, more than 20,000 children “aged out” of foster care without permanent families. Research has shown that those who leave care without being linked to a “forever family” have a higher likelihood than the general youth population to experience homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration as adults.

Is there room in your heart and family for a child in need? There are many ways to get involved, some that do not even require foster care. One recommendation: volunteer with The National CASA Association (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children. You can find out more information here: www.casaforchildren.org.

Or consider small ways to connect to children in need—after school tutoring at your public library. Volunteering at a community center. Buy Christmas gifts for a family in need through an Adopt-a-Family program with a local church. Support a family who does provide foster care with respites—babysitting or meals. There’s many ways to get involved to care for children in need. And every little bit makes a difference.

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, September 26

The Becca Files, September 26

SusanLovesBooks, September 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 26

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 27

Through the Fire Blogs, September 27

Adventures of a Traveler’s Wife, September 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 28

Inspiration Clothesline, September 28

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Book bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 29

Blogging With Carol , September 29

Hookmeinabook , September 29

The Avid Reader, September 30

Mia Reads, September 30

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 30

janicesbookreviews, October 1

My Devotional Thoughts, October 1

Maureen’s Musings, October 1

CarpeDiem, October 1

For Him and My Family, October 2

Stories By Gina, October 2

Activating Faith, October 2

A Reader’s Brain, October 3

EmpowerMoms, October 3

Wishful Endings, October 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3

Carla Loves To Read, October 4

Pause for Tales, October 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 4

Inklings and notions , October 5

Quiet Quilter, October 5

Vicky Sluiter, October 5

Hallie Reads, October 5

Blossoms and Blessings, October 6

For The Love of Books , October 6

For the Love of Literature, October 6

Bigreadersite, October 7

By The Book, October 7

She Lives to Read, October 7

Moments, October 8

Southern Gal Loves to Read, October 8

Girls in White Dresses, October 8

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, October 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of her book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/ec6a/stitches-in-time-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Trouble with Nancy Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on September 28, 2019September 26, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

The Trouble with Nancy by author Chautona Havig is a Christian Historical Western novel. I have never read anything except contemporary by this author, and this book is proof that she is more than capable of branching out into other genre. She did a fantastic job with this tale.

This is the story of Nancy Harrison, a dreamy headed young woman whose family is struggling. Her father recently died leaving her mother to pay taxes they cannot afford. Nancy’s brother wants to help and trouble ensues.

Fiesty Nancy decides to join the Pony Express Riders and help her family. This experience changes her tremendously. She finds herself and God along the way. It was a captivating tale and I was immediately invested.

Author Havig always puts an inspirational message in her books. It isn’t hidden but in plain sight. That is one of the things I love about her writing. Her style is pleasant, down to earth, and easy to read.

This story had a few twists that made me want to keep reading it. I learned a lot about the Pony Express. Books that not only entertain me but also teach me things are my favorites along with the Christian message being clear.

This is a delightful story. I found the characters totally engaging. I wanted to offer advice to Nancy in certain parts and actually spoke out loud a few times. It definitely gets my recommendation. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but this is my honest opinion.

About the Book

Book: The Trouble with Nancy

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Western

Release Date: July 18, 2019

Her reputation precedes her, whether the bad guys realize it or not.

Nancy Harrison has finally stepped out of her prissy box and tried to do something helpful–but did she go overboard in her first self-less act?

She can’t ride, she hates horses, and she’s terrified of being alone. What’s a girl to do?

Join the Pony Express, of course.

When Nancy Harrison’s family receives a tax bill they can’t pay, there’s only one option open to them. Her brother, Lewis, will have to join the Pony Express and earn the money that way.

It would have worked, too, if ruffians hadn’t attacked him and broken his leg.

She doesn’t want to do it, of course, but what choice is there? Lose everything or ride a stupid, smelly horse for a few weeks? Nancy decides that she’ll chop off her hair, take to the dusty overland trail, and prove that she isn’t a “flighty little thing.”

But things go from bad to worse as she discovers that riding astride is worse than sidesaddle—especially when you’re not used to it.

Can’t she just go back home to balls, teas, and the hope of a suitor before her twentieth birthday? Sans her hair, of course, because that’ll entice the fellows. Sigh.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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

Video Chat with Chautona

Blog Stops

Daysong Reflections, September 25

Quiet Workings, September 25

Blossoms and Blessings, September 26

Books, Life, and Christ, September 26

Pause for Tales , September 27

For Him and my Family, September 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , September 28

Texas Book-aholic, September 29

Mary Hake, September 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 2

For the Love of Books , October 2

Inklings and notions, October 3

Emily Yager, October 4

Batya’s Bits, October 4

Older & Smarter?, October 5

janicesbookreviews, October 6

Betti Mace, October 6

A Reader’s Brain, October 7

Wishful Endings, October 7

Lots of Helpers, October 8

She Lives to Read, October 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of the book and a Pony Express book cozy!!

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/ed48/the-trouble-with-nancy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Texas Tears Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on September 20, 2019September 19, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour for Texas Tears by author Caryl McAdoo. You will find information on this wonderful book and exquisite author. She has a generous giveaway so be sure to sign up. Grand prize is $50 gift card. There are four other prizes, too.

My Thoughts

Texas Tears is the second book in the Thanksgiving Books and Blessings Series featuring multiple authors. It is written by award winning, best selling author Caryl McAdoo. In this Christian Historical Western Romance, she again delivers a page turning novel.

In this story we meet Charity and Arlene, best friends. They both are interested in “Hart” Eberhart. Hart has an interfering mother. She tries to sway him in his decision about the girls. They begin the book a bit immature and bratty, but they are still sweet. There is also Landry from Louisiana as well as a cast of parents.

All of the characters are unique, well rounded, and realistic. Author McAdoo has a way of bringing her people to life on the pages. They become friends. I wanted to have a chat with the girls and their parents. Even Hart was someone with whom I wanted to have a conversation.

There are lovely inspirational messages in this novel. That is one of my favorite things about McAdoo’s writing. She writes to bring glory to God and to inspire her readers. Messages of trusting the future to God, forgiveness, redemption, respecting parents, living in unity and peace, and being unequally yoked are just a few packed into this delightful Christian sweet romance.

It did take me a few pages to get invested in this story. If you find that you start reading it and aren’t quite interested, please keep reading. It turns into a fascinating story that you will not want to put down.

I highly recommend this book. It is appropriate for teenagers and adults. Everyone will enjoy it and glean inspiration from the messages it holds. Caryl McAdoo is an exceptionally gifted writer, and this book is another great labor of love. It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but this is my honest opinion.

About the Book

Book: Texas Tears

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 2, 2019

Just like Mexico and the U.S. wanted the Republic of Texas; best friends Charity and Arlene want the same man. Who will Texas choose? Who will the man? Will Eberhart de Priest, the object of the young ladies’ desires, follow his heart or his mother’s advice? And what of the interloper from New Orleans who knows exactly whom he loves? Can a Christian find happiness with a non-believer? Only the Lord knows the future, but He does give the desires of the heart to those who delight in Him.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory—what she lives to do. Her award-winning, best-selling novels enjoy a lion’s share of 5-Star ratings from Christian readers around the world. With forty-five titles, it’s obvious she loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs the Lord gives her—listen to a few at YouTube. ‘Golden husband Ron shares four children and eighteen grandsugars. 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

TEXAS TEARS includes the vote to enter the Union or remain a Republic in 1845. Though it ended in an overwhelming approval to become a state, believe you me, tears fell all over Texas and have been falling since for some.

As a semi-closet secessionist, it wouldn’t bother me if the Texas Legislature voted tomorrow to become the Second Republic of Texas! There are plenty of true radicals living today in the Lone Star State who work diligently daily toward that end!

Anyway, tears also fell in the new Texas community where the four families first met in GONE TO TEXAS—the O’Neals, Van Zandts, Worleys, and Harrells—have been settling in five years. One of their own, Thomas Baldwin (introduced in book two, TEXAS MY TEXAS) represented them in the Texas Congress, going to Washington on the Brazos to vote!

Not all the tears that fell in that growing community were over the vote, but rather a man who came riding in on a magnificent black stallion. Eberhart de Vecchi was tall, handsome, and a perfect Prince Charming who swept the two young coming-of-age women there right off their high-topped shoes!

Friends their whole lives, the older, Charity O’Neal, claimed him right off, but Arlene Van Zandt the younger—only by six months and three days—who’s always given in before isn’t ready to acquiesce so quickly in this instance, smitten as she is.

And so, thar’s trouble in them thar hills! To thicken the sludge, enters the hard-working Landry Humble, Monroe’s (also introduced in book two TEXAS MY TEXAS) nephew. This young man, able to pick more than twice his weight in cotton in a day, knows immediately which lovely he wants.

My, my, my . . . the tears do fall in Texas, and not everyone can have a happy ending. Or can they?

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, September 16

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 17

Moments With Mercy, September 18

Sara Jane Jacobs – Blog, September 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 21

KarenSueHadley, September 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 24

Texas Book-aholic, September 25

janicesbookreviews, September 26

Emily Yager, September 27

A Reader’s Brain, September 28

Inklings and notions, September 29

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/e959/texas-tears-celebration-tour-giveaway

Beautiful in His Sight Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on September 16, 2019September 16, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

Author April W. Gardner has written an historical Christian romance with Beautiful in His Sight. Set in 1917 Halifax, Scotia it centers around the Halifax Explosion. Before reading this book, I did not know about this WWI tragedy.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Gardner. For me the beginning was a bit muddled and slow. It took quite a few pages for me to become interested. The characters were nice but not well defined. I was left with questions on many of them.

The love of Helen and Silas is sweetly told in this gritty tale of war, forgiveness, deceit, redemption, love, and trust. The author has filled it with history, inspiration, mystery, and twists. The second part of the book was much better for me. After that it became a page turner.

This book was well researched. There is so much history to be gleaned just by reading it. The author planned and organized it well. It is a rather long book, but don’t give up on it. It is worth reading.

I would recommend this to fans of WW1 fiction, historical fiction, and Christian fiction. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book:

Book: Beautiful In His Sight

Author: April W. Gardner

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: May 11, 2019

It’s 1917, and Halifax is at war. Silas Quinn, street sweeper and army reject, remains on the home front, shunning God and society as religiously as they shun him. But the night he stumbles across a half-frozen prostitute, his eyes blink open, and his greater purpose is born: preserve and protect.

There’d been a day when shop girl Helen Fraser was desperate enough to believe a few nights in a brothel would cure her troubles. By some miracle, Major Jack Gordon deemed her worth saving, but Helen knows her meticulously recreated identity cannot last. What she doesn’t expect is for its destruction to come about, not by an old john or one of the madam’s goons, but by a force great enough to flatten a city and bury her alive.

Set against the backdrop of the Halifax Explosion, Beautiful in His Sight is a Christian historical romance that explores unequivocal grace and identity in Christ.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

APRIL W GARDNER writes history with a Christian perspective and a little imagination. She is a copyeditor, military wife, and homeschooling mother of two who lives in Texas. She writes Christian historical romance with a focus on our Southeastern Native Tribes. In no particular order, April dreams of owning a horse, learning a third language, and visiting all the national parks.

April loves to hear from her readers at: aprilgardnerwrites@gmail.com

More from April

The Story Behind the Story

My novels are never purely fiction. They are stories constructed around truth, around some segment of the past that’s both stunning and stunningly forgotten. My latest novel, Beautiful in His Sight, is set during the Halifax Explosion, a WW1 event little known in most of the world. For those in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in December of 1917, it literally shattered their world.

That’s the setting we find my characters Silas and Helen struggling to survive, but—as in every good romance—love (and God’s grace!) brings them through.

The Story Behind the Setting

By December 1917, Halifax had passed tens of thousands of soldiers and sailors through its railyard and onto the naval vessels in its harbor. With the military came the prostitutes who migrated in droves to the slums. It’s reported that some days, the only passengers disembarking from the trains were women in short skirts. Slumdom’s seams overflowed with carnality, public drunkenness, and solicitations. Prostitution wasn’t the only job to be had for women. With so many men wearing army green, ladies of the proper class and training stepped behind registers and bookkeeping desks and kept Halifax running.

This is the world in which we find our female lead, Helen Fraser, a reformed prostitute desperately trying to start over as a salesclerk.

The Story Behind the Explosion

As Silas, the story’s male lead, puts it, the explosion was “a tragic accident, a miscommunication between passing ships.” In short, it was a dozen small decisions that accumulated to one very horrific event. The collision and blast released the equivalent energy of 2.9 kilotons of TNT and instantly obliterated everything within a half-mile radius. The munitions vessel that exploded, the Mont Blanc, rained iron shrapnel all over Halifax. Its 1,160-ton anchor landed 2.5 miles away where it can still be found today.

The numbers: Over 2,000 deaths. Over 1,000 injuries. Almost 300 blinded.

The Story Behind the Name

The name Helen Fraser (female lead) is an honoring nod to Helen Clark, a courageous young woman who survived the explosion. This is her story.

Helen Clark, age eight, was beginning her school day at St. Joseph’s when she felt something disturbing. “Like thunder was taking place alongside of you,” she later said, “instead of up in the sky.” She looked to the window and gaped at the glass bowing inward. She flung her arms over her face and ducked an instant before it blew in. Then, in her words, “The ceiling above gave way at one corner and down two sides of the room, hanging like the flap of a great envelope and spilling out children from the room above.”

A nun grabbed her arm and said, “My heavenly God, the Germans have arrived! Get down on your knees girls.” In lieu of prayer, Helen wrenched away and jumped out the second-story window, narrowly missing the debris that, in the next moment, struck and killed the nun. A snow mound broke Helen’s fall. Suddenly very tired, she laid down right there, feeling no cold or pain, and went to sleep.

Eventually, two men approached to see if she was dead. Though she couldn’t speak, she managed to get to her feet. They straightened the bow on the top of her head and told her to go home if she had one to go to. The blood crusted over her eyes limited her vision, but she shambled along best she could, recognizing nothing. She knew her street only by the change to cobblestones under her feet, and her grandmother recognized her only by the bow in her hair.

Quick-thinking and bold, little Helen avoided both death and blindness, and I’m honored to name my heroine after her.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, September 9

Emily Yager, September 10

Betti Mace, September 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 11

Avid Reader Nurse, September 11

Reading Is My SuperPower, September 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 13

Connie’s History Classroom, September 14

JosephineAnneWrites, September 14

For Him and My Family, September 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 16

A Reader’s Brain, September 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 17

Inklings and notions, September 18

CarpeDiem, September 19

Through the Fire Blogs, September 20

Bigreadersite , September 20

Inspired by fiction, September 21

Texas Book-aholic, September 21

janicesbookreviews, September 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, April is giving away a grand prize package of a $25 Starbucks gift card and a signed copy of her book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/ec01/beautiful-in-his-sight-celebration-tour-giveaway

Seeing Angels Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on September 14, 2019September 14, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

Seeing Angels, How to Recognize and Interact with Your Heavenly Messengers by author Joshua Mills is a very interesting book. I am always leery when I see a book on Angels, but this one is different. It is biblically based and has quotes from Billy Graham. Most of all it states angels are not to be worshiped, only God gets that. It also discusses Heavenly angels and Dark angels.

Author Mills is forthcoming about his encounters with angels and shares how he believes anyone can see them and interact with them, too. He is adamant that angels are sent by God as His helpers and not something to be worshiped. I was relieved to read that. So many people get that part wrong.

Using his own experience, stories from others, and scriptural accounts of angels, the author has compiled a well written book. He has a nice writing style that is easy and pleasant to read. He has researched his subject well.

I learned some things from reading this book. According to the author colors and odors are associated with angels. This was the first time I have ever heard or read that.

The author has divided his book into three sections and gives in-depth information on spiritual warfare. Every Christian should be aware of this. That war is real.

This is a great book on angels. There is a plethora of information stated in an easy to understand manner. Many questions I had were answered. My interest was high throughout the entire book.

I highly recommend this to Christians wanting more information on angels and spiritual warfare. It is an eye opening book to say the least. This would make the perfect church group book to read and discuss. Every church library should keep a copy. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but this is my honest opinion.

About the Book:

Book: Seeing Angels

Author: Joshua Mills

Genre: Religion / Christian Theology/Angelology & Demonology

Release Date: September 3, 2019

A recent study found that 57 percent of Catholics, 66 percent of Evangelical Protestants, and 10 percent of Jews have reported having a personal experience with a guardian angel. And 20 percent of those who identified themselves as having no religion also claimed having encountered an angel.

Seeing Angels is one of the most in depth examinations of angelic ministry by one of the cutting-edge charismatic leaders in the church today. Joshua Mills goes beyond the usual takes on angels regarding spiritual warfare and explores who they are, how to recognize them, and what they do.

Part I, Understanding Your Angels, is all about understanding who angels are, exploring why they are necessary and how different angels minister comfort, healing, love, prosperity. It reveals who they carry out specific geographic assignments for cities and nations, as well as the more unique and extraordinary assignments they receive.
Part II, Discerning Your Angels, explains how to become more aware of the unseen heavenly realm, as well as how to recognize divine intervention when it does reveal itself to human sight. Such manifestations include random strangers, visions, or signs and messengers that believers receive. Joshua also explains the way he has interacted with visions of radiant light, swirling colors, and what he describes as atmospheric shifts. All of this is intended to make believers become more aware of both invisible and revealed spiritual realities.
Part III, Working with Your Angels, deals specifically with how to minister alongside these heavenly messengers as they stand watch, provide protection, and administer strength and comfort. This includes recognizing their movements and how to effectively pray for angelic encounters to take place.

With a foreword by Patricia King, Seeing Angels is among the most comprehensive teachings on recognizing angelic beings and understanding how to partner with them in ministry.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Joshua Mills is an internationally recognized ordained minister of the gospel, as well as a recording artist, keynote conference speaker, and author of more than twenty books and spiritual training manuals. His most recent book with Whitaker House was Moving in Glory Realms. He is well known for his unique insights into the glory realm, prophetic sound, and the supernatural atmosphere that he carries. For more than twenty years, he has helped people discover the life-shifting truth of salvation, healing, and deliverance for spirit, soul and body. Joshua and his wife, Janet, cofounded International Glory Ministries, and have ministered on six continents in over seventy-five nations around the world. Featured in several film documentaries and print articles, including Charisma and Worship Leader Magazine, together, they have ministered to millions around the world through radio, television, and online webcasts, including appearances on TBN, Daystar, GodTV, It’s Supernatural! with Sid Roth, 100 Huntley Street, and Everlasting Love with Patricia King. Their ministry is located in both Palm Springs, California, and London, Ontario, Canada, where they live with their three children: Lincoln, Liberty, and Legacy.

More from Joshua

Angels are a hot topic. A 2007 Baylor Religion Survey found that 57 percent of Catholics, 81 percent of black Protestants, 66 percent of Evangelical Protestants, and 10 percent of Jews reported having a personal experience with a guardian angel. And 20 percent of those who identified themselves as having no religion also claimed having encountered an angel.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 10

CarpeDiem, September 11

Godly Book Reviews, September 12

Through the Fire Blogs, September 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 13

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , September 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 15

Vicky Sluiter, September 16

Spoken from the Heart, September 17

For The Love of Books , September 17

Texas Book-aholic, September 18

Retrospective Spines, September 19

Emily Yager, September 20

janicesbookreviews, September 21

A Reader’s Brain, September 22

Inklings and notions , September 23

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Joshua is giving away a grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card, copy of SEEING ANGELS, copy of Heaven and Angels by H.A. and copy of A Divine Revelation of Angels by Mary K. Baxter!!

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/e806/seeing-angels-celebration-tour-giveaway

Rose’s Redemption Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on September 12, 2019September 11, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

Rose’s Redemption is Book Two in Author Donna L H Smith’s Historical Christian Western fiction series. I really enjoyed this book. It can be read as a stand alone. Book One is Meghan’s Choice.

The author takes readers back to 1870’s New Boston, Kansas, a gritty railroad town, for Book Two in her Known by Heart Series. Here we are reunited with old friends and make new ones. The book grabbed my attention from the beginning and I was immediately invested in the story.

The characters are realistic and wonderful. They are well rounded with flaws as well as redeeming characteristics. The town is a rough, Western town with bars, cowboys, and a railroad. My favorite thing is the boarding house. Author Smith does an excellent job taking me there.

The author has done her research well on that time period and place. She writes with a love for God and it shines through her story. I love Christian fiction that brings glory to God.

This tale deals with love, trust, forgiveness, prejudice, and redemption. There are many life lessons tucked in this story. It has a few twists to keep readers on their toes and want to keep turning those pages. I thought it was better than book one.

I highly recommend this western Fiction book. Most anyone will enjoy it and be inspired. It gets a 4 out of 5 stars from me. Celebrate Lit provided a copy but this is my honest review.

About the Book

Book: Rose’s Redemption

Author: Donna L. H. Smith

Genre: Christian Western

Release Date: November, 2018

A Former Dance Hall Girl. A Handsome Young Doctor. Can Rose overcome her past? That’s Rose’s Redemption

Rose Rhodes changed not only her name after the tornado; she changed her outward appearance. No more was she Rosalie O’Roarke, former dance hall girl. She loves her new work as a nurse-in-training to handsome Doctor Scott Allison. As Scott and Rose’s relationship begins to change from professional to personal, they must deal with figures from Rose’s past who make life anything but easy. Rose is concerned that the town will discover her dance hall girl past, especially when Jake Thomas, the man who viciously beat her, asks all over town where Rosalie O’Roarke went. But both Rose and Scott are in for surprise encounters with Christ that will change their lives forever and help them see His plan for them. In fact, they will see God at work all over New Boston.

Rose’s Redemption won second place in the 2017 Golden Leaf Award at the Advance Novelist Retreat and was a finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Phoenix Rattler Contest.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Donna L.H. Smith is a Kansas prairie girl transplanted to Lancaster County, PA. She is a graduate of Christian Writer’s Guild Craftsman program and holds two college degrees, both B.S. and M.A. in Mass Communication. She’s been married to a wonderful man named Kirby for thirty years. Her debut novel, Meghan’s Choice, made the finals of both the Selah and Will Rogers Medallion Awards. Rose’s Redemption, the sequel, also made the Selah Award finals in 2019. She blogs, speaks at workshops and holds inner healing retreats. Although she is at an age where many begin slowing down, she wouldn’t think of it. She served as Managing Editor of www.almostanauthor.com, an award-winning website for writers. She continues to serve as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Mid-Atlantic Zone Director. She is also a member of AWSA’s Protégé program (Advanced Writers & Speaker’s Association).

More from Donna

Rose’s Redemption is the second book in the Known by Heart series. There were interesting challenges to this book.

First, how to change a rascal of an antagonist from Meghan’s Choice, to the romantic hero of Rose’s Redemption.

Second, I serve a supernatural God, so I wanted to include a little something different. It’s not spec-fic, but I hope people will enjoy Rafe. Answer the question for yourself whether or not he is an angel.

Third, I included in Rose’s history a bombshell from her mother. That was personal to me, only I didn’t discover it until two years ago.

The point of Rose’s Redemption is that our faith or our change cannot just be external, as Rose tried to do by changing her name, her appearance, and her profession—but an internal change of heart, too.

God is in the business of change

Blog Stops

Carla Loves To Read, September 5

CarpeDiem, September 6

Connie’s History Classroom, September 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 8

For Him and My Family, September 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 10

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, September 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 12

Texas Book-aholic, September 13

janicesbookreviews, September 14

A Reader’s Brain, September 15

Inklings and notions , September 16

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 17 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, September 18 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize of a signed copy of her book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/e957/rose-s-redemption-celebration-tour-giveaway

Samson and Amish Delilah Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on September 11, 2019September 8, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on the Samson and Amish Delilah Celebrate Book Tour. I hope you enjoy learning about the book and its author Thomas Nye. You will want to sign up for the giveaway. It is a Thomas Nye Gift Box, which includes four books by Thomas Nye: Samson and Amish Delilah, Under the Heavens, Amish Park, and Plain Everyday Heroes, along with bookmarkers and an Amish designed coloring book

My Thoughts:

I love Amish fiction. Even if you don’t, I think you will love this book. It is a delightful contemporary Christian Amish novel with a mystery and light romance. This book has something for everyone. It is the story of Dave and Delilah, an Amish girl. A book has been written about an Amish girl named Delilah and everyone is trying to find here.

Characters come to life on the pages and I found myself wondering if this was a true story. Now that is the mark of a good writer. Each character was realistic and had flaws as well as redeeming points. I became invested immediately and was drawn to the main character Delilah. She seemed like the kind of person I would befriend.

The cat and mouse chase with media had me turning pages. I was hoping they would not get caught. My emotions were overshadowed by those in the book. I was in deep!

There are many life lessons in this story. Forgiveness, redemption, lying, trusting God, and secrets are just a few of the ones tackled. It is a beautiful story with a few surprise twists and turns. The Christian Message is not hidden which is important to me in Christian books.

I highly recommend this lovely Amish tale to everyone. It has something for anyone with the mystery, adventure, romance, Amish, and contemporary story. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but this is my honest opinion.

Click here to get your copy!

About this Book

Book: Samson & Amish Delilah

Author: Thomas Nye

Genre: Christian Amish Fiction

Release Date: August 19, 2019

Everyone in America has fallen in love with Delilah, leading lady in a bestselling Amish novel. When media giants discover that Delilah is a real person, the pursuit is on. Dave joins the search not realizing that by finding her, he would fall into the story and become Samson.

About the Author

Thomas Nye writes novels about horses and Amish life, with a touch of romance, and a foundation of faith in Christ. He and his wife, Shari, live on her family farm where they raised five children. Their six grandchildren love to visit Karma and Karla, a team of draft horses which Thomas purchased from an Amish friend. Walking a mail route for the U.S. Postal Service keeps Thomas close to nature and affords him many quiet hours which he uses to dream up novels. Over three decades of friendships with Amish neighbors has revealed a simple wisdom that he weaves into his writing.

More from Thomas

Most authors agree that during the course of writing a novel, the characters seem to come alive and emerge with personality traits we ourselves didn’t originally plan to give them. Not only did the lead characters of Samson and Delilah take on a life of their own, they also pulled the story in a direction I never planned to go.

Samson and Amish Delilah is a book about a book. You will soon discover that the characters are reading along with you. They even try to guess the ending and have discussions about it. As I worked on the final few chapters, I could almost feel Samson and Delilah urging me forward, as though they needed me to write out solutions to the issues they were facing. I could almost hear them calling to me, “Please—finish this book—we want the world to hear our story.”

Maybe all of this is just me projecting my feelings on them. LOL. Either way, I’ve gotten to know Samson and Delilah pretty well and I’m sure they would want you to smile, laugh, cry, and learn about the power of forgiveness along with them.

Thomas Nye

P.S. It so happens that I feel Samson and Delilah nudging me forward with a follow-up novel. Wink, wink.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 6

For Him and My Family, September 7

Batywa’s Bits, September 7

Moments, September 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 9

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 9

Bigreadersite, September 10

Adventures of a Taveler’s Wife, September 10

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 11

Pause for Tales, September 12

Maureen’s Musings, September 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 13

Emily Yager, September 13

Older & Smarter?, September 14

Texas Book-aholic, September 15

Mary Hake, September 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 16

janicesbookreviews, September 17

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, September 17

Inklings and notions, September 18

For The Love of Books, September 18

A Reader’s Brain, September 19

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Thomas is giving away a Thomas Nye Gift Box, which includes four books by Thomas Nye: Samson and Amish Delilah, Under the Heavens, Amish Park, and Plain Everyday Heroes!! Along with bookmarkers and an Amish designed coloring book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/ec39/samson-amish-delilah-celebration-tour-giveaway

Surf Smugglers Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on September 6, 2019September 6, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is my stop on Celebrate Lit’s book tour and Giveaway for Author Melody Carlson’s Surf Smugglers. I hope you enjoy learning about the book and author. Be sure to sign up for the giveaway at the bottom.

My Thoughts

Surf Smugglers is Book 3 in Melody Carlson’s series “The Legacy of Sunset Cove.” It can easily be read as a stand alone, but it would be much better if you read the first two books in the series first. This book is utterly captivating.

Author Carlson has published over 200 books and her style of writing is flawless. Characters are so realistic they practically jump off of the pages. It is easy to become friends with them and imagine their lives as well as feel their emotions. I was happy to visit with my friends Anna and Katy again.

This is the tale of Anna McDowell, her daughter Katy, and parents Mac and Lucille. The United States is passing the Selective Service Act as the it joins The Great War in Europe. I gleaned some historical details from this book, which for me is always a bonus. The author did her research well.

Set in Oregon in 1917, this is filled with timely issues of war, prejudice, race, NAACP, journalism, and women’s rights and independence. Brimming with mystery, romance, intrigue, adventure, suspense and drama, this novel grabbed my attention early and held it throughout the entire book. It was easy to become invested in the exceptional story.

The element of faith and inspirational is present. A strong lesson of forgiveness is presented as well as grace. Even everyday Christian life is portrayed. It is nice to not need to seek the faithful message in a Christian novel but have it upfront.

I highly recommend this historical Christian fiction. It is engaging, enlightening, and encouraging. From me it gets a five out of five stars. I received a copy of this from Celebrate Lit and the publisher, and this is my own honest review.

About the Book

Book: Surf Smugglers

Author: Melody Carlson

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: August 15, 2019

In the summer of 1917, US troops join the allied forces in the Great War. Back in Sunset Cove, Oregon, other battles wage. Anna McDowell continues to fight old fashioned stereotypes as she runs a newspaper committed to truth. Despite opposition, she’s determined to expose ongoing rum-running and prohibition lawlessness.

Adding to Anna’s frustrations, her good friend Dr. Daniel seems to run hot and cold. He loves Oregon, and maybe Anna too, but he’s pulled by his East Coast family responsibilities. Even the lure of a new modern Sunset Cove hospital doesn’t seem enough to keep him in Sunset Cove.

Meanwhile, Anna’s strong-willed daughter Katy continues to develop her dress shop by inviting family friend Sarah Rose to help out. But the woman’s presence tests the small town’s tolerance. And Anna’s concern that her daughter is growing up too fast is confirmed when Katy’s romantic life takes an unexpected turn, which Anna fears is influenced by the pressure of a devastating war that is not only changing the entire world but Sunset Cove as well.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

My favorite way to learn history is through historical fiction—both by reading and by writing it. And I’ve discovered that World War 1 (previously known as the Great War, since WW2 had yet to happen) is quite fascinating. As well as incredibly sad. But I’m amazed at how science and technology evolved so quickly in this era. Whether it was advancement in automotive, communication, medicine . . . the culture was rapidly changing. And the war pushed it along at an even faster pace.

Another factor that makes this era interesting is prohibition. Oregon, my home state and where I set my series, was one of the earliest states to adopt prohibition of alcohol—in 1914. As a result, Oregon became ripe territory for bootlegging and rum-running along the coastline. And because my series involves a small town coastal newspaper that’s run (gasp!) by a woman, it gets even more interesting—and exciting!

Speaking of women, the suffrage movement was approved in Oregon in 1912—also well ahead of the rest of the nation (and the main reason that prohibition passed). My theory on why this happened is that the brave women who’d made the arduous journey West (via perilous wagon train or long hard voyages on clipper ships) were strong and opinionated and tough. And many of them were sick and tired of drunken slacker husbands. Also, thanks to Oregon’s amazing land donation act of 1850, many of these women were equal landowners to their husbands—and land equaled power.

Of course, what these suffragette-prohibition supporters didn’t realize is that banning alcohol would make matters worse because bootlegging and rum-running suddenly became a very lucrative business. The crime rate soared and the booze continued to flow freely. But all this makes for good newspaper stories, keeping our female editor in chief rather busy. In the first two books of the series, Anna McDowell has her hands full with trying to run her ailing father’s newspaper, restoring family relationships, and staying ahead of the growing crime element in Sunset Cove.

By book three, Surf Smugglers, Anna has her feet under her and doing a good job of standing up to the criminal element in their region. But by now the Great War is really heating up and the United States must get involved. Of course, this means that many young men, as well as Anna’s very good friend Dr. Daniel Hollister, are being shipped overseas to serve. Meanwhile, there is plenty of trouble at home. And the rum-runners, who despise the newspaper’s support of prohibition, target Anna’s good friend Sarah Rose because she’s a woman of color who’s sought refuge from the big city . . . and naturally things get dicey.

I’m currently finishing up the fourth and final book of the Legacy if Sunset Cove series, and I’m sad to think my ‘history lesson’ in this interesting era is drawing to an end. Not only have I learned a lot, I’ve really come to love the McDowell family . . . and I’m getting worried that not all the men from Sunset Cove will survive the brutal war. Of course, this is fiction . . . but the war was very real and the losses were great. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the war to end all wars like they’d hoped, but I appreciate the sentiment . . . and continue to pray for world peace.