Book Review: The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

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

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

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

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

 

 

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

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

Preorder your copy

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

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

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Indivisible CelebrateLit Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway.

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

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

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About the Book

Book: Indivisible

Author: Travis Thrasher

Genre: General fiction, drama

Release Date: October 23, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

More about Indivisible

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

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

Learn More About the Turners

About the Author

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

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, October 4

The Becca Files, October 4

A Baker’s Perspective, October 5

Robin is Bookish, October 5

The Power of Words, October 6

Christian Bookaholic, October 6

Splashes of Joy, October 7

Mary Hake, October 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 8

Inklings and notions, October 8

God’s Little Bookworm, October 9

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

A Reader’s Brain, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Book by Book, October 10

Just the Write Escape, October 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 11

Real World Bible Study, October 12

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 12

Bibliophile Reviews, October 13

Pause for Tales, October 13

For The Love of Books, October 14

Texas Book-aholic, October 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 15

Cafinated Reads, October 15

All 4 and About Books, October 15

Spoken from the Heart, October 16

Janices book reviews, October 16

Maureen’s Musings, October 17

A Diva’s Heart, October 17

Bigreadersite, October 17

Giveaway

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

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Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d627/indivisible-celebration-tour-giveaway

Find a Book Friday: Dare to Begin Again Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess
Dare to Begin Again by author Rosalinda Rivera has an enticing pink cover with a lovely bouquet of flowers and says “Let God Write Your Best Future”.  Okay, I’m in.  This 184 page by Whitaker House had me with its cover.  Then when I learned the DARE stood for Decide, Allow, Rise, Enjoy there was no putting this encouraging book down.
After an introduction there are sixteen chapters with different topics.  All of these are relevant in today’s life.  Dream Again, Forgive Again, Risk Again, Trust Again, Heal Again, and Love Again are just a sampling of what you will explore.   There is a story, a God lesson, Bible tie in, closing with “I DARE YOU TO…”. Author Rivera encourages readers at the end to DARE to whatever the chapter title is.  Dare to Hope, Begin, Forgive, or Listen.
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I enjoyed the author’s writing style.  It was easy to see this book has been well thought, researched, and organized.  The author has a smooth style of writing and her words seem to just flow.  Her stories and experiences are transparent and written to help readers.  She provides encouragement, scripture, and food for thought.  Author Rivera gives many positive, inspiring suggestions that stayed with me.  “Stay positive and don’t allow negative thoughts to enter.”  Another favorite is “Don’t let your past hurts, disappointments, and rejections hold you down.”  Both of those stuck with me and had me nodding in agreement.
This book reminds readers that God is with us and for us.  He has a plan for our future.  She says to keep moving forward with determination and God,  It is an upbeat, positive book.  There is a lot of cheerleading to uplift readers but not a lot of instruction on how to exactly accomplish your goal.  That is more implied or left to readers.  She does give some guidance but not an abundance.
Author Rivera has written a God glorifying book filled with ideas, support, inspiration, scripture, and experiences to help readers.  It is really a wonderful book.  Any readers club, small group, or individual read would highly benefit from reading it.  I highly recommend it and rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. These are my own honest opinions and review.

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About the Book:

Book Title: Dare to Begin Again

Author: Rosalinda Rivera
Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Life, Woman’s Issue
Release date: September 4, 2018

We all have struggles and challenges in life. Whether they are of our own making or not, things don’t always work out. Sometimes, we just give up on our dreams and goals. But it doesn’t have to be that way! God is a God of new beginnings, and throughout the entire Bible, we read about people who were stuck, disappointed, and faced impossible situations—people God freed. Rosalinda Torres Rivera challenges us to Dare to Begin Again. Using stories from her own life, other people, and biblical times, Rosalinda offers inspirational, down-to-earth advice on beginning again. Each chapter tackles a different issue where you may be “stuck”—such as an inability to forgive, trust, or hope—and examples of people who overcame similar challenges. Practical tasks at the end of each chapter walk you through a DARE challenge (Decide, Allow, Rise, Enjoy) to help you move closer to a fresh start. Rosalinda is the daughter of Victor Torres, an ex-gang member from Brooklyn, New York, and his wife, Carmen, founders of the New Life For Youth ministry. She has seen more than twenty thousand people get out of tough situations and turn their lives around. “They’re people whose tales of transformation prove God is still at work,” she says. “He’s written and re-written their life’s chapters—and He’s willing to do the same for you.” It takes a commitment, but with the help of God, inspiring, true stories, and practical applications, you can Dare to Begin Again.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Rosalinda Torres Rivera is the executive director of New Life For Youth, one of Virginia’s largest residential facilities helping to rehabilitate people from a life of addiction. She has been reaching out to families in crisis, poverty, and hopelessness for over twenty-five years. Using her business skills, Rosalinda developed a model of social enterprise to sustain the non-profit New Life For Youth by creating businesses that train thousands of young people in job skills and leadership.

47B0BEFA-8F9F-45A2-914D-4E00541D43D9She is also the president of New Life Enterprises, the founder of Mercy Moms Home, a place for single mothers to find hope and healing, and the founder of Bella Women’s Ministry in Richmond, Virginia, which hosts annual conferences for over five hundred women.
Each year, Rosalinda is a featured presenter at various events nationwide. She has ministered throughout the world and has traveled to over twenty-two countries. From the White House to the local community, she has been nationally recognized for her impact in bringing hope to the hopeless.
Rosalinda was appointed to the Board of Governors of the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives, headquartered in Washington, DC. Style Magazineselected her as a “Top 40 under 40” leader for her impact in Richmond, Virginia.
In 2018, the Valentine Museum in Richmond will feature the work of her family as one of the city’s first Hispanic families to impact Richmond in the non-profit sector.
Rosalinda is the daughter of Victor Torres, an ex-gang member from the streets of New York, and his wife, Carmen, the founders of New Life For Youth and pastors of New Life Outreach International Church. She served as an associate producer on Victor, a movie about her father’s journey from drugs and gangs to Jesus and redemption.
Rosalinda and her husband, Carlos, have three children: Alana, Gabriel, and Victor.

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Imperfect Promise Book Review & $50 Amazon Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Imperfect Promises is an intriguing contemporary Christian fiction that provides readers with adventure, mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance.  It is book five in author Elizabeth Noyes’ The Imperfect Series.  Having not read the first four books of the series, there were a few times I felt a bit lost.  Past things are mentioned but details are not given.  Having said that, I wish I had read the first books because this one was very captivating.

This is the story of Jonas Cameron, Special Forces combat veteran with PTSD.  He is home and in the middle of some major drama.  Jonas is a protective, strong, brave character and easy to like.  Is he imperfect?  Sure, but aren’t we all?

Relevant topics are broached in this book.  Military, PTSD, family, love relationships, and even terrorists living on U.S. soil.  The author has done a great job planning, researching, and writing her novel.  She brings the story to life and at times the danger almost feels real.  It was easy to become invested in this book early.  I found myself wondering if any of the things I read were actually happening in the real world.  There were twists and turns throughout this fast paced read. I found it hard to put down and yet scary to read at times.  Now that is something only a good wordsmith is able to provide.

The author’s style of writing is nice.  Characters are realistic and either likable, relatable, or despicable.  Dialogue flowed seamlessly without sounding forced.  Most of the book was unpredictable which kept me on my toes. For me it was a little light on romance, but that is totally a matter of personal taste.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic action suspense. I would not recommend it to younger readers.  If you are a fan of twists and turns or surprises, don’t miss this.  It keeps you on your toes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit.  All opinions are my own honest ones.
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About the Book

Book Title: Imperfect Promisesnei5 Imperfect Promises

Author: Elizabeth Noyes

Genre: Action, Suspense, Romance

Release date: August, 2018

Award-winning romantic suspense author, Elizabeth Noyes raises the bar in this stunning conclusion of The Imperfect Series!

Former Special Forces operative, Jonas Cameron, traded his past and his service for his family back in Idaho and the ranch he loves. But ghosts have a disturbing way of not staying where you leave them.

Shea Townsend is on her way to becoming a chef extraordinaire until her father’s illness pulls her from culinary school and back to Montana to care for him. After his death, disinherited and alone, she sets out to make a new life for herself, one which may or may not include the too-alpha, too-sexy Jonas Cameron.

Jonas learns of a homegrown terrorist threat against him and his family at the same time a mysterious stalker sets his sights on Shea. Determined to neutralize both dangers, Jonas calls on old friends for help and draws upon his own very specialized skill set to end the menaces to Shea and himself.

As the danger escalates, secrets are revealed and the truth emerges in a deadly cat and mouse game with Shea caught in the middle.

Fast-paced action. Heart-pounding adventure. This is not your ordinary romantic suspense story!

 

Click here to purchase your copy!

 

About the Author

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Elizabeth Noyes—professional writer, aspiring author, dedicated dreamer—lives in the suburbs of Atlanta with her husband and best friend, Paul, who listens tirelessly while she regales him with all the tales in her head of damaged, but very human characters clamoring to be heard.

A native of the Deep South, she claims to still “speak the language,” even after traveling around the world for most of her adult life. Recently retired from a career as a professional business writer and editor, she now fills her days editing, critiquing, reading, playing with the grandkids, learning more about Social Media than she ever wanted, and putting her stories into words to share with others.

 

Guest Post from Elizabeth Noyes

The Imperfect Tie Between Characters, Themes, and Titles

I love reading across all genres. If it’s well- written, I’m an easy catch. What I don’t like is when fictional characters are portrayed as model-worthy with perfect looks, perfect physiques, and perfect personalities. Yuk! I’ve never met a perfect person.

To quote Mark Twain, “The only difference between reality and fiction is that fiction needs to be credible.”

I want characters with the same flaws as you and me—judgmental, short-tempered, guilt-ridden, egotistical, defiant, withdrawn, too-skinny, compassionate, couch potatoes, foolish, silly, serious, low self-esteem, arrogant, hurt, guilty, deceiving, generous… in other words, real people. These are character traits I relate to, and they come alive on the pages, giving hope that we can also learn from our mistakes and grow into something better.

The characters in the Imperfect Series let themselves and others down. They struggle with life issues, make poor decisions, grieve over mistakes, and then pick themselves up and go on.

In Imperfect Wings, guilt and low self esteem plague TJ, while her male counterpart, Garrett, struggles with anger issues. In Imperfect Trust, yeah, trust was a problem for both Lucy and Wade. With Imperfect Bonds, Cassidy fights for her sister’s forgiveness as she deals with feelings of inadequacy … both of which carry over into her relationship with Derek. In Imperfect Lies—yep, another obvious theme. Lies from the past come back to haunt Mallory and James.

In the final book of the series, Imperfect Promises, the main male character, Jonas, is by a nature a control freak. He suffers from guilt over a perceived failure when at his deepest core he is a protector and perfectionist. Shea, the female protagonist, rose from the ashes of a devastating childhood to forge a new life for herself. Both discover that promises made to themselves and to others can’t always be kept. Despite best intentions, life sometimes gets in the way.

Blog Stops

Godly Book Reviews, September 27

Bigreadersite, September 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 28

A Baker’s Perspective, September 28

Multifarious, September 29

Real World Bible Study, September 29

Because I said so – adventures in Parenting, September 30

Simple Harvest Reads, October 1

Kat’s Corner Books, October 2

Carpe Diem, October 2

Maureen’s Musings, October 3

Margaret Kazmierczak, October 3

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis & Christ Collide, October 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 5

Blogging With Carol, October 6

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 7

proud to be an autism mom, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Bibliophile Reviews, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Janices book reviews, October 10

 

Giveaway

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

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d296/imperfect-promises-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Christmas Prayer, CelebrateLit Tour

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess
“The Christmas Prayer” by New York Times best-selling and award-winning author Wanda Brunstetter is not her usual Amish offering, but a historical Novella.  Set in the West, this 176 page paperback is the tale of a small group of travelers leaving Independence, Missouri, in April 1850 journeying to California. Their goal is to join a wagon train which left earlier.
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Cynthia Cooper and her mother Mabel are two of the characters we meet.  They are going with Cynthia’s fiancé, Walter Prentice, to California.  Arriving in Independence, late they are disappointed to learn the wagon train has already departed. They discover two other families in the same shape and begin their long journey to catch the train.  The other parties are Cole Edwards and his sister, Virginia as well as Jack Simpson, a widower traveling with his two young children, Alan and Amelia.
The characters are extremely well rounded defined.  Some were delightful and others detestable.  Conversations flowed easily and smoothly.  True to life, troubles and trials happen along the way to delay their journey. The group finds themselves at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains when winter hits.  Snow falls and halts travel. The author has done a wonderful job describing the time, place, and emotions in her delightful story.
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The Christmas Prayer is a well-written novel with a nice message, great writing, and smooth transitions between characters’ viewpoints.   At times it was easy to guess what would happen next.  The Christian message was sprinkled lighter than normal, but it was still present.  Pray and trust God.
I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys historical romance, Christmas books, or for Wanda fans.  It is a lovely afternoon or evening read.  I will be buying a few for stocking stuffers this year.  I gave it 5 out of 5 star rating.  A free copy of the book was provided by the author and CelebrateLit, but all opinions are my own, honest ones.

About the Book:

Genre: Historical Christmas Romance
Release date: September, 2018

 

Beloved, bestselling author of Amish fiction, Wanda E. Brunstetter takes readers on a journey in 1850 along the California Trail.
Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.
Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?
Click here to purchase your copy!
 

About the Author

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.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

Guest Post from Wanda

A cross-country journey in 1850 leads to high mountain danger—and romance.
Only the brave—or foolhardy—would attempt a cross-country journey late in the season. Three wagons meet up in Independence, Missouri, in April 1850, and their owners decide to keep forging ahead despite many setbacks and delays. December finds them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains when a sudden snowstorm traps them, obscuring the trail.
Cynthia Cooper is traveling with her mother and the man she has promised to marry. But as Christmas is upon them and they are hunkered down in a small cabin, she is forced to reevaluate her reasons for planning to marry fellow-traveler Walter Prentice. When a widowed father heading to a California ranch and a gold prospector both show an interest in Cynthia, she weighs her dreams for marriage alongside her responsibility to care for her mother. Can love win over her timid heart?
Find out in The Christmas Prayer from NY Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.
Try this Exclusive Bonus Recipe Found Inside the Book!
Cynthia’s Fried Apples
Without peeling, quarter as many tart apples as you would like. Lay apples close together, skin side down, in frying pan with salt pork fat or butter. Cover until well steamed then uncover and brown both sides, turning and watching closely to prevent burning.
To celebrate her tour, Wanda is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a free copy of The Christmas Prayer with an autographed bookplate inside.  Be sure to comment on the blog stops (schedule below) for 9 extra entries into the giveaway.  Click here to enter.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, September 18
The Avid Reader, September 18
The Power of Words, September 18
Lighthouse Academy, September 18
Just Commonly, September 19
Carpe Diem, September 19
Britt Reads Fiction, September 20
Luv’N Lambert Life, September 21
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 22
Lis Loves Reading, September 22
Babs Book Bistro, September 23
Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 23
Janices book reviews, September 23
Mary Hake, September 24
Inklings and notions, September 25
Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 25
Book by Book, September 26
Splashes of Joy, September 27
The Morning Chapter, September 27
The Mimosa Blossom, September 28
Pause for Tales, September 28
Have A Wonderful Day, September 28
Cafinated Reads, September 29
Bibliophile Reviews, September 29
Quiet Quilter, September 30
Bigreadersite, October 1
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Book Review: This is the Day by Tim Tebow, 5 Stars

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

This is the Day by author and sports figure Tim Tebow is a wonderful book. It is filled with encouragement and inspirational words to uplift and motivate readers. In his book, Tim challenges readers to search for joy, whether little or big, every day.   The Bible says. In Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”   The author is explaining just how to do exactly that. He challenge readers to put life to that scripture daily.

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I have never read one of author Tebow’s books and was pleasantly surprised by his writing style. This is the Day is well researched, planned, organized, and written. Tebow’s style is easy to follow and flows effortlessly. Like coffee with a friend, I drank up the stories in this book with enjoyment. I enjoyed reading this book and learned many insuring things.

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Using his own personal experience the author has written this book from a Christian perspective. He uses the stories of others’, too. It is a positive book for anyone and will help them turn their negativity around. It appears the main goal of this book is to encourage both Christians and non-Christians to change the way they may be thinking about themselves and/or their circumstances.

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In this God glorifying book, each of the twelve chapters reveals how God worked in Tebow’s life. Even though we might not be aware, God is always there and always in control. He encourages readers to dream dreams, make goals, be intentional about doing things that matter, to have a positive influence in the world around them, and most of all to make today be the day to live a life of purpose, meaning, and significance. Wow. How is that for encouragement?

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Beginning each chapter is a relative quote from a famous person of note. Then the chapters themselves tackles relevant subjects among which are Listening to the Right Voice, Live with Open Hands, Put in the Work, Open Your Eyes, and Get in the Game. Each chapter ends with a section called “Make this your day”. Questions are proposed and suggestions given on how to apply the chapter’s principle in today’s life. A self reflection question ends this section. Definitely leaves readers something to ponder. Acknowledgments, information on the author and Tim Tebow Foundation close the 209 page book.

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I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Middle schoolers to grandparents would enjoy reading it and be inspired. They would be able to help encourage others, too. It would make a great small group or reading club book. Perfect for birthday or Christmas gifts. It definitely earned a 5 out of 5 stars from me. I received a complimentary copy of the uncorrected proof of this book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

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Find a Book Friday: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Hope of Azure Springs is the debut novel by author Rachel Fordham.  This Christian historical romance fiction has a lovely cover that is captivating.  The 336 pages are packed with mystery, life lessons, emotions, light romance and dotted with humor.

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This is the tale of Em.  As the book opens she has suffered a gunshot wound and presents a mystery.  Caleb is the gallant Sheriff.  They are thrown together to solve the mystery of who shot Em and why.  These two characters are extremely well defined, carry quite a bit of emotional baggage, and are very easy to like.  It is not hard to get drawn into their story.  I was invested within the first chapter.

The secondary characters are not all as well defined.  Some have great details and are then forgotten.  I wanted to hear more about them.  The dialogue for the most part flowed smoothly but there were times it sounded a little stiff or too modern.

The story itself was well thought, but at times the writing felt a bit choppy.  At one point I thought the book was over and it still have a few chapters to go.  The next chapters enhanced the story but easily could have been the beginning of a Book Two.

The author does a great job relating emotions in her writing.  I could feel the emotional roller coaster that Em was on.  Many times I teared up or cheered while reading this.  The banter between Em and Caleb always put a smile on my face.  Both characters grew a lot throughout the story.

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The spiritual content was there but extremely light.  Speaking about prayer and God’s goodness was the only thing I caught, and I do not remember any comments about redemption or salvation.  However, following the story were discussion questions!  For me that is a biggie.  If a book club or group is reading a book, it is nice to have questions.  This one has that nicely covered.

I liked the story and will pick up the next book penned by author Fordham.  Anyone who enjoys historical romantic fiction will want to read it.  The life lessons, gossiping, inner and outer beauty, and helping other are ones good for teenagers and up.  I rated this a 4 out of 5 stars and definitely recommend it.

Must Read Monday: Gone to Texas

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

About the Book

Book Title: Gone to Texas

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical RomanceCBE995B0-9CE3-469C-A5B0-700939423E6C

Release date: September 6, 2018

Can beauty truly come from ashes?

Deception drives seventeen souls to hard choices. Either stay on the land they thought they’d bought or heed the lure of free land in the faraway wilderness of a new Republic. Rife with peril and hardship, three families knit together by blood and friendship head out with a widowed man, daughter, and his slave, gambling everything they own on the prospect of land ownership and working it together. Does friendship pave a way to marriage? Can puppy-love survive through a harrowing journey to blossom into a forever lover? With duress at every turn, can the clan stay together all the way to Texas and accomplish their goals?

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Review

Gone to Texas is Book One in the Thanksgiving Books & Blessings Collection, a part of Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga. The Christian historical novel is written by master wordsmith author Caryl Macadoo. She does not disappoint with this one. It is another God glorifying, inspirational, entertaining book. Even the cover is just beautiful.

Set pre-Civil War, this is the tale of families leaving Tennessee and journeying to Texas. The characters are plentiful and at times hard to remember because of the large number. Once I got to know them, I had everyone straight. They are well described, lovable, flawed, and realistic. The story centers around the O’Neal, Worley, and Van Zandt clan, as they venture together to Texas. After a few pages I was all into this tale. I did not want to put it down until I had finished it.

Have you ever wanted to go on a wagon trip? As we can imagine the wagon expedition is not an easy one. Author Macadoo brings it to life with her vivid descriptions and verbiage. Wildlife, river crossings, ailments, rebelous teenagers and disappointments were all company on this trip. Author Macadoo’s writing took me right into the midst of it all! The trials encountered, both physical and emotional, were easy to understand and emphasize. The triumphs were equally felt and celebrated with these families. These families dealt with things we do today, tragedy, envy, unfaithfulness, wavering faith, jealousy, weariness, compassion, forgiveness, compassion, and redemption. The encouragement and Christian messages are abundant which are things I crave in Christian fiction.

This is a very well organized, well planned, and well researched book. Caryl McAdoo’s novels always teach me something. That is important to me as a reader. The conversation between characters was plentiful and flowed smoothly. Her use of colloquialisms makes her stories a true joy. I loved them! She has a down to earth style of writing that makes reading her books so enjoyable. There will always be some laughter tucked into her story to brighten a reader’s day. She includes scripture and things to deepen readers’ walk with God. It is easy to find things to ponder and think about long after finishing this book.

I would definitely recommend this one. It has great characters in which I immediately became invested. I want more of them! Alisha and Liberty became like old friends. This is a sweet historical romance with adventure that you don’t want to miss. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book from CelebrateLit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own, honest ones.

About the Author

Top priority is God’s glory, and that’s exactly what Caryl McAdoo prays her stories will bring. To entertain and draw readers into a closer walk with Him is next. A quick check of stars and reviews attest to the success of this award-winning, best-selling author—all by the Father’s faithfulness. Besides writing, she loves singing praises, including the new songs He gives her! Visit her YouTube channel. Ron, her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-two years ago, and they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live on thirty-four acres ‘The Peaceable’ in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas and wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

Guest Post from Caryl

As much as I hated leaving the Buckmeyers, Baylors, and Nightingales and the Red River Valley, I loved starting this fresh Family Saga series with all new characters! GONE TO TEXAS is Book One of the Cross Timber Romances and features three families—the O’Neals, Van Zandts, and Worleys—joined by blood and friendship through Liberty O’Neal. Laud Worley is her little brother and Mallory Van Zandt, her best friend since school days.

Together, they’d traveled south to settle in Tennessee and were about to harvest their first cotton crop that fall in 1840 when they discovered the deed to their land—the land they’d spent all their pooled savings on—was forged and no-good.

The legal owner graciously allows them to stay through harvest, taking his portion of their labor and cottonseed. At the gin, Seve Van Zandt hears rumors of Texas, a new Republic out west, offering free land to pioneers willing to tame its wildlands. This first story—book one—is all about their journey to the new country filled with hope and dreams.

A hired widower who with his daughter and slave helped harvest the clan’s cotton asked to join them on their journey, and so, on that fateful September morn, seventeen souls set out after they hung a hand-painted sign on one of the cabins they left behind. “Gone to Texas”!

Another very special thing about this novel, one hundred twelve thousand words—about three hundred fifty pages, is that it is also book one in a brand new collection! The Thanksgiving Books and Blessings Collection that includes stories from eight other authors besides me: Lena Nelson Dooly, Heather Blanton, Kristin Holt, Kit Morgan, Suzette Williams, Pauline Creeden, George McVey, and Lynette Sowell!

All nine books will have Thanksgiving Dinner with family around the table, giving thanks to God for all his blessings. I’ve noticed many series launched in December, but Thanksgiving is my favorite. I love giving thanks to the Lord!

And as always, I pray my story gives God glory, and that its readers will be drawn closer to Him through it. He blesses and highly favors me daily. I cannot thank or praise Him enough!

Thank you, too, for reading my stories, reviewing my stories, and participating in the most AWESOME CELEBRATE LIT‘s Blog Tour!!

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, September 11

Captive Dreams Window, September 12

proud to be an autism mom, September 12

Inklings and notions, September 13

Luv’N Lambert Life, September 13

cherylbbookblog, September 14

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15

Janices book reviews, September 16

Abba’s prayer warrior princess, September 17

Carpe Diem, September 17

Creating Romance, September 18

Madeline Clark, September 18

Margaret Kazmierczak, September 19

The Mimosa Blossom, September 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 20

Back Porch Reads, September 21

Bibliophile Reviews, September 22

Texas Book-aholic, September 23

Godly Book Reviews, September 24

Bigreadersite, September 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away

GRAND PRIZE: $50 Amazon Gift Card

1st Prize: THREE Choice-of-Caryl’s Titles (print–US only or eBook)

2nd-4th: ebook of JOHN DAVID’S CALLING

5th-7th: print copy VOW UNBROKEN

8th-10th: $5 Amazon gift cards!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops to earn nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d1a6/gone-to-texas-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Find a Book Friday: The Life-Giving Leader

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Are you a leader in any form in your life?  Most of us are in one way or another.  Whether at work, church, or home at one point we are given the reins and people look to us for directions.  The Life-Giving Leader by author Tyler Reagin is a 208 page book published by Waterbrook Press to help leaders assist others.  Author Reagin is the president of Catalyst, a leadership development organization that exists to unify and equip leaders who love the Church.  Until reading this book, I was unfamiliar with him and his organization.

This is not your typical leadership book.  In The Life-Giving Leader we see what happens to a team or individual’s under a good leader.  Normally in leadership books the focus is on the leader and what he or she accomplished.  This one is just as much about the people on the team and how the leader has changed their lives by example.
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The writer’s style was a bit difficult for me.  It was more abrupt and seemed a bit uneven.  After acclimating myself to it, I got in the grove and it became easier to understand.  A rocky start did not stop me from gleaning a lot from this helpful book.  I had many highlighted pages after finishing it where I found words of wisdom.  Here are some of my favorites:
“Life-giving leadership is all about staying in deep relationship with our Heavenly Father so we can love those around us best and bring life to the people God has put in our circle of influence.” (Page 21)
“Life-giving leaders make people around them shine.”  (Page 24)
“Life-giving leadership begins with self-awareness and self-acceptance, nonnegotiable hallmarks of authentic leadership.” (Page 50)
“Self-awareness is the foundation for a lifetime of leading well.” (Page 52)
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This book is sprinkled with scripture rather than having the heavy handed dose I had hoped.  The author gives food for thought and growth both personally and as a leader.  He uses personal stories, life experiences, contemporary references, and even tells us what did not work for him.  He holds nothing back.  Anyone would benefit from parts of this book.
I recommend this to leaders, aspiring leaders, and anyone wanting to improve people skills.  Actually, everyone will glean something from this book if only to realize that we are all a leader of some sort.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.
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