by admin | Feb 3, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance
MY REVIEW:
“Angels Unaware” is a easy-to-read book that many should easily be able to read in one sitting. The story features Mark Daniels, a well liked and personable young man who tries to ease his grief and guilt over the deaths of his wife and child by doing kind things for his neighbors. Little does he expect what might result from his actions toward a particularly grouchy neighbor and a down-on-his-luck old man. Could there be angels involved?
Although on the surface, “Angels Unaware” seemed like a simple story, it packed a lot of Biblical truth and wisdom into its pages. It is a beautiful tale of redemption and forgiveness that extends to not only accepting forgiveness from the Lord but learning to forgive oneself.
I mostly enjoyed this book but a bit more dialogue and development of the featured romance would have made it even better.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Sometimes God sends angels into our lives…
Chocolate chip cookies are the perfect way to make friends. At least, Mark Daniels thinks they are. He hopes to forget his painful past and start over in new neighborhood. Everyone is warm and welcoming—everyone that is, but the dragon lady next door. She rebuffs all overtures of friendship and declines Mark’s invitations to church.
Jasmine Avery doesn’t trust men, especially not handsome ones who come bearing gifts. She’s been badly hurt and has walled herself off from love. Reluctantly, she agrees to attend church with Mark on Easter Sunday, not realizing how it will change her life and her future. But soon after she discovers the secret to a happy life, her whole world turns upside-down. Will these unexpected changes prove Mark can’t be trusted either? Or can she and Mark overcome their past heartbreaks to forge a new life together?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness.She is also the author of the Sisters & Friends Amish series and the Amish Quilts Coloring Book. A former teacher and librarian, she has more than 2300 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming under several pen names. Rachel also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers. She loves reading (of course!), traveling, and spending time with her five children and three grandchildren.
GUEST POST FROM RACHEL J. GOOD:
One of the important lessons in ANGELS UNAWARE is looking beyond the surface, seeing with new eyes. In the story, Mark has many opportunities to do this. When he first approaches Jasmine with a plate of chocolate chip cookies, she’s unwelcoming and prickly:
The door opened a crack. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Mark turned. The woman’s narrowed eyes and belligerent stance made him quake. He took a step back. “I…um…here…” He held out the plate of cookies.
“What’s that?”
Mark took a deep breath and regained his composure. He smiled and started his usual spiel. “Hi, I’m Mark Daniels, and I just moved into the neighborhood—”
“I know.” She didn’t sound too pleased. “That’s not what I asked. What’s that in your hands?”
“Oh, these? I baked chocolate chip cookies and thought I’d share some with you.”
“Do you know what sugar does to your system?” she demanded. “I never touch sugar.”
That explained why she was so thin. So much for cookies then. Mark wracked his brain for another offering. “A meal perhaps? I make great spaghetti and meatballs.”
She drew back. “A meat eater? It figures.”
Oh, terrific. Mark cringed at the acid in her tone. He’d just offered a meat dish to a vegetarian. So much for his diplomacy mission.
After a start like that, many people would have given up. But Mark feels led to share God’s love with this neighbor, and he tries again and again. Eventually he discovers she’s hiding some deep personal pain. His persistence brings unexpected rewards to both of them.
I wanted to write this story because we usually avoid people who criticize us or hurt our feelings. Yet, often those who are unkind are actually aching inside. And they need God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, because only God can heal their pain and suffering.
After God touches Jasmine’s heart, Mark can see her softer, kinder side. And she’s proof of that saying, “An angel resides in every heart.”
Could your grouchy neighbor or critical boss be an angel in disguise? Maybe these annoying people have been sent into our lives to help build our character or to teach us a lesson. The Bible warns us to be hospitable to everyone, because we never know when we’ll come upon an angel “unawares.”
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb. 13:2 KJV
Each person you meet has been sent into your life for a reason. Sometimes these angels come into our lives in unlikely disguises. We don’t always realize their purpose until much later. Looking back, though, we can see God’s hand in the encounters.
Other times, we discover – like Mark did – that we’re supposed to be angels to those who are unkind to us. We may be the only ones who have ever touched their lives with God’s light.
Who in your life needs God’s love? Can you be an angel to that person?
BLOG STOPS:
January 24: Blossoms and Blessings
January 25: autism mom
January 26: Books. Books. And More Books.
January 27: Moments Dipped in Ink
January 28: A Greater Yes
January 29: Carpe Diem
January 30: Petra’s Hope
January 31: A Baker’s Perspective
February 1: Christian Bookaholic
February 2: Karen Sue Hadley
February 3: Quiet Quilter
February 4: Daysong Reflections
February 5: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
February 6: His Grace is Sufficient
To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away:
Grand Prize:
- Angel bookmark
- Battenberg lace angel pin
- Trio of jade angels
- Prayer angel with a “Worry” poem to remind you to pray about your problems
- ANGELS UNAWARE ebook
- Newest AMISH QUILTS COLORING BOOK (large print edition)
2nd – 4th Prize:
One copy of the ANGELS UNAWARE ebook
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!
https://promosimple.com/ps/af23
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by admin | Feb 2, 2017 | Books, Dystopian
MY REVIEW:
Rachelle Dekker’s final book in her Seer series has recently arrived and what a conclusion it is. Taking place twenty years after the end of the second novel “The Choosing”, “The Returning” depicts the final confrontation between the Seers and Authority City. Darkness and evil have grown within the city threatening to overtake the surrounding area but the Seers have a secret weapon within the walls of the city but even they are unaware of the power that is waiting for her obedience.
As expected, the plot moved along at a pretty good clip with plenty of action tempered with wise and uplifting dialogue as well as intimate views into the minds of several characters. This novel has a very strong yet subtle spiritual message from beginning to end. The theme of light against darkness was vividly portrayed in a way that just made me say “WOW!”
I have read and enjoyed this entire series but I found “The Returning” to be most meaningful to me. Perhaps it was Aaron’s frequent reminders to Elise to remember who she is to the Father. I found that to be very encouraging as a reminder to myself to remember who I am in Christ and that although I may feel abandoned at times, He is always with me.
I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy of “The Returning” For your best reading experience I suggest that you read the entire series in order. I eagerly anticipate seeing what Rachelle will offer readers next!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by The Tyndale Blog Network.
A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
They say the Awakening is coming.
That she’s the key.
But can she find her identity in the light
Before she perishes in the dark?
“She will risk everything to lead them out of Darkness.”
Twenty years have passed since Carrington and Remko Brant’s baby, Elise, was kidnapped and they were forced to leave her captive in the Authority City. Though they fled with the Seers far from Authority reach, they’ve never given up hope of rescuing their daughter from the man who betrayed them. Now Authority President, he’s ushered the city into a new era of “peace” — one where the Scientist Roth Reynard’s Genesis Serum has eradicated all memory of emotion or rebellion.
But the mysterious Aaron and his Seers are once again on the move, threatening the illusion the Authority has worked so hard to build. As the Seers send seven chosen warriors to rescue Elise and bring restoration to the Authority City, the lines are drawn for a final battle between light and darkness. The key to ultimate victory may rest within the strangely powerful girl who has felt forgotten but was never abandoned – a truth she’ll need to wage war against the powerful forces of evil.
Read an excerpt HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The oldest daughter of New York Times bestselling author Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker was inspired early on to discover truth through the avenue of storytelling. She writes full time from her home in Nashville, where she lives with her husband, Daniel, and their diva cat Blair.
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by admin | Jan 29, 2017 | Books, Historical, Romance
MY REVIEW:
An unlikely romance set during the days leading up to the Civil War, “Summer on Sunset Ridge” was a delight to read. With a wealth of historic facts that included the lifestyle of the Quakers of that era as well as details about abolitionists and the Underground Railroad, the story held my attention throughout.
Maclaren’s characters were excellent and I was easily drawn into their lives. Rebecca was a young woman to be admired for her dedication to her family and friends as well as her values. Clay was a likeable hero and I was impressed by his instinctive goodness despite his memory loss.
An exciting story of faith and love and learning to follow the Lord’s leading, “Summer on Sunset Ridge” is sure to be a favorite of those who are already Sharlene MacLaren fans and a good book to begin with for those unfamiliar with her work.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Click to purchase
Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is charitable, peace-loving, submissive—and a feisty abolitionist. Determined to aid the Underground Railroad no matter what the cost, her path collides with that of formidable slave-catcher Clay Dalton. When Rebecca is assigned to nurse Clay back to health following a near-fatal gunshot wound, her uneasiness around him and the questions surrounding his mysterious past complicate their strained but developing relationship.
Sheriff Clay Dalton is grimly fighting several battles of his own as he stays on at the Albright farm to work off his debt to the family that has saved his life and taken him in. He is torn between his past commitments in the South and his unlikely present among this quiet Quaker community in the North. Almost against his will, he begins to ponder the impossible idea of a future with Rebecca.…
When tensions between North and South escalate, Rebecca and Clay find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be, and they soon realize that each holds a key to the other’s answer.
Click here to purchase your copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sharlene MacLaren Born and raised in western Michigan, award-winning, bestselling author Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. After graduating, she traveled with a nationally touring Christian vocal ensemble, returning home to Spring Arbor to marry her husband, Cecil, whom she’d known since childhood. Together they raised two daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, “Shar” enjoys reading, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her novels include the contemporary romances Through Every Storm, Long Journey Home, and Tender Vow; the beloved Little Hickman Creek series (Loving Liza Jane, Sarah, My Beloved, Courting Emma, and Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek, a novella), and three historic romance trilogies: The Daughters of Jacob Kane (Hannah Grace, Maggie Rose, and Abbie Ann); River of Hope (Livvie’s Song, Ellie’s Haven, and Sofia’s Secret); Tennessee Dreams: Heart of Mercy, Threads of Joy, and Gift of Grace.
BLOG STOPS:
January 19: Reading Is My SuperPower
January 19: Giveaway Lady
January 19: A Reader’s Brain
January 20: Books. Books. And More Books.
January 20: The Power of Words
January 21: Bigreadersite
January 21: just the write escape
January 22: Moments Dipped in Ink
January 22: For The Love of Books
January 23: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses
January 23: Genesis 5020
January 24: Pause for Tales
January 24: His Grace is Sufficient
January 25: Book by Book
January 25: A Simple Life, really?!
January 26: A Greater Yes
January 26: Connie’s History Classroom
January 26: A Baker’s Perspective
January 27: Christian Author: A.M. Heath
January 27: Splashes of Joy
January 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
January 28: Christian Bookaholic
January 28: History, Mystery & Faith
January 29: Stuff & Nonsense
January 29: Bibliophile Reviews
January 30: cherylbbookblog
January 30: Daysong Reflections
January 31: Blossoms and Blessings
January 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
February 1: Reader’s cozy corner
February 1: Rhonda’s Doings
GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate Sharlene’s tour, Whitaker House is giving away:
Grand Prize
Brown and tan fashion purse with cross, multiple interior and exterior pockets
and
Five Sharlene MacLaren titles: Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom #1); Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1); Livvie’s Song (River of Hope #1); Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane #1); Loving Liza Jane (Little Hickman Creek #1)
Second Prize
“Keepers of the Light” Orange/Cinnamon/Clove candle from www.acheerfulgiver.com and
Summer on Sunset Ridge
Third Prize
Summer on Sunset Ridge
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!
https://promosimple.com/ps/af21
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by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Medical, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Maybe It’s You” is one of those medical suspense novels where the reader can’t seem to turn the pages fast enough. Primary character ER nurse Sloane Ferrell thinks she has left her past behind – a stepfather in prison who she can’t forgive and an ex-fiance whose questionable dealings have put her in danger. But a campaign to improve the hospital image may just undo everything even if she manages not to lose her heart to handsome Micah Prescott, the hospital marketing expert. When her past and present converge, Sloane finds herself in danger for her life and learns some very valuable lessons about love and forgiveness.
Not only is “Maybe It’s You” an enjoyable romantic medical suspense but it also tackles some pretty weighty subjects such as alcoholism and sex trafficking. The suspenseful plot escalates with each chapter but is relieved at just the right times by a bit of romance or humor. Sloane was such a caring person despite her own problems that it was easy to like her character and Micah just improved with every chapter. I loved how he gently led Sloane to faith. This novel left me with plenty to think about. I would recommend it to all who enjoy a good medical suspense.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
ER nurse Sloane Ferrell escaped her risky past – new name, zip code, job, and a fresh start. She’s finally safe, if she avoids a paper trail and doesn’t let people get too close. Like the hospital’s too-smooth marketing man with his relentless campaign to plaster one “lucky” employee’s face on freeway billboards.
Micah Prescott’s goal is to improve the Hope hospital image, but his role as a volunteer crisis responder is closer to his heart. The selfless work helps fill a void in his life left by family tragedy. So does a tentative new relationship with the compassionate, beautiful, and elusive Sloane Ferrell.
Then a string of brutal crimes makes headlines, summons responders . . . and exposes disturbing details of Sloane’s past.
Can hope spring from crisis?
Read an excerpt from “Maybe It’s You” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Often called the author of “medical hope opera,” Candace Calvert is an ER nurse who landed on the other side of the stethoscope after the equestrian accident that broke her neck and convinced her love, laughter–and faith–are the very best medicines of all.
Her popular medical drama series (Mercy Hospital, Grace Medical and Crisis Team) offer readers a chance to “scrub in” on the exciting world of emergency medicine, along with charismatic characters, pulse-pounding action, tender romance, humor, suspense–and an encouraging prescription for hope. Think “Grey’s Anatomy finds its soul”!
A native northern Californian, mother of two and proud grandmother to eight, Candace is a passionate “foodie,” equally at home with a whisk in her hand as she is penning stories. Folks who follow her on Twitter and Facebook will find photo-embellished recipes,funny insights into the writing life, snippets of upcoming work, and a chance at book giveaways. Please visit her website at: www.candacecalvert.com.
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by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Spiritural Warfare, Supernatural, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
Second book in the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series, “Fatal Accusation” takes up the story shortly after “Trial and Tribulations” ends. Attorneys Olivia Murray and Grant Baxter have barely had time to catch their breath before another attack is launched by the New Age groups. This time the stakes are even higher and the battle is fierce. Many lives are at risk and only prayer and the power of God can prevail.
Once again, I was pulled right into the story as I experienced good against evil and learned more of the enemy’s schemes. As a reader who devoured Frank Peretti’s “This Present Darkness”, I love finding another author who is bold enough to delve into the supernatural realm and spiritual warfare. Rachel Dylan has done an excellent job thus far with this series. Her characters are well-rounded and believable. I love the fact that even though their faith is strong or developing, they still have frequent moments of doubt and questions. Situations are realistic and I like getting glimpses of what is really going on in the spiritual realm.
I highly recommend both books of the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. You could read “Fatal Accusation” alone but would gain so much more insight if you read “Trial and Tribulations” first. I can’t wait for the next installment!
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book that was provided by the author. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Attorney Olivia Murray hopes her life will get back to normal after a hard fought trial. But she soon finds out that the forces of evil have not given up their pursuit to win the hearts and minds of those in Windy Ridge.
An embezzling scandal breaks that rocks the community church to its core. The New Age groups are ready to declare victory when a high profile prosecutor files criminal charges against the local pastor. However, Olivia is not willing to give up on the community she’s come to love. She takes on the defense pro bono knowing it could destroy her career, but it’s a case that she is called to defend.
The battle will be fierce, but she’s not fighting it alone. Her friend and fellow attorney Grant Baxter is by her side. Olivia must use all the tools in her arsenal to combat those who seek to destroy the believers in the community. If Olivia can’t prove the pastor’s innocence, more than her career is on the line. The entire community of Windy Ridge could fall to the forces of darkness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including inspirational romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. She also writes the Danger in the Deep South series and the Windy Ridge Legal Thriller series. Trial & Tribulations is a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist. Rachel has practiced law for a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.
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by admin | Jan 27, 2017 | Books, Historical, New Orleans, Romance
MY REVIEW:
Unjustly branded and condemned to a French prison for murder, Julianne Chevalier decides that relocation in the early settlement of New Orleans had to be better than spending her life imprisoned. She also hoped to find her younger brother there. Forced to marry, Julianne survived the difficult ocean journey only to find that life in New Orleans was primitive and dangerous. All she had was her faith and hope. Would it be enough?
“The Mark of the King” held me captive from page one. It was both difficult and fascinating to read about life during that period of time and how truly powerless many men and women were. Once again an author’s careful research provided me with details not found in my high school history classes. It was disturbing to me how unscrupulous, power hungry men were in charge and had little to no regard for the people under their care. The way the local Indian tribes were manipulated and lied to in order to gain ground for France against the British was particularly troubling. No wonder they hated the white man!
With a well-planned plot filled with historic facts as well as abundant action, danger, mystery, suspense, and even romance to hold most reader’s attention, “The Mark of the King” was difficult for me to put down. Characters were so well defined that it was easy to identify with their trials and triumphs. More than one surprise along the way made it even better. I highly recommend this book and eagerly look forward to the next one in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that was provided by Litfuse Publicity. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sweeping historical fiction set at the edge of the continent
After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.
When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne’s brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?
With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king’s mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of ten books to date, including “Wedded to War,” a Christy Award finalist in 2013; “Widow of Gettysburg”; “Yankee in Atlanta”; and “The 5 Love Languages Military Edition,” which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa.
Find out more about Jocelyn at http://www.jocelyngreen.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of The Mark of the King from Jocelyn. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced February 7th on Jocelyn’s blog!
