Welcome to my Book Review Blog. My goal is to connect readers with the wonderful and amazing books I am blessed to reveiw. And to introduce you to the talented and wonderful authors responsible for writing these books. May my love for books show through my reviews on this site.
In the closed communities of the Amana Colonies, hidden truths are about to change everything for two young women….
East Amana, Iowa
1892
When Karlina Richter discovers that a new shepherd will be sent to her village, she fears she’ll no longer be allowed to help her father with the sheep. She’ll be relegated back to kitchen work, stuck inside all day. Her fears increase when the new shepherd shows little interest in the flock–or in divulging why he’s suddenly been sent to East. Is he keeping secrets that will impact Karlina’s family?
Dovie Cates visits the Amana Colonies to learn more about the place where her mother grew up. But when Dovie begins to ask questions about her mother’s past, no one seems willing to reveal anything, so she decides to take matters into her own hands. Will the answers she finds spell disaster for her future plans and the longings of her heart?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This book was different than any I’ve read because it is about about the Amana Colonies, and I’ve never read anything about this group of people. The information on the culture of the Amana Colonies was interesting, and I enjoyed this historical setting and reading about the way they lived in the late 1800’s. The characters were are interesting and realistic and entertaining. The calm and simple living of the Amana people was refreshing and heartwarming. I have read many of Judith Miller’s books, and have enjoyed each one I’ve read, and I look forward to more books from this author!
I received this book from the publisher Bethany House to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Judith Miller (www.judithmccoymiller.com) is an award-winning writer whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judith and her family make their home in Kansas City, Kansas.
After fleeing North Dakota and the now defunct Wild West Show, Cassie Lockwood and her companions have finally found the hidden valley in South Dakota where her father had dreamed of putting down roots. But to her dismay, she discovers a ranch already built on her land.
Cassie’s arrival surprises Mavis Engstrom and forces her to reveal secrets she’s kept hidden for years. Her son Ransom is suspicious of Cassie and questions the validity of her claim to the valley. But younger son Lucas decides from the start that he is in love with her and wants to marry her.
Will Cassie be able to build a home on the Bar E Ranch and fulfill her father’s dream of raising horses, or will she be forced to return to the itinerant life of her past?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
THE AUTHOR
Photo by: Ginger Murray Photography
Lauraine Snelling
Lauraine Snelling (www.laurainesnelling.com) is the award-winning author of more than 70 books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California.
Of the Engstrom family only Mavis, the matriarch, knew of Cassie Lockwood’s part ownership of the Bar E Ranch valley she and her sons own and cultivate. Her sons, Ransom and Lucas, aren’t handling the news well. Ransom’s resorted to bad manners and anger in his dealings with Cassie, while Lucas has decided he’s in love with the blond beauty and is set on marrying her. Cassie’s trying to find a home; having spent her whole life traveling with a Wild West show, she has never had one before. But she’s also intent on providing for her ‘family’: the two men, Indian woman, dogs, and livestock that made the trip to South Dakota with her. It’s only through Mavis’ gentle reminding to turn to God that Cassie finally accepts and trusts in Him to provide for her needs. This second book in the ‘Wild West Wind’ series is a good look at turning to God even in the most difficult situations.
Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation–and Yancey’s a town that doesn’t forget. She’s returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey’s own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.
Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey’s reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart…but doesn’t seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he’s not the same guy she left behind.
Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Endorsements
Submerged is romantic suspense that will keep you up at night!
Dee Henderson, bestselling author of Full Disclosure
An amazing story of faith, suspense, the power of forgiveness and second chances! Dani Pettrey has a gift for developing characters to fall in love with…
Lynette Eason, bestselling author of THE WOMEN OF JUSTICE series
Praised by New York Times bestselling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning…
[A] steadily paced thriller. . .Pettrey’s debut novel is a thoughtful attempt to capture both love and suspense in this intricately plotted mystery.
Publishers Weekly
Combining romance, danger, and a dose of Russian history, the novel proves a rapid and entertaining read.
Booklist
Pettrey is a new author to watch. Recommended for fans of Dee Henderson.
Library Journal
The story was easy to read, the suspense was excellent, and the plot was intricate. The suspense part of this novel was good, as was the overall message of grace and forgiveness.
Ravaged by disease, preyed upon by ruthless bandits, the Bender family’s second year in Mexico has taken a grievous turn. Faced with impossible choices, the expatriate Amish discover, more than ever before, what it means to live by faith and not by sight
But it’s Miriam who must make the hardest choice as her heart takes her on a new and dangerous course. Domingo. “He is gentle,” his sister said, “until someone he loves is threatened.” Is Miriam that someone?
“Cualnezqui,” he often calls her–the Nahuatl word for Beautiful one. The chiseled native has proven himself a man of principle, grace and power, yet is he the pearl of great price for whom Miriam would sacrifice everything, or is he merely a friend? Tormented by conflicting emotions, she’s haunted by vivid dreams: Dressed in the coarse cotton pants and shirt of a peasant, she stands on the precipice of a sun-washed ridge searching desperately for Domingo. Domingo the fierce. Domingo the protector.
Domingo the forbidden.
Inspired by Actual Events!
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Wow, Dale Cramer gives a different twist on Amish fiction in this series. In this second book of the series, more Ohio Amish join Caleb and his family at the newly Amish community in Mexico. As the Amish ways are, they all helped each other out in building houses and barns, and fields to plant food and ways of making money.
The one thing that is different for me with Amish fiction is the dangers this community of Amish people faced because of the new area they were in. They had to deal with bandits that didn’t think twice about pulling a gun on any of them. And this was especially difficult because of the Amish ways of not fighting back. Mexican friend Domingo, who had been helping Caleb since being in Mexico was a tremendous help since he knows the people of the area and their ways, but these Amish still faces difficulty, hurt, heartbreak and loss.
I highly recommend this book for Amish fiction lovers, as well as those liking Christian fiction, or just a good ole read. You will not be disappointed in this book, or this series by Dale Cramer
A copy of this book was provided by Bethany House for me to read and review. The opinions in this review are mine only, and my honest opinion.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
THE AUTHOR
Photo by: Larry McDonald
Dale Cramer
Dale Cramer is the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed novel Levi’s Will, based on the story of Dale’s father, a runaway Amishman. Dale’s latest series, THE DAUGHTERS OF CALEB BENDER, is based on an Amish colony in the mountains of Mexico…
How do you gain your sense of worth and significance? Career? Kids? Marriage? Finances? Living in a culture where your achievements define you makes you prey to attacks on your very identity. But God values you regardless of your wins and losses and provides the tools in His Word to help you win the battle and rebuild your identity on His truth as you walk with Him into your purpose.
Born achiever Micah Ruth found herself questioning her value during a career demotion and personal crisis. Feeling like a failure and questioning her every move, Micah began listening to God as He led her to make major life changes and reassess the source of her worth. Through exploring the book of Ephesians, Micah uncovered the lies that held her captive and broke the self-inflicted chains of shame to ultimately experience deep soul transformation.
Micah weaves her story as inspiration for you to embark on your own journey of freedom and discovery. Devotionals, journal questions, and practical application prompts provide opportunities for you to remove your armor of self-reliance, grow in your faith, and reflect on your story. You Are Loved & Free also includes resources to help you discover your gifts and purpose while you cling to your newfound identity as a beloved and free child of God.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
You are loves and free is a book where author Micah Ruth shares parts of her life, and her faith the God. She shares this so readers will find the Inspiration we need to live our lives in a way that pleases God. It helped my to read about the difficulties in the authors life because I could relate to her more, and I feel others who read her book will feel the same. She is not afraid to show her failures, because she can show what God has done in her life. How He changed her.
The book is in sections, then divided into chapters that help explain what is happening. There are questions at the end of each chapter. Places to write your thoughts? Write your prayers to the Lord. All of this is to help you dig deeper into God’s Word. You can use You Are Loved and Free as a Devotional or a Bible Study, however you feel it works best for you. I think this would be good for someone new in the faith. It is short, easy to read and understand. And there is plenty of scripture to read in this book too. This one get 4 stars from me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
After focusing solely on her career in the corporate world for eighteen years, Micah Ruth discovered and leaned in to her calling from Christ to share her journey and inspire others through her writing. Through her blog, Created Significant: Living Loved & Free, and first published book, she is committed to helping others see themselves as Christ sees them. Micah is a wife and mother to three kids, a lifelong Colorado resident, avid mountain biker, and a lover of the outdoors, where she does most of her writing.
More from Micah
Just after a devastating demotion, Micah Ruth sees the revelation God wants to speak to her in this season. You are not what you do, you are not what they think of you, or have said of you. You are a loved and free child of God. With this new revelation, Micah goes on a journey to break down what she had allowed to identify her and rebuilds her identity in Christ.
You are Loved and Free is a devotional journey through the Bible, focusing on the book of Ephesians which holds the Truth about who we are in Christ. Through testimonials and heartfelt stories, Micah shares her journey, inviting others to go on the journey for themselves. She also shares the Biblical wisdom and practical application to rebuild your identity in Christ God revealed to her. Both by uncovering the lies about who you are and revealing the Truth in God’s word, you can find and start walking in your identity as a loved and free child of God.
With no prospects for a better life at home in Kentucky, Harper Dixon’s mother sends her to Willow Wood, Idaho to become a companion to her cousin Ellie Lundy. Ellie was jilted by a man who everyone believes was only interested in her for her money. Harper doesn’t know how she can help Ellie without having been in love herself, and with no prospects.
Harper believes the only way to help Ellie recover from her melancholy is to find out what happened to Matthew Dunleavy, the man who broke her heart. She enlists the help of Logan Kinski, the family’s hired man who knew more about Matthew and his secrets than anyone.
Logan doesn’t trust the cousin from Kentucky. He believes Harper is here to take advantage of Ellie and worm her way into the family’s immense fortune. Harper doesn’t have time or patience to deal with a hard-headed man who keeps getting between her and the truth.
Danger and suspicions mount as Harper and Logan uncover secrets about Matthew Dunleavy and his dangerous past. Did he leave town on his own, or did someone from his past with a score to settle catch up to him?
Can Harper and Logan put their mutual distrust aside in order to protect Ellie? Will their suspicions prevent their growing attraction from blossoming into love before the search for the truth destroys them?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This is the first book I have read by Teresa Slack and I really did enjoy it very much. Harper leaves her small Kentucky community to help with her cousin in the bigger town of Willow Wood, Idaho. I can’t imagine what that would be like, leaving your family behind, knowing you will probably never see them again! I liked Harper from the start. Her determination to dig out the mystery of her cousin’s problems shows her spunky personality.
There is a lot going on here in this story. There is a bit of mystery/suspense that takes a huge twist in the end. The characters developed well throughout the story. Author Teresa Slack does a great job of weaving everything together in the end. And there was an element of faith intertwined in the lives of the characters that was nice as well. If you enjoy a good clean western type mystery, this is a good one for you! I’m giving this book 4 stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Teresa Slack loves reading, writing, and falling in love. Creating clean and wholesome western romances where fearless cowboys still sweep independent heroines off their feet was an easy choice for her.
Her first book, Streams of Mercy, won the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association Award for Best First Fiction. The Willow Wood Brides Series is her first series of western historicals, and her third series of Christian fiction novels. She also has two stand-alone contemporary romances and a contemporary suspense, Joy Redefined.
She writes from her home in the beautiful southern Ohio hills, which she shares with her husband and rescue dog and rescue cat. Any errors and typos she blames on the cat randomly running across her keyboard.
Learn more about Teresa Slack and her books by visiting her website at www.teresaslack.com Readers who sign up for her newsletter will receive a free download of A Promise for Josie: A Willow Wood Prequel.
More from Teresa Slack
When people say nothing ever happens in a small town, they’re just not paying attention. I’ve always been intrigued by the real stories behind small town scandals and gossip. That’s why I write the stories I write and create the towns I create.
A Dream for Harper is based on a short story I started about twenty years ago. I never finished it and pretty much forgot it. When I started researching the Old West for the Willow Wood Brides Series and devouring Louis L’Amour and Elmore Leonard stories as research, I remembered that unfinished short story.
I knew it would make a great addition to the series. In the story, Harper leaves the loving arms of her large family in Kentucky to travel to Willow Wood, Idaho to help a cousin she never met. She is thrust into a world completely foreign to her, but she’s determined to help Ellie overcome her crippling depression. I think most of us can relate to Harper’s story. Feeling like a fish out of water and unqualified to fix the mess we’re handed. A little mystery, a lot of romance, and some unexpected twists and turns show Harper that God hasn’t put more on her plate than she can eat. Just like us.
After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancée, Zayne Beckett is the last person Agatha Watson wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Quite pathetically bedraggled, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and sent back East to his family. Although she no longer has feelings for him, Agatha realizes, by hook or by crook, she’ll have to be the one to get the obstinate man home.
Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere and is prepared to drag his heels all the way home… until he finds himself slipping back into the familiar banter of his former friendship with Agatha. Once they arrive in New York, Zayne realizes Agatha’s determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies, and he hopes to repay her help with some help of his own. When she rebuffs all his attempts to prove himself a knight in shining armor, the lengths to which they’ll go to win this battle of wills lead to some memorable antics.
Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth–until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
THE AUTHOR
Sara Karam Photography
Jen Turano
Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and…
This laugh-out-loud historical romance shows that even well-plotted plans can have unexpected endings . . . Turano has written a believable story that flows evenly throughout.
RT Book Reviews
Full of lively banter, fun adventure, and loveable characters, A Match of Wits is a pleasure. This outstanding getaway read will remind readers why they love Turano’s books.
Christmas Carol Society – How Do You Impersonate a Christmas Ghost?
The Christmas season has arrived. The members of the newly-formed Christmas Carol Society are beginning their weekly meetings. Charlie Baker finds the first meeting odd enough, but when the assignments start, he has to wonder why he allowed himself to get roped into attending. Miss Dartmoor tells her members to impersonate the Ghost of Christmas Past for their own personal Scrooge.
Just how does a mere human accomplish such an absurd task? Charlie tries to figure it out, but begins to see the Lord might plan for the assignments to have a deeper impact on him than he expected.
An impact that Charlie isn’t sure he wants to face.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Charlie is not sure why he is at the Christmas Carol class, well except for his sister, that is. The first class is just what he thought, boring and weird. But as he kept going, the assignments began to soften his heart.
This was an interesting book in that it goes back to a Classic Christmas book. I really don’t know what I would do if I had the assignment they had. But I did enjoy reading about Charlie and how his life changed as he worked on completing this project. Even one has a scrooge in their life, and the fun assignment turned into something very special. I like that the author weaves scripture and faith in the life of her characters. Those who read this story will have a new insight watching this christmas movie. And if you enjoy this movie, you need to grab this book so you can read it a couple of times during the Christmas season. I am giving this story 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Rebekah Jones is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify her King with her books and stories. Rebekah is an old soul in a young body (she’s not 12 —honest!) While her exact age is classified, her interests are not. Among them are reading a variety of books, singing, playing, and composing music, studying all manner of subjects, nannying an adventurous group of youngsters, and, of course, writing her books, poems, articles, and short stories. She writes a wide range of books from gentle children’s adventures to family sagas to murder mysteries.
More from Rebekah Jones
Christmas Carol Society is a book very near and dear to my heart. Partly because of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, which is among my favorites, and partly due to my characters. Especially, Charlie Baker.
Charlie is very special to me. He wants to hide in his tiny corner of the world, and give up. He wants to give up on a world that has hurt him tremendously or taken people he loved. He wants to push away any possibility of repeating the past; he doesn’t want to be hurt again.
Charlie doesn’t want to join the Christmas Carol Society. He doesn’t want to find a “Scrooge.” He doesn’t want to make new friends. He doesn’t want to do any of it.
He joins because he loves his cousin. He doesn’t do it for any other reason.
His father encourages him to do it right, if he’s going to do it at all. His cousin calls him out, when his Christianity is at odds with his behavior. And Albert, his would-be friend, just doesn’t give up on him.
In a sense, Charlie is a Scrooge – and yet, he’s not. He has to find a Scrooge of his own. And through it, he finds himself doing all the things that he really doesn’t want to do at all – and it’s a good thing. Painful sometimes, but good. Scary at times, but good.
The characters that the LORD uses to teach me the most, end up being particularly special to me. Charlie is one of them. In some ways, I relate to Charlie rather a lot, and writing this story drove me to prayer often, so I would know what to do next. I frequently wasn’t sure where the story would go. But I learned along with Charlie.
I hope that my readers will love Charlie Baker as much as I do, and that his story, along with the others in this book, will in some way bless and encourage my readers for the LORD’s glory.
To celebrate her tour, Rebekah is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Christmas Carol Society, a copy of A Christmas Carol, and an ornament!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
What inspired you to write DARLING HEDGEHOG GOES DOWN A FOXHOLE? My author friend, Kathy Joy, had been visiting, and for a thank you when she went home, she gave me a card with a little stuffed hedgehog in a pink tutu. Well, I put it on my window ledge and that meant that I saw it there every time I opened my eyes in the morning. It really made me smile. One morning as I was slowly coming awake, the beginning of the story just came to me. I’d never written a children’s book, but I thought I’d like to try. Also, it is just in my nature to be a little quirky. I’ve also been known to give people out-of-the-box advice. All of these elements come to life in this story.
If you could sum the book up in one sentence, what would you say? Be careful out there! (And that is basically how I autograph the front page.)
What challenged you about writing this story? Things that I thought were written clearly, but when we talked about the images, I realized that a couple of different things I had written could be imagined in a way that I hadn’t expected. So, I had to make sure the story and images were complementary. When I imagined writing this ending, I lay in bed and rolled in laughter until the tears fell down. I knew in my heart that this story wasn’t a feel-good look-into-the-sky-and-see-rainbows kind of children’s book, but I also felt deeply that it was a valuable teaching tool. Playing a trick in the storyline made me feel naughty and I had to accept the risk that some parents wouldn’t appreciate it if I went in that direction. Still, I couldn’t help but giggle uncontrollably. My young artist was not as amused as me. She wants to be a vet and became irritated at having to draw caged animals in the fox’s pantry.
What was the illustration process like? My artist, Julia Swezy, is such a talented gal. She was in ninth grade. Julia’s mother agreed to do the layout of the book for us as she is a graphic artist. So, after her mother passed along the general proposal, I went over to Julia’s house and offered her a contract without seeing a single image. I’d been her babysitter, and I’d followed her artwork for years, so I felt confident. However, when she sent over the first image, I just fell in love with Darling Hedgehog in a very big way like I’d fallen down the foxhole myself. If I asked her to do an aerial perspective, she did it. If I asked her to make cut-outs of certain images, she did it. Nearly every single picture Julia sent to me was excellent, but she had projects and finals to finish at school, so I had to wait for the finished product. Waiting gave me time to tweak the story and clarify some things. Also, when I changed up the ending, there was a bit of a disagreement, but we made it through. Her mother actually did one of the final proofreads as we were compiling the final layout, and added the chapter headings for me.
What do you hope readers will take with them after they’ve read it? Kids seem to take to the story right away. It is a story about opposites with opposite appetites. In our world, we are encouraged to love everybody, and then, we are lectured about being naive. But let’s be honest, some people do not have our best interests at heart, so it is better to learn personal boundaries earlier than later in life. In this case, the fox is naturally looking for small rodents to eat, but the little hedgehog’s winsome ways catch the fox off guard. They do try to be friends, but folks, this is never really going to work, especially as dinner time approaches. It is the adults who tend to overthink the story and worry about it. I believe children can learn subtle things quite well, and this story is all about using your natural strengths and learning about your limitations by using your own intuition even if you don’t know the full extent why. It does have a crazy race to the end and a happy ending is found at that.
When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing? If alone, I love taking pictures as I take walks. It is especially fun to explore the State of Colorado with my husband. I also love my friends and family and I love to read. I’m involved in a book club, and when my family comes to visit, we cook, eat, and play board games for hours.
Darling Hedgehog: Goes Down a Foxhole By Auralee Arkinsly
Darling Hedgehog goes on an adventure to look for her parents who dropped out of sight. Darling Hedgehog learns about the animal nature of things in high humor and carefree, cute, and winning episodes. Learn about opposites, homophones, and similes as two animals in nature roll into fantasy land. For children 4-8 or preschool and kindergarten, as a read-to-me picture book, and first grade and second grade as a chapter book. Darling and Miss Fox come to life as Darling introduces herself to the strange animal who is Miss Fox. Miss Fox gives her gifts so that Darling is distracted from her mission. The two animals look for things to do together in fantastical attempts to be friendly. When Darling enters Miss Fox’s kitchen, she realizes that by nature, not all strangers are good for you. Will Darling save the day when it’s already dinner time? Pictures similar to Charlotte’s Web and the Mercy Watson series are characterized and painted in full-color, though the pages are set up like a chapter book. This book helps to train children in natural wisdom, analysis, and discernment. It helps to balance the teachings of acceptance of everyone and friendliness to all. There may be good purposes for everyone to exist under heaven, yet all purposes may not be good for a child. So, beware, and flee from crafty foxes especially when they are holding your parents in the pantry.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Darling Hedgehog: Goes Down a Foxhole is about Darling falling into a foxhole and meeting Miss Fox while looking for her parents. But she forgets her parents when she meets this stranger. I think the meaning if this story is to teach kids about talking to strangers, but it looses readers in the beginning by having Darling forget his parents because if a stranger. It is explained better over in the pages of the book. But there are still some things that are a bit strange. The pictures were cute, and they did fit the story. And the book cover is adorable with Darling in her tutu.
Hopefully the author can rework some of the story that readers are having problems with. It is a really cute story with great potential. I am giving this one 3 stars. ⭐⭐⭐
A special thanks to the author/publisher and Prism Book Tours for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Auralee Arkinsly writes in good humor about serious subjects because kids of all ages can learn a lot from laughing. Since opposites exist, she believes children can learn to identify the nature of things and get out of a risky situation. “Good Laughter sparks the mind.” She reckons if she can save some from the bumps and bruises, then she has done a good day’s work.
One winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card Open internationally to those who can receive the gift card through one of Amazon’s branches Ends September 2, 2020
Book Title: Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure by Doreen M. Cumberford Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18 +), 288 pages Genre: Memoir Publisher: White Heather Press Release date: April, 2020 Format available for review: print, mobi (for Kindle), Gifted Kindle, PDF Will send print books out: Internationally Tour dates: August 24 to September 4, 2020 Content Rating: G. There are no offensive scenes or language.
I highly recommend reading the really wonderful Guest Post and Interview with Doreen Cumberford. Especially if you want to know more about this book!
Book Description: Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure is what Doreen Cumberford, a Scottish author, calls her learnoire! It is a combination of her story and the stories of other expats learned while living in Saudi Arabia for 15 years as expat employees or spouses. The book takes the reader through the four stages of culture shock: arrival, honeymoon, frustration and adjustment stages to final acceptance followed by the return journey back to their home country – mostly the USA. From Saudi weddings, to falconry, to the inability of women to drive at that time, the book seeks to familiarize us with the Saudi culture, lifestyle, and deep traditions of hospitality, generosity and tolerance from an insider’s perspective. There are also chapters on the experiences of 9/11 in the terrorists’ home country and the “Terror Years” of internal terror tactics from inside Saudi Arabia designed to drive the expats out of the country and destroy the Saudi government. Full of examples, stories and compelling honesty the author describes their most challenging journey and many of the lessons learned in the process together. Designed to provide useful insights and inspiration to anyone considering living abroad, Life in the Camel Lane shines the light on the subject of building a new identity and home while abroad, and the difficulties of the journey home.
GUEST POST FROM DOREEN CUMBERFORD
Empty Nesting – Phooey!
In Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure, I described some of the feelings of loss and grief that I experienced when I returned from the US having placed my fifteen year-old daughter in boarding school.
One of the most courageous things I have ever done was send my only child to boarding school on the other side of the world.
Now this boarding school had been examined under the microscope, compared to about thirty others and we had visited schools in four countries before supporting Lynsey in making her choice – and it was clearly her choice.
Even though we had gone to these lengths to know that she was in the best possible place, the sensation of loss some days was staggering. I carried it around inside my DNA the very cells of my body cried out for my only child.
Today I have friends who are becoming empty nesters as their children have been dropped off at boarding schools or colleges around the country during this very unsettling time. The protocols and procedures are striking with Covid-19 tests, isolation in tiny groups, social distancing rearing it’s head in the form of chairs placed six feet apart on a football field for opening ceremonies.
Yes, it’s a very different time. But the thing about empty nesters is that these nests are far from empty. My friends will be returning to homes that are feel large and are missing the sounds and laughter of their kids today. But when we are empty nesters we are still living in the same nest. I think it’s a time to think contrarian, to do the opposite of what’s expected of us, to rebel a bit if that’s your thing.
I remember it seemed to take me weeks to turn the page, but time turns the page slowly for us, on our behalf. But when I did turn that page, I discovered all sorts of new activities and became busier than ever. I tackled the house first. I maintained two small part-time commitments to bring structure to my life. I was a bus monitor, basically there to provide security to the kids on the bus and also I was the school photographer and yearbook editor.
My water aerobics, tai chi and spinning were all plugged into this structure.
A few ideas for stabilizing yourself in your nest:
Make future plans for future reunions with the kids;
Take up a hobby that consumes your time and energy – something that expresses your longings and uses your talent – writing, painting, dancing, yoga!!
Reach out, build connections, develop a social life – even if it’s online. Build courses, take Zoom trainings – whatever it takes – even in the age of Covid it can still be done.
Finally putting your focus on yourself, make YOU count, reconfigure and rebuild your nest around you and your preferences. Yes, you are capable of processing these feelings while taking action. May your nest become a sanctuary for you and a welcome rest-stop for your kids.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
In Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure, Doreen Cumberford tell about her family living in Saudia Arabia for fifteen years. As I read this book, and even though there were so many struggles, I was still in awe of how they adapted so well with this culture. It is interesting how she describes the women of this culture and how she found unique ways to interact with them, especially since the freedom of woman is far from what it is in the US. I can’t even imagine how different it was to be in this situation, the culture shock from living in the US and starting a life in a country such as Saudia Arabia. But yet for me I think it would be fun to live among these people, learning their way of life, and meeting these ladies that will teach so much about their culture. But since I can’t so that, I loved reading about it in this special book. And I am so grateful to this author for writing this book. Her vivid descriptions of Saudia Arabia and it’s people are so well crafted, it made me feel like I was there, living the life with them. This is a book I plan to keep for a good while, just to pick up and read through some of the parts that are special to me.
And oh, I can’t forget about awesome cover. I love the camel, the sand, the sunset, it is all so beautiful. Camels always fascinate me, and I love this cute little fellow on the cover. If you want to read a book that’s a bit different, for me anyway, and gives you perfect insight into another part of our world, I recommend this book for you! You can read it all at once, or just a little at a time. But most of all you will enjoy your trip to Saudia Arabia!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
.INTERVIEW WITH DOREEN CUMBERFORD
What is your next project?
My next project is “Home Again, Home Again, Jiggedy Jig….A Guidebook to
Returning Home Well After Living Overseas”
For people who have never moved overseas and then returned home, this book might seem redundant. After all what is there to be done other than packing, putting your body on an airplane and disembarking at the destination – right? – sorry wrong answer!
In this case reality is so far from the truth that we might as well start by speaking another planetary language. The subject of Repatriation is wide and deep. A variety of people are affected by international moves, including, but not limited to, the military, State Department employees, Non-Government Organizations, Charities, Corporations, Peace Corps, Global Nomads and location-independent populations.
Home Again, Home Again will be a combination of stories of people who have moved home and suffered through the challenges of Re-entry, and is designed to give people a coping system by which to manage the process and recreate a new adventure back home.
This book will contain exercises, questions and processes by which Returnees can process
their overseas experience and ultimately build happier transitions. The longing to reverse course and move back overseas to what had become familiar and natural is common.
My purpose in creating this work is to document my stories and the stories of others who have walked this path and unveiled the hidden gems along the way. It’s also my heart’s strongest desire to support this community during these transitions with love and grace.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia forbids the sale and use of alcoholic beverages. How did you get along without it?
We did not do without. We just adapted, like all good expats do. This short article explains how we coped with the alcohol prohibition. As a preface to this story, you must be aware that corporations employing western expats have dispensations from the government allowing them the freedom to make alcoholic beverages, but not to sell or transport it, even within the western compounds.
Memories of the Blue Flame
Back in the 1970’s some creative soul, a chemical engineer probably, wrote a document that was to become part of the holy grail of Aramco history. The Blue Flame has become legendary in many circles. Because Saudi Arabia has very strict laws regarding the production, drinking and possession of alcohol, the Blue Flame is an instructive manual on how to produce booze effectively at home.
Most of our homes had garages with an extra space, like a storeroom, except it was built with cinder blocks and was reinforced with a drain in the floor. Air conditioning and water hook ups were piped into this room.
The natural ingredients for booze, or siddiqi (meaning friend in Arabic) were easily available at all grocery stores and even at the Commissary on the compound. Many people had their own stills and a built-in sales business.
While we didn’t own a still, we were able to buy the raw siddiqi. We also purchased and imported flavored wood chips which we would toast in the oven then soak in the raw liquor for weeks or months, or until at least the next party or occasion. This created a kind of flavor liquor similar to American whiskey. Many of these beverages were delicious and to this day many Aramcons prefer their “brown” to commercially made liquor back home.
In our household we tried our hand at winemaking. This was in my opinion a grand failure. About one out of every three bottles was reasonably drinkable, our reds were barley palatable, it was always a delightfully serendipitous moment when we managed to achieve a good wine.
Champagne, now that’s another story. My husband applied himself more to brewing champagne than any other beverage and he was reasonably accomplished with it. The recipe was simple, basically sugar, yeast, grape juice and water. Each bottle was encased in a plastic grocery store bag in case of an explosion.
Yes, explosions were frequent. The bottling factory was under the sink in our daughter’s bathroom, we occasionally heard pow – pow in the middle of the night. We all learned to quickly go back to sleep.
There are layers of folklore, expat culture and history involved in the manufacturing and consumption of alcohol within the Kingdom. Over time the original people who wrote the Blue Flame have assumed almost mythical proportions, the recipes, methods and advice has been handed down across the Aramco generations.
We frequently had fund raisers for one of the “morale groups,” another name for faith or religious groups who gathered on campus – another occupation which was banned out in the communities but tolerated and indeed facilitated by Aramco. Someone had offered up a huge glass paperweight in the form of a blue flame, along with an original copy of the Blue Flame booklet. It was approximately seven inches tall on a five inch wide base. I was flabbergasted that it was auctioned off for the princely sum of five thousand dollars….here was someone who really put a great deal of stock in company traditions.
The closest I ever got to using the Blue Flame was copying a few recipes from probably twenty something year old copies; I might even have them somewhere in my memorabilia. I tried a few liqueurs which were relatively tasty. Homemade amaretto was made with almond essence, kalua used melted mars bars with coffee, Baileys was made by melting chocolate bars and adding condensed milk, vanilla and chocolate.
Many of us look back fondly on these deprivations and laugh about the amount of time and energy we spent circumventing the rules and the joy of rebelliousness. Without those hardships the entire lifestyle might have been dull, with them it was anything but!
Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps overcome it?
Oh yes baby! I have three remedies for writer’s block.
I am a huge believer in movement, both physically and emotionally. One of the best ways for me to jump-start my thinking and there my writing is to physically go somewhere. I can be bicycling, walking, hiking, paddle-boarding or playing pickleball and I think much more clearly during and after the activity.
I am obviously a big believer in travel. Be it by ship, airplane, car or my personal favorite – train.
Growing up in Scotland I started traveling by train as a little girl. My Mum would take me on a real steam engine (1960’s) to see my grandma every Monday down in Dumbarton. I remember the pulsing pure excitement as I held her hand and walked down the Queen Street Station in Glasgow. The great iron horse of a train would be belching, blasting and erupting steam. I would be terrified, until we boarded the train and set off.
A change of environment, an external stimulant or a piece of music, all of these can work to jog our memories and our brains which helps with writing.
On a Friday morning I am to be found in a speed writing group with women from all over Europe. I love this group. The different voices, vocabulary and turns of phrase really help me get in touch with the English language on a differing frequency. Keeping our vocabulary tuned up and growing really helps us as writers to capture the ideas and concepts we would love to convey.
Finally, running water. Sitting by a river, lake or stream – in fact any body of water, instantly helps me get into a better gear in life. I do believe in the concept of flow. Here’s a recipe, if you are at home, feeling jaded just run some water over some misshapen objects in the sink. Next, close your eyes and let your mind drift….I bet something will happen, if nothing else you will get to laugh at yourself and laughter is also a terrific energy booster.
Here’s to your success in overcoming writer’s or any other block you might have.
If you could ask one successful author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?
One of my dreams is to sit down and have an afternoon tea party with J. K. Rowling.
Growing up in Scotland I can clearly see the threads of culture, language and imagination that tied together J. K. Rowling’s books. I have ridden real steam engine trains, spent time in Victorian railway stations, and so many time walked the streets of Edinburgh as she did. But I have never sat down with a very famous live author to have a conversation, and I believe that Rowling and I would have much to chat about.
I have drunk tea in The Elephant House in Edinburgh, now famous because Rowling wrote there frequently. The café itself is a bit nondescript from the outside, but inside it’s like being on a scavenger hunt for Rowling and her thought process.
Like thousands of cafes in Scotland, The Elephant House serves the usual fare of sturdy breakfasts, amazing cakes and several authors like Alexander McCall Smith all found solace in this place. I am a big believer in how place affects writing and, naturally, like the thousands of other authors who have sat in that atmosphere, I wondered if I could possibly channel such brilliance.
Edinburgh can be a “dreich”, meaning dull or dreadfully gloomy and usually associated with rain tipping down. I imagine that Rowling sat there for many a day tenaciously writing, building images, concepts and even yes, magic into her books for hours.
I would ask her how she held onto her vision for all those years. She shopped her book around to twelve publishers and suffered dissuasion, discouragement and I am betting some distraction along the way. Yet, she is the very epitome of a real author who held onto her dream, lived fully into her vision and ultimately triumphed.
Any hobbies? or Name a quirky thing you like to do.
The Joys of Pet and Housesitting
My husband and I love to pet and housesit! My husband retired in 2015 and shortly afterwards we decided to take a few trips. At the time we had a dog and we explored and found housesitters, which led to us asking the question “could we do this” and “where would we love to go”? Voila, a new revived passion for travel combined with a mission to serve became our next perfect adventure.
Four years later we have traveled to ten countries to pet and housesit for people for more than 500 days. We have thoroughly enjoyed meeting individuals we would never normally come across in our daily lives. The fabulous pets we have encountered have brought us so much joy not to mention health and entertainment.
Last year, 2019, we spent six weeks in Mexico, then one month in Hawaii. When we arrived back home we started to pare down our belongings and after a crazy six week purge, we rented our home and off we went for a five month trip to Europe.
We spent over a month in Spain, Belgium, France and almost two months back to my home in Scotland and England. In total we completed six long housesits in these countries taking care of dogs, cats, fish, gardens and one Fred, a robotic lawn mower.
After returning home, with our house still rented, we took off for San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where we housesat for three months before Covid set in.
Misplaced on the Mexican side of the border, while it closed, and airlines stopped flying left us with no alternative but to be patient. We rented a house and a car and enjoyed an unexpected four extra months in Mexico for a total of seven months.
Housesitting has the potential to take us around the globe in the future, however for the moment we are parked safely at home in Denver, Colorado for the next four or five months due to Covid-19 restrictions, quarantine and no-fly policies, and then back to places unknown.
The pet sitting homes have varied from 15th Century manors in the south of England, to straw-bale houses in Durango, Colorado and everything in between. We have cared for a wide variety of historical properties in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and across the south of England.
Last year alone we took care of a historical bungalow in Mexico, a modern condominium in Hawaii, an Edwardian maisonette in London and Victorian, Georgian and Edwardian homes across the UK. We enjoy the variety and the stimulation that this lifestyle provides.
Stay tuned for the next book which will be a documentation of our adventures of Life in the Housesitting Lane!
How does the writing process work for you? Do you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ?
I meet with a group of other writers twice a week, at 6:00 a.m. in the morning on Mondays and Thursdays. Believe me, it’s sometimes a chore and I have been known to skip on cold Colorado winter mornings, but generally for the last five years you will find me on a Zoom call with fellow authors twice a week.
Currently, my most favorite writing time is on a Friday morning with I meet with my speed writing group. This group is a very disparate group of women. We are differing nationalities: one gal is Singaporean but lives in DC, one gal is English and lives in the Netherlands, one gal lives on the Isle of Man, another gal is French living in Germany and I am Scottish living in Colorado.
We choose really simple prompts, write for ten minutes then listen and offer praise. The turn of phrase, together with the wild and visceral writing complete with a vocabulary that could fill several dictionaries emerges through these women’s voices. I hear language and content in an
environment that I could never recreate here in Colorado.
This is my most favorite and fun writing every single week.
As an author – what do you enjoy most about writing process? What feels like a chore?
I enjoy the moments of inspiration. When that idea lands and seems to explode with energy and delight – that’s my favorite moment in the writing process. I do also enjoy the excuse to sit by a stream, a river, a lake – or pretty much any body of water, with a purpose. Flowing water helps my words flow onto a page.
My least favorite is the tedious part of editing, then re-editing and the process of moving large pieces of text around. I find that I lose my place when moving pieces of text and large swaths of writing and I need the help of a terrific editor to partner with me on those tasks.
Doreen Cumberford is a Scottish expat author who has been global traveler for more than four decades. In her 20s Doreen left her home in Scotland and drove down to London to become a member of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Her first posting was as the youngest and most junior British Embassy staffer in Cameroon, West Africa. Later she moved back to London and took a position with an American oil-field construction company based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. After moving to America, living in Louisiana then California, two extremely different cultures in the USofA, Doreen and family moved overseas to Japan then spent the following 15 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With 13 major moves under her belt, she understands the value of moving, building a new life and handling inter-cultural hurdles. One constant has been her ability to explore through the lens of adventure. Her stories are full of multi-cultural intelligence, messy multilingual communications and multi-global perspectives. Doreen is currently based on Denver, Colorado although spends most of the year living adventurously in the Housesitting Lane, which takes her around the globe. Currently she is doing her best to install Spanish in her brain which previously had French and smatterings of Japanese and Arabic. She is passionate about cultural intelligence, global heartedness and life on the road. Featured in the Anthology: Empowering Women, and a co-author in 2018 of Arriving Well: Stories About Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering Home After Living Abroad. 2020 sees the publication of Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure. Honest, compassionate, full of wisdom and inspiration, Life in the Camel Lane comprises stories mostly from women and men who lived in Saudi Arabia from 1950s onward. This memoir contains expert advice sage wisdom and stories that all globally mobile families can use to navigate their international journey. The principles in this book will also encourage anyone who is embracing a more adventurous life, or considering taking the leap to move overseas.
With love and loss tangled together, how was she to know where her life would lead? Allie Kirkland has always heard the call of her father’s unfinished destiny. When she’s offered a production assistant’s job on a docudrama filming in the hills near Moses Lake, Texas, the dream of following in her director-father’s footsteps suddenly seems within reach. The reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step into the film industry. A summer on set in the wilderness is a small price to pay for a dream.
But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delavan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the region’s folk songs. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.
When filming begins, strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, and everyone in Wildwood–including Blake Fulton, Allie’s handsome neighbor on the film set–seems to be hiding secrets. Allie doesn’t know whom she can trust. If she can’t find the answers in time, history may repeat itself…with the most unthinkable results.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I have read a number of Lisa Wingate’s books and I have enjoyed then a lot. And this one is just as enjoyable. It is a little different in that even though the stories take place in the same setting, it is about Allie who is current and Bonnie who lives back in the 1800s. This was fun to read about, with the stories parallel to each other, yet much the same. The historical part was interesting because we get to see the historical Moses Lake. The story was also about many secrets that have been a part of this town. How will the people react? What will happen to the town when the secrets surface. This is the reason you need to read this book. You will enjoy each unique character and journey with them as they develop throughout the story. If you love a sweet little quaint town story, this one is for you.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
THE AUTHOR
Lisa Wingate
Lisa Wingate (www.lisawingate.com) is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty novels. Her work has won or been nominated for many awards, including the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, the Utah Library Award, the Carol…
Book: Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women
Author: Shirley Crowder & Harriet Michael
Genre: Devotional
Release Date: April 29, 2020
Creator God made the world in which we live. He placed the moon and stars in the sky, the rivers and ocean on the earth. He also created seasons throughout the year. Each season is defined by specific features/attributes that are common although the degree varies depending on where a person lives. In winter we think of cold weather; in spring, blooming flowers; in summer, warm weather; and in the fall, beautifully colored leaves.
As Christ-followers we also experience spiritual seasons. These seasons do not come in order like seasons in nature, which come regularly without fail. Each spiritual season we experience is defined by certain features also. In spiritual winter we think of the coldness of our relationship with God; in spring, new
This devotional is focused on summer—both calendar and spiritual. Our spiritual summer is a time of growth, hard work, and relaxation as we nurture and care for the new things that were planted in our spiritual spring and allow them to ripen or mature.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I always enjoy reviewing different Devotionals. There is so much in each of them, and Glimpses of God is no different. There are no many good tips, little glimpses of truth I may not have noticed before. Each of the 60+ devotions and pretty short, easy to read and each has something that will help you through your day. This one is different in that it has devotions just for the summer. The devotions hit on things that happen during the summer. The book starts with Memorial Day and goes on past the famous Dog Days of Summer. Grab a copy of this book and read devotions about the Good Old Days of Summer, including Vacation Bible School July 4th and everything in between. I sure hope you enjoy these devotions and will keep them for a summer read for many years.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Shirley Crowder was born in a mission guest house under the shade of a mango tree in Nigeria, West Africa, where her parents served as missionaries. She and co-author Harriet E. Michael grew up together on the mission field and have been life-long friends. Shirley is passionate about disciple-making, which is manifested in and through a myriad of ministry opportunities: biblical counseling, teaching Bible studies, writing, and music.
She is a biblical counselor and is commissioned by and serves on the national Advisory Team for The Addiction Connection. She is an award-winning writer who has had several of her articles appear in “Paper Pulpit” inthe Faith section of The Gadsden Times, and in a David C. Cook publication. She also writes articles for Life Bible Study, Woman’s Missionary Union, The Addiction Connection and Inspired Prompt. She has authored, co-authored, or contributed to eight books.
Shirley has spiritual children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren serving the Lord in various ministry and secular positions throughout the world.
Harriet E. Michael was born in Joinkrama, Nigeria, deep in the African jungle in the Niger River delta, where her father served as the only missionary doctor at that station. A few years later, the mission moved the family to a larger hospital in Ogbomoso. Co-author Shirley Crowder and her family lived right across the dirt road. The two children became constant playmates. Today they continue to enjoy their lifelong friendship.
Harriet is a multi-published, award-winning writer and speaker. She has authored or co-authored seven books (six nonfiction and one novel) with several more under contract for future release. She is also a prolific freelance writer, having penned over 200 articles, devotions, and stories. Her work has appeared in publications by Focus on the Family, David C. Cook, Lifeway, Standard Publishing, Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Upper Room, Judson Press, Bethany House, and more. When not writing, she loves speaking to women’s groups and teaching workshops on freelance writing.
She and her husband of more than 40 years have four children and two grandchildren. When not writing, she enjoys substituting at a Christian school near her home, gardening, cooking, and traveling.
More from Shirley
In the same way that nature’s seasons serve a purpose on earth, so do the seasons in our spiritual lives. God provides, cares for, and sustains the earth, and in His faithfulness, He does the same for us. Our responsibility is to be obedient to God’s commands in the Bible and to cling to the truth that God is in control.
Our “Glimpses of God” series consist of:
Glimpses of God: a winter devotional for women
Glimpses of God: a summer devotional for women
Glimpses of God: a spring devotional for women (due out in early 2021)
Glimpses of God: an autumn devotional for women (due out in late summer 2021)
We pray that as readers meditate upon the Bible passages and truths in each devotional, they will catch glimpses of God in and through everything around them.
How has He provided for you? How is He protecting you? How is He teaching you?
To celebrate their tour, Shirley and Harriet are giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of Glimpses of God: A Summer Devotional for Women and 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.
Silver Moon(By the Light of the Moon #3)By Jenny Knipfer Christian Historical Fiction Paperback & ebook, 411 Pages June 30, 2020
A tale of courage and hope in the darkest of times…
Silver Moon, the third book in the series: By the Light of the Moon, paints a stunning and poignant picture of life on the home front in Webaashi Bay, Ontario, and of three men who are a part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI.
Shamed into joining the war, the tide turns for Luis Wilson when he is steered into the depths of espionage. Injured and presumed missing, will he lose his heart to the very woman who presented him with a white feather?
Oshki and Jimmy offer a grim perspective on life in the trenches. They despair of ever returning home to the women who hold their hearts.
Meanwhile, Lily fights for the cause in her own way and rallies the female troops at home as prejudices run high and the local cafe owner is accused of being a spy.
Will the women of Webaashi Bay receive their men back unscathed? Can the power of love win out over insurmountable odds? All this drama and more plays out under the light of a silver moon.
Fans of WWI historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, and literary fiction will find Silver Moon a moving, powerful read!
Praise for the Book
Taking an original angle on a tumultuous time in history, Silver Moon by Jenny Knipfer is a sparkling slice of historical fiction. Ambitiously detailing a diverse collection of characters, this World War I story bounces across space and time, delicately filled with vivid descriptions, nuanced moral dilemmas, and authentic relationships…” —Self-publishing Review
“Silver Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of historical wartime fiction, powerful emotive drama, and excellent atmospheric writing.” —Readers’ Favorite
“I am stunned by the amount of detail the author gave in this single story. On one hand, we have powerful characters… and on the other, we have a plot that demands all our attention. Jenny Knipfer pulls no punches and holds nothing back.” —Readers’ Favorite
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Silver Moon is the third book in By the Light of the Moon series by Jenny Knipfer. Being set in WWI, the story is a bit heart wrenching at times because the men are off at war while the women and family staying behind find themselves struggling at to survive as they await news from those at war.
I enjoyed a visit with the characters from the first two books, as well as the new characters we are introduced to. There are lot of characters and a lot going on in this story and it was hard when I had to put this book down because I wanted to keep reading! I enjoyed the way this author weaves together everything in this story, the characters, history, plot, and gives an ending that we were waiting for. I also enjoyed how faith had a vital part in this story. Patients and forgiveness is sure a big part of this story.
Though this is part of a series, it can be read oo as a standalone. But reading the books together gives you a better outlook on the series, as well as helps with all of the characters in this book, Silver Moon. There are lots of characters, but each has their own unique part in the story and they all play their parts so well. This is a very well written book. Jenny Knipfer is a new author for me, one I will definitely keep contact with. And I can’t wait for the fourth book in this series, Harvest Moon! If you enjoy historical stories, war stories or both, you are covered here. Ms. Knipfer does her research well and it shows on every page of this book. And I have to say, throughout reading this book, I kept singing By the Ligjt of the Silvery Moon! The song is still in my head!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Jenny lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling.
Jenny’s education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions. She spent many years as a librarian in a local public library but recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability.
She authored and performed a self-published musical CD entitled, Scrapbook of a Closet Poet.
Jenny’s books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon earned five-star reviews from Reader’s Favorite, a book review and award contest company. Their praise: “Ruby Moon is entertaining, fast-paced, and features characters that are real. Blue Moon continues a well-written and highly engaging saga of family ties, betrayals, and heartaches… Silver Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of historical wartime fiction, powerful emotive drama, and excellent atmospheric writing.”
She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Historical Novel Society, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association.
Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set. She has self-published the first three books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon, in her four-part series. One more novel to complete the series is planned for 2020. She is currently writing a new historical fiction series called, Sheltering Trees.
One winner will receive ebooks of all three books in the By the Light of the Moon series by Jenny Knipfer (Ruby Moon, Blue Moon and Silver Moon) and a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally to those who can use one of Amazon’s branches Ends September 9, 2020
Moms are eager for tips and wisdom to help them build strong relationships with their daughters, and Kari Kampakis’s Love Her Well gives them ten practical ways to do so, not by changing their daughters but by changing their own thoughts, actions, and mind-set.
For many women, having a baby girl is a dream come true. Yet as girls grow up, the narrative of innocence and joy changes to gloom and doom as moms are told, “Just wait until she’s a teenager!” and handed a disheartening script that treats a teenage girl’s final years at home as solely a season to survive.
Author and blogger Kari Kampakis suggests it’s time to change the narrative and mind-set that lead moms to parent teen girls with a spirit of defeat, not strength. By improving the foundation, habits, and dynamics of the relationship, mothers can connect with their teen daughters and earn a voice in their lives that allows moms to offer guidance, love, wisdom, and emotional support.
As a mom of four daughters (three of whom are teenagers), Kari has learned the hard way that as girls grow up, mothers must grow up too. In Love Her Well, Kari shares ten ways that moms can better connect with their daughters in a challenging season, including:
choosing their words and timing carefully,
listening and empathizing with her teen’s world,
seeing the good and loving her for who she is,
taking care of themselves and having a support system, and more.
This book isn’t a guide to help mothers “fix” their daughters or make them behave. Rather, it’s about a mom’s journey, doing the heart work and legwork necessary to love a teenager while still being a strong, steady parent. Kari explores how every relationship consists of two imperfect sinners, and teenagers gain more respect for their parents when they admit (and learn from) their mistakes, apologize, listen, give grace, and try to understand their teens’ point of view. Yes, teenagers need rules and consequences, but without a connected relationship, parents may never gain a significant voice in their lives or be a safe place they long to return to.
By admitting her personal failures and prideful mistakes that have hurt her relationships with her teenage daughters, Kari gives mothers hope and reminds them all things are possible through God. By leaning on him, mothers gain the wisdom, guidance, protection, and clarity they need to grow strong relationships with their daughters at every age, especially during the critical teen years.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Love Her Well by Kari Kampakis is a wonderful book that helps moms through the difficult teen years of their daughter’s life. This book has 10 chapters. 10 ways to find joy and connection with your teenage daughter. In each of these chapters you will find other list, like: 1.In chapter 2) Fourteen Realities Impacting Todays Teen Girls 2. In chapter 4) Twenty Ways To Grow A Relationship With Your Teen Daughter 3. In chapter 7) Fifteen Ways To Be Your Daughter’s Emotional Coach
And there are more, this should be enough to get a feel of what this book teaches. There are Reflection Questions to help remember and discuss things you have read. There is no way I can lost every topic in this book. This author though of everything. A few things that I highlighted are social media, self confidence, emotional self control, letting your daughter have feelings, knowing your daughters interests and passions, and so so many more.
If you have a teenage daughter in your life, or any age daughter really, this book can help you in so many ways. I wish there had been a book like this for boys when my son was growing up. I believe this book can help both daughter and mom adjust to the new life. And I will throw this in, I think dads that are raising their daughter can benefit from this as much as a mom can. All in all, I love this book. As I read it, there was a peace knowing that you can find the help you need with your child at this age. I just may keep the peace at times there could be real problems. Keep this book as a reference to go to as much as needed.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kari Kubiszyn Kampakis is an author, blogger, and national speaker from Birmingham, Alabama. Her books for teen girls, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know and Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For?, have been used widely across the country by teen youth groups and church groups to empower girls through faith.
Kari’s work has been featured on the TODAY Show, TODAY Parents,Yahoo! News, EWTN, Proverbs 31, Ann Voskamp’s blog, The Huffington Post, and other national outlets. She and her husband, Harry, have four daughters and a dog named Lola. Learn more by visiting http://www.kari kampakis.com or finding Kari on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
There is a giveaway that you can enter to win a copy of this book at the link below.
They know the power and peril of the ocean.But as they get closer to the deadly truth…An even greater danger lurks just beneath the surface.
When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.
Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.
Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Author Dani Pettrey has written another top notch suspense thriller that will have you on the edge of your seats biting your nails! I love, loved every page of this book. The more I read, the better it got and the more I didn’t want it to end.
I was so glad to see Mason come on board, and even happier to hear he and Rissi had a past. I fell in love with Mason, and Rissi was a favorite from book one! The Crushing Depths has a little bit of it all. The heart wrenching suspense, enough thrills to last me until the next book, drama, romance though subtle it may be, murder, all kinds of tension running everywhere, and of course the bad guys. I did not have this one figured out. When I thought I knew the bad guy, another twist, another surprise and I was at square one again. One thing for sure, this is an author that keeps you guessing. And I love that about Dani’s writing. I also love and appreciate the Christian life that Ms. Pettrey writes into the lives of her characters, and she does it in a way that is so natural. If you enjoy a really good clean suspense, this us a must for you. This book deserves way more than the five stars I give it. This is when the star system needs to be different. I think you get my message. I love love love this book!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today). She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com
More from Dani
Enjoy this special recipe for a Lavender and Honey Latte that makes a special appearance in my book!
LAST CHANCE BEACH is the island paradise where Dreams go to live again, and Wishes may come true. It’s Summer’s End on the island, and the cottages, condos, hotels, and bungalows are filled to capacity.
There’s plenty of time left to find summer fun and summer love, new romances and second chances, hot alpha males and heartwarming heroes, love at first sight and romantic delight, enemies to lovers and opposites attract.
Throw a log on the beach bonfire tonight and celebrate LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer’s End, a special romance collection of 14 all-new short stories from bestselling and award-winning authors. These summer stories—created especially for this collection—will thrill the hopeful romantic in you. Some are sweet: some are sizzling! Some are humorous; some are serious. All the stories will make you sigh!
The authors and the stories in Last Chance Beach:
Hot August Night by Joan Reeves, NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
When they met, it was hate at first sight. Now they’re stuck in the same overbooked beach cottage and horrified to discover they have the hots for each other!
Something New by Liz Flaherty, USA Today Bestselling Author
Their lives are planned out…until they’re not! Are they in love or just stuck in a habit?
I Do…Again by Nancy Fraser, Top 100 Bestselling Author
At a high school reunion; old flames meet again. Can they re-ignite what they once had and take a last chance on love?
The Man in Gull Cottage by Caroline Clemmons, Top 100 Bestselling Author
She faces a hard decision; he encourages her to choose with her heart. Will the solution drive them apart or into one another’s arms?
That One Summer by Maddie James, Top 100 Bestselling Author
It’s the typical annual week on the beach with the girls—until her summer fling from 20 years back shows up. He’s the one who got away. She’s the one who couldn’t commit.
Romancing the Spouse by Jan Scarbrough, National Bestselling Author
The kids are grown; her husband has an important career, and she wonders if she still loves him, and if he loves her. Can she turn back the clock to save her marriage?
Blue Sky Summer by Kathleen Lawless, National Bestselling Author
Of all the beaches on the coast, who shows up on her beach? Him! A former competitive surfer runs into her former love, and revisits all the reasons things didn’t work out for them before.
Hangover Husband by Bonnie Edwards, National Bestselling Author
She wants divorce—he doesn’t. What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas!
One More Shot by Marcia King-Gamble, National Bestselling Author
She’s hiding from the paparazzi. He’s the guy next door, an amateur photographer. Will he accept tabloid money for pictures of her? Or will he choose love over jumpstarting his career?
Secondhand Hearts by Kathryn Hills, Award Winning Author
Kat must convince her Gran to move to the mainland, but Gran—and hunky neighbor Ben—want Kat to take over the B&B and antique shop. What will it take for Kat to stay? Some of Gran’s special island magic?
Paradise Perfume by Connie Vines, Award Winning Author
She returns to Last Chance Beach to begin a new life. He’s a single dad on vacation with his pre-teen daughter. He’s worried his daughter may become too attached to her, but maybe he’s the one whose heart is at risk.
It has been a staycation of sorts, in this summer of sheltering in place and worrying everywhere and regretting—bitterly sometimes—the inability to go on a real vacation. Since the 14 of us are writers, how else would we spend a staycation than writing stories? And what better place to write about than Last Chance Beach: Summer’s End.
I’m here to say we had a lot of fun, these women who like and respect each other and appreciate everyone’s talents and…er…shortcomings. We hope you have fun, too, reading our stories. There’s a free add-on, too, called Cocktails on Last Chance Beach, that we had even more fun with. It’s recipes, you see, which must be tested. Sometimes more than once.
My story from Last Chance Beach is Something New, the story of Hass Applegate and Zeke Merriweather, who have their lives together all planned out. Until they’re not sure that what they’ve planned is what they want, or that being best friends is enough to build a marriage from, or that something new is necessarily the right something.
An excerpt from Something New:
Their lives are all planned out—until they’re not.
***
When she came back outside, he got up, and they took their drinks and went down to walk along the splashing shallows as if by design, although neither of them had mentioned it. She’d never answered his question, and he didn’t reach for her hand as would usually have done. He felt less certain of her and their relationship than he had since the first time she ground the gears in the truck.
“Do you remember—” he began.
“Did you ever—” she started.
They stopped, standing still with the water slapping their feet and ankles and staring at each other in the encroaching darkness.
“You’re the best friend I’ve ever had,” she said softly, raising her hands to his cheeks.
“Me, too,” he said, reaching up and taking her hands in his. Sometimes he forgot how strong she was, but her hands always reminded him. “There’s a ‘but’ there, though, isn’t there?”
She nodded. “I can’t explain it, Z.”
Zeke didn’t know how to answer, how to say he had his own “but” when it came to their relationship. Because he didn’t know how to explain it, either. There was one thing, however, that he knew. “Maybe,” he said, “we should think about putting off the wedding.”
***
About the Author
Retired from the post office, Liz Flaherty spends non-writing time sewing, quilting, and doing whatever else she wants to. She and Duane live in the old farmhouse in North Central Indiana they moved to in 1977. They’ve talked about moving, but really…40 years’ worth of stuff? It’s not happening!
It is to my undying embarrassment that as old as I am—that’s pretty old, but no, I’m not telling—I’ve never gotten over my love for presents. This means I have a really good time assembling a giveaway. In Something New, Hass’s wine of choice (like mine) is kind of a joke. Zeke says it’s not real wine, but, hey, she loves it. So I’m giving away a wine package. A couple of glasses, some charms made by my friend, author Nan Reinhardt, a dish towel for when you spill the wine opening the bottle, a Starbucks gift card (wine makes me thirsty), a copy of a backlist book, and a few other surprises. I hope you’ll enter to win, and I hope you’ll enjoy both Last Chance Beach: Summer’s End and Cocktails on Last Chance Beach, the recipe book put together by the 14 authors from Last Chance. (It’s free!)
When Richard Danforth inherits the family estate on Merriweather Island, he doesn’t have time to deal with it—especially not from halfway across the globe. He’s too busy working to become the world’s newest billionaire and avoiding the women who would detract him from his goals.
Enter Lyla Santana. Fresh out of Oxford University with a degree in antiques and a relationship that nearly killed her to leave, she’s eager for the isolation and treasure trove that is Danforth Hall. Lyla also is determined to avoid men at all costs. Forever.
It was supposed to be a match made on paper. With him halfway across the globe, they’d never have to see each other again.
So, what’s Richard doing on Merriweather just weeks after the wedding? And how will his arrival test Lyla’s faith, not to mention stretch their so-called relationship?
In a twist on billionaire romance and marriage of convenience, this “Merriweather book” kicks off a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.
The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Author Chautona Havig starts off with the first book in The Merriweather Island series with her new book, Dual Power of Convenience. And let me tell you, if all of the series is this great, it is going to be an awesome series, my friend! Ms. Havig says she isn’t a Romance writer but she nailed this one!
Lyla Santana is hired by rich man Richard Danforth to clean out a house he inherited, but boy did it turn out to be so much more! I liked Lyla from the start. And Richard has his quirks but he had to grow on me for a while. My heart goes out to Lyla because of the situation in her past that keeps her in fear. I’m glad she found a friend she could share with. This story takes on a lot, there is so much here, its full of little twists and turns that makes the story one that I couldn’t put down. I love the little Island and the beach setting for this story. The traveling book store with its coffee that smells so good. There is just not much I didn’t enjoy about this book. And I am so ready for the next book in this series! I’d you are looking for that sweet, clean beach romance for a nice summer read, look no more, this is the one you need to read!! And I hope you enjoy as much as I did!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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.
More from Chautona
Did I Really Agree to Write a Romance Series?
When my fledgling little idea for a single book transformed into a series that then transformed into a SERIES, I kind of missed the part where I agreed (and likely suggested, if truth be told), that the books should be contemporary romance.
I mean, beach reads. Romance. Duh.
There’s just one problem? I rarely write a straight-up romance. And if I do, it’s usually a short novella in a collection—often at Christmas.
Why?
Isn’t it obvious?
Despite nine kids and being married for almost thirty-two years, I am THE most unromantic woman on the planet. No habla amor. Or something like that.
So there I was, toodling down the 395 (a treacherous bit of road between my house and the publisher’s) when all of what I’d agreed to exploded in my brain. I’m still scraping brain matter off the windshield and trying to stuff it back in. I need every last one of those “little gray cells,” thank-you-very-much!
Romance. My heart sank. Boy meets girl. They like each other. They fight. They get back together. They live happily ever after.
It’s a thing, folks. A formula. And if you deviate, true romance readers get annoyed. What was I going to do? I didn’t want to write romance. Not really. I had ideas. The prequel book had been all about trying to bring a young woman back to the Lord. That’s more my speed, okay?
The wheels began churning.
The ones in my head, I mean. The tires still rolled along the ground. Fortunately, my cranial explosion hadn’t caused an accident or anything. Just in case you were curious.
I considered making each one loosely related to a fairy tale retelling. I’d have a Cinderella story, a Beauty and the Beast, a… nope. That made it that far and I just couldn’t. The minute we got to Sleeping Beauty, I’d have my readers in comas. No. Thanks.
Next came Rom-com. We’d make it funny. All the stuff that happens in beach romances gone wrong. Why not? We live once!
I was yawning before the thought finished forming.
Right about then, I think, is when I wondered what kind of tropes I needed to consider.
See, romance tropes are a thing. I even talk about them on my podcast. The tingling sensation that comes when a good idea is brewing happened. A grin formed.
Tropes. I’d play with tropes. I’d take all those familiar things and twist them somehow. Why not? It would be fun.
And it was.
Right about then is probably when I began recording my ideas. Creosote and sage whizzed past at breakneck speeds (let me dream. I’m not a speed demon, but c’mon… for the sake of poetic license and all?). And the ideas whizzed faster (no license needed. They really did).
Book 1. Marriage of convenience. I mean, those are always fun, right? So why on earth would someone need to get married?
Every idea I came up with has been done… and done again.
That’s when I upped the stakes. Authors do that, you know. We come up with a way to torment our characters, and then we say, “Okay, now how can I make this worse? Nope, I need it even worse. Oh, and…” Bam! The story goes from interesting to can’t-put-it-down. All because we’re not afraid to be cruel to non-existent people. Score!
How’d I do it with this one? I added in another trope. One I personally just can’t “get.” People love the things, and I’ve got no idea why. But it answered my first question of why someone might need a marriage of convenience or… as my gal puts it… “a paper marriage.”
My guy became the world’s newest billionaire.
Yep, you read that right. I wrote a “billionaire romance.” Sort of. Now, if I could figure out how on earth I’d take two people on opposite sides of the world and get them together.
*insert hands rubbing together in fiendish delight*
Oh, yeah. I did it. And even more than that, I love it. I made my characters do some stupid things. I really did (you know, like how two Christians didn’t even pray about their marriage decision? Like how they didn’t even ask if the other person was saved? Why should they? They’ll never see each other again… they said. Ha! The Lord had other ideas. Sorta. This is fiction, right? Oops! I suddenly feel like that crazy Kathy Morningside in Miss Congeniality).
(the title gives away that reason for marrying, no? Also, links may be affiliate links that provide a small commission at no extra expense to you.)
It was almost too easy.
Then I started playing with the next ones, and the series became a reality to me.
– Dual Power of Convenience—when a woman too afraid of men goes to work for a man who is too busy making money to want anything to do with that whole marriage and family thing.
– Bookers on the Rocks— This couple’s marriage is on the rocks (that’s the trope, of course), and neither of them has a clue. They’ve been married for twenty-five years, neither is having an affair, no one wants a divorce, life is good, so why is it on the rocks? You’ll see…
– Directing Hearts— The Crawforths got tricked into allowing a reality matchmaking show film on their islands. Brooks Crawforth tangles with the director until their verbal battles turn into a different kind—a battle for their hearts (enemies to “lovers”)
– Just a Memory— In this one, Mallory Barrows (who makes appearances in all of the books) comes across an old journal that tells a story she’d never heard. It’s the old Patti Paige song “Go On with the Wedding” but over forty years later! Mallory knows something that might just create a (here comes the trope) second chance at romance.
–Printed on Her Heart— After being instrumental in so many couples’ relationships, it’s Mallory’s turn in this dual-trope story. In this one, we get a mashup of friends to more and love at first sight. Can’t wait to share it. Squee!
Okay, that’s the deal. Yes, I really did agree to write a romance series.
And yes, it probably was my idea.
I might deny it to my dying day, but it is also a whole lot of fun… so far.
To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book (winner’s choice of eBook or paperback format)!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Some biblical scholars maintain that the woman in Jericho who hid Joshua’s two spies was a harlot or a prostitute. But if that was the case, how did this woman, Rahab, become one of the ancestors of Jesus Christ? Wouldn’t the Father ensure a pure lineage for His Son?
In this historical fiction, author Diana Wallis Taylor offers a beautiful story of intrigue that explains how Rahab came to be the mother of Boaz, grandmother of Obed, and great-grandmother of Jesse, the father of King David.
In Rahab, Woman of Jericho, readers discover a Rahab who is a descendent of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the ten lost tribes of Israel. Her clan left Egypt and settled in Canaan before the Hebrews were enslaved. Although they did not wander in the desert with Moses for forty years, nor did they hear the laws that the Lord gave to His people, they still worshipped the one true God.
Rahab marries Radames, a young Egyptian officer, who is to become the new governor of Jericho. They live in the Egyptian embassy set in the city wall. When the Israelites approach Canaan with their army, pharaoh sends word that he is withdrawing his troops. Radames fabricates a story to tell Jericho’s king, but Hammurabi doesn’t believe it…and he has his eye on the beautiful Rahab.
What will happen to Rahab after the lecherous king poisons her husband? How can she save her family from the invading Israelites? God parted the waters of the Jordan River for them—will He likewise provide miracles and blessings to her Ephraimite clan if they can rejoin their people?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Before reading this book I had read on Diana Wallis Taylor’s blog about the writing of this book and I knew a few things were different than most of our thinking about Rahab. In this book she is not known as a harlot, like I have always heard. And a few other changes about her life. And I’m not so sure I believe it all, but it is a good book to read anyway because it challenges me to go lookup the scriptures and see for myself.
I only read a few authors who write Biblical Fiction, and Diana Wallis Taylor is one of these authors. I have read most of her stories, and they are amazing. Just as this one is. While reading Rahab’s story, it takes me back to Biblical times and what it could have been like for her at that time in her life. I like the character if Rahab in this book, as I have always like her, in other books as well as in the Bible. And especially her life after she found the One True God! Ms. Taylor does and magnificent job in writing her story. I was never bored, in fact I could hardly put it down. I love her writing style and how she weaves together a perfect story for all to enjoy. If you enjoy Biblical fiction this is one you will enjoy and watch out for the challenges along the way. And remember this is fiction, one women’s thoughts on how it could have been.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Diana Wallis Taylor is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books, including such novels as Hadassah, Queen Esther of Persia; Lydia, Woman of Philippi; Mary, Chosen of God; Ruth, Mother of Kings; Mary Magdalene; and Journey to the Well. She is also the author of Halloween: Harmless Fun or Risky Business?
Diana’s additional published works include a collection of poetry, Wings of the Wind; an Easter cantata, “Glorious,” written with a musical collaborator and available on Sheet Music Plus; and contributions to various magazines and compilations.
She received her B.A. in Elementary Education at San Diego State University and was an elementary school teacher for twenty-two years. She operated two coffeehouse/used bookstores and later retired from a private Christian college as Director of Conference Services.
Diana makes her home in San Diego, California. Readers are welcome to reach out to her and read her blog at www.dianawallistaylor.com.
Read an Excerpt
At one large, ornate building that was obviously a temple, young women wearing flimsy garments, much jewelry, and elaborate make-up were lounging on the steps.
“Who are they, Radames?”
“Temple priestesses.”
“Women priests? They do not look like priests.”
He took a deep breath. “They are temple prostitutes who serve their god. By laying with a worshipper, they believe they assist him or her to honor their god.”
She put her hand on his arm. “I cannot judge others, but my people worship one God, Jehovah, who does not require that sort of worship.”
Radames seemed thoughtful and made no reply.
Her family had lived among the Canaanites for years, but she had never seen such a temple before. Beth-horon was so small—wouldn’t she have seen one if it was there? Perhaps her parents and their parents had endeavored to shield their children from the worst pagan practices.
Just before they returned home, she looked back at the palace, looming over the city like some evil monster. It sent a chill through her.
When they were safely in the embassy again, they sat in the dining hall and ate their mid-day meal: fresh bread, goat cheese, figs, and pomegranates, with a cup of beer for Radames and wine for Rahab.
Rahab turned to Radames. “My lord, the Canaanites have so many gods. You said you worshipped a fewer number. I am not familiar with Egyptian gods and would like to hear about them.”
He looked at her thoughtfully and took her hand in his. “Amon is the main one; he is considered the king of the gods and goddesses, and we believe he is father to the Pharaohs. His female counterpart is Amunet, called the Female Hidden One. They had a son, Khonsu, the moon god. Mut, which means ‘mother’ in Egyptian, is a deity who wears two crowns on her head. Osiris is considered the oldest child of the earth god, Zeb, and the sky goddess, Nut. He is the god of the afterlife. That is why many things are buried with the body when an Egyptian dies, so that he has what he needs in the life after death.”
She remained silent, listening, her thoughts twirling round about. She had married Radames out of love and her father had assured her that marrying an Egyptian was not forbidden because of their family heritage. But how was she to deal with a husband who worshipped idols? She smiled at him. “Tell me more.”
He sliced a piece of cheese and playfully fed it to her before continuing.
“Anubis is the divine embalmer. Before Osiris, Anubis patrolled the underworld. He is known for mummifying the dead and guiding their souls toward the afterlife. Horus is the god of vengeance and is the child of Osiris and Isis. He avenged his father’s death and ruled Egypt. Thoth is the god of knowledge and wisdom, who settles disputes between good and evil. He maintains the universe by his mastery of calculations. We believe him to be the author of science, philosophy, and magic. He is also the one who created our calendar. Sekhmet is the goddess of war and healing. She can destroy the enemies of her allies. Geb is the god of earth, who represents crops and healing. We believe he retains the souls of the wicked.”
It was a lot to digest. “Those are all your gods?”
He shook his head. “Only some of them, the most important ones.”
“And you worship all these gods?”
“When I am home with my family or with my soldiers, I profess to worship them. My father would be insulted and perhaps disown me if I even hinted that I did not.”
She stared at him, realizing what he had just revealed. Hope rose in her heart. “You say that as if there is something else you believe.”
Radames hesitated, as if uncertain how to proceed. “I don’t know,” he said finally. “I have grown up with all our gods, but prayers to them are not answered. I have not mentioned this before, beloved, but I was married years ago, at the age of eighteen. My wife was only fifteen. Both she and our infant son died in childbirth a year later. I made offering after offering to the gods, praying for her to live, but there was no answer—and no comfort. So I do not put my faith in any god.”
Rahab reached out to touch his arm. “Oh, Radames. I am so sorry about your wife and child. That must have been so hard to bear. Did my father know of this?”
“I told him that first night I came.”
“And what did he say?”
“He said that I may someday wish to speak to you about your God…when I am ready to do so.”
Welcome to the Takeover Tour for Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Vying for the Viscount
Series: Hearts on the Heath book 1
Author: Kristi Ann Hunter
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
For Hudson, the newly titled Viscount Stildon, moving to England from India where he was born and raised was already an arduous enough endeavor. When he learns the fate of the racing empire he inherited along with his title depends upon him getting in the good graces of another stable owner, he’s even more at a loss.
The stable at the neighboring estate has been Miss Bianca Snowley’s refuge for years, and when a strange man appears to be stealing the horses, she jumps to their protection without a second thought. Upon learning Hudson is actually the new owner, she can’t help but be intrigued by the area’s newest eligible bachelor.
Any thought of romance is quickly set aside, however, when Hudson proposes they work together to secure suitable spouses for each other. As their friendship grows, Hudson and Bianca begin to reconsider what they truly want in life. But will societal expectations and the weight of their responsibilities keep them from pursuing their true desires?
Kristi Ann Hunter is the author of the Hawthorne House and Haven Manor series and a 2016 RITA Award winner and Christy Award finalist. Kristi graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.
(3) additional winners will also receive a print copy of Vying for the Viscount!
Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 10, 2020 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 17, 2020. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only, void where prohibited by law or logistics. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.
Title: Vying for the Viscount
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