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.
After Emery Duncan is abducted and dumped in a lake, private investigator Roman Wolfe and his bloodhound partner rescue her from an icy death. Someone doesn’t want Emery to find out what really happened the night her father confessed to attempted murder. To keep Emery and her baby nephew safe, they must uncover the connection between her father’s confession and the attack…or they’ll be silenced for good.
About the Author
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press.
More from Dana
Bloodhounds everywhere! I was thrilled to be offered a contract to write a WHOLE SIX BOOK SERIES with these amazing creatures and their private eye humans! Bloodhounds have been described as “noses with dog’s attached.” Isn’t that quaint? I hope you will enjoy reading about Wally. He’s a young dog who did not receive the proper training and he’s a tad…well…naughty. Good thing he’s got a handler who’s equally as stubborn. It’s a battle of wills between Wally and Roman and there’s plenty of room for fun along with the suspense. Bloodhounds, take it away!
When a massive earthquake levels the region, secrets and unknown dangers are exposed…
The ground in still-icy Yosemite National Park isn’t stable, and K-9 handler Von Sharpe fears the worst. But his worries are pushed aside when he sees an SUV viciously forced off the road…with his ex-fiancée at the wheel. It’s only when Stella Rivers steps out of the vehicle that the very ground under their feet cracks and breaks with the onslaught of a terrifying earthquake.
When her meeting with a mysterious client is ambushed, Stella witnesses the man being gunned down by a sniper and becomes a target herself. With the threat of aftershocks triggering landslides and floods, the new mom has no choice but to run to save her baby girl—even if it means teaming up with the man who has no idea he fathered her child.
Trapped in a dangerously unstable wilderness with a killer closing in, Von and Stella are running out of time to get to safety. And every fissure reveals a new secret that will shake them to their foundation.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Secrets! They will resurface at sometime. In Trapped in Yosemite, readers get to follow another K-9 team. K-9 handler Vonn Sharpe is uneasy when he witnesses an SUV driven by his ex-wife pushed off the road.
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.
Vonn Sharpe, a K-9 handler
Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense and Poisoned Pen Press.
More from Dana
I won’t ever forget October 17th, 1989. I was finished with my student teaching duties, chatting with my mother while we watched the World Series. It was an epic matchup of two Bay Area teams. As we watched, the floor lurched and the entire house began to rattle and pitch. We ran outside and watched the street undulate like ocean waves. We’d later come to learn it was a 6.9 earthquake on the Loma Prieta fault. The shaking only lasted 20 seconds but 63 people were killed, 3,757 were reported injured and 12,053 displaced. The damage estimates reached as high as $10 billion, with 18,306 houses leveled. Approximately 2,575 businesses were impacted and 147 were destroyed. The part I will remember most was the collapse of a section of the freeway in Oakland which trapped people in the pancaked structure. I remember watching the close space rescue teams work night and day to find survivors.
Little did I know that memorable event would someday lead to a book! This novel combines the iconic California setting of Yosemite and the big fear buried deep in every California’s mind…the big one, the massive earthquake we know will be coming someday. Of course you know there will be a happy ending in the novel, but I hope you will feel the edge of your seat suspense that keeps you turning pages. God bless you, dear readers!
Nicole wanders the ancient halls of Château Chenonceau, stirring up whispers from the secrets of a queen.
Craving the wisdom of the philosophers of the day, Nicole straddles the line between servant and high society. Will acting as one of higher status bring her closer to her dreams? Perhaps not, but a treasure hunt with the knight in the tower might fulfill her longing for a while.
Pierre would avoid the senseless salons full of manmade wisdom, throwing every pamphlet aside. Yet, he journeys to Chenonceau to glean knowledge from the estate manager. His goal reaches beyond the glittery, false, societal affairs to the fields of wheat, vineyards, and orchards. No fairy tales or treasure hunts for him. Not until his encounters with Nicole invade his practical world.
Whispers and secrets conjure a treasure hunt, involving the heart as well as the mind.
About the Author
Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, Bring Me Near, Draw Me to Your Side, and Wait for Me— Revolutionary Faith Series Books 1-5, Labor of Love and Promise of Purity, Gardens in Time Series Books 1 and 2, and Room for Love, Suamalie Islands Year One. Besides researching her novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish online. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her up to date and young.
More from Marguerite
My Favorite Place on Earth
Do you have a favorite place other than your home? Ever since I was a preteen of eleven, I have gravitated to my favorite spot. I chose it as the setting for Whispers ofWisdom.
Château de Chenonceau in Chenonceaux, France, sprawls across the River Cher in the Loire Valley.
As a child I faced this elegant petit château with wide eyes and a budding imagination. Iran up the long avenue lined with plane trees toward the columns with huge statues of lions, guarding the courtyard and entrance to the castle.
My sisters and I skipped, jumped, and played in and through the two manicured gardens, catching glimpses of the château mirrored in the river, revealing some of the magical secrets in the water. My young mind conjured up princesses escaping the castle’s confines, wandering the paths among the flowers and shrubs.
The ancient wooden doors opened to a fairy tale world of kings and queens. Tapestries, tiled floors, ornate furniture, flower arrangements, paintings, and stories of past grandeur. My favorite rooms were the kitchens and the gallery over the river with the black and white tiles floors. We skipped and danced from one end to the other. As I left the enchanted château, I promised to return.
Claiming a place as a favorite that is across an ocean, probably was not the best choice, but the château’s imprint remained strong. When I studied in France, I placed Château Chenonceau as a must see. I noticed my imagination and fascination had not dissipated. I’ve returned many times. My adult self enters into the fantasy world with a twirl or two on the checkered floors and a skip and a jump in the gardens.
I hope you catch some of the historical thrill of this little castle in the pages of Whispers of Wisdom.
The Recorder’s fate has been sealed, but the Consortium is not the only enemy.
Labeled an aberration by the Consortium, the Recorder is not yet free. Time is running out as an engineered bioweapon wreaks havoc on friend and foe alike.
Stopping both the biological agent and the people who created it is no easy task, especially since the Recorder and her friends are trapped on a research station infested with behemoth insects. Without Consortium technology, the probability of neutralizing the threat falls to nothing. In order to save her allies, the Recorder must activate a drone, but her success might destroy any hope for freedom, a future, and a name.
Now enjoy an interview with author Cathy McCrumb
1. Has writing fiction always been in your blood? Yes, I believe it has. Some of my first memories involve telling stories about my imaginary friend, Sally from Clap Hands Land, who “threw the man’s hat in the air,” a story that was much funnier before I was in kindergarten. Recently, I found mimeographed evidence that I was inquiring about submitting books to publishers back in college. After having kids, I stopped pursuing writing except in telling bedtime stories and social media posts. A friend pushed me to write a story about a dream I had, and since then, characters, plots, and themes have tumbled out.
2. Do you like music or silence when you write? I have five kids, with four still living at home, so silence is a rare commodity. (Teens, incidentally, seem to be nocturnal.) If it’s noisy, I need headphones and music. I create soundtracks of instrumental music for writing and playlists songs for thinking about character and plot.
3. Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reins? My characters hijack the story whenever they can. In Guardian, for example, there was a point in which the Recorder gives a command that was not in my mind when I planned out the scene. As soon as I typed the words, I cringed. I knew exactly what would happen, and it changed the course of that scene and had ramifications throughout the book. It was, however, exactly what she would have said and was much better than the basic idea I’d had.
4. Which scene was most fun to write? Why? Every time I sink into the scene and the words flow, that’s fun. Frequently, that involved anything with the Recorder and Nate or with the Recorder and Zhen. (Or Lars. I do love Lars.) Zhen DuBois is one of my favorite characters to write. She is prickly, rude, and deeply caring all at once. And Nate? Well, he’s Nate, a protector who has his own internal struggles.
5. Which scene, character or plotline changed the most from first draft to published book? Elliott Ross changed the most from the beginning concept to the end of Guardian. I didn’t like him at all when I wrote Recorder, but after a friend challenged me to examine why, I went back and studied him. Once I saw where he was going, Elliott became a favorite, and I hope that his arc resonates with readers.
About the Author
Cathy McCrumb graduated from Biola University with a degree in English Literature and a love for stories. She and her husband, whom she met while writing letters to soldiers, have five children and currently live within the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. While writing is one of her favorite things to do, she also enjoys reading, long hikes and long naps, gluten-free brownies and raspberries, and crocheting while watching science fiction movies with friends and family.
More from Cathy
Someone asked me recently why I wrote Guardian. My answer was that the whole Children of the Consortium trilogy is my love song to people who feel left out.
In the first novel, the Recorder—a young woman with no name, no family, and no friends—doesn’t see her life as valuable. As she discovers friendship and love, however, she realizes that every person in the system is unique, and this by definition must include her, too.
How often do we doubt our own value and that of the people around us? In a world that prioritizes youth, beauty, health, and success, many people are on the outside, looking in. I suspect that deep down, a lot of us wrestle with who we are and how we fall short of this external measuring tape.
The truth, however, is very, very different from the lie of worthlessness. While we have names (and don’t usually encounter two-meter insects, for which I am extremely thankful), we frequently forget that as humans, even though we are fallen, we are made in God’s image. Furthermore, as Christians, we have been both called and adopted.
Zephaniah 3:17 says that the Lord is with us. He takes “great delight” in us and rejoices over us. What an amazing, beautiful, and comforting image. The One who formed the stars, who breathed life into every human on the planet rejoices over YOU.
My prayer is that you find hope and joy in the midst of darkness, whether or not you find friends in the pages of these novels. Look to the Lord and hold fast to the fact that you are unique and valuable. Because even when you feel like you’re on the outside looking in, you are never alone.
Book: Reckless Yes: Exchanging Worldly Ease for God’s Eternal Adventure
Author: Johnna Hensley
Genre: Christian memoir
Release Date: June 6, 2023
After a shocking diagnosis in 2007 sent her life in an unexpected direction, Johnna Hensley had a decision to make. Though she had walked with God for nearly two decades, she had to choose whether she would follow His leading on a strenuous journey to find the narrow gate that leads to eternal life; or would she take the easy, wide path offered by the temporal world? As she chose to say yes to selfless love, through God’s guidance, she discovered this was the first of many forks in life’s road that would ultimately lead her to a life full of adventure, surprises, and sometimes, even hardships.
Inspiring and encouraging, this true story of one family’s journey is intertwined with relevant teaching of who God is and why we can trust Him in the midst of life’s chaos. Through relatable storytelling, wit, and wisdom, readers will be challenged to shift their perspective toward God’s eternal adventure.
Now check out this interesting question and answer session with the author.
As a non-fiction writer, have you ever thought about transferring over to fiction?
Sometimes I do think about creating a fun fictional story line with cool characters that become like best friends to me. Maybe one day the perfect idea will hit me and I’ll do it!
Do you prefer writing in silence or to music?
I can write in silence or to instrumental music depending on my mood. I definitely cannot write with music with lyrics playing because I was become so distracted by the words and the story being told through song. Sometimes, a nice, quiet silenced workspace is also a beautiful things! (Especially because in a house of eight people, it’s such a rare commodity!)
What do you know now that you wish you’d known at the beginning of your writing/publishing journey?
I wish I had known just how hard writing and publishing was going to be, but also how worth it would become! The first time you hold the proof of YOUR book in your hand it makes all the tears and doubt worth it!
Do you have a favorite vacation spot?
I love the beach so much! Walking through sand and hearing the waves is my most favorite spot to be. Our family’s favorite beach is in Gulf Shores, Alabama. We have so many good memories from our favorite resort there. We can’t wait to make it back there this summer!
What is the most amusing thing that has ever happened to you?
In 2022, my family was on an HGTV show called No Demo Reno. The show created an amazing, beautiful workspace in our primary bedroom for my husband and I to share. And then 17 months later we moved!! I say it’s amusing, but maybe it’s more ironic. We loved the show and the product so much, but when the Lord showed us our new home with so many extra square feet and a real office, we had to jump on it. I still wouldn’t change a thing about our show experience, though!
About the Author
Johnna (pronounced John-NUH) is an author, blogger, and all-time coordinator of chaos. Managing her family of eight, built through biology and adoption, means there’s rarely a dull moment in her days. Through herwriting, she boldly shares the eternal hope and restoration heaven offers. She and Ryan, her husband of eighteen years, reside in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas and are avid supports of foster care, adoption, and disability awareness and advocacy as each has impacted their family. When the chaos subsides, you’ll find Johnna spending time outdoors, enjoying an early morning workout, or on the patio of a Tex-Mex restaurant with friends.
More from Johnna
Reckless Yes is Johnna’s first book, although certainly not her last! This book was years in the making and began through blog posts where she would chronicle the insights she gained from living life caring for her disabled son. It was her insights and experiences during her son’s grand entrance into the world, and many years following, which began to shape and solidify her eternal perspective and the hope of heaven. Reckless Yes is a Christian memoir that reads nearly like a Bible study as Johnna uses a unique strategy of alternating teaching chapters with memoir chapters. Not only will you see her life unfold on the pages, but you’ll see the character of God come to life as well with Johnna’s simplistic, yet interesting, explanation of Scripture. When you’re done with this book, you’ll be asking yourself what YOUR next yes will be! You’ll be equipped and capable, ready to move your life forward into action and be reckless for the Kingdom.
To celebrate her tour, Johnna is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of Reckless Yes, a gold Reckless necklace, 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.
Book Title: Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy by Brad Mason, Ed. D. Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing Release date: January 2024 Formats Available for Review: print-hardback (USA) Tour dates: Jan 22 to Feb 9 Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
Book Description:
The Charlie Chaloosy book series kicks off with its inaugural offering, Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy.
The first book focuses on Charlie’s experiences as he learns lessons, gains new experiences, and grows up in a world that happens to rhyme. The story is told through the use of a playful rhyme scheme and enhanced with beautifully colored illustrations of Charlie tackling new adventures in whimsical detail. The book ends with Charlie providing two pages for the reader to become an author by writing their own story.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy is such a sweet book for children. Charlie Chaloosy is pretty choosy about everything. He finds one thing he likes and he sticks with it. Over and over. He likes playing with one thing or doing one activity. He’s bad when it comes to eat because he chooses his food and that’s all he eats.
The beautiful illustrations throughout the book brings the story to life in pictures. I love how the pictures go with the words of each page. This is a beautiful book inside and out.
I love that this cute book teaches children to try new things. Go on adventures that they will enjoy. This a book that will benefit many children. If you are a parent or teacher of a choosy child, you need this book. And the choosy child needs it as well. I’m giving this book 4½ 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.
My passion for children’s literature stems from 30+ years in education and my re-entry into bedtime stories with the addition of my beautiful grandchildren. I created Charlie as a means for children to learn with Charlie by having a growth mindset when it comes to facing new experiences and learning new things. Children live in a world that is traveling ever faster and my desire is to help them slow down and enjoy childhood through the adventures of Charlie Chaloosy. I hope children have fun with Charlie while engaging their minds through stories that encourage them to read, write, illustrate, and dream a little.
Format available for review: print – softback, e-book (Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
This novel catches your attention in a dramatic opening and holds your attention while you follow the ups and downs of a love story. It is a rarity to find a romance that focuses on the fine tuning of character building and adjustments couples have to make for their relationship to work, particularly while also trying to hold onto faith and personal convictions. There is a place in this day and age for well written literature that goes against the grain of popular media. – review by Catherine Ndhovu
Book Description:
Twenty-one-year-old Neka is a bit of an introvert, she also happens to be stunningly beautiful.
When she discovers her friend James is about to be dumped, she sees the perfect opportunity to escape from her quiet life. Can she summon the courage to leave it all behind?
James Copley comes from a ruthless family. It’s rubbed off.
Years ago, he disengaged from his brother’s smear campaign, but now his father has offered him an ultimatum, “Get married or lose your seat at the table.”
Plotting to stamp his design on the family business, he proposes to a woman, even though he doesn’t love her.
But his carefully laid plans start to unravel when she leaves him on the day she’s due to meet his family.
Could years of planning his comeback vanish with her departure?
A possible solution comes in an unexpected form: Neka. She’s not only a friend, but the daughter of his benefactor. And she’s right there, offering to support him.
But will her support stretch to marriage?
He attempts to win her over to his plan but collides with her powerful father who wants to leverage the situation for his own gain.
In their fight for survival and love, they are forced to face some uncomfortable truths.
Can they overcome thwarted dreams and missed chances to find true love, or does forcing destiny’s hand only lead to misery?
Format available for review: print-softback (USA only); e-book
(Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
Book Description:
Two men. One wrong choice.
Tempia Wade’s life had jumped the rails.
One fateful night, she believed a stranger’s lie rather than the assurance of a trusted friend. For her lapse in judgment, she paid an agonizing price.
Her now-bankrupt life featured shattered dreams, ruined friendships, and the loss of a promising relationship. Now, two years later, the twenty-three-year-old prayed for a second chance with the man she had fallen for at first sight.
Would Cory Sanders finally overlook her egregious mistake in accepting a next-day date and liaison with another man? Or would she have to truly accept life without him?
Book Title: A Living Hope : Hope Series, Book 2 by E.C. Jackson
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 286 pages
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Release date: July 31, 2016
Format available for review: e-book (Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating: PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
E.C. Jackson weaves a story of imperfect people working through misunderstandings, secrets, traumas, and just plain stubbornness. In other words,her characters are like many of us! She builds complex characters with believable struggles. Happy endings don’t come easily, but must be worked through with prayer, honest communication, and the willingness to step out in faith and do the right things.
This is a worthy successor to Jackson’s earlier novel, A Gateway to Hope.
— review by Hog on Ice: Books and Independent Learning
A Living Hope : Hope Series, Book 2 by E.C. Jackson
Book Description:
It was a match made in heaven. Or so everyone thought. Sadie Mae Cummings is all set to marry her childhood sweetheart, Kyle, when she is assigned to tutor Lincoln, the new college football running back. This sophomore phenomenon has all the girls on campus knocking on his door. But Sadie isn’t interested in his advances.
Lincoln’s overblown ego doesn’t take well to being shunned, and he resolves to make Sadie his own. He pursues her relentlessly, until finally Kyle finds himself shut out of Sadie’s life, with their shared future crumbling around him.
After two years, Sadie’sa relationship with Lincoln ends, and she is left having to put the pieces of her life back together. She desires nothing more than to recapture her relationship with Kyle. He has stayed true to the dreams they had planned together, living the vision even without Sadie by his side.
When she moves back to her hometown, she labors to rekindle their love. But things have changed, and Kyle has moved on. Sadie quickly discovers how hard it is to rebuild burned bridges.
Follow Sadie’s story as she fights for a chance to restore broken dreams. Will love endure?
This inspirational romance by E. C. Jackson is book two of the Hope series and is a standalone book.
Just when she thinks she will marry her chidhood sweetheart, Sadie Mae Cummings is assigned to tutor Lincoln, the new college football running back.
Following Sadie’s life is interesting, and sometimes lard to follow. Her life goes through many ups and downs as she tired to find the life she is searching for. As she decides to move back to her home town after several years away, she meets up with her old fling, Kyle. Unfortunately, he’s moved on. But as times goes, they just might get together again.
I love Jackson’s books and I love the way she does romance. Her books go a little bit deeper perhaps than a lot of books, but they are still inspirational fiction reads. I like the way she shows faith in the Christian lift in such a subtle like that it doesn’t defend, yet it is a delightful way she describes it all. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
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.
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REVIEW FOR THE CERTAIN HOPE BY
E. C. JACKSON
Another amazing read from author E. C. Jackson “The Certain Hope.”
Book Details:
Book Title: The Certain Hope
: Hope Series, Book 3 by E.C. Jackson
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 261 pages
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Release date: Dec 5, 2018
Format available for review: e-book (Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
The title of this novel is perfectly suitable to its meaning. The Certain Hope is the one of a couple of lonely guys that decided to marry after two weeks of dating. The groom believes that everything will go fine, especially if the bride will do only what he wants. He is control addicted, she is a romantic girl who believes in having met the man of her dreams. Through this behavioral contrast, the author built a great story, focused on the burning topics of marriage, loss and control addiction. In my view, the novel is a little, big literary masterpiece for the underlying meaning that oozes from every chapter. I believe that The Certain Hope deserves to be translated internationally and this thought is my certain hope for the success of this gripping romance novel.— review by Advices books Reviews
Book Description:
Love at first sight. It’s every girl’s dream. But Tara Simpkins is finding out it’s not as easy as it seems. Is this truly the man God sent to be her husband, or is she just desperate to escape her loneliness? The recent loss of both parents has left her reeling, and close friends don’t think she’s in any position to make major life decisions. She and her new-found love are convinced they can live happily ever after in the home of their dreams. His family thinks he’s moving way too fast and might disappoint the kind-hearted woman he’s fallen head over heels for. And then there’s Leah. Leah is supposed to be part of his past, but what if she decides she’s his future? Tara’s match made in Heaven may be over before it truly begins.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
The Certain Hope is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Tara Simpkins is having work done on the house after losing both parents and is now along. She really feels alone now, but that’s no reason to fall for one of the guys working on the house. But she was attracted, none the less, but he may not even look at her twice. But we will see.
I like Tara. She has the sweetest personality, and she really likes Luke. But as the story goes on, I begin to see red flags with him and didn’t care for his obnoxious attitude at all. And Tara certainly didn’t need him. Her friends also say the same thing, which pulled Tara in two different ways. I’m not gonna give out more information, so you will need to read the book for yourself.
I have read several books by E. C. Jackson, and I have enjoyed each one. I like the way she writes romance with such feeling, with characters written with layers that tells many flaws, yet with faith in God. I did find this book hard to put down because I wanted to find out what happened with Tara. I’m giving this book Five Stars. If you love clean Christian fiction romance, you will 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.
(Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
Book Description:
Is there hope for this love between friends?
Pamela Hayes is a smart, successful business owner with a supportive family and a thriving bakery. She should be the happiest girl in the world. But she can’t shake the melancholy that accompanies every conversation she has with her best friend, Mark. Pamela doesn’t know how much longer she can hide her true feelings.
Why can’t Mark see how perfect they would be together? She would make a much better girlfriend than the one he currently has. Pamela prays he’ll come to his senses soon and realize he’s with the wrong girl. But when her dream comes true, it isn’t the fantasy she had envisioned.
There is trouble in paradise from the start, and all the red flags she’s been ignoring are starting to threaten her confidence…and her relationship with Mark. She’ll have to rely on family and her faith in God to help her secure the hope she so desperately needs.
Book Title: Pajama Party: The Storyby E.C. Jackson
Category: Teen & Adult Fiction (13 to 18 yrs), 241 pages
Genre: Teen & Young Adult Fiction / Teen & Young Adult Christian Fiction
Publisher: E.C. Jackson
Release date: Sep 30, 2017
Format available for review: e-book
(Gifted Kindle, EPUB, PDF) Tour dates: Jan 15 to Feb 14
Content Rating:
PG + M. These books contain mature themes.
Book Description:
Most sleepovers are simple. Food, fun, and pillow fights. But sixteen-year-old Karen Duncan has bigger plans for her slumber party. Family troubles have changed her over the past year, and she’s no longer the petty, selfish girl she used to be. Now she’s ready to shake things up with her friends. The guest list comes as a surprise to some and a slap in the face to others. This popular girl has invited some not-so-popular guests. Even more shocking, she’s left out some of the girls she’s hung out with since middle school.
Diane and Evette are outsiders, nervous about being stuck in a house with the same girls who tease them at school.
Kathy, Lisa, and Joann come to the party with the confidence of the in-crowd, but they’re masking inner-turmoil that is bound to surface.
Sandy and Angela are usually the voices of reason…usually. And then there’s Linda, the friend that got away. She may not ever forgive the girls who abandoned her years ago. Karen hopes to change her mind. Her agenda is ambitious, and it could spell disaster. But Karen is convinced God will use this party to spark a new beginning for everyone involved.
This companion book to A Living Hope gives us the inspired story Sadie Cummings wrote for the girls of Shiatown.
Meet the Author: E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play “Pajama Party.” Thirty-one years later, she adapted the play into Pajama Party: The Story, a companion book to the second book in the five-book standalone Hope series.
Jackson’s favorite pastime is reading fiction. She enjoys taking the journey along with the characters in the books. That also led to her unorthodox approach to story writing. Her vision for each book she writes is to immerse readers into the storyline so they become connected with each character.
“The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on her Facebook author page. She feels that if every person reading her books feels connected to the characters, her job is done.
Book Title: Vivienne in Paris by Maria Castellucci Moore Category: Children’s Fiction (ages 5 to 9), 38 pages Genre: Children’s Book Publisher: Mascot Kids Release date: May 2, 2023 Formats Available for Review: print-hardback (USA), e-book (PDF) Tour dates: Jan 8 to Feb 2 Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
Vivienne in Paris follows a young Parisian girl on a journey through Paris to find what makes her tick. Join Vivienne as she discovers the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of the city that make her feel alive. What better place to explore, observe, and delight in her senses than Paris?
This book tells a story of mindfulness and insight into how the surrounding world can really move you. It unites curiosity, wonder, and marvel to enlighten, surprise, and tickle your deepest spirit. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that bring you the greatest joy.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Vivienne in Paris by Maria Castellucci Moore is the most precious book about a little girl named Vivienne. I so much enjoyed following Vivienne as she takes us on a tour of Paris, with such details as she describes each place she goes. What fun it would be to have someone like Vivienne as a guide through the beautiful Paris.
As I followed this sweet girl, I could feel the presence of the city, as well as taste the cuisine and hear the sights and sounds the city brings. The beautiful illustrations install even more in the minds of the readers just how fabulous this beautiful city is.
I’ve never been to Paris, but this beautiful book has me wanting to go. I think this would be a fantastic book for any child’s library, whether it be in a school room or library, or anywhere a child might be.
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.
Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four children, María strives to bring passion and enthusiasm to all her endeavors. A lover of all things European, María has found great passion through her travels to Paris, Italy, Spain, and South America. Her affection for winemaking, foreign languages, the arts, ballroom dancing, and traveling has given María a unique and grateful perspective on life. Her love for her family and helping others through charitable giving has enabled María to thoughtfully curate purposeful life adventures.
María Castellucci Moore earned her bachelor of arts degree in finance from Dominican University on a tennis scholarship, and later pursued studying at New York University and the London School of Economics with a focus on global affairs. In 2016, with her siblings, María founded Castellucci Napa Family, a luxury wine and real estate brand. María runs her wine label and a family real estate development company in the greater Bay Area. She is a board member of the San Francisco Opera Guild and is enthusiastic about building opportunity and community through the arts.
Formats Available for Review: print-softback (USA only), ebook (PDF)
Tour dates: Jan 8 to Jan 26, 2024
Content Rating: PG. Suitable for adult audiences.
Book Description:Being raised in Parkersburg, WVA, Janie didn’t have big aspirations for her life. Tired of her dead-end job at the phone company her best friend suggested she interview to become a Stewardess. Fearful she would be rejected because of her height; she was shocked when she was accepted. A whole new world opened up to her. Seeing places she had only read about, spending time with politicians, movie stars and professional athletes. One special athlete, a professional basketball player named Wendell Ladner stole her heart with his southern charm. An extraordinary ‘connection’ with Elvis Presley allowed her the unique experience to spend ‘one on one’ time with him and remain in touch until his passing. You’ll share with her the challenges of marrying someone so different from her upbringing and coping with attempts to try and fit in. Behind Her Smile reveals a devastating event that deeply affected Beverly and made her reexamine her life and what she truly wanted out of it.
Meet the Author:Beverly Golden Cuevas was born Beverly Jane Golden in Ironton, Ohio in 1945. She spent the first 10 years of her life in Parkersburg, West Virginia with her family. Her father had a job opportunity in Columbus, Ohio in 1955 so away they went. Beverly started working at the age of 14 to contribute to her family finances. She graduated Columbus North High School in 1963. She moved on to work at the Ohio Bell Telephone Company after graduation. In 1965, on the dare of her best friend she went to an interview to be a Stewardess for American Airlines. American hired her and she started her flying career in New York, then commuting from Tulsa, Oklahoma to her Dallas base. She flew both domestic and international. During her career, she never received a bad passenger letter. In 1977, she was 1 of 12 Flight Attendants selected out of 16,000 to participate in a highly coveted special assignment to work at the prestigious American Airlines Golf Classic. Her flying career ended on December 1, 2001 after 35 years. Beverly now lives in Dallas, Texas. She has been married to her wonderful husband Randy for 43 years. She has two sons, Joshua and Kaleb. She is a loving wife and mother, never missing a baseball game or school talent show, in spite of her flying schedule! Mimi is blessed to pass on her knowledge and love of life to her grandchildren Eden, Elijah, Ellie, Logan and Holly.
I thoroughly enjoy Behind Her Smile: The Adventures of a Tall Girl from WVA and Her Life as a Stewardess by Beverly Golden Cuevas. This story explores Janie and her life in Parkersburg West Virginia and her signing up to be a Stewardess. A job Janie was surprised she actually was chosen for, but her dreams.come true. As a Stewardess, Janie was able to see the world, something she never dreamed of doing. Her life was drastically changed in many ways. I enjoyed hearing all of the people she met and was able to socialize with during her time with this job.
I was able to connect with Janie a little bit because I grew up in a small Virginia community and my sister lived in West Virginia for a while. Also a girl I went to school that lived in our small neighborhood was a Stewardess. I always thought her life and job was so interesting. This is one reason I chose this book to read and review. I don’t read a lot of memoirs, but I am glad I read this one. It gives first hand knowledge of what it is like to make a drastic change in your life and make it work. I plan to keep this book and read parts of it again as I reflect on Janie’s story.
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.
Haunted by tragedies and failures, Anargen and Jason each struggle to find their way. Night has fallen in the Lowlands and neither teen has an easy road ahead. In Anargen’s Era, Monarch Ilyron’s powers and influence grow, forcing Anargen and his dwindling list of allies to travel the length of the Lowlands in a desperate attempt to keep the Quest and all they hold dear from falling into ruin.
Jason meanwhile must find Aria and her grandfather to help unite the Knights of Light from across the Lowlands against his brother, Dorian. But agents of darkness and painful vestiges of his past mix with vindictive new enemies to make the hope of seeing the dawn of the longed-for King’s Day ever so faint. If either teen gives in and surrenders, doom will come swiftly on their world.
And now enjoy these interesting questions and answers with Author Brett Armstrong
1.Do you like music or silence when you write?
Answer: I like writing in both. Sometimes I need music to help put me in a creative mood, though most often music doesn’t immediately inspire me as I’m writing the literal words, so much as inspire the tone or evoke a theme for me that I later write into a passage. In particular, any time I hear “Lament for Father”, the theme music for Quest of Fire, I’m transported to the Lowlands and feel ready to traverse more of its moors and mountains.
That being said, quiet is probably the most conducive for me to be productive. When I’m alone and have a day off from work I can write thousands of words without feeling any pain for pressure. Those occasions are few and far between though so over the years I’ve gotten used to writing when I can in whatever circumstances I can. Writing time is a gift so I treasure any of it I get.
2. How did you go about developing the setting(s) for this story?
Answer: For Anargen’s era I knew the group would be nursing its wounds from what happened in Shadows at Nightfall, so I always imagined they would be moving kind of slowly, sticking to smaller towns while they tried to grapple with what they’d all just endured. So, that’s where Resurgence of Dawn opens for that era’s story arc. I also knew the group needed to reach Kirke, the grand capital city of Anargen’s homeland, but they again wouldn’t be strolling in. The dark forces of the world bore down on them all the harder during their weak moments, so I wanted settings that reflected that brokenness and despair.
In a lot of ways, Jason’s story in the Modern Era took on the opposite quality. Whereas Anargen’s was intensely zoomed in to him and those closest to him, Jason’s story has him traversing two thirds of the Lowland’s expanse by the story’s end. Some of the settings were meant to show how the locations in common between the two eras have changed. Others were meant to give a taste of the diverse collection of nations at play in Jason’s story, because the Lowlands in his era is heading towards a war that will shake every nation. Since it’s also Cinaed the Storyteller’s intention to bring the Defenders of all the Realms together to try to stop that war before it ravages the Lowlands, readers really needed to get that first sense of how big and bold that ambition will prove to be.
I’ve hinted for years that the Lowlands are so much bigger than readers have seen to this point and world-building is enormously important to me. This is the book that finally pulls back the curtain and lets readers see just how deep and expansive the story world will be.
3. Which character was most challenging to create? Why?
I think the most challenging character to handle well in this book is one who only appears briefly. I can’t really give too many spoilers about his role and what he does, but I’ve alluded in other books to elves being a “species” of the Lowlands. Like most of the creatures/species/races in Quest of Fire, my take on them isn’t exactly the same as what’s most commonly depicted in current fantasy. Which makes it tricky, because there are reader expectations. And when you start to consider all the myriads of portrayals and expectations people have for elves and what they’re intended to symbolize in Quest of Fire, it took a lot of care. Add to that the very limited space he’s appearing in and it made including him a little bit daunting. But I think, especially for the importance of elves to the final books, it was worthwhile.
4. Your favorite thing about writing?
It’s hard to describe. When I’m writing a story, it’s a lot like how I feel when I’m reading a book and then re-read it multiple times. Seeing the story come together and then with each new scene, understanding how it all blends and links together to fill in all the spaces more and more clearly is so rewarding. Likewise, I’m a huge fan of foreshadowing and depicting an arc or theme through parallelism across the story and its motifs. It’s that sense of pieces fitting into place and making sense and creating something more beautiful and compelling than any one piece on its own that really gets me. Which is one reason I love Scripture and how you can see the expanse of God’s work with mankind weaving together through the Old Testament threads and coming together in a tapestry that ultimately depicts Christ and then the way all those threads from Genesis to Revelation culminate in the most incredible story one could ever read. Any time I reflect that kind of storytelling in my writing, I feel like I’m being a faithful servant and useful instrument for my Creator.
5. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones? Do reviews influence your writing?
I know a lot of authors advise against it, but I do read all of the reviews for each book. At least the ones I’ve come across. I understand why some authors don’t read them, but for my part I feel like it’s pretty important to get a sense of how others perceive the story. Some reviews you can just tell it wasn’t someone the book was ever going to appeal to no matter how well written, but others have useful insights. I kind of apply the same rule of thumb to reviews as I do to critiques in writing workshops, source all the comments but then find the consistent points across them and those are things that likely did work well or that could use some fine tuning. Shadows at Nightfall got really positive comments around the creativity of the battle scenes present in the book, but I also got some criticism around how many battle scenes appeared in the book overall. I took that to heart and tried to be extra conscious as the story unfolded in Resurgence of Dawn to not fixate on the battle portions and to use them more sparingly. So, I read them and try to improve however I can, though ultimately every story is a journey and my prayer is always that ultimately it is the Lord Who is leading me. Thank you Brett for answering these questions for us. As for me, I’m not a fantasy or SciFi reader, but many in my family are. Reading the info here about this new book, I can see where it will be a favorite of those who write it. So go out and check on this book. It just might be your next read.
About the Author
Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.
More from Brett
Resurgence of Dawn takes the main characters, Anargen and Jason, and those they care deepest about through some intense trials. Everything seems to be falling apart around them and each character has a mountain of guilt weighing down on top of them. They know that their mistakes in Shadows at Nightfall enabled the forces of darkness to advance their evil campaign. The lives of others they cared about were lost or endangered and the Quest is overlooking the precipice of failure and ruin. They have repented of their errors and turned back onto the path of light but these consequences still haunt them. And in that haunting lies a continuingly heinous fear that they will falter again. Things are only complicated further when trusted allies abandon and betray them.
Epic fantasy stories are often filled with darkness, but the best of these stories show that the light is never so far away as we imagine. When I write the entries in this series, I’m acutely aware that in our world too it seems as if darkness is winning the war. It’s my sincere hope that as readers encounter the perseverance and surrender to the High King’s will that Anargen, Jason, and so many other characters choose to pursue, they will be encouraged to do the same in our world. I have watched friends fall away from the faith, been buffeted by the storms of life, and been battered by the continual assault on my faith that come from living in our fallen world. I know others have endured the same and often far worse. So, if these stories of Knights and valor and steadfastness as the world crumbles can encourage one person to pursue the Light and hold fast to the Way, the Truth, and the Life; then every hour spent in dreaming and drafting and agonizing over edits is worth it to me. Stories can and should entertain, but they should also inspire and encourage readers to face the real world when the story ends. All the more, because “the night is far gone; the day is at hand.” *
To celebrate his tour, Brett is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, copy of Resurgence of Dawn, and digital extras (exclusive map and music)!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
splashesofjoy 