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.
Falling for a Real Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 1) by Karen Baney Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 208 pag3
Genre:
Contemporary Christian Western
Romance Publisher:
Desert Life Media Release date: Nov 21, 2023
Format available for review: e-book (BookFunnel download), audiobook (BookFunnel downoad)
Tour dates: Mar 26 to Apr 22
Content Rating:
PG – Some situations might not be suitable for under 16 yrs old. A character accuses another of hiring his “lover” to design a hotel reservation website (even though it wasn’t true). No cursing or graphic descriptions
A city-slicker romance author stays at the ranch, Dalton’s perfect world turns to chaos.
River Sloane’s last workplace romance novel flopped—big time. Now her publisher wants her to write a modern-day cowboy romance, which she has resisted for years. When her publisher sends her to a dude ranch in the middle of nowhere Arizona, she must learn about cowboys and ranching to get her career back on track. One hunky cowboy stirs her heart and unexpectedly becomes her muse.
Will she let herself fall in love with the real cowboy or will she return to the life she left behind? Will Dalton open his heart to a new, lasting love?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Falling for a Real Cowboy (Vargas Ranch pBook 1) by Karen Baney is another fabulous book that I really enjoyed. With both River and Dalton having their own opinions of romance, neither was interested in finding love. River is only at the ranch because her publisher wants a modern day cowboy romance novel, therefore she needs to stay at the ranch and learn all about it.
I enjoyed the romance taking place in this book between the two major characters. It was sweet watching the two interact with each other. It was also interesting to follow River as she is trying to write her book. Karen Baney has once again created a cast of characters that readers will fall in love with. I love each detailed scene, and it was especially fabulous to spend time on the Arizona ranch. I love stories that speak of ranches, and this one was top notch. If you enjoy sweet cowboy romance stories, you will love Falling for a Real Cowboy. I’m giving this one FIVE 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.
Book Details:Book Title: Mei’s Mermaid Mission by Crystal Z. Lee Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 42 pages Genre: Children’s Picture Book Publisher: Balestier Press Publication Date: Mar 1, 2024. Content Rating: G
Book Description:The mission of the Mermaids International Rescue Alliance (MIRA) is to guard the ocean and protect the sea creatures. There are many mermaid members in MIRA from all over Asia, such as Princess Hwangok (Korea), Roro (Indonesia), Jiao (China), Ningyo (Japan), Songkhla (Thailand), Duyung (Malaysia), Sovann Macha (Cambodia), Sirena (the Philippines), and Mei (Taiwan). Mei’s Mermaid Mission is an exquisitely illustrated picture book that follows Mei as she travels all over the Asia Pacific region to gather the team of heroic mermaids in order to stop the pirate from polluting. Can Mei and the MIRA mermaids stop the pirate in time? Over twenty sea animals and over twenty locations in Asia are introduced in this story, as well as Asian mermaid mythologies in the book’s backmatter. Children and adults will delight in this cultural story emphasizing empathy, friendship, collaboration, and environmental protection.
Mei’s Mermaid Mission by Crystal Z. Lee
Author Interview
1. There are some specialty ships mentioned in Mei’s Mermaid Mission. Can you share them with our readers?
Turtle ships were armored battleships used from the 15th-19th centuries in Korea. The ships resembled turtles with their fully covered plates.
Dragon boats have been around for more than two thousand years! They are traditional paddled long boats with decorative dragon heads and tails. Today they can be found all over Asia, such as in Taiwan, Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, China, Laos, the Philippines, etc.
Moon boats are traditional Bangladeshi fishing boats with a distinctive crescent moon shape.
2. We love the vibrant outfits on each mermaid in your book. What was the inspiration behind that?
Each mermaid’s outfit is inspired by either the mermaid mythology from their home country, or from the traditional wear originating from their native culture. For example, Mei the Taiwanese mermaid is wearing Indigenous Tao clothing, Ningyo the Japanese mermaid is illustrated to have a ninja vibe, and Sirena the Filipina mermaid is wearing an interpretation of the baro’t saya (the traditional dress of the Philippines).
3. You seem to have penchant for animals in your picture books. Is there a reason for that?
You’re right! My other picture books, Kai the Dancing Butterfly and A Unicorn Named Rin also include many animals. I believe that as stewards of the earth, humans have a responsibility towards other animals and creatures we share this planet with. I think children should be taught this great purpose from a young age.
4. There are many endangered animals mentioned in Mei’s Mermaid Mission. Which ones made an impression on you?
Blue whale: The heart of a blue whale is the largest of any animal in the world!
Hainan gibbon: Found only in China, Hainan Gibbons are known for their singing, and they sometimes even sing in duets!
Whale sharks: As the world’s largest fish, a whale shark is about the size of a bus. The Philippines boasts the third largest known aggregation of whale sharks in the world.
Taiwanese humpback dolphin: Found only off the coast of Taiwan, these humpback dolphins may sometimes appear pink!
5. Tell us about your writing and publishing journey.
I started writing my first novel, Love and Other Moods, when I was still living in Taipei and Shanghai. Later when we moved back to California, I started taking publishing and writing courses at Stanford University. The pitching journey was challenging. I was first working with a US indie press and had landed a literary agent, but later I parted ways with both amicably. Then a British press accepted my manuscript and I’ve stayed with them since! My next three books were children’s picture books: A Unicorn Named Rin, Kai the Dancing Butterfly, and Mei’s Mermaid Mission. I also dabbled in other forms of literature such as poetry. Last year my poetry was accepted into a UK anthology, Tabula Rasa.
6. Mei’s Mermaid Mission references names from mermaid mythologies in Asia. Tell our readers about some of them.
In Cambodian and Thai mythology, Sovann Macha was a golden mermaid who led a pack of mer-warriors.
In Korean lore, there is a love story between King Eunhye and a mermaid princess, Hwangok. Princess Hwangok lived at Busan and patiently kept vigil for Eunhye by the shore.
My book references names from mermaid mythologies that have permeated the Asia Pacific region, some of them for centuries. I’ve always been fascinated with the underwater world so writing this book was a wonderful journey.
Crystal Z. Lee grew up in a bilingual household in Taiwan and in California. She is an avid traveler and has visited over thirteen countries in Asia. Her favorite travel memories include hiking the forests of Borneo, boating in Phuket, cruising down the Yangtze River, chasing butterflies in Taiwan, attending literary festivals in Hong Kong, and visiting family in Singapore. Crystal is the author of children’s books A Unicorn Named Rin and Kai the Dancing Butterfly. Her poetry was recently included in the UK anthology, Tabula Rasa. She is also the author of a novel, Love and Other Moods.
Allie Su was born and raised in a village in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She attended Nanhua University in Chiayi city, majoring in Visual Arts. Allie once lived in Korea for some time, volunteering in the area of animal protection. She loves kimchi, Korean saunas, Incheon’s snowy winters, and taking boat rides to Yeouido. She believes in bringing joy to people through art. Allie has worked as a children’s art teacher and a professional illustrator. She also illustrated a picture book about Taiwan, Kai the Dancing Butterfly.
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!
Falling for a Bossy Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 3) by Karen Baney Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 204 pages
Genre:
Contemporary Christian Western Romance Publisher:
Desert Life Media Release date: Mar 26, 2024
Format available for review: e-book (BookFunnel download), audiobook (BookFunnel downoad)
Tour dates: Mar 26 to Apr 22
Content Rating:
PG + M. My book deals with a main character overcoming his sexually immoral past. He is in active recovery and God’s grace and strenghth shine through his story line. Written tastefully with character showing true remorse for his past actions. There are NO cursing or graphic descriptions of any kind
Book Description:
She’s famous and nearing the end of her career. He’s blunt, bossy, and downright annoying. Will these two find the perfect balance between truth and love?
Sports fanatic Derin Vargas steps down from his position as foreman of Vargas Ranch to run the family’s new sports complex. Uncomfortable in his new role, he compensates by being bossy. When a famous pro-tennis player stays at the resort to rehab after surgery, Derin points out her shortcomings no one else will.
Pro-tennis player Madison Moore heads to a remote sports complex on Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort to finish rehabbing after shoulder surgery. As she fears the death of her pro career, the bossy cowboy manager gets under her skin.
Will Derin soften his rough edges to win over the beautiful tennis player? Will Madison listen to the hard truth about her future while opening her heart to love?
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This is such a sweet series, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Falling for a Bossy Cowboy. I like that these books can be read in any order because each is different, Cowboy and his personality. This story follows Sports fanatic Derin Vargas and Pro-tennis player Madison Moore. With Derin running his family’s sports resort, he is acting like a real jerk, so when he meets Madison, who is there for rehab, he continues his bossy way as a jerk. Because to me that was his way. But to my honest, Derin does have insecurities that he hides with his Bossy ways. Madison, on the other hand is worried about her career and wants to overcome the reasons she is at this resort.
I found this story fun to read. The banter between the two main characters was interesting to say the least. Their attraction to each other didn’t come easy, but the boss and sass kept me reading the book because I wanted to see how this story was going to end. There was some twists and turns that shuffled the story up a bit but I think it was a wonderful read. If you love cowboy stories, and especially romantic ones, you will love Falling For A Bossy Cowboy.
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.
Falling for a Real Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 1) by Karen Baney Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 208 pages
Genre:
Contemporary Christian Western Romance Publisher:
Desert Life Media Release date: Nov 21, 2023
Format available for review: e-book (BookFunnel download), audiobook (BookFunnel downoad)
Tour dates: Mar 26 to Apr 22
Content Rating:
PG – Some situations might not be suitable for under 16 yrs old. A character accuses another of hiring his “lover” to design a hotel reservation website (even though it wasn’t true). No cursing or graphic descriptions.
Book Description:
She’s trying to resurrect her career. He’s sworn off women. Will this city-meets-country duo find love where they least expect it?
Dalton J. Vargas the fourth has sworn off love. Women are just a distraction that keep him from running his family’s multi-million-dollar guest ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona. After his father announces an early retirement, the full burden of the ranch rests on his shoulders. When a city-slicker romance author stays at the ranch, Dalton’s perfect world turns to chaos.
River Sloane’s last workplace romance novel flopped—big time. Now her publisher wants her to write a modern-day cowboy romance, which she has resisted for years. When her publisher sends her to a dude ranch in the middle of nowhere Arizona, she must learn about cowboys and ranching to get her career back on track. One hunky cowboy stirs her heart and unexpectedly becomes her muse.
Will she let herself fall in love with the real cowboy or will she return to the life she left behind? Will Dalton open his heart to a new, lasting love?
Falling for a Shy Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 2) by Karen Baney Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 192 pages
Genre:
Contemporary Christian Western Romance Publisher:
Desert Life Media Release date: Dec 19, 2023
Format available for review: e-book (BookFunnel download), audiobook (BookFunnel downoad)
Tour dates: Mar 26 to Apr 22
Content Rating:
PG + M. The main character broke free from an abusive past relationship with her son’s father. Some flashbacks to the abuse. Only one scene described in detail (2 paragraphs). No cursing or graphic descriptions.
Book Description:
She’s a single mom with a disabled son. He’s been in love with her since high school. Will this shy cowboy finally win her heart?
Dylan Vargas is too shy for his own good. While he and his best friend Adan work with the horses on his family’s ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona, Adan signs him up for an online dating service. Dylan begrudgingly looks through the profiles. One face stands out above the others—that of his childhood crush. There’s only one impossible problem—she is Adan’s little sister.
Brisa Franco moves home to Wickenburg after a tragic car accident left her four-year-old son disabled. As she starts a new job in her hometown, she never expects to help her brother’s best friend in his quest to overcome a speech impediment.
Will Dylan steal her heart as she helps him learn how to release his anxiety? Will Brisa learn to trust him and let go of her deeply engrained fears from her past relationship?
Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.
Mar 26 – Cover Lover Book Review – book series spotlight / giveaway Mar 26 – Ilovebooksandstuffblog –book series spotlight / giveaway Mar 26 — Faith and Books – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY / giveaway Mar 27 – Novels Alive – book review of FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY / giveaway Mar 27 — Faith and Books – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY / giveaway Mar 28 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY / guest post / giveaway Mar 28 – FUONLYKNEW – book series spotlight / author interview / giveaway Mar 28 –— Faith and Books – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY / giveaway Mar 29 – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY Apr 1 – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY Apr 2 – The Sexy Nerd Revue – book series spotlight / giveaway Apr 2 – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY Apr 3 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY / giveaway Apr 3 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY / giveaway Apr 4 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight of FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY Apr 5 – Novels Alive – book review of FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY / giveaway Apr 8 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY / giveaway Apr 9 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight of FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY Apr 9 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review for FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY / giveaway Apr 10 –Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY / giveaway Apr 10 – Splashes of Joy – book review of FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY / giveaway Apr 10 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review for FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY / giveaway Apr 11 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight of FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY Apr 11 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review for FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY / giveaway Apr 12 – Splashes of Joy – book review of FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY / giveaway Apr 12 – mamof9 – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY / giveaway Apr 15 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY / giveaway Apr 15 – mamof9 – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY / giveaway Apr 16 – mamof9 – audiobook review of FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY / giveaway Apr 16 – Leanne Bookstagram – book review of FALLING FOR A REAL COWBOY Apr 17 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY / guest post / giveaway Apr 17 – Leanne Bookstagram – book review of FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY Apr 18 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY / giveaway Apr 18 – Leanne Bookstagram – book review of FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY Apr 19 – Novels Alive – book review of FALLING FOR A SHY COWBOY / giveaway Apr 22 –– Books Lattes & Tiaras – book review of FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY / giveaway TBD – Splashes of Joy – book review of FALLING FOR A BOSSY COWBOY / giveaway
One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . .
Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars’ ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.
Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.
When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.
About the Author
Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas.
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I usually don’t care for Fairy Tales retellings, but I love Cinderella and I was delightfully surprised with If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer. It is a barrel of fun seeing the differences between the classic fairy tale and the Western twist Witemeyer adds to her story. Sometimes I had to think a bit to figure out the parellels of the story, but that’s OK, it made me love the story even more. The hero and heroine, Asher and Samantha, oh my word! What a perfect couple to play out the scenes in this story. The author does a phenomenal job creating these two characters, as well as all of the supporting characters along the way. The Texas twists and turns against the classic fairytale will have you guessing and wondering where the story is going next. The sweet romance between Asher and Samantha has just the right elements of love. And as always with a Karen Witemeyer story, I love the way she writes faith into the hearts of her characters.
If the Boot Fits is the second book in Witemeyer’s Texas Ever After series, and I can hardly wait to see what this Fabulous author has for her readers in the third book of this series. This book gets Five Stars from me, and oh how I wish I could give it more!
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.
More from Karen
Character Names and Word Games
One of my favorite parts of writing any book is finding the perfect names for my characters. Names are so important. They carry meaning and expectation. They add historical flavor and help create a picture in the reader’s mind about who that character is. They can also add hidden joy to a story for me as the author that may or may not be realized by the reader.
If the Boot Fits was inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. I give it a fresh western twist and mixed up the plot a bit, but it was important to me to fill this tale with subtle nods to the version I loved as a child. One of the main ways I did this was through the naming of my characters.
I worked hard to create names that would harken back to the original while still carrying meaning of their own. Instead of Cinderella, we have a hero named Asher Ellis—Ash being a synonym of Cinder, and Ellis playing off of Ella. For our heroine, I wanted something to play on the “charming” motif without being too on-the-nose. I ended up selecting Samantha Dearing—Dearing like endearing or charming. Samantha is the feminine version of Samuel which comes into play in the story since her father’s name is Eli. The three key older ladies of the story all of names inspired by royalty, as befits a fairy tale—Regina, Elizabeth, and Victoria. Asher’s step brothers are named Jonathan and Fergus. However, Jonathan goes by Jack, giving a nod to the mice from Disney’s Cinderella, Jaq and Gus. Asher’s horse is named Bruno in honor of the dog who saved Cinderella from the tower room. We have a cattle king with a foreman named Duke as well. Whether readers catch all of these nods or not, they made me as the author smile while writing the story.
Here’s another way to have fun with names and other key story elements. I’ve created a word search for you to enjoy. Have fun!
Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Teen Christian Fiction
Release Date: January 25, 2024
Teenager Paige Abernathy awakens after a severe beating to find that she suffers from amnesia, and that everyone seems to hate her.
She has only flashes of memory until the night a grieving parent attacks her in her hospital room. Paige then remembers her role as creator of an online group where members talk about ways to commit suicide.
After recovering from the beating, Paige embarks on a journey of penance to atone for a disaster born of good intentions. Her odyssey launches her on a mission of mercy and into new danger.
The Samaritan’s Patient is a thought-provoking novel about navigating the treacherous waters of social media.
About the Author
Chevron Ross is a pseudonym for someone unimportant. He is not a writer, but God keeps putting ideas into his head that somehow turn into stories. If you like them, be sure to offer God a prayer of thanks.
More from Chevron
Behind the Scenes
This novel might never have been born had I not seen an interview on PBS with two New York Times writers, Megan Twohey and Gabriel Dance, on December 16, 2021.
These reporters did an extensive investigation into a website on which subscribers discussed committing suicide and shared methods for doing so. Most visitors to the site were thirty or younger. There were 1.2 million messages. At least forty-five suicides in multiple countries were linked to the site.
At the time of this broadcast, I had just completed my second novel, The Seven-Day Resurrection, and was wondering what to do next. The PBS interview was so shocking that I could not stop thinking about it. What motive could a person have for encouraging strangers to kill themselves? What could one possibly gain from such an endeavor? And what could provoke someone to throw away the gift of life at such a youthful age?
Each of my novels has been the result of an inspiration from God. Once He puts an idea into my head, it consumes my imagination until I cannot stop working. As you might imagine from the title, The Samaritan’s Patient is a blend of two stories: the famous parable of Jesus in the Bible, and a young person with good intentions who gets caught up in a social media nightmare.
God did all the work on this book. He created the character of Paige Abernathy and told me how to build the novel around the circumstances of her personal life—her parents, her friends, and most of all, her Christian faith. He also created the crisis that launches her on a journey of new experiences and personal growth.
I am amazed and grateful that God would choose someone so ordinary and unaccomplished as myself to do this work. Each novel God has written through me has been a great personal gift, and a reaffirmation that God has a plan for each of us. I pray that The Samaritan’s Patient will be as great a blessing to its readers as it has been to me.
Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. As the artist-in-residence, and with her pottery prized by The Haven’s guests, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently. She wants to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home to grow up in and hires former Marine Callum Shaw to handle the construction.Cal grew up in Gossamer Falls and always knew he would someday join his family’s business. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. Landry is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. Landry has a daughter and a past. Cal has been down that road before and barely survived when the woman he loved left, taking her two sons with her. He can’t bear to lose like that again.Before construction on the house can begin, Landry’s pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire. It soon becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger–but because of whom? But, after losing one relationship, he is hesitant to try again.
Praise for Never Fall Again:”What a fabulous story with characters who will live in your head–and heart–long after the last word.” ~ Lynette Eason, award-winning, bestselling author of the Lake City Heroes series”Lynn Blackburn’s voice is unrivaled! A must-read.”
~ Elizabeth Goddard, bestselling author of Cold Light of Day“This book had it all–a delicious romance, obsession, found family, redemption and reconciliation, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and the kind of ending we all root for!”
~ Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling and RITA Award-winning author
Never Fall Againby Lynn H Blackburn
March 4-29, 2024 Virtual Book Tour
Book Details:Genre: Romantic Suspense Published by: Revell Publication Date: March 12, 2024 Number of Pages: 352 ISBN: 9780800745363 (ISBN10: 0800745361) Series: Gossamer Falls, Book 1 Book Links:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Baker Book House
Gossamer Falls is the little town where the setting of Never Fall Again is set. It is a beautiful place for anyone to live. The members of the community are just the kind of people like I grew up with. Landry was busy with her pottery business, that is until a fire happened as well as vandalism that totally ripped Landry apart. Now, who would do this to her? Cal Shaw comes out to see what is happening and to make sure Landry is OK. With Cal, Landry soon finds out the entire family come to make sure everyone is ok from the fire. And as you read the book, you will throughly enjoy the funny things of this family. They know how to have fun, and they wanted Landry to feel the comfort. But this is enough of the family.
Cal and Landry were sweet but sometimes a little complicated when a twist or turn was thrown into the mix. With the things happening at the resort, could they really be directed at Landry and her daughter Eliza? This was a bit scary, especially if you are reading the book in the middle of the night and hear a car door slam!
I love this family, and this community and resort. Their attitude and personality help make this book the story it is. I’m trying not to say so much about the book and spoil it for you. I don’t like when that happens. If you love thrillers, mysteries, suspenseful acts throughout the book you will love this one. 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.
Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy Southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she sits at home in her pajamas. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children.
This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Revell & Lynn H Blackburn. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
The giveaway is for: a print edition of Never Fall Again by Lynn H Blackburn, a BookShop.org Gift Card AND a DIY Pressed Flower Clay Ring Dish Craft Kit.
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 Title: The Promise of Unbroken Straw by Ken Steele Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 379 pages Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing Release date: Mar 2024 Tour dates: Mar 26 to Apr 15 Content Rating: PG
Book Description:
Paul’s teachers say he’s distracted, and they’re not wrong. With the demands of a struggling farm, Allied boots in Europe, and secrets surrounding his mother’s death, who can blame him? And the expectations of his father are seemingly unachievable.
When a financial windfall sparks a rags-to-riches transformation, it also sets in motion events that will test young Paul to his core. This coming-of-age story connects Paul’s tumultuous adolescence to his unfulfilled adulthood. Across those decades, he searches for redemption and reconciliation with the ghosts of his past.
Buy the Book: (coming soon!) Amazon~ B&N add to Goodreads
Meet the Author:
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ken Steele holds degrees in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University and MIT.
The Promise of Unbroken Straw is Ken’s debut novel, a work of historical fiction. He resides in Colorado with his wife of 41 years where his days are filled with pickleball, golf, hiking, and all that the mountains can offer.
Can her dreams for the future–and a budding romance–survive the trouble that comes calling?
Larkspur Nielsen is determined to keep her family homestead running and to fulfill their dream of starting a seed catalog, with or without her siblings’ help. With Isaac McTavish back in town, Lark finds herself at odds with her own heart and her determination to shoulder the burden of carrying her responsibilities alone. But Isaac is set on convincing her that he’s here to stay and she doesn’t have to carry everything by herself.
As a new romance blossoms between Lilac and an old schoolmate and the other Nielsen sisters are busy caring for their families, Lark bears more and more responsibility on the farm. When a long-feared threat returns and Lark approaches the breaking point, the life she has always dreamed of is in danger of disappearing forever.
About the Author
Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of nearly one-hundred books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She makes her home in Tehachapi, California.
More from Lauraine
Please provide a brief summary of your new novel, A Season of Harvest.
Lauraine Snelling: With her three sisters all finding their own paths of life and love, Larkspur Nielsen determines to shoulder their family farm and business dream herself and stay single—even if drifter Isaac McTavish, claiming he’s back in town for good, now seeks her heart. When danger from the past comes knocking, Lark must choose whether to insist on going it alone or accept the love and support God—and Isaac—hold out.
Each of the previous books in your current series, Leah’s Garden, follows a different Neilsen sister as the main character. What led you to save Larkspur’s story for the series conclusion?
LS: I’d actually planned Larkspur’s story to be first since she’s the oldest. However, once The Seeds of Change started coming together, Forsythia took over the story! So the first book became hers.
Loyalty plays a key role in A Season of Harvest. Without giving spoilers, can you hint at why loyalty is at the core of the story?
LS: Loyalty threads through the whole series. These sisters are loyal to each other, to their friends, and to everyone they know. Through all the books, they take care of each other so faithfully. Even their initial departure from Ohio stems from drastic action they take to protect each other and their family. Loyalty then streams over into other characters in the series, especially Isaac McTavish, who really grows into loyalty in this book. Even our villain stays loyal to his purpose all the way through.
Which of the four Neilsen sisters do you personally resonate with the most?
LS: Truth be told, I resonate with each of them. But really, I tend to identify with whichever one I’m writing at the moment! 😊
A Season of Harvest returns to a major conflict from the first book in the series, The Seeds of Change. Was it always in your plan to circle back and address that conflict again in the series conclusion?
LS: It wasn’t always in our plan, but as the book came together, it became inevitable. One benefit of a great editor is that they sometimes contribute ideas, and my editor, Jessica Sharpe, pointed out how key it would be for Ringwald to confront Larkspur at the end of the series. As the book went on, it became so important to resolve that conflict, and we kept the villain in the stories just enough to keep readers from forgetting about him.
What do you hope readers learn or take away from this series?
LS: A reminder of how important our families are. The Nielsens stood by each other in so many crises, and that’s what I would hope readers take away—just a reminder of how important your family is and how absolutely critical faith in Christ is. Salton becomes a place of healing, a place for people to recover joy. That we have so many joys and things to learn in this life is a theme that weaves through all my books.
What led you to set these stories in the homesteading period? How was the setting important to the story you wanted to tell?
LS: It’s one of my favorite periods! The homesteading era was such a time of change and adventure. As for why Nebraska, I hadn’t set stories there very much yet. For Kiersti, it was special to join in on The Seeds of Change and get to write about Nebraska homesteaders living in a soddy because her great-grandfather, a son of Danish immigrants, was born in a soddy in Nebraska in the late 1800s.
Is this truly the last your readers will see of the Neilsen sisters and the rest of their community?
LS: As far as we know!
Now that you’ve wrapped up the Leah’s Garden series, what are you working on next?
LS: A series set in 1889 near Decorah, Iowa. Six-year-old Ruth and twenty-one-year-old Amalia are thrown together on a ship crossing over from Norway when their families die of cholera. Ruth’s dying mother gives her daughter into Amalia’s custody, and the two orphans travel to Iowa to take over the family boardinghouse Ruth will inherit. They must battle a greedy relative trying to claim the property and somehow make ends meet for the motley band of orphans who gather under their roof, while finding a way to make this new land home.
To celebrate her tour, Lauraine is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback set of all four books in the Leah’s Garden Series: The Seeds of Change, A Time to Bloom, Fields of Bounty, and A Season of Harvest!! (US Only)
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
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.
*** I will be reviewing the entire 6 book series in the next 2 weeks, so stay tuned!!
Pajama Party by E. C. Jackson is a bit different than most pajama parties. With this party, sixteen-year-old Karen Duncan has bigger and better plans. The usually petty, selfish girl, Karen’s life has changed over the past year. She decides to invite girls that don’t run with the popular crowd, but will this change her ‘popular girl’ status around school? You gotta read the book to see.
I think E. C. Jackson has a very good idea in writing this book. I like Karen and the way God uses her to speak to the other girls. As the girls started to arrive at the pajama party, there was a lot of friction between them, as you can imagine. They are teenage girls, after all.
I really like Karen and praise her for this party idea. I like the way she tries to bring the girls together, despite their status at school. Karen thought God wanted her to make this happen, and she does a wonderful job. As the night continues, and the girls keep talking, some of the attitudes starts to change. They were able to talk about the usual things teenagers talk about, and come to a better understanding of each other. Most of them anyway.
This book and its contents seems really realistic to me. I could almost hear this group of girls as they communicated with each other. Bringing the ugly as well as the more pleasant side of each girl out in the open. If you have a teenage daughter, in high-school, whether they think they are more popular, or they are more shy and one that is not treated so well by these girls that think they are ‘it’, all need to read this book. I hope this changes a lot of attitudes around the school fronts these days. I really enjoyed this book and I am giving it Five 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.
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: 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.
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?
Overflow With Hope is the fifth book in this Hope Series by E. C. Jackson. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series. I keep saying the book I am reviewing is my favorite, and I’ll say it again with Overflow With Hope. I love the way Ms. Jackson puts her characters in every day real life issues. I have related to many of her characters, in one way or another.
Tempia Wade life changed when she made some terrible decisions that would change her life forever. I had a hard time trying to like Quince and how he pulled Tempia into his dishonesty. Tempia frustrates me to no end. After everything she’s done, is there any chance Cory Sanders can overlook and forgive Tempia’s horrible choices? Well, this is where you will need to read the book. And if you enjoy good, clean, inspirational story, Overflow With Hope is a great one to read. I found it to be a pretty fast read. From the beginning the story pulls you in and don’t let go. I love when authors writes amazing books such as this. I’m giving this on Five Stars. It’s worth your time reading!
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.
Thank you for reading my review of OVERFLOW WITH HOPE. You can also read my review of the other books in this HOPE series.
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Also Available for Review:
MY REVIEW FOR
The Living Hope by E. C. Jackson
A LIVING HOPE by E. C. Jacckson
Book Details:
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 THE CERTAIN HOPE
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.
In The Confident Hope, E. C. Jackson writes a story of marriage and the problems that come after the I Do! Pamela finally got what she wanted in marrying Mark. But was he her true one and only. I had a problem with Pamela going after Mark like she did, when he really wasn’t avaliable. But I guess that’s how some ladies are. It took me a while to warm up to both of these characters, but they grew on me. Both Mark and Pamela had lots to learn about marriage. They were both so determined to have their way it caused friction in their marriage. I found that lack of communication was also a big part of their problems, and both were to stubborn to acknowledge it.
I do like the way Jackson uses this story to show the twists and turns, ups and downs and all the other differences marriage brings. This would be a great book for anyone, especially a new married couple, or perhaps someone getting married. There are lots of lessons to learn in this book and E. C. Jackson does an excellent job writing this book. It’s one of my favorite in the series. Anyone who enjoys a good clean inspirational books will enjoy this one. I’m giving it Five 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.
Pajama Party: The Story by E.C. Jackson
Book Details:
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: 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*********************
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 THE CERTAIN HOPE
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.
In The Confident Hope, E. C. Jackson writes a story of marriage and the problems that come after the I Do! Pamela finally got what she wanted in marrying Mark. But was he her true one and only. I had a problem with Pamela going after Mark like she did, when he really wasn’t avaliable. But I guess that’s how some ladies are. It took me a while to warm up to both of these characters, but they grew on me. Both Mark and Pamela had lots to learn about marriage. They were both so determined to have their way it caused friction in their marriage. I found that lack of communication was also a big part of their problems, and both were to stubborn to acknowledge it.
I do like the way Jackson uses this story to show the twists and turns, ups and downs and all the other differences marriage brings. This would be a great book for anyone, especially a new married couple, or perhaps someone getting married. There are lots of lessons to learn in this book and E. C. Jackson does an excellent job writing this book. It’s one of my favorite in the series. Anyone who enjoys a good clean inspirational books will enjoy this one. I’m giving it Five 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.
Pajama Party: The Story by E.C. Jackson
Book Details:
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.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*********************
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.
Twenty years ago, several people were murdered in Des Moines, and the only evidence left behind was a snowman ornament hanging ominously on a tree in the victims’ front lawns. With a suspect behind bars, the killings have come to an end–or so everyone thought. But now crimes with a similar MO are happening in a small Iowa town, and a local detective believes the killer is back and ready to strike again.
With little time left on the clock before they have another murder on their hands, private investigators River Ryland and Tony St. Clair must work alongside Tony’s detective father to find evidence that will uncover an evil that has survived far too long. As the danger mounts and the suspect closes in, it will take all they have to catch a killer–before he catches one of them.
Wow! What an exciting read. After reading Nancy Mehl’s first book in this series, Cold Pursuit, I have been waiting to read Cold Threat, and it was an awesome mystery thriller for sure. I was so hooked on reading this book I read late into the night and jumped at any noise I heard.
This story goes back many years when people were murdered in Des Moines, and just maybe the killer is still around, it’s just that Tony’s father can’t convince anyone else, so he ask for Tony and Ryland’s help. Tony and Ryland are fabulous characters created by author Nancy Mehl, as well as so many other characters Mehl created to make up this story. I think this story is pretty fast paced, but then the time line for the killings made the book seem like it was at a slower pace. Either way, this is an awesome book to read.
I enjoyed following Ryland and Tony as they made their way through trying to find the person responsible for so many murders, and why. What motivation did this person have. Mehl created such great details for each scene in the book I felt as if it was playing out in my little community. I have always enjoyed Nancy Mehl’s writing style, just as I read enjoyed it in this book. And I’m telling you folks, she can write some scenes that will have you looking out your windows and locking your doors. And I love it!
If you enjoy reading a fast-paced thriller that will have you biting your nails, you need to read Cold Threat. I think it can be read as a stand alone, but reading Cold Pursuit, book one in this Ryland & St. Clair Book (An FBI Profiler Thriller Romantic Suspense Series) I simply can’t wait for Book three to hit the shelves. I’m giving this book Five Stars and I wish I could give it more!
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.
Author Bio:
Nancy Mehl is the author of more than fifty books, a Parable and ECPA bestseller, and the winner of an ACFW Book of the Year Award, a Carol Award, and the Daphne du Maurier Award. She has also been a finalist for the Christy Award. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.
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.
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