Friday, May 31, 2019

A Bible for Brides



Book Description from the publisher:

The KJV Bride’s Bible is the perfect way to start marriage off right—with God’s Word at the center. Bound in classic white Leathersoft™ this Bible will take its place as a treasured family heirloom in the years to come. With the timeless beauty of the King James Version, a presentation page, gilded page edges, and a satin ribbon marker, this Bible is the perfect gift for engagement celebrations and bridal showers.
Features include:
Exclusive KJV Comfort Print®
Words of Christ in red
Special presentation pages
Gilded page edges
Clear and readable 6.5-point print size
Satin ribbon marker
 
 
My Review:
This Bible is a beautiful edition!  It is a nice size that is easy to take along 
with you and none that is easy to sit down with and read together. 
What really stands out to me is the look of the Bible - the Bible is white and gold 
and has a look that stands out and looks special, something to be treasured, as a 
marriage should be. This would make a wonderful gift for the brides that are soon to be
married, as wedding season is kicking off!
 
*Thanks to the BookLook Bloggers Program for the complimentary copy of this book.* 

"The Inn At Hidden Run" blog tour

The Inn at Hidden Run FB Banner

About the Book

Inn at Hidden Run_COVER

A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Tree
 
Meri flunks out of medical school—and runs from her parents. Genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy’s digging traces the family long tradition of doctors to an ancestor saved during a yellow fever outbreak in Memphis in 1878. As Meri’s family closes in, Jillian gets the final puzzle pieces in place just in time for them all to learn the truth. The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to backdrop of a lovely mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that inspire them to connect with their own family histories and unique faith journeys.


My Review:
Olivia Newport has done a great job with tying together the present day with the past in her latest novel.  Meri and Jillian are both great main characters and I loved how their lives intersect as does the Meri's life with her ancestors.  The storyline was very well developed as the reader gets to know Meri and what she is dealing with currently as well as her family background and how family impacts us as far as who we become.  Being a genealogist is fascinating and I enjoyed really getting to and understand what all is involved in this occupation.  I am a fan of history and so I really liked how the past is tied in with this story as well as I felt like the author did a great job at describing and really bringing to life the characters and issues both in current day and in the past.  This book is an excellent start to this new series and I am excited to read more to come!

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

OliviaNewport

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

More from Olivia

Of Family Lines and Family Lore I suppose it all started in a cemetery. Once, while a group of relatives were visiting a cemetery, one of my cousins and I wandered off and looked at all sorts of graves, speculating about the names we read and the lives they represented. We were duly scolded both for separating from our families, which caused some consternation, and for being disrespectful—though I think the second accusation was a false one! Just because we were young children didn’t mean we were disrespecting the dead. Quite the opposite. We were respecting lives long forgotten with our curiosity about who they were and what legacies they left. These days a lot of people are interested in genealogy. Entire TV series spin around the theme, and DNA kits show up in Christmas stockings. Lost branches of family trees find the main trunk—sometimes with big surprises. My new Tree of Life series is set in the backdrop of a lovely Colorado mountain town I hope you’ll want to visit often, where a father-daughter genealogy team link present to past on family trees and characters learn about who they are, where they come from, and their unique faith journeys as they discover their own Tree of Life. It all starts with The Inn at Hidden Run. When Meri arrives in Canyon Mines because she wants to run away from her family, true answers come from understanding the past that generations have forgotten—the accounts from another time and place no longer handed down but that still form the backbone of the family’s story. What’s the backbone of your family’s history? How is it shaping your own future?

Blog Stops












Hallie Reads, May 22

Bigreadersite, May 23

By The Book, May 23












Mary Hake, May 28

Quiet Quilter, May 29


Remembrancy, May 30



Moments, May 31

Giveaway



 
To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Inn at Hidden Run!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e1c1/the-inn-at-hidden-run-celebration-tour-giveaway

*Thanks to Celebrate Lit for including me on this blog tour.*

Sunday, May 26, 2019

"Now and Then and Always"

Image result for now and then and always melissa tagg"Now and Then and Always" is the first book in Melissa Tagg's Maple Valley series and hopefully it is the first of many more to come!  Although this novel is the first in the series, it is a return to Maple Valley as her Walker family series is set in this town.  Maple Valley has a similar vibe to Stars Hallow (Gilmore Girls) as it is filled with quirky, and loving characters, festivals and it is a place that quickly feels like home. 


Mara arrived at the Everwood Bed & Breakfast trying to escape from her former life and hoping to not be found.  Lenora takes her under her wing and Mara begins to feel safe and if she has a home; however Lenora has left and has not returned, leaving Mara in charge.  In the midst of a storm and an impeding foreclosure notice, Marshall shows up at the Everwood as he has been placed on leave and is lost and been dealing with grief in a not so great way.  As Mara and Marshall, along with the help of the town, team up to fix up and save the Everwood, they find themselves in a bit of a mystery regarding Lenora and her whereabouts as well as the history of the place and the former owners and also healing taking place in their own lives.

Mara and Marshall are both great main characters, strong individuals, yet so broken and in need of healing and trusting God in their own lives.  Maple Valley becomes a home and place of healing through the feelings of home and the friendship found in so many in the town.  Jenessa and Lucas and Sam all were known to me as they were characters in Melissa's books and I am really hoping that these other members of the "friends family" all get their own stories in future books as I cannot wait for more time spent with these characters and in this town.  The history of the Everwood, the significance of this place for Marshall and the love and teamwork that is put into restoring it really makes it come alive and it made me feel hopeful for this being a place of rest and healing for so many years to come.

Melissa's style of writing always draws me right in and I just want to keep on reading because the books are just so good, so real life and so easy to get lost in.  However, when I get to the end of the book, I am left wanting more and wishing it was not over so soon.  While reading this book it is easy to fall in love with Maple Valley, the characters, and a renewed personal relationship with God. 

Thursday, May 23, 2019

"Act of Valor" tour!


About the Book

image1

Book: Act of Valor  
Author: Dana Mentink  
Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense  
Release Date: June 1, 2019

A True Blue K-9 story …When airline employee Violet Griffin encounters several suspicious passengers, she’s thrust into the crosshairs of a drug smuggling operation. NYPD officer Zach Jameson and his drug detection beagle, Eddie, can tell this is no small-time threat. Someone’s gunning for Violet, and after recently losing his brother, Zach refuses to lose her, too…especially now that she’s gone from friend to the woman he’s falling for.

Click here to purchase your copy. 

My Review:

  I loved this story of Violet and Zach's, best friends but maybe there is something more for them.  "Act of Valor" is part of the True Blue K-9 Unit series and it is a great addition to the series.  I feel like I have a better understanding of and appreciation for those who are in the role of being a K-9 officer as well as all of those who serve us each and every day in similar roles.  The characters all became so real as this book could be something that could happen at any point in time in today's world.  Dana's writing style is so easy to read and the story so easy to get wrapped up in, as it is a nice mixture of romance and suspense.  Relying on and trusting God is woven throughout as well making this an inspiring read!

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 bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Barbour, and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)  

More from Dana

Cops and killers and beagles, oh my! It was a ton of fun writing the second book in the new True Blue K-9 Continuity series. First of all, I had the honor of working with some AMAZING authors. (It’s challenging creating a world together and keeping all those details straight!) I had the privilege of following the amazing Lynette Eason, so that’s always a plus! Second, I learned all about the astonishing world of beagles! Those critters are just amazing. For instance, the original beagles were tiny, only 8 inches tall and could be carried in a pocket, which is why they called them Pocket Beagles. I need one of those! The name beagle comes from the French, which is translated “wide throat” or “loudmouth.” This is well earned by Eddie in my story, who will occasionally let loose with the trademark baying. The beagles small size, general friendliness, and ferocious scent drive, make it the perfect dog to sniff around airports and get into compact spaces. Eddie enjoys doing just that with Zach, his handler and best friend. He earns those gourmet treats that Zach bakes up for him. Best of all, Eddie was rescued from death before he became a canine cop star! It’s just awesome when you can twine fact with fiction to come up with a tail wagging suspense story! I hope you enjoy the second installment in the series!

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, May 16
Multifarious, May 17
EmpowerMoms, May 20
Remembrancy, May 21
Simple Harvest Reads, May 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Hallie Reads, May 22
Moments, May 23
Bigreadersite, May 27

Giveaway

 
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a print copy of the book, a beagle coloring book, and an Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e012/act-of-valor-celebration-tour-giveaway

*thanks to Celebrate Lit for including me on this book tour.*

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

making decisions


Cover Art

"I confess I've never struggled much with unmade decisions, but I also never thought about the process by which we go about making them. The Next Right Thing enlightened me, brought awareness, and gave me tools I didn't realize were missing in my decision-making. Emily points us to ultimate peace and clarity in our lives in the midst of uncertainty and chaos by gently pulling our focus back to the One who gives them."

Candace Cameron Bure, actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author

"This book will leave you with confidence, wisdom, intention, and a perspective shift about the big and small decisions in your life. Reading The Next Right Thing is your next right decision."

Myquillyn Smith, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Cozy Minimalist Home
My Review:
I feel like this is a book that I had seen a lot of posts on social media leading up to the release and between that and the endorsements I had read from other authors, I was really excited to read this.  I was not let down.  "The Next Right Thing" is a great read, thought-provoking and filled with little tidbits that are great reminders and things to thing about in regards to decisions I have made in the past and how I will make decisions now and in the future.  Overall I feel like this book is full of guidance and encouragement to be in the moment, live in the now, and ways to practice this through various tasks and activities.  My favorite chapter is the one on making an important list.  This deal with what we are doing day in and day out, is what we do life-giving or life-draining.  Decisions can be so stressful and a lot of time and energy can be spent going back and forth on what is the best decision to make in a given situation.  This book is meant to help with that and I believe Emily has achieved that goal.  I highly recommend this book!

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Blogger Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*







































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































"Sweet on You" book tour!


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Sweet on You
(Bradford Sisters #3)
By Becky Wade
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages
April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who's spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?

GoodreadsAmazonB&NBook DepostioryChristianBookBAMiBooksKobo

My Review:
I am a huge fan of Becky Wade, meaning I have to read her books as soon as they come out and I was so excited to be included on the book tour for her latest novel, "Sweet on You."  This is the last book in her Bradford Sisters series and I have loved every page in this series.  Britt is the youngest sister of the three Bradford girls and let me say her story is full of adventure and sweetness.  Britt spent time overseas studying and perfecting the art of making chocolates, reading the descriptions of what she was making in her kitchen made me crave chocolates!  Britt's best friend since middle school, Zander, has returned home following his uncle's death and Britt is realizing that she has feelings for him that go past feelings of friendship.  Zander has been in agony for so many years watching Britt have various boyfriends, but right now she is single, although there is a guy trying to get her attention.  As secrets are being found out involving Zander's uncle and  his death, Britt teams up with Zander to look for the truth, yet with hearts involved, everything becomes more complicated. 
What I love most about this book is how descriptive the writing is.  I could vividly picture Britt's home and her shop, along with Nora's home and her vintage gown of course along with the food and sweets that were made.  It was so easy to get caught up in the story due to that and that the characters are so real and easy to love.  I have loved this time with the Bradford family out in the state of Washington and now am looking forward to what Becky Wade may write next!

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She’s the Christy Award and Carol Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
  • Tote bag highlighting Britt’s chocolate shop, Sweet Art
  • Paperback copy of Sweet on You
  • $100 Visa gift card
  • 1 pound box of See’s chocolate truffles
  • Set of chocolate scented soap
  • Box of colored pencils
  • “Tattoo” coloring book
Enter on Becky's website HERE

Grab Our Button!
 
*Thanks to Prism book tours for including me on this book tour.*

Sunday, May 19, 2019

"On a Summer Tide"


Cover Art




Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my must-read authors and after reading her latest novel, "On a Summer Tide," she would have become one if she had not already been!  This is the start to a brand-new series, Three Sisters Island, and it is a contemporary romance series focusing on three estranged sisters and their father hoping to bring them back together. 
Cam, Maddie and Blaine are called together at their childhood home as their father has something to tell them.  None of the three sisters expected what the news was, that their childhood home has been sold and he has bought an island that has a camp where he and his late wife met.  However, it needs much work and the island is on verge of bankruptcy.  As the sisters are thrown other surprises and twists and turns in their own life, the three gather together on the island where life becomes even more unexpected.  The three sisters meet the locals, and learn some things including a wise statement that is shared by Peg: "You either get better or bitter by what life throws you."
I really enjoyed this start to the series and am eager for book #2 to come out!  These three sisters immediately drew me into their lives and I found myself laughing and hurting with them throughout the story.  Their interactions are so real as families can be tough, can be messy, but in the end they are family and when people are involved, it can be messy and crazy, but also love and hope can shine through.  And on a final note, I absolutely love this cover, so beautiful and a perfect depiction of the story. 

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*