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Wednesday, March 15, 2023

My Thoughts - Where Treasure Lies Author: Amanda Tru


About the Book

Book: Where Treasure Lies

Author: Amanda Tru

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: February 28, 2023

Two stories…thirty years apart. Will solving the mystery of the past provide the key to the present?

Scott Connelly arrives in the Suamalie Islands determined to acquire property for his father and leave as soon as possible. But he doesn’t count on the animosity of the residents, the fascinating local legend of a sunken Spanish treasure ship, or the highly unavailable waitress who comes to his rescue. The fabled treasure promises to buy his freedom, but even seeking it may be a dangerous risk.

News of her father’s death precedes Tavia Connelly’s arrival in the Suamalie Islands. Despite the hatred of the island residents, Tavia’s determined to settle her father’s affairs and return immediately to assume her role as head of the family company. But her father’s wishes require her to find out what happened long ago, given only Scott’s mumbled clues, crazy rumors, and a centuries-old fable.

Tavia should be safe after all those years, but her presence attracts a lot of resentment, and the ghosts of Scott’s enemies may still lie in wait for someone to come searching for a treasure that may have never existed.

But what if it did?

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Amanda Tru is a best-selling author of over thirty Christian fiction books. She writes page-turning fiction to inspire real-life stories. In her own real story, she sheds her super-hero writing cape to be mommy to four kids in a small Idaho town.

 

More from Amanda

I love to mix truth with fiction. Sometimes I use my own experiences as inspiration for my stories, sometimes I use actual events, and sometimes I do both! When I started writing Where Treasure Lies, I wanted to anchor my fiction in truth. We’ve all read stories that featured a rather cheesy treasure hunt, and I wanted more than that. Besides the subject, the format of a dual time story made it even more difficult. However, a book isn’t worth writing if it isn’t a challenge.

What I found in my research thrilled me, driving my imagination to create a story even better than I thought possible. We’re all familiar with the fantastic tales of treasure ships in the Caribbean. But the story I wanted to tell was set on the fictional Suamalie Islands located a bit farther away—the Pacific. Was it even possible that a Spanish treasure ship could be in that area?

My initial research was discouraging. After all, the main age when Spanish galleons sailed the seas was from 1565 to 1815. The Suamalie Islands were supposedly not discovered until the early 1800s. And they were discovered by a French explorer, which didn’t quite fit my Spanish treasure ship idea. But the more research I did, the more it fascinated me. Starting in the late 1500s, Spain did run treasure ships to the Caribbean, but they also ran them the other direction, seeking the treasures of the New World from the western coast of the continents. Typically, they would set out from Manila in the Philippines, transporting spices, porcelain, and silk to Acapulco where they would trade them for New World silve, gold, gems, and other treasures. They would often make land in Oregon or California before following the coast south. Then they would turn around with their new load and take the treasure back to Manilla and then mainland Spain.

The exact trade route was kept secret. After all, if it were known, the treasure ships would be prime targets for pirates. To this day, the route of the Manilla galleons isn’t known. However, it is estimated that at least 30 Manilla galleons were wrecked, and not all of them have been found. There are even rumors that one of them was shipwrecked off the coast of Oregon!

With that information, I knew it was possible that one of these mysterious Spanish treasure ships could have passed by the fictional Suamalie Islands, even before it was officially discovered. And it would have been kept hush hush because of the secrecy of the trade route. And if one was passing by the island of Oli Oli when there happened to be a big storm… And if residents of the island of Oli Oli told a local legend about such a ship (similar to what is told today even in Oregon)… And if certain characters came to the island and heard the tale… Maybe, just maybe, they would go searching. Whether or not they found a treasure, that search could be a story. And if two different people were searching for the same treasure thirty years apart, maybe readers would want to go on the search with them!

I won’t reveal any spoilers. I won’t say if a Manilla galleon is found, or if four hundred years later such a ship would still contain treasure. However, I hope you will still find treasure as you read this book. In 2023, finding a wonderful story, filled with mystery, romance, and adventure with a few deeper truths mixed in is a wonderful treasure indeed.

My Thoughts 

Where Treasure Lies is book one in the Suamalie Islands series. This one is written by Amanda Tru. This book goes back and forth between Scott Connelly and Tavia his daughter. The stories are separated by thirty years. Scott was sent to Oli Oli to scout land out for development. He is met with a lot of resentment when the locals catch whiff of what he wants to do. He hears a story about a possible buried treasure and he is determined to try and find it. He meets local island girl, Kekoa who seems to be the only person that will talk to him. Kekoa unfortunately is under the control of a thug who likes to run the island by using violence. 

Tavia is sent to Suamalie Islands to liquidate her dad's assets. She wants to get in and out - and as soon as she is picked up by the Uber driver she realizes that the Connelly name is not a welcomed one on the island. Her dad left her with little information on how to handle his business on the islands. She was told to ask for Keke and when she finds her - she is met with a brick wall. Everyone on the island thinks that her dad stole the treasure and left Kekoa behind. 

I really enjoyed the dual stories. I felt that we really got to know the Connelly family. We were able to see how both despised being on the island at first but then soon realized there was more then meets the eye. The added mystery of the treasure was a fun mix in. I cannot wait until the next book in the series. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 9

Texas Book-aholic, March 10

Sara Beth Williams, March 10

deb’s Book Review, March 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 12

Stories By Gina, March 13 (Author Interview

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 13

Sylvan Musings, March 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 14

Aryn the Libraryan, March 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 17

She Lives To Read, March 18

For Him and My Family, March 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19

Blogging With Carol, March 20

lakesidelivingsite, March 21

Mary Hake, March 21

Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amanda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/24b77/where-treasure-lies-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, March 11, 2023

My Thoughts - A Life Set Free Author: Rena Groot

 

About the Book

Book: A Life Set Free

Author: Rena Groot

Genre: Non-Fiction

Release date: 2019

A Life Set Free was carried in my heart for years before I finally had the courage to write it. It was written under a mosquito net in China. The final editing took place at a guest house in Israel. It is filled with stories from God sparing my life to leading me on incredible adventures as an ambassador with “The Department of Eternal Affairs” to so many cool places ~ Haiti, a jungle village in Belize, the Ghetto in NYC, behind the Iron Curtain in Poland and Romania, Israel, China, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, Africa, and Greece. It is a story of God’s love and faithfulness.

 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

My name is Rena Groot and I am honored you have chosen to take a moment of your life to read this. I am an artist, author, have a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Religious Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta. I have been a teacher in Canada and China, a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, a missionary to the ends of the Earth, a mom of four ~ and best of all, a child of God.

 

More from Rena

Why did I write this book? Because I had to. I wrote it for me…but God wanted me to share it with the world…with you…so you could be encouraged and know that God loves you…more than you can possibly imagine.


My Thoughts 

A Life Set Free is written by Rena Groot. This is her testimony. Her words are real and they flow so nicely. I loved getting to know her story. Some of the things that she went through as a child were heartbreaking. She reminds us that God never leaves or forsakes us. I have read several of this author's books and it was nice to get to know her through a more personal level. 

The author tells her story, along with reminding us about God's goodness and grace. She balances the raw emotion out with God's truth. To read a story about her transformation through God was a nice refresh. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 5

Texas Book-aholic, March 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 7

deb’s Book Review, March 8

An Author’s Take, March 9

Lots of Helpers, March 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 11

Cover Lover Book Review, March 12

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 13

For Him and My Family, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

Lights in a Dark World, March 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 17

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 18

Mary Hake, March 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rena is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/2494c/a-life-set-free-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

My Thoughts -Moms Raising Sons to Be Men Author: Rhonda Stoppe

 Moms Raising Sons to Be Men JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Moms Raising Sons to Be Men by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


Moms Raising Sons to be Men

Title: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men

Author: Rhonda Stoppe

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Release Date: March 7, 2023

Genre: Religion / Christian Living / Women's Interests/ Parenting

Bringing up boys isn’t for the faint of heart, but bestselling author Rhonda Stoppe has been there before—and she’s here to help! Drawing on insights from fellow boy-moms and from Scripture, Rhonda reveals why walking with Christ is every mom’s key to parenting well.

You’ll discover how motherhood gives you unique opportunities to grow in faith as you draw nearer to God through prayer, Bible study, and mentorship from godly women. You’ll also find practical advice for shaping your son in character and faith as you encourage his passions, teach him biblical masculinity, and protect his spirit without smothering his individuality.

Your success as a mother doesn’t depend on what your son does with his life, but on how you obey God’s guidance on this mission of motherhood. Moms Raising Sons to Be Men provides the biblical hope, wisdom, and encouragement you need to help your son live a life without regrets!

“You will be encouraged, enlightened, and empowered to become the mom you’ve always wanted to be—and to guide your son into becoming the man God intended.”

—Cindi McMenamin, national speaker and author of When Women Walk Alone

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub

Also Available

Real-Life Romance The Marriage Mentor If My Husband Would Change, I'd Be Happy


About the Author

Rhonda Stoppe

Rhonda Stoppe is a transparent, humorous, and biblically sound speaker and podcast host of: "Old Ladies Know Stuff". She is the bestselling author of 7 books and a frequent guest on Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk. Her boy-mom interviews on Focus on the Family were named in their 'Best of 2021' episodes. Rhonda has been joyfully married to her pastor-husband, Steve, for 41 years. Their 4 happily married children have blessed them with 15 grandchildren.

Connect with Rhonda by visiting NoRegretsWoman.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

My Thoughts

I have two sons. They are 11 and 9. We are at the preteen attitude stage. Being able to read Moms Raising Sons to Be Men that is written by Rhonda Stoppe came along at the perfect time. This book is a perfect blend of personal stories and Biblical Principles. I used this book as a more devotional format making sure that I prayed over each lesson to fully grasp what God had in store for me.

The world is in such a need for strong men. That is how I want to raise my boys. I want them to be strong leaders of the home. There is spaces for journaling and reflecting. I strongly recommend this book to those who have boys.

Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

(1) additional winner will receive a copy of Real Life Romance!

Moms Raising Sons to be Men JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 8, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 15, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours


Friday, March 3, 2023

My Thoughts - Bear Knight Author: James R. Hannibal

 

About the Book

Book: Bear Knight

Author: James R. Hannibal

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: Febraury 14, 2023

Darkness Looms in the Dragon Lands

War is brewing. New threats have emerged in Keledev. The watchmen of Thousand Falls and the Windhold find goblin tunnels in the slopes of the mountain barrier that may hold many dangerous creatures. At the same time, scouting missions into the Dragon Lands confirm that the dragons are building an army of tortured Aladoth villagers to destroy the Liberated Land.

To protect Kara Orso, the young woman Connor and Lee rescued, the headmaster sends them to the Second Hall to face the intrigues of the Assembly in her place. Far to the south, the two cadets learn of an old weapon designed to end the war between the dragons and the Liberated Land forever. To restore the honor of his family and renew the hope of his people, Connor believes he must find the weapon and use it to destroy the dragon leader.

While Connor, Lee, and an assemblyman’s daughter scour the Dragon Lands for the weapon, Kara and Tiran are drawn north into the Forest of Horrors on a mission of their own—to find and save one tortured man. To succeed, both parties must face their fears and lean on the peace and strength of the Rescuer.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

As a former fighter pilot, stealth pilot, and tactical deception officer, James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He is the award-winning author of thrillers, mysteries, and fantasies for adults and children, and he is the developer of Lightraider Academy games. As a pastor’s kid in Colorado Springs, he guinea-pigged every youth discipleship program of the 1980s, but the one that engaged him and shaped him most as a Christ-follower and Kingdom warrior was DragonRaid, by Dick Wulf—the genesis of the Lightraider world.

 

Read an Excerpt from the Book

Sireth held up a palm to stop Aaron’s next swings and inspected their work, then waved. “Swap sides. We must keep the cuts even, and yours are not quite as deep.”

 

Not quite as deep was a generous evaluation, and Aaron knew it, but this did not deter his next question. Chopping trees was one thing. Fighting was quite another. “Are you not concerned about keeping up with the younger watchmen in training and combat?”

 

“Older. Younger. My age and yours are not so different when you consider eternity. And as to combat”—the axe spun in each of Sireth’s hands before he landed his next blow—“I have some training. You forget, most in my generation had not yet come of age when the Assembly disbanded the Order. Many of us had planned to join—had played and practiced at it from the day we could hold a wooden sword. We spent our strongest years still practicing, in hopes it would reopen.”

 

“But it didn’t. Not until you had households and children of your own—grown children, at that.”

 

“I’m well aware.”

 

Right. His children. “When did your sehna and behlna take on the initiate’s quest?”

“The very first class.”

 

The power went out of Aaron’s swing. Sireth Yar. Teegan and Tiran. How had he failed to put those names together? “They helped close the dragon’s portal. They stopped the invasion.”

 

“For now.”

 

“I take it you share the Order’s concern. If the dragons can open one portal, they can open others.”

 

Sireth shot a look at Aaron’s idle axe, and did not answer until Aaron had taken the cue and started chopping again. “That is why we are here, is it not? Last year, one dragon moved ore creatures and goblins to our side of the barrier. A host of dragons might send an army. The Lightraider Order believes that is their plan. My own sehna and behlna saw the preparations.”

 

An army. The preparations. Aaron let the words settle into his thoughts. He’d come to the barrier for adventure and because the old men of his village had spoken of honor and need. But had he truly considered the cost of his calling? Looking north, he pictured orcs, trolls, and all manner of dragon corruptions rushing down the slopes.

 

“You all right?”

 

“Hm? Oh yes.” Aaron resumed his swings. “Do you worry? About your sehna and behlna, I mean.” He looked northeast toward the Order’s fortress at Ras Telesar. “Up there, at the academy.”

 

“They’re in the Maker’s hands.” Sireth raised two fingers to signal Aaron to still his axe. “Ras Telesar may be higher up the barrier, but it’s still here, in Keledev, under the Rescuer’s protection.”

 

With a sharp crack, the trunk gave. Aaron found himself yanked over to Sireth’s side. The heaviest part of the pine smashed down right where he’d been standing. Sireth released him and patted his chest. “I’d say my children are as safe as you are.”


My Thoughts

Bear Knight is book two in the Lightrider Academy Series that written by  James R. Hannibal. This is a young adult fantasy book. I have read the first book in the series. I would read them in order because they it will all make sense. My 11 year old son and I read this book together and he was super excited to get the second book in the series. 

Bear Knight has a lot more action and adventure in it. There is a war is brewing. There have been new threats have emerged in Keledev. Kara takes central stage in this book - it was fun to see her grow. When Connor returns from his mission - he has also grown and evolved. Kara will have to face her fears in order to save herself and others. 

The author has a way of drawing you in within the first few chapters. The book has lots of action and adventure, which my son loved. We can't wait to read more from this author. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 26

Texas Book-aholic, February 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 1

deb’s Book Review, March 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2

Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 3

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Blogging With Carol, March 7

Rebecca Tews, March 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 8

Guild Master, March 9

Artistic Nobody, March 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, March 11

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, James is giving away the grand prize package of a signed Bear Knight Hardcover, Starlots Gem Dice 7-Color Set, Hand-Inked, First Watch Bible Memory Card Game, and a $100 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/24706/bear-knight-celebration-tour-giveaway