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Monday, May 31, 2021

BOOK REVIEW --- Power Play By Rachel Dylan

 


ABOUT THE BOOK

When State Department attorney Vivian Steele witnesses two ambassadors collapse as if poisoned at a diplomatic dinner in Washington, DC, she is recruited to be a member of a joint FBI task force assigned to investigate. But she soon finds her by-the-book ways clashing with a special agent in the Diplomatic Security Service, Jacob Cruz. A former Navy SEAL and in charge of the event's security, Jacob takes the attack personally and is driven to act quickly, even ahead of the rules and regulations.

As Viv starts to work her diplomatic sources, her past as a State Department lawyer comes back to haunt her, and secrets held tightly by the government thrust her into a web of danger. Afraid, Viv turns to the one man bent on protecting others. But can she accept Jacob's reckless ways as exactly what she needs to stay alive and to discover the truth behind the attacks?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. The Atlanta Justice Series features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Lone Witness is the winner of a Holt Medallion, the Maggie Award, and is a Selah Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at www.racheldylan.com.



MY THOUGHTS

Wow. Just wow. Power Play is the third and final book in the Capitol Intrigue series. I have been fortunate enough to read all the books in the series, and the finale was by far my favorite.  While they are all standalone - I would recommend reading them all so that you can understand the members of the team in this book. They all have their own story. The author has done such an amazing job with this series that I am sad to see it end.... However, that means that another series will hopefully be starting soon.

State Attorney Viv Steele finds herself in the middle of the action when she is present when two ambassadors die in front of her while at a diplomatic dinner. Viv is then thrust into running for her life while operating on a task force trying to bring those that were responsible to justice. Viv is so used to playing by the rules. Her job usually consists of making sure policy is followed. She is not accustomed to being shot at, attacked and dodging those that are trying to hurt her. Her partner, Former Navy Seal, Jacob Cruz is assigned to protect her. As the task force team tries to make sense of the mess - other members of the task force are followed, stalked and confronted. Can they figure out who is responsible before they come for Viv? 

The author had me guessing until the end. I thought I knew who was behind everything and then boom - another bread crumb was dropped. This book will take you on twists and turns. It will have your adrenaline pumping. 

The book has well written and well developed characters. The author does a great job filling in their history. The storyline is suspenseful and full of surprises. I always love everything that this author puts out - and I look forward to where she goes from here. 

I received a copy of this book through the author and publisher - all thoughts are my own.  



Saturday, May 29, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway -Rising Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours

 Rising Danger JustRead Blog Tour


Welcome to the Blog Tour for Rising Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Rising Danger

Rising Danger



Author: Jerusha Agen

Publisher: Love Inspired Trade

Release Date: May 25, 2021

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

It’s up to a K-9 handler and her canine partner to stop a bomber before it’s too late.

Someone’s planting explosives on dams in the Twin Cities, and Bristol Bachmann and her bomb-sniffing dog must move quickly to find them before everything ends up underwater. That means relying on the dams’ supervisor—an ex-boyfriend Bristol never thought she’d see again. Hopefully Remington Jones has grown up from the rakish charmer she knew in her academy days. Because lives now depend entirely on them…

It’s an environmental terrorist who wants the dams gone, and his bid to set the waters free has lethal consequences. When he sees Bristol and her K-9 working to stop him, he sets his sights on them. Can they evade him in a lethal game of cat and mouse and protect the cities from devastating destruction before the clock runs out?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerusha Agen



Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies. Find more of Jerusha’s thrilling, fear-fighting stories at JerushaAgen.com.

CONNECT WITH JERUSHA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram





My Thoughts




Rising Danger is written by Jerusha Agen. This is part of the Love Inspired Trade Publications. I have never read this author before - and I will be looking for other books by her. I have always been a huge fan of the Love Inspired Suspense series, and I am a bigger fan of the Love Inspired Trade Suspense. I loved getting to know the characters more and having my adrenaline pumping longer.

In this book, Bristol Bachmann and her K-9 partner, Toby are helping assist in locating bombs in busy Twin Cities. Someone has target the damns. Bristol is new to the Phoenix K-9 agency and is trying to prove her worth. Phoenix K-9 is a search, rescue and security business that is run by all women. I absolutely loved this about this book. Bristol and her partner are having to depend on the dam's manager, Remington. Remington is Bristol's ex boyfriend. He had betrayed her trust when they broke up. Remington is thrilled to see Bristol again. Bristol, not so much.

This book will start off with a bang (literally). The action will continue throughout the whole book. The environmental terrorist sets their sites on Bristol and Toby. Remington, has changed his entire life around and is a man of God - and tries to get Bristol to see that God is always in control. Remington knows that he made mistakes and let people down, especially Bristol. However, Bristol is mad at God. She feels that God allowed members of her family to perish in Hurricane Katrina. The author has done a wonderful job in weaving in biblical truth. God is a God of second chances - and will always welcome us back into his fold no matter how many times we walk away. Remington shows her that God is indeed on their side - and they will have to rely on him while the danger is closing in.

This book has well written characters, a suspenseful storyline.I liked the premise of the book. Environmental Terrorist planting bombs that trained K-9's can find. I did not want this story to end. I want to see the stories of the whole Phoenix K9 agency. I love stories about strong women. I absolutely love the expanded story through Love Inspired.

I received a copy of this book through JustRead Publicity Tours, all thoughts are my own.


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Rising Danger by Jerusha Agen!

Rising Danger JustRead Giveaway

F

ull tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 26, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 2, 2021. 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 HERE





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





*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Friday, May 28, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Windward Shore Author: Sharon Hinck On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 






About the Book

Book:  Windward Shore

Author: Sharon Hinck

Genre: Christian epic fantasy

Release date: May 11, 2020


The island world of Meriel faces an old adversary and a new danger. Will the reformed Order die before it has a chance to blossom?

Storm clouds loom on the horizon as Carya and Brantley struggle to overcome wounds of the past and build a future together. The fragile new Order is on shaky ground, with too few dancers and sparse resources. Then trouble erupts—and now an insidious rebellion and a new foe threaten their entire world.

When she uncovers an old enemy behind all the destruction, Carya realizes the past is not done with her. With conflict tearing apart the dancers and villages, rimmers are soon overrun, and Carya must unite her people by leading the battle to protect the very heart of her world … or lose it all.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Award-winning author Sharon Hinck writes “stories for the hero in all of us”—stories about ordinary women on extraordinary faith journeys. Known for their authenticity, emotional range, and spiritual depth, her novels include the groundbreaking The Sword of Lyric fantasy series and the imaginative new The Dancing Realms series, which began with the Christy Award–winning Hidden Current and was followed by Forsaken Island. Sharon’s writing has also been honored with three Carol Awards. For this latest series, she drew on her experience as a ballet teacher, dancer, and choreographer.

 

More from Sharon

Windward Shore is the final book in the Dancing Realms trilogy. In the earlier books, Carya and Brantley have already faced down a corrupt Order, a world that has forgotten truth, and a whole new island that has sold its soul. Yet in this new story, old enemies return—at the worst possible time. Confronting the past becomes a vital part of protecting their future.

 

We all face trials in life, seasons that are more challenging than we expected, opportunities to deepen our faith as we lean into God, times that test our courage. But I’ve found that sometimes the most difficult problems are those that I think I’ve already beaten—and then they rise up again. I drew from that experience to shape the new battles in Windward Shore.

 

Q: In the Dancing Realms series, the Maker has given dancers a special gift to serve their world. Why did you choose dance as a means for bringing provision or protection?

 

A: I was a dancer and choreographer for many years before becoming a writer. Dance is a means of communicating with the whole being—heart, mind, and body. So dance became a beautiful way for Carya to connect with her Maker and serve her world.

 

Q: What other interests shaped the series?

 

A: I’ve been studying cults and how people become trapped in lies, and more importantly, how they find freedom. So that concept helped me create the various traps that characters faced in all three books.

 

Q: What is a key theme in Windward Shore?

 

A: Although I write “Stories for the hero in all of us,” I recognize that we can’t always be the hero—at least not in our power. Our determination alone isn’t enough. Our Maker calls us to dependence on Him, and often He asks us to lean on others as well. That’s a key challenge that Carya faces in Windward Shore.

My Thoughts

Windward Shore is a Christian Fantasy Young Adult book that is written by  Sharon Hinck. This is book 3 in the Dancing Realms series. I have read book 2, but not book 1. I would highly recommend reading the first two books. You want to make sure that you have a full understanding of who the characters  are, and how their journey began. While Fantasy is not my favorite genre to read, however the author writes her books in a way that it kept me engaged. 

In this book we check in with Carya and Brantley. The new Order is not secure. Carya and Brantley have been through a lot throughout the series. However, we see part of Carya past pops up and it opens some old wounds. I love how while this is a fantasy story - the author has woven biblical truths into the story. Especially relying on their Maker to get them through when they face varying trials. 

The author has written a very unique and engaging story line. The author has written some amazing characters. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own. 


Blog Stops

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 29

Worthy2Read, May 29

Texas Book-aholic, May 30

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 31

Mia Reads, May 31

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

Woven by Words, June 2

Inklings and notions, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Blogging With Carol, June 4

deb’s Book Review, June 5

For the Love of Literature, June 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 9

Simple Harvest Reads, June 9 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 10

Through the Fire Blogs, June 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharon is giving away the grand prize package of the first two books of the series in hardcover (personalized and autographed), along with a bookbag, several bookmarks (enough to give to friends) and an autographed bookplate to put in their copy of Windward Shore!!

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/10ca3/windward-shore-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Chased Author: M. Liz Boyle On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 



About the Book

Book:  Chased

Author: M. Liz Boyle

Genre: Christian Y.A.

Release date: June 1, 2020


It’s been a year since Marlee, her sisters, and the Miles boys survived an avalanche. Sure, it was a little embarrassing for them when all the neighbors saw them on the news, but they love being outdoors, and what are the odds that another tragedy would strike this adventurous group? Has anyone calculated the statistics of being hit with two natural disasters? It has to be low, so of course the two families planned to backpack again this summer.

When the teens first meet Thad, a dehydrated hiker on the trail, they give him water and food and help him recover. He seems harmless until he tells them to hike a few extra miles at sunset. Then Lydie finds a hand-drawn map that Thad dropped, and they discover why he is so eager to get away from the Stanley girls and Miles boys. So eager that he starts chasing them.

Now they have to climb up unforgiving ridges, sneak through the night, and – is that thunder and lightning? To make matters worse, Marlee has a nagging worry that her older sister Ellie is preparing to move away from home.

What is God’s plan? How will they get away from Thad before it’s too late?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Liz is the author of the Off the Itinerary series, the wife of a professional tree climber and the homeschooling mom of three energetic and laundry-producing children. She received her Associate’s of Arts at the University of Sioux Falls, where she received the LAR Writing Award for her essay entitled, “My Real Life Mufasa.” Liz once spent a summer in Colorado teaching rock climbing, which she believes was a fantastic way to make money and memories. She resides with her family in Wisconsin, where they enjoy hiking and rock climbing. Liz and her husband have also backpacked in Colorado and the Grand Canyon, which have provided inspiration for her writing. She likes making adventurous stories to encourage others to find adventures and expand their comfort zones (though admittedly, she still needs lots of practice expanding her own comfort zone).

 

More from Liz

Five years ago my husband Dustin and I took a dream-come-true trip to the Grand Canyon. On the first day we hiked to the bottom of the Cathedral Staircase. To picture the Cathedral Staircase, think of the longest set of stone stairs in the world, double it, and put it in a (scenic) pizza oven. Oh, and strap a 50-pound bag to your back. It was there in the sun that we met a young couple who was sorely unprepared for the elements of the Canyon. The young lady had signs of heat exhaustion, and the guy didn’t have a clue what to do. Thankfully our group was able to help them and call backcountry rangers to get the couple to safety. The situation was eye-opening on many levels. After the shock of witnessing such a close call settled down, my creative side saw the experience as inspiration for Avalanche’s sequel. Except in my book Chased, I added a plot twist. When the dehydrated hiker recovers, he becomes a threat to the very people who saved his life. I had a blast writing Chased, and I hope you enjoy the adventure, too!

My Thoughts

Chased is a Christian Young Adult book that is written by M. Liz Boyle. This is book 2 in a 3 books series that is entitled "Off the Itinerary". I have not read the other books in the series. I did not have any problems following along - but I would go back and read book 1 where we are introduced to all of the characters. This book is geared toward young adult ages 12 and up. I did read the book with my 9 (almost 10) year old and we enjoyed it so much. 

In this book we see Marlee, Ellie and Lydie who are sisters. You would have met them in book 1. We also see their friends Sawyer and Marshall. The group likes to go on adventures together (I really liked how the author wrote characters who liked being outside). In this book they go on a hike. Along this hike they meet another hiker, Thad. He is dehydrated and hungry and they share their rations. They later find out by a dropped map that he is on a treasure hunt. He also thinks that the group is trying to steal his treasure. This book is full of action. The group has to dodge a lot of jagged cliffs and edges (all which were described so well that I could envision it) I liked how they turned to God. 

This book contains well written, relatable characters. The story line is action packed and enjoyable (for both myself and my son). I love the biblical truth that is woven into it. 

I hope to get a chance to read the last book. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own. 


Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, M. Liz is giving away the grand prize of a signed copy of Chased 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10c91/chased-celebration-tour-giveaway


Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - The Wonderful Way You Are Author: Sarah E. Brooks On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 



About the Book

Book:  The Wonderful Way You Are

Author: Sarah E. Brooks

Genre: Children’s Non-fiction Picture Book (age 3-7)

Release date: October 10, 2020


Every child deserves to feel fully loved, fully seen, and fully known.

We all long to feel accepted and loved. Our special needs children are no different. Growing up with a disability or chronic medical condition can create a unique set of challenges and may leave a child asking questions like:

“Why am I the way I am?”

“Is there anyone else out there like me?”

“Where do I belong?”

“Is it OK if I don’t look, think, or move like those around me?”

Based on real special needs children, the book’s vivid illustrations and rhyming text help children, with a variety of medical conditions, see their story reflected on the page, because every child deserves to see their story told.

Unlike other books that focus on a single condition, this book highlights a variety of children with different complex needs.

Some of the conditions included:

Cerebral Palsy

Cystic Fibrosis

Gorlin Syndrome

Vitiligo

G-Tubes

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids

Prosthetic Limbs

Limb Difference

Autism/Neurodiversity

Down Syndrome

When special needs children know they are wonderful, not in spite of their differences, but because of them, they are equipped to not just survive, but thrive.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Sarah Elizabeth Brooks is a special needs mom to a warrior princess and three fantastic sons. When she’s not writing or recording instrumental piano albums, you can find her dodging Mt. Laundry to sneak away with a cup of hot tea, some dark chocolate, and a good book.

 

More from Sarah

I was always that awkward kid at recess who opted to sit on a bench with a book. Not because I was antisocial, but because I loved being able to experience new worlds and adventures through the pages of a book. As I grew, that love of reading stayed with me, and it’s a pastime that I hope to pass on to my own children.

While, I always knew that I wanted to write a book one day, a rhyming picture book about special needs kids was not on my radar…that is until my youngest daughter was born. At five-months-old, she faced her first brain surgery, with a second brain surgery following two months later.

When we received her diagnosis of Gorlin Syndrome, I went into mama research mode. I wanted to do everything I could to help keep her safe and prepare her for the future. As my daughter prepared to enter a preschool for children with developmental disabilities, I wondered how others would treat her.

The Wonderful Way You Are is a love letter from a parent (or grandparent) to the child they love. It acknowledges some of the unique challenges that can come with being different from those around you, while reinforcing the truth that we all have a unique gift to share with the world.

My hope and prayer is that this book will be a blessing to families with children of all abilities, that it will open up conversations about difference, and encourage and equip children to know that they are wonderful, exactly the way they are.

 

Thanks for taking the time to join me on this journey!
-Sarah

My Thoughts

 The Wonderful Way You Are is written by Sarah E. Brooks. This is a  Children’s Non-fiction Picture Book . The recommended ages are ages 3-7. I read this book with my 8 and 9 year old boys. We enjoyed it very much. This book is beautifully written in a way that kids can understand some of the special needs of other children. The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful. I love that the author notes that she has a special needs daughter and understands the challenges that may come with it. 

Our favorite parts of the book is how easy it is broken down for children. It sparked good conversation with my boys and I. My 9 year old has a variety of mental health diagnosis and we have discussions daily about how there is nothing wrong with him - God made him unique. The book also contains discussion questions to further grasp what the book represents. 

I would highly recommend this book for all elementary classrooms and sunday school classes. It is a great tool to teach children that just because someone is different does not mean it's a bad thing. 

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, May 19

Inklings and notions, May 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 21

Texas Book-aholic, May 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 24

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 25

A Baker’s Perspective, May 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 27

deb’s Book Review, May 28

Beauty in the Binding, May 29 (Author Interview)

cats in the cradle blog, May 29

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 31

Vicky Sluiter, June 1 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and an autographed copy of The Wonderful Way You Are!!

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/10ca4/the-wonderful-way-you-are-celebration-tour-giveaway