Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Review and Giveaway: Leaders, Nations, & God By: Marta E. Greenman On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book:

Book: Leaders, Nations, & God

Author: Marta E. Greenman

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Bible Study

Release Date: September 19, 2013

LEADERS, NATIONS, AND GOD invites readers to a six-week journey to explore the Bible’s message for the nations of the world, their leaders, and for Christians who live as citizens of those nations. By focusing on the biblical history of Israel and the United States, the reader discovers the nature of true, faithful leadership and the consequences when a leader compromises, as well as the sorts of nations that God may bless. Marta E. Greenman helps readers understand how scriptural principles apply to nations and to individuals alike.

By asking and answering these questions, the paths of humble obedience for individuals and nations become clear.

Each day’s study begins by encouraging the reader to write their prayer before they begin to examine the biblical history of Israel and/or the United States. The reader gathers insights from scripture to bring understanding of God’s ideal for nations and leaders. Questions dig deeply into lessons from the Bible, history, and the influences on one’s own life. Each day’s study comes with highlighted “Questions to Ponder” and ends with prayer.

If you find yourself drawn to explore God’s will for nations and individuals, if you wonder what biblical obedience might look like in your daily life, then Leaders, Nations, and God will meet your need for a study grounded in the Bible and focused on God’s desires for His people.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author:

For over twenty years, Marta has traveled extensively as a missionary, evangelist and Bible teacher sharing God’s message of truth and redemption. She is a teacher of teachers. She is host of Under God Radio Show and Co-host of Refining Friends. She is the author of three Bible studies, Bound to Be Free, Leaders, Nations, and God, and ACTs420NOW. Marta founded Words of Grace & Truth in 2011 whose mission is to teach God’s Word to the nations and teach others to do the same. She has been married for over twenty-five years to Marshall and they reside in the Dallas, Texas area.

More from Marta

What a profound statement made by George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” As Christians we need to learn those who have gone before us. In Leaders, Nations, and God we look at the history of the Children of Israel and America’s Founding Fathers to become men and women who understand the time and know how to navigate the troubled waters of today. We look at questions like “Who does God consider to be a leader?” What kind of nation does the Lord bless?” “Did America’s Founding Fathers really set up our country on Judeo-Christian values?”

My Thoughts

I chose to review this book, because two of my favorite things are history and religion. My BA is a major in history and a minor in religion. It always fascinates me to find out where people came from, and how their background shaped them. This book was a great read. My children even enjoyed looking at it. I love how much research has gone into this book. I love how she asks questions through out it. I loved the Bible study scavenger hunts through out it. This book looks in depth about the leaders of Isreal were dealt with by God. This is perfect for a family study.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 21

Mary Hake, October 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 25

Pause for Tales, October 26

Godly Book reviews, October 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

janicesbookreviews, October 31

She Lives to Read, November 1

A Reader’s Brain, November 2

Inklings and notions , November 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marta is giving away the grand prize of 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/ed1d/leaders-nations-god-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Book Review and Giveaway: Fatal Memories by Tanya Stowe on tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Fatal Memories

Author: Tanya Stowe

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: September 1, 2019

She was framed! Or was she?

If only she could remember…

Border patrol agent Jocelyn Walker has no memory of how she turned up unconscious with a cache of drugs—or why a gang is dead set on killing her. With evidence stacking up against her, Joss takes refuge with driven DEA agent Dylan Murphy, who guards—and suspects— her. But will finally trusting each other lead them into a trap they’ll never escape?

Click here to grab your copy!

About the Author

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

More from Tanya

It has long been my husband’s desire to travel the country in a motorhome. So when he retired three years ago, we sold our home and hit the road. We lived in the high desert region of Southern California for almost 37 years. I thought it was going to be a rough transition, but it wasn’t…especially since I came to love one of our new locations.

We spend the winter months in southern Arizona where Fatal Memories is set. I love everything about this unique place. We are surrounded by incredible ecosystems…the Sonoran and Chihuahua deserts collide there, so a different environment is around every corner. The beauty of the mountains, streams and lakes (yes, there’s water in southern Arizona—monsoons come up from Baja every summer) and the wildlife is amazing. I’ve been told black panthers have been known to cross the border from Mexico and roam the countryside. My husband and I bought a Jeep so we could go off-roading to see these sites up close and personal.

In addition to all these amazing natural wonders, history jumps out and grabs me. I’m just twenty minutes from Tombstone. Fort Huachuca and Fort Bowie are forty miles away in different directions. Every time I turn around, there’s a history making site or event to grab my interest. I hope you can see why I fell in love with my new home. I hope you will too when you read Fatal Memories.

By the way…if you interested, I write about our travels in my monthly newsletter. Be sure to check it out!

My Thoughts

Ok, so I love reading anything that Love Inspired puts out - especially the suspense genre. I don't believe I have read this author before, but I will be on the lookout for other books. This book starts out with a bang --- and DOES NOT LET UP. Our main character, Joss, who is a border control agent - has no memory to how she ended up with a bunch of drugs --- and why there are people out to kill her. Enter Dylan, the DEA agent that is assigned to case. He wants to get to the truth, and help Joss remember.

This book is jam packed with mystery, suspense, twists and turns and romance. It is well worth the read.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 16

Bigreadersite , October 16

Genesis 5020, October 17

The Avid Reader, October 17

Hebrews 12 Endurance, October 17

Emily Yager, October 18

Sara Jane Jacobs Blog, October 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 19

Batya’s Bits, October 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 20

Andy Carmichael, October 20

For Him and My Family, October 21

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 21

Kat’s Corner Books, October 22

EmpowerMoms, October 22

Through the Fire Blogs, October 23

Betti Mace, October 23

Daysong Reflections, October 24

Mary Hake,October 24

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 24

Older & Smarter?, October 25

Blogging With Carol, October 25

Inklings and notions , October 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Christian Bookshelf Reviews , October 26

Texas Book-aholic, October 27

Just Your Average reviews, October 27

janicesbookreviews, October 28

Gail Hollingsworth, October 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tanya is giving away the grand prize of 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/ed13/fatal-memories-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, October 11, 2019

Edge of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours

Welcome to the Blog Blitz and Giveaway for Edge of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Edge of Truth
Series: Law Enforcement Heroes
Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson
Publisher: Sweet Rose Press
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: August 6, 2019

Two DEA agents. One undercover mission. Lives changed forever.

The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected.

A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them?
Or will they die trying?

Edge of Truth is the first book in the Law Enforcement Heroes series. A romantic suspense series with nail biting suspense and a splash of romance. If you like engaging characters, small-town antics, and page turning suspense, then you’ll love Kimberly Rose Johnson’s Law Enforcement Heroes series.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

EXCERPT

Kara stared out the window at the breaking waves along Vero Beach. Much like the shells being pummeled ashore, her body had taken a beating when the bomb exploded. She glanced at Jeff who sat nearby—her constant companion since last week. He said it was a miracle she was alive—according to her doctor, he was right. But if God cared whether she lived or died, why had He let this happen?

An entire year undercover wasted. She’d been up for the challenge because the payoff would have been huge. They were within hours of taking down the biggest drug lord in Florida. How had her cover been blown? She’d racked her brain for the past week and a half, trying to figure it out. Luis Alvarado had welcomed her into his organization. After months of grooming, she’d worked her way up the ranks—a whole year wasted! She slammed her fist on the cushion beside her.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child, Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

CONNECT WITH KIMBERLY: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 7, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm October 14, 2019. Open internationally as long as winner can accept gift card from US Amazon. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER: HERE

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Book Review and Giveaway: Wyatt (The Montana Marshalls Book 4) By: Susan May Warren on tour with JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Wyatt, the fourth book of The Montana Marshalls series by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Wyatt

Series: The Montana Marshalls, Book 4

Author: Susan May Warren

Publisher: SDG Publishing

Release Date: October 2019

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

He’s lost her twice…he’s not going to lose her again...

NHL Hockey Goalie Wyatt Marshall has everything--fame, money and a thriving career. But he’s hiding the two things that matter most...a career-ending injury, and his broken heart. He’s been in love with Coco Stanley since she walked into his life at age fourteen, a foster child for the Marshall family. She stole his heart years later, when, after a secret tryst, she returned to her home country of Russia. But she won’t let him back into her life—and he can’t figure out why.

She’s harboring a secret that could cost lives...

Coco Stanley is tired of living her life undercover. Or at least, with an assumed name, always pretending to be someone she’s not. And that’s not the only secret she’s harboring. If Wyatt discovers the real reason she left him, it might just destroy him. She’s resigned herself to loving him from afar...

But when he discovers she’s in danger...

Wyatt is horrified when he learns Coco has been shot and left in Russia, her fate unknown. There is nothing—nothing—that will stop him from finding her. So what if he’s not one of his super-heroic brothers, not a Ranger, not a SEAL...Wyatt is a hockey goalie, a special kind of crazy brave. Except, is he brave enough to face the secret Coco is keeping, or will it destroy everything he’s hoped for?

What will it cost them to save her?

What Wyatt and Coco don’t know is that revenge is stalking her and bringing her home just might cost them their long-awaited happy ending.

Continue the breath-taking Montana Marshall series!

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists.

CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

MY THOUGHTS

The cover! *swoon* The author always has so many amazing covers! Wyatt, the superstar goalie for the Minnesota Blue Ox hockey team. This is part of the Montana Marshall series, which should be read together but can be read as a stand alone. I say this because you will want to read the other books in the series. Each story intertwines with with the next. In this story, Wyatt goes to Russia to bring back the love of his life, Coco. She has a lot of baggage and believes that Wyatt does not love her. She is harboring a secret of her own. As always, the author creates such realistic characters. Her storylines are always unique and so intriguing. I have read the other Montana Marshall series books, and they keep getting better and better. Will Wyatt and Coco make it? You will have to read it and find out.

Many thanks to JustRead tours and the author for allowing me to be a part of this tour. I received a copy of the book through them.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Wyatt and a Montana Marshalls Magic Mug!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 2, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on October 9, 2019. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

Enter: HERE

Thursday, October 3, 2019

Book Review and Giveaway: Stitches in Time Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher On Tour With Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Stitches in Time

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Amish fiction

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Detachment had worked well as a life strategy for horse trainer Sam Schrock. Until he met Mollie Graber . . .

New to Stoney Ridge, schoolteacher Mollie has come to town for a fresh start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she’s the first to raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the dropped stitches in a child’s heart and knit them back together.

Mollie envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What the 11-year-old twins bring to her home is anything but. Visits from the sheriff at midnight. Phone calls from the school truancy officer. And then the most humiliating moment of all: the girls accuse Mollie of drug addiction.

There’s only one thing that breaks through the girls’ hard shell–an interest in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, Sam Schrock gets drawn into Mollie’s chaotic life. What he didn’t expect was for love to knit together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.

Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the little Amish church of Stoney Ridge for a touching story of the power of love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carol-award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes untold stories about inspiring people. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to the historical novel Anna’s Crossing.

More from Suzanne

Have you ever felt the tug to become a foster parent?

On any given day, there are nearly 438,000 children in foster care in the United States. Most states have a critical need for more foster parents, and the number of children placed in foster care increases yearly.

There are plenty of assumptions about having foster children, but most are incorrect. The media has a tendency to focus on the negative, but from all the research I conducted to write this book, for every bad news story, there were two good ones. Good stories just don’t make the news.

Below are some of the most common assumptions about foster care, with corrected information that is applicable across the United States (but keep in mind that each state has their own requirements).

Myth: Kids in foster care are bad or troubled.

Truth: Children in foster care are good kids taken out of a troubled situation. They need a caring foster parent who is patient and understanding. When given the opportunity, most of these children begin to thrive.

Myth: To be a foster parent, you need to be married and own a home and be a college graduate.

Truth: You don’t need to be married or to own a home or even be a college graduate. That means if you’re single or renting, you can be a foster parent.

Myth: I can’t afford to be a foster parent.

Truth: There are monthly reimbursement rates for children in foster care based on the level of care you provide. Medical and dental care is paid through state Medicaid programs.

Myth: Most kids in foster care are teenagers.

Truth: The average age of a child entering foster care is seven years old.

Myth: Most kids are in foster care because their parents have abused drugs.

Truth: Now, this one is not a myth. It’s true. There are fifteen categories that can be responsible for a child’s removal from a home. Drug abuse from a parent has had the largest percentage increase.

Myth: Fostering could require a commitment until the child turns eighteen.

Truth: Generally, children remain in state care for less than two years. Only six percent spend five or more years in foster care.

Myth: It’s too hard to give a child up to his biological family.

Truth: Most children are in foster care for a short time, returning to their biological families. Reuniting a child to his family is the ideal situation. Foster families provide a safe haven for a child. Healthy grieving is to be expected, but it’s for the right reasons. It’s healthy.

Myth: You can’t adopt foster children.

Truth: In 2016, more than 65,000 children—whose mothers and fathers parental rights were legally terminated—waiting to be adopted. Also in 2016, more than 20,000 children “aged out” of foster care without permanent families. Research has shown that those who leave care without being linked to a “forever family” have a higher likelihood than the general youth population to experience homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration as adults.

Is there room in your heart and family for a child in need? There are many ways to get involved, some that do not even require foster care. One recommendation: volunteer with The National CASA Association (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children. You can find out more information here: www.casaforchildren.org.

Or consider small ways to connect to children in need—after school tutoring at your public library. Volunteering at a community center. Buy Christmas gifts for a family in need through an Adopt-a-Family program with a local church. Support a family who does provide foster care with respites—babysitting or meals. There’s many ways to get involved to care for children in need. And every little bit makes a difference.

My Thoughts

This author is one of my all time favorites. I have read almost all of her books and have NEVER been dissapointed. She always writes such unique, captivating stories. I love how she takes on daring topics, but always relates it back to our Heavenly father. I had a short experience with foster care. It was after I had my daughter. I was 15. My daughter and I went into foster care for about 5 months. The single mom that took me in was wonderful. I was able to relate to this story. It was healing to my heart to read it. Another relation to this story is how we give ourselves negative messages growing up. That was such a struggle in my teen (after becoming a teen mom at 15 and 18) I love how this book turns that around. Again, healing for me. Now this is the 2nd book in the series, and I have read the first one. I would start at the beginning, but you can read as a stand a lone. I am loving this series. Well written characters, heartwarming storyline.

I received a copy of this book through the CelebrateLit blogging program. All thoughts are my own.