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Monday, December 28, 2020

Book Review and giveaway: A Voice within the Flame By: Henry O. Arnold On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 


About the Book

Book:  A Voice within the Flame

Author: Henry O. Arnold

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: December 1, 2020

A son of the vow…a voice for a nation

 

For many long years, Hannah prayed for a son; a son finally granted to her only when she promised him back to God. Samuel, son of the vow, grows up in the Tabernacle, his childhood spent in the company of priests and Levites, in service to a God who was always silent. Samuel watches in dismay as the sons of the High Priest flaunt their wicked behavior, yet he knows that Yahweh will eventually have a reckoning. It is not until he hears a Voice call to him from within the flames of the altar that he realizes he has a part to play in this drama.



This young man hears another voice from a maiden who captures his heart, and he begins to dream of a future beyond the confines of the Tabernacle. But when Israel’s enemies threaten to destroy his world, it appears as though everything Samuel ever held dear may come tumbling down around him.

 

Not even a great prophet, whose words never fall to the ground, can keep Israel from crying out for a king. The Lord calls upon Samuel to guide the nation and her new king through the years of turmoil they must face.

In this tale of triumph and scorn, deepest love and burning rivalries, the new epoch is given a voice…and it is a Song of Prophets and Kings.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Henry O. Arnold has co-authored a work of fiction, Hometown Favorite, with Bill Barton, and nonfiction, KABUL24, with Ben Pearson. He also co-wrote and produced with Steve Taylor (director) and Ben Pearson the film The Second Chance starring Michael W. Smith, the screenplay for the authorized film documentary on evangelist Billy Graham, God’s Ambassador, and the documentary film KABUL24, based on the book which is the story of western and Afghani hostages held captive by the Taliban for 105 days. He lives on a farm in Tennessee with his lovely wife Kay. They have two beautiful daughters married to two handsome men with three above-average grandchildren. For more information please visit: www.henryoarnold.com

 

More from Henry

So many people have asked me why I became a writer. I usually respond with a one-word answer: unemployment. I know, not very inspirational or romantic, but it was a reality-based choice. I had (and still am) been a professional actor for about ten years. Received a lot of diplomas affirming my professional choice and gotten a lot of gigs that convinced me that I was employable. Then I hit a dry-spell. The theatre company I had helped to found went belly-up. I also had recently gotten married. So I was feeling the mixture of joy and dejection at the same time. It was then that I chose to begin writing a series of one-man shows on biblical characters. I was able to combine my passion for the theatre and my love of Scripture in one artistic form.

After the golden age of theatre in the Greek and Roman times, the theatre went dark, very dark as in Dark Ages, and for centuries it was thus. But it was the church that brought the theatre back to life by staging passion plays on biblical subjects. Since most people could not read at the time, it was a great way to tell the folks some Bible stories. It was my desire to do the same thing with my one-man shows. The third of my one-man plays was on the character of King David. I wrote it while shooting a film. For an actor in  a film there is a lot of “hurry up and wait.” So I used my “wait” time to write. Within a year I was showcasing the play to some select audiences before I begin to get some regular jobs out of this show and the two others I had previously written.

Then I decided to write what I thought would be a trilogy of the first three kings of Israel. These would be full-length plays for a multiple cast. The first installment was entitled “The Mighty Have Fallen,” and the focus was on King Saul. My father was the head of the theatre department at a university, and he was kind enough to produce and direct the show with his students. It was a success, and after an extensive rewrite, I sent a copy to Academy Award winner, F. Murray Abraham, thinking he would be the perfect King Saul. He wrote a terse and unambiguous response, “Not my cup of tea, but thanks.”

I knew then that my artistic dream might be more of an uphill climb than I had anticipated, and I settled into scheduling the one-man shows around all the other theatre and film work I was doing. But the dream of writing an historical fiction series on the first three kings and the first three major prophets of Israel never left me. I called the series, A Song of Prophets and Kings, and it simmered on the back-burner until about five years ago when I sat down in earnest and began to write a first draft of what has now become A Voice Within the Flame. It was totally liberating to write this first volume in the form of a novel. I did not have to worry about budgets or too many characters or too many big scenes. I could just tell a story.

It took a long to find the right home for this story, but I am excited to welcome into the literary landscape my dream of presenting the first installment of my historical fiction series to all readers who love the drama found in these great biblical stories.

My Thoughts



“A Voice Within the Flame” by Henry O Arnold is book one of The Song of Prophets and Kings series. This was a new author to me. The author has taken Biblical characters and brought them to life within the pages. This book opens with Hannah. You see her longing to have a child. The way the author wrote the story you can feel her pain coming off the pages. If you are not familiar with the story I would highly recommend reading 1 Samuel and comparing the two. 

Hannah longed for a child for so long. Her husband always treated her fair and loved her. Once she was able to conceive she promises to Yahweh. My mama heart always breaks during this part of the story. I can’t imagine giving my child up. However I always admire her faith in God. The author did a great job writing this part so that it aligned with the Bible. 

The next part of the story follows Samuel. This is where the story does not follow so close to the Bible. This book is labeled as a biblical fiction for this reason. However I enjoyed the author’s portrayal. I love seeing Bible characters come to life within the pages. This author made me smile throughout this book. It also prompted me to read 1 Samuel for the first time in awhile. 

I look forward to the next book in the series 


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


Blog Stops

For the Love of Literature, December 16

Through the Fire Blogs, December 17

Mary Hake, December 17

Texas Book-aholic, December 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19

Inklings and notions, December 20

For Him and My Family, December 21

deb’s Book Review, December 22

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 23

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 24 (Author Interview)

Our Whiskey Lullaby, December 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 25

Artistic Nobody, December 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 28

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

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Henry is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book 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/10500/a-voice-within-the-flame-celebration-tour-giveaway



Sunday, December 27, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway - Mishaps off the Mainland Author: Tabitha Bouldin On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 


About the Book

Book:  Mishaps off the Mainland

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre:  Christian fiction, contemporary romance

Release Date:  November 24, 2020

BOULDIN-Mishaps Off the MainlandAll Mel wants is to run the business of her dreams.

Melody Carmichael’s mobile pet grooming business might sink before it can sail when a favorite pet escapes her care. Doggie escape-artist, Daphne, got a taste of freedom, and the Afghan hound refuses to be found.

Enter Zeke Solomon. Desperate to bring the dog home for his grandmother, Zeke steps in to save the day.

And working together with Zeke would be a snap—if he would just stop blaming Mel for Daphne making a break for it.

Zeke is desperate to prove himself worthy of the Solomon name and step out from his father’s shadow. With his father breathing down his neck and demanding he return to the company business, Zeke must decide whether confronting the man he admires most is worth the risk of alienation.

Everything’s falling apart, and Mel’s dream transforms into a nightmare. She thought this was what God wanted for her life, but can you blame her for second-guessing everything?

Was it all just a mistake?

Mishaps off the Mainland is the fifth “Merriweather book” in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Tabitha BouldinTabitha Bouldin is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and an avid reader. When she’s not busy homeschooling her two boys, you’ll find her buried in a book.

 

More from Tabitha

Why mobile pet grooming?

I get this question a lot when I bring up Mishaps off the Mainland.

I mean, I could have chosen any occupation as long as it could be mobile. Anything from a mobile doctor office to a bug specialist. The world was wide open for ideas.

After just completing a rather serious series, I wanted to write something lighter, funnier, but with that same depth and heart that I love to read. I also needed something that fit my character, and Mel had some pretty strong opinions right out of the gate.

You see, Mel is one of those characters who spoke to me right away. She loves animals. All animals but especially dogs. They’re her happy place. Mel is also a giver. She will drop everything to help someone else.

When I asked her what her dream job would be, she answered me faster than any character ever has. Pet groomer! (Yes, I talk to my characters.)

And I thought, why not a mobile pet groomer? She gets to spend all her time with animals (which is a bonus for me as the author), and Mel’s character traits can shine through her actions and reveal her giving heart.

Once the job was decided, I knew there needed to be some drama. What would be the underlying fear of a pet groomer? I didn’t want to injure an animal, so I went for what felt like second most traumatic, an escaped animal.

While Daphne’s escape is serious and causes Mel no end of sleepless nights, it also provides some comedic relief for Mel and Zeke while they work through their own personal battles. I like to think of Mishaps off the Mainland as a mixture of quirky fun and serious truth. The story was a joy to write, and I hope you fall in love with Mel and Zeke.

My Thoughts

Mishaps off the Mainland by Tabitha Bouldin is book 5 in the Independence Islands series. I have read the other books. While they are all by varying authors, they can be read as a stand alone. I have been enjoying every single one of them. In this book, we meet Melody Carmichael is a young woman starting a mobile dog grooming business. I love that she has such a heart  for dogs. What a fun idea for a business! However Melody has hit a few snags. One of the dogs runs away. I cannot imagine that. On top of that, her vehicle for the business is having problems. She is very worried that her business. 

The next character we meet is Zeke Solomon. He is the grand son of the owner of the runaway dog. He sees Melody in a panic and offers to help. Zeke is also in the process of starting his own business. He did not want to join the family business. Zeke has a broken relationship with his father. I loved how the author put this part in there - because so many people have broken relationships with their families. Zeke and Mel are fun to watch together. They take little jabs at each other. Mel is struggling with her faith and does not believe that God hears her (especially since so much has been going wrong). Zeke works with troubled youth and God uses that for his purpose also to help Zeke deal with the broken relationship. 

The author has done such a great job with the characters and storylines. She has woven a wonderful reminder of God's forgiveness of us and why it is important to forgive. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 18

Livin’ Lit, December 18

Texas Book-aholic, December 19

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 19

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20

Connect in Fiction, December 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 21

deb’s Book Review, December 21

Inklings and notions, December 22

The Collaborative Press, December 22

For Him and My Family, December 23

lakesidelivingsite, December 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 23

Joanne Markey, December 24

Reviewingbooksplusmore, December 24

Batya’s Bits, December 25

Daysong Reflections, December 25

She Lives To Read, December 26

Rebekah Reads, December 26

Splashes of Joy, December 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 27

Blossoms and Blessings, December 27

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 28

Captive Dreams Window, December 28

Artistic Nobody, December 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, December 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Aryn the Libraryan, December 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 30

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package 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/104fd/mishaps-off-the-mainland-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tour Reminders


Saturday, December 26, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway - The Crown and the Axe Author: Darcy Fornier on Tour with Celebrate Lit

 



About the Book

Book: The Crown and the Axe

Author: Darcy Fornier

Genre: YA Christian Medieval Adventure

Release Date: September 12, 2019


A careless mistake. A tale from the past. A journey he’ll never forget.
Seventeen-year-old Dierk Lichtensitz, Crown Prince of Sunland, excels in both his physical and educational training. Not that his father is impressed, but Dierk quit trying to please him years ago.
King Phillip Lichtensitz holds high standards for his children—with good reason. So when selfish neglect on Dierk’s part leaves another squire injured, Phillip delivers strict punishment. Dierk must travel the country as a woodcutter’s son.
Resentful of his father’s decision, Dierk resolves to endure his punishment unmoved—until the tales of a long-dead witch’s power force him to reckon with himself and his God.
As the journey leads him into more danger than his father could have ever foreseen, how much will Dierk have to surrender to become the man he needs—and desperately wants—to be?
Click here to get your copy!

About the Author


Darcy Fornier (pronounced forn-yay) believes the best stories provide clean, compelling entertainment while also provoking the reader to think about life in a new way. She’s been spinning stories ever since she learned how to play “pretend,” and she has seriously pursued writing since 2013. When she isn’t writing, editing, or dreaming up a story, you might find her washing dishes, “dissolved” in a book, playing the piano, hiking in the woods, singing at the top of her lungs, or talking up a storm with her sisters. At six years old, she gave her heart to Jesus, and she lives to know Him more. She makes her home with her parents and two younger sisters, wherever that happens to be.

 

More from Darcy

The first spark of inspiration for this story was Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Don’t judge yet, okay? 😉

 

I hadn’t yet seen the film, actually, just read a storybook at least three years before I even thought about taking pencil to paper myself.

 

The princess and the sleeping spell fascinated me far less that the prince’s capture by, and subsequent battle with Maleficent. Maybe that’s why the prince is the only character who has the same name in my story.

 

I got to thinking, “What would the story be like without magic?” So there went the sleeping spell. 😉

 

And then I got to wondering, “What happened to the prince and princess after the story ended? Who would their children be? How would those children be affected by their parents’ dramatic past?”

 

That’s when Dierk Lichtensitz, Crown Prince of Sunland, introduced himself.

 

The story is mostly his. But because all of are shaped by those before us, it is also his father’s story. I had fun telling both.

 

The characters walk through several dark places. Life offers us many painful challenges, after all. But they also get to laugh because life offers us moments of joy.

 

And it is a story of victory. Because in Jesus, there is nothing over which we can’t triumph.

 

P.S. If you have any clean or inspirational Sleeping Beauty retellings to recommend, I’m all ears. Pay no attention to my To-Be-Read pile’s protests in the background. 😉

My Thoughts

The Crown and the Axe By: Darcy Fornier is a Christian Young Adult Fantasy book. This is the first book that I have read by this author. While this is not a genre that I read frequently, I did enjoy the story. The Crown and the Axe is geared toward a 14 years old and up audience. I started to read it with my 9 year old but I think some of the concepts went over his head. There is some violence, mention of witchcraft and demons, however the way the author handled it was very graceful. The author made sure to mention how the power of Christ is bigger then all of this. 

In this story, we meet Seventeen-year-old Dierk Lichtensitz, Crown Prince of Sunland. He knows that his father, the King has high standards - and he will never live up to them. Dierk is sort of arrogant - and then when he is involved in an accident - his father comes down hard on him. He is sent to travel the country as the woodcutters son. I love this dose of humility that comes down on Dierk. Along the way he meets many different types of people - and each one of them teach him a lesson that he needs. 

This is a wonderful story that is geared toward kids age 14 and up. I do appreciate the discussion this book opened up with my son and I regarding witchcraft and demons. The characters are well written, unique and each one brings their own flair to the story. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Inklings and notions, December 17

For Him and My Family, December 18

Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

deb’s Book Review, December 19

Rebecca Tews, December 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 22

Artistic Nobody, December 23 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 24

Blogging With Carol, December 25

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 26

Mary Hake, December 26

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

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Darcy is giving away the grand prize package of $15 Amazon gift card and a copy of one of Darcy’s favorite books, Sir Knight of the Splendid Way!!

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/104b0/the-crown-and-the-axe-celebration-tour-giveaway


Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway - Plan B Author: Erin Stevenson On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 



About the Book

Book: Plan B

Author: Erin Stevenson

Genre: Inspirational romance

Release Date: August 1, 2018


Landon St. Clair, an up and coming partner in one of St. Louis’ most prestigious law firms, was left at the altar on New Year’s Day at the city’s social event of the season. He wants nothing more than to lick his wounds in solitude and figure out a Plan B, and intends to keep his reservation at the St. Jardin Honeymoon Resort, even without a bride. With the owners’ reluctant approval, Landon takes on an assumed identity and cuts all ties to home for the week.

Kelsea Anderson is a jilted bride with nothing left but a battered heart and a plane ticket to the Caribbean. The only part of her doomed wedding that she had any say in was the honeymoon. She paid for it, and there’s no reason she can’t come to the romantic resort alone, so Kelsea jumps on a plane the day after New Year’s to escape the icy St. Louis winter and come up with a Plan B for the rest of her life.

Lottery winners Rose and Ike Goldman, married for 53 years, never looked back when they left Brooklyn, NY for the Caribbean where they bought a honeymoon resort three years ago. Rose was something of a matchmaker in Brooklyn, and once she meets Kelsea and “Brandon,” she knows she has her work cut out for her. She has only a week to convince them that sometimes, Plan B is the best plan of all.

Take a quick getaway to St. Jardin! Plan B is your ticket to a tropical paradise filled with beautiful gardens, merriment, and romance.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Erin Stevenson writes clean, uplifting inspirational fiction from America’s heartland. Writing is like breathing to Erin. Stories are running through her mind during most of her waking hours, and by the time she sits down at the computer, the words flow and time ceases to exist.

Erin was raised in Illinois and has lived in many places in the U.S., including on both coasts, but is a Midwest girl at heart. She spent many years as an educator from pre-school through college levels, and currently works in training and internal communications for a global corporation.

When she’s not writing, Erin loves spending time with her family and playing in the garden (which equates to mostly pulling weeds) at her central Iowa home. Her secret indulgence is plain M&Ms.

 

More from Erin

A Lucky License Plate

In November 2017, I was driving to the library to pick up a book I had ordered (when I’m not writing, I’m reading) and a car passed me on the highway. I looked over and its personalized license plate said NO PLAN B. All of a sudden a story popped into my mind about a jilted bride. She’s left at the altar and has to come up with a plan B for the rest of her life. When I got to the library, I had the story arc. It just came pouring out. My mother always told me to have a Plan B. That advice has served me well through the years, and I passed that important life lesson on to my daughter.

I wrote Plan B in about a month, the first in my three-book St. Clair Family series, which follows the main characters and their extended family in their quest to find the life and the love meant for them. All three books were published by Happy Jack Publishing and launched over a six-month period.

My Thoughts

Plan B by Erin Stevenson is a contemporary Christian romance. It is the first book in the St Clair Family series. It is a easy read and  I cannot wait for the next two books. Kelsea Anderson is going to go on her honeymoon. Without the groom. She is hurt, but knows that she paid for the honeymoon - she might as well enjoy it. She jumps on a plane and heads to the Caribbean. She needs to figure out her Plan B - since the one she thought was going to happen did not. I mean, who can go wrong with going to the Caribbean?
We also meet Landon St. Clair who was left at the alter. He also goes to the Caribbean on his honeymoon without the bride. Then you factor in Rose and Ike Goldman. They own the resort. Rose was a former matchmaker so when Kelsea and Landon both show up with no spouse - Rose puts plans into action. 
The characters that the author has created are some of the most fun and entertaining I have ever read. I cannot wait to read the next book. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 16

Labor Not in Vain, December 16

Reflections From My bookshelves, December 17

deb’s Book Review, December 18

Inklings and notions, December 19

For Him and My Family, December 20

Artistic Nobody, December 21 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Texas Book-aholic, December 22

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

Spoken from the Heart, December 24

Cultivating Us, December 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 26

Pause for Tales, December 27

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 27

CarpeDiem, December 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erin is giving away the grand prize package $50 Amazon gift card and 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/104b2/plan-b-celebration-tour-giveaway