Thursday, January 30, 2020

Her Rocky Mountain Hope by Mindy Obenhaus ---- Review and Giveaway. On tour with JustRead

Her Rocky Mountain Hope JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Her Rocky Mountain Hope by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Her Rocky Mountain Hope
Author: Mindy Obenhaus
Series: Rocky Mountain Heroes #5
Publisher: Love Inspired
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: January 21, 2020

Learning to trust can be the greatest adventure.

She’s always played it safe… Can he reach her guarded heart?

Ready to open his camp for young cancer patients, Daniel Stephens must impress foundation overseer Blythe McDonald to ensure she approves funding for next year. But the cautious former cancer patient was once let down by a similar program, and she’ll leave no stone unturned in her evaluation. Can he convince her his camp is worthy of the money…and that he’s worthy of her love?

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Three-time Carol Award finalist, Mindy Obenhaus, is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She’s a multi-published author of contemporary Christian romance, and lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, one sassy pup, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel.

My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of the Love Inspired Series. I prefer to read books that are heartwarming, with a strong Christian Theme. If you have not read any of the Love Inspired books, this is a great one to start with. This is the final book in the Rocky Mountain Hero Series. I have not read the other books, and I did not have a problem following along. The author does a really good job in creating a flowing, easy to read story. The one disclaimer I will make, and it is not a negative one. This book does talk about cancer. I know that this is a sensitive topic to some, and the author handles it with grace and tact. Daniel and Blythe are relatable, likable characters. I love how she introduces us to their back stories. I love the concept on wanting to help so many with cancer.

Beautifully written, wonderful characters, flowing storyline. This was a great book.

Thank you to the author, and JustRead tours for the opportunity to read this book. All the thoughts are my own.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Her Rocky Mountain Hope and a $20 Amazon gift card!

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 January 27, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on February 3, 2020. 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. 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.

Sunday, January 26, 2020

Book Review: Collateral Damage - By Lynette Eason Danger Never Sleeps #1

ABOUT THE BOOK

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with a new series that spans the globe and will have your heart working overtime.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award winning author of over fifty books including the Women of Justice series, the Deadly Reunions series, the Hidden Identity series, the Elite Guardians series and the Blue Justice series. She writes for Revell and for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have appeared on the CBA, ECPA, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. She has won several awards including the Carol Award, the IRCC award, the Selah, and the Christian Retailing’s Best 2017 Award. She placed in the top ten in the James Patterson 2016 co-writer contest. The movie, Her Stolen Past, based on Lynette’s novel with the same title, aired February 2, 2018 on the Lifetime Movie Network.

Some of Lynette’s favorite authors include, Brandilyn Collins, Dee Henderson, Shirlee McCoy, Karen Kingsbury, Lynn H Blackburn, Terri Blackstock, Gayle Roper, Deborah Raney, Dani Pettrey, Colleen Coble, Robin Caroll, DiAnn Mills, and Carrie Stuart Parks. Just to name a few!

Lynette is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), Mystery Writers of America (MWA), International Thriller Writers (ITW), and Faith, Hope, and Love (FHL) chapter of RWA as well as the Kiss of Death (KOD) chapter. Lynette lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina with her husband and is the mother of two grown (ack! How can that be?) children. She can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

MY THOUGHTS

There are several things that you count on with Lynette Eason.

1. You will not want to put a book she has written down.

2. You will have your heart pumping with adreneline

3. You will anxiously await the next book in the series

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!! She always writes relatable, likeable characters that their pasts will pull at your heartstrings. I like how Brooke and Asher communicated in the book. With them communicating it was fun to be along as the relationship grew. I was wrong in guessing who the suspect was. The author throws in a bunch of twists and turns.

Make sure that you carve a big chunk of time to read this book --- you will not want to put it down.

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

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: Bartholomew Squire of the Subway By Carol Lester - On tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Bartholomew: Squire of the Subway

Author: Carol L. Lester

Genre: Children’s

Release Date: December 2019

Bartholomew, an intelligent iguana with brown-and-green mottled, scaly skin, loves riding the New York City subway. The underground railroad, which clatters and whooshes before it takes off, teems with people, but Bartholomew doesn’t mind. He enjoys his escape from his life in a museum exhibit and spends the morning observing other passengers.

On his ride, Bartholomew watches several Regulars and learns about their similarities, their differences, and how they interact or don’t interact with others. Bubbly Becky radiates joy, and she even sits next to Bartholomew. Fred always wears a bright scarf and sometimes hums, but he keeps to himself. Mrs. Hatmer keeps her four children organized, but some passengers are annoyed by the kids. By the end of Bartholomew’s ride, he learns about the value and uniqueness of each person.

Bartholomew, Squire of the Subway includes questions in the back to encourage young readers to explore the lessons Bartholomew learns. Carol Lester’s children’s books spark discussions with adult and school-aged readers alike. With each book, Lester seeks to influence and shape lives, young and old.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Carol L. Lester is a published author and has taught secondary English / language arts for over thirty years. She holds teaching certificates in three states with degrees in education and sport psychology. Carol lives in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoys her role writing children’s stories that educate and delight. She previously published Roo, the Kangaroo Cat.

More from Carol

I am so very thankful for all opportunities I have experienced thus far in my life, and they have been varied! As an Air Force brat, I traveled the globe and experienced languages and cultures about which other people only dream. I have embraced those times of travel in my adult life as well. For instance, I chaperoned 54 high school students to Europe one summer, and I have served as a missionary in both Ukraine and Kenya. In years past I have taught aerobic dance classes and sign language classes, but I owned my own jewelry business for ten years, too. That involved training other jewelers and marketing and selling my line of accessories. With all those experiences, I have served people from all walks of life.

I am definitely a sports enthusiast, but college basketball is my passion, especially when it comes to the University of North Carolina Tarheels! (I am a Carolina alumnus and was actually named after the university.) I was blessed to serve as sole caregiver for my aging parents and now look forward to serving others in a new capacity as author and “coach.”

I enjoy serving as a member of the Oak Hills Church Singers, but I have been a pianist and percussionist for over 50 years. (I served as the drummer and back-up vocalist for Keith Henderson Presents Elvis in the late 1970s!) My “claim to fame,” as it were, is that I was the first female drumline captain in the Atlantic Coast Conference (1976-78).

My Thoughts

This was a cute story! My 6 year old wanted to read this over and over again. My 8 year old enjoyed it and tried to use it as leverage to get a pet iguana. This book could not have come at a better time. My 6 year old has been dealing with some bullying/school issues, and this book reminded him that it's not ok to judge others, even when you have been judged yourself by others. We really enjoyed the questions at the end of the book. It opened up great conversation.

We really loved the illustrations. They were bright and aligned with the book. We loved the facts about iguanas in it (My 8 year old especially, he is a lover of all animals)

Well written, beautifully illustrated, and a great edition to our libary

Special thanks to the author and CelebrateLit for the opportunity to read this adorable book. All thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 6

Book of Ruth Ann, January 7

Mamma Loves Books, January 7

For him and my Family, January 8

Maureen’s Musings, January 9

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, January 10

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 12

A Reader’s Brain, January 13

Texas Book-aholic, January 14

Inklings and notions, January 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 16

Mary Hake, January 16

janicesbookreviews, January 17

Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 18 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of both of her books, ROO and Bartholomew, plus 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/f45e/bartholomew-squire-of-the-subway-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: Murder at the Courthouse by Meghan Carver - on tour with JustRead Publicity Tours

Murder at the Courthouse JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Murder at the Courthouse by Meghan Carver, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Murder at the Courthouse
Series: Grace Pointe Cozy Mystery #1
Author: Meghan Carver
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: October 28, 2019 Murder at the Courthouse by Meghan Carver

Murder at the Courthouse by Meghan Carver

The first book in the Grace Pointe Cozy Mystery Series!

“Fiction is a waste of time.”

The heated comment made by a church library ministry team member shocks MacKenzie Baker, but it quickly becomes the least of her worries.

MacKenzie Baker is an impetuous, eavesdropping small-town librarian who lives in the apartment above the parsonage garage and refuses to be defined as the pastor’s single sister. She thought she was happy for years re-shelving books and helping patrons find their next great read, but as she turns forty, she suddenly struggles to figure out what more to do with her life. Solving murders in her small town of Grace Pointe wasn’t a part of her plan...until she and her brother find a local judge who had come to Pastor Baker for counseling murdered in his chambers, hit over the head with a massive volume of the Indiana Code.

Now, to clear the name of a family friend, she begins to work with the handsome criminal justice professor Ian Canter. Even though the detective with the chocolate brown eyes tells her to stick with making casseroles for the church pitch-in, she soon discovers the Judge’s scheming wife, his rebellious teen daughter, a network of lawyers in Grace Point who were disgruntled with the Judge, and even secrets that lurk among the library ministry team. But with the help of her new kitten Mr. Darcy, her best friend Callie, and her always-pastoring brother, MacKenzie debates the pros and cons of attending law school mid-life while she searches out a killer.

Welcome to Grace Pointe… where most of the people are friendly, the church is to die for, and the sleuthing is as strong as the coffee.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By sixth grade, Meghan Carver knew she wanted to write. After earning a degree in English from Millikin University, she detoured to law school, earning a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. She then worked in immigration law and taught Comp 101 at the local college. Now, she homeschools her six children with her college professor husband, writing her stories of cozy mystery and romantic suspense in the nooks and crannies of her time. Her debut novel hit the Publisher's Weekly Bestseller list. When she isn't writing, homeschooling, or planning the family's next travel adventure, she is active in her church, sews for her kidlets, and reads.

CONNECT WITH MEGHAN: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

MY THOUGHTS

I am a huge fan of Meghan Carver. She always writes amazing stories. I was excited to read this book. I am a huge fan of suspense and cozy mysteries. This is a good clean cozy mystery that you will enjoy. The author has done a great job in creating her characters. I look forward to the next book in the series so that I can see them be developed further. The main character, MacKenzie is a great sleuth. She has always had nosy tendencies (Maybe that is why I love mysteries so much...) MacKenzie's best friend, Callie is a great compliment to MacKenzie. This is a Christian Cozy Mystery. Violence is downplayed. The author keeps true to her faith while she writes. The storyline is entertaining and flows nicely. The author has done a great job in her descriptions. You will be able to close your eyes and imagine you are in Grace Pointe.

Thank you to JustRead tours and the author for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts are my own.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Cozy Mystery Prize Pack including a “I’d rather be reading a cozy mystery” tee-shirt – size and color to be determined by winner, a signed paperback of Murder at the Courthouse, and $10 Amazon gift card!

(Tee Sizes: small – xxx-large, colors: white, red, gray, pink, or green)

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 January 14, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 21, 2020. 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.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

Monday, January 13, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway: The Amish Marriage Bargain Author: Marie E. Bast

About the Book

Book: The Amish Marriage Bargain

Author: Marie E. Bast

Genre: Amish

Release Date: December 17, 2019

Will a baby girl bring them together at last?

She’ll do anything for her niece…Even marry the man who broke her heart.

Nothing can keep May Bender in her Amish hometown—except caring for her baby niece. But the bishop insists that May also marry her widowed brother-in-law, Thad Hochstedler—the beau who jilted her to wed her sister. Can May risk her heart long enough to learn the real reason for Thad’s first marriage…and possibly rediscover their love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marie E. Bast is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Her stories whisper words of hope and healing through complex characters and twisting plots. She enjoys writing Amish, contemporary and historical stories. Married for twenty-eight years, Marie and her husband have two grown sons and one daughter. When she’s not writing, she’s walking, golfing, gardening or spending time with her family. Visit her website at MarieBastAuthor.com or follower her on social media.

More from Marie

Did you know that until as late as the twentieth century, marriage was never based on love?

In fact, the institution of marriage predates recorded history. But in ancient biblical times, the reasons for marriage are numerous. The kings, nobility, wealthy, and aristocratic families used arranged marriages to ensure loyalty between kingdoms, which forced a united bound and ensured the integrity of their inheritance and the family wealth.

Arranged marriages, marriages of convenience, and marriage bargains were practical to keep property and kingdoms intact and in the family line. But these marriage contracts also spilled over into the commoners’ lives. In times of poverty, a daughter was only another mouth to feed and therefore a burden on the family. That fueled the arranged marriages where the groom gave the family money, animals, or some other commodity in exchange for the marriage.

Also, arranged marriages were instrumental for women over the age of 30 who were unwed. Even in the nineteenth century, many women would find that a marriage of convenience was the way to go. Often, a widower needed a mother and housekeeper for his family, and sometimes a woman without means to support herself would readily accept a marriage of convenience. Even today, some cultures still use arranged marriages.

But one of the most unique marriage of convenience is the marriage bargain, and that is the central theme to my newest book, The Amish Marriage Bargain, which releases in book form December 17, 2019, and eBook January 1, 2020. The marriage bargain is the specific negotiation of the terms of the agreement regarding a particular situation and often included land.

After her sister dies, May Bender will do anything for her niece…Even marry the man who broke her heart. But like the days of old, the bargain goes deeper than that.

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoy reading Amish Fiction books. I was excited to have the opportunity to read The Amish Marriage Bargain by Marie E. Bast. This is a new to me author, and I had seen very positive reviews about this book.

I enjoyed this book very much. Ms. Bast has created beautiful, memorable characters. May and Thad have a history. They had previously courted. Thad jilted May and married May’s sister. May’s sister has now passed and May finds herself caring for her niece after promising her dying sister that she would. May does not seem to have ever stopped loving Thad, but is and was hurt bad by him. May and Thad are arranged to marry. I can’t even imagine being put in this position. I love that May leaned on God and her faith during this time. This story is a story full of forgiveness and redemption. I love how the author created this storyline and it reminded me that even when I think forgiveness is not possible – that Jesus forgave us when he died on the cross. This book is very well written. It pulled at my heart strings. 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.