Sunday, February 28, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Torch Author: R.J. Anderson On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Torch

Author: R.J. Anderson

Genre: Christian YA Fantasy

Release date: February 9, 2021

How do you fight fire without fire?

When a freak storm uncovers the entrance to a mysterious underground chamber, Ivy and Martin expect to find treasure. But what they discover is even more valuable: a barrow full of sleeping spriggans, magically preserved for centuries. With the vengeful piskey queen Betony determined to capture Ivy and her followers, the secret hideaway could be key to both their peoples’ survival.

But the piskeys and spriggans are ancient enemies, and when Ivy tries to make peace her own followers threaten to turn against her. Plagued by treachery, betrayal and desertion on every side, Ivy must find a way to unite the magical folk of Cornwall–or doom herself, Martin and everyone she loves to death at Betony’s hand.

Yet without the legendary fire-wielding power that marks a true piskey queen, can Ivy convince her people to believe?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Born in Uganda to missionary parents, R.J. (Rebecca Joan) Anderson is a women’s Bible teacher, a wife and mother of three, and a bestselling fantasy author for older children and teens. Her debut novel Knife has sold more than 120,000 copies worldwide, while her other books have been shortlisted for the Nebula Award, the Christy Award, and the Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Science Fiction. Rebecca lives with her family in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.

More from R. J.

What does it take to be a good leader?

Looking at some of the religious, social and political leaders around us, it seems like a confident attitude, dramatic flair, and the ability to make stirring speeches are the keys to success. But is that the kind of leadership people really need, or is it only what we’ve grown used to?

Ivy, the heroine of my book Torch, never wanted to become a leader, or expected anyone to follow her. After being exiled from her underground home by her proud Aunt Betony, she’s been struggling to make sense of her own life, never mind anyone else’s. But when a ragtag band of old friends and former neighbours turn up on Ivy’s doorstep looking for a new home, she has no choice but to help her fellow Cornish piskeys as best she can.

What Ivy soon finds, however, is that her people’s hopes and expectations for her are much bigger than any she had for herself. They want a queen strong enough to defeat Betony and free their people — but how can Ivy stand up to her aunt’s ruthless tactics and magical fire-wielding powers, when she’s just a slight teenager with barely any magic at all?

As I wrote this book, the last in my Flight and Flame trilogy about Ivy of the Delve, I wanted to explore the difference between the popular idea of a great leader, and the humble servant leadership taught and exemplified by Christ. Unlike Betony, who has become so obsessed with her own power and reputation that she’s blind to her people’s suffering, Ivy only wants to help and encourage her fellow piskeys and keep them safe from harm. She’s willing to sacrifice her own comfort, put aside her own feelings, and do whatever it takes to make sure her followers survive. And though she makes some mistakes and faces some painful challenges along the way, she never forgets that her goal isn’t personal fame or glory, but the good of everyone around her.

Ivy’s personal journey also reflects some of my own recent experiences of caregiving, which can seem like an impossible task when the needs of our loved ones grow greater than our own strength and wisdom can bear. She has to learn, as I did, that the only solution is to ask for help and be willing to let others do it their own way, instead of trying to control everything ourselves.

Torch is the last book of the epic adventure that began with Swift and continued in Nomad, taking Ivy from the depths of obscurity to heights she never imagined, and from a life of loneliness to a love sweeter — and stranger — than she ever dreamed she’d find. It’s a story that’s close to my heart, and I hope it will find a place in yours and your family’s as well!

— R.J. Anderson

My Thoughts

Torch By: R.J. Anderson is a Christian YA Fantasy book. This is also book 3 in the Flight and Flame series. I have read the other books in the series. I would strongly advise that you do so that you can get a feel for the whole story. You can see my review for book one: Here. You can see my review for book two: HERE. I have enjoyed the journey that this series has taken us. I have read this entire series with my 9 year old son. We both have enjoyed it. He reads at a 7th grade level and had no problem following along.

In this story we are back following Ivy and Martin. Ivy has gone through so much with being banished, her people turning against her. Martin and Ivy have learned a lot while being exiled. She is a strong character. She is patient. She really wanted to be back in the good graces of her people, and she was thrown through the ringer trying to make that happen. Honestly, if I had to be in Ivy's place I probably would have just gone off myself and stopped fighting so hard. Her character has grown so much since book 1.

I have stated in the past that this is not a genre that I read normally. However, I am grateful to have been a part of all three tours for this series. This book is perfect for kids 9 and up. It opens up good conversations. I know that this series has blessed myself and my 9 year old son. He is sad to see the series end. We hope that the author releases new books this year and next!

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 27

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

Woven by Words, February 28

Through the Fire Blogs, March 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Worthy2Read, March 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 3

For the Love of Literature, March 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 4

Inklings and notions, March 5

For Him and My Family, March 6

The Book Chic Blog, March 6

deb’s Book Review, March 7

Sodbusterliving, March 8

Sara Jane Jacobs, March 8

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 9

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 10

Artistic Nobody, March 10 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11

Blogging With Carol, March 12

Mia Reads, March 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, R.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a signed bookplate, bookmarks, notecards, and a copy of either SWIFT, NOMAD or TORCH!! (winner’s choice)

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/1089c/torch-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Abducted in Alaska by Darlene L. Turner - On tour with JustRead Publicity Tours

Abducted in Alaska JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Abducted in Alaska by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Abducted in Alaska

Author: Darlene L. Turner

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: March 1, 2021

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Protecting a child…

could cost them their lives.

Saving a boy who has escaped his captors puts Canadian border patrol officer Hannah Morgan right into the path of a ruthless child-smuggling ring. Now with help from police constable Layke Jackson, she must keep the child safe. But can they rescue the other abducted children and bring down the gang…all while protecting a little boy and keeping themselves alive?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense. She has two books releasing in 2021: Abducted in Alaska (March) and Lethal Cover-Up (August).

Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene on her website where there’s suspense beyond borders.

CONNECT WITH DARLENE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

My Thoughts
Abducted in Alaska by Darlene L. Turner is part of the Love Inspired Suspense line. This book will grab your attention on page one and keep it through out the entire book. This is the first book that I have read by this author - and it will not be my last. In this book we see Canadian Border Patrol agent Hannah Morgan. She is able to save a boy from his captors - however she finds herself right in the middle of a child smuggling ring. When she grabs the boy who is wandering alone shots start ringing out immediately. Her boss, Layke Jackson opens the door when he hears the shots. He has been trying to derail the smuggling ring for awhile. While he has taken an oath with the police constable, he also has a personal reason for wanting to stop it. His nephew has been stolen. Hannah and Layke work closely together to bust the ring wide open.There is so much going on throughout the book you will not want it to end.

The author did a great job in writing a suspenseful story. My heart was pounding throughout the entire book. She also did a great job in creating a real feeling love story with Hannah and Layke. She also seems to know a lot about the Canadian Border patrol. I felt like I learned a lot about it.

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

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a prize package including a Bible study book, swag, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 23, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 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/CAN 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.

Book Review and Giveaway - Catching Hope Author: Kathy Cassel On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Catching Hope

Author: Kathy Cassel

Genre: Young Adult, action/suspense

Release date: February 1, 2021

Catching Hope—a pursuit fraught with danger.

Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathy Cassel lives in the Florida panhandle with her husband and four of their eight children, five of whom are adopted. She is a motorcycle rider, scuba diver, and loves spending time with her family. Her debut novel, Freerunner, was published by Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. in 2019.

More from Kathy

My Experience with Haiti

Prior to the 2010 catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that caused immense damage to the country of Haiti, many people would not have been able to tell you that Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola just a two hour flight from Miami.

I knew where it was because our family had adopted a child from Haiti in 1997. At the time the earthquake took place, my husband and I were in the process of adopting twins from a different orphanage in Port au Prince Haiti. It had been over three years and our adoption was not yet complete. During those three years I visited the twins at the orphanage five times. Other family members went with me on some of those trips, and at one point, all of our children still living at home went to visit the orphanage.

This was an eye opening experience for my family. In fact, I volunteered us to do the daily wash. That meant hand washing clothes and sheets for 135 orphans using large metal tubs and harsh soap, then rinsing the clothes in other tubs before hand wringing them and hanging them on clotheslines. Once home, my children no longer complained about unloading the dryer!

Cooking was done in large pots over open fires and mainly consisted of rice and beans, or red sauce over rice. The cooks originally prepared the food in a wooden shack, but more than once one of them would get so hot she’d pass out, so an outdoor area was set up for food preparation.

After the earthquake, there was a mountain of paperwork to be done to get refugee status for children in the orphanages who had families waiting for them. Finally the children were brought to the United States, although some of the orphans went to other countries too, to be united with their forever families. Sadly, many were held in the airport for days before being released. For our family, the long wait was over January 25, 2010. Now our family is complete with three birth children and five adopted children, three of whom are from Haiti.

Some of the places mentioned in the book resemble real places in Haiti, although they have been fictionalized. I hope you will not only read Catching Hope, but will also take time to learn more about the country of Haiti.

My Thoughts

Catching Hope By: Kathy Cassel is a Young Adult Suspense book. This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be the last. While this is geared toward a young adult audience, the book kept my attention. In this book we meet Lexi Michaels. She has been newly adopted and is finally starting to feel like she has a family. She is on her first vacation. They are in Haiti. Her adoptive father is a pediatrician and he volunteers at a clinic there. What she did not count on is someone so set on destroying the Michaels family. Who could want to hurt them? This book sent me on an adreneline filled adventure that left me trying to uncover clues. The author has done a great job dealing with some unique characters. You don't get to read about adoptive families very much. I also like that they included volunteer work at an island clinic. This book is geared toward young adult - but can also be enjoyed by adults.

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

Blog Stops

ops

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 27

For the Love of Literature, February 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Inklings and notions, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

Wishful Endings, March 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 5

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 6

Artistic Nobody, March 7 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 8

deb’s Book Review, March 9

Simple Harvest Reads, March 10 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, March 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Books-A-Million 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/1089e/catching-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, February 22, 2021

Book review and Giveaway - The Rubber Band Author: Christy Hoss On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Rubber Band

Author: Christy Hoss

Genre: Middle Grade

Release date: July 31, 2020

THE RUBBER BAND What do Roadkill Rocky, Bossy Becca, and Pinhead Eddie have in common? Nothing. A rag-tag bunch of elementary school kids come together to form a rock and roll band and enter the Sun Valley talent contest. Will they be strong enough to overcome prejudice and see the dream of winning through, or will an unforeseen medical emergency break the bond of the band?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Christy caught the writing bug in second grade after winning a prize for a five-page story about her dog, Noodles. Mrs. Olson told her she was destined to be a writer and that dream never left her thoughts. After teaching elementary school for fifteen years, Christy fulfilled her childhood dream with her debut novel, The Rubber Band. She substitute teaches to support her writing career, deriving writing inspiration from the students and situations she encounters.

At age twenty-five, she was diagnosed with type-one diabetes but refuses to let it limit her. Her diabetic alert dog, Aiden, has saved her life uncountable times and will appear in future installments of The Rubber Band. Christy lives by this equation: Living + diabetes = LIVE-abetes.

Christy is a freelance editor and writes children’s Bible stories for Focus on the Family ClubHouse magazine and has written articles for Guideposts. She is a featured speaker for conferences, retreats and special events.

Christy lives in Northern California with Kevin, the love of her life. They have three grown children.

More from Christy

Noodles is the reason I am a writer. Noodles was my childhood dog’s name. I loved her oodles and oodles. She was a dachshund, not a poodle. I often drew her in my doodles. (Can you tell I’m an elementary school teacher?) A few short years ago, when I was in second grade, I entered a class writing contest. My story was five sentences long but won first place. The teacher told me I was destined to be a writer. That encouragement never left me. I grew up in the small town of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and always loved writing in school, especially fiction. I wrote stories for my friends and for myself to create situations I could only dream of. As an adult, I moved to California, determined to live for God. He led me back to college where I fell in love with writing again. I won a state-wide award for my feature article in the JC’s newspaper, confirming my heart’s desire. Fast forward through marriage, kids, and a teaching job—my friends begged me to write about a recurring night dream I had, which was like watching the ending of a suspense thriller movie. Through writing conferences, critique groups and late nights, I wrote Palms of Death by starting at the end and working my way backwards. After rewriting it several times, I self-published it in 2018. At my first major writers’ conference, the Lord undeniably called me to write. So, the real reason I write is not because of Noodles, but because I want to always be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and wholeheartedly follow His direction. That’s my story, just a bit of the whole kit and caboodle.

My Thoughts

The Rubber Band by Christy Hoss is a middle grade fiction book. I read this book with my 9 year old son and we both enjoyed it very much. This is the first book that I have read by this author. First, we loved the nicknames of the band members. My 9 year old son wanted to be called Pinhead after reading this book....The main focus of this book is teaching kids about working together and sharing a dream. It also teaches kids about teaching others about respecting each other. This lesson is important because of the cast of characters she has created. The author introduces a lot of "issues" or situations that kids may face. In this book we see a bully. A bully that has been lost to the foster care system. We see a bossy rich kid. We also see a character that has some health issues. I love that this book opened up some conversations with my son and I. He has been bullied. He knows of some classmates that have been removed from their home. I love that this hodge podge of kids form a band. This book is geared toward 2-5th grade. My son is in 4th grade and he reads at a 7th grade level. He had no issues following along. We laughed a lot during this book. We talked alot. He wanted to share this book with a few of his friends so it has moved on to another home.

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, February 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 20

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 21 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 21

Texas Book-aholic, February 22

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

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 24 (Author Interview)

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 26

Wishful Endings, February 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 27

Inklings and notions, February 28

deb’s Book Review, March 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 3

Artistic Nobody, March 4 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christy is giving away the grand prize of $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/10869/the-rubber-band-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Tides of Duplicity Author: Robin Patchen On Tour with Celebrate lit

About the Book

Book: Tides of Duplicity

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: February 16, 2021

A jewelry heist, a kidnapping, and a choice. When Fitz’s sister disappears, he’ll do anything to get her back, even if it means betraying the woman he’s come to love.

Private investigator Fitz McCaffrey went to Belize on a case, bringing his teenage sister Shelby along with him. They have no good reason to leave the resort and hurry back to the harsh New England winter. They lost their parents, he lost his job as a cop, and they both need time to heal. Besides, when Fitz meets and spends time with the beautiful and charming Tabitha Eaton, he falls hard.

But minutes after Tabby’s flight leaves, Fitz is summoned by a mobster who believes Tabby broke into the hotel safe the night before and made off with half a million dollars’ worth of jewels—and he has the video evidence to prove it. As Shelby’s guardian, Fitz has to focus on caring for his sister, whether Tabby is innocent or guilty. He refuses to help the man—until he learns the mobster has taken his sister.

The clock is ticking as Fitz scrambles to recover the jewels. If he succeeds, it’ll cost the woman he’s come to care for. If he fails, it’ll cost his sister’s life.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Aside from her family and her Savior, USA Today bestselling author Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Robin to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Texas, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.

More from Robin

Do you remember the show Party of Five? It ran for six seasons back in the 90s. I wasn’t a huge fan of the show itself, but I loved the premise: the oldest son of five children becomes the guardian for his younger siblings after their parents are killed in a car accident.

Talk about fodder for a great story.

When I was dreaming about Tides of Duplicity, I decided my hero, Fitz McCaffrey, had a similar story. In his case, his parents died when he was twenty-one, leaving him as the sole guardian of his eight-year-old sister, Shelby.

Do you remember being twenty-one? I do, and let me tell you, I wouldn’t have had the first idea how to raise an eight-year-old, especially one dealing with the trauma of losing her parents. Fitz didn’t know, either.

Sure, thanks to insurance, they had plenty of money to survive. He was able to finish college, go to the police academy, and get a job. But emotionally, Fitz didn’t know what he was doing. What he knew was that his sister needed him, and he loved her enough to figure it out.

Our story picks up eight years later when Fitz and Shelby go to Belize for vacation. Shelby meets a teenage boy who takes up all her time. Fitz doesn’t complain when he meets a beautiful woman named Tabby. They spend two weeks together, and by the time those weeks are up, Fitz has fallen hard.

But the morning Tabby leaves, Fitz discovers a few shocking truths:

Tabby was caught on tape stealing from the hotel safe.

The hotel safe held a half million dollars’ worth of jewels belonging to a mafia boss—who happens to be the father of Shelby’s new boyfriend.

And the mob boss wants Fitz to get his stuff back.

His leverage?

He’s taken Shelby.

Shelby’s the only family Fitz has left. He loves her like a father loves a daughter, and he’ll do anything to get her back.

Even betray the woman he’s come to love.

I loved writing this story. I loved writing the conflict Fitz deals with—the desire to save Shelby vs. the desire to protect Tabby from a very dangerous man. I love seeing his newfound faith at work. Frankly, as the world dealt with all the drama of 2020, I loved writing about exotic locations that took me out of my normal life—a couple of resort towns, not to mention Tabby’s hometown, the little snow-covered village of Coventry, New Hampshire.

As the winter winds blow, I hope you’ll take this trip with Fitz and Tabby and Shelby. I think you’re going to love it.

My Thoughts

Tides of Duplicity By: Robin Patchen is a Christian Romantic Suspense Novel. This book is part of the Coventry Saga series. This is the first book that I have read by this author. She has a real gift with her writing and I look forward to reading more from her. In this book we see Private investigator Fitz McCaffrey go to Belize to work a case. He brings his teenage sister with him. Fitz is Shelby's sole guardian. They are enjoying the break from the yucky New England weather. What he does not count on when he is trying to relax is meeting Tabitha Eaton. He seems to be really into her. They spend a wonderful few weeks together, However, then Fitz is contacted by the mob. They stated that Tabitha was seen on video taking them. Now Fitz has a dilemma on his hands. So much so that he gets his old partner to help him investigate. Especially after his teenage sister is kidnapped. Now you know anytime the mob is involved you know it is going to be a good story. I enjoyed having my heart pound throughout this entire story. There are a lot of twists and turns. There is also a strong faith element in this story. I love how the author weaves in the reminder of how God is always there for us. That we need to trust God in all things even if what is facing us is scary.

Well written characters, intriguing storyline, suspense, romance and so much more! I loved this book!I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.