Wednesday, November 30, 2022

My Thoughts - Returning to Breakers Author: Rachel Skatvold

About the Book

Book: Returning to Breakers

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: October 25, 2022

Sometimes God’s “why” comes too late… and just in time.

Tiffany Hill is a master at concealing her emotions. She can’t admit she has her own questions about God—like why He allowed her Marine husband to die in action. A single mom with three children to care for and the general store on Merriweather to run leaves little time for philosophizing. She has more pressing issues to deal with. Like how her dream of running the family business has become a burden.

Is keeping the business afloat even worth the effort anymore?

After high school and an unfortunate falling out with his father, Liam Hadler left Breakers Head, determined never to look back. He failed on that one, and one of many regrets was leaving his high school sweetheart behind to chase an impossible dream.

When his mother calls after his father suffers a stroke, Liam has a tough decision to make. Will he return to a place he’s avoided for sixteen years, and is making amends with his father even possible?

A chance encounter with Tiffany after so many years never occurred to him, but memories of their time together rekindles something he thought he’d lost. What’ll it take to persuade her to give him a second chance?

This Breakers Head novel is Rachel Skatvold’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing Christian romance and devotionals. Rachel has published over a dozen novels, including books in the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

More from Rachel

Thank you for following the Returning to Breakers Celebration Tour with Celebrate Lit. Writing in the Independence Islands Series has been an incredible journey and since this is my last book in the series, it’s bitter sweet to say goodbye to these wonderful characters. Although some of them may show up in the sister series, Suamalie Islands…hint, hint, hint!

It has also been a joy to work with Sandra Barela, Chautona Havig, Denise Barela, and everyone else on the Celebrate Lit team. Thank you to them and the wonderful authors I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with. You all have been amazing.

Returning to Breakers features two sets of characters. First, Tiffany and Liam, but also, Kendall and Tyler. Along with Tiff’s story, I do hope you also enjoy the conclusion of the love story between the two main characters from my first book in the series.

In this book, we find Tiffany overwhelmed and ready for a fresh start. As a single mom of three kids and a business owner, she has to wear about every hat imaginable. She has always been an advice giver to everyone else, but now she desperately needs advice herself. Should she sell the family store? It’s one of many questions plaguing her soul. When her friends realize Tiff is floundering, they know she needs a lifeline in the form of some R&R. They arrange for her and the kids to stay at a local resort on Mimosa. Tiffany is reluctant at first but ultimately gives in, quickly realizing how much she needed to rest and reconnect with her kids. However, when an old love from the past returns to the islands, will Tiff’s relaxing vacation be swept away in the tide?

This book is close to my heart because it is dedicated to my oldest sister, Becky. Growing up, she was a great person to go to for spiritual advice, similar to Tiff in this book. She always has wisdom to impart and quotes Bible verses of encouragement even to this day when I need advice.

This book was also inspired by a verse from Philippians 4:6-7, which says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” When we go through something difficult in life, sometimes it is easy to forget to pray. However, if we leave our worries and anxieties with God, He will take them from us and in return, give us peace. This is one of the lessons Tiff learns during this story and it is also a wonderful reminder for me during trials I have been facing recently.

Blessings.

My Thoughts

Returning to Breakers is book 29 in the Independence Island Series. This book is written by Rachel Skatvold. The Independence Island Series is a multi-author series that all ties around the island theme. In this story, we see a reunion of many of the characters from the author's previous books. I have been reading the whole series, but you will not feel like you are lost.

This story is Tiffany and Liam's story. Tiffany is a widow after her husband is killed in action. She is running the family business and has lost the joy that she had when they started the business. Liam left a long time ago and never looked back. He is summoned back when his father has a stroke. He has mixed feelings when he returns home.

I loved this story. I am really sad to see this series coming to an end. The characters are well written, the storyline is unique and I loved the interaction with the characters. The biblical lesson of forgiveness and not being stubborn are woven in flawlessly.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 17

lakesidelivingsite, November 18

By the Book, November 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Sylvan Musings, November 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22

Blossoms and Blessings, November 22

Aryn the Libraryan, November 23

Blogging With Carol, November 24

Holly’s Book Corner, November 24

deb’s Book Review, November 25

She Lives To Read, November 26

Inklings and notions, November 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 28 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 28

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 30

Simple Harvest Reads, November 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/22acf/returning-to-breakers-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, November 27, 2022

AUDIOBOOK Thoughts - Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman

Join us for this tour from Nov 7 to Dec 2, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman
Category: Young-Adult Fiction (18 +), 286 pages
Genre: Action-Adventure/Fantasy
Publisher:  Chelshire
Release date:   July 30 2022
Format available for review: print-softback (USA only) audiobook (audible download code), ebook (MOBI for Kindle, EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Nov 7 to Dec 2, 2022
Content Rating: PG. The author thinks the book is G-rated. A reviewer said it had some curses. Some may consider "Holy crap" is a curse.

"If I were to give a book to every young adult in this world, I would give them Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman without blinking. I absolutely loved every moment of this uplifting and fascinating story. It's filled with valuable life lessons, adventure, peril, and highly relatable and lovable characters." Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

"Harry Potter meets Sky High. If you're a fan of young adult stories where protagonists go to mysterious schools to train their superhuman abilities, don't miss out on Grady Whill and The Templeton Codex." Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Reader's Favorite

"Carole P. Roman has created a world that is unique, inhabited by characters that young people can easily relate to because of their similar concerns about growing pains... This book has a strong message and theme that deserves to be read." Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Reader's Favorite

Book Description:

Templeton Academy- the superhero high school is finally open! The prestigious institution is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive.

Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully Elwood Bledsoe is attending.

If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend. Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.

Her best-selling book, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.

She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.

Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.

Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.

She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.

Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the 'mother of reinvention.' She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

My Thoughts

Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex is written by Carol P Roman. This is a Middle School Fiction book that I read with my 11 year old son. We both enjoyed this book very much. There is a bit of cursing in this story, so please be mindful of that. This is the first book that I have read by this author.

The story follows an average kid who lives with his uncle. Grady and his friend, Aarush wish to attend the prestigious Templeton Academy. They find themselves getting in along with the school bully. The location of the school is a secret location. This is a transition from middle school, to high school. This is the school where they can learn superhero stuff. (This reminded us of Harry Potter )

I like how the author created realistic characters. We see Grady with asthma and Aarush with autism. I feel that this is important for this day in age since there is so much bullying going on. My son has some issues that have caused him to get picked on, so he really seeing a character like this. I feel others that have the same issues can relate.

The narration of the book was smooth and easy to listen to. It is narrated by Dan McGowan. His tone is appropriate throughout the book. His voice helped to bring the book to life.

The book is well written. There is great character development. My son and I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you to the author, publisher and The Children's Book Review for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Tour Schedule:
Nov 7 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review / giveaway
Nov 7 - The Obsessed Reader – book review / giveaway
Nov 8 – Library Lady's Kid Lit – book review
Nov 9 – Pick a Good Book – audiobook review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 10 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 14 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 15 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Nov 15 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review / giveaway
Nov 17 – Splashes of Joy - audiobook review / giveaway
Nov 17 - Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Nov 18 – Adventures of a Traveler's Wife – audiobook review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 18 – Writer with Wanderlust – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 21 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 22 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway
Nov 22 - Paws.Read.Repeat – book review / giveaway
Nov 23 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 25 – Stephanie Jane – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 25 - My Reading Getaway – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 28 – FUONLYKNEW – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 28 - Liese's Blog – book spotlight
Nov 28 - Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting - audiobook review / giveaway
Nov 29 – Books are a Blessing – book review / giveaway
Nov 29 - Lady Hawkeye - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Nov 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Dec 1 – Literary Flits – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 2 – Rajiv's Reviews – book review
Dec 2 - The Homeschool Expert - book review / guest post / giveaway
TBD - @happy_planner_vibes – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

My Thoughts Into the Fog Author: Karen Randau

About the Book

Book: Into the Fog

Author: Karen Randau

Genre: Romantic suspense

Release date: September 6, 2022

Love and danger spar in this thrilling romantic suspense novel.

Hands push Marie Jessica (“MJ”) Goodrich from a rural roadway into an icy creek. The clock is ticking for her pleading friend on the other side of the ravine.

Running from flashbacks of a life-altering attack in Afghanistan, MJ takes refuge with her mother, managing Peach Blossom Orchard. But peace is elusive in a rural Oklahoma town full of secrets.

After losing his wife and children in a fatal car crash, Josh Rivers doubts he deserves a second chance at love. He can’t believe his bad luck when MJ, the woman who plagues the nightmares of his military service in Afghanistan, shows up in his hometown. She claims a driver ran down and abducted her friend Kelsey. Frustrated with the county sheriff’s investigation, MJ and Josh partner to follow clues that lead to a kidnapper who demands a bizarre ransom.

With danger increasing for everyone MJ loves, will the clock run out before they solve the mystery? Find out how MJ and Josh—swirling in a whirlwind of mystery and suspense—lean on their mutual faith to find answers, courage, forgiveness, healing … and wholesome romance.

If you like to read Christy Barritt and Colleen Coble, you’ll love Into the Fog, a keep-you-up-at-night clean romantic suspense novel that launches the Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karen Randau a best-seller author of fast-paced mystery, thriller, and suspense books from her home in the picturesque mountains of Arizona. She enjoys cooking, hiking, and hanging out with her family. In addition to the Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series, her books include the Frankie Shep Mystery-Suspense Series, the Kayla Walsh Suspense Series, and Rim Country Mysteries.

More from Karen

Into the Fog is set in a farming community outside Tahlequah, Oklahoma, home of the Cherokee Nation, the largest of the 39 Native American tribes in Oklahoma.

If you’ve ever watched old Western movies, you may have heard a lot about the dangers of traveling through Indian Territory. Did you know that much of what is now Oklahoma was called the Indian Territory until Oklahoma became a state in 1907? Some of the tribes fought with the Confederacy during the Civil War, and some fought with the Union.

If those weren’t enough reasons for an identity crisis for the people of Oklahoma (who sometimes refer to themselves of Okies), the federal government lists Oklahoma in both the South and the Southwest regions of the United States. Many Okies claim their state is in Midwest region of the United States, but it is not listed that way in the federal census.

One thing is for sure: Oklahoma has a culture all its own, rightly earned by its confusing history. Many of these cultural oddities are explored in Into the Fog.

You’ll also enjoy the two main characters, MJ and Josh.

Marie Jessica “MJ” Goodrich served with the Army Rangers in Afghanistan until a bomb gave her a life-altering injury and a case of PTSD. She believes her injuries were so bad that no man will ever want to marry her. Besides, her mother’s failing memory and the peach orchard keep her too busy to embark on a romantic relationship.

Josh Rivers always wanted to be an artist, but he’s stuck running the auto shop he inherited. He’s dreamed of MJ ever since he pulled her from a bombed marketplace in Afghanistan, and it cost him his wife and children. He doesn’t believe he deserves another chance at love, but he prays for companionship anyway—and finds MJ unconscious in a ravine moments later. Could a guy’s luck get any worse?

The question answered in Into the Fog is: Will Josh die saving MJ again, or will they get out of the whirlwind of mystery and danger swirling around them in time to find their happily ever after?

My Thoughts

Into the Fog is a romantic suspense book that is written by Karen Randau. I have read this author before and have enjoyed her work. You will be drawn in within the first few pages and will not want to put it down.

There is alot of action, suspense and mystery in this story. Marie Jessica “MJ” Goodrich served with the Army Rangers in Afghanistan until a bomb gave her a life-altering injury and a lot of PTSD. She takes refuge with her mother whose memory is fading. She busies herself with that and the Peach Blossom Orchard.

Josh Rivers has a lot of baggage and pain. His wife and children were killed in car accident. He is surprised when MJ shows up in his hometown saying that she was run off the road and her friend was killed. The police are acting like they do not care - so he teams up with MJ to try and solve the mystery.

The characters are well developed. The storyline is intriguing. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.