Showing posts with label Celebrate Lit. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway - Rose in the Desert Author: K.M. Daughters On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Rose in the Desert

Author: K.M. Daughters

Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: July 2020

Anna Babic Robbins, dubbed “The Rose Of The Adriatic” by pilgrims to her village, leaves her home bound for America. She is to deliver secrets concerning the fate of the world to a Chicago priest who will shepherd mankind to prepare to hear God speak.

Four women travel to Las Vegas, and while there, snow begins to fall during triple digit heat. They soon learn that the non-accumulating snowfall is a worldwide phenomenon—a universal sign from God preceding the gift of a permanent sign inexplicable by earthly standards.

With the culmination of these miraculous events, all their paths intersect, and God will reveal His plans to each soul on earth.

Will mankind listen?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

K.M. Daughters is the penname for team writers and sisters, Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare. The penname is dedicated to the memory of their parents, “K”ay and “M”ickey Lynch. K.M. Daughters is the author of 15 award winning romance genre, women’s fiction and Christian fiction novels. The “Daughters” are wives, mothers and grandmothers residing in the Chicago suburbs and on the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Visitors are most welcome at http://www.kmdaughters.com

More from K.M. Daughters

In our first book in the Gospa series, Jewel of the Adriatic, on April 7th, 1992, rose petals rained on three teenagers walking past a craggy hill in their village, Valselo, near the Adriatic coast. The deluge stopped, and high on this hill, they saw a remarkably beautiful young woman with a child in her arms. They immediately thought that she was Jesus’ mother. She didn’t say anything to them but gestured for them to come closer. They were scared and ran. These three children were Anna, Elizabeta and Josip, who despite their fear, returned to the hill and were rewarded with another visitation by the mother of God, lovingly referred to as Our Lady of the Roses. Daily apparitions continued for decades as the visionaries became adults, guided by the heavenly visitor to pray, open their hearts fully to the salvation of Christ and carry her messages to the world in discipleship. Josip became a priest, instructed to pray for vocations. Elizabeta became a wife and mother, dedicated to praying for unbelievers. And Anna, also a wife and mother, was given the role of divulging secrets concerning all of mankind to an ordained priest, three days before the predicted events occur. In Rose of the Desert, we meet the “Belles of St. Mary’s”, lifelong girlfriends who have shared everything with each other since they met in grammar school. Or have they? When experiencing the all-knowing, forgiveness of God’s presence, will they change so they never have anything to hide again? The Belles’ lives intersect with Anna Babic’s when Anna travels to the United States to fulfill her heavenly appointed mission. Now the time has come.

My Thoughts

Be prepared to do some soul searching while reading this book. It draws you in from the first few pages. Given the current state of the world - this is a book that shows that in the end - God is in control. The book does follow more of a Catholic theology - with the girl needing to share her prophetic thoughts/speech with a priest. I still have a bad taste in my mouth because of the Catholic Church - but this story preached that Jesus is the way - not through good deeds.

This book reminded me of reading a play - which is outside the norm of what I read - but I enjoyed it. There are sprinkles and showers of God throughout the entire story. Great characters, well written story, heartwarming.

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16

A Baker’s Perspective, August 17 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, August 18

For Him and My Family, August 19

Vicky Sluiter, August 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 23 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, August 24 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 25

SusanK. Beatty, Author, August 26 (Author Interview)

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

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 28

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, K.M. Daughters is giving away the grand prize of a beautiful necklace!! (Pictured Above)

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/fee6/rose-in-the-desert-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway -- No Small Caper By Cynthia Hickey On tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: No Small Caper

Author: Cynthia Hickey

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Release Date: May 3, 2019

“No one does a final suspense scene like Cynthia Hickey!” – Stewart Writing Services

A rash of burglaries?

What kind of job had she been hired to do?

CJ Turley is excited to begin her new life as overseer of Heavenly Acres, a tiny house community in the Ozark mountains. As she’s handed the keys to her new house, by a woman who seems far too eager to leave the job to someone else, CJ is told the community is experiencing a rash of burglaries and she should visit the nearby Park Ranger for help.

Can CJ and her new friends stop a thieving murderer before they lose something far more precious than jewels? Their life!

From first day, to spending time with handsome ranger, Eric Drake, to a cast of quirky characters who are all suspect in CJ’s mind, you’re bound for a fun, hilarious, romp in this first book of a new small town, cozy mystery series by best-selling and award-winning author.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Multi-published and Amazon and ECPA Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey has sold close to a million copies of her works since 2013. She has taught a Continuing Education class at the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers conference, several small ACFW chapters and RWA chapters, and small writer retreats. She and her husband run the small press, Winged Publications, which includes some of the CBA’s best well-known authors. She lives in Arizona and Arkansas, becoming a snowbird, with her husband and one dog. She has ten grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer”.

More from Cynthia

I’ve always been fascinated by tiny houses and love writing cozy mysteries. What’s better than a cozy mystery series in a tiny house community? Not an inch of space wasted. You’ve got to be creative with your storage. Even hiding things in the floor which occurs when CJ Turley takes over as manager of Heavenly Acres. The pup she inherited when her grandmother died has a nose for diamonds. Who’d guess there were so many places in a tiny house to stash things?

I don’t live in a tiny house, but my husband and I downsized from a 2100 sq. ft home to a 1,000 sq. ft. home. Guess which one we prefer? The smaller one 😊 We always know where things are, it’s easier to keep clean, and no stairs to go up and down when we forget something. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t live in anything less than 400 sq. ft. if I lived alone, but it was fun to write about those who do.

I’ve watched so many tiny house shows, I’m pretty sure I could design one with everything I’d need. We even told our son that if he moved where we live, we’d build him one in the backyard! He wasn’t amused.

On a serious note, just kidding. While my cozy series have humor, they also have murder and mayhem with quirky characters and a dash of romance. I like my readers to chuckle as the characters strive to take down the culprit without too much danger to themselves.

Happy reading!

My Thoughts

This is the first book in the Tiny House Mystery series - and I can't wait until the next one comes out. This was a quick and easy read - that I was able to devour in a few hours. CJ Turley becomes the overseer of a Tiny House community. She is excited to start fresh. What she does not count on is being welcomed by a crime scene. There is a rash of burglaries in the area - and Park Ranger Eric is there to help keep an eye on things and investigate. CJ is stubborn when trying to unravel the mysteries - she makes few mistakes - but Eric is there to help.

My favorite character was Mags - she is hysterical! She is a senior citizen ready to go on whatever adventure takes her. I hope to see her in future books.

This was a super cute enjoyable cozy mystery. The characters are well written - and I hope that I see more of them in future books. The story line fights well with a definition of cozy mystery, where violence and intimacy are downplayed. I enjoyed how the author writes. I can't wait until the next book in the series comes out.

I received a copy of this story from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogging program --- all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 7

21st Century Keeper at Home, August 7

Sara Jane Jacobs, August 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 9

Genesis 5020, August 10

deb’s Book Review, August 10

She Lives To Read, August 11

Artistic Nobody, August 12 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 13

Blogging With Carol , August 13

Texas Book-aholic, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 16

Mary Hake, August 16

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 17

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 18

CarpeDiem, August 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cynthia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/ff4f/no-small-caper-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, August 14, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway - Fierce Wholeness By Robin Meade --- On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Fierce Wholeness

Author: Robin Meade

Genre: Nonfiction

Release Date: March 5, 2020

When the Bible talks about the third- and fourth-generational curse, that’s so true. If the curse is not broken by you, then who will stop it dead in its tracks? Dealing with forgotten pain, things you stuff down just to survive, is serious business. But that’s what Robin Meade did. Growing up, she was criticized, put down, and stomped on—by her own family. She chose to bury her pain.

Fierce Wholeness: Finding Myself after Childhood Emotional Trauma is Robin’s story—in all of its raw and messy but authentic and beautiful transparency as she unpacks the trajectory of her life from childhood to adulthood and seeks to repair the dam that had been busted, the riverbed that had been washed away, the landscape that had been obliterated by her family of origin.

Readers who grew up in the clutches of the branches of emotional abuse will be empowered by Robin’s story because of the freedom that Jesus gives. Robin’s story is raw and authentic, and readers will be encouraged by how they too can find fierce wholeness in Christ.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Robin Meade grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but now she walks with God in the beautiful suburbs of Chicago. For nearly five years she has led and taught as part of the women’s ministry team at New Life Brookfield Church. She loves her dog and great food, but mostly she loves Jesus, and strives to encourage people to experience God’s restorative healing and for God to be glorified through it.

More from Robin

There’s a level of ‘fierce’ that we all need to reach in our journey with Christ; to be real about the journey. When you experience abuse as a child, there is a ‘normal’ way of perceiving your surroundings that’s set, and if not corrected, stays with you into adulthood. My desire for this book is that people who have suffered childhood emotional abuse know they are not alone, that they can experience of healing through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible talks about being ready to give an account and running the race striving for first place and working out our salvation with fear and trembling – some of that has been lost in our Christian culture. Jesus isn’t a wimp or a doormat because he is kind and forgiving and neither should we be. I hope my story will be a blessing to many in their faith walk, to get to their level of ‘fierce’.

My Thoughts

Robin Meade writes her journey of healing so beautifully. I found myself reflecting on my own journey of healing as I read. I always know that God chooses books for me that he knows that I need to hear. 2020 has been a weird year - I have found myself starting to drift back into dark places of my own abuse. However, Robin's story is what I needed to remember how far I have come. Jesus can handle your anger, he can handle your tears, he can handle ANYTHING that you can throw at him. He endured the ultimate abuse and betrayal to save us. The author writes so clearly, that you can feel what she has gone through. She is real. She is raw. She is like talking to your best friend. If you have suffered any heartache as a child - this is a great book to help with healing.

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 3

My Devotional Thoughts, August 4 (Author Interview)

Genesis 5020, August 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 6

Blossoms and Blessings, August 7 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 8

For Him and My Family, August 9

Simple Harvest Reads, August 10 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, August 11 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 12

For the Love of Literature, August 13 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, August 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 16 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize package of a basket with a signed copy of the book, the Fierce Wholeness Companion Journal, and $10 gift cards to Joann’s, Starbucks, Amazon and a stuffed moose!!

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/fe95/fierce-wholeness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway --- The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey -- On tour with Celebrate Lit

Crushing Depths FB banner

About the Book

Book: The Crushing Depths

Author: Dani Pettrey

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 30, 2020

They know the power and peril of the ocean.

But as they get closer to the deadly truth…

An even greater danger lurks just beneath the surface.

When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.

Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.

Just as the case seems like it’ll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they’re cut off from any rescue–and right where the killer
wants them. It’s a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today). She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband. Their two daughters, a son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons also reside in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit www.danipettrey.com

More from Dani

Enjoy this special recipe for a Lavender and Honey Latte that makes a special appearance in my book!

My Thoughts

This is book 2 of the Coastal Guardian Series -- I have read book 1 - so I was excited to read the sequel. However, this book can be read as a stand a lone. In this book, we meet Coast Guard Investigator, Rissi. She is a talented profiler - who is at the top of her game. We also meet Mason. He is an expert diver. They are some of the best of the best - and they have a history. They have similar pasts and were in the same foster home when they were younger - They are being sent to a oil rig that has had a string of bad luck. In this instance, they are investigating a death of an oil rig worker. The more they investigate - the more I got thrown off the path. Was it the environmental activists that do not want to see an oil rig working?

I learned a lot about oil rigs during this book - I did not realize how much goes into the process.

I like that Rissi and Mason have a past - I feel like it made their chemistry believable.

Now, I want to note - that be prepared to get lost in this book. It starts out with a bang - and gets your adrenaline going and you will not want to stop reading.

This author writes real feeling characters. They come to life through the pages. They are always well written. The author has done a great deal of research. I feel more knowledgeable about oil rigs. The story line grabbed my attention with the first chapter. I look forward to what comes next for this author.

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