Saturday, February 20, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway -Alabama Days Author: Daphne Self On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Alabama Days

Author: Daphne Self

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 16, 2020

How could a loving God hurt so many people?

Paramedic Scott Wilson believes he can chase death away, but his spirit is shattered when people he loves are taken from him. As a paramedic, Scott sees every day the pain that people suffer, and he wants no part of a God that would allow bad things to happen to good people. As a result, he hides behind his work and addiction to ease the pain within his soul.

But once newspaper reporter Angela Mabry and her son, Max, move into town, Scott can’t help but notice the feisty redhead. Angela is determined to uncover the town’s seedy underbelly and reveal the strange coincidences of so many car accidents at one location.

When a prominent city official dies in a car wreck, Scott and Angela find themselves tangled in intrigue and deception. Together they search for the truth and discover that not all is what it seems.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

“I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me” (Psalm 119:119). This verse is Daphne’s life.
“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39). This verse is the promise made to Daphne.

Daphne Self, formerly published under the name D.M. Webb, resides in Iowa. As a Mississippian transplant, she spends her days in the Midwest state writing, editing, reading, antiquing, and planning adventures with her husband and sons. She pursues her dream as an editor and author with one goal in mind: To Glorify His Name. Daphne is also an avid reader who devours books in many genres.

More from Daphne

Why Did I Write What I Wrote?

One question that is always asked of me: “How did you come up with your book?”

Well, it is simple and complex. Like the helix shape of a DNA strand that holds four proteins in an infinite combination, my ideas are a lot like that. My first book, Mississippi Nights, started off as a book from my childhood. I wrote One Big Happy Family when I was about 16. It was buried and put aside for so many, many years. And after the line-of-duty death of my husband in 2005, the idea of resurrecting that novel percolated for some time. Finally in 2010, I took the story, revamped it, and drew from life to create a story about the prodigal son who returns home to family. It wasn’t just his story, but a story about his brother, a family friend, and a little girl. Mississippi Nights brought to life the story of alcoholism and how a person can fall into that addiction.

After that book was published, I started thinking: “What if someone saw death, hurt, and sorrow on a daily basis? What if that person didn’t have Jesus to lean upon? What would he do?”

And that’s how Alabama Days was born. While Mississippi Nights dealt with alcoholism, Alabama Days dealt with drug abuse, and in this case, prescription drug abuse.

Yet it was much deeper than that. What if the person was a really good guy? He was likable, generous, loving, yet he lacked that one relationship that would bring him peace. If he were someone who did what was right, no matter what, what would happen if he committed a wrong act only to find that his wrong act saved the life of another?

I had so many ethnical questions thrown at my characters. How would a Christian and a non-Christian react to certain circumstances. Because life isn’t always clear-cut, yet the Bible is, I wanted to show the messiness of being human.

We know that as Christians, we all fall short. We all sin at times. The difference is that when we sin, we know we can receive forgiveness and “Go and sin no more.” But how would a person who ran from God think? How would I react if I were like him?

Writers play around with what-ifs. We see the many facets of humanity. And that’s how our stories are born. And why we write what we do. For me, I want to show the many sides of human nature and behaviour and show that in all things, Jesus is the answer. Jesus is there for us all.

So, why do I write what I do? To bring glory to His Name and hope that through my words, people will come (or return) to Christ.

My Thoughts

Alabama Days by Daphne Self is a Romantic Suspense book. This is the first book that I have read by this author. In Alabama Nights we meet Scott and Angela. Scott is a paramedic who sees so much hurt and death. Scott cannot understand why God would allow so much bad to happen in the world. Angela is new to the town and she is a reporter. She feels like there is a reason there are so many car accidents concentrated into one area. Being new in town, she knows she has to prove herself. She came for a fresh start and to get away from her past. When she meets Scott they both realize they are attracted to each other. However, Scott cannot accept that Angela is a Christian. The way the author wrote Angela's story to show why she believed despite the pain she has been through is a great reminder that God is always there for us. I enjoyed watching the attraction between Scott and Angela grow, The book will bring you into it right from the start. The suspense portion will keep your heart pounding as Angela works to try figure out who is behind the car accidents.

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

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, February 17

Among the Reads, February 18

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 21

Older & Smarter?, February 22

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 22

Betti Mace, February 23

Texas Book-aholic, February 24

Blogging With Carol, February 24

Inklings and notions, February 25

For Him and My Family, February 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 26

deb’s Book Review, February 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

Pause for Tales, February 28

Artistic Nobody, March 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Daphne is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Mississippi Nights, a copy of Alabama Days, a floral mug, a leather Is. 40:31 bookmark, 2 mini notebooks, and a Paramedic Prayer keyring with velvet pouch!!

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/10867/alabama-days-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Dream Again Author: Ann Marie Bryan On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Dream Again

Author: Ann Marie Bryan

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: August 20, 2020

One random day. One burst of laughter. One perfect moment. That’s all it takes for Gianna Barrett to capture Carter McIntosh’s attention—and his heart. His whole life has been a series of miracles, so this falls right in line. If only it were that simple. The object of his desire refuses to give him the time of day. Not deterred, Carter is sure he’s ready to put his heart on the line for love. Big mistake. He isn’t quite prepared and finds himself wrestling a soul-deep hurt into submission.

“There has been an accident….”

That devastating revelation shattered Gianna’s life, and in that one chaotic moment, everything she had was taken away. She has spent years carefully crafting her new normal, so there is no way Carter can just insert himself into her life. The fight is on but not for long. Their attraction is instant, and before she knows it, all her cynicism goes out the door.

When Gianna learns more about Carter’s life, she gets a better understanding of her beginning. As she starts her journey to healing, she uncovers Carter’s startling secret. In the days that follow, she struggles with feelings of regret, fueling her natural tendency to retreat. But the flames of desire burn hot and it’s not easy to break their unexpected connection. As the past reaches for them, they soon realize that to move forward, they must look back. Will they allow God to be the anchor they so desperately need—before it’s too late? For all they ever wanted was to be loved.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Ann Marie Bryan is a dedicated multi-talented leader with a passion for excellence. She is the CEO and Founder of Victorious By Design, an organization committed to providing top quality professional writing services, comprehensive personal and professional development programs and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique needs of individuals and organizations.

A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire, and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blend faith and romance that test the resilience of love.

Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord.

More from Ann Marie

I am super excited that you are a part of this amazing Dream Again tour. I use the words—emotional, inspirational, compelling, and romantic—to describe my writing style. I love to put readers in the heart of the story to give them a chance to think how they would react in similar situations.

It was therapeutic for me to write Dream Again. Last year, my mom passed, so it was a year of grieving and adjusting for me. While I was going through, I decided to write a story about someone who suffered the loss of a parent. I wrapped that experience into a beautiful love story, Dream Again, which gives hope while showing the awesome power of God in the lives of two hurting people.

I hope you will enjoy reading Dream Again as much as I have enjoyed writing it. In this novel, you will witness the incredible transformative power of love in the lives of Carter McIntosh and Gianna Barrett as they lift their faith and develop the courage and tenacity to leave the past behind. Dream Again is laced with love, faith, friendship, and a sense of community, while demonstrating God’s desire to free people from life-altering events. I pray that you will catch a glimpse of God moving through time to secure the future of those He loves.

Thank you for touring with me and for taking the time to read Dream Again. Stay victorious!

My Thoughts

Dream Again By: Ann Marie Bryan is a Christian Fiction book. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed it very much. This is book 1 in the McIntosh Brothers series. This book is the story of Gianna Barrett and Carter McIntosh. They were such a cute couple. Gianna is a successful book editor ( I would love to get paid to read and edit books!!!) She has had her heart broken over and over and isn't sure she will ever find love. Enter Carter. Carter lost his wife and is unsure if he can open his heart again. However when he meets Gianna, he is totally smitten. For Carter it is love at first sight. Gianna on the other hand is not as excited about. Dream Again is a beautiful and heartwarming love story. It is a story of second chances and it is a story of reminder of God's love and forgiveness. I think my favorite part of this book was that Gianna is real feeling, broken, hurt and desperate for God to help heal her. She has so much to be thankful for, but she has been so damaged by past relationships. Such a heartwarming real feeling story.

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 18

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

Through the Fire Blogs, February 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 21

Susan K. Beatty, Author, February 22 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 23

Inklings and notions, February 24

For Him and My Family, February 25

deb’s Book Review, February 26

Artistic Nobody, February 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 28

By The Book, March 1 (Author Interview)

Spoken from the Heart, March 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 2

Pause for Tales, March 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ann Marie is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Dream Again!!

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/10868/dream-again-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Of Gold and Iron Author: Nicki Chapelway On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Of Gold and Iron

Author: Nicki Chapelway

Genre: Young adult, fantasy, romance, mythology/folklore, faerie

Release date: Sept 20, 2020

“Swear on something else. Swear on your humanity.”

I suddenly find it very hard to swallow. My humanity? With a jolt I realize that there are far greater things at risk here than just my life. I’m in the faerie world, anything could happen. Even immortality.

The Otherworld is the home of the faeries, deceitful, decadent, and deadly. As the next in line to be-come Guardians, Jaye and her brother Thomas are tasked with defending the human world from all things magical. But when a routine scouting mission ends with them trapped in the Otherworld, it becomes pain-fully clear that someone doesn’t want them to leave the world of the faeries. Determined to not become an immortal’s pawn, Jaye kidnaps Ravven Crowe, an arrogant solitary faerie, so that he can guide them safely home. But things quickly go from bad to worse when they are captured by the Winter Court and embroiled in a plot to start a faerie civil war. Thomas is enslaved by an Unseelie faerie, and it seems that the only way to save her brother and avoid a war is for Jaye to ally herself with Ravven.

The faeries are governed by a set of strict laws. For their own safety, the Guardians have their own rules. But with Thomas’s life hanging in the balance there is only one way to save him that does not include breaking the faerie’s Fair Law, a crime that ends in death. Together Jaye and Ravven must compete in a series of deadly tests given by the faerie courts in order to earn Jaye the right to be named the Fair Assassin and wield the Blade of Gold and Iron. As the Fair Assassin she will be permitted to kill any faerie she so chooses, but first she has to live long enough. Walking a fine line between destruction and further entanglement with Crowe, Jaye is going to have to break her own rules if she wants to win. She must trust a faerie. Her life and humanity depend on it.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Nicki is a twenty-something author of clean YA speculative fiction. She has been writing since she was eleven years old, and has published several works including portal fantasies such as A Week of Werewolves, Faeries, and Fancy Dresses and A Certain Sort of Madness; as well as Winter Cursed a dark fantasy Snow White retelling.

Nicki lives in Ohio where she spends far too much time watching TV and sleeping. She listens to music basically all the time, and adores obsessing over mythologies, her shows, and her slew of fictional boyfriends. When not writing, she can usually be found at her desk with either a paintbrush or a pen in her hand.

More from Nicki

I find mythology fascinating, and one of my favorite mythological creatures are faeries (and dragons, but this book is mostly about faeries—although there is at least one dragon…). Growing up as a self proclaimed tom boy, I found faeries to be boring and trite creatures, all sparkle and not enough teeth. I preferred elves with their factions: wood elves, light elves, dark elves, high elves… etc.

Tolkien has inspired so much about my fantasy worlds—actually he is directly responsible for why I write fantasy—and because of that I adopted his own source of inspiration for many of the events of Middle Earth: myths.

I started reading up on myths, especially Celtic which is where Tolkien derived some inspiration for his elves (the elf part is of course Norse, but the returning to the Undying Lands is based on the mysterious disappearance of the Tuatha De Danan in Celtic myths which were originally considered to be gods but later became known as a type of faerie). As I dug deeper into Celtic myths and started reading Irish folklore, I came across creatures that were so complex that one individual could have the characteristics of light, dark, high, and wood elves all meshed together. I became fascinated by these walking contradictions. Immortals that can be harmed by such mortal things as iron and bread. Tricksters who cannot lie. Beings with powerful magic, but governed by a very strict set of laws and compelled into obedience.

And much, much scarier than the faeries I grew up hearing about.

Irish mythology gave me everything I needed, from many different forms of faeries to defining characteristics and names. All I had to do was fit them into my world… and come up with a plot and characters, of course, but those I actually got from a dream.

My Thoughts

Of Gold and Iron By: Nicki Chapelway is a young adult, fantasy, romance, mythology/folklore, faerie book. This is book one of the Of dreams and Nightmare trilogy. I have not read anything by this author before. I enjoyed the way that they presented their story. This is not my typical genre of book to read. However, I did enjoy the story. In this story we travel to The Otherworld. A world where faeries are governed by a set of strict laws and the Guardians have their own rules. The Faeries and Guardians do not get along. Jaye and her brother have gotten trapped in the Otherworld. Jaye is super protective of her brother. She does not want to leave without him. I thought the whole faerie vs Guardian was an interesting match up.

I love the way that the author wrote the scenery. I felt like I was there. The characters are well written, the plot very intriguing. The story kept me guessing. The ending is a cliffhanger.

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

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, February 12

Rebecca Tews, February 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 14

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Blogging With Carol, February 15

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 16

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

Inklings and notions, February 18

Heidi and Books, February 18

For Him and My Family, February 19

deb’s Book Review, February 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21

Artistic Nobody, February 22 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25

Breny and Books, February 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nicki is giving away the grand prize package of signed paperbacks of Nicki’s other three novels, a limited edition art print for Of Gold and Iron, and a coaster!!

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/10746/of-gold-and-iron-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, February 15, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Mommy's Oven by Brandi Pearce On Tour with Iread book tours

Book Details:

Book Title: Mommy's Oven by Brandi Pearce
Category:  Children's Non-Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Children's Non-Fiction Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Feb 2021
Format available for review: print (USA), ebook (PDF)
Tour dates: Feb 2 to Feb 15, 2021
Content Rating: G for everyone. Suitable for all ages,

Book Description:

In this true story, young August learns about how he will get a new little brother. He learns of how his little brother will grow in someone else's tummy, not his mommy's. Will he look like Augie? Will he grow for too long? Will Augie get to take his little brother home once he is born? Join August on this new, exciting adventure of getting a new little brother in a very unique way. If you are looking for a way to help your children understand that families can be created in many different ways, this is a story to keep on your bookshelf!

Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N
Mascot Books

Meet the Author:

Having battled Crohn’s Disease for most of her life and after undergoing 82 abdominal surgeries, Brandi Pearce knew she wouldn’t be able to carry children of her own. After a successful surrogacy resulted in her son, August, years later, she wondered how to explain to August that he was getting a new brother who was growing in someone else’s belly. That’s when Mommy’s Oven, Pearce’s debut children’s, book was born. Pearce wants other parents to be able to teach their own children that every family creation is unique and special. She hopes to inspire hope in overcoming adversity, as well as true miracles with this book.

connect with author: website ~ amazon

My Thoughts

This is a beautifully written and gorgeouslyillustrated book about a little boy named Augie. Augie has a big extended family. Augie does not have any siblings and one day would love one. To his surprise his mommy and daddy tell him that he will have a baby sibling. Augie is thrilled that his mommy and daddy are telling him this. They explain that while he will have a new sibling, he will be grown in a different oven. I loved the way they broke the use of a surrogate down to him. He gets to meet Julia who is carrying the baby. The explanation is a perfect way to explain how sometimes babies are born different ways. I loved the storyline, the pictures and this book made us smile. I read this with my 9 and 7 year old sons. They enjoyed it also.

I received a copy of this book through the IRead book Tours - all thoughts are my own.

Tour Schedule:

Feb 2 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 2 - Westveil Publishing – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 3 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 3 - Books for Books – book review / author interview
Feb 4 –Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 5 – Lisa's Reading – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 8 – Ice Fairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – Reading is My Passion – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 - The Momma Spot – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 11 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 12 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway
Feb 15 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 15 - michellemengsbookblog3 – book review / author interview / giveaway
TBA – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway: Enter to win a autographed copy of the book - HERE

Sunday, February 14, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway -Vanished in the Mountains Author: Tanya Stowe On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Vanished in the Mountains

Author: Tanya Stowe

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: February 3, 2021

A search for missing women leads to a deadly pursuit.

When domestic violence counselor Dulcie Parker uncovers evidence of a human trafficking ring in the Four Corners area, she’s determined to stop it or die trying. With corruption all around her and killers on her trail, Deputy Sheriff Austin Turner’s the only one she can trust. But can they work together to expose the crime ring before she becomes the next victim?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Bio Pic Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

More from Tanya

When my children were very young, my husband and I took a trip to Colorado for a family reunion. After the reunion we traveled through Colorado to see the sights. We stopped in Silverton and my sister and I took my young son and daughter down the narrow-gauge railroad to Durango. Riding the swaying train down slopes covered in pine trees with the rushing white water of the Animas River below, I knew I’d write about the area someday. Many years later my husband and I took our first “kid-less” vacation in our motorhome. We stayed in a campground on the Navajo Nation next to Canyon de Chelly. We had no running water or electricity and that night, a storm blew in from the west. We watched the sky change to hues of purple and pink and then sat mesmerized as lightning strikes crossed the magnificent valley. Once again, I planted the scenes in my mind, determined to write about them one day. Little did I know both vacations would combine into one story. I hope you find my memories of the Four Corners area as unforgettable as I did! Blessings!

My Thoughts

Vanished in the Mountains By: Tanya Stowe is part of the Love Inspired Suspense series. I have read several of the author's books and I have always enjoyed them. In this book we see Dulcie and Austin. Two individuals who are passionate about their work. Dulcie is a domestic violence counselor. She uncovers a human trafficking ring. She knows that she needs to stop it. She also connects the dots when she sees that a lot of Native American girls are going missing. As she digs deeper, she finds out that those who she thought she could trust are involved. When she feels she can trust noone she discovers that Deputy Sheriff Austin Turner is someone that she can trust. They are both coming from very broken pasts. Austin works a lot - throws himself into every assignment so he does not have to go home and deal with his broken heart. Dulcie picked the line of work that she can help women and children that are in bad situations. Dulcie herself escaped an abusive household. These two characters have to navigate a world and try and stop the human trafficking ring while running into those in high positions who have been abusing their power.

The author did a lot of careful research to help the readers understand the Navajo culture. I learned a lot through reading this book. The author also starts out the book with a whole lot of action and does not let up throughout the entire book. Well written real feeling characters, action filled storyline and a subject that is happening around us today.

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