Book Review and Giveaway - Blood Sisters Author: Jim O’Shea On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  Blood Sisters

Author: Jim O’Shea

Genre: Christian Suspense/Thriller

Release date: June 16, 2020

Libby Meeker is seeing things.

The young Salt Lake City architect is experiencing visions of her twin sister, despite the fact that Melissa died mysteriously almost one year ago.

If that’s not bad enough, a serial killer surfaces in northern Utah, and a series of bizarre clues lead Detective Troy Hunter to Libby…and unspeakable possibilities that begin to shatter her fragile world.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

The author of two previous highly-rated thrillers (The Linen God and The Reluctant Disciple), Jim O’Shea spends his time crafting novels of suspense that frequently tackle the dynamic between faith and science. Jim believes God continues to reveal his creation masterpiece through scientific discovery, and that Christian fiction is a great tool to expose those emerging truths.

His third novel, “Blood Sisters”, is also very highly rated on Amazon but takes a more traditional approach to mystery/thrillers with a mind-bending whodunit in the tradition of Agatha Christie. His fourth novel, “The Beacon”, will return to his faith/science roots and feature a compelling blend of espionage, leading-edge science, and salvation.

 

More from Jim

I’m fascinated by science in general, but more specifically by discoveries over the past hundred years that point directly to a Creator and His creation. The new findings fly in the face of mainstream physics which suggests matter and energy make up everything in our universe and that all things, including our consciousness or soul, are direct results of their interactions.

Fortunately, humankind’s advancements in physics, cosmology, quantum mechanics, biology, etc. point directly to the fact that the universe had an actual beginning as claimed in the Bible and our existence can not be explained by natural processes such as evolution. This should be a great comfort to every Christian, and my writing often tries to take these emerging truths and wrap them up into page-turning stories that provide the reader not with just a thrill ride, but also a glimpse into God’s glory!

My Thoughts

 Blood Sisters is a Christian Suspense/Thriller that is written by  Jim O’Shea. This book pulled me in from the beginning and I read it late into the night. I will admit that this had me looking over my shoulder. It is definitely a psychological thriller. I was so pulled into this book that I lost all sense of what was going on around me.  This is my first introduction to this author, and I hope to read more from him. He definitely ha d the hair on the back of my neck standing straight up. 

Libby keeps seeing her sister everywhere. There is a problem, she was killed in an explosion a year ago. The thing is, it is not just Libby seeing her, it is their parents also. Libby begins to think she is on the verge of a mental breakdown. (This book does deal with mental illness, but the author does it in a way that is not shameful). The author introduces so many different aspects of what could have happened - I was shocked by the ending. Is the sister dead? Is the sister the killer? Is Libby the killer? Who is targeting these women? Throw in a Detective that has his hands full with a serial killer that is targeting girls who look like Libby. 

The characters are well written. The story line is super suspenseful. Make sure that you have a lot of time to read this  book. 

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, July 3

Beauty in the Binding, July 4 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 6

Mary Hake, July 6

Inklings and notions, July 7

For Him and My Family, July 8

deb’s Book Review, July 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 10

Blogging With Carol, July 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 12

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 13

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 15

SodbusterLiving, July 16

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Jim is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Starbucks 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/10e73/blood-sisters-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway - Shattered Guilt Author: Kathleen J. Robison On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  Shattered Guilt

Author: Kathleen J. Robison

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 15, 2021

When they told her about Southern hospitality, no one mentioned human trafficking.

The move to Bay Town, Mississippi was supposed to be a fresh start for single-mom Melanie and her daughter, Lacy. The quiet Southern town offers a nice relief after the frenetic-paced life of Los Angeles, but something sinister lurks beneath the surface.

Her bridal business struggles to take off, and instead of turning to the Lord, Melanie makes a desperate plea for help–from her ex-husband. Lacey is attacked, and while she is hospitalized, her friend goes missing—a victim of human trafficking out of New Orleans.

With her ex-husband showing true signs of repentance, the pastor she’d begun to fall for is taking a step back, and her daughter’s friend lost to the animals who stole her, Melanie goes on a desperate, dangerous mission to rescue the girl and get their lives back.

And she’ll do it with or without the Lord’s help.

How can Melanie find the girls and rescue them without getting caught herself?  Why can’t she trust the Lord to keep them all safe, and which man in her life is the right one–if either?

Read this heart-gripping, pulse-racing novel and see how the Lord’s hand is on us, even when He seems so very far away.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kathleen J. Robison is an Okinawan-American. Born in Okinawa, raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels are the inspirational settings for her stories. She and her Pastor husband have eight adult children. Seven are married, blessing them with fourteen grandchildren and counting. The diversity of their 31 family members provide the inspiration for more lively characters than can be imagined. Her husband grew up in the streets of Los Angeles raised by a single working mom, and that life provides fodder for many of the conflicts of her characters.

Tackling difficult life’s trials with God’s strength are the central theme of Kathleen’s stories. She hopes to inspire her readers to trust God and with His strength, weather through and rise above trials and tragedies. If you like suspenseful stories with a thread of romance, you will enjoy Kathleen’s Bay Town Series!

 

More from Kathleen

Guilt comes from within. Shame comes from without ~ Voddie Bouchman

 

I homeschooled my eight children, and they all attended a conservative Christian university. My husband is a pastor. So, when I started writing Shattered Guilt, the running joke in the family was, “Mom wrote a book, and it has no bad language, no sex, and no graphic violence, but it’s about human trafficking.” And they were right, but God gave me the words to depict a passionate stance against sin, a pure romance, and horrific tragedy…hopefully, all without offending my readers.

The story begins with Melanie. A delightful single mom and her teenage daughter living in a charming little town on the gulf coast of Mississippi. I love their relationship and their faith, but Melanie’s past mistakes linger in the back of her mind, and she somehow thinks herself not worthy. The theme of guilt runs throughout this book in both the lives of those trafficked and those not. When young girls are targeted for human trafficking, Melanie lays aside the self-imposed shame of her past and fights to save those who will suffer far worse feelings of guilt and shame, for which they had no control.

My heart breaks for those whose lives are paralyzed by their pasts. While writing Shattered Guilt, I didn’t realize the connection between Melanie’s shame and the victims of trafficking. The latter suffer guilt and shame through no fault of their own. Yet, all of us carry baggage; if it’s something that needs forgiveness and confession, and we’ve done that, it’s a done deal. We shouldn’t let the past paralyze us from living a life of fullness in Christ. Melanie and even Pastor Desmond come to realize this in their lives. We need to be the best that God desires for us to be, and to be effective in His work, we must experience his love and forgiveness.

Years ago, when I was first writing the rough draft of this novel, human trafficking was finally getting recognition in the world, and the horrors of who was being trafficked were shocking. That’s what gripped my heart, and I was embarrassed that I didn’t have a clue about the scope of this morally reprehensible practice.  Enslavement of human beings by another has been on this earth forever, and that’s why awareness and action are so important today. In addition, there are so many facets as to how one becomes a victim in this tragedy. I now try never to assume how someone’s life takes the path it does, but I only care that they find a way to hear God’s voice calling them. Every Christian story is about God’s love.

Although I love writing a suspense story, I love creating my characters too. I hope you’ll enjoy getting to know the people of Bay Town as much as I enjoyed writing about them. I look forward to sharing more about these endearing characters and the trials they face. Please come back and visit the charming community of Bay Town in the continuing series.

My Thoughts

Shattered Guilt is a  Christian Romantic Suspense that is written by Kathleen J. Robison. This is her debut novel. I am excited to see more from her. This is book 1 in her Bay Town Series. This book is a great read. Be transported to Bay Town, Mississippi where single-mom Melanie and her daughter, Lacy have moved to start a new life. She was hoping that small town southern life will be everything that she has heard, but there is something dark and sinister that lies beneath. 

Melanie is trying to get her bridal business up and off the ground. This is proving to be hard. She is struggling to find herself in this new place. She keeps going back and asking things of her flaky ex husband, Chris. One of the lessons that the author teaches in this book is to bring your problems to God first before going to those who may have hurt you in the past. Melanie does not learn this right away. 

Melanie becomes attracted to the pastor of Bay Town, Desmond Brooks. This was a weird kind of relationship. I felt he was very interested, but she was holding him at arms length, and when Chris comes back into town, she pushes him away. Desmond has a big heart and wants to help others. 

I also love how the author tackled a topic that is hot in the news lately, human trafficking. She handles it with grace and with respect. She also tackles a bunch of other sins that affect many of us. I am thankful for this. This small town life is not perfect - and the author had no problem showing this. The author did a good job laying down clues for the mystery. I did have it figured out by the end of the book. 

Bravo to the author for a great debut story! I cannot wait to read the next one. 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, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Simple Harvest Reads, July 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 5

Inklings and notions, July 6

For Him and My Family, July 7

deb’s Book Review, July 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 9

Stories By Gina, July 10 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 14

Cats in the Cradle Blog, July 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package 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/10e74/shattered-guilt-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway-See You Monday Author: Kristen Terrette on Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book:  See You Monday

Author: Kristen Terrette

Genre: Young Adult

Release date: April 30, 2021

Senior year. The homestretch.

Honor student, Grace Warner, had it easy. Popularity, friends, attention from her crush, even a soccer scholarship offer—if only she can figure out her senior project to graduate on time. Getting approval to write about someone’s life-changing event, Grace recruits her sassy grandma as her mentor who can’t wait to tell the crazy story from her childhood.

Events in the early sixties are words in history books to Grace, but her grandma lived them. She witnessed the civil rights movement in full swing, desegregation becoming a reality in her southern town, Martin Luther King, Jr. moving the country with his iconic speech, and the country coming to a halt when President Kennedy was assassinated.

Grace loves finding out her family history but didn’t know the project would have her noticing hardships and prejudices at her school she hadn’t before. When the homecoming court is announced and new kid, Jacob Horton, is nominated as a colossal prank, it brings Grace to a choice, much like her grandmother years before her. God is about to use her in a miracle ifshe chooses correctly. If she fails, a life could be lost.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Kristen’s passionate about storytelling and helping people take their next steps in their relationship with Jesus. She lives forty-five minutes outside of Atlanta, GA. where she served as a Children’s Ministry Director for many years. With the support of her husband and two children, she now stays home writing fiction and non-fiction. She also serves on the women’s leadership team at her local church and writes for Crosswalk and Wholly Loved Ministries. You can check out her articles and novels at www.kristenterrette.com.

More from Kristen

In most novels, a touch of the writer’s life scatters itself throughout the words—a phrase, the personality of a character, the circumstances of a heartache or joy. These serve as tiny acknowledgements to those who motivated them. But sometimes it’s something much, much more.

 

See You Monday is inspired by a family, my family, and a little girl, my mother, who went through a captivating, life-shaping course of events during 1963 and 1964. It’s a story of how God awakened her to Him and how, when we follow Jesus—doing what He asks—our choices cause miraculous ripple effects which spread for generations.

 

Have you ever thought about that? How one choice can change everything? How the course of someone’s life can be altered for good or bad by someone’s decision?

 

At one point in my novel, my grandmother (her character’s name is Johnnie) makes a choice when my mom (“Sandy” in the story) was a child. Many years later, we find out this choice had lasting effects, reaching as far as a grown man, from mygeneration, who lived across town—not even in their neighborhood. And this happens all the time. God is always using us in miracles, we simply have to be attuned to Him and willing say yes.

 

And since this story brings real people to life in the time-lapse back to the early 60s in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I’d thought I share pictures of the actual Lewis/Baron clan.

 

These photos, taken between 1958-1961, show four generations who lived under one roof. The cutie pie kids are my mother (the oldest/blonde), my aunt (the adorable redhead who steals every scene in the book), and my uncle (the baby). Also, check out the car in the driveway! I wish we still had it.

 

What’s your story? What ripple effects have your relatives left behind when they said yes to being used by God? What choice have you made that changed yours or a loved one’s course? Maybe something you didn’t realize until years later?

 

I hope you’ll think through your own family line and the legacy they leave. And be sure to get a copy of my Young Adult novel, See You Monday, to find out how my own family inspired its timely message in the life of Grace, a seventeen-year-old senior in high school.

My Thoughts

See You Monday is a Young Adult story that is written by Kristen Terrette. This is my first exposure to this author and it will not be my last. She’s a very talented young lady and has a gift. I love that this book is based off the authors own family history. 

Grace Warner is a super smart and talented young lady. She’s well liked and has a soccer scholarship on the horizon.  However she’s hung up on her senior project. She has to write about a life changing event. So she recruits her sassy grandma. (Who reminds me of my grandmother who is now deceased) 

Her grandmother is eager to share her history. What she has lived through. Grace is totally intrigued by her grandmother’s story and fascinated with the history. It’s so different then how it was taught in school. The story does switch between Grace in current day and Grandma in the sixties. 

This book does deal with some of our nations not so great history. The assassinations of MLK Jr. and JFK. This also deals with segregation and bullying that was felt by many. This book also parallels experiences that are going on with Grace present day and how she can learn from her Grandmother and Great Grandmother. 

I would recommended this book to be read by middle school and up. I enjoyed this book very much. I love how we can still learn from history and more importantly our families history. The characters are well written. You feel like you know them as they come alive off the pages. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30

Texas Book-aholic, July 1

Inklings and notions, July 2

For Him and My Family, July 3

Mary Hake, July 3

Reflections From My Bookshelves, July 4

deb’s Book Review, July 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 6

Rebecca Tews, July 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 10

Cats in the Cradle Blog, July 11

Nancy E Wood, July 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristen is giving away the grand prize package of signed paperback copy of See You Monday, Chattanooga-based “Clumpies” signature ice cream pint pack, Chattanooga-based “The Hot Chocolatier” large box of assorted chocolates, and a $25 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card!!

Disclaimer: Some items contain milk, gluten, nuts, soy, and egg products.

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/10e0a/see-you-monday-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review And Giveaway- BOB THE BANANA GOES BAD by Steve Petzinger and Selai Akbar-Hussain on tour with IRead Tours

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  BOB THE BANANA GOES BAD by Steve Petzinger and Selai Akbar-Hussain
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   June, 2021
Format available for review:  print-hardback (USA), pdf
Tour dates: June 14 to July 9, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

In this heartwarming story, Bob the banana goes on an emotional journey as he worries about going bad before he can be of any use to Mr. Abbot. With the help of his friends, he learns to hold on to the hope that he will get picked by Mr. Abbott before it is too late. Through their combined support and perseverance of his refrigerated friends, Bob may be just the right item for Mr. Abbot someday.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Target
Mascot Books
author website
add to goodreads

Meet the Authors:

Steve Petzinger first created the concept for Bob the Banana when he was just twelve years old. His mother kept the original version, and over the years, his family urged him to publish it. In 2020, he decided to finally take their advice.

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Petzinger sought help from his close friend, Selia Akbar-Hussain, who has been teaching preschool for eight years. She has read hundreds of children’s books and is knowledgeable about children’s books content. After months of hard work, their dreams of publishing a children's book came true.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Guest post 

Creativity

 

By Steve Petzinger

 

I was a very creative kid.  I remember being a kid and loving to draw,  write, and play music all day long.  I loved being creative because it was an outlet and made me happy.  I would get lost in the creative process and not think about anything else.  Of course back then I had all the time in the world and no responsibilities.  As an adult it’s harder to make time to tap into that creative part of myself.  I work full-time and  do usual adulting things and it seems like there’s not enough hours in the day for even  that.  But there is a burning desire in me to be creative still so I make time.  I play the piano when I get off work. I have a poetry hobby where I use poetry magnets and create short poems on the fridge.  I usually do that late at night before bed.  I write instead of watching tv a couple nights a week as well.  

 

I still have that creative side of myself.  I didn’t outgrow it.  For me, I make time because it’s even more important today to have that outlet.  When I wrote Bob the Banana, life was busy, but I made time and I’m so happy I did.  I felt so proud of myself for fulfilling a creative dream.  I’ve accomplished a lot in life but there’s nothing that compares to seeing out a creative vision to the end.  

 

My Thoughts 

Bob the Banana goes bad is written by Steve Petzinger. It is a fun and beautifully illustrated story about a fridge that is run by Bernie the Bagel who is the mayor. Mr. Abbot owns the fridge. The food friends know that at some point they will be used to make a meal for Mr. Abbot. However before he could be used, Bob turns brown. He feels like he will be no use to anyone and develops a bad attitude.  The other vegetables cheer him on and give him positive encouragement but he feels like he has let them down. Bernie the Bagel notices Bob is missing. The other fruits and vegetables try and find him. During this time Bob realizes that he does have a special purpose and when he reveals it the whole fridge cheers. 

This is a well written and beautifully illustrated story. My children pointed out that when our bananas go bad we bake with them.  I read this story with my 10 and 8 year old sons and we all enjoyed it very much. I received a copy of this book through IRead book tours. All thoughts are my own. 

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