Sunday, December 6, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway -- Forgiven Again Author: Gina Holder On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Forgiven Again

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: November 3, 2020

She’s running for governor. He’s a pastor.

Will they risk their lives to keep a secret?

Annie Staten, now known as Kathleen Phillips, has dreamed of pursuing a political career and following in her father’s footsteps. But Richard was a hated man during his tenure as governor and now his enemies will stop at nothing to prevent his daughter from winning the election.

Ryan Whitestone has loved Annie since high school, but his heart is broken by the woman she has become. When the daughter she gave up for adoption comes back into her life, can he help her heal from her pain and remind her of who she used to be?

Will Kathleen be able to forgive herself, put the past behind her, and find love again?

The continuing story of No Greater Love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Gina Holder dreamed of being a writer from her early teen years. She lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter. When she’s not homeschooling or working on her next novel, she enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking, singing, and playing the piano. Her indie published debut novel was released in 2017.

More from Gina

Forgiven Again: Extended Epilogue

The rag was warm and wet in her hand as Kylie wiped down the café countertop. Her shoes pinched her feet, and she was looking forward to kicking them off and plopping down on the couch with a movie and a leftover cinnamon roll.

As Kylie stretched across the flat surface, her hair fell into her face. She dropped onto her heels, then brushed the strand of hair out of her eyes. She turned to shake the cloth over the trashcan when the doorbell jingled behind her. Had she forgotten to switch off the open sign?

“I’m sorry. We’re closed,” she called over her shoulder. But instead of hearing the bell again, coins clunked down on her clean counter. She turned to face the late customer and cleared her throat. “Maybe you didn’t hear me. I said, we’re closed.”

The man about her own age nodded. His blond hair was knotted in dreadlocks and looked like it hadn’t been washed in months. His skin was tanned, and his clothes were well-worn. “I heard you. I just could really use a bottle of water.” His voice crackled, raspy and dry.

Compassion smote Kylie’s heart. It wouldn’t hurt to sell this guy one bottle of water before she sent him on his way. She turned to the fridge and opened the sticky door. The rush of cold air sent chills up her arms. “You look like you’ve been on the road awhile. Just passing through or hoping to stick around?”

“Hoping to stay awhile. I’m actually looking for someone.”

Kylie grabbed a cold water, then sat it on the counter. “That’ll be a dollar twenty-five.”

The man slid the coins toward her. Kylie took five quarters and dropped them into the cash register drawer. “Who are you looking for? Maybe I know them. This is a pretty small town.”

He twisted off the lid and poured the water down his throat. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he drank. When the bottle was empty, he sighed and wiped his arm across his lips. “Thank you. I appreciate you staying open for me.”

“Can I get you anything else?”

“No, thanks.”

Did he turn down her offer because he truly didn’t want anything else or he just couldn’t afford anything else? She glanced over at the boxed cinnamon roll waiting for her to take home. She grabbed it and slid in across the counter. “Hey. This was left over from this morning. I was just going to toss it out. You’re welcome to it.”

The young man’s eyes widened. His stomach audibly growled. His neck reddened. “Thank you. That is truly kind of you.” He stretched out his hand. “Christopher.”

Kylie smiled and took his hand. “Kylie. Nice to meet you.”

An odd look passed over the stranger’s face. “Kylie? I’m looking for a Kylie.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Really? I’m the only one in town that I know of.”

“Kylie Phillips?”

“Yes. That’s me.”

“My name is Christopher Phillips. I’m your brother.”

My Thoughts

Forgiven Again is book 2 in the Shadows over Whitman series. I have not read book 1, and I did not have any issues following along. I will probably go back and read the first book so that I can get the full picture of this series. I discovered this author through a Facebook party about 2 years ago. I won one of her books and fell in love with her style of writing.

In this book we see Mayor Kathleen Phillips wanting to follow in her father's footsteps and run for governor. However, her father was not a liked man while he was governor. The enemies that her father made during that time will try and stop Kathleen from winning. Kathleen has lost her way and her faith.

Ryan has always loved Kathleen. He is a pastor and knows that he has to confess about the daughter that Kathleen and he gave up. Kathleen is worried about how this will affect her race to the governor's house. Will she be able to heal from this freshly opened wound?

I love how the author wrote about the theme of forgiveness and finding your way back to God. This is so important especially now that there is so much hate and division in this world. The author has written some amazing characters, an intriguing storyline and you feel like you are there watching it unfold.

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, December 3

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 7

Texas Book-aholic, December 8

Artistic Nobody, December 9 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 10

For Him and My Family, December 11

Older & Smarter?, December 12

Inklings and notions, December 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 13

Betti Mace, December 14

deb’s Book Review, December 14

CarpeDiem, December 15

Pause for Tales, December 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift card and a copy of Books 1 and 2 of the Shadows Over Whitman series, No Greater Love and Forgiven 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/10455/forgiven-again-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, December 5, 2020

Book Review and Giveaway - The Confident Hope Author: E.C. Jackson On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Confident Hope

Author: E.C. Jackson

Genre: Inspirational Romance

Release Date: September 15, 2020

Is there hope for this love between friends?

Pamela Hayes is a smart, successful business owner with a supportive family and a thriving bakery. She should be the happiest girl in the world. But she can’t shake the melancholy that accompanies every conversation she has with her best friend, Mark. Pamela doesn’t know how much longer she can hide her true feelings.

Why can’t Mark see how perfect they would be together? She would make a much better girlfriend than the one he currently has. Pamela prays he’ll come to his senses soon and realize he’s with the wrong girl. But when her dream comes true, it isn’t the fantasy she had envisioned.

There is trouble in paradise from the start, and all the red flags she’s been ignoring are starting to threaten her confidence…and her relationship with Mark. She’ll have to rely on family and her faith in God to help her secure the hope she so desperately needs.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

E.C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. For three and a half years she published the Confidence in Life newsletter for Alpha Production Ministries, in addition to writing tracts and devotionals. Teaching a women’s Bible study at her church for eleven years naturally led to her current endeavor of writing inspirational romance novels and teen and young adult fiction. Her mission: spiritual maturity in the body of Christ through fiction.

“The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on my website and Facebook author page. If every person reading my book feels connected to the characters, my job is done.

More from E.C. Jackson

When I started writing The Confident Hope, I had an idea of the general story and little else. The only thing concrete was the book’s title and the main characters’ names. Which isn’t surprising. I develop my storylines by letting the characters take me where they will.

As I stared at the computer monitor, I suddenly knew how to begin. Once I had that idea, the first chapter came into focus; then, once again, the words trickled onto the page.

I then had to answer the questions that would direct the story. “Who are Pam and Mark?” and “Why is their story important to tell?” Unfortunately, Pam’s and Mark’s lives mimic what happens to us all. Our hopes and dreams either live or die. Each decision the characters made highlighted who they are and how they chose to handle their seeming successes and defeats.

They could rejoice over obvious successes. Become prideful. Or fail to recognize those blessings. The couple could thank God that some of their aspirations failed. Or pray that the ones they self-fulfilled wouldn’t bankrupt their lives.

Writing about Pam and Mark matured me in numerous avenues. That is what I most treasured about these beloved characters. Viewing their lives added substance to my own during the two years I worked on their story.

“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed.”

That scripture fed my heart through each trial I faced when penning my fourth book of the standalone hope series. Writing about these cherished characters increased my faith in God’s victorious hand.

My Thoughts

The Confident Hope is book 4 in the Hope Series. I have not read the other books, and I was able to fully understand everything that was going on. This is also the first book that I have read by this author. I really enjoyed her writing style. She has a true gift and the words leapt off the pages. In this story we meet Pamela and Mark. They are best friends. Pamela is a successful business woman. She is struggling with the fact that she has feelings for Mark. As friends, they have great chemistry - could that boil into a serious relationship?

The first chapter lays everything out - then boom - transport to a year later and they are married. They are thin thrust into real life. Could they have made a mistake by going into marriage? There were a lot of twists and turns as we see them navigate this new life. I love the strong family is everything theme. The author also presents the theme about how we need to keep our faith in God when we face troubles.

Well written characters, beautiful storyline. You will fall in love with this book.

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

Blog Stops

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 7

For Him and My Family, December 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 10

Inklings and notions, December 11

Captive Dreams Window, December 11

deb’s Book Review, December 12

Artistic Nobody, December 13 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15

Simple Harvest Reads, December 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

By The Book, December 17 (Author Interview)

Holly Jo Morris, December 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, E.C. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/10457/the-confident-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Book Review and Giveway - Explore the World of Chemistry: The Ultimate Alphabet Book for Nanoscale Scientists! by Christi Sperber On Tour with Iread book Tours

Book Details:

Book Title: Explore the World of Chemistry: The Ultimate Alphabet Book for Nanoscale Scientists! by Christi Sperber
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 26 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Nanoscale Scientists Publishing LLC
Release date:   Oct 2020, 2020
Format available for review: print, ebook (PDF)
Will send print books out: USA
Tour dates: Dec 2 to Dec 15, 2020
Content Rating: G. This children's book is for everyone.

Book Description:

Explore the World of Chemistry: The Ultimate Alphabet Book for Nanoscale Scientists is the perfect way to jump-start your child's interest in chemistry with engaging images and relatable concepts. Whether recognizing and learning their letters, expanding their vocabulary, or learning important chemistry concepts, this book has them covered. It caters to children of all ages (and adults too!) with the important science information, beautiful illustrations, and a format that appeals to different learning styles (reading out loud for audible learners and colorful illustrations for visual learners) - this book is sure to engage any reader. This book contains a selection of words gathered from the following titles by Christi Sperber: The General Chemistry Alphabet Book The Organic Chemistry Alphabet Book The Inorganic Chemistry Alphabet Book, and The Biochemistry Alphabet Book

Buy the Book
Amazon.com ~ Nanoscalescientists
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

When Christi Sperber was pregnant with her first daughter, Emma, she wanted to add STEM books to Emma’s bookshelf. But the Mom who has a Master’s in Chemistry noticed that there weren’t many chemistry-related books available for babies and toddlers. The few that did exist, she noticed, weren’t factually correct. That’s when Sperber had an idea: launch her own publishing company - Nanoscale Scientists Publishing LLC – to introduce young kids to the wonderful world of science at an early age.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Author Interview

How did you do research for your alphabet books?

First, I make a list of common concepts and words found in a particular science subject I am writing about, chemistry for example. I then choose which concept/word I like best for each letter of the alphabet. After, I look through my old textbooks and reputable science websites for information about that one concept - I usually read at least ten different sources for each word - and write down notes from each one which is usually 1-2 full pages of notes. I then dwindle all those notes down into a couple of sentences. It is the most time-consuming part of the writing process but I feel it is key to producing a great book.

What made you write a book about chemistry?

I wrote the books for my daughters. I majored in chemistry in college and got an advanced degree in it – I also married a chemical engineer – so science is in their bones. I wanted to add STEM books to their bookshelf, but I found that there were not many chemistry-related books available for babies and toddlers. I found an array of children’s books for kids but they did not focus on chemistry. I noticed a void that I wanted to fill.

Do you have another profession besides writing?

My main profession is being a stay-at-home mom and I love every second of it. Although it is not a paid profession, it is still a full-time job. As a Masters’ student, I taught undergraduate level chemistry labs and I love teaching. Once my daughters are old enough to go to school, I will hopefully go back to teaching, but for the moment I have the best job in the world.

What is your next project?

I have no idea yet. I have so many ideas and projects going on at the moment, each with little tidbits completed. Right now I am currently working on close to 10 projects and I think of new ones every day. These projects include books, activity books, coloring pages, and educational resources to name a few.

Do you write every day? What is your writing schedule?

I do not write every day, but I do work on different projects each day. The only time I have to work on books or other projects is after my daughters go to bed so my “workday” is from 10 pm- 1 am. I do a lot of research for each book I write, so most of the time I am doing research instead of writing the actual book.

Is there one thing you want your readers to remember about you, what would it be?

I would want my readers to remember me as the author who encouraged them to learn more about science – whether an adult or child. They are reading my book to read things that they usually do not read about and if they happen to find that they like what they are reading, I achieved my main goal – to spark an interest in science.

Favorite travel spot?

My favorite travel spot is The Bahamas. My husband and I went there for our honeymoon and it was the first trip that I ever planned on my own. It is such a beautiful island, and we were able to do lots of amazing activities like horseback riding, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, and so much more! We will definitely be going back there!

My Thoughts

My Kids and I LOVED THIS book. We had such a fun time trying to pronounce all the words.

Both of My Boys loved the B is for Benzene - Benzene is the molecule found in gasoline and volcanic eruptions. They are boys - and they like explosions lol. My Favorite page was O is for Oligopeptide" An oligopeptide is a short chain of molecules, This book has great illustrations that bring the element to life. The illustrations express diversity so all kids feel included. Chemistry was NOT my favorite subject in school - but a book like this definitely will help you understand it. We all learned new things. My oldest son - is interested in all things science and math - so he put this one on his book shelf.

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

Follow the Tour

Dec 2 –Reading is My Passion – book review / guest post
Dec 2 - Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 3 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 4 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book review / giveaway
Dec 4 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 7 – Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 8 – Library of Clean Reads – book review / giveaway
Dec 8 - Rajiv's Reviews – book review / giveaway
Dec 9 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 10 – The Review Crew – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 11 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 14 – Amy's Booket List – book review / giveaway
Dec 15 – I'm Into Books – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

Autographed copy of EXPLORE THE WORLD OF CHEMISTRY (USA only) (1 winner)

HERE

Book Review and Giveaway - Succession Author: Brett Armstrong On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Succession

Author: Brett Armstrong

Genre: Christian Epic Fantasy

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Son of the Northern Realm’s Defender, raised among dwarfs of Ordumair, Meredoch was anticipated to succeed his father. Some whispered he would bring the longed-for peace between Ordumair and their ancient foe, Ecthelowall. All of that changes when Ordumair’s Thane is killed and Meredoch and his family are exiled. From prestige to poverty, the young boy must chart a new course.

As the years pass and the idol that was his father’s legacy tarnishes, Meredoch’s past resurfaces. An artifact of immeasurable worth to Ordumair is found. If recovered by the wrong hands, disaster would befall those Meredoch serves and cares about. Battling creatures believed only myths and racing against evil toward the prize, Meredoch must face the truth of his place in the world and claim his right of succession.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

From an early age, Brett Armstrong had a love for literature and history. At age nine, he combined the two for his first time in a short story set in the last days of the Aztec Empire. After that, writing’s role in his life waxed and waned periodically, always a dream on the horizon, till he reached college. At West Virginia University, he entered the Computer Engineering program and spent two years pursuing that degree before an opportunity to take a creative writing class, for fun, came along. It was so enjoyable, he took another and in that course he discovered two things. The first was the plot for a short story called Destitutio Quod Remissio, which the others students really seemed to love. The second, he realized he absolutely loved writing. For him, it was like the proverbial light bulb coming on. In the years since, describing that epiphany has been difficult for him, but he found the words of 1924 Olympian Eric Liddell are the most eloquent expression for it: “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” God gave Brett a passion for writing, and so feels His pleasure when writing.

Brett lives in Saint Albans, West Virginia, with his beautiful wife, Shelly. In the summer the pair gardens together, and each day Brett continues writing his next novel.

More from Brett

The Lowlands are on the edge of dramatic changes. In every era, warriors for the High King must rise to keep the light burning and hold back the beasts of the darkness that most believe only myth. But those creatures of lore wait for the nightfall that will allow them to roam free and relish that complacency.

None of the protagonists in the Quest of Fire saga—Anargen, Jason, and, in Succession, Meredoch—realize how great a change is coming. Anargen is from a quiet, little town that has stood unchanged and insular for centuries. Jason has been running from a darkness in his past so long he only looks to his next step, never what’s coming ahead. Meredoch grew up with high hopes for his future, proud of his family’s legacy. In the course of the saga, each faces a moment when what they’d clung to and trusted in fails them. For Anargen it’s his quaint life, Jason self-absorption, and Meredoch his family pride. In losing those things, however, each gains something. The chance to join the ancient Quest of Fire on behalf of the High King of All Realms. There’s a passage in The Gathering Dark that sums it up nicely. “Life is filled with losses full of greater gains.”

What excites me to write and share the Quest of Fire saga is showing through sweeping epic fantasy the way these characters stand firm. Though not the only spiritual theme woven into the stories, both The Gathering Dark and Succession invite readers to journey with these characters to the brink, risking their lives, and find there the greatest gain.

But I consider my life of no value to myself; my purpose is to finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God’s grace. —Acts 20:24

My Thoughts

Succession by Brett Armstrong is a Christian Epic Fantasy book. It is also Book 2 in the Quest of Fire series. I did not read book 1 and was able to fully understand what was going on. This book has been said that it is the prequel for the 1st book in the series. I will go and seek out the author's other work to get the full story.

After reading this book, I wish that I would have had my 9 year old son read with me - for I feel like it is geared toward middle grade kids. My son is very into fantasy and would enjoy this very much.

Meredoch is the main character in this series. He is the one that will succeed his late father. However his family had been exiled by those who despised his fathers rule. He had to grow up fast. Merdoch is on a mission/quest to seek peace with the men that hate him and wanted his father to fail. He has to complete this if he is to be considered for succession. One of the themes that I picked up on right away - was Merdoch's faith in the High King. His faith in him was unshakable. Going through what Merdoch and his family went through - I am not so sure I would have the same unshakeable faith - but that is one thing that is so great about God. Even when we are frustrated with him - He is always there for us.

The author has done a great job with his descriptions of the story. When I am reading a book and they are so descriptive, I like to close my eyes for a moment and let the scenery playout around me. The author has written some amazing characters.

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