Wednesday, November 9, 2022

My Thoughts - Catching Hope Author: Kathy Cassel

About the Book

Book: Catching Hope

Author: Kathy Cassel

Genre: YA

Release date: March, 2022

Catching Hope: A pursuit fraught with danger.
Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together, or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathy Cassel is author of more a dozen fiction and non-fiction titles for preteens and teens, including 2021 Selah Award finalist Freerunner and the iParenting award winner Christian Girls Guide series. Kathy has lived on three different continents with her USAF husband, has eight children, five adopted from Haiti and the United States, and six grandchildren. To better relate to her characters, she enjoys learning their skills such as whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and riding a motorcycle, but draws the line at sky diving.

More from Kathy

My Experience with Haiti

Prior to the 2010 catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that caused immense damage to the country of Haiti, many people would not have been able to tell you that Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola just a two hour flight from Miami.

I knew where it was because our family had adopted a child from Haiti in 1997. At the time the earthquake took place, my husband and I were in the process of adopting twins from a different orphanage in Port au Prince Haiti. It had been over three years and our adoption was not yet complete. During those three years I visited the twins at the orphanage five times. Other family members went with me on some of those trips, and at one point, all of our children still living at home went to visit the orphanage.

This was an eye opening experience for my family. In fact, I volunteered us to do the daily wash. That meant hand washing clothes and sheets for 135 orphans using large metal tubs and harsh soap, then rinsing the clothes in other tubs before hand wringing them and hanging them on clotheslines. Once home, my children no longer complained about unloading the dryer!

Cooking was done in large pots over open fires and mainly consisted of rice and beans, or red sauce over rice. The cooks originally prepared the food in a wooden shack, but more than once one of them would get so hot she’d pass out, so an outdoor area was set up for food preparation.

After the earthquake, there was a mountain of paperwork to be done to get refugee status for children in the orphanages who had families waiting for them. Finally the children were brought to the United States, although some of the orphans went to other countries too, to be united with their forever families. Sadly, many were held in the airport for days before being released. For our family, the long wait was over January 25, 2010. Now our family is complete with three birth children and five adopted children, three of whom are from Haiti.

Some of the places mentioned in the book resemble real places in Haiti, although they have been fictionalized. I hope you will not only read Catching Hope, but will also take time to learn more about the country of Haiti.

My Thoughts

Catching Hope By: Kathy Cassel is a Young Adult Suspense book. While this is geared toward a young adult audience, the book kept my attention. In this book we meet Lexi Michaels. She has been newly adopted and is finally starting to feel like she has a family. She is on her first vacation. They are in Haiti. Her adoptive father is a pediatrician and he volunteers at a clinic there. What she did not count on is someone so set on destroying the Michaels family. Who could want to hurt them? This book sent me on an adrenaline filled adventure that left me trying to uncover clues. The author has done a great job dealing with some unique characters. You don't get to read about adoptive families very much. I also like that they included volunteer work at an island clinic. This book is geared toward young adult - but can also be enjoyed by adults.

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, November 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 3

Texas Book-aholic, November 4

Inklings and notions, November 5

Mary Hake, November 5

deb’s Book Review, November 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 10

Blogging With Carol, November 11

For Him and My Family, November 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 14

Guild Master, November 15 (Author Interview)

Dee S Writes, November 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Books-A-Million 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/2266e/catching-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, November 7, 2022

REVELL READS -- My Thoughts -- Word of Honor (Love and Honor Book #2) Hallee Bridgeman

About the Book

FBI Special Agent Lynda Culter is investigating an ecoterrorist organization in the Alaskan wilderness when her partner is taken captive and murdered before her very eyes. The only person who can identify the key players, Lynda gets assigned to take part in a joint operation in Istanbul to take the organization down. As a woman in a Muslim country, she’ll find it much easier to move around undetected with a fake husband. Unfortunately for her, the man assigned to play the role is none other than US Army weapons specialist Bill Sanders--the man who crushed her heart into a million pieces back in college. With a cargo bay’s worth of hurt and baggage between them, these two consummate professionals must play their parts perfectly if they hope to stop those responsible for bombing oil pipelines, killing innocent civilians, and threatening to destabilize the oil markets. But love long buried has a way of resurfacing at the most inopportune times--and protecting Lynda has become Bill’s primary focus

About the Author

With nearly a million book sales, USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author Hallee Bridgeman writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real-world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy. An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee and her husband finally settled in central Kentucky so they could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. Hallee’s oldest daughter is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, her middle son struggles as a hexagonal “autism spectrum” peg in this round world, and her youngest son fills the house with wooshes and bangs as he fights imaginary bad guys while wearing a Spiderman costume and wielding a Ninja sword. When she’s not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the ‘heart of the home’. Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture. Hallee has served as the Director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, President of the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of the Romance Writers of America, is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the American Christian Writers (ACW), and Novelists, Inc. (NINC). An accomplished speaker, Hallee has taught and inspired writers around the globe, from Sydney, Australia, to Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., and all places in between. Hallee loves coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her. She prays her work here on earth is a blessing to you and would love to hear from you. You can reach Hallee at hallee@halleebridgeman.com

My Thoughts

Word of Honor is book two in the Love and Honor series that is written by Hallee Bridgeman. I have read book one - but they can be read as stand alone books. The author does a great job filling in gaps to previous events.

FBI agent Lynda Cutler watches her Partner Jack get murdered while they are serving a warrant for eco-terrorists. She tries to move forward and throws herself into her work where she loves to analyze all the facts and data and solve the case. She wants to make sure there is a vengeance for Jack's death. Lynda gets assigned to take part in a joint operation in Istanbul to take the organization down. As a woman in a Muslim country, she’ll find it much easier to move around undetected with a fake husband. The fake husband happens to be former college sweetheart, Bill Sanders. Bill broke her heart in college.

I loved the history between these two characters. Bill was ashamed of where he came from and felt that Lynda deserved better. Lynda had no idea why he ghosted her. I loved they had some trust and obstacles to overcome to try and pass off as a married couple in a Muslim Country. The author did a great job in researching Muslim Customs.

The book is filled with action and suspense. The romance builds at a comfortable pace. I love that both of our main characters read and pray regularly. The characters are well written, the storyline is full of intense action and intrigue.

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

My Thoughts - Dream of Kings Author: Sharon Hinck

About the Book

Book: Dream of Kings

Author: Sharon Hinck

Genre: Fantasy

Release date: October 11, 2022

The Future Never Sleeps

In the glacial nation of Norgard, Jolan the Dream Teller serves every seeker, whether peasant or high lord. Though she loves using her gift, she struggles to navigate the corrupt and dangerous court and the jealousies of the Guildagard.

When an old man’s nightmare imparts a dire warning, Jolan realizes her entire nation is in danger. But before she can sound the alarm, she is betrayed by the guilds and sold into slavery in a rival kingdom far to the south. As a slave in a foreign land, at first Jolan can’t see beyond her singular focus: return home to warn Norgard of the coming calamity. After facing new dangers, making new friends, and forgiving old wrongs, she must fulfill the purposes the Provider has set before her.

Only then can she face a decision that could cost her the man she loves, her calling, and her freedom—all to save a people who abandoned her.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sharon Hinck writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” novels praised for their strong spiritual themes, emotional resonance, and imaginative blend of genres. She earned an MA in Communication (with a major in theatre and thesis in dance) from Regent University and spent ten years as the artistic director of a Christian dance company. That ministry included three short-term mission trips to Hong Kong to teach and choreograph for a YWAM dance/evangelism team. She taught classical ballet and liturgical dance for twenty years, and led workshops on dance in worship. She’s been a church youth worker, a dancer/choreographer, a church organist, a homeschool mom, and an adjunct professor of Creative Writing for MFA students. One day she’ll figure out what to be when she grows up. When she’s not wrestling with words, she enjoys speaking at churches and conferences and has taught at Minnesota Christian Writer’s Guild, the national conference of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and Realm Makers. A wife, mom of four, and grandmother of three, she lives in Minnesota and is a member at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. She loves visitors at sharonhinck.com.

More from Sharon

Have you ever found yourself in a place you didn’t belong, through no choice of your own? When I began writing Dream of Kings, I was caring for my mom as she dealt with Alzheimer’s. The whole world was stuck in lock-down because of the pandemic. And I was facing limitations caused by health challenges. So it’s no wonder this story question arose for me: how do we respond when we are in painful, unfair, and unfamiliar places? Is there room for God to bring good from difficult circumstances?

Jolan the Dream Teller has already experienced heartache before the book opens, and perhaps believed it was time for an easy road. Instead, she faces betrayal and the loss of everything she holds dear—her calling, her friends, her nation. Everything familiar is ripped away. But the Provider shows up in unexpected places and through unexpected people.

The question that began my brainstorming led to an adventure I didn’t fully expect. Dream of Kings became a celebration of the purposes of God and how they unfolded in one woman’s life. Courageous adventures, unselfish compassion, and unexpected romance fill Jolan’s journey.

As NYT bestselling author Tosca Lee described it: “An epic fantasy and absorbing page-turner, Dream of Kings has it all—intrigue, romance, and characters as interesting as they are endearing.”

But while Jolan navigates foreign kingdoms and the halls of power, she represents every one of us who find ourselves in a place of struggle. My longing is for this story to stir courage and inspiration for every reader grappling with a difficult road or a dark valley. I am so excited for readers to join Jolan on her journey!

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

My Thoughts

Dream of Kings is a Fantasy story that is written by Sharon Hinck. I have read this author's work before and have always enjoyed her stories. This is a retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph but with the author's own creative twist.

I really liked the main character, Jolan the Dream Teller. She enjoys using her gift but there are people that want to cause harm/use her gift for evil. She tries to warn her nation that there is trouble coming, but she is betrayed and sold into slavery. The plot of this story is so full of twists and turns that the story will take you on a wild ride. Will Jolan get back to save her nation?

While Fantasy is not my go-to genre to read, I enjoyed this story very much. The characters are well developed and you will be drawn in within the first few pages. Thank You to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31

For Him and My Family, November 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 1

Texas Book-aholic, November 2

Inklings and notions, November 3

deb’s Book Review, November 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 5

Through the fire blogs, November 6

Mary Hake, November 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 8

Blogging With Carol, November 9

Lily’s Book Reviews, November 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 10

Worthy2Read, November 11

Labor Not in Vain, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

The Book Club Network, November 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharon is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Hardcover copy of Dream of Kings, the e-book of Devotions for Dreamers, bookmarks from my other two series (Sword of Lyric, and Dancing Realms), Quoca Tea (from the book) and 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/2244c/dream-of-kings-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, November 5, 2022

My Thoughts -Deadly Conclusion by Kathy Harris

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Deadly Conclusion by Kathy Harris, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Deadly Conclusion

Series: Deadly Secrets #3

Author: Kathy Harris

Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction

Release Date: November 2, 2022

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

A Fast-Paced Suspense Book You Can’t Put Down

In the thrilling conclusion of the “Deadly Secrets” series, search and rescue dog trainer Keely Lambert breaks in Titan, a new shepherd, during a rescue mission to find little Conner Wells. Aided by childhood friend, Beau Gardner of the TBI, who is also Conner’s uncle, Keely finds the boy deep inside Metropolitan Nashville’s Beaman Park.

But Conner is not all that Keely finds. On the way back to the welcome center, she notices something sticking out of the dirt—the military dog tags of her father who disappeared more than two decades before.

The discovery sets Keely on a hunt to unearth her father’s killer, only to be thwarted by multiple setbacks—the murder of Beau’s father, the kidnapping of her mother, and her kennel being set on fire in the middle of the night. After Keely is kidnapped, Beau leads a manhunt to find her before the outcome reaches a "deadly conclusion."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Harris

Kathy Harris is an author by way of a "divine detour" into the Nashville entertainment business where she works as a marketing director. For several years she freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote news stories and columns for various music publications.

Connect with Kathy by visiting kathyharrisbooks.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

My Thoughts

Deadly Conclusion is written by Kathy Harris. This is finale in the Deadly Secrets series. I have read books two and three and did not have any issues following along. The author has written a fast paced suspense book - where you have a variety of suspects.

Dog Trainer, Keely Lambert prides herself on training dogs for various agencies. She is called upon to find a young boy and she takes Titan, a German Shepherd to aide in the case. While on the look for Conner, she runs into Conner’s uncle, Beau Gardner to which Keely has a history with. Beau is with the TBI and has valuable resources.

When they are walking back toward the search party, they find Keely’s missing dad’s dog tags in the dirt - which opens up a deep wound for both Keely and Beau. Keely’s dad disappeard after a trip to the ice cream shop and has not been seen or heard from since. Beau and Keely start to poke around and suddenly find themselves in a fast paced search to find the truth. Someone does not want them poking their noses around and trying to solve the crime.

Keely’s mother is kidnapped, Beau’s father is murdered and someone sets Keely’s kennels on fire in the middle of the night. Will they be able to get to the bottom of the case before they are the next victim?

This book is so full of action and suspense. You are drawn in within the first few pages. The characters are well written, the storyline is full of action and suspense. Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $35 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of Deadly Conclusion.

Deadly Conclusion JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 1, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 8, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

My Thoughts -Dog Days of Summer Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo

About the Book

Book: Dog Days of Summer

Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo

Genre: Christian/Mystery/Romance Fiction

Release date: October, 2022

Trina Potter, Nashville country music star, buys a ranch near her hometown in Brenham, Texas, to help her niece open a rescue facility for dogs. Her presence in town stirs up some old high school rivalries—and romance. Finding property to buy is a challenge, convincing her mother to move there with her is daunting, and navigating a string of strange accidents is perplexing. Sometimes Trina feels like she’s purchased her own three ring circus instead of a beautiful piece of land. But her first priority will be figuring out who wants Second Chance Ranch shut down before they even have the grand opening.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Students and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Novelists Inc., and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

When she’s not spinning modern day tales about her wacky Southern relatives, Kathleen inserts an ancestor or two into her historical and mystery novels as well. Recent book releases include bestselling The Pirate Bride set in 1700s New Orleans and Galveston, its sequel The Alamo Bride set in 1836 Texas, which feature a few well-placed folks from history and a family tale of adventure on the high seas and on the coast of Texas. She also writes (mostly) relative-free cozy mystery novels for Guideposts Books.

Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and one very adorable Londoner.

More from Kathleen

Do you love dogs…or cats…or both…? I’m firmly in the “both” category. Since childhood I’ve always lived in homes that had at least one or the other, usually several of each. With every dog or cat comes at least one good story. One of my favorites is the tale of Bandit, the inspiration for the cover of my cozy mystery DOG DAYS OF SUMMER.

Once upon a time there was a black and white dog named Bandit. He was an English Springer Spaniel by birth but was completely convinced he was human. Bandit loved his people—three growing boys and a baby girl—even more than he loved popcorn and playing keep away (his version of catch). After many years, Bandit’s people grew up and he grew old. Toward the end of his very long and pampered life, he was plagued by the unwanted and yet much appreciated friendship of an ornery orange striped cat named Baby and a snooty pedigreed feline named Fifi.

Everyone loved Bandit…except the territorial squirrel who lived in a tree in our back yard in Southeast Texas. From the moment Bandit joined the family, the furry fellow was determined to rid himself and his back yard of the trespassing canine. The squirrel’s favorite tactic was to tease Bandit until the dog chased him up a tree. Once treed, the crafty critter would run around the trunk just out of Bandit’s reach. Once the squirrel tired of this, it would retreat to a limb. There, the battle of the backyard beasts would commence again but with the squirrel lobbing pinecones and the dog trying to catch them.

While every good story has a beginning, middle and end, unfortunately at the end of this one there was no winner in the dog vs. squirrel wars. A job transfer led us to Houston where squirrels were in abundance in our new neighborhood but none of them were nearly as much fun as the one Bandit left behind. The last time I spoke with the owners of our old house, they told the funniest story: they loved their new home, but there was this squirrel in the back yard that kept throwing pinecones at everyone.

In DOG DAYS OF SUMMER, I tell the story of another Texas back yard. This one is located in Brenham, Texas, and it is about to become a very special place for some very special dogs named Patsy and Cline. Have I mentioned these dogs belong to a country singer named Trina who has a mother named Mama Peach who happens to own a cat named Hector that dislikes almost everyone and can open doors? Then there’s the problem of the next door neighbor and his penchant to forget to close the lid on his grill when he’s cooking? Did I mention that Patsy and Cline enjoy nothing more than whatever they happen to find on an unguarded grill? While the two furry scoundrels are rounding up trouble next door, there is even more trouble happening at the building site for Second Chance Ranch Dog Rescue on the other side of the property. Apparently not everyone is happy about the new neighbors. The mystery is who that person might be. While you’ve got to read DOG DAYS OF SUMMER to find out, I can give you one hint: it’s not the squirrel!

I’ve told you mine; now tell me your favorite dog or cat story. I can’t wait to read them.

My Thoughts

Dog Days of Summer is book two in the Gone to the Dogs series. This book is written by Kathleen Y'Barbo. The series is written by two talented authors. I have read book one, and it's not neccesary to have read it to read and enjoy this one.

Country Music Singer, Trina Potter is super proud of her niece, Marigold. Her niece has created a dog rescue. Trina comes back to Brenham, Texas to participate in the Christmas Parade and to assist her niece in getting the rescue up and running. Trina finds out that both her mother, Mama Peach and Mari have not been truthful in things that have happened. Trina finds out that someone planted a bomb at the rescue's temporary location. Trina sets out to try and find out who is behind this.

The list of suspects grows and Trina and her childhood friend, Wyatt start to investigate. I love how I had NO idea who the culprit was until the end of the book. The book flows nicely and you find yourself caught up in the story.

I am loving this series. I love the characters they are well written. Next up is Veterinarian Kristin Keller's story - and I am super excited about that. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.