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Wednesday, July 26, 2023

My Thoughts -Broken Yet Called: A Leader’s Journey to Renewal and Restoration Author: Terrance Rollerson

 


About the Book

Book: Broken Yet Called: A Leader’s Journey to Renewal and Restoration

Author: Terrance Rollerson

Genre: Religion / Spirituality

Release Date: July 12, 2022

Everyone experiences brokenness at one point in their life, but are we prepared to handle these tough situations in a biblical and effective way? In Broken Yet Called, Terrance Rollerson equips church leaders and members to approach these situations with love, perspective, and a clear vision for the role God would have us play in each other’s lives.What should we do when brokenness comes? How should a church respond when a member experiences brokenness? How about when the brokenness comes in the life of a pastor? How should our response differ from that of the world?It’s time that we, the people of God, flip the script. It’s time to see brokenness as an opportunity to find redemption, renewal, and restoration. Rollerson believes the Church has a crucial role to play in all of this as we seek to better support those involved in ministry.Come along this journey where there is grace and healing for both the church and the individual! It will take time, humility, patience, and a radical pursuit of God. When brokenness comes, the called people of God will show themselves to be like Christ, ready to be a part of God’s great redemptive work!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Rev. Terrance J. Rollerson has pastored six churches over the span of twenty plus years in Minnesota and Michigan. Two passions that have guided him throughout his pastoral career are loving people and multi-ethnic ministry. He earned his Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is ordained with the Evangelical Covenant Church. Terrance has been married to Michelle for thirty years and considers it a great blessing to be father to Micayla and Elijah.

 

More from Terrance

Let me start with the end in mind.

There is great joy in being gracefully broken. Some of the greatest pain can bring new insight into our lives. This was true for me in writing, Broken Yet Called. I was riding high as a new pastor of what would be my perfect church to pastor. Amid experiencing one of the hardest moments in life, I felt like I heard God say to me that it would be a season of writing.

Let’s stop there for a moment.

At this point, I need you to understand something about me. I am not a person that would say my go-to is reading or writing books. I have struggled in this area for many years due to my dyslexia. My actual response to God was, “God do you know whom you’re talking to.” How could I enter a season of writing? There was no point of reference from which I could draw from. The only thing I knew to do was to be obedient to the God I have served for years. So I stepped in and did not worry about what I was about to write. Rather, I made it about just speaking to my friend. The friend with whom I felt safe to share everything I had been through. This included deep sadness, broken dreams, profound pain, and a reflection on my own brokenness.

Over a year during COVID, I took moments to write in small enough chunks—not to overwhelm myself with the writing process. I just wrote what most stood out with what I had gone through and what I was going through. The words found in Broken Yet Called were penned during the season of my pain and how I lived through it to find my way to renewal and restoration.

When I talk about being gracefully broken, it is what you find when you allow God to do the necessary work to bring you to a place of renewed hope. If you are looking for a guide to help you with your journey through some brokenness, I encourage you to read Broken Yet Called. It is my prayer that you, just like me, would find that space between the pain of your brokenness and the grace of your brokenness. This is the place where God shows up in some powerful ways. I wrote this book to help someone understand that we are called by God in many ways, even with our brokenness.

My Thoughts

Broken Yet Called: A Leader’s Journey to Renewal and Restoration is a Religion / Spirituality that is written by Terrance Rollerson.  This is a great book that all church leadership should be reading. I really enjoyed unpacking all of the amazing points that the author made throughout. 

The book is well organized, broken down into fourteen chapters. There are personal reflections, quotes, commentary and scripture throughout. While I am not a pastor, I really pulled a lot from this book. I always love how God gives me books to review at certain times in my life. 

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

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 20

A Reader’s Brain, July 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 21

Texas Book-aholic, July 22

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

Christina’s Corner, July 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 26 (Author Interview)

The Sacred Line, July 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 28

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, July 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 30

Artistic Nobody, July 31 (Author Interview)

Cats in the Cradle Blog, August 1

Guild Master, August 2 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Terrance is giving away the grand prize package $50 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/26ba0/broken-yet-called-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, July 22, 2023

My Thoughts - Lone Star Sweetheart Author: Shannon Sue Dunlap


About the Book

Book: Lone Star Sweetheart

Author: Shannon Sue Dunlap

Genre: Inspirational Rom-com

Release Date: May 23, 2023

Katherine Bruno is the shrew of Sweetheart, Texas. Her passionate, unfiltered temper clashes with the gentle pace of her tiny hometown. When she’s drafted to help the mayor’s wife who wants to run in the local election against her own husband, she meets big city political consultant Ryan Park, and cue the fireworks! The handsome campaign manager gets under her skin in a big way, but fraternizing with the enemy is off-limits.

Katherine must battle her lack of experience, campaign sabotage, and her growing feelings for Ryan as she strives to succeed. His unprejudiced acceptance of her strong-willed character beckons her heart, but his rejection of God is an insurmountable barrier. Will Ryan return to his faith and stay with her in Sweetheart or leave when the election ends?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Shannon Sue Dunlap lives in the lone star state of Texas. She’s a die-hard fan of happy endings and believe there’s a Heavenly Father who’s designed one for each of us. Inspiration comes from everywhere—including worldwide travels, her adorable music students, and the fun and flirty Korean dramas she enjoys watching.

Even in the hard times, there’s humor to be found, and Shannon tries to infuse every story with moments that bring a good chuckle or an all-out belly laugh. One of her greatest hopes is that readers recognize themselves in her books. We’re all such a fabulous mix of flaws and greatness, and everyone is the hero or heroine in their own life story.

She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Regent University and has published three romances under the pen name Shannon Kent. You can connect with her at www.shannonsuedunlap.com, and if you sign up for her newsletter, you’ll receive a free copy of her romcom novella Flower Boy Tour Guide.

 

More from Shannon

“How could she survive the night without a cookie?”

 

This line introduces my feisty sugar-loving heroine Katherine in Lone Star Sweetheart. She and I have a lot in common when it comes to enjoying our sweets. One hidden gem I discovered has won me more than one holiday baking competition in my church’s ladies group, and I’d like to share the recipe for Lace Cookies.

 

Warning: These are very fragile and may look like a healthy snack because of the oatmeal. But when you bite into them, the taste is unexpected and addictive.

 

I hope they bring you the same joy they’ve brought me. I know Katherine would have loved them.

(If you would like to see the original recipe, you can find it and other sweet sensations at jensfavoritecookies.com.)

 

Ingredients

10 tablespoons of butter (Yes, 10!)

1 cup of brown sugar

3 tablespoons of flour

½ teaspoon of salt

1 ½ cups of rolled oats

(I also include a dollop of vanilla. Just tilt the bottle over the bowl and give it a quick few drops. It adds to the rich taste.)

 

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies won’t stick.

 

Heat the butter at a medium temperature in a saucepan. Mix in the brown sugar. Stir it well and remove it from the heat.

 

Mix in the flour and salt first. Then add the oats until the ingredients are evenly combined.

 

Drop small balls of the mix (about ½ tsp. in size). In the oven, these cookies spread quite a bit, so space them out accordingly. Bake for 6-9 minutes and remember to keep an eye on them. The edges should turn brown when they are done. (If you’re like me, it may take burning a trial batch, to get the right feel.)

 

Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 3-4 minutes before removing them. They will be almost see-through like candy and very fragile. Handle with care and try not to eat too many. You can also crumble any broken ones and use them as a delicious ice cream topping.

My Thoughts 

If you are looking for a good beach read, this inspirational rom-com s for you. Lone Star Sweetheart is written by  Shannon Sue Dunlap. This is the first work that I have read by this author and it will not be my last. I laughed so hard with all the one liners in this story. 

Welcome to Sweetheart, Texas. What a fun name. Katherine has a fiery temper and is asked to help run a campaign with the mayor's wife she is not so sure how it will turn out. Then she meets big city political consultant Ryan Park. Fireworks start to explode - but she can't date the competition. Or can she? They both find themselves in a hilarious battle with husband and wife each wanting to be mayor.

This was a good quick read. It's an opposites attract. The book is well written and you will laugh a ton. 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

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 19

Texas Book-aholic, July 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 22

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 23 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, July 23

A Reader’s Brain, July 24 (Author Interview)

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, July 24

The Book Club Network, July 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 26

Bliss, Books & Jewels, July 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, July 28

Holly’s Book Corner, July 29

Artistic Nobody, July 30 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, July 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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/26b9e/lone-star-sweetheart-celebration-tour

Sunday, July 9, 2023

My Thoughts - Convergence Author: Rena Groot

 

About the Book

Book: Convergence

Author: Rena Groot

Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction based on the Book of Revelation

Release date: 2021

Convergence-A Window Into Eternity offers a glimpse into an apocalyptic world that was foretold thousands of years ago. As the climactic showdown between good and evil approaches, the convergence of prophetic signs is accelerating at an alarming pace. Yet, beyond the nightmare, a time of beauty, peace, and love awaits. The book invites readers to witness the unfolding drama as the curtain is pulled back. Within its pages, there are numerous messages to ponder—from trusting God no matter the circumstances to being strong and courageous in the face of adversity. The book reminds us that this life is fleeting, and eternity is at stake. The chapter called The Bride Price describes what Jesus endured to purchase our freedom. The book also reveals the despicable nature of Satan and offers a glimpse into the potential future under the rule of the Antichrist. Most importantly, Convergence-A Window Into Eternity showcases the beauty of Heaven and what it could be like to see Jesus.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Hi. My name is Rena Groot. I am an artist, writer, online course creator (Broken to Beautiful…rena-groot.mykajabi.com), BnB host, have been a teacher in Canada and China, a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, and a missionary to the ends of the Earth. God has given me the honor of being an ambassador with “The Department of Eternal Affairs” to so many surprising places. I prayed with a voodoo queen in Haiti, led a dying woman to Jesus in a hut in a jungle village in Belize, helped with “Sidewalk Sunday Schools” in the Ghetto in NYC, took food and clothing to persecuted Christians behind the Iron Curtain in Poland and Romania, volunteered in Israel… just to name a few amazing things God led me to do.  I started a blog to bless, encourage, and sometimes challenge people. Here’s the link. renagroot.com

 

More from Rena

Get ready for a thrilling adventure that will take you on a journey like no other. The Narrow Path Trilogy is an epic drama based on the book of Revelation that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The series explores some of the deepest issues we face in today’s turbulent times. As fear grips many, the trilogy offers a glimmer of hope by helping readers develop a deeper faith and trust in God. If you enjoyed the Left Behind series, you’ll love this dystopian trilogy that delves even deeper into what Christians could face in the future. The chapter called ‘The Bride Price’ may make you cry. Convergence describes the merging of prophetic signs John the beloved disciple saw in visions while stranded on the Isle of Patmos. It points us to the accelerating culmination of human history and ushers the reader through the portals of time and into eternity.


My Thoughts 

Convergence is an Apocalyptic Fiction story that is written by  Rena Groot. This is a dual time line where we get a glimpse into biblical times and merges it into present day. I would highly recommend reading the other books in the series so that you can  get the whole series. 

The author takes us on a journey of when John is thrown into prison. The author shows us what John would have gone through when he refused to bow down. I love how detailed the author write her scenes. You really feel like you can see everything unfold when you close your eyes.Josh and his wife are on a mission to try and save girls. Josh needs to get a message to his wife but he still feels that the one that can deliver the message is not trustworthy. He knows that he needs to warn her of potential danger. 

I have really enjoyed this series. The author has done a good job bringing the Bible and what the end times may be like to life. 

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

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 1

Christina’s Corner, July 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3

Artistic Nobody, July 4 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Book Reviews, July 5

Texas Book-aholic, July 6

Guild Master, July 7 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, July 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 8

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

Through the Fire Blogs, July 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 11

Stories By Gina, July 12 (Author Interview)

Scott’s Book Reviews, July 12

Blogging With Carol, July 13

Splashes of Joy, July 14 (Author Interview)


Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rena is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/26793/convergence-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, July 6, 2023

MY THOUGHTS - Kidnapped in the Woods - By Deena Alexander

 


Kidnapped in the Woods





Kidnapped in the Woods (Love Inspired Suspense)
Romantic Suspense
Setting – Eastern Long Island, New York
‎Love Inspired Suspense (June 27, 2023)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335587837
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335587831
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BMB1QWGH
Goodreads
Bookhype
BookBub
Storygraph
Get Your Copy at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Harlequin, Kobo, Nook

To solve a kidnapping case

they’ll become the hunted.

Firefighter Pat Ryan is stunned when he hears gunfire and two strangers crash through his door. An anonymous tip led journalist Rachel Davenport to a ramshackle cabin, where she helped an abducted teen escape. With Pat and his K-9 rescue dog’s help, they go on the run with deadly kidnappers in pursuit. But with innocent lives at stake, Rachel and Pat must battle foes and fears to live through the night.

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

About Deena Alexander

Publishers Weekly bestselling author, ​Deena Alexander grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids,  a son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena’s love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night, and she now works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor.

Author Links

Webpage: http://deenaalexander.com/index.html

Blog: http://deenaalexander.com/blog.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeenaAlexanderAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeenaAlexanderA

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20382104.Deena_Alexander

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deena-alexander

Newsletter: https://gmail.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d7e6e9ecdc0888d7324788ffc&id=42d52965df


AUTHOR GUEST POST 




On Writing

By

Deena Alexander




When my youngest son, who is now ten, was born, he didn’t sleep through the night. Since my daughter was seven before she started sleeping through the night, I figured I was in for a lot of years of sleepless nights, which was fine by me because I rarely sleep anyway. I’ve always loved reading, but with all those nights looming ahead of me, I decided to give writing a try. I knew nothing about the writing process, didn’t own a computer, didn’t know what Microsoft Word was, didn’t know how to send an email…never mind using track changes for editing. But I wanted to write, so I set up a loose-leaf binder and began my first novel by hand.

Once my husband realized I was serious about writing a novel, he set me up an office and got me a computer. My best friend taught me how to work Microsoft word, and I took off from there, researching everything I could get my hands on about the writing process.

Now, I work full-time as a writer and freelance editor. Even though I know what I’m doing more now than I did back then, my writing life isn’t without challenges. Because of the pandemic, I am homeschooling my younger son. My older son, who is twenty-two and on the autistic spectrum, is trying to write his own children’s book and needs help. To make things easier for me to do everything at once, my husband (who is amazing and one of the most supportive men ever, so I am very blessed to have him) built an office in our new house with three work stations, so all of us can work together.






Although I love nothing more than working with my boys, sometimes I need quiet space to think and plot. So, when those times happen, my favorite place to sneak away for a few hours is my sunroom, though I do occasionally get distracted by wildlife, most notably, snakes, which are fun to watch from inside but terrifying when I run into them without a barrier between us.




MY THOUGHTS

Kidnapped in the woods is written by Deena Alexander. The story starts out with heart pounding suspense and does not let up the whole time. Journalist Rachel Davenport has a hot tip about an abducted teen that is about sold into trafficking. She wants to act fast - but does not count on the gunfire that follows. They reach a cabin and they find Pat Ryan and his K9 partner, Shadow. 

Two strangers bursting through his cabin door is the last thing that Pat expected. He has been in the cabin recuperating and healing - but he knows that they need help and they will need to move fast to stay ahead of the kidnappers. 

I loved Rachel and Pat. Both have some hurt in their past. They need to work together to get the teen and themselves out safely. I loved all the action and suspense in this story. 

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

Sunday, July 2, 2023

My Thoughts - Pirate and Penguin, by Mike Allegra

 



Arrr, me hearties! Hoist the virtual anchor and join us on a jolly journey with the tale of Pirate & Penguin by author Mike Allegra and talented illustrator Jenn Harney! This swashbuckling adventure is sure to give you plenty of laughs and giggles with a witty tale and bright illustrations.


Pirate and Penguin: Book Cover

“An amusing romp that will have landlubbers and scurvy sea dogs alike giggling.”

—Kirkus Reviews

To learn more, follow along on the virtual book tour and enter the giveaway below for the chance to win a three-book prize pack, including Pirate & Penguin.



About the Book


Pirate and Penguin: Book Cover


Pirate & Penguin

Written by Mike Allegra

Illustrated by Jenn Harney

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Page Street Kids (2023) | ISBN-13: 9781645677123

Publisher’s Book Summary: What happens when a pirate, hoping for a parrot, stumbles upon a bird of a duller plumage?

Pirate doesn’t know that Penguin is a penguin. But any bird can sit on a shoulder and squawk “shiver me timbers”…right?

Laugh along with Pirate and Penguin in this high seas tale of mistaken identity and find out whether they’ll find friendship before somebody walks the plank.

Buy the Book

About the Author

Mike Allegra sailed into uncharted writing waters to create an all-dialogue story with an unexpected pirate character: a little dotty, well-meaning, and unusually patient (anyone would snap if a penguin trashed their ship and spit out their cracker). He’s written a number of other books for children, including Sleepy Happy Capy Cuddles (Page Street Kids) and Scampers Thinks Like a Scientist (Sourcebooks). He also works as an editor and a creative writing teacher.

Visit his website at mikeallegra.com and say, “Ahoy!”

Mike Allegra: Author Headshot

About the Illustrator

Jenn Harney had a blast creating the art for this story because who doesn’t love pirates and penguins? Together at last! She’s illustrated many other children’s books, including Hornswoggled! (Page Street Kids), and even authored a couple as well. She lives in Ohio with her family and their corgi named Steve.

Visit her online at jkharney.blogspot.com.

Jenn Harney: Illustrator Headshot

About the Publisher

Page Street Publishing Co. publishes nearly one hundred and fifty original titles a year and is distributed by Macmillan everywhere except Canada, where Manda does the sales and PGC handles the distribution. Each year we try to help local environmental causes and donate a small portion of our profits to local charity groups, including The Trustees. We use only sustainable paper vendors and print with environmentally-friendly, soy-based ink. Page Street Publishing Co. was founded in 2012 and is located just outside of Boston.

For more information, visit pagestreetpublishing.com/kids.


My Thoughts

Pirates and Penguin is written by Mike Allegra. This story is recommended for ages 4-8. However, it's a fun children's book that all will enjoy. A pirate who is on the search for a parrot - but finds a penguin instead. However, the pirate tries to make the penguin act like a parrot, including having him eat crackers. The penguin does not like the crackers and spits them out - which causes the pirate to get upset and make the penguin walk the plank.


I read this story with my 10 year old. He loved the pictures and the story. Thank you to the author, publisher and Children's Book Review for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Pirate & Penguin Virtual Book Tour Dates

Monday, June 19, 2023
The Children’s Book Review
Pirate & Penguin Book Tour Kick-Off
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
icefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of Pirate & Penguin
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Me Two Books
Book Activity Paired with Pirate & Penguin
Thursday, June 22, 2023
The Momma Spot
Book Review of Pirate & Penguin
Friday, June 23, 2023
The Fairview Review
Book Review of Pirate & Penguin
Monday, June 26, 2023
Twirling Book Princess
Book Giveaway of Pirate & Penguin
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
A Blue Box Full of Books
Book Review of Pirate & Penguin and Little Free Library Drop
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Cover Lover Book Review

Author Interview with Mike Allegra
Thursday, June 29, 2023
The Review Wire
Book Review of Pirate & Penguin
Friday, June 30, 2023
My Reading Getaway
Author Interview with Mike Allegra
Monday, July 3, 2023
Because I Said So
Book Review of Pirate & Penguin
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Writer with Wanderlust
Book Review of Pirate & Penguin
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Get Outside and Read
Book Review of Pirate & Penguin
Friday, July 7, 2023
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Book Review of Pirate & Penguin
Monday, July 10, 2023
Crafty Moms Share
Book Review of Pirate & Penguin
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
One More Exclamation
Book Review of Pirate & Penguin
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Stargirls.Magical.Tale

Book Review of Pirate & Penguin

Pirate & Penguin Book Giveaway