Saturday, August 31, 2019
Month in Review -- August
"Protecting the Poor" by Amanda Tero -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway
This week signals the completion of the Tales of Faith series!
Guest Post
by Amanda Tero
One of
the biggest lessons God taught me while writing “Protecting the Poor” is
seasons (a lesson I’ve technically “learned” before, but needed a reminder). I had
finally finished a full draft after several months’ of hard work… only to put
it aside and dive into full-time college work for the first time (I’m
considered a “non-traditional student” – aka, old ;) ).
In December, I did a
brush-up edit (but wasn’t able to fully focus on writing, as I had two siblings
get married in December and January), then had to push it aside again for my
second semester of school. It wasn’t until May that I finally got to focus on writing.
I am totally not used to
letting a project rest, but for right now, in this season of life, it’s not a
fully-focused writing season. It’s a season to focus on music (my major and
job, as I teach). It wasn’t an easy pill to swallow, but it has been a
beneficial lesson, realizing that God holds my time in His hands and that He
knows exactly when this or that needs to be done. Surrendering my schedule to
Him isn’t easy, but it’s needful.
What lesson has God been teaching you lately?
About the Book
Sheriff Feroci is now lord over the province, and Abtshire has become a pit of injustice. Being forced into the lord’s service does not give Dumphey as many opportunities to help the poor as he desires. When attempts on his life drive him into the forest, this freedom opens a world of possibilities for helping others. But how can he do so when he is running for his life? And does God want him to do more than simply feed the poor?
Noel has always hidden behind the shadow of his older brother, Dumphey. When life forces him to stand on his own, will he still follow God in the corrupt world in which he lives? Would God really call him to do something that is beyond his power to do?
As Lord Feroci's sinister plot comes to light, each lad has a choice to make. A choice that could cost them their lives.
Find on Amazon.
Add to Goodreads.
My Thoughts
"Protecting the Poor" is the third book in the Tales of Faith series. It is a Robin Hood retelling. Having met Dumphey and Noel in the second book of the series, it was nice to read their story. It was a little different with the story being from the viewpoints of Dumphey and Noel only and not having a female main character like other books usually do. I was drawn back into time with this story and the plight of the characters felt like it was my friends' troubles. The story held twists I didn't expect and the action kept me engaged. The story wrapped up the series with a nice recap of what happened. It will be sad to not be seeing more from Belle, Lia, Dumphey, and Noel, but I look forward to reading more books from Amanda Tero.
Giveaway
It wouldn't be a release party without a giveaway! One U.S. Winner will receive the complete paperback Tales of Faith series, and one International Winner will receive the complete eBook series.
About the Series
Find on Amazon
Find on Amazon
About the Author
Amanda
Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her
hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she
has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing
craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she
had written for her sisters and continues to add to her collection with other
short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that
which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a
deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Connect with
Amanda
Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Website: http://amandatero.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandateroauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaruthtero/
Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero
Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Website: http://amandatero.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandateroauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandateroauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amandaruthtero/
Blog: www.withajoyfulnoise.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmandaTero
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/amandatero
BLOG TOUR
A group of wonderful book bloggers has joined me in celebrating the release week of "Protecting the Poor." Almost every post has something different, so be sure to check them all out!!
Monday - August 26, 2019
With a Joyful Noise - Protecting the Poor Release Post
Life of Heritage Corner - Interview, Review, Giveaway
Great Books for God's Girls - Interview, Review
Peculiar Miss Darcy - Interview
Honey Rock Hills - Review
Debbie's Dusty Deliberations - Spotlight, Review, Guest Post
Tuesday - August 27, 2019
We've Got Pockets - Review
Maidens for Modesty - Giveaway, Guest Post
A Brighter Destiny - Spotlight
Wednesday - August 28, 2019
Soldier Girl Stories - Interview
Purposeful Learning - Spotlight, Guest Post
Thursday - August 29, 2019
Rachel Rossano's Works - Spotlight, Guest Post
In My Bookcase - Review, Giveaway
Friday - August 30, 2019
Losing the Busyness - Spotlight, Review, Giveaway
Resting Life - Guest Post
Saturday - August 31, 2019
Blossoms and Blessings - Spotlight, Review, Guest Post
Verbosity Reviews – Spotlight, Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae - Review
Reading on the Edge - Spotlight
Monday - September 2, 2019
Do you want to be involved in Amanda's next release?
Wedding Score is open for reviewers, bloggers, and influencers. Sign up here.
- File Size: 3864 KB
- Print Length: 155 pages
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publication Date: August 26, 2019
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07S8YB55F
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
"Evermore" by Jody Hedlund -- Book Review
About the Book
An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.
Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.
Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.
When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.
My Thoughts
"Evermore" is the first book in the Lost Princesses series, although there is also a prequel novella "Always" that sets up the events that take place in "Evermore". I liked being able to see this "lost princess" after she is grown. I liked Adelaide's strength and feisty attitude, but that she sought to be wise and follow God's leading. If it weren't for the fact that the book followed Adelaide and Christopher, I wasn't sure at first who Adelaide was going to end up with. I found Christopher to be honorable and desirous of doing what was right. I was surprised by some of the events in the story and I wasn't sure exactly what was going to happen. It was interesting to have the final chapter be from Ethelwulf. I look forward to reading about the other two lost princesses.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
"Evermore" is available in paperback:
and in Kindle edition:
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.
Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.
Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.
When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.
My Thoughts
"Evermore" is the first book in the Lost Princesses series, although there is also a prequel novella "Always" that sets up the events that take place in "Evermore". I liked being able to see this "lost princess" after she is grown. I liked Adelaide's strength and feisty attitude, but that she sought to be wise and follow God's leading. If it weren't for the fact that the book followed Adelaide and Christopher, I wasn't sure at first who Adelaide was going to end up with. I found Christopher to be honorable and desirous of doing what was right. I was surprised by some of the events in the story and I wasn't sure exactly what was going to happen. It was interesting to have the final chapter be from Ethelwulf. I look forward to reading about the other two lost princesses.
About the Author
Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).
When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
"Evermore" is available in paperback:
- Series: The Lost Princesses (Book 1)
- Paperback: 292 pages
- Publisher: Jody Hedlund (August 27, 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1733753419
- ISBN-13: 978-1733753418
- Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size: 3441 KB
- Print Length: 222 pages
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: Northern Lights Press (August 27, 2019)
- Publication Date: August 27, 2019
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07T3ZG4SN
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
"The Yellow Lantern" by Angie Dicken -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: The Yellow Lantern
Author: Angie Dicken
Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense
Release Date: August, 2019
Josephine Is Forced to Spy for Grave RobbersStep into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
In Massachusetts in 1824, Josephine Clayton awakes on the table of the doctor she’s assisted all these months. She was presumed dead by all and has become the doctor’s next corpse for his medical research. Frightened, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. A deal is struck—Josie will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, she’ll await her true mission—posing as a mourner to help his body snatcher procure her replacement. At the mill though, Josie is praised for her medical remedies among the mill girls, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager Braham Taylor. Yet, when Braham’s own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.
What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel?
My Thoughts
"The Yellow Lantern" is different from the first two books in the True Colors series in that it is based on a collection of similar events (grave robbing) rather than a specific person who committed crimes like the first two books were. It is sort of sad to realize that medical advancement had to come with the cost of stolen bodies. It took me awhile to get into this story. I was confused as to what Josie's role was supposed to be. How was posing as a mourner for the person who died supposed to help the grave robbers when they were the ones who told her that they had died in the first place. It wasn't until Josie actually assisted that I finally understood what her role was. I also wasn't really sure what Mr. Clayton's crime was or where his debt was coming from. I liked Braham and how his insecurities were realistic. I, however, didn't have a clear picture of what his past was. It mentioned indentured servitude, but then it also talked about the slave master. Was his dad a slave or a servant? Once the story reached the point of Josie's first "grave robbing" experience, the book drew me in more. The pace seemed to pick up then and kept my attention better, although I felt like it sort of ended without wrapping up some of the things, like what happened with the will and the ring leaders of the network? I look forward to reading more books in this series.
About the Author
Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in England. Now living in the U.S. heartland, she’s a member of ACFW, sharing about author life with her fellow Alley Cats on The Writer’s Alley blog and Facebook page. Besides writing, she is a busy mom of four and works in Adult Ministry. Angie enjoys eclectic new restaurants, authentic conversation with friends, and date nights with her Texas Aggie husband. Connect with her online at www.angiedicken.com.More from Angie
Barbour’s True Colors Crime concept intrigued me from the very beginning. Being the daughter of a doctor and discovering the ties of grave robbing to the early medical profession, I was excited to dive deep into 19th century Massachusetts. Grave robbing around Boston and New York was often employed by doctors desperate for medical advancement. Men and women were both involved in the procuring of bodies for doctors. Finding these accounts led me to take took a look at the current medical remedies of the time—tinctures, elixirs, and herbal concoctions. My heroine was created in the tension of a desire to heal and the desperation of medical pursuits.
Amidst these medical ties to the historical moment of 1824, something was also shifting among women in rural areas of New England. Many women were employed by newly built cotton mills (Lowell Mill was my inspiration for the fictional Gloughton Mill in The Yellow Lantern). These working opportunities for women offered an escape from their home-bound lives and the rare chance for independence. Of course, with such industrial environments, injuries, and sometimes death, would occur. Noting the accounts of these kind of fatalities in historical articles, my research came full circle.
I found three strong threads to weave into my grave-robbing story—desperate doctors in need of research, a doctor’s assistant needing an escape from her village, and a mill, not only offering that escape, but the chance at bodies for the desperate medical community.
My heroine, Josie Clay, found life in the tangle of these threads of mills, medicine, and grave robbing—all playing out within the pages of The Yellow Lantern.
Blog Stops
Genesis 5020, August 15
Seasons of Opportunities, August 15
All-of-a-kind Mom, August 15
Bigreadersite, August 16
Emily Yager, August 16
Inspired by fiction, August 16
The Christian Fiction Girl, August 17
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 17
Daysong Reflections, August 17
Retrospective Spines, August 18
Spoken from the Heart, August 18
Kathleen Denly, August 19
Through the Fire Blogs, August 19
Christian Bookaholic, August 19
Maureen’s Musings, August 20
For the Love of Literature, August 20
Simple Harvest Reads, August 21 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Godly Book Reviews, August 21
A Reader’s Brain, August 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22
Betti Mace, August 22
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 22
Hallie Reads, August 23
Mary Hake, August 23
Inklings and notions, August 23
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 24
For Him and My Family, August 24
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, August 24
Connie’s History Classroom, August 25
Pause for Tales, August 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 25
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 26
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 26
amandainpa, August 26
Blossoms and Blessings, August 27
Texas Book-aholic, August 27
janicesbookreviews, August 27
Back Porch Reads, August 28
Just the Write Escape, August 28
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Angie is giving away a grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of each of the books in the series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
"The Yellow Lantern" is available in paperback:
- Series: True Colors
- Paperback: 256 pages
- Publisher: Barbour Books (August 1, 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1643520830
- ISBN-13: 978-1643520834
- Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size: 1882 KB
- Print Length: 256 pages
- Publisher: Barbour Books (August 1, 2019)
- Publication Date: July 15, 2019
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07Q84YWFG
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
Saturday, August 24, 2019
"Edge of Truth" by Kimberly Rose Johnson
About the Book
Two DEA agents.
One undercover mission.
Lives changed forever.
One undercover mission.
Lives changed forever.
The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected.
A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them?
Or will they die trying?
Or will they die trying?
Edge of Truth is the first book in the Law Enforcement Heroes series. A romantic suspense series with nail biting suspense and a splash of romance. If you like engaging characters, small-town antics, and page turning suspense, then you’ll love Kimberly Rose Johnson’s Law Enforcement Heroes series.
My Thoughts
| I enjoyed reading "Edge of Truth". I liked Kara and Jeff and found them to be genuine and relatable. The book was well written and kept me guessing to what was going to happen with all the twists and turns all the way through which was nice. As I read, I kept going through the different characters trying to figure out if they were a "bad guy" and I was surprised in the end. The characters exhibited personal and spiritual growth throughout the story. I look forward to reading more books by Kimberly Rose Johnson. |
About the Author
Faith Hope and Love Reader's Choice Finalist, Kimberly Rose Johnson, married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.
You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/index.html
"Edge of Truth" is available in paperback:
- Series: Law Enforcement Heroes (Book 1)
- Paperback: 330 pages
- Publisher: Sweet Rose Press (August 1, 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0998431567
- ISBN-13: 978-0998431567
- Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.8 x 8 inches
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size: 3444 KB
- Print Length: 238 pages
- Publisher: Sweet Rose Press (August 6, 2019)
- Publication Date: August 6, 2019
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07TKD4ZS2
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
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