Saturday, February 29, 2020

Month in Review -- February

Wrote everyday at least a minimum of 100 words? yes
Number of days that I wrote 500 words a day: 26 (3 <500 li="">
Wrote 14,655 words this month
Be creative

Tat 2 crosses
Crochet
Knit
Sculpt

Exercise 5 days a week? 2 of the 4 weeks I only did 4 days/week
Read my Bible everyday? yes
Blog posts that weren't book reviews: 3
Read 12 books

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

"Mele Kalikimaka" by Taylor Bennett - Book Review

About the Book

Mele Kalikimaka might be the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day, but Olive Galloway is feeling less than festive. After all, this is the first year she's celebrated the holiday without her mom. Even the ringing of silver bells sounds a little blue. When an attempt to make the season bright ends in hurt feelings and a shattered heirloom, Olive's hopes for a happy holiday are dashed. A surprise visit from a less-than-jolly fellow in red only adds to the turmoil. Olive is convinced that nothing can possibly bring peace to her corner of the earth. As presents pile up beneath the tree and Christmas Day draws near, Olive realizes it will take a Christmas miracle to help her family rediscover the true magic of the holiday season.

My Thoughts

"Mele Kalikimaka" takes places right after "Sand Castle Dreams". I think that it is best to read the books in order to get the whole picture. This was a quick read being a novella, but it still felt like a longer story. I enjoyed being back visiting with Olive and Macie, Jazz, Brander, and Gramma. The story has a nice biblical spiritual thread of what the true reason for Christmas was all about. I found the story to be well written and with a nice flow. I look forward to reading more books by Taylor Bennett.

About the Author

Taylor Bennett is the seventeen-year-old author of contemporary YA fiction. Homeschooled since kindergarten, she is a proud homebody who suffers from the rare–yet always severe–case of wanderlust.

Although she dreams of traveling to many different places, her favorite destination thus far (aside from her charming hometown in Oregon) is Lahaina, Hawaii. Taylor was so enamored with this tropical town that she became determined to write about it, hence her debut novel, Porch Swing Girl, the first in a series of books set in Hawaii.

A lover of literature since birth, Taylor found her love of writing fueled under the instruction of Andrew Pudewa and the other teachers at the Institute for Excellence in Writing, where she now works as an editor for their magazine.

When she isn’t writing, Taylor enjoys cooking, drawing, and taking long walks in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

"Mele Kalikimaka" is available in Kindle edition:

File Size: 3502 KB
Print Length: 63 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink (November 1, 2019)
Publication Date: November 1, 2019
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07Z4GMGWC

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.

Monday, February 24, 2020

"The Land Beneath Us" by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for--fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family--the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true?

My Thoughts

"The Land Beneath Us" is the third book in the Sunrise at Normandy series. I think it is important to read the books in order since they build on each other. The events of this book happens concurrently with the events of the first two books in the series, each showing the experiences of one of the brothers leading up to D-Day and the days following it. Besides the main storyline, there is the mystery of who attacked Leah and the question of where Leah came from. I like Leah and Clay right away and seeing their interactions. There was a nice biblical faith element woven through the story and the characters grew and changed. It was interesting to read the historical events having to do with WWII. I was glad for the story arc of the brothers' estrangement to find a resolution. It was fun to have all the characters I'd come to know from the other books make appearances. I look forward to reading more books by Sarah Sundin.

About the Author

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling author of The Land Beneath Us (February 2020), The Sky Above Us (2019) and The Sea Before Us (2018), as well as the Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale, and Wings of Glory series.

A mother of three, Sundin lives in northern California and enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers' groups. Her novel The Sea Before Us won the 2019 Reader's Choice Award from Faith, Hope, and Love, and When Tides Turn and Through Waters Deep were both named to Booklist's 101 Best Romance Novels of the Past 10 Years. Through Waters Deep was a 2016 Carol Award Finalist and won the INSPY Award, and her novella in Where Treetops Glisten was a finalist in the 2015 Carol Awards. In 2011 she received the Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Sarah serves as Program Director for West Coast Christian Writers Conference. Please visit Sarah at www.sarahsundin.com, on Facebook at SarahSundinAuthor, on Twitter at @sarahsundin, and on Instagram at @sarahsundinauthor.

"The Land Beneath Us" is available in paperback:

Series: Sunrise at Normandy (Book 3)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell (February 4, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800727991
ISBN-13: 978-0800727994
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 11965 KB
Print Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell (February 4, 2020)
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07VQNFG57

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, February 22, 2020

"Cold Case Connection" by Dana Mentink -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Cold Case Connection

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: February 1, 2020

Convinced his sister’s death wasn’t an accident, private investigator Sergio Ross is determined to catch her killer. But with all the clues hinting at a connection to another unsolved murder, he has to join forces with Helen Pike—a woman linked to both deaths—to find the truth. Can they follow the cold evidence trail to get justice…before they become the next victims?

My Thoughts

I was exited to be able to go back to Roughwater Ranch through reading "Cold Case Connection". Having met Helen in the other books, it was nice to get her story. I liked how Dana Mentink wove the biblical thread through the story and how the characters grew in their walk with God. The mystery kept throwing up false leads to keep me guessing to who was behind everything. I did realize the connection that Fiona had made quite a bit sooner than the characters, though that isn't uncommon for me. The story was well written and had a nice pace and flow. I can't wait for Chad's story.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Cold Case Connection was really fun to write because it’s Helen’s story. She’s an intelligent, sensitive woman who is the sister to the men living on the Roughwater Ranch. Liam is her biological brother, but she’s just as close to Chad and Mitch who might as well be blood relatives. In this novel, Helen has to relive the worst moment of her teenage life, the night when a mysterious murder occurred during a teen prank. Helen is going to have to face the past in order to preserve her future. Cowboys, a case gone cold, a coastal ranch and a whole lot of danger…I hope you will enjoy the ride!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 14

Among the Reads, February 14

Through the Fire Blogs, February 14

The Avid Reader, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Inklings and notions, February 16

janicesbookreviews, February 16

Betti Mace, February 17

She Lives to Read, February 17

Genesis 5020, February 17

For the Love of Literature, February 18

For Him and My Family, February 18

My Devotional Thoughts, February 19

Reading Is My SuperPower, February 19

Just Your Average reviews, February 19

Remembrancy, February 20

Older & Smarter?, February 20

Blogging With Carol, February 20

deb’s Book Review, February 21

Bigreadersite, February 21

EmpowerMoms, February 21

Blossoms and Blessings, February 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22

Christian Bookaholic, February 23

KarenSueHadley, February 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 23

Emily Yager, February 24

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, February 24

Pause for Tales, February 24

Simple Harvest Reads, February 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25

Maureen’s Musings, February 26

Hallie Reads, February 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 26

Livin’ Lit, February 27

To Everything There Is A Season, February 27

Daysong Reflections, February 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a Mentink giveaway bundle, including a bag, a copy of the book, and an 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/f5c6/cold-case-connection-celebration-tour-giveaway

"Cold Case Connection" is available in paperback:

Series: Roughwater Ranch Cowboys (Book 3)
Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense; Original edition (February 4, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335402632
ISBN-13: 978-1335402639
Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 0.6 x 6.6 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 1752 KB
Print Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense; Original edition (February 1, 2020)
Publication Date: February 1, 2020
Sold by: Harlequin Digital Sales Corp.
Language: English
ASIN: B07VF9D2ZJ

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.

Friday, February 21, 2020

"The Sky Above Us" by Sarah Sundin -- Book Review

About the Book

Numbed by grief and harboring shameful secrets, Lt. Adler Paxton ships to England with the US 357th Fighter Group in 1943. Determined to become an ace pilot, Adler battles the German Luftwaffe in treacherous dogfights in the skies over France as the Allies struggle for control of the air before the D-day invasion.

Violet Lindstrom wanted to be a missionary, but for now she serves in the American Red Cross, where she arranges entertainment for the men of the 357th in the Aeroclub on base and sets up programs for local children. Drawn to the mysterious Adler, she enlists his help with her work and urges him to reconnect with his family after a long estrangement.

Despite himself, Adler finds his defenses crumbling when it comes to Violet. But D-day draws near. And secrets can't stay buried forever.

Bestselling author Sarah Sundin returns readers to the shores of Normandy, this time in the air, as the second Paxton brother prepares to face the past--and the most fearsome battle of his life.

My Thoughts

"The Sky Above Us" is the second book in the Sunrise at Normandy series. It is important to read them in order. This book does fill you in on some of the things that happened in the first book, but it would make the picture so much richer from reading them in order. Most of "The Sky Above Us" happens concurrently with events in "The Sea Beneath Us". I was fascinated with the historical details of the missions, base life, and Normandy as seen from the sky. It really brought home the devastation that those that fought faced as well as the fear and worry those at home experienced. I felt connected to Adler and Violet and they felt like my friends. There was a good biblical faith element through the story and the characters grew and changed. I can't wait to dive into Clay's story.

About the Author

"The Sky Above Us" is available in paperback:

Series: Sunrise at Normandy (Book 2)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell (February 5, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800727983
ISBN-13: 978-0800727987
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition

File Size: 12215 KB
Print Length: 383 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0800735617
Publisher: Revell (February 5, 2019)
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07F39CJ33

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.

Monday, February 17, 2020

"Grandparenting With a Purpose" by Lillian Penner -- Author Interview, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Grandparenting with a Purpose

Author: Lillian Penner

Genre: Non-fiction / Christian family and relationships

Release Date: June 6, 2015

Front cover Grandparenting With a Purpose

Culture tends to shape our grandchildren by what it presents as normal, which is very different from the normal in which we grew up. But through prayer and godly counsel, grandparents who love the Lord can stand in the gap and help their grandchildren and their parents navigate their world and cultural influences.

Being a grandparent is a blessing—the grandchildren are so sweet, and we love the hugs and pictures. But these days, many grandparents have the added responsibility of raising their grandchildren, while others are restrained from seeing their grandkids. Grandparenting: Effective Ways to Pray for Your Grandchildren will share some insight into these difficult issues. And no matter your situation, God gives grandparents a sacred trust—an opportunity to imprint another generation with the message of His faithfulness.

From cell phones to photo prayer journals, you’ll find tools and Scriptures to pray intentionally for your grandchildren and their parents. Regardless of how far they live from you, your prayers can bridge the distance between you and leave your grandchildren with an inheritance more precious than gold.

Click here for your copy!

About the Author

Lillian Ann Penner is an author, speaker, and grandmother residing with her husband, John, in Portland, Oregon. They have been married for more than fifty years and have three married sons and nine grandchildren.

Penner is the national prayer coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network (CGN), and she writes about her passion of intentional praying grandparents for CGN’s website. She is involved in leadership in the women’s Bible study, the fifty-five plus group in her church, and leads a Grandparents@Prayer group.

She has been active in church ministry for over fifty years, led an outreach ministry for young mothers, a mentoring ministry for women, and various other church ministries. She has participated in short term missions in Ukraine and volunteered with several Christian ministries.

She and her husband enjoy traveling, but most of all, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Author Interview

Who would you say inspired you the most in your life? Helen Haidle, an author

If you could spend the day with anyone (living or dead) who would it be? Why? My mother because I didn’t get to spend much time with her in my adult life.

Do you have a special writing area? In my recliner with my laptop in my lap.

How do you balance writing time with the demands of life/family? Since I am retired, I don’t have too many responsibilities other than writing at this time. I can spend most of my time on the prayer ministry.
What kind of research do you do? Reading God’s Word, reading about today’s culture.

Do you read much? Not as much as I should.

More from Lillian

Finding Joy in Praying for my Grandchildren

What a joy it is to have that precious little grandchild come running into your arm with hugs and kisses. The six-year-old calling to tell you she lost her first tooth or your seven-year-old grandson excited about making his first goal in his soccer game.

In addition to senior discounts, grandchildren are one of the rewards of growing older. Mary H. Waldrip says it well, “Grandchildren are God’s way of compensating us for growing old.”

I now have nine grandchildren, ages ranging from sixteen years to thirty-eight years, four are married, and we have five great-granddaughters. As a long-distance grandmother for many years, I was not fully aware of my grandchildren’s immediate needs. I prayed that God would bless them, give them good health and protection. Ultimately, I became frustrated and felt something was lacking with my vague and general prayers. I asked God to show me how to become more deliberate in praying for them.

After reading books about grandparenting and prayer full of practical advice, I was encouraged to use specific Scriptures in praying for my grandchildren. The books motivated me to pray regularly for their emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Best of all, praying God’s Word has enabled me to pray with His power, direction, and wisdom. As their grandparent, I can have a significant role in influencing their lives by praying for them during these turbulent years has given me fulfillment and satisfaction in praying for them.

The faith of our children is weakened in the classrooms; young adults raised in our hostile environment are walking away from God in record numbers. Hopelessness is prevalent, and our society is reeling from the opioid crisis, mass shootings, fatherlessness, divorce, and so much more.

Recognizing the urgent need for my grandchildren’s spiritual needs God gave me a passion of praying Scripture for my grandchildren. I felt God wanted me to share my passion with other grandparents so I wrote the book Grandparenting with a Purpose: Effective Ways to Pray for your Grandchildren about ten years ago. It has blessed and encouraged many grandparents. This past year I felt God wanted me to revise and expand the book, so I added the following chapters with a study guide for each chapter.

I have found there are many hurting estranged grandparents today with heavy hearts, so I am addressing that issue in a chapter. Is your grandparenting Painful or a blessing?
I include a section looking at a view of the culture our grandchildren and their parents are navigating today.
God’s Design for grandparenting plus several additional chapters and Scriptures to Pray for Teens and Scriptures for Grandparents to pray for themselves.

The book retails for $14.99. However, it is available for a discounted price of $15.00, including shipping and handling costs in the U. S. for a limited time. A bonus of a Scriptural Prayer resource will be included with your purchase. The book is available in EBook format for $3.99 for those who would prefer the EBook format or live outside the U. S. to save on shipping costs.

This book will challenge you and give you resources for the spiritual battle with the enemy. It will show you how to be an intentional disciple-maker and prayer warrior to impact the next generation.