Sunday, May 31, 2020

Month in Review -- May

Wrote everyday at least a minimum of 100 words? Yes
Number of days that I wrote 500 words a day: 26
Wrote 14,718 words this month
Be creative

Tat
Crochet
Knit
Sculpt

Exercise 5 days a week? Yes
Read my Bible everyday? Yes
Blog posts that weren't book reviews: 0
Read 4 books

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

"Jayne's Endeavour" by Lauren Compton -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

Life in 19^th century Australia overflows with hardship . . . Will Jayne have the courage to find the answers?

*Jayne's Endeavour,* Book 1 of The JOY Series!

About the Book

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Page Count: 276
Age Range: 12-18
Series: Book 1 of The JOY Series

Mysterious strangers, a Scripture verse, and a threat.

“Reids never give up.” The words once held so much truth. But at eighteen, Jayne Reid is beginning to wonder if she can live up to that standard.

When puzzling strangers appear and odd things start to happen, Jayne and her two younger sisters must find a solution—or lose everything.

What mystery lurks in the shadows of the Australian bush? Who is the man in town who thinks he can buy and bully anyone he wishes? And is it all somehow connected to their new farmhand?

Journey with Jayne as she struggles to change fear into boldness and boldness into a trusting relationship with her Heavenly Father. What adventure lies ahead?

The JOY Series

The JOY Series follows three sisters on a quest to keep their parents’ legacy and dreams alive. Loaded with 19th century Australian adventure, it’s a series full of intrigue, adventure, and faith for ages 12 and up!

My Thoughts

As far as I can remember, I have never read a book set in Australia, so that was intriguing to me. I liked the information about the Land Act. I liked Jayne and her sisters and how they were each unique individuals. I liked the biblical spiritual thread through the story and how their names had special meanings. I expected a romance so was a little disappointed that there wasn't any. I'm not sure what genre this book would fit in, though. I suppose there was a little bit of mystery surrounding Mr. Lamberton and Cass, but they didn't seem like it was a driving force of the story. I was a little shocked when Aiden turned out to be 13 as back then that seems like at that age they would have been treated more like a man than a child. I was imagining him as more along the age that Imogen is and she would be four or so. The book stopped rather abruptly and left me wanting more. I look forward to finding out more of the Reid sisters' stories and what Imogen and Aiden's story might be.

Exclusive Giveaway!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/22827df82/

About the Author

Lauren Compton lives in Australia on a sheep farm—surrounded by mountains and plenty of Aussie wildlife! From a young age she has loved books and writing-related things (yep, that includes spending ages in the writing supplies department!). Now she has embarked on a mission to write books that both entertain AND encourage. Her desire is to weave stories that point readers to her Heavenly Father while at the same time being a whole lot of fun!

Connect with Lauren

Blog | Goodreads |Amazon | Newsletter

Purchase Links

Direct from Author | Amazon | Book Depository | Add to Goodreads shelf

Tour Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Join in the Rest of the Fun!

Be sure to follow along for author interviews, fun posts, and exclusive giveaways!

Monday 25^thMay Abby Rose @ Photos by Abby Rose |Review

Tuesday 26^th May Leona @ Great Books for God’s Girls |Review and Excerpt

Wednesday 27^th May Becky @ Blossoms and Blessings | Review and Exclusive Giveaway Erika @ Resting Life | Review and Excerpt

Thursday 28^th May Katja @ Old-Fashioned Book Love |Review
Malachi @ Brainstorms with Rain |Book Spotlight

Monday 1^st June—Release Day!!Kaitlyn @ Maidens for Modesty |Review and Guest Post
Lauren @ Novels That Encourage |Release Day Post

Tuesday 2^nd June Rebekah @ Read Another Page |Review and Author Interview

Wednesday 3^rd June Kassie @ Soldier Girl Stories |Review and Exclusive Giveaway
Esther @ Purposeful Learning |Book Spotlight, Recipe

Thursday 4^th June Amanda @ With a Joyful Noise | Book Spotlight, Guest Post

Monday 8^th June Ryana Lynn @ Life of Heritage |Review, Author Interview, Exclusive Giveaway

Tuesday 9^th June Michaela @ Tangled Up in Writing |Review and Book Spotlight
Abigail @ Read, Review, Rejoice | Book Spotlight and Guest Post

Wednesday 10^th June
Sydney @ Singing Librarian Books | Review, Excerpt, Author Interview

Thursday 11^th June Tara @ Tower in the Plains | Review and Recipe
Laura @ Beautiful Things |Book Spotlight
Lauren @ Novels That Encourage |Tour Wrap Up

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, May 26, 2020

"Assessing Your Prophetic Self" by Paula A. Price -- Spotlight, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

I did not read this book, so I do not know what it is about.

About the Book

Book: Assessing Your Prophetic Self

Author: Paula A. Price PH.D.

Genre: RELIGION / Christianity/Pentecostal & Charismatic

Release Date: April 17, 2020

The Prophetic Primers are a series of smaller books based on the best-selling The Prophet’s Dictionary and The Prophet’s Handbook that will bring clarity, discovery, and definition to the training of prophetic gifts. In Assessing Your Prophetic Self, Dr. Paula A. Price provides diagnostic tools, as well as language and knowledge, to discern, measure, and encourage the gifts of novice prophets. Readers will receive links for an online prophetic assessment test. Dr. Price also sets specific and measurable objectives, goals, and outcomes for the formation of a prophetic ministry. Also includes an introduction for the seasoned prophet looking to mentor others in the ministry.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Paula A. Price is quickly becoming the international voice on the subject of apostolic and prophetic ministry. She has founded and established three churches, an apostolic and prophetic Bible institute, a publication company, a consulting firm, and a global collaborative network linking apostles and prophets together for the purpose of kingdom vision and ventures. Although she has written over twenty-five books, manuals, and other course material on the apostolic and prophetic, she is most recognized for her unique 1,600-term The Prophet’s Dictionary, a concise prophetic training manual entitled Church Prophets, and her follow-up, The Prophet’s Handbook, a tool for establishing prophetic ministry in the church. Paula is host of her own program, Let’s Just Talk: Where God Makes Sense. She has a D.Min. and a Ph.D. in Religious Education from Word of Truth Seminary in Alabama. She is also a wife, mother of three daughters, and the grandmother of two. She and her husband Tom presently pastor New Creation Worship Assembly in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

More from Paula

My previous books, THE PROPHET’s DICTIONARY and THE PROPHET’s HANDBOOK have sold extremely well and have offered guidance and wisdom to many. This new book, ASSESSINGG YOUR PROPHETIC SELF is the first of The Prophetic Primer Series that will bring more clarity and discovery to your training in the prophetic.

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, May 19 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 20

Simple Harvest Reads, May 21 (Spotlight)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22

Book Love, May 23 (Spotlight)

For the Love of Literature, May 24 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, May 25

Blossoms and Blessings, May 26 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, May 27

Vicky Sluiter, May 28 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions, May 29

Andrea Christenson, May 30 (Spotlight)

deb’s Book Review, May 31

Through the Fire Blogs, June 1 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Paula is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks 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/fa8d/assessing-your-prophetic-self-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, May 24, 2020

"Heart of the Ajs" by T.E. Bradford -- Author Interview, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Heart of the Ajs

Author: T.E. Bradford

Genre: Fantasy / Sci-Fi blend

Release Date: September 16, 2019

She has magic she cannot use…

He has a secret she must uncover.

THE SIX WORLDS OF BAQA

ASFAR, first planet from the sun is a desert planet steeped in superstition and tradition. Nafisa el Faruz is the princess, defender of the sun and champion of her people. Hers is the most powerful magic—zaman, holder of time.

TRINITOS, third planet, is home to the sky gate and the wicked man who controls its use, the Ajs An’hlj. He is yunfah—a wind walker, one who can control the air itself. The only thing he covets more than control is power, and he has his sights set on Nafisa.

Author Interview

Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?

I definitely let the idea take me. Once I get a really solid look at it, I will sometimes spend some time fleshing out the goal of the story and the characters, but more often than not they tell me who they are rather than working the other way around. Sometimes they really surprise me.

What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing?

Not knowing whether people will like what you’ve written. You can feel great about a story, but until you get feedback, you never know whether the “good” part is all in your head or not.

What would you say is the easiest aspect of writing?

For me, coming up with new ideas is the easy part. Getting them out in a way others will enjoy, and turning them into stories worth reading is the hard part.

When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?

I think I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer. The odd part is, even though I started writing very young, it took me a lot longer to actually think of myself as a writer. Now I like to tell people, “Do you write? If you do, then you’re a writer.” 😊

Anything else you'd like to share?

Stories can transport you just about anywhere. It’s part of what I love about them. The idea that I could share the incredible blessings I’ve found as a child of God with others is one that continues to stagger and humble me every day. How I write, what I write, and when I write might be fun to hear about. But the most important thing is the reason behind them. Which is and always will be to share the light of Christ with everyone I can.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Tracy is the author of the Divide Series, Six World Sagas, and International Bestseller: Kindled Legends – Written in the Stars.

When she’s not busy writing, she can be found taking a scenic drive with her family, snapping photos, or giving voices to her son’s stuffed animals. She reclines her feet in Upstate New York with her very own grumpy kitty, the husband God made just for her, and the son who is her forever best story.

More from Tracy

A large part of the plot for Heart of the Ajs stemmed from a conversation I had with my son. He’d asked me why he still had bad dreams, even after praying for God to take them away.

I searched for the words to explain why God doesn’t always say yes. Sometimes he says no. Or maybe. Or wait–which for me is the hardest answer of all. I thought of an example from when we’d been looking for a new house and didn’t get the one we’d been hoping for. We were so disappointed. But God had a better house in mind for us. We just didn’t know it yet. And at one point my job became very toxic, when after seven years of work I got pregnant and suddenly managers who’d promoted me several times were telling me I wasn’t cutting it. God had a better job in mind for me. I just didn’t know it yet.

I started to wonder if I could weave this truth into a story I’d been working on about a girl who didn’t feel her father or God were listening. She couldn’t see a way out, or understand how anything good could come from where she was.

Yet our precious Heavenly Father always has a plan. A perfect, incredible plan far beyond our wildest imaginings. One He is faithful to reveal with perfect timing.

Even if we may not know it yet.

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, May 21

Artistic Nobody, May 22 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 23

Blossoms and Blessings, May 24 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, May 25

By The Book, May 26 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 27

For the Love of Literature, May 28 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 29

Wishful Endings, May 30 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 31

deb’s Book Review, June 1

A Baker’s Perspective, June 2 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, June 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, T.E. is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of my book Child of Prophecy, a piece of raw onyx, and a genuine Jasper stone heart necklace!!

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/fa03/heart-of-the-ajs-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, May 23, 2020

"On a Coastal Breeze" by Suzanne Woods Fisher -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: On A Coastal Breeze

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Amish Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2020

For Madison Grayson, life is good. Newly licensed as a marriage and family therapist, she can’t wait to start her practice. Despite the unfortunate shortage of eligible bachelors on the island–they’re all too young, too old, or too weird–Maddie feels like she’s finally found her sweet spot. Not even one panic attack in the last year. Not one.

And then Ricky O’Shea drops in. Literally. Floating down from the pure blue sky, the one man in the world she hoped never to see again–the one who’d been her archnemesis from kindergarten through her senior dance–parachutes into town, landing on Boon Dock, canopy draping behind him like a superhero. Ricky O’Shea. Now Pastor Rick, the new minister on Three Sisters Island.

Time to panic.

With wit and a bit of whimsy, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Three Sisters Island where family, forgiveness, and a second chance at love await.

My Thoughts

"On a Coastal Breeze" is the second book in the Three Sisters Island series. There are some "catch up" mentions, but I think it would be best to read the first book prior to reading this book. While this is Maddie's story, it also has sub plots that follow Cam, Blaine, and their dad Paul. It was nice to be back on Three Sisters Island and to get to hang out with the locals that I had gotten to know in the first book. There is Biblical truth woven through the book. The book also had little snippets of Maddie's life from various points in her childhood. It was nice to get to know her better. I found the book to be well written and kept me wanting to read more. I look forward to reading Blaine's story.

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including On a Summer Tide, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, The Deacon’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among other novels. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

More from Suzanne

Dear Reader,

The minute you step off the ferry and onto Three Sister Island, magic begins. Crisp ocean air acts like an elixir. Stress starts to evaporate, like a wisp of steam from a cup of hot tea. Happiness moves in, and you’ll feel more cheerful, more positive about the future.

And then there’s time! Somehow, there seems to be plenty of it.

Little things will catch your notice—finding seashells on the beach, watching waves crash against the rocks, gazing at the star-studded night sky.

Life just starts to slow down…and you wonder if you really want to ever leave Three Sisters Island.

Nor do you have to! That’s the beauty of books—they are the perfect escape. Always available, just waiting to be picked up. Always ready to transport you to a fresh and new state of mind.

On a Coastal Breeze is that kind of a read. The Grayson Family saga continues as they move to Three Sisters Island off the coast of Maine for a fresh start. Maddie Grayson takes center stage in this story. Life is finally coming together for Maddie. On the very day she opens her counseling practice, she spots a billowing skydiver. Parachuting in is Ricky O’ Shea—the one person on earth Maddie hoped she’d never see again. But Rick’s the new pastor for the island’s only church and he’s not about to leave. That’s when sparks start to fly.

Join me for a getaway by the sea that will leave you in a happy, relaxed, vacation-y state of mind…without leaving your home. Once you board the Never Late Ferry, even in your imagination, the island will take it from there.

Warmly, Suzanne