Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Month in Review -- June

Wrote everyday at least a minimum of 100 words? yes
Number of days that I wrote 500 words a day: 27
Wrote 14,821 words this month
Be creative

Tat 2 crosses
Crochet 16 Jelly Fish tentacles
Knit
Sculpt

Exercise 5 days a week? yes
Read my Bible everyday? yes
Blog posts that weren't book reviews: 0
Read 9 books

Monday, June 29, 2020

"Gift From Above" by Rachel J. Good -- Book Review

About the book

Sarah Esh’s peaceful life turns upside down one afternoon when a parachutist crash-lands on her family’s farm. The stranger insists his life is in danger and begs her to keep his presence secret. Sarah’s promise tangles her in a web of deceit that endangers innocent people, ruins her best friend’s reputation, and tears apart the Amish community. After she discovers the man’s true purpose, Sarah must confess her mistake and repair the damage she’s done. But how can she admit the truth to Jacob Zook knowing it will end their relationship?
Although he was jilted by Sarah’s older sister, Jakob finds himself attracted to Sarah’s kindness and honesty. Her innocence and gentle spirit encourage him to open his heart. Then he discovers the deep secrets Sarah’s been hiding—secrets that destroyed his family and now threaten their love.

My Thoughts

"Gift From Above" is the third book in the Sisters & Friends series and having read the first two books, I was exited to read Sarah's story. There are parts that give a little review of what happened in the previous books so it could be read as a standalone, but I feel it is better to read the books in order. I felt the book was well written. I liked the characters and empathized with Sarah on being caught in the middle of some situations. I was a little disappointed in the romance aspect as it didn't show them falling in love as Sarah was already in love with him and we only saw her point of view. I like watching the characters fall in love. There was a nice biblical faith element woven through the book. I look forward to reading more books by Rachel J. Good.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author RACHEL J. GOOD writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – the bestselling Love & Promises, Sisters & Friends, Unexpected Amish Blessings, Surprised by Love (2021), and two books in Hearts of Amish Country – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books. In addition, she has stories in many anthologies, including Love’s Thankful Heart, Love’s Christmas Blessings, Plain Everyday Heroes, Love’s Truest Hope, and the forthcoming Amish Christmas Twins (September 2020) with Shelley Shepard Gray and Loree Lough. She is also the coauthor of the Prayerful Author Journey: Inspirational Yearly Planner.

Connect with Rachel:

Website: www.racheljgood.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels

Twitter: https://twitter.com/racheljgood1

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/racheljgood1/

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Rachel-J-Good/e/B019DWF4FG

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/rachel-j-good

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelj.good

Newsletter sign-up: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

Hitching Post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/196506777789849/

"Gift From Above" is available in Kindle edition:

File Size: 7319 KB
Print Length: 207 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Amish Hearth & Home (March 31, 2018)
Publication Date: March 31, 2018
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B079W2QZSN

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, June 26, 2020

"Stories That Bind Us" by Susie Finkbeiner -- Book Review

About the Book

Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at 40. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next. She couldn't have imagined what God had in mind. When her estranged sister is committed to a sanitarium, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a 5-year-old nephew she never knew she had.

In 1960s LaFontaine, Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.

Award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner offers fans a novel that invites us to rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts.

My Thoughts

"Stories That Bind Us" is not my usual genre of book, but I kept hearing great things about Susie Finkbeiner's books and wanted to read one of her books, so when this book came available, I was happy to be able to read it. The book is well written and had a nice flow. It felt like Betty was a friend and you could go down the street to visit her. The book dealt with some difficult situations (mental illness, race relations in the 60's, death of a spouse) and handled them with sensitivity. I loved the stories that Betty told to Hugo and the life lessons they taught. Having been to Belle Isle in Detroit, it was fun to read about Betty's trip there. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I am glad I picked it up.

About the Author

Susie Finkbeiner is a story junkie. Always has been and always will be. It seems it's a congenital condition, one she's quite fond of.

After decades of reading everything she could get her hands on (except for See the Eel, a book assigned to her while in first grade, a book she declared was unfit for her book-snob eyes), Susie realized that she wanted to write stories of her own. She began with epics about horses and kittens (but never, ever eels).

It takes years to grow a writer and after decades of work, Susie realized (with much gnashing of teeth and tears) that she was a novelist. In order to learn how to write novels, she read eclectically and adventurously (she may never swim with sharks, but the lady will jump into nearly any story). After reading the work of Lisa Samson, Patti Hill, and Bonnie Grove she realized that there was room for a writer like her in Christian fiction.

Her first novels Paint Chips (2013) and My Mother's Chamomile (2014) have contemporary settings. While she loved those stories and especially the characters, Susie felt the pull toward historical fiction.

When she read Into the Free by Julie Cantrell she knew she wanted to write historical stories with a side of spunk, grit, and vulnerability. Susie is also greatly inspired by the work of Jocelyn Green, Rachel McMillan, and Tracy Groot.

A Cup of Dust: A Novel of the Dust Bowl (2015), Finkbeiner's bestselling historical set in 1930s Oklahoma, has been compared to the work of John Steinbeck and Harper Lee (which flatters Susie's socks off). Pearl's story continues with A Trail of Crumbs: A Novel of the Great Depression (2017) and A Song of Home: A Novel of the Swing Era (2018).

What does she have planned after that? More stories, of course. She's a junkie. She couldn't quit if she wanted to.

"Stories That Bind Us" is available in paperback:

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell; 5/1 edition (June 2, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800735706
ISBN-13: 978-0800735708
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 8856 KB
Print Length: 374 pages
Publisher: Revell (June 2, 2020)
Publication Date: June 2, 2020
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B0821QX4Q3

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

Thursday, June 25, 2020

"The Killing Tide" by Dani Pettrey -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Killing Tide

Author: Dani Pettrey

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release Date: August 2019

When one Coast Guard officer is found dead and another goes missing, Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent Finn Walker faces his most dangerous crime yet. His only clues are what little evidence remains aboard the dead officer’s boat, and the direction the clues point to will test Finn and the Guard to their limits.

When investigative reporter–and Finn’s boss’s sister–Gabby Rowley arrives, her unrelenting questions complicate an already volatile situation. Now that she’s back, the tug on Finn’s heart is strong, but with the risks she’s taking for her next big story, he fears she might not live through it.

Thrown together by the heinous crime, Finn and Gabby can’t ignore the sparks or judgments flying between them. But will they be able to see past their preconceptions long enough to track down an elusive killer, or will they become his next mark?

My Thoughts

I had not read any books by Dani Pettrey before, but always heard great things about them, so I was excited to read "The Killing Tide". It pulled me in and kept me reading. I did not have any clue who was behind the events and what was going on. It was interesting getting the story from so many different perspectives (Finn Walker, Gabby Rowley, Rissi Dawson, Xavier Fuentes, and The Collector). The book was well written and had a good flow and pace. I liked the characters and look forward to reading more books in the "Coastal Guardians" series.

About the Author

Praised by New York Times best-selling author Dee Henderson as “a name to look for in romantic suspense,” Dani Pettrey has sold more than half a million copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance.

Her novels stand out for their “wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters” (Publishers Weekly), “gripping storyline[s],” (RT Book Reviews), and “sizzling undercurrent of romance” (USA Today).

She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland. For more information visit www.danipettrey.com

More from Dani

Pettrey kicks off her new Coastal Guardians series with an intense blend of suspense, love, and faith. The Killing Tide features romance that’s as thrilling as the action, and faithful characters integrated seamlessly into a complex web of crime.

— Kate Campos BookList

The Killing Tide is the first book in my Coastal Guardian series. My husband was Navy, so why am I writing about the Coast Guard? Because I think their mission to keep our waters and our country safe should be highlighted more. Before I started writing The Killing Tide, I’ll admit I knew little about the Coast Guard. I had a friend in high school who joined the Guard right after graduation, but that’s about the depth of my experience with them. Then, my husband and I watched a movie called The Finest Hour.

If you haven’t seen it, I highly urge you to. It’s the true story of one of the most dangerous and daring rescue attempts in Coast Guard history. Boatswain’s Mate First Class Bernie Webber takes a small team to rescue the crew of the Pendleton T2 oil tanker, which split in half off the coast of Cape Cod during a brutal nor’easter in 1952. I won’t ruin the ending for you, but let’s just say it’s a wonderful testament to courage in adversity. After watching it, I knew I had to write a series about the Coast Guard. I began researching and came across the Coast Guard Investigative Service and my interest was highly peaked. After talking with Coast Guardsmen, both newly in the service and those long retired, I began to see the story weaving together like a movie in my mind. I hope you enjoy reading the CGIS Wilmington teams’ adventures, cases and…of course, romances.

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, June 17

Back Porch Reads, June 17

Losing the Busyness, June 17

Older & Smarter?, June 18

Genesis 5020, June 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 19

Worthy2Read, June 19

For Him and My Family, June 20

deb’s Book Review, June 20

Inklings and notions, June 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 21

Texas Book-aholic, June 21

Pause for Tales, June 21

Betti Mace, June 22

Read Review Rejoice, June 22

Spoken from the Heart, June 22

KarenSueHadley, June 23

Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 23

The Christian Fiction Girl, June 24

Life of Literature, June 24

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, June 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 25

Blossoms and Blessings, June 25

A Good Book and cup of Tea, June 25

Emily Yager, June 26

Splashes of Joy, June 26

Just the Write Escape, June 27

Blogging With Carol, June 27

Moments, June 27

Stories By Gina, June 28

Cathe Swanson, June 28

Daysong Reflections, June 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 29

Mary Hake, June 29

Lights in a Dark World, June 29

With a Joyful Noise, June 30

Inside the Wong Mind, June 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dani is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle, $20 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of The Crushing Depths!!

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/fcce/the-killing-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway

"The Killing Tide" is available in paperback:

Series: Coastal Guardians (Book 1)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (August 6, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764230840
ISBN-13: 978-0764230844
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

File Size: 9770 KB
Print Length: 351 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (August 6, 2019)
Publication Date: August 6, 2019
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07NDMTCZ7

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, June 20, 2020

"Betwixt Two Hearts" by Amanda Tru, Cathe Swanson, Alana Terry, Carol Moncado, and Chautona Havig -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveawy

About the Book

Book: Betwixt Two Hearts

Authors: Amanda Tru, Cathe Swanson, Kari Trumbo, Alana Terry, Carol Moncado, & Chautona Havig

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: June 9, 2019

Six of today’s Best-selling Christian Authors weave six brand-new, unique, interconnected stories where nothing comes between the love betwixt two hearts.

Betwixt Two Hearts by Amanda Tru
With control of their dating website the prize, Bailey and Camden embark on a matchmaking competition that snags on unexpected results. All is fair in a contest of love. May the best matchmaker win.

The Swedehearts Glory Quilt by Cathe Swanson
Eleanor ran away to find herself. David knew exactly where he wanted to go. Could a matchmaking agency put them on the same map?

Whole Latte Love by Kari Trumbo
Misguided Drew thinks all quiet women hide harmful secrets. While pretty, new best friend Addi’s soft-spoken nature reminds him too much of past hurts to move their relationship forward. Can a matchmaking agency change his heart?

Seoul Refuge by Alana Terry
Caroline is a new believer, excited and passionate about her faith. Calvin is a Boston police detective, an atheist who can hardly believe Christians have brainwashed his wife. Caroline just wants to follow God. Calvin just wants his wife back.

Guardian of Her Heart by Carol Moncado
Signed up for a dating service by friends and brought together by a stowaway cat, Mark and Casey must decide if they want to overcome their apparent incompatibilities or go their separate ways.

Random Acts of Shyness by Chautona Havig
Heath’s sister, Selby, has laid down the law. It’s time to let her take over his love life. After a series of first and only dates, Heath embarks on her new scheme to help him overcome the debilitating nervous habit that has plagued him all his life. However, between dates, each worse than the last, he tries one more time to do things his way… sort of.

Please Note: The Crossroads Collections are sets of stories that are interconnected in some way, but the collections are independent, complete, and can be read in any order.

My Thoughts

I love collections like this. The novellas are faster paced than a regular novel so it doesn't take as long to get to the happily-ever-after. The novellas didn't feel rushed, though and were well written. It was fun to see how some of the characters from the author's other books were tied in with the story in this collection and how the first novella set up the series. It was interesting to see each of the matches unfold and grow. The faith element was a common element that was woven through the book. I look forward to reading more books by these authors.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Welcome to the Crossroads!
This is a unique collection of stories, with each never before published book by one of today’s favorite best-selling Christian authors fitting together like puzzle pieces. There is nothing else like it on the market!
If you love the premise of this Crossroads Collection and are eager for more, please check out the other Crossroads Collections. In each of them, you will find all new stories tied together once again where the books intersect at a Crossroads.

Out of the Blue Bouquet
Floral folly fables from Hallee Bridgeman, Alana Terry, Carol Moncado, Chautona Havig, & Amanda Tru

Yesterday’s Mail
Misdelivered mail tales from Alana Terry, Cynthia Hickey, Hallee Bridgeman, Chautona Havig, & Amanda Tru

Under the Christmas Star
Ornamental yarns from Lesley Ann McDaniel, April Hayman, Chautona Havig, Alana Terry, & Amanda Tru

Betwixt Two Hearts
Dating site stories from Amanda Tru, Cathe Swanson, Kari Trumbo, Alana Terry, Carol Moncado, & Chautona Havig

The Wedding Dress Yes
Wedding dress dramas from Alexa Verde, Chautona Havig, Hallee Bridgeman, Alana Terry, & Amanda Tru

When Snowflakes Never Cease
Heartwarming wintery accounts from Hallee Bridgeman, Alana Terry, Chautona Havig, Jaycee Weaver, & Amanda Tru

Sign up to receive Amanda Tru’s email newsletter for news of upcoming Crossroads Collections!
www.amandatru.com/newsletter

More from Chautona

“I’ve got a new idea for the next CrossRoads Collection, and I think it might be perfect for your bladder guy.”

Excitement? Total understatement. Giddy—that’s more like it. Totally giddy when I “hear” (read) Amanda Tru say, “I’ve got a new idea….” Without skipping a beat, I typed back, “Let’s hear it.”

As the idea burst into my messenger box, I knew she was right. A matchmaking website? Perfect for a shy guy with an unfortunate coping mechanism that ensures that he has a string of first and only dates in his back pocket. You can read about that story, here.

I had two months to write it—and had two other books to finish in the meantime. YIKES! Still, I had to do it.

I almost made it, too.

For those who don’t know about the CrossRoads Collections, they feature five or six books (of varying length from short novella to full-length novel) and the final (or in the case of Betwixt Two Hearts, the first) book interconnects all the others. Each collection stands alone, and each story in the collections stand alone, but that one book in each collection ties all the others together in a unique, brilliant way that only the lovely Amanda Tru could manage.

We began with Out of the Blue Bouquet, which tells of five floral fiascos and one florist who causes and redeems them all.

Then came Yesterday’s Mail which features five accounts of lost or misdirected mail and the postal worker tasked with fixing it all.

Of course, when Christmas came around, we needed a good Christmas collection, so our first kicked off with Under the Christmas Star. This collection features five ornaments and the stories connected to each.

Next, we combined forces to do a little matchmaking, and kicked off this collection. Betwixt Two Hearts in a story of a matchmaking website and the people it connected, not to mention the entrepreneurial pair that can’t agree on how to run it!

Of course, weddings are lots of fun, so we came up with The Wedding Dress Yes. In it, you’ll meet CrossRoads’ fabulous new bridal designer who thwarts the efforts of a shop owner still stuck in the eighties with dresses that ensure more social distance than most couples care to have on their wedding day.

And most recently, the When Snowflakes Never Cease collection features a snowstorm that sweeps across the nation during Christmas week and tries to prevent two people determined to find someone in the midst of all that frosty carnage.

I’ve loved writing for all of these collections, but my novel, Random Acts of Shyness in the Betwixt Two Hearts is probably my favorite.

All of the CrossRoads Collection books are available on Kindle Unlimited, and several are just .99 to purchase.

The CrossRoads authors invite you to pick up one of the collections today. We recommend starting with Betwixt Two Hearts while it’s still available in one, inexpensive collection.