Monday, March 22, 2021

"Texas Target Standoff" by Virginia Vaughan -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Texas Target Standoff

Author: Virginia Vaughan

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 1, 2021

A sniper lurks closer…

and only a navy SEAL can save her.

When psychologist Shelby Warren suddenly becomes a sniper’s target, navy SEAL Paul Avery springs into action to protect her. He needs her evaluation to get back to his team…and rescuing her might finally give him the redemption he’s been searching for. But when danger follows them to his family’s Texas ranch, keeping Shelby safe could be his most difficult assignment yet.

My Thoughts

I was happy to get to read Paul's story after meeting him in the first two books in the "A Cowboy Lawmen" series. I found the book well written and easy to read. There is a lot of action and I never knew what was coming next. The biblical faith element was not that large. The characters were distant from God due to circumstances in their pasts and then realized the error of their ways and came back to Him. I look forward to reading the next book by Virginia Vaughan.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Bestselling author Virginia Vaughan writes inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love or writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger.

More from Virginia

As writers, we discover many new and interesting things while researching a story. For TEXAS TARGET STANDOFF, I decided I wanted the hero to have a dog so I started looking at different photographs of dogs online until I found the one image I wanted to use—a sweet little border collie I named Bullet. He helps my navy SEAL hero find comfort and friendship while he’s recovering from injuries at his family’s ranch. But looking at dog photos on the internet did more than help my character grow, it also inspired me to adopt a dog of my own.

My home had been pet-free for many years since my beloved dog Miss Duchess died from cancer five years ago and, although the ten-year-old nephew I’m raising had been asking for a dog for about a year, I hadn’t reached the point of pulling the trigger and bringing another one home. Only the research I did for this book reopened that desire inside of me for canine companionship. In September of 2020, my son and I searched the shelters in search of a family dog and, when I spotted this adorable border collie mix, I knew we had to bring her home. We named her Ivy and, since joining our family, this sweet girl has brought us lots of love and laughter, plus a new adventure—dog training. I’ve never trained a dog in my life and little Ivy is a stubborn one. I’ve scoured YouTube for videos, taken classes, and worked daily on the simplest of commands like sit, wait, lie down. Slowly, we are making progress although barking, jumping, and walking on a leash are still some areas where we’re struggling.

I’d love to hear about your pets or your best training tips! To learn more about my family, including my training journey with Ivy, follow me on Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter at the links below. And look out for the next book—little sister Kellyanne’s story—in my Cowboy Lawmen series coming June 29, 2021.

Blessings!

Virginia

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 12

For the Love of Literature, March 12

Through the Fire Blogs, March 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 13

Bizwings Blog, March 13

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

Bigreadersite, March 14

Fiction Book Lover, March 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 15

Genesis 5020, March 15

Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16

For Him and My Family, March 16

Artistic Nobody, March 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, March 17

Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 17

Older & Smarter?, March 18

deb’s Book Review, March 18

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 19

Blogging With Carol, March 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 20

Betti Mace, March 20

Mary Hake, March 20

Lighthouse Academy, March 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 22

Blossoms and Blessings, March 22

Labor Not in Vain, March 22

KarenSueHadley, March 23

She Lives To Read, March 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 24

Pause for Tales, March 24

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 25 (Author Interview)

HookMeInABook, March 25

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

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Virginia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Texas Target Standoff!!

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/1095e/texas-target-standoff-celebration-tour-giveaway

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.

Thursday, March 18, 2021

"Heaven and the Afterlife" by Kathy Carmichael -- Author Interview, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

**I did not read this book, but a friend told me some of what she read. Based on that, I would not read this book personally.

About the Book

Book: Heaven and the Afterlife

Author: Kathy Carmichael

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction

Release date: October 25, 2020

What lies on the other side?

In this relevant and life changing story, Kathy Carmichael details her experiences so that you may share, learn and receive comfort from them.

Imagine being given the opportunity to meet with Angels, Saints and Jesus Christ face-to-face. Imagine watching the recently-passed step through the Pearly Gates. Imagine knowing that if you ask, God and Jesus can be an intimate part of your life. This isn’t your typical self-help book, yet reading about these events may change you and your life forever.

Journey to heaven in this firsthand account of the Glory of God and the afterlife.

Wires and tubes were connected to almost every available space on Kathy’s body as she lay in her hospital bed awaiting surgery. In the days leading up to her illness and then later post-surgery, Kathy experienced incredible supernatural events. She has been tasked with sharing what happened to her with you, bringing you evidence of the afterlife.

In this inspiring spiritual flight to Heaven and back, you will learn more about prayer, blessings, miracles and the generous love and understanding available to each of us. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1

*Have you had a near-death experience also known as an NDE?
*Has an angel ever brought you a message, protected you from harm, or visited you?
*Has your soul ever been transported to Heaven?
This book explores events such as these, and you will learn you are not alone. You may come to a deeper and abiding love for God and humanity. It’s likely you will no longer have as much fear relating to death or dying. Heaven, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are real.

This volume also includes bonus material such as:
*Thinking About Heaven: Reader Questions
*Map of Near-Heaven and parts of Heaven
*Meaningful Scripture and Quotes
*Photos relating to Kathy’s life and hospital stay
*Foreword by John Carmichael

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview

Who would you say inspired you the most in your life?

My grandmothers both inspired me in very different ways.

My mother’s mother, Mama, was an aspiring writer, but she lived in an era and location where she didn’t have paper to write on nor much free time to write. She turned soup can and other can labels inside out and wrote on the backsides. Can you imagine being driven to write and tell stories, and not having the basic tools to do so? I’m so proud of her for finding a way to make it happen, even if life didn’t permit her to write as much as she would have liked.

My father’s mother, Mema, was a natural-born story teller. Whenever we were with her she told us bedtime stories about our ancestors or Biblical stories. Her father (my great-grandfather who I never met) was an itinerant Methodist preacher. They moved from town to town where he would put on Revivals. Mema told us many Bible stories from his perspective, as well as about actual events at Revivals. She told me that her father said if you’re only going to read a little bit of the Bible, then you can’t go wrong with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, because that is where you find Jesus’s story. When I was a girl, those were the chapters I read and reread until I realized I was allowed to read the whole Bible ☺

If you could spend the day with anyone (living or dead) who would it be? Why?

I feel as though I’m cheating by replying Jesus of Nazareth, but I am totally sincere. It’s a no-brainer. He’s the most interesting, fun, beautiful, peaceful, loving, endearing and wonderful human ever created. I look forward to the day I can again spend time with him.

How do you balance writing time with the demands of life/family?

This is such a tough subject and can be especially hard on women authors who often have the responsibility for their job, their children, and their households all by themselves, even if they are married or have a significant other.

When I began writing, I had two sons, one seven and the other two. I could only write when my youngest was in Mother’s Day Out (twice weekly for three hours) or when my husband was home and I could sneak away for a little while on Saturdays. My husband traveled back then and he was generally out of town Monday through Thursday or Friday. Later, when both children were in school, I found that even though I had many hours more writing time, I produced approximately the same number of finished pages. My psyche knew what I had to create and exactly how much time it had to work to get there. I can laugh about it now, but back then I was so disappointed. I thought I’d double or triple my output when I had more time.

My kids are grown now and only one son remains at home with my husband and me. My current difficultly isn’t the necessity of caring for children, it’s having a retired husband. I don’t have a dedicated office, so now and then I get testy about being interrupted. But you know what? With all this time, I still produce my standard 35 pages per week. It’s just how it works for me.

Do you read much?

I am a huge reader. I love reading so very much. When I was a girl, I couldn’t get enough books. I read all of the books, and I mean all, in our small school library. My mother would take me to the library once a month where I was allowed to check out five books. Because my youngest sister was too little to read, the librarian allowed me to also check out three books on her card, for a total of eight books per month. Later the Bookmobile began coming only a mile from our house and I was allowed to return two books and check out two more—thus making 10 books per month. I read them all right away, then reread them throughout the month. Did I mention how much I love reading?

To this day I still read every single day—at least something religious every day and often also fiction if I have time. Generally, I read scripture or a religious script or book that resonates for me. And as time permits, I’ll read something related to writing or a mystery or romantic comedy.

What is different about writing non-fiction vs fiction? Would you say one is easier than the other?

I feel rather guilty saying this, but for me non-fiction is in general easier to write than fiction. I’m sure some writer’s subject matter is much more difficult than what I write about, which is where my guilt springs from.

You need to know what you’re going to write about, and have some sort of knowledge base in which to write non-fiction, but that makes it easier to write. Once you decide what your book is about and how you’re going to structure your book, you sit down and write it. It doesn’t always need to be linear.

With fiction, I need to understand my characters as well as the plot. I have to make sure there will be surprises for the reader, that the book isn’t too expected or formulaic, and that there are appropriate turning points and conflicts. It’s a little more complex for me, but in either genre, my goal is to deliver a book that will work for the reader.

Writing both fiction and non-fiction delight my muse and give me happiness. I hope they provide the same to my readers.

About the Author

With a deep and abiding love of our Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who came into this world to save us, Kathy Carmichael is compelled to share her astounding spiritual experiences with others. She believes part of her mission on this Earth is to help people feel better, whether it’s through her writing or her (at times, sophomoric) sense of humor.

A USA Today bestseller and award-winning author, she lives on a canal along Florida’s west coast with her Scottish husband of over 40 years, one son, two cats, a part-time grand-dog, and a bevy of dust bunnies and seagulls.

Kathy has written primarily comedic clean/sweet romance, cozy mysteries, and non-fiction articles and workshops. She has been recognized by the American Library Association’s Booklist magazine with starred reviews in both the Mystery and Romance genres. Kathy is well-known for her fiction-writing seminars, including her short synopsis workshop.

Kathy loves hearing from readers.

More from Kathy

Many times as I sat down at my keyboard to work on this book, I have been encouraged by Holy Spirit to count my blessings.

Has anyone reminded you to count your blessings? If so, when you examine the numerous ways you’ve been blessed and begin to list the numerous blessings in your life, do you feel eternally grateful?

It’s part of our humanity that we tend to lose sight of those blessings while dealing with our day-to-day cares. Yet when we stop to think about how many good things are steadfast in our life, outside of the setbacks, gratitude washes over us.

I believe I was encouraged to look at my blessings as a means for me to overcome my obstacles. Healing from my physical ailments has been time consuming and difficult.

Yet, when I look at my blessings…

Like you, I have been blessed in a multitude of ways. Recently I have been blessed even more so. A large part of that blessing was my being allowed to remain alive and still walking God’s green Earth. An even bigger blessing was the amount of time I was granted to spend in Near-Heaven, which is a setting running immediately beside Heaven, and the glimpses I was permitted of Heaven itself.

Not everyone has such amazing opportunities, and even fewer have the chance to tell about it afterward.  Please allow me to share my story with you.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 10

Texas Book-aholic, March 11

Cats in the Cradle Blog, March 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 12

For Him and My Family, March 13

For the Love of Literature, March 14 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 16

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 17

Blossoms and Blessings, March 18 (Author Interview)

Godly Book Reviews, March 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 21

Through the Fire Blogs, March 22 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, March 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/1095b/heaven-and-the-afterlife-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, March 14, 2021

"Sing in the Sunlight" by Kathleen Denly -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Sing in the Sunlight

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian historical fiction

Release date: March 2, 2021

Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.

Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.

Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.

Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading this book. It is the second book in the Chaparral Hearts series. It could be read alone as some of the characters from the first book are in this one, but you don't feel like you are missing part of the story for not having read the first book. I always encourage people to read series books in order just to get the bigger, fuller picture. I found the book to be well written and I liked the biblical faith element woven through the book. I also liked the personal growth that Clarinda exhibits. There is some talk about "marital intimacies" that would make me pause before giving it to a young teen. It isn't discussed outright, but in round about ways. I like how actual historical events were woven into the story. I look forward to reading more books by Kathleen Denly

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

More from Kathleen

Hiding our Flaws

We all have things we’d like to change about our physical appearance. Personally, I’ve yet to lose the weight I gained with my last pregnancy and sitting behind a desk all day hasn’t helped things any. Despite this, I know that my husband, kids, family, friends, and most importantly, God, loves me just as much now as when I was my healthiest self. I want to lose the weight not because I need to earn someone’s approval but because I know I’ll feel better and be able to do more without tiring as quickly if I do. In the meantime, I’m okay with where I am because it’s the best I’ve been able to do so far.

This level of self-acceptance has come with maturity and the love of a godly man. When I was younger, I’d spend hours in front of the mirror trying to disguise my flaws beneath layers of makeup and stomach smoothers. In fact, one of the most memorable moments of my courtship with my now husband was the day I returned from a women’s retreat. I hadn’t gotten much sleep all weekend and we’d had to pack up and leave early, so I’d made the unusual decision to skip my makeup that morning. I was going to carpool back to the church, grab my car, and head home for a nap. What was the point in painting my face when the only people who’d see it were the women who’d seen me wake up bare-faced that morning anyway? Well, it turns out my now husband had missed me. So he was waiting in the church parking lot when we arrived, just to say hi before I went home. Sweet, right? Um yeah. At the time, part of me thought it was sweet, but more of me wanted to melt into the floor’s carpet and vanish from sight. I had ZERO makeup on, people! And I had bags under my eyes! *gasp* *shudder*

Needless to say, after almost nineteen years of marriage, he’s seen me a few times without my makeup on. Actually, these days, I only wear makeup for videos, photographs I intend to share online, special events, and (if the kids are nice to me that morning) church. Not that I don’t have my insecure moments or those photographs that friends share but I really wish they wouldn’t. (You know who you are.) But overall, I am okay with how I look because I know that I am loved and accepted.

However, in Sing in the Sunlight, my character, Clarinda, feels unloved, and unwanted by those closest to her. She describes parts of herself with words like hideous. She uses long sleeves, high necks, gloves, and veils to hide herself from a world that has rejected her. And she keeps almost everyone at arm’s length—especially God. So when she finally lets someone in, only to be betrayed, it sets off a series of desperate decisions that tangle her in a web from which she cannot find an escape. It’s my prayer that her story will touch readers’ hearts and show them how much they are loved—flaws and all.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2

Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

lakesidelivingsite, March 3

Inklings and notions, March 4

Genesis 5020, March 4

For Him and My Family, March 5

A Novel Pursuit, March 5

Betti Mace, March 6

deb’s Book Review, March 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 7

Labor Not in Vain, March 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

The Meaderings of a Bookworm, March 9

Older & Smarter?, March 10

Adventures Of a Travelers Wife, March 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 12 (Author Interview)

KarenSueHadley, March 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 14

Blossoms and Blessings, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle Paperwhite, one bookish scarf, one pair of bookish socks, one bookish necklace, one Chaparral Hearts Pen, and one custom bookmark made and signed by Kathleen Denly!!

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/1089f/sing-in-the-sunlight-celebration-tour-giveaway

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, March 12, 2021

"Painted Memories" by A.M. Heath -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Painted Memories

Author: A.M. Heath

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 8, 2021

She moved on when the love of her life died in the war, but what will happen when she finds out he’s alive?

Olivia Jernigan never thought she’d get over Grady. But three years after his death, she’s on the verge of marrying Kenneth Wade when she receives a new painting by her deceased fiancé. Olivia flees home to learn what really happened to the man she thought died in the Korean War. The man she thought loved her enough to come home for her.

Grady Barnes woke up three years ago in a hospital room with no knowledge of his identity. The only memory to resurface is the image of a woman he can’t stop painting. When she suddenly shows up at his painting class, she may help him discover where he really belongs or she may disrupt the life he was building for himself.

Olivia and Grady have a history. But now, they wonder if they still have a future … or perhaps, their love is just a painted memory.

My Thoughts

"Painted Memories" is the second book in the Art of Love series, but they are not tied to each other and can each be read as standalones. Whenever I pick up a book by A.M. Heath, I know that it will be well written and woven through with biblical truths. "Painted Memories" was no exception. I liked Grady and Olivia and was conflicted all the way through the book over who I thought Olivia should marry. The tug in both directions was strong. Olivia's emotions and loss were relatable even with not having gone through anything like she did. The setting of the Korean War era was one that I am not that familiar with, so it was fun being immersed in the culture of the time. I eagerly await the next book by A.M. Heath.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and a retired cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

More from A.M. Heath

The Blessing of Unexpected Research

With any novel, there’s always a measure of research involved. While historical novels are more in-depth, even contemporary novels need research when the characters are involved in a job or a setting the author isn’t familiar with. Research can feel so random at times. It’s almost comical the strange topics you end up spending an hour or longer digging into online.

As I sat down to write Painted Memories, I was already well into the first drafts of Dance With Me and Yesterday’s Christmas, so the 1950s setting wasn’t as foreign to me as it once had been. But there were newer aspects involved.

For example, I recently found myself researching long-distance calls during the 1950s. And I often look up commonly misspoken phrases/words.

One of the ways I love to research is to imagine myself in the character’s shoes. Sometimes I have opportunities to play pretend. Maybe a little red lipstick or a new hairstyle to help me get into character. Visiting a historical home to get a feel for the lifestyle from long ago. A walk in the rain might be an opportunity to imagine the weary march of a soldier. A bad case of strep was once inspiration for a character on their death bed.

But, by far, the most memorable research experience was given to me by surprise. It was one of those things that I didn’t ask for and I wasn’t thrilled with when it happened but, even at that moment, I couldn’t help noticing the timing of it all and the big way God would use it for good.

I forgot the PIN to my debit card.

We all forget things from time to time. But this was a PIN that I used multiple times a week for nearly twenty years.

YIKES!

I was standing at the register when “poof” the code disappeared from my brain. I remember standing there in panic because nothing came to mind. I punched in a couple of combinations but neither was correct.

I spent the next couple of weeks trying to remember it but I never did.

It was confusing and scary. I remember searching my brain but there was only empty darkness. Yet, I could feel it. I could practically sense it right on the edge of my mind, but I never could bring it any closer.

I was amazed at my sudden connection to Grady. When I wrote for him, I put myself in his shoes and imagined what it would feel like. But when a small piece of my memory suddenly disappeared, I had a new understanding. When I wrote his scenes where he talks about sensing a memory close by but never being able to bring it any closer, I wrote that from experience. That’s exactly how it felt for me.

I had started the first draft about 2 weeks before I forgot my PIN. So instead of being angry, I couldn’t help being grateful. I thanked God and put my experience to good use. It was all I could do.

Sometimes we’re not dealt with the easiest hand. But if we’re willing to let Him, God can still use it for our good and His glory. In the book, Grady and Olivia talk about how God redeemed the time they thought was lost. That time when they thought everything was ruined and nothing was going right, God was using in a subtle but remarkable way.

The Christian life is often like that. We tend to think that something has lost all purpose but God is redeeming it and making it into something beautiful.

I’d love to hear from you. Is there a moment in your life when it seemed that all was lost but looking back you can see how God was using it for good?