Sunday, January 14, 2018

Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "A Song Unheard" by Roseanna M. White

About the Book

SongUnheard
Title: A Song Unheard
Author: Roseanna M. White
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release Date: January 2, 2018
Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.
Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.
But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.
My Thoughts I jumped at the chance to read "A Song Unheard". I have enjoyed the books I've previously read by Roseanna White and knew I'd enjoy this one as well. I was not disappointed. It was obvious that a lot of research went into the book and I enjoyed the authenticity of the phrases and terminology used. I really liked Margot and her quick wit and intelligence. As I read, I pictured her like the character of Margaret Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson. I liked to see the changes in the characters and how they transformed their lives. I would love to see this as a movie. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

About the Author

Roseanna White 2017Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Guest post from Roseanna White

I started playing the piano when I was 7. I didn’t discover any long-dormant genius or anything, but I liked it. When my sister quit, I kept playing. In middle school, I switched teachers, and moving from the lady at my church that I knew so well to someone who was just my piano teacher made a difference in how I applied myself. It deepened my love of music.
We all know how some random moments stand out forever in our memory. One such for me happened on the school bus. I was sitting with my best friend, talking about the new piano piece I was learning. “Via Delorosa” means Road of Sorrow, and it’s a song that tells musically about Jesus’ journey to Golgotha—ending with the faint chime of the nails being driven into his palms. As my beloved Mrs. Peto went through this song with me the night before, I remember her circling a D♯ that I’d missed and saying how important that note was. That it made the whole line weep.
That it would make the hearers weep. An epiphany so huge I had to share it with my friend. A well placed sharp could make music weep! Who knew?
That was but one lesson Mrs. Peto taught me in how music could evoke things words never could. A woman of strong faith, she also taught me how a song could preach the Gospel. Music can be medicine. It can be hope. It can be tears. It can be truth. Music can be Jesus to a hurting heart that turns its back on words.
This is a lesson I never forgot, and I had it always in mind as I was writing A Song Unheard. In this story, both my hero and heroine are musicians—violinists. But Willa (who is SO STUBBORN) wouldn’t listen to words of faith from any of the people in her life “suddenly spouting such nonsense.”
But then, in her darkest hour, she hears a slip of melody. And she realizes it’s the Lord.
I pray as readers move through the story of Willa Forsythe—violin prodigy and top-notch thief—that their spirits’ ears hear more than words, more than just a story. I pray they hear the Lord whispering that ultimate song. The one that says, “I love you.”
Want to hear the song Willa eventually wrote in the book? You can! The violin music in this trailer is officially dubbed “Willa’s Song” and written specifically for this book. I hope you enjoy it! http://bit.ly/ASongUnheardTrailer

Blog Stops

Fiction Aficionado, January 11
Genesis 5020, January 11
Bookworm Mama, January 11
Blogging With Carol, January 12
Multifarious, January 12
Faithfully BookishJanuary 13
Karen Sue Hadley, January 13
Mary Hake, January 13
A Greater YesJanuary 13
Remembrancy, January 14
Texas Book-aholic, January 14
A Reader’s Brain, January 15
Cordially Barbara, January 15
Pursuing StacieJanuary 15
Bigreadersite, January 16
Mommynificent, January 17
Baker Kella, January 17
allofakindmom, January 18
Pause for Tales, January 19
Just Commonly, January 19
Janices book reviewsJanuary 19
Radiant LightJanuary 20
Book by Book, January 20
CAC Devourer, January 20
Splashes of JoyJanuary 21
Neverending Stories, January 21
The PhD Mamma, January 22
Cafinated Reads, January 22
Daysong Reflections, January 22
Purposeful Learning, January 23
Carpe Diem, January 23
Henry Happens, January 24
Joy of Reading, January 24

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Roseanna is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a signed copy of the book as well as a lovely album of soothing songs based on the Scriptures called Hidden in My Heart (winner’s choice of CD or digital download)!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c72a
"A Song Unheard" is available in paperback:
  • Series: Shadows Over England (Book 2)
  • Paperback: 416 pages
  • Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 2, 2018)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0764219278
  • ISBN-13: 978-0764219276
  • Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 1 x 8.4 inches

and in Kindle edition:
  • File Size: 7515 KB
  • Print Length: 418 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0764219278
  • Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 2, 2018)
  • Publication Date: January 2, 2018
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B077M9P1HP

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "Unstuck" by Chris DuPre

About the Book

unstuck
Title: Unstuck
Author: Chris Dupre
Genre: Self-help, personal growth
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Do you feel like you missed the boat? Are you burnt out? Have your feet been dragging the sidewalk? Do you catch yourself dreaming of what could have been? Of if-only-I-had, or if-only-I-hadn’t? This book is for anyone sitting in the audience who should be on stage, anyone reading blogs who should also be writing them, anyone supporting ministries who should be leading them. It’s for the Christians who know there is a better life, but who are just stuck in the one they’re living.
Saved in the Jesus Movement of the seventies, Chris DuPré connected with countless Christians across the world. Yet too many of those Christians, Chris discovered, have years later lost the fire and stepped back from living out their faith. Why? Because they got stuck—stuck in rejection by others, stuck in fear of the unknown, stuck in loving a comfortable life, stuck in scores of similar ruts. What can set them free from their internal prisons? And what could Christians accomplish if we all just got unstuck?
My Thoughts So many of these "self-help" books are hard to read and feel like you are being talked down to, but I found this book to be really easy to read and very relatable. As I read, I found myself finding things in my life that I could apply the ideas in this book. I think this book is very encouraging to Christians who want to move past difficulties in their life, and will help people who don't even realize that they are "stuck".

About the Author

Originally from Upstate New York, Chris moved to Kansas City to work alongside Mike Bickle in establishing the International House of Prayer. Chris recently served as Associate Pastor at Grace Center Church in Franklin TN, and is now an associate pastor of Life Center in Harrisburg, PA. A pastor, teacher, worship leader, traveling speaker, and spiritual father to many, Chris may be best known for his song “Dance With Me.” He has produced eight albums and published three books, including The Wild Heart of God (Whitaker House, 2016) and The Lost Art of Pure Worship with James Goll. Parents of three daughters and grandparents of four grandchildren, Chris and his wife, Laura, reside in Harrisburg, PA.

Guest Post from Chris Dupre

I grew up in a small town about 30 miles east of Rochester, NY. Winters there could be brutal. One year, I received beautiful new pair of boots which I loved, particularly for the joy with which they enabled me to engage in the marvelous sport of puddle jumping. One day when the ice and snow had begun to melt, I eyed a nice puddle and jumped in the middle sending a freezing splash in all directions. But wait, something was wrong — this was no ordinary puddle! This one was made to capture people, and I was captured! Frantic, I pulled one foot out, but no matter how much I tried, the other foot would not budge. My boot was stuck. I was stuck! I pulled and pulled until finally my foot came free in a soggy sock. My beautiful boot had been left behind, buried beneath the slush. My little mind was faced with a choice. Did I care enough about to do something? It only took a second to act. I loved those boots. I found a stick and began to fish. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally pulled out my boot. That’s the first time I ever went fishing and was glad to catch a boot instead of a fish.
My desire with this book is to address some of those “stuck” moments we all face. I want to provide keys that will hopefully open a door or two that have held you back on the incredible journey of life. I say a door or two, or even three, because it’s almost always more than one thing that gets us stuck. Ah, but God—He is the change factor in all of this and in Him we can break free.

Blog Stops

Mary Hake, December 28
A Reader’s Brain, December 29
Carpe Diem, December 29
A Greater YesJanuary 5
Texas Book-aholic, January 6
BigreadersiteJanuary 9
Pursuing StacieJanuary 10

Giveaway

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In honor of the tour, Whitaker House is giving away
Grand Prize: Unstuck: Hope for Christians in a Dead-End Job, Dead-End Faith, or Some Similar Soul-Shriveling Rut by Chris DuPré; The Wild Love of God: A Journey That Heals Life’s Deepest Wounds by Chris DuPré;” Covenant” Pillar Candle scented with ancient biblical fragrances from Abba Jerusalem, and a Whitaker House Grown-Up Coloring Book
First Place Prize: Unstuck: Hope for Christians in a Dead-End Job, Dead-End Faith, or Some Similar Soul-Shriveling Rut by Chris DuPré; The Wild Love of God: A Journey That Heals Life’s Deepest Wounds by Chris DuPré;” “Man of God” Ceramic Mug, CTAInc.com; and a Whitaker House Grown-Up Coloring Book
Second Place Prize: Unstuck: Hope for Christians in a Dead-End Job, Dead-End Faith, or Some Similar Soul-Shriveling Rut by Chris DuPré; and The Wild Love of God: A Journey That Heals Life’s Deepest Wounds by Chris DuPré”.
Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c457
"Unstuck" is available in paperback:
  • Paperback: 176 pages
  • Publisher: Whitaker House (November 14, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1629119040
  • ISBN-13: 978-1629119045
  • Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.5 x 8.4 inches

and in Kindle edition:
  • File Size: 1259 KB
  • Print Length: 176 pages
  • Publisher: Whitaker House (November 14, 2017)
  • Publication Date: November 14, 2017
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B071RNLJFP

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

2017 in Review and Goals for 2018

My goals for 2017 were:

  • Write at least 3000 words/month (averages to 100 words/day)
  • Sculpt at least 12 babies
  • Tat at least 6 crosses
  • Sew at least 6 sock monkeys
  • Knit 9 hats
  • Exercise at least 20 days/month
  • Read at least 1 chapter a day in the Bible, plus in devotional books
  • Write up at least 4 backlogged book reviews a month
  • Post more than book reviews on my blog and within 2 weeks of the event I'm blogging about happened

How I did:

  • Wrote 14019 words (which averages to 38 words/day, but since most of those words came in the last 3 months, I averaged 141 words/day in those 3 months)
  • Sculpted 0 babies
  • Tatted 11 crosses
  • Sewed 10 sock monkeys and 3 sock pigs
  • Knit 1 hat, but also 2 headbands and crocheted a hat
  • Exercised 256 days
  • Read in the Bible 346 days
  • Wrote up 4 backlogged book reviews 

  • Goals for 2019:

    • Write at least 5000 words/month (averages to 167 words/day)
    • Sculpt at least 6 babies
    • Tat at least 6 crosses
    • Sew at least 6 sock monkeys
    • Knit 6 hats
    • Exercise at least 20 days/month
    • Read at least 1 chapter a day in the Bible, plus in devotional books
    • Write up at least 4 backlog book reviews a month
    • Post more than book reviews on my blog and within 2 weeks of the event I'm blogging about happened

    Monday, January 1, 2018

    Temperature Blanket - Week 52 - All Finished (With Pictures!)

    I did 14 weeks' worth of rows in 9 days to get caught up and finish my blanket in time! And I made it. The blanket weighs 7.5 pounds and has 91,250 stitches!

    Dec 24: 21 Snow Noon - 10:00 pm
    Dec 25: 21 Snow 2:00 - 5:30 am, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, 7:30 - 10:00 pm
    Dec 26: 9 (I get to use the lowest temperature color!) Snow 12:30 - 2:00, 8:00 - 9:30 am
    Dec 27: 11
    Dec 28: 11 Snow 5:30 - 6:15 pm & 9:30 - midnight
    Dec 29: 18 Snow midnight - 7:30 am , 1:00 - 3:15 pm, & 6:30 - midnight
    Dec 30: 14 Snow midnight - 5:30, 7:00 - 7:30, & 9:00 - 9:30 am
    Dec 31: 11 Snow 2:30 - 3:30 am

    Using my temperature scale, I had the following number of days of each temperature. (The first number is for just
    December and the second is cumulative for the whole year)

     < 9 :  1/1
    10-14: 4/6
    15-19: 1/3
    20-24: 4/9
    25-29: 5/16
    30-34: 8/23
    35-39: 2/27
    40-44: 1/23
    45-49: 1/27
    50-54: 2/21
    55-59: 2/19
    60-64: 0/21
    65-69: 0/29
    70-74: 0/25
    75-79: 0/41
    80-84: 0/38
    85-89: 0/21
    90-94: 0/6
    95+ : 0/1
    (19 colors)

    Using the more common scale, I would have ended up with:

     <  22: 10/18
    23-32: 10/35
    33-43: 5/51
    44-53: 4/49
    54-66: 2/53
    67-77: 0/72
    78-88: 0/68
    89 < : 0/12
    (8 colors)