“Matters of the Heart” (a review & GA, ends 11/23/22)

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A young Irish émigré, destitute, sells her mother’s locket to procure passage to America, where she moves to Missouri to live with her widowed aunt Aideen. Another immigrant, this time from Finland, is dealing with PTSD after his hospital service in the Civil War. Hans and Katie are both looking for different, better lives. Can they wait long enough to hear the voice of the God who loves them; whose purposes and plans are sure?

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Matters of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Matters of the Heart Series: Discerning God’s Best #3 Author: Heidi Gray McGill Publisher: Heidi Gray McGill Books LLC Release Date: July 26, 2022 Genre: Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Romance

She determines to champion the needs of others, no matter the fallout.

He’s determined to be his own man and make his own way. Will stubbornness keep them from discovering God’s best? Unconventional Katie empathizes with the widows and orphans of the Civil War who are searching for a place to call home in Shumard Oak Bend. But with no one to help her, she’ll need to do it secretly, a challenge she readily accepts. Katie’s taken charge before, and she’ll do it again, no matter whom she has to outwit to get the job done. Hans vows to stop doing everyone else’s bidding. But he follows orders when a pair of emerald green eyes, blazing red hair, and freckles that dance on the bridge of a pert nose conscript him to duty. Be his own man. Who is he kidding? Skunks don’t change their stripes. They leave disasters in their wake wherever they go, just like him. Overcoming personal obstacles and finding your true self doesn’t mean going it alone. Yet the answer isn’t always in the one you seek. True Christian Fiction. Relatable Characters. Life-changing stories.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Whether historical or contemporary, you will find Heidi Gray McGill‘s works to be true Christian Fiction, full of God’s redeeming love. Everything Heidi writes is purposeful. She believes in bringing a reader into the awareness of who God is to them and how He interacts with them on a personal level. She does this by crafting characters so relatable you feel part of who they are. Heidi reaches deep into the reader’s heart through masterfully written words and offers ways toward healing by seamlessly applying God’s Word throughout her stories.

Connect with Heidi by visiting her website to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive an Amazon Fire 7 tablet.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 16, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 23, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

My thoughts

Matters of the Heart starts off with a bang. Both Hans and Katie are in situations not of their own choosing, and feeling a lot of pain as a result. Both think that, “if only I were doing” something different, their lives would be amazing! Katie’s desire is to open and run an orphanage for the women and children displaced by the Civil War. Hans would like to build and create with wood–and to get away from his sister-in-law’s bitter tongue.

Heidi Gray McGill has written a beautiful “but God” novel. Her characters have journeys ahead of them; physical, mental, and emotional, for sure, but also spiritual.

“When you are relying on your own strength, it’s fear. When you are relying on God’s strength, it’s reverence….The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Reverend Jenkins, “Matters of the Heart,” by Heidi Gray McGill

What a wonderful, thoughtfully written book. Heidi doesn’t rush her characters through either a romance, vocational paths, or their individual spiritual journeys. That makes them feel so real, so honest. I love how the author doesn’t try to tie everything up in a bow or rush the story. She includes real thoughts, real emotions, and honest struggles as she walks Hans and Katie (and the secondary characters) through their seasons of life. They feel so real; and their challenges on their roads to faith and life are those we can definitely imagine (or maybe, that we ourselves have even been through!).

Matters of the Heart will engage you, make you think (and laugh), and cause you to hope for a happy ending for its wonderful characters. And, I believe your faith will be encouraged and blessed. It’s a lovely book, and one I definitely recommend.

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

For your TBR booklist: The Christy Award 2022 Finalists

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I have to ask you. Is this not the most gorgeous set of books?

If you’re not familiar with The Christy Award, here is what Wikipedia says: “The Christy Awards, established in 1999, are awarded each year to recognize fiction of excellence written from a Christian perspective with matters of faith at its core. Awards are given in several genres, including contemporary, historical, romance, suspense, and visionary.” The Christy Award website takes those ideas a bit further and says that the award “is designed to nurture and encourage creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview.”

Isn’t that wonderful? In a world which can often recognize the opposite, this award recognizes beauty, creativity, and quality. I have read several of these books and can speak to their beauty and wonder. Others, I haven’t read yet; but they are definitely on my “to be read,” or TBR list!

And one entrant is going to win a fabulous prize of books from this list…so keep reading and be sure to enter the giveaway!

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to The Christy Award 2022 Finalists!

The Christy Award Finalists 2022

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson Publishers) Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong (Kregel Publications)

FIRST NOVEL

All That Is Secret by Patricia Raybon (Tyndale House Publishers) Recorder by Cathy McCrumb (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media) Sugar Birds by Cheryl Grey Bostrom (She Writes Press)

GENERAL FICTION

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin (Thomas Nelson Publishers) The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) Under the Magnolias by T. I. Lowe (Tyndale House Publishers)

HISTORICAL

Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Drawn by The Current by Jocelyn Green (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Widows of Champagne by Renee Ryan (Love Inspired) Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham (Barbour Publishing) Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock (Thomas Nelson Publishers) The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

SHORT FORM

A Texas Christmas Carol (in Under the Texas Mistletoe) by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Mr. Nicholas: A Magical Christmas Tale by Christopher de Vinck (Paraclete Press) False Pretense by Heather Day Gilbert (WoodHaven Press)

SPECULATIVE

A Time to Seek by Tracy Higley (Stonewater Books LLC) Dark Intercept by Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson (Tyndale House Publishers) Recorder by Cathy McCrumb (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media) Windward Shore by Sharon Hinck (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media)

YOUNG ADULT

A Gentle Tyranny by Jess Corban (Wander, an imprint of Tyndale House Publishers) Realms of Light by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media) Shadow by Kara Swanson (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media)

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles from one category of their choice!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight November 3, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

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REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD 2022 EVENTS

Art of Writing on November 17, 12:30-5 pm at Lipscomb University in Nashville $99 A conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators.

The Christy Award Gala on November 17, 7-9 pm at Lipscomb University in Nashville $89 Celebrate this year’s finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

Bundle the Art of Writing Conference & The Christy Award Gala $139

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Best wishes–I’m so happy in advance for the person who wins this giveaway!

Enjoy! –Wren

“The Elite Guardians” ~ a JustRead Blog Tour & Giveaway (ends 10/10/22)

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Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Elite Guardians Collection by Lynette Eason, Kate Angelo, Sami A. Abrams, and Kelly Underwood, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Dive into the exciting ignition to the Elite Guardians Collection.

Title: Driving Force Series: Elite Guardians Collection #1 Authors: Lynette Eason and Kate Angelo Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: March 22, 2022 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense He’s the last client she wants to protect… Elite Guardians bodyguard/former sniper CHRISTINA SHERMAN has protected uncooperative clients before—but this time, well her client is bossy, headstrong and occasionally eats off the floor. Yes, he’s a highly trained military working dog, but certainly her skills could be put to better use, right? Not according to former Special Forces Air Commando GREY PARKER. He needs her help to protect his dog while he undergoes an experimental surgery that could restore his ability to walk. He just needs someone to keep his canine partner safe. Most of all, Grey wants back on his feet so he can track down a deranged scientist known as The Scavenger who unleashed a nerve agent that left Grey sidelined in a wheelchair. When an attempt is made on Grey’s life, and dead bodies begin piling up—with evidence the same toxin is responsible—suddenly Christina is tasked with keeping both dog and soldier alive…and with them, the secrets that could stop a terrorist attack. But this time, even Christina might be in over her head.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | BookBub | Christian Book

Another edge-of-your-seat Elite Guardians thriller!

Title: Impending Strike Series: Elite Guardians Collection #2 Authors: Lynette Eason and Sami A. Abrams Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: June 28, 2022 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Protecting him just might cost her everything…

Elite Guardian Charlie Lee knows that there is no future with the woman he loves—fellow Guardian Lizzie Tremaine. And, he gets it—as a single mom, Lizzie has to protect her daughter. But more than anything, he wants the chance to prove himself. Then, the unthinkable happens—while working undercover, Charlie is seriously injured…and his memory of the past four years is lost. Could it be the fresh start that he didn’t realize he longed for? Despite a friendship that’s turned flirtatious at times, Lizzie Tremaine has held Charlie at arms’ length. She’s lost all the men she’s ever loved, and is unwilling to risk her heart again. Still, she’s glad to keep an eye on him—as his bodyguard—and while she’s at it, help him put the pieces of his past together, including discovering who attacked him, and why. But Charlie seems to have forgotten their agreed-upon professional distance—and suddenly, all the rules are off the table. She’s seeing a side of Charlie she could possibly let into her heart. Problem is, the closer he gets to uncovering his memories, the closer he gets to trouble. It’s her heart…or his life. What will protecting Charlie cost her?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub | Christian Book

Book three of the riveting, high-octane world of the Elite Guardians reboot!

Title: Defending Honor Series: Elite Guardians Collection #3 Authors: Lynette Eason and Kelly Underwood Publisher: Sunrise Publishing Release Date: October 4, 2022 Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She’ll have to pretend to be his wife to save his life…but what will it cost her heart?

Laila Rabbinowitz is all business. Tough and stoic, she was the perfect Mossad agent…until a terrible betrayal led to her worst nightmare. Being a bodyguard with the Elite Guardians allows her to keep her heart safe—she’ll never let anyone close enough to betray her again. And she’s certainly not going to trust anyone who doesn’t earn it. Billionaire and former playboy Preston Whittaker walked away from his famous family after a terrible event, but then his father and brother are killed in a suspicious boating accident. Since he’s next in line to helm the family business, now someone wants him dead. Preston needs someone by his side 24/7, and the only solution is a fake marriage. In order to keep him safe, Laila will have to convince everyone that she and Preston are in love. She’s used to putting her life on the line for a client. But what will this case cost her heart?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Life Flight and the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children.

Connect with Lynette by visiting lynetteeason.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Kate Angelo is an author, minister, and public speaker from Southwest Missouri who works alongside her husband strengthening and encouraging marriages and families through their ministry. As the mother of five mostly grown children, she is fluent in both sarcasm and eye rolls-subjects she never intentionally taught while homeschooling. With her chihuahua taking up half of her desk space, she writes suspenseful stories of imperfect people who encounter hope and healing through Jesus. Kate is a tech enthusiast, coffee lover, productivity guru, accomplished knitter, avid boater, prayer warrior, and known klutz.

Connect with Kate by visiting kateangelo.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Sami A. Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30s that she found authors who captured her attention. Now, most evenings you can find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. In her opinion, a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Sami lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.

Connect with Sami by visiting samiaabrams.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Kelly Underwood‘s favorite things are reading, writing, and drinking coffee. She was born in New Hampshire, but don’t ask her about snow, because she’s been a Florida girl since she was twelve. She writes book reviews for her blog bestinsuspense.com and is an active member of the Central Florida chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She’s a sucker for a good suspense novel, the kind you have to read cover-to-cover until the mystery is solved and the bad guys are in handcuffs. If you’re looking for her, she’s probably on her back patio with a Kindle in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Visit her at kellyunderwoodauthor.com

Connect with Kelly by visiting kellyunderwoodauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a paperback set of all three Elite Guardians Collection novels, plus an Elite Guardians T-shirt!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 3, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 10, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A few of my thoughts about this series…and more!

If you love strong women protagonists, thrilling suspense and mystery, and clean romance (with a little faith thrown in), then The Elite Guardians series is just right for you! Each of these books has characters (both male and female, and sometimes even canine) that you will totally root for; and they’ve got fascinating backstories as well. Each book’s storyline is well-crafted and will keep you turning page after page, til you’re suddenly at then end (and wish you weren’t!).

Here’s an excerpt from the third book in the series (starring an ex-Mossad agent), Defending Honor.

Excerpt

“Preston!” She screamed over the crackle of the fire and whipped out her phone to call 911. Alarms from a fire truck blared in the distance, so she shoved her phone back in her pocket. Help was on the way.

She skirted the perimeter of the property, staying clear of the flames. “Preston!”

When she hit the backyard, the sound of barking stopped her dead in her tracks, and she looked at the burning house.

Preston’s face appeared at the window across from her. He banged on the pane. “It’s stuck! I can’t find anything heavy enough in the room to break the glass.”

Laila pulled her weapon from her holster. “Stand back!”

Preston looked at her, his eyes wide. She held up her gun. “Back away from the window. The bullet will shatter the glass.”

He got the message and retreated. Once she knew she wouldn’t accidentally shoot Preston, she fired a single shot. The bullet pierced the center of the pane, and the glass splintered into a thousand fragments. “Okay,” she yelled.

Preston reappeared, using his elbow to knock out any remaining pieces of glass. He disappeared for a second but returned with a blanket to cover the windowsill.

Preston ducked out of view again and returned with a golden retriever. “Can you grab Duke?” he asked. He lowered the dog out the window, and Laila wrapped her arms around the dog’s middle, lowering him to safety. But not before she got a paw in her face and a slobbery lick.

The sizzle of fire made Laila’s heart stop. She wouldn’t rest until Preston’s feet were on the ground. “Preston, you’re going to have to jump.”

“Run, Laila. Get out of here. The propane tanks in the garage might blow. I’ll be right behind you.”

He threw his legs over the sill, and Laila bolted the minute his boots hit the ground. They’d reached the woods at the edge of the property when a tremor nearly knocked her down. The house erupted into a giant fireball, and flames lit the sky like a fireworks display.

For a moment, all they could do was stare.

“I think I might need a bodyguard after all,” Preston finally muttered.

© 2022 Sunrise Publishing

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Jennifer Moore’s wonderful “Healing Hazel” ~ & you can enter to win in the JustRead Blog & Review Tour! (Giveaway closes 9/27/22)

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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing Hazel by Jennifer Moore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Healing Hazel Series: The Blue Orchid Society #3 Author: Jennifer Moore Publisher: Covenant Communications Release Date: September 8, 2022 Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Historical / Victorian

Hazel Thornton has one great ambition: to help the sick and wounded as a nurse. But that dream can never become a reality. After a devastating childhood trauma, she has spent her life battling fits of panic that make it impossible to finish her studies. Everything changes, however, when a trip to Spain takes a perilous turn that derails her plans to visit her father for Christmas and immediately plunges her into the dangers of a brutal war.

With single-minded focus, she springs into action to help her fellow travelers. To ensure their continued care, she begins work at a Spanish hospital alongside Dr. Jim Jackson, a man whose only emotion seems to be wariness of his new assistant. Armed with gifts of support from each of her dearest friends, a group that dubs themselves the Blue Orchid Society, Hazel embarks on a journey of hope and healing to battle the demons of her past with the help of the doctor who has captured her heart.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Moore lives with one husband and four sons who produce heaps of laundry and laughter. She earned a BA from the University of Utah in Linguistics, which she uses mostly for Jeopardy. A reader of history and romance, she loves traveling, tall ships, scented candles, and watching cake decorating videos. When she’s not driving carpool, writing, or helping with homework, she’ll usually be found playing tennis.

Connect with Jennifer by visiting authorjmoore.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Healing Hazel, bookmark, blue orchid pin, themed stickers, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 20, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Gift card open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

About Healing Hazel

Ah, the Victorian era.

The royal love story of Victoria and Albert. The fashion beginning of the white wedding dress, worn as legend has it first by Queen Victoria. But also–an era where restrictive corsets were the order of the day for women. When those with mental disorders were housed in the hospital nicknamed “Bedlam.” When the London Season was the way for well-brought-up young women to meet and marry, as they were displayed not as individuals to know but as prizes to be won.

But author Jennifer Moore’s members of The Blue Orchid Society (Dahlia, Vivian, Elizabeth, Sophronia, and, or course, Hazel) meet each other at a ball (in the library) and discover not only kindred spirits in each other, but gifts and skills that aren’t readily recognized as “appropriate” in their society. With devoted friendship and support, they encourage each other to pursue their unusual dreams.

Hazel’s dream was to become a nurse. Unfortunately, a condition related to a terrifying experience she endured as a tiny child interfered with her abilities to attend lectures, and what we’d describe now as panic attacks ended her schooling. Hazel’s friends say goodbye to her as she and a companion head instead to the Canary Islands, where she’ll meet her father, Major General Thornton, for a holiday over Christmas. But his unexpected military engagement interferes with their meeting; and it’s on the return to England that Hazel’s adventure truly begins.

My thoughts

Jennifer Moore’s wonderful heroine and her quite unusual adventure engaged me thoroughly! Hazel is plagued by panic attacks (which I can’t imagine would have gone over well in the Victorian era, with treatment at Bedlam something many feared, and rightfully so). All our current understanding of PTSD, which I readily admit is growing all the time, is so vastly different than the Victorians’ was. Yet here is Hazel, a faithful, loving, and strong young woman, who is barred from pursuing her dream simply because of her inability to be in crowded, small rooms or lecture halls.

But Hazel is thrown into nursing adjacent to the battlegrounds of the Carlist (or Spanish Civil) Wars in Spain, literally. When she and those she’s traveling with (along with others) are injured, she readily jumps in to help with what knowledge she possesses. And later, she is able to assist (at the grumblings of Dr. Jim) at the hospital where injured soldiers are brought. She has a good foundation of nursing care, and, as you can imagine, learns immensely more as she serves at the hospital.

She is wonderful–as is the clean romance that develops! I love Moore’s characters and their development, and the story that they find themselves in. I have read few books about the Spanish Civil War, and appreciated what I learned here. Most of all, I was moved and encouraged by Hazel and her friends of The Blue Orchid Society. Like Moore, the female friends of my life have been so dear and my source of support, love, and encouragement through the years (and NOT that I don’t adore my husband and son!). I loved seeing that happen with Hazel and her friends. Because of that, more of Jennifer Moore’s books are now most definitely on my reading list. Don’t miss Healing Hazel, for a loving look at a bright young woman who learns she CAN fulfill her dreams, despite society’s and her own health’s strictures. Just marvelous.

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“Forged” ~ a JustRead Blog & Review Tour & giveaway, too! (Ends 9/19/22)

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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Forged by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Forged Series: The Night Guardians Series #4 Author: Sara Davison Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink Release Date: September 5, 2022 Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

The one missing person he can’t find

is the one who matters the most. Private Investigator Jax Rodriguez has been searching for his brother, Diego, for twenty years. When he stumbles upon another lead, he makes an agonizing decision—he will follow this last trail until it grows cold, and then he will marry the woman he loves and abandon his quest once and for all. Artist Mikayla Grant is terrified of losing another person close to her, but she has to let Jax go after his brother. Given the secrecy surrounding Diego’s disappearance, clearly Jax is heading into danger. When all contact with him is abruptly cut off, can Mikayla trust that God’s promise to never leave or forsake Jax will be enough to bring him safely home, or does she need to take matters into her own hands? As Jax attempts to survive the dangerous streets of Caracus, Venezuela and then face the myriad of unknown threats in the El Yunque Rainforest in Puerto Rico, he is not the only one following his brother’s trail. A ruthless drug lord bent on revenge is using all his resources to discover the truth about what happened to Diego. If Jax can’t stay one step ahead of his pursuer, then he, like his brother, could disappear and never be heard from again.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Davison is the author of four romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo Trilogy, and two sparrows for a penny, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, she is a Word, Cascade, and Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario with her husband, Michael, and their three mostly grown kids. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara by visiting saradavison.org to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a paperback copy of Forged and $25 Amazon gift card.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 12, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 19, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A suspenseful excerpt for you to read

I DO love a great thriller of a read. And this one has so many elements that will grab you immediately: sweet romantic love; the search for lost family; the terrors of the cartel world; and one man, Jax, a PI and brother experiencing all of these. Jax is a fantastic hero, too. You will root for him (AND there will be moments that you’ll be a bit afraid to turn the next page!). If those descriptions aren’t enough, here is an excerpt from Sara Davison’s Forged to whet your own appetite!

Excerpt

The man with the gun brushed past Jax to yank open the back door. He directed Jax inside
with a wave of the weapon.

Jax slid onto the seat, barely getting out of the way before the door slammed behind him.
He shifted to face the man on the other end of the bench seat. Half-hidden in the shadows of the
dimly lit interior, the man gazed at him without speaking. Then he nodded, curtly. “You remind
me of your brother,” he said, in Spanish.

“Do I?”

“Sí.” The man chuckled, but the sound lacked any real mirth. “He was far more handsome
than he had a right to be too.”

“I wouldn’t know.” Bitterness gave Jax’s voice a slight edge he hadn’t intended. “I haven’t
seen him in twenty years.”

“That must have been difficult.”

Past tense again. Was the man about to confirm Jax’s worst fear? “It is.”

In closing

Now. Enter that giveaway for a chance to win Forged AND an Amazon gift card. If you love suspense and thrillers as much as I do, you will want to dive right into this book. You can also purchase it through the links above the author bio.

Be sure to click only on the pink highlighted link that says ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE to enter the giveaway (not that pink “https” portion of the line.)

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“Cold Dead Night” ~ a JustRead Blog & Review Tour (& giveaway, ends 9/12/22)

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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Cold Dead Night by Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Cold Dead Night Series: Brand of Justice #1 Author: Lisa Phillips Publisher: Two Dogs Publishing Release Date: August 25, 2022 Genre: Christian Suspense

The FBI betrayed her. Now they need her.

Private Investigator Kenna Banbury lost everything two years ago at the hands of a serial killer. From the ashes of that encounter, she’s built a life she believes in, searching for the lost and forgotten all over the western US. Bringing her own brand of justice. When a series of murders drags her into an FBI investigation, Kenna finds herself back in the place where it all went wrong. Struggling to make sense of the case, Kenna’s past and present collide in a deadly plot that risks another betrayal and threatens to shatter everything she’s built. Kenna faces the ultimate test in this first book of a brand-new series from Lisa Phillips. PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author Lisa Phillips is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed hardcover copy of Cold Dead Night and merch including a custom pen and chapstick. (3) additional winners will receive an ebook copy of Cold Dead Night.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 5, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 12, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only except books available internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

My thoughts

I can’t tell you the last time I read a book and was afraid to go to sleep!

Well, actually, I can; it was the other night when I was about 1/3 of the way through Lisa Phillips’ Cold Dead Night. Phillips is an exceptional world-builder; she also tells her story with exquisite pacing. In this book, we meet Kenna; a woman who’s got some serious fears yet fights through them to rescue and to bring justice and closure to victims and families. She has incredible instincts and a law enforcement background and training to back them up, though she uses her skills as a private investigator these days.

But oh, the loss.

Kenna has packaged her loss into a tiny corner of her heart. That loss pushes itself to the forefront with dreams and nightmares, occasionally; yet most of the time she’s able to compartmentalize in an almost superhuman manner. (But no, this isn’t the story of a comic book superhero. Kenna is all too human.) Alongside that loss, Kenna has constructed a solitary life as a PI. She goes where she is needed, assists the police when she can, then moves on to the next location. Alone, still.

When something concrete seems to connect her to a crime in Salt Lake City, the town she avoids until she has to pick up her mail, she’s surrounded by former FBI and police contacts. And the secrets she’s hidden are written on the faces of the agents who despise her, for what they think she has done. Her only sources of support are a police lieutenant and a new special agent Jaxton. But despite that, the body count is rising. The perpetrators are hidden from sight. Kenna may not make it out of this one alive.

Here’s what I can recommend to you: if you love police procedurals, justice, or FBI novels, you will love this book. (Or suspense books or thrillers!) Phillips’ storytelling and character creation are marvelous. Kenna has untold depths to her backstory and inner life, even as she is an exceptional investigator and truly a strong woman. You will root for her, sympathize with her pain, and hope against hope that she’ll come out of this book alive.

Just don’t read it before bedtime!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Lovely book shows kids God is right there with them! “You Can Shine So Bright!” ~ a JustRead Blog Tour (& giveaway, ends 8/30/22)

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Welcome to the Blog Tour for You Can Shine So Bright! by Jeremy & Jinger Vuolo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: You Can Shine So Bright! Author: Jeremy & Jinger Vuolo Publisher: WorthyKids Release Date: August 23, 2022 Genre: Christian, Children’s Picture Book

Help little ones learn to live by faith and love others well with this picture book from beloved television stars Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo.

This sweet and inspiring book encourages children to let their light shine as they move about the world. As they read along, little readers will be introduced to the fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22–23. Written in lighthearted verse, the story follows a group of children as they model love, joy, patience, peace, and more in everyday, relatable scenarios. This book, straight from the heart of the Vuolos, is perfect for families looking for a faith-based story to share together.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indie Bound | Christianbook

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo are known for living out their faith and family values during their years of television stardom. Jinger first appeared on TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, and later, the couple appeared together on Counting On. Hailing from Springdale, Arkansas, and part of the Duggar family, Jinger is an avid home cook, gifted pianist, and violinist who uses her talents to support the non-profit organization Swan 4 Kids. Jeremy is a former professional soccer player from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, now enrolled in the graduate program at The Master’s Seminary. The Vuolos live in Los Angeles, California, with their two children.

Connect with Jinger and Jeremy at their website to follow them on social media or sign up for their newsletter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive signed copies of You Can Shine So Bright, The Hope We Hold, and a $50 Visa gift card. (9) additional winners will receive signed copies of You Can Shine So Bright and The Hope We Hold.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 23, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 30, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

My thoughts on You Can Shine So Bright!

What a precious book!

If you are like me, and want to share about God and His love to your little ones, you’ve spent a lot of time reading Bible stories and children’s Bibles to them. You’ve probably shared the gospel with them. You Can Shine So Bright! is a beautiful book addition to what you’re already teaching your children. This picture book, with its cheerful and happy illustrations, takes Galatians 5:22-23 and illustrates in words and pictures what a life lived with God’s Holy Spirit can look like–in kid version!

Let me remind you what this verse says:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against things like this.

Galatians 5:22-23, CEB (Common English Bible)

I think we all love this verse–and we want our lives to show this! Authors Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo and illustrator Naomi C. Robinson take the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit and break them down, one by one, so that little eyes and ears can imagine them lived out in kid lives. (I’d take this a step further and say that this book will also inspire the adults who are reading this to their kiddos!) Each particular fruit is given two facing pages, plus rhyming verses which show kids living out the fruit in word and deed.

The verse, or poetry, on each page provides a rhythm which is cheerful and jaunty for read-alouds. The illustrations are bright and lovely and perfectly suited to this upbeat book about, at its heart, Christian living. The art shows children of many colors and even kids with disabilities, reaching out to others and showing the the Spirit’s work in their lives. I’ve included some of the pages here, although you’ll have to get a copy of You Can Shine So Bright! for yourself to see my own personal favorite (faithfulness).

I just loved this book. It takes verses about Christian living and makes them very personal and relatable to the reader. It shows that each of us, especially kids, can live a life of love and Spirit-directed care to others, whether they are siblings, friends, neighbors, grandparents, and even animals! Best of all, it tells children two important things:

• Jesus doesn’t only love us when we’re good; He loves us even when we totally mess up!
• And all of these beautiful qualities (or fruits) come from Him living in us, and working through us. We don’t generate them on our own, nor do we have to.

What a joy! God totally loves us–and we can live a life of love with His power in us.

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“The Dreaming Beauty” ~ a JustRead Blog & Review Tour (& giveaway, ends 8/22/22)

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Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for The Dreaming Beauty by Anneka R. Walker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Dreaming Beauty Series: Standalone follow-up to The Masked Baron Author: Anneka R. Walker Publisher: Covenant Communications Release Date: July 11, 2022 Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Historical / Regency / Fairy Tale Once upon a dream, two cursed people fell in love . . . Tansy White doesn’t want to end up alone like her three aunts who raised her, but when she is betrayed by her would-be betrothed, she fears she might never change her fate. At her aunts’ suggestion, she seizes the chance to visit Rose Cottage, the country home of her late mother. For years, dreams of the cottage have haunted Tansy, and she is convinced it holds the answer to her hidden past. But after getting caught in a terrible storm, she meets a man who is just as determined as she is to learn all her secrets. Marcus Taylor, brother to the Duke of Westmorland, is also troubled by vivid dreams. On a sleepless night, as a tempest rages outside his brother’s estate, he makes a discovery far more mysterious than any dream: a young woman, cold as ice, lies unconscious in the library, and he is sure she is the key to solving his problems. When she wakes, what begins as a shared quest for information turns into an unexpected friendship. As they piece together the fragments of their pasts, they discover a tangled web of lies, and their feelings for each other become just as entwined. But is their love as strong as their dreams . . . or their fate? PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub  

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anneka Walker is an award-winning author raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor’s degree in English and history. When she isn’t dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she is busy living her own with her husband and adorable children.

Connect with Anneka by visiting annekawalker.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, The Dreaming Beauty, signed book plate, matching bookmark, stickers, and button!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 15, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 22, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

My thoughts about The Dreaming Beauty

What a moving and delightful read! In The Dreaming Beauty, author Anneka Walker combines the charm of Jane Austen’s novels with the gothic secrets and suspense of those of the Brontë sisters–and the locales enjoyed by both. Although I sensed both of those worlds as I read The Dreaming Beauty, the characters and the story are Anneka Walker’s own.

Orphaned Tansy White lives with her three aunts (Aster, Iris, and Daisy) in Yorkshire. When a dream awakens her with urgency, she races to town to see with her own eyes the thing that it had foreshadowed: the man she had planned to marry in an intimate embrace with another young woman. At this moment, her aunts decide that it is time to finally take Tansy to the Lake District, to Rose Cottage, where her mother had lived before she had died.

Tansy’s family is a bit odd, or perhaps eccentric would be a better word. And Tansy herself is plagued at times with terrible dreams; although her dreams aren’t all nightmares. In fact, she painted her most beautiful painting after dreaming of its location. However, Tansy doesn’t live in an era (post-Napoleonic wars) when others would consider that anything but mental illness. And that would send her, she’s afraid, to Bedlam, the asylum for the mentally ill whose very name inspires terror. So she endeavors to keep that part of her a secret.

In the Lake District, Marcus Taylor (Oxford professor) is stewarding his brother’s estate. He has suffered from nightmares for years, and as a result avoids his bed as long as he can each night. And when a restless night sends Tansy out on a walk in the forest lane near Rose Cottage, she’s surprised when a cold rainfall catches her unawares. She’s suddenly lost–as well as drenched. (Did I mention she is only in her nightgown?) She finds a large home and makes her way in through the unlocked door…and to the nearby room where the coals of a fire beckon her. She thinks she will rest for just a moment…

And that’s where Marcus finds her, frozen, barely breathing, and with a fever. What a meeting!

Marcus befriends Tansy and her sisters. But what secrets exist on both sides! What is the cause of Marcus’s nightmares? Why does Tansy know so very little about her parents? Who is the dowager duchess who lives sequestered on the duke’s land? And who is leaving threatening notes on Tansy’s doorstep?

I absolutely loved The Dreaming Beauty! Anneka Walker tells her tale in a way that is both unhurried yet captivating; she is a masterful story plotter. Her characters are captivating, too! I loved Marcus, with his abilities to ferret out secrets and to spot liars…yet he is gentle and noble in his treatment of others. Tansy also is not in any way a typical Regency heroine. She is brave and wise, never one to simper at the attentions of men. She knows her own worth. But still, when they meet! Wonderful.

Get yourself a copy of The Dreaming Beauty. If you’re at all fond of Regency or gothic novels, you will love this beautifully-told tale. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway, listed above!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Jerry Jenkin’s newest: “Dead Sea Conspiracy” ~ a JustRead Blog Tour & fab Giveaway (ends 8/24/22)

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Welcome to the Blog Tour for Dead Sea Conspiracy by Jerry B. Jenkins, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Dead Sea Conspiracy Series: Dead Sea Chronicles #2 Author: Jerry B. Jenkins Publisher: Worthy Books Release Date: August 23, 2022 Genre: Christian Suspense, Dual Timeline (Biblical & Contemporary) In Book 2 of the Dead Sea Chronicles, archaeologist Nicole Berman is about to discover the key to unifying three major religions, if a dangerous and evil enemy doesn’t stop her first. She is the first woman to be awarded a permit to lead a dig in Saudi Arabia and believes what she hopes to discover has the power to rewrite history. She assembles a team that will ultimately surprise – and in some cases – betray her. In a parallel storyline, readers are launched back to ancient Ur where young Abram is sent to learn from his forebears, who tell him firsthand stories of being on the ark during the Great Flood.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indie Bound | Christianbook | BookBub

 

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerry B. Jenkins‘ books have sold more than 73 million copies. Twenty-one of his titles have reached the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal best-seller lists. The phenomenally best-selling Left Behind series inspired several movies, one starring Nicolas Cage and another starring Kevin Sorbo. Jenkins has been featured on the cover of Newsweek and his writing has appeared in Time, Reader’s Digest, Guideposts, and dozens of other periodicals. Jenkins owns the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, through which he trains thousands of aspiring writers. He is a member of the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame and chairs the Creative Writing major at Colorado Christian University. He and his wife, Dianna, have three grown sons, including Dallas, creator and director of The Chosen TV series.

Connect with Jerry by visiting jerryjenkins.com to follow him on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive signed & personalized copies of Dead Sea Rising (paperback), Dead Sea Conspiracy (hardcover), and a $50 Visa gift card. (9) additional winners will receive signed & personalized copies of Dead Sea Rising (paperback) and Dead Sea Conspiracy (hardcover).

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 16, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 23, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Now, read some excerpts from Jerry’s Dead Sea Conspiracy!

Jerry Jenkins’ “Dead Sea Chronicles” novels series is full of captivating suspense, unexpected faith, and fascinating settings and locales for his characters. That’s all so true again in Dead Sea Conspiracy! A dual-timeline novel takes readers into both ancient Ur and current-day Saudi Arabia, with protagonist Nicole having the distinction of being the first female archaeologist granted permission to run a dig there. You will definitely find this book to be a gripping and compelling read. Here are some book excerpts so you can step into Nicole’s world–and Abram’s present–in our own far distant past!

Excerpt #1:
When they arrived a few minutes later, Nicole found beautiful Kayla’s cheeks wet, and she
seemed unable to look Nicole in the eye. Her mother’s doctor pointed her and her father to chairs
in a small conference room. Kindly yet directly, he said, “There’s no easy way to break this to
you, but your wife and mother took a sudden turn for the worse this morning and passed less
than an hour ago.”

Impossible, Nicole thought. “She was perfectly fine last night! What happened?”  Benzion stood quickly. “I want to see her.”
“Let’s let them make her presentable, and—”
“Right now,” Ben said.
Nicole had shared her father’s urgency but now remained haunted by the pained expression she
found on the face she had come to cherish over the years—as if her mother had fought for a last
breath. There had been no signs of trauma or danger for days. Nicole couldn’t make it compute,
and her father seemed on the verge of a breakdown. “How does something like this happen?” he
asked the doctor, his voice constricted. “No warnings from all these machines?”
 

Excerpt #2:
It wasn’t as if Terah had not seen violence, especially in the presence of King Nimrod. In fact,
Terah himself had initiated enough that he should have been hardened to it. But something
rocked him about the capriciousness of this callous murder. The farther they climbed the great
tower, the more disgusted he became—with both the king and with himself.
When hoofbeats approached from below, he assumed it was the sculptor of the king’s image and
prayed the man had thought to bring a fresh rendering of Nimrod looking the way he wished to
appear. If he arrived with only more excuses, he might easily face the same fate as the hapless
chair bearer. But the donkey that clopped into view bore not the sculptor, but the wife of the slain
man. She dismounted and stood before the king, forcing his carriers to halt.
“I demand to know what happened! How does my husband, who served you faithfully—and with
pride—for so many years, wind up dead at the base of the tower?”
“So my message reached you, dear woman?” the king said.
“Your message? No! Someone recognized my husband’s body! What was your message?”
“I dispatched a courier to get word to you of your loyal husband’s unfortunate demise. We were
forced to the edge by a load of fresh brick and he lost his footing, poor soul.”

“Liar!” the woman screamed. “I saw his body! His shoulder and back had been ripped open!”
“He must have hit rocks on the way d—”
“The sides of the tower are smooth! He was clearly attacked by a swordsman and driven to—”
“Terah!” Nimrod said. “Did this woman call her king a liar?”
“She did.”
“Then why do you just stand there? Mete out justice! She must also die!”
Terah found himself willing to perish before he would execute this innocent woman. But before
he could call out Nimrod for his blatant lie, the woman keened, “I’ll save you the trouble!” and
leapt off the tower.

Excerpt #3
“I need to be entirely up front with you. Let me tell you what I believe the real worry is among my
colleagues and, more important, my superiors. Finds here at what you well know is ancient
Dedan might appear to confirm the primacy of Isaac and his descendants, as opposed to Ishmael
and his descendants. The people I answer to hold firmly to the doctrine that Abraham’s true son
of blessing and promise was Ishmael, the father of the Arabs.”
“And not Isaac,” Nicole said, “the father of the Jewish nation.”
Dr. Qahtani stepped even more directly into the sun and had to shield even his sunglasses with a
hand. He faced Nicole directly. “We’ve known each other only a few minutes,” he said. “And
already I admire your mind and what I can judge of your character—among other things.”
She felt her face flush and hoped it didn’t show. “Well, likewise, but you don’t really kn—”
“Lest there be any doubt, Nicole, you need to know that the mere possibility that discoveries
here, right in the backyard of the birthplace of our religion, could lend support to the Jewish
version of history and would rock the Islamic world. Many Muslims would be willing to do
anything to prevent that. Anything.”

Now that you’ve gotten a bit of the flavor of Jerry Jenkins’ newest, Dead Sea Conspiracy, don’t forget to enter his giveaway, filled with amazing prizes! One winner will receive signed AND personalized copies of Dead Sea Conspiracy and Dead Sea Rising, plus a $50 Visa gift card. 9 additional winners will receive signed and personalized copies of the two books. So exciting!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“Off the Itinerary” — a 3-book series — and a JustRead Blog Tour & Giveaway (ends 8/16/22)

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Welcome to the Blog Tour for Off the Itinerary series by M. Liz Boyle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE SERIES

Title: Avalanche Series: Off the Itinerary #1 Author: M. Liz Boyle Publisher: Independently Published Release Date: September 26, 2019 Genre: Christian middle-grade/YA, Adventure

“Avalanche surprised me with its depth…a 5-star read…” -For the Love of Literature Five friends. One moonlit summit. An unforgettable journey. Excitement hangs in the air as Marlee and her sisters join their friends on a daring hike up a Colorado mountain – in the middle of the night. When Sawyer first proposes the idea of a moonlit summit during the two families’ annual backpacking trip, Marlee is terrified but also hooked. Having grown up taking trips to the mountains, they’ve learned a thing or two about hiking, and Sawyer is confident they’ll be back by sunrise. But when disaster strikes, their knowledge, faith, and stamina will be put to the test. Digging out of the cemented snow is the first of many challenges in the coming days, and now Marlee has to trust Sawyer, who, by the way, was the brain behind the dilemma. Will their faith and friendship survive, or will they cave under pressure? This engaging journey, told by fifteen-year-old Marlee Stanley, captures a timeless sense of adventure. The five young adults strive to exhibit godly character throughout their escapade, but it will take immense strength to hike out of this mess. “I know that if their journey inspired me, it will certainly inspire others…Boyle has brought YA fans an uplifting, adventurous novel.” -A Baker’s Perspective PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound  

Title: Chased Series: Off the Itinerary #2 Author: M. Liz Boyle Publisher: Independently Published Release Date: June 1, 2020 Genre: Christian middle-grade/YA, Adventure

“Chased would be a great addition to a k-12 Christian school library. Middle schoolers and up will enjoy it.” – Library Lady’s Kid Lit It’s been a year since Marlee, her sisters, and the Miles boys survived an avalanche. Sure, it was a little embarrassing for them when all the neighbors saw them on the news, but they love being outdoors, and what are the odds that another tragedy would strike this adventurous group? Has anyone calculated the statistics of being hit with two natural disasters? It has to be low, so of course the two families planned to backpack again this summer. When the teens first meet Thad, a dehydrated hiker on the trail, they give him water and food and help him recover. He seems harmless until he tells them to hike a few extra miles at sunset. Then Lydie finds a hand-drawn map that Thad dropped, and they discover why he is so eager to get away from the Stanley girls and Miles boys. So eager that he starts chasing them. Now they have to climb up unforgiving ridges, sneak through the night, and – is that thunder and lightning? To make matters worse, Marlee has a nagging worry that her older sister Ellie is preparing to move away from home. What is God’s plan? How will they get away from Thad before it’s too late? “…realistic, exciting, and suspenseful…Chased is the perfect sequel to Avalanche. It’s gripping, suspenseful, entertaining, and, best of all, Christian.” -David M., Beta Reader

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository

 

Title: Ablaze Series: Off the Itinerary #3 Author: M. Liz Boyle Publisher: Independently Published Release Date: February 25, 2021 Genre: Christian middle-grade/YA, Adventure

“M. Liz Boyle tackles the topic of showering difficult people with grace and forgiveness, making this a must-read for Christian teens. Adventure seekers who loved Avalanche and Chased will fall head-over-heels for the adventure that heats up in Ablaze!” – Author Allyson Kennedy This summer the Stanley sisters and the Miles boys are excited to hike together again, and now they have the unique opportunity to help two of their ranger friends with an outdoor program in the beautiful Montana mountains. Marlee has always considered herself a willing follower. Give her a direction and she’s happy to help. Her older sister Ellie is a natural leader, and Marlee is content in her role as assistant. Marlee and her sisters have been assigned to help with Ranger Rose’s team, and they are savoring the adventure. But in a heartbeat while the group is divided by a few hundred feet, fire breaks out between Ranger Rose and Marlee’s group. In this enthralling finale to the Off the Itinerary series, Marlee must face her fears with courage that only God can provide.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M. Liz Boyle is an author, the wife of a professional tree climber and the mom of three energetic and laundry-producing children. She received her Associate’s of Arts at the University of Sioux Falls, where she received the LAR Writing Award for her essay entitled, “My Real Life Mufasa.” Liz once spent a summer in Colorado teaching rock climbing, which she believes was a fantastic way to make money and memories. She resides with her family in Wisconsin, where they enjoy hiking and rock climbing. Liz and her husband have also backpacked in Colorado and the Grand Canyon, which have provided inspiration for her writing. She likes making adventurous stories to encourage others to find adventures and expand their comfort zones (though admittedly, she still needs lots of practice expanding her own comfort zone). She has thoroughly enjoyed working on the Off the Itinerary series.

Connect with Liz by visiting mlizboyle.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive one Off the Itinerary series book (winner’s choice), book swag, and $15 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 9, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 16, 2022. US only. Items may vary from image. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Book excerpts to whet your appetite!

I personally love the YA world of fiction. While during our homeschool years we read a LOT of historical fiction, I was always thrilled when a book came along that captured my boy’s heart and mind. It feels as though there has been a huge surge lately in the YA (or young adult, books written for ages 12-18 and older) genre in terms of publishing. That makes me very happy–and I’m also happy to share some exciting book excerpts from the Off the Itinerary series!

I love the author’s voice and the characters she speaks through. Get ready for some rip-roaring reads–from the POV of teens who love their families and their God, and walk that out in the midst of some crazy adventures!

Book 1: Avalanche

“Full moons come once a month, and this combined-family backpacking trip happens once a year,” Sawyer explained. “My plan is for us to make it to the peak by two, maybe three a.m., and then be back to camp well before our parents wake up. They’ll never even notice we were gone.” He glanced at each of our faces to gauge our reactions. My mind began spinning, imagining the cautionary information Dad and Caleb would have for this idea. 

Hiking at night? Attempting a peak in the dark? It was early June, so the ridges and peaks were still mostly snow covered. During the day, with Dad and Caleb’s expertise, our careful moms close by, and the extensive gear that our dads had, I would not be so hesitant. But sneaking away in the night, just us kids? I almost spoke up, but then Sawyer continued, “I heard Dad and Mr. Forrest talk about it once.” Forrest Stanley is my dad, affectionately called Mr. Forrest by the Miles boys. Sawyer continued, “They did a moonlit summit, and Dad said it was one of his greatest memories. We could have a story like that, too,” he pressed. I too had heard the story of their midnight hike. But they told the guys they were with what they were doing, and besides, they were professional backpacking guides at the time.

In my family, we pray to God. A lot. We pray before meals and trips, and at the start and end of every day. Instinctively, I began praying silently, either for safety or for Sawyer to forget this whole idea. I’ll admit, it sounded cool – make that awesome. Summiting one of Colorado’s fourteeners, a peak over 14,000 feet tall, in the middle of the night during a full moon! What could be better than that? This would be a tough decision. But Sawyer was almost eighteen now, with a respectable amount of backpacking experience considering his age. He was enrolled to attend the Professional Outdoor Guides School at the end of summer. So we practically had a pro leading us. Well, not quite a pro, but I knew he was good for his age.

And I already knew how knowledgeable he was with bears. I’d seen him hike every summer for as long as I could remember, and I could not deny that he was a natural. With him as our guide, the chances of our succeeding were fairly high – I hoped.

Book 2: Chased

“Maybe this is far-fetched,” Ellie slowly said, as if she was afraid to say it, “but what if there’s something wrong at the next campsite where Thad sent us? I mean, he doesn’t want us to be near him, but why? Do you think it’s a coincidence that he said that not everyone you meet in the backcountry is good? What if he’s planning some crime against us, and we’ll hike right into it by following his instructions?”

Sawyer, Lydie, and I nodded thoughtfully, but Marshall spoke up, “Good point, but I think it’s more likely that he’s afraid of us, so he’ll feel better if he knows we’re out of his space. He seemed paranoid when he was asking every detail of our itinerary. Like he thought we were out to get him. And how could he be planning evil against us when he was half-dead only a few hours ago?” Again, we all nodded thoughtfully, considering the unusual situation. Was it paranoia or planned crime? If he really was a criminal, he could have accomplices, and they could still be able to do whatever it was even if Thad was sick. He looked nervous  – was it fear of us hurting him, or of us spoiling his criminal plans?

Book 3: Ablaze

A month ago I would’ve jumped at the chance to help lead OutPro. I would do almost anything for the rangers who rescued us, and this chance was practically a dream come true. But that was before. I really did want to make Ranger Rose proud, but I felt unworthy of her confidence in my ability to lead. I
was so out of my comfort zone, and I was only kidding myself to think I could make the rangers proud and contribute to OutPro. Braelynn and Shelby had shown me that I wasn’t up to leading. I’m just a hot mess – a hot mess who is almost in tears. And how could Ranger Rose be so delusional to think I could be
helpful? I couldn’t stand to see disappointment in her face, so I looked down and scratched a bug bite on my shin. 

Sure, I signed up to help lead. But at this point, I decided OutPro would be better off if I just tagged along. I would participate just enough to stay off the Rangers’ radar, but not so much to be annoying and divisive. Because lately when I try to lead, bad things happen. And in a forest that was reportedly ready to burst into flames, I did not want to be a leader.

…

I had never given much thought to the well-known fact that heat rises. But as I gaped at the flames racing uphill toward us, greedily devouring the meadow grass, I realized that the rising heat factoid is a really big deal. Braelynn’s slashing words again clouded my thoughts. Sorry to disappoint you, Mrs. Gunderson. I
should never have signed up for this leadership role!

“Marlee, do something!” Reeny shrieked. Sure, let me just unroll the fire hose stashed conveniently in the top of my pack.

I don’t know about you, but each of the situations where the teens find themselves above are ones that really cause my adrenaline to start rolling! And, of course, makes me read even faster to reach the conclusion of the books. I believe you’ll feel the same way!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.