“Angry With God” by Brad Hambrick ~ a book review

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I have to admit that I never imagined that I would read a book entitled Angry With God. However, when I heard about Brad Hambrick’s new book in the “Ask a Christian Counselor” series, I looked at the book blurb–and found out that, it WAS indeed something that I not only wanted to, but needed to read. New Growth Press sent me an ebook copy of Angry With God, and here’s more about the book plus what I thought about it.

What you’ll find in Angry With God

From the publisher:

“No one gets mad at God for something small. When we’re angry with God, it is because we’ve faced something immensely hard. Anger is an often-overlooked part of grieving, and as such, is an appropriate response to profoundly painful events. Counselor Brad Hambrick provides a guided process to being honest with God about your pain to restore and deepen your relationship with him. While we are often prone to interpret our anger about intense suffering as being at God, this book is an invitation to process these intense emotions with God as a source of comfort who is sturdy enough to support these turbulent emotions. 

If you are struggling with deep grief that is accompanied with anger and confusion, Angry with God will be profoundly helpful in your journey.  Hambrick will patiently walk you through the process of being honest with God (and others) about your pain. You will learn how to articulate your pain, alleviate the effects of this pain, contextualize your experience in light of the gospel, and begin to hope again. God is a good shepherd who is patient and willing to move at the pace of his sheep. God can be trusted in places that merit the name “the valley of the shadow of death.”  

Angry with God is part of the Ask the Christian Counselor series. This series walks readers through their deepest and most profound questions. Each question is unpacked by an experienced counselor that gives readers the tools to understand their struggle and how the gospel brings hope and healing to the problem they are facing.”

In 5 book segments, Brad Hambrick speaks to the reader about:

• Life practices and pacing that will help those in pain walk through the process of healing
• The different between hurt and heresy
• How the psalmists spoke of their own pain to God
• How myriad parts of our lives (emotions, thoughts, relationships, choices, and our views of God) are adversely affected by pain
• Practical steps to take in resolving our griefs and pains
• What the gospel has to say about pain and living in this good, but broken, created world

My thoughts about Angry With God

As I mentioned above, I’d never expected (or WANTED, naturally) to read a book entitled Angry With God. I was even more surprised when, a decade ago, I found myself incredibly angry with Him. Events had happened to me (and consequently, to my family) that just did not fit into my worldview of what I expected in this life. (I know! That sounds SO self-centered. But it was pain that I felt, and felt deeply.)

As time went by, I found that my relationship with God had somehow dislocated. I was still connected with Him, but I didn’t feel connected. I read His Word, attended church, and prayed–but I held him at a distance. I felt as though I didn’t trust Him any more even though I did, and could still say, that He was good. (I just didn’t trust Him to be good to me. [Parenthetical aside: of course over the years He was incredibly good to me, over and over! I was just stuck in a deep place of broken trust.]) I didn’t really understand how to deal with the pain and emotions I had, and was still, experiencing. Still, since then, I have seen Him bring me healing, even though I missed the intimacy I’d once experienced with Him. WHAT a help Angry With God was though!

I needed for someone to tell me that my feelings were actually normal, and even appropriate, given my pain and suffering. And I needed someone to tell me HOW to get through–or at least truly begin–the path of restoration. Hambrick does so in Angry With God (interestingly subtitled “An honest journey through suffering and betrayal” — that certainly got my attention!); a book that is incredibly practical. Which is what I needed. I needed someone to help me move past the theoretical or philosophical tenets of the Christian faith (that God is good, that He loves us, that Jesus died for all our sin and pain). I didn’t disbelieve those at heart. But I couldn’t figure out how to reconcile those truths with the deep pain I was feeling. FINALLY–a book that practically could guide me through the process of healing–specifically, practically, and kindly.

Step by step and practice by practice, Hambrick leads us through how to pace ourselves, how to embrace activities and relationships that grief may have temporarily caused us to lose, and how to think about our losses (from a big-picture perspective to the close and intimate one). This is one of the most practical and usable books on healing I’ve ever discovered.

…and its most meaningful words to me

Angry With God had so many healing and wonderful words, and so many effective tools and helps for walking through the valleys of pain, betrayal, and suffering. Here are some that impacted me the most:

• “We can affirm what is real within an emotional experience…without embracing the untrue content that gets embedded in those emotions…” (e.g., that “God is felt to be forgetful or uninterested in our suffering [Psalm 13:1, 44:24]” or “God is felt to have forsaken those who cry out to him [Psalm 22:1-2]”) …we can make peace with the tension…”
• Pacing the journey through grief and anger, taking the time to lament what has been suffered or lost, and understanding that eventually we can have a different perspective on the journey all are facets of a useful process (my summary, not the author’s).
• Brainstorm, play, and practice: start small, and understand that a little progress is still very good (my summary).
• “Progress in grief means your current season of life is no longer defined by the pain from the previous season of life.” (My summary here: Whew!)
• “But because God made this world to be good and we are made in his image, we get emotionally disrupted when things go painfully awry. This means as we take this journey of grieving our pain, we’re not crazy…We are looking at the shattered pieces of a beautiful work of art, saddened that it’s broken, and wondering how to put it back together again.”

Where you can purchase Angry With God

You can purchase Angry With God from a variety of booksellers, and I’ve linked two of them below:

New Growth Press

Amazon

About the author

Brad Hambrick, ThM, EdD, serves as the Pastor of Counseling at The Summit Church in Durham, NC. He also serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a council member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, and has authored several books including God’s Attributes: Rest for Life Struggles, Making Sense of Forgiveness, and Angry with God, and served as general editor for the Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused curriculum. 

And finally:

Angry With God: An honest journey through suffering and betrayal is the book I never, ever imagined that I would need. But it’s the book I am so immensely grateful for. It offered me a way to begin to process my grief in pain; in practical ways, but ways that would move me ahead, without shame over my emotions. We can know that God, our Shepherd, longs to and offers to walk us through the valleys, and Angry With God outlines specific and helpful ways we can go. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who’s experiencing those pains in their own relationship with God.

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from New Growth Press. All opinions shared in this blog post are my own honest ones.

Jerusha Agen’s fab new thriller: “Covert Danger” ~ a JustRead Blog & Review Tour (& giveaway, ends 10/3/22)

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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Covert Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Covert Danger Series: Guardians Unleashed #2 Author: Jerusha Agen Publisher: SDG Words, LLC Release Date: September 22, 2022 Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

A K-9 protection team. An assassin. Only one can survive.

An assassin is on the loose in the Twin Cities, aiming to kill FBI witnesses the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency is hired to protect. Rogue CIA agent Amalia Pérez and her protection K-9 must get the edge on this deadly opponent before he kills her childhood best friend—the only man who knows her true identity. Investigative journalist Michael Barrett can’t believe his eyes when the woman he’s spent years searching for walks back into his life. But he soon fears the woman he loved is lost forever beneath the secrets Amalia wears like armor. As the assassin closes in, Amalia will risk anything to keep Michael safe—anything except believing in the God he trusts. When the layers of deception become as dangerous as bullets, can Amalia and Michael uncover the truth in time to stop the assassin from completing his lethal mission?

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, a signed Covert Danger paperback, plus a Covert Danger mug and swag.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 26, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 3, 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!

My thoughts

First things first. Author Jerusha Agen. I NEVER miss an opportunity to read her books!

I have LOVED her Guardians Unleashed series. It’s filled with strong women, each one with a different skill set that is integral to the success of the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency. They’re all very different people, many of them women of faith. One is a demolitions expert. Another, a woman who runs the cybersecurity setup for the agency. Each woman has a K-9 (or trained service dog) with a different talent and training. And the protagonist of Covert Danger? She’s a CIA agent in hiding, who’s changed her name and identity to keep herself from being framed for a murder.

Amalia Pérez is a fascinating character. One who has loved, yet been burned and betrayed by that love. Who cared for the weak and small–until she learned at a horrible cost that she just can’t. And one who served her country with pride and honor, until someone else made that service impossible. So Amalia has coped. She’s built walls. Shut down her tender heart. And become even more of an exceptional and effective warrior than even the CIA trained her to be. Until her walls are threatened by the reappearance–and assignment to protect–her best and most beloved friend from her childhood.

Michael is an effective and idealistic journalist, one who’s written exposés which brought down traffickers, criminals, and those living nefarious double lives. When he’s reunited with Amalia, he can’t believe how she has changed. And his efforts to investigate what happened to her in the years that they’ve been separated might just put them in unimaginable danger. (Not to mention the feelings they’re developing for each other, at a seriously inconvenient moment!)

I absolutely loved Amalia’s character arc. I was also inspired, again, by the female friendships of the agency. They support one another, have each other’s backs, and work alongside their teammates (including their K-9s) with trust, humor, and extraordinary strength and faithfulness. I really liked Michael (even though there were moments when I wanted to shake him) and his faith and idealism. And Rocky, too!

Don’t miss Covert Danger. You will LOVE Amalia and Michael–and of course, the dogs! Incredible suspense that is uplifting and fascinating.

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.

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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.

Lynette Eason’s “Crossfire” ~ a Revell Reads Review

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Revell Reads sent me a copy of the newest Lynette Eason book in the “Extreme Measures” series: Crossfire. If you’re a fan of strong female characters and suspense reads, you will want to check out this book!

About Crossfire

The FBI. SWAT teams. Hostage situations. And the approaching 15th anniversary of a terrible event from Julianna’s past; one that still gives her nightmares.

She’s able to sort of bury the memories all the rest of the time. But in the days approaching the anniversary of the school shooting when she was a student, the memories refuse to be buried.

Julianna is a top-notch FBI special agent and negotiator. In fact, she hasn’t lost a hostage yet. But she’s about to be involved in negotiating for hostages in a cascade series of crimes. First, in a courtroom where not only the judge but the jury and some marshals are taken captive. While she’s working that assignment, she meets Clay Fox, whose sister is one of the hostages. Clay is a former army sniper, and while he’s exceptionally competent at his job as a school resource officer, he’s got pain and secrets of his own.

But when Clay sees Julianna in action, he is a bit…smitten. Slowly they become friends. And coincidentally, Julianna’s sister Dottie is a student at Clay’s high school.

But the cascade of hostage situations is beginning. There are some terrible ones. And the perpetrator is asking for Julianna as a negotiator by name. He, or she, is escalating. And those that Julianna loves the most might become the next targets.

My thoughts

Whew!

Once again, Lynette Eason has crafted a highly readable thriller with appealing and even vulnerable (at times) characters. She unfolds Julianna’s story in a fascinating way, even as a sweet romance might be developing between the special agent and Clay. They do have a lot in common, after all, beginning with their careers. They also have unhealed pain from the past that suddenly impacts their present.

I enjoyed seeing Julianna’s work as a hostage negotiator. (Not that I’d ever want to see that in person!) She is measured and effective, and readers will totally root for her. Eason also illustrates that dealing with past pain (or not dealing with it) really does impact the current day.

Crossfire is a great read. You will love it if you’re a fan of suspense thrillers with a bit of clean romance and a lot of mystery; intersecting with faith. I recommend it!

Enjoy! –Wren

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. All opinions expressed here are my own.

“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.

“The Plans He Has for Me” — a review (plus get a Kindle copy for only 99 cents thru 8/30/22)

**this is a sponsored post**

Have I got a devotional for you.

Thanks to FrontGate Media and author Rose Ann Forte, I have enjoyed a rich and meaningful devotional time that has brought me real growth lately. Rose Ann’s book The Plans He Has for Me: A 12-week Daily Devotional For Going Alcohol-Free is just the process that ANYONE, not just those who’d like to get alcohol use under control, can truly benefit from. It is all about building empowering habits that give us life to replace old habits that do the opposite, alongside God and His Word.

Let me tell you more about this exceptional book–and, like the title says, you can get a Kindle copy of the book for only 99 cents through 8/30/22!

About The Plans He Has for Me

The Plans He Has for Me is a twelve-week focused devotional for those who want to rid themselves of the psychological slavery associated with the habit of drinking alcohol.

Each day the reader will receive biblical guidance in the form of scripture, encouragement, and a daily prayer to inspire the creation of new habits, stay the course, and feel the power of the Holy Spirit within.

During these twelve weeks, it will become abundantly apparent how God has a much better plan for anyone after the removal this habit, allowing each to access who He created them to be.

Each day for 12 weeks, participants in this book’s devotional will spend time in:

• Prayer
• Practicing gratitude
• Reading Scripture & a devotional passage
• Thinking on and writing about that
• And then, ending in prayer

…and about its author, Rose Ann Forte

Rose Ann Forte was a successful C-Suite Executive and ministry leader in the church. She was a working mom of four and a social drinker. Over the years, life’s stresses and a difficult marriage created an environment where her alcohol usage increased significantly. Her health and emotional well-being suffered greatly. After the collapse of her marriage, her drinking further escalated, and she felt like a fraud with God and the Church. She made many attempts to control it only to later lose control again.

There were aspects of AA that didn’t feel comfortable for her so it was not an option in her mind.
She had already submitted to God and didn’t want to call herself an alcoholic.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she enrolled in a coaching program to put alcohol to the side for three months. Her experience was extremely transformational, and she recognized God’s instruction embedded in the entire process. She identified what alcohol had stolen from her life and understood that God had a better plan for her. Rose Ann felt called to document what she learned with a daily devotional so others can experience God’s promises through scriptural instruction with hope and a better plan for the future.

My experiences with The Plans He Has for Me

Although alcohol abuse is not my own struggle, I felt intuitively when I first saw The Plans He Has for Me that it would be an incredible guide for my own journey and building new and healthy habits. And in the spirit of full disclosure, I will tell you that my own struggles were birthed out of a seriously horrible time (awful stress resulting in two required surgeries; one of which literally saved my life). It was such a rough time that I did not rebound from well. My relationship with God was broken (on my end, of course, not His). And my relationships also suffered.

And yet, God. He promises never to leave us or forsake us, doesn’t He (Deuteronomy 31:6). So we have that promise. What I found was that even though I knew that, and so many other verses, I had a hard time believing and applying them to myself. And I became a person I hardly recognized.

Again–but God. He has been in the process of healing me over the years. And there have been many books which have helped me–and The Plans He Has for Me has been a HUGE and remarkable aid. What I have loved about it is that it truly has been guiding me on a much-needed journey. Have you ever known where you wanted to go but didn’t know how to get there? That’s where I was. But Rose Ann (via her book) came alongside me to guide me: in prayer; in developing an eye for things to be thankful for; in thinking of and writing out how the daily Scriptures (and accompanying devotionals) impacted me and where I was each day in my journey of healing and building new habits. I so appreciated this! I had gotten to a point that I abhorred and avoided journaling (just TOO MUCH. And exhausting.). But Rose Ann’s book doesn’t ask for a novel each day; it only directs the reader to think on and be grateful for good things, and to apply Scripture. Even the end prayers of each day are helpful and can give words for moments we might not even know what to ask.

In all, I would compare working through The Plans He Has For Me devotional to meeting with a spiritual mentor who can help you to, in a way, rewrite your life. It assisted me in developing:

• A more meaningful prayer life
• Genuine habits that will change me for the better over time
• Thoughtfulness about what God might be showing me (I’m more of a “feeler,” so this is incredibly important)
• An enjoyment of journaling, rather than the “overwhelm” and desire to AVOID I’d felt
• The ability to really slow down what I was doing each day with God
• And finally–the change I’ve been hoping for and even dreaming of

Where you can purchase The Plans He Has For Me

You can purchase the Kindle version of The Plans He Has For Me for only 99 cents through Tuesday, August 30, 2022. I so highly recommend this book. It can make an incredible difference in your life, whether you’re wanting to deal with alcohol use OR build any other healthful life habits. Just click on the link below to go to the Amazon book page.

Purchase a Kindle copy of the book for only 99 cents at the highlighted link

You never know what God might use to help you to heal or to move forward on your life’s journey. The Plans He Has For Me has become a remarkable and valued companion for me. I’d almost call it a miracle!

Consider whether this book could be right for you. It is worth checking out!

Bless you! –Wren

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post; however, all of my opinions shared here are only my own honest thoughts and experiences.

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.

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

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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)

#sponsor #partner

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.

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

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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.

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

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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.