Thursday, September 19, 2019

Hagar: Rediscovering The God Who Sees Me By: Shadia Hrichi

I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Description:

You are "The God Who Sees Me." Discover a close relationship with God, no matter the pain or suffering in your life. Witness the depths of God's compassion through the eyes of Hagar, a runaway slave who meets the living God in a desert of despair, where she gives Him the name El Roi, "The God Who Sees Me." A largely forgotten Old Testament character, Hagar is actually one of only a few people who have ever spoken directly with the LORD. Through this seven week study, you will find that when you surrender your life into God's hands, your trials and triumphs serve a magnificent purpose: to draw you into the arms of the faithful God who sees you.


My Thoughts:  

Hagar: Rediscovering The God Who Sees Me is the latest Study Book from Shadia Hrichi and it is eye opening. I have not had the pleasure of reading Shadia Hrichi so I am very glad I had this opportunity.  This study brings into the light of Hagar, the mother of Ismael, Abraham's first son. Hagar was a slave for Abraham's wife, Sarah. I haven't seen many books about Hagar so this was an interesting read about this famous woman. I found this study to be in depth and it brought me back to realizing that God does see me. This is a study I will be rereading and it will stay with me for a long time. I found Shadia Hrichi's unique style of writing to be fantastic. She uses the Bible and her experiences make this study down to earth and real. From cover to cover this study is beautiful. I HIGHLY recommend this study and this author to anyone looking for a Bible study to do as a group or individually. I cannot wait to read more from Shadia Hrichi. 
I give this book 5+ Stars

 
 Hagar FB banner

About the Book

Hagar-3D-no-shadow-for-web
Book: Hagar
Author: Shadia Hrichi
Genre: Religion / Bible Study
Release Date: October 10, 2017

You are ”The God Who Sees Me.”

Discover a close relationship with God–no matter the pain or suffering in your life. Witness the depths of God’s compassion through the eyes of Hagar, a runaway slave who meets the living God in a desert of despair, where she gives Him the name El Roi, ”The God Who Sees Me.”

Through this seven week study, you will find that when you surrender your life into God’s hands, your trials and triumphs serve a magnificent purpose: to draw you into the arms of the faithful God Who Sees Me.

”Deep and packed with surprising insights!” Francine Rivers  Click here to grab your copy. 

https://www.shadiahrichi.com/product/hagar-audio-teaching-series/
 

About the Author 

 SHADIA HRICHI holds an MA in Biblical and Theological Studies, as well as an MA in Criminal Justice and a BA in Psychology. In addition to numerous articles, Shadia is the author of Worthy of Love and Nameless No More. Shadia is often invited onto radio programs and regularly speaks at churches and women’s events. Currently residing in northern California, Shadia serves at Venture Christian Church and loves to visit the ocean each week for ”a date with Jesus.” Visit shadiahrichi.com.

shadia  

More from Shadia

Am I known? Am I loved? Am I home? Every human heart is searching for the answers to these questions. Yet when pain and heartache enter our lives, we feel betrayed and cry out one question: God, do You see me? The answer is yes. He is Behind the Seen. Because we live in a fallen world, each of us will inevitably face hard times, even painful ones. Who among us has never seen or felt the fallout of broken homes, broken lives, or broken dreams? Hagar is a great example of someone who discovered God during a difficult time. Maybe you have never heard of her. Or perhaps you came across her name in a study of the book of Genesis. But how much do you really know about this young slave girl? We often relegate her to the backstage as a minor character in God’s redemptive story. But was she? As I explored Hagar’s story for another book I wanted to write, God continually amazed me as we journeyed together from the affluence of Egypt, into a life of slavery, to a desert of despair. It seemed the more I studied her life, the more I discovered about God. What began as a chapter evolved into a study all its own. Two years and several thousand hours of study and prayer later, HAGAR: Rediscovering the God Who Sees Me came to be. Consider this book as your backstage pass to the life of Hagar. I have never actually gone backstage during a live event, but I know that much more goes on behind the scenes than meets the eye. I invite you to come backstage with me and explore how God was involved in every detail of Hagar’s life. Her story has all the ingredients of a Hollywood tragedy: betrayal, loss, abuse, crisis pregnancy, abandonment . . . any of that sound painfully familiar? Thankfully, Hagar’s story does not end in despair. God was working Behind the Seen—just as He has in your life and mine—all along. As a matter of fact, Hagar emerges victorious! Hagar: an unsung hero if there ever was one. Beloved, is the enemy using anything in your past to try to derail you from God’s plan, or hold you back from experiencing God’s joy to the fullest? Be assured, that is not how your story will end. Just as God did for Hagar, when He enters your story, victory is already assured. So strap on your sandals and a grab a bottle of water. We’re heading into the desert. A place where we will rediscover the God Who Sees Me. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” —Isaiah 9:2

Blog Stops

amandainpa , September 9
Emily Yager, September 9
A Reader’s Brain, September 10
Lights in a Dark World, September 10
Inspired by fiction, September 11
Genesis 5020, September 11
Robin’s Nest, September 11
Quiet Workings, September 12
Mary Hake, September 13
Godly Book Reviews, September 14
Moments, September 15
Retrospective Spines, September 16
Batya’s Bits, September 16
Pause for Tales, September 17
CarpeDiem, September 17
Aryn the Libraryan ?, September 18
For The Love of Books, September 19
Texas Book-aholic, September 20
janicesbookreviews, September 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shadia is giving away to TWO winners 1 book of Hagar, 1 book of Legion and a $50 gift certificate for leafwoodpublishers.com!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Samson & Amish Delilah By Thomas Nye

I received this book for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:

Everyone in America has fallen in love with Delilah, leading lady in a bestselling Amish novel. When media giants discover that Delilah is a real person, the pursuit is on. Dave joins the search not realizing that by finding her, he would fall into the story and become Samson.


My Thoughts:

Samson and Amish Delilah is the latest story by Thomas Nye. This book is unique and fantastic. As a fan of Amish Fiction this book really drew my attention. This is the first book by Thomas Nye I have had the pleasure of read and I am hooked. Through Thomas Nye's writing you can feel his passion for writing, the Amish, and horses. I love horses, always have and I loved learning more about them in this story. I found this book very unique in that it is a story inside a story. Thomas Nye's smooth transitions between the stories are seamless and definitely made it more interesting.  The characters in this book are realistic and well written. I loved the characters in this book especially Delilah. Delilah's faith and care are admirable, and so is the learning she does about forgiveness of yourself and by God. I love the cover art, it's simply and says so much. I found myself unable to put down this book from start to finish. Definitely kept me on my toes and guessing until the end. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I cannot wait to read Thomas Nye's other books. I give this book 5 STARS.
 





samson and Amish Delilah FB Banner

About this Book

Samson and Amish Delilah
Book: Samson & Amish Delilah
Author: Thomas Nye
Genre: Christian Amish Fiction
Release Date: August 19, 2019

Everyone in America has fallen in love with Delilah, leading lady in a bestselling Amish novel. When media giants discover that Delilah is a real person, the pursuit is on. Dave joins the search not realizing that by finding her, he would fall into the story and become Samson. 


Click here to get your copy!
     

About the Author

Thomas
Thomas Nye writes novels about horses and Amish life, with a touch of romance, and a foundation of faith in Christ. He and his wife, Shari, live on her family farm where they raised five children. Their six grandchildren love to visit Karma and Karla, a team of draft horses which Thomas purchased from an Amish friend. Walking a mail route for the U.S. Postal Service keeps Thomas close to nature and affords him many quiet hours which he uses to dream up novels. Over three decades of friendships with Amish neighbors has revealed a simple wisdom that he weaves into his writing.  

More from Thomas

Most authors agree that during the course of writing a novel, the characters seem to come alive and emerge with personality traits we ourselves didn’t originally plan to give them. Not only did the lead characters of Samson and Delilah take on a life of their own, they also pulled the story in a direction I never planned to go. Samson and Amish Delilah is a book about a book. You will soon discover that the characters are reading along with you. They even try to guess the ending and have discussions about it. As I worked on the final few chapters, I could almost feel Samson and Delilah urging me forward, as though they needed me to write out solutions to the issues they were facing. I could almost hear them calling to me, “Please—finish this book—we want the world to hear our story.” Maybe all of this is just me projecting my feelings on them. LOL. Either way, I’ve gotten to know Samson and Delilah pretty well and I’m sure they would want you to smile, laugh, cry, and learn about the power of forgiveness along with them. Thomas Nye P.S. It so happens that I feel Samson and Delilah nudging me forward with a follow-up novel. Wink, wink.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, September 7
Batya’s Bits, September 7
Moments, September 8
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 9
Bigreadersite, September 10
Pause for Tales, September 12
Maureen’s Musings, September 12
Emily Yager, September 13
Older & Smarter?, September 14
Texas Book-aholic, September 15
Mary Hake, September 15
janicesbookreviews, September 17
Inklings and notions, September 18
For The Love of Books, September 18
A Reader’s Brain, September 19

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Thomas is giving away a Thomas Nye Gift Box, which includes four books by Thomas Nye: Samson and Amish Delilah, Under the Heavens, Amish Park, and Plain Everyday Heroes!! Along with bookmarkers and an Amish designed coloring book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Seeing Angels: How to Recognize and Interact with Your Heavenly Messengers By Joshua Mills

I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own. 


Book Description: 

 A recent study found that 57 percent of Catholics, 66 percent of Evangelical Protestants, and 10 percent of Jews have reported having a personal experience with a guardian angel. And 20 percent of those who identified themselves as having no religion also claimed having encountered an angel.

Seeing Angels is one of the most in depth examinations of angelic ministry by one of the cutting-edge charismatic leaders in the church today. Joshua Mills goes beyond the usual takes on angels regarding spiritual warfare and explores who they are, how to recognize them, and what they do.

  • Part I, Understanding Your Angels, is all about understanding who angels are, exploring why they are necessary and how different angels minister comfort, healing, love, prosperity. It reveals who they carry out specific geographic assignments for cities and nations, as well as the more unique and extraordinary assignments they receive.
  • Part II, Discerning Your Angels, explains how to become more aware of the unseen heavenly realm, as well as how to recognize divine intervention when it does reveal itself to human sight. Such manifestations include random strangers, visions, or signs and messengers that believers receive. Joshua also explains the way he has interacted with visions of radiant light, swirling colors, and what he describes as atmospheric shifts. All of this is intended to make believers become more aware of both invisible and revealed spiritual realities.
  • Part III, Working with Your Angels, deals specifically with how to minister alongside these heavenly messengers as they stand watch, provide protection, and administer strength and comfort. This includes recognizing their movements and how to effectively pray for angelic encounters to take place.


My Thoughts 

Seeing Angels is the latest book by Joshua Mills and it is phenomenal.  This is the first book of Joshua Mills and I am so glad to have read it.  Seeing Angels is a Non Fiction book about Guardian Angels we have around us and for us.  Joshua Mills has personal experience with this subject, which gives a rare insight on Angels. Besides the Bible, Seeing Angels not only talks about seeing your angels but also how to partner with them and their messages. I personally have always believed in Angels and that there are Guardian Angels assigned to each of us. I have had a personal experience with a Guardian Angel, My Grandma, so this book really spoke to me. I truly enjoyed learning so much more about these Angels in real life and how to see, hear, and speak to them. I cannot say enough about this book. I highly recommend anyone who want to learn more about Angels to read this book, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 5+ STARS.

 
Seeing Angels FB Banner

About the Book

Seeing Angels
Book: Seeing Angels
Author: Joshua Mills
Genre: Religion / Christian Theology/Angelology & Demonology
Release Date: September 3, 2019

A recent study found that 57 percent of Catholics, 66 percent of Evangelical Protestants, and 10 percent of Jews have reported having a personal experience with a guardian angel. And 20 percent of those who identified themselves as having no religion also claimed having encountered an angel.

Seeing Angels is one of the most in depth examinations of angelic ministry by one of the cutting-edge charismatic leaders in the church today. Joshua Mills goes beyond the usual takes on angels regarding spiritual warfare and explores who they are, how to recognize them, and what they do.
  • Part I, Understanding Your Angels, is all about understanding who angels are, exploring why they are necessary and how different angels minister comfort, healing, love, prosperity. It reveals who they carry out specific geographic assignments for cities and nations, as well as the more unique and extraordinary assignments they receive.
  • Part II, Discerning Your Angels, explains how to become more aware of the unseen heavenly realm, as well as how to recognize divine intervention when it does reveal itself to human sight. Such manifestations include random strangers, visions, or signs and messengers that believers receive. Joshua also explains the way he has interacted with visions of radiant light, swirling colors, and what he describes as atmospheric shifts. All of this is intended to make believers become more aware of both invisible and revealed spiritual realities.
  • Part III, Working with Your Angels, deals specifically with how to minister alongside these heavenly messengers as they stand watch, provide protection, and administer strength and comfort. This includes recognizing their movements and how to effectively pray for angelic encounters to take place.
With a foreword by Patricia King, Seeing Angels is among the most comprehensive teachings on recognizing angelic beings and understanding how to partner with them in ministry.
 
Click here to grab your copy.
 

About the Author

Joshua Mills
Joshua Mills is an internationally recognized ordained minister of the gospel, as well as a recording artist, keynote conference speaker, and author of more than twenty books and spiritual training manuals. His most recent book with Whitaker House was Moving in Glory Realms. He is well known for his unique insights into the glory realm, prophetic sound, and the supernatural atmosphere that he carries. For more than twenty years, he has helped people discover the life-shifting truth of salvation, healing, and deliverance for spirit, soul and body. Joshua and his wife, Janet, cofounded International Glory Ministries, and have ministered on six continents in over seventy-five nations around the world. Featured in several film documentaries and print articles, including Charisma and Worship Leader Magazine, together, they have ministered to millions around the world through radio, television, and online webcasts, including appearances on TBN, Daystar, GodTV, It’s Supernatural! with Sid Roth100 Huntley Street, and Everlasting Love with Patricia King. Their ministry is located in both Palm Springs, California, and London, Ontario, Canada, where they live with their three children: Lincoln, Liberty, and Legacy.
 

More from Joshua

Angels are a hot topic. A 2007 Baylor Religion Survey found that 57 percent of Catholics, 81 percent of black Protestants, 66 percent of Evangelical Protestants, and 10 percent of Jews reported having a personal experience with a guardian angel. And 20 percent of those who identified themselves as having no religion also claimed having encountered an angel.

Blog Stops

CarpeDiem, September 11
Godly Book Reviews, September 12
Through the Fire Blogs, September 13
Vicky Sluiter, September 16
Spoken from the Heart, September 17
Texas Book-aholic, September 18
Retrospective Spines, September 19
Emily Yager, September 20
janicesbookreviews, September 21
A Reader’s Brain, September 22
Inklings and notions , September 23

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Joshua is giving away a grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card, copy of SEEING ANGELS, copy of Heaven and Angels by H.A. and copy of A Divine Revelation of Angels by Mary K. Baxter!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter https://promosimple.com/ps/e806/seeing-angels-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Strands of Truth By Colleen Coble

I received this book for no charge from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:  

Harper Taylor is used to being alone—after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own. 
So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name? 
Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future. 



My Thoughts:

Strands of Truth is the latest book by Colleen Coble and it is fantastic. I have always been a fan of Colleen Coble, her books are so engaging and keeps you guessing until the end and this book gives this and more. I love Mystery and Thriller books so I was excited to have the opportunity to read this book. Colleen Coble's style of writing is unique and she writes with authority about: DNA, foster care, Marine Biology, and Christianity. The characters in this book are well written and very relatable. I found myself drawn to Harper, her plight to find her family and then to be in danger because of that search really hit me. I found her strength and faith admirable. I could not put this book down, once I picked it up I could NOT put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Mystery Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.



Strands of Truth FB Baner

About the Book

cover Strands of Truth


Book: Strands of Truth
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre: Suspense
Release Date: September 10, 2019

Harper Taylor is used to being alone—after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own.

So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name?

Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future.

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

Click here to get your copy.  

About the Author

colleen-coble-headshot-small
Colleen Coble is a USA TODAY bestselling author and RITA finalist best known for her coastal romantic suspense novels, including The Inn at Ocean’s EdgeTwilight at Blueberry Barrens, and the Lavender Tides, Sunset Cove, Hope Beach, and Rock Harbor series. Connect with Colleen online at colleencoble.com; Instagram: colleencoble; Facebook: colleencoblebooks; Twitter: @colleencoble.  

Read a Premium Excerpt

Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble. Strands of Harper Taylor’s childhood are resurfacing—but will the truth save her . . . or pull her under?  Harper Taylor is used to being alone— after all, she grew up in one foster home after another. Oliver Jackson finally took her under his wing when she was a runaway teenager, and now Harper pours her marine biology knowledge into Oliver’s pen shell research. But she’s never stopped wishing for a family of her own. So when a DNA test reveals a half-sister living just two hours away, Harper is both hopeful and nervous. Over warm cinnamon rolls, Harper and Annabelle find striking similarities in their stories. Is it just a coincidence that both their mothers died tragically, without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name? Oliver’s son Ridge still sees Harper as a troubled teen even all these years later. But when Oliver is attacked, Ridge and Harper find themselves working together to uncover dangerous secrets that threaten to destroy them all. They must unravel her past before they can have any hope for the future. Suspense, romance, and generational secrets meld in this engrossing new novel from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble. “Free-dive into a romantic suspense that will leave you breathless and craving for more.” –DiAnn Mills, bestselling author “As always, Colleen Coble never disappoints. Strands of Truth is no exception. I was hooked from the first page. Trying to read this story slowly is impossible. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself flipping the pages in a hurry to find out what happens next! This one is for your keeper shelf.” –Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice Series “Colleen Coble’s latest book, Strands of Truth, grips you on page one with a heart-pounding opening and doesn’t let go until the last satisfying word. I love her skill in pulling the reader in with believable, likable characters, interesting locations, and a mystery just waiting to be untangled. Highly recommended.” –Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling author of Formula of Deception “Once again, Colleen Coble delivers an intriguing, suspenseful tale in Strands of Truth. The mystery and tension mount toward an explosive and satisfying finish. Well done.” –Creston Mapes, bestselling author “Just when I think Colleen Coble’s stories can’t get any better, she proves me wrong. In Strands of Truth, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. The characterization of Ridge and Harper and their relationship pulled me immediately into the story. Fast paced, with so many unexpected twists and turns, I read this book in one sitting. Coble has pushed the bar higher than I’d imagined. This book is one not to be missed.” –Robin Caroll, best-selling author of the Darkwater Inn series “It’s in her blood! Colleen Coble once again shows her suspense prowess with a thriller as intricate and beautiful as a strand of DNA. Strands of Truth dives into an unusual profession involving mollusks and shell beds that weaves a unique, silky thread throughout the story. So fascinating I couldn’t stop reading!” –Ronie Kendig, bestselling author of The Tox Files

Blog Stops

Inspired by fiction, September 3
EmpowerMoms, September 3
Blogging With Carol, September 3
Christian bookaholic, September 4
KarenSueHadley , September 4
Susan Cornwell, September 5
Inside the Wong Mind, September 5
Godly Book Reviews, September 5
Emily Yager, September 6
Older & Smarter?, September 6
Blessed & Bookish, September 6
Andrea Christenson, September 6
Avid Reader Nurse, September 7
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 7
The Becca Files, September 8
Mary Hake, September 8
Spoken from the Heart, September 9
Betti Mace, September 9
Back Porch Reads, September 9
Moments, September 10
All-of-a-kind Mom, September 10
For Him and my Family, September 10
Texas Book-aholic, September 11
Retrospective Spines, September 11
Daysong Reflections, September 11
SusanLovesBooks, September 11
Remembrancy, September 12
Worthy2Read, September 12
Just the Write Escape, September 12
Bigreadersite , September 13
janicesbookreviews, September 13
As He Leads is Joy, September 13
Livin’ Lit, September 13
To Everything A Season, September 13
Simple Harvest Reads, September 14
Pause for Tales, September 14
A Reader’s Brain, September 15
Quiet Quilter , September 15
Hallie Reads, September 15
Inklings and notions , September 16
By The Book, September 16
Real World Bible Study, September 16
Patiently Waiting, September 16
 

Monday, September 9, 2019

Surf Smugglers: Legacy of Sunset Cove Book 3 By Melody Carlson

I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description: 

In the summer of 1917, US troops join the Allied forces in the Great War. Back in Sunset Cove, Oregon, other battles wage. Anna McDowell continues to fight old fashioned stereotypes as she runs a newspaper committed to truth. Despite opposition, she's determined to expose ongoing rum-running and prohibition lawlessness.

Adding to Anna's frustrations, her good friend Dr. Daniel seems to run hot and cold. He loves Oregon, and maybe Anna too, but he's pulled by his East Coast family responsibilities. Even the lure of a new modern Sunset Cove hospital doesn't seem enough to keep him in Sunset Cove.
Meanwhile, Anna's strong-willed daughter Katy continues to develop her dress shop by inviting family friend Sarah Rose to help out. But the woman's presence tests the small town's tolerance. And Anna's concern that her daughter is growing up too fast is confirmed when Katy's romantic life takes an unexpected turn, which Anna fears is influenced by the pressure of a devastating war that is not only changing the entire world but Sunset Cove as well.


My Opinions: 

Surf Smugglers is the third book in Melody Carlson's Legacy of Sunset Cove and it is wonderful. I am a big fan of Melody Carlson and Christian Historical Fiction so I was excited to have this opportunity. I didn't realize until I received this book that it was in fact the third book in the series.  Melody Carlson is very inclusive in her writing and definitely didn't leave me lost because I hadn't read the first two books. Melody Carlson weaves a beautifully written story about our world in 1917 especially Sunset Cove, Oregon, The Great War, writing and printing newspaper, and how the truth can effect those around you.  I love reading Historical Fiction and this story really taught me more about our world in 1917. I found the characters relatable and well written. I found myself relating to Anna McDowell. I found her courage and strength in the face of opposition admirable. Her faith and the faith of those around her gave me such a wonderful feeling. I can't say enough good about this book and this author. I plan on reading the first two books to read Anna's whole journey. I HIGHLY recommend this book and author to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction you will NOT be disappointed. I give this book 5 STARS.
 
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About the Book

Surf Smugglers Cover
Book: Surf Smugglers
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: August 15, 2019

In the summer of 1917, US troops join the allied forces in the Great War. Back in Sunset Cove, Oregon, other battles wage. Anna McDowell continues to fight old fashioned stereotypes as she runs a newspaper committed to truth. Despite opposition, she’s determined to expose ongoing rum-running and prohibition lawlessness.

Adding to Anna’s frustrations, her good friend Dr. Daniel seems to run hot and cold. He loves Oregon, and maybe Anna too, but he’s pulled by his East Coast family responsibilities. Even the lure of a new modern Sunset Cove hospital doesn’t seem enough to keep him in Sunset Cove.

Meanwhile, Anna’s strong-willed daughter Katy continues to develop her dress shop by inviting family friend Sarah Rose to help out. But the woman’s presence tests the small town’s tolerance. And Anna’s concern that her daughter is growing up too fast is confirmed when Katy’s romantic life takes an unexpected turn, which Anna fears is influenced by the pressure of a devastating war that is not only changing the entire world but Sunset Cove as well.

Click here to grab your copy.  

About the Author

Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.  

More from Melody

My favorite way to learn history is through historical fiction—both by reading and by writing it. And I’ve discovered that World War 1 (previously known as the Great War, since WW2 had yet to happen) is quite fascinating. As well as incredibly sad. But I’m amazed at how science and technology evolved so quickly in this era. Whether it was advancement in automotive, communication, medicine . . . the culture was rapidly changing. And the war pushed it along at an even faster pace.
Another factor that makes this era interesting is prohibition. Oregon, my home state and where I set my series, was one of the earliest states to adopt prohibition of alcohol—in 1914. As a result, Oregon became ripe territory for bootlegging and rum-running along the coastline. And because my series involves a small town coastal newspaper that’s run (gasp!) by a woman, it gets even more interesting—and exciting!
Speaking of women, the suffrage movement was approved in Oregon in 1912—also well ahead of the rest of the nation (and the main reason that prohibition passed). My theory on why this happened is that the brave women who’d made the arduous journey West (via perilous wagon train or long hard voyages on clipper ships) were strong and opinionated and tough. And many of them were sick and tired of drunken slacker husbands. Also, thanks to Oregon’s amazing land donation act of 1850, many of these women were equal landowners to their husbands—and land equaled power.
Of course, what these suffragette-prohibition supporters didn’t realize is that banning alcohol would make matters worse because bootlegging and rum-running suddenly became a very lucrative business. The crime rate soared and the booze continued to flow freely. But all this makes for good newspaper stories, keeping our female editor in chief rather busy. In the first two books of the series, Anna McDowell has her hands full with trying to run her ailing father’s newspaper, restoring family relationships, and staying ahead of the growing crime element in Sunset Cove.
By book three, Surf Smugglers, Anna has her feet under her and doing a good job of standing up to the criminal element in their region. But by now the Great War is really heating up and the United States must get involved. Of course, this means that many young men, as well as Anna’s very good friend Dr. Daniel Hollister, are being shipped overseas to serve. Meanwhile, there is plenty of trouble at home. And the rum-runners, who despise the newspaper’s support of prohibition, target Anna’s good friend Sarah Rose because she’s a woman of color who’s sought refuge from the big city . . . and naturally things get dicey.
I’m currently finishing up the fourth and final book of the Legacy if Sunset Cove series, and I’m sad to think my ‘history lesson’ in this interesting era is drawing to an end. Not only have I learned a lot, I’ve really come to love the McDowell family . . . and I’m getting worried that not all the men from Sunset Cove will survive the brutal war. Of course, this is fiction . . . but the war was very real and the losses were great. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the war to end all wars like they’d hoped, but I appreciate the sentiment . . . and continue to pray for world peace.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, August 31
Connect in Fiction, August 31
Among the Reads, September 1
She Lives To Read, September 1
For Him and My Family, September 2
Just the Write Escape, September 3
Patiently Waiting, September 3
Blogging With Carol , September 3
CarpeDiem, September 4
Betti Mace, September 4
Wishful Endings, September 5
Remembrancy, September 5
Maureen’s Musings, September 6
Bigreadersite , September 7
Hallie Reads, September 8
Moments, September 9
Simple Harvest Reads, September 9
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 10
Pause for Tales, September 10
To Everything A Season, September 10
Retrospective Spines, September 11
Texas Book-aholic, September 11
Older & Smarter?, September 12
janicesbookreviews, September 13
A Reader’s Brain, September 13
Inklings and notions , September 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize of three of her books: Harbor Secrets, Riptide Rumors, and Surf Smugglers!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.


Sunday, September 8, 2019

Meet The Misfits and Odd Girl Out:Being Zoey Books One and Two By Melody Carlson

I received these books from Celebrate Lit Blogging Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of these books. The opinions expressed here are mine. 


Book Description: 

Zoey’s pretty sure her life is over when her wannaba-rockstar mother uproots her from from their home in Seattle and deposits her in Nowheresville, Oregon to live with her whackadoodle grandparents. Things start to look up, though, when she reconnects with Louisa, the girl from across the street. Maybe, just maybe, Louisa won’t mind that Zoey’s always been a bit of a misfit. Louisa’s ex-BFF, however, doesn’t seem too happy to welcome Zoey to the neighborhood. And when they all end up at church camp together, it’s not just a matter of whether or not Zoey can fit in…it becomes a firsthand lesson in what it really means to “love your enemy.”
 
When the school year begins, Zoey’s terrified to go without Louisa—who’s out with a nasty flu. The same enemies she made over the summer are there to haunt her, but she and another new girl stick together…and even seem to find a place among the in-crowd. But is this who Zoey wants to be? Are they really her friends? Who’s going to stick beside her when cyber bullying leaves her as the odd girl out?

My Thoughts:  

 Meet The Misfits and Odd Girl Out are the first two books in Melody Carlson's series called Being Zoey. These are books for Middle School aged readers (tweenagers) and they are great!! Melody Carlson really has a heart for these young girls and it is seen throughout these two books. She has really tapped into what we all go through during those years and how to help young girls out there with the dilemmas they are facing today. It seems that we all experienced these things like bullying, awkwardness, and insecurities but the girls today deal with it on a whole different level with the internet (cyber-bullying), cell phones, and being exposed to a lot more reality. The characters in these book are well written and real. I really felt a kinship with Zoey. Being the new kid at this time in her life and being treated as the odd girl out. I went through it and my two daughters did. It is not easy but Melody Carlson really showed how faith in God can get you through these times.  I don't feel like I have done these books justice but trust me these two books are good. I plan on giving my books to my niece, who is at the same age as Zoey, I hope they will help her through.  I truly enjoyed these books and HIGHLY recommend them for Moms and daughters, you will not be disappointed. I give these books each 5 STARS.



zoey Celebration Tour FB Banner

About the Book

Meet the Misfits and Odd Girl Out cover
Book: Zoey:  Meet the Misfits & Zoey: Odd Girl Out
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Middle grade fiction for girls
Release Date: April 15/ August 15, 2019

Zoey’s pretty sure her life is over when her wannaba-rockstar mother uproots her from from their home in Seattle and deposits her in Nowheresville, Oregon to live with her whackadoodle grandparents. Things start to look up, though, when she reconnects with Louisa, the girl from across the street. Maybe, just maybe, Louisa won’t mind that Zoey’s always been a bit of a misfit. Louisa’s ex-BFF, however, doesn’t seem too happy to welcome Zoey to the neighborhood. And when they all end up at church camp together, it’s not just a matter of whether or not Zoey can fit in…it becomes a firsthand lesson in what it really means to “love your enemy.”

When the school year begins, Zoey’s terrified to go without Louisa—who’s out with a nasty flu. The same enemies she made over the summer are there to haunt her, but she and another new girl stick together…and even seem to find a place among the in-crowd. But is this who Zoey wants to be? Are they really her friends? Who’s going to stick beside her when cyber bullying leaves her as the odd girl out?


Click here to grab your copy.  

About the Author

Melody Carlson
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.  

More from Melody

Being a tween these days is more complicated than ever. With our culture’s fast pace, social networking, peer pressure . . . growing up is hard to do. So I wanted to create a relatable character with some tough challenges. And Zoey Petrizzo definitely gets more than her fair share. About to start middle-school, Zoey is forced to relocate her life with her less than conventional grandparents. And it’s not easy! My hope is that readers will either relate to Zoey, or develop more empathy for ‘misfit’ kids like her.

Blog Stops

Andrea Christenson, August 30
Remembrancy, September 1
Older & Smarter?, September 2
Artistic Nobody, September 2
Back Porch Reads , September 3
Just the Write Escape, September 5
amandainpa , September 5
A Reader’s Brain, September 6
Patiently Waiting, September 6
Godly Book Reviews, September 7
Texas Book-aholic, September 8
Vicky Sluiter, September 9
Hallie Reads, September 10
janicesbookreviews, September 11
Inklings and notions , September 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away a grand prize package of Meet the Misfits and Odd Girl Out, Sketching Pencils, and a Sketchbook!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e809/meet-the-misfits-odd-girl-out-celebration-tour-giveaway
 

The Egyptian Princess: A Story of Hagar By KD Homberg

I received this audiobook for no charge from the author and Celebrate Lit Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review of this audiobook...