Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Aiming for Love: Brides of Hope Mountain Book One By Mary Connealy

 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:  

 

Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world--a world she's been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls' secret home, her older sister especially is frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

David's parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. David's father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?


My Thoughts:   

Aiming for Love is the first book in Mary Connealy's latest series, Brides of Hope Mountain, and it is fantastic.As a fan of Christian Historical Fiction I have had the pleasure of reading Mary Connealy's writing and I love learning from the historical facts weaved in there. I absolutely fell in love with the cover art for this book, especially the adventurous look on the model's face, which definitely the same look Josephine seems to sport throughout this book. All the characters in this book are well written and real people going through real issues. I found myself drawn to Josephine Nordegren, her adventurous spirit and brave curiosity are admirable, especially after losing her parents and being isolated on Hope Mountain. How she overcame the obstacles in front of her is admirable. Mary Connealy's style of writing made me feel that I was there in Colorado during this time , seeing all the beautiful mountains and watching the story unfold. I found myself reluctant to put this book down, leaving Hope's Mountain and all the characters. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed!! I give this book 5 STARS.


About the Book

Aiming for Love
Book: Aiming for Love
Author: Mary Connealy
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: October 2, 2019

Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world–a world she’s been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls’ secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.


 David’s parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?



 Click here to get your copy! 

About the Author

Connealy_Mary
Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at www.maryconnealy.com.
 

More from Mary

What it would do to someone to run wild from nearly their earliest memory? What if three young girls had the basic skills to survive a rugged life but no adults to guide them? Would they grow up to be a completely odd and untamed version of themselves, or the truest, in some ways most honest version? I wanted to explore that idea: wild children, tough young women, afraid of the invading world, but lonely, too. So I created the plot for my Brides of Hope Mountain series by mixing the three little girls who’d grown up wild on the top of a mountain with some fairy tale ideas. Book one, Aiming for Love, is Josephine Nordegren’s story. I had this vision of Ariel the mermaid seeing a man for the first time when strangers invade the high valley she lives in with only her two sisters. Curiosity is her besetting sin, or so she’s always been told. She has wilderness skills, mainly in the form of owning a bow and arrow and understanding wild animals, but for the first time, she is drawn to a man. Jo needs to be tamed, or Dave, the man she can’t stop watching from in the woods, needs to learn the ways of the wild, because they’re out of place in each other’s worlds.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 25
Moments With Mercy, October 25
Bigreadersite , October 25
Emily Yager, October  25
Quiet Workings, October 26
Stories By Gina, October 27
Older & Smarter?, October 28
Betti Mace, October 28
Wishful Endings, October 28
The Becca Files, October 29
Mary Hake, October 29
Mamma Loves Books, October 29
Britt Reads Fiction, October 30
Hallie Reads, October 31
Connect in Fiction, October 31
Daysong Reflections, November 1
Splashes of Joy, November 1
Moments, November 2
Batya’s Bits, November 2
She Lives To Read, November 2
EmpowerMoms, November 3
Remembrancy, November 3
Blessed & Bookish, November 4
Pause for Tales , November 5
Texas Book-aholic, November 6
janicesbookreviews, November 6
A Reader’s Brain, November 7
Leona J. Atkinson, November 7
Lukewarm Tea, November 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away a grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card, a copy of Aiming for Love, and a copy of Fairy Tales from Around the World!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
at 1 comment:

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Hope's Highest Mountain: Hearts of Montana Book One By Misty M. Beller

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


Book Description: 

When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she’s hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.

 After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he’s forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.


Micah can’t help but admire Ingrid’s tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine–with or without his help–he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.


My Thoughts: 

Hope's Highest Mountain is the first book in Misty M. Beller's latest series, Hearts of Montana, and it is spectacular. As a fan of Christian Historical Fiction I just recently read books by Misty M Beller so I was excited to have the opportunity to start with this new series. Misty M. Beller writes with authority about our world in the 19th century frontier especially Montana, smallpox, doctoring, loss of family, and mining towns. I love Misty M. Beller's style of writing, she definitely places her readers right there in the story experiencing life with the characters. I found the characters well written and real people experiencing real life. I found myself drawn to Ingrid (and Handsome too). Her faith and tenacity are admirable. Ingrid faces the world knowing God is with her. I could NOT put this book down. From start to finish this book had a hold of me and left me wanting more. I cannot say enough good about this book and this author. I cannot wait to read more by Misty M Beller and this series. I give this book 5 STARS. 

 

Hope's Highest Mountain FB Banner

About the Book

Hope's Highest Mountain
Book: Hope’s Highest Mountain
Author: Misty M. Beller
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October, 2019

When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she’s hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.

After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he’s forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.

 Micah can’t help but admire Ingrid’s tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine–with or without his help–he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.


Click here to get your copy! 

About the Author

Beller_Misty
After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life by writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. She lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is an active member of ACFW, and teaches regularly at conferences and writing groups on effective book marketing.
 

More from Misty

Remember Lassie? Old Yeller? Chance and Shadow from the movie Homeward Bound? There was something about these dogs that gripped my heartstrings and made me love them as though I’d known them for years. (And, yes, I cried during every one of these movies and books.) Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had real dogs I’ve loved too. As far back as I can remember, we’ve had at least one or two dogs, and each one has been my very best friend. They’ve suffered my undying love, even allowing me to dress them up like dolls during my younger years. But the dogs in my stories have a special place in my heart. Handsome, the sweet little black fluffball in Hope’s Highest Mountain is no exception! He was the runt of the litter, and such a dark black that the story’s hero nicknamed him Shadow. You can see the picture that inspired Handsome at the book’s Pinterest page. Those eyes! Hard not to fall in love, right? The more I wrote in the story, the more I enjoyed getting to know this little guy, and I could almost feel his soft puppy fur as he snuggled in close. I completely see why Ingrid (the heroine) is smitten him! As you read Hope’s Highest Mountain, I hope you love Handsome as much as I do. Please give him some extra petting for me! ?

Blog Stops

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 12
Betti Mace, October 13
Blessed & Bookish, October 14
Texas Book-aholic, October 14
Genesis 5020, October 14
janicesbookreviews, October 16
Mary Hake, October 16
Batya’s Bits, October 17
Connect in Fiction, October 17
Older & Smarter?, October 18
Life of Literature, October 18
A Reader’s Brain, October 18
The Becca Files, October 19
Splashes of Joy , October 19
Moments, October 20
Daysong Reflections, October 21
Wishful Endings, October 21
Joy of Reading , October 21
Pause for Tales, October 22
Britt Reads Fiction, October 22
Lis Loves Reading, October 23
Bigreadersite , October 23
Live. Love. Read. , October 24
Hallie Reads, October 24
Remembrancy, October 25
Mia Reads Blog, October 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Hope’s Highest Mountain, a $20 B&N gift card, and cute mountain cards!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
at 6 comments:

Better Than Fiction By April W. Gardner and Michelle Massaro

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:

 Romance novelist Meghan Townsend’s marriage is slipping, and no amount of prayer seems to help. She aims to recapture her husband’s waning attention by getting in shape and finds escape by crafting her own fictional love story. Taking inspiration for the hero from a new friend—the attractive, spiritual, and attentive Curtis Jameson—she pours her yearnings onto the page, and craves the kind of pulse-pounding romance found in her book, Racing Hearts…
In 1916 Corona, California, motorcars are all the rage, and racing them is what Meghan’s hero, Russell Keegan, does best. But when his competition vandalizes his car, the only mechanic available is a greasy woman in a man’s overalls.
After a racing accident claimed her father’s life, Winifred became the sole breadwinner for her family. She is disdained as a female mechanic, but her daddy’s trade is all she has left. Can she swallow her hatred of the races and take up Russell’s offer of big bucks to fix his car, or will she lose everything to mounting debt?
Under Meghan’s skillful pen, these two embark on a thrilling, adventurous romance. But she finds that writing those love scenes with Curtis’s face in mind takes her heart places it shouldn’t go. Will she realize in time that real life can be better than fiction?

My Thoughts:



Better Than Fiction is the latest book from April W. Gardner and Michelle Massaro and it is great! This is the first book written by these two authors together and the first time reading these authors. April W. Gardner and Michelle Massaro are a fantastic writing team. One wrote the historical fiction part and the other wrote the contemporary fiction. Their transitions from past to present is seamless. As I read this book, I could definitely hear each authors individual voices. I absolutely LOVE the cover of this book, it really captures the two different eras in this book.The characters in this book, they are real people experiencing real situations. I found myself drawn to Meghan. I can relate to her marriage issues and loved the fact that she lives in two worlds, the real world and the fiction world she has created.  I found myself not wanting to put this book down from the first page until the last page. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction and/or Christian Contemporary Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more from this writing pair. I give this book 4 STARS.



Better than fiction FB cover

About the Book

Better than Fiction cover
Book: Better than Fiction
Author: April W. Gardner &  Michelle Massaro
Genre: Historical Fiction/Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: April 4, 2016

 Imagining him was harmless…until it wasn’t.

Romance novelist Meghan Townsend’s marriage is slipping, and no amount of prayer seems to help. She aims to recapture her husband’s waning attention by getting in shape and finds escape by crafting her own fictional love story. Taking inspiration for the hero from a new friend—the attractive, spiritual, and attentive Curtis Jameson—she pours her yearnings onto the page, and craves the kind of pulse-pounding romance found in her book, Racing Hearts…

In 1916 Corona, California, motorcars are all the rage, and racing them is what Meghan’s hero, Russell Keegan, does best. But when his competition vandalizes his car, the only mechanic available is a greasy woman in a man’s overalls.

After a racing accident claimed her father’s life, Winifred became the sole breadwinner for her family. She is disdained as a female mechanic, but her daddy’s trade is all she has left. Can she swallow her hatred of the races and take up Russell’s offer of big bucks to fix his car, or will she lose everything to mounting debt?

Under Meghan’s skillful pen, these two embark on a thrilling, adventurous romance. But she finds that writing those love scenes with Curtis’s face in mind takes her heart places it shouldn’t go. Will she realize in time that real life can be better than fiction?   






Click here to buy a copy

 




About the Author

April headshot

April W Gardner writes Christian historical romance with a focus on our southeastern Native tribes. She is a copyeditor, military wife, and mother of two who lives in South Texas. In no particular order, 



Michelle Massaro

Michelle Massaro writes contemporary fiction, soaked in grace. She makes her home in Southern California with her husband of over two decades and their four children. She’s dabbled in homeschooling, teaching Creation Science, and leading worship. When she isn’t tinkering with words, Michelle enjoys old Rogers and Hammerstein movies, making kefir, and Sudoku. A new lipstick and a good French roast always make her happy.

 

 




More from April and Michelle

April and Michelle get a lot of questions about how exactly co-authors write a book. Who writes which part? Did you have any trouble, any conflict? Valid questions! But in the case of Better than Fiction, it was no trouble at all, and neither author can remember a single heated disagreement. In part, because they’d been critique partners for eons and were already working together seamlessly.

It also helped that the story is made up of two intertwining novellas. Each author had her own blank canvas to color on with the other looking on and offering feedback. The most enjoyable part of the process was the challenge of making sure the events in the life of Michelle’s contemporary character (an author) influenced the characters’ decisions in April’s historical plot.

Why intertwining stories? The idea behind it was to show what it’s like to live in the mind of a writer, how her real life makes its way into her stories. The theme of emotional affairs was a good fit, as it is often all too easy for women—even Christian woman—to be drawn to another man and justify it as harmless friendship rather than admit she is looking to this person to fill a need that only God and her husband are meant to fill.

They decided to set the story against the backdrop of Michelle’s hometown of Corona, California in 1916 and the real-life Corona Road Race that took place in April of that year. It was the third race and, due to tragedy, the last.

From concept to “The End,” it took a span of about four years for Michelle and April to publish Better than Fiction, and as far as teamwork goes, it went off without a hitch. April was able to fly from her home in Georgia to stay with Michelle’s family and do research, and later, Michelle flew to Georgia for a concentrated writing weekend. The two had an amazingly fun time writing and working together.

Another question the authors get…will there be a sequel? Only time will tell.




Blog Stops






Among the Reads, October 9



Genesis 5020, October 10




Betti Mace, October 11



Artistic Nobody, October 12








Remembrancy, October 15




Maureen’s Musings, October 16



Godly Book Reviews, October 17



Moments, October 17




Bigreadersite, October 18



Texas Book-aholic, October 19




janicesbookreviews, October 20




A Reader’s Brain, October 21







Giveaway











To celebrate their tour, April and Michelle are giving away the grand prize bundle of a $20 Amazon gift card, themed mug and bookmarks, and handmade throw pillow that says, “Books, my happy place”!!



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/ed92/better-than-fiction-celebration-tour-giveaway 












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Monday, October 14, 2019


          

        










No Turning Back By Katie Vorreiter










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: 



Chronic panic attacks have stolen Livvy Fischer’s classically trained
 soprano voice and derailed her life. Due partly to a mix-up, partly to 
her crush on Pastor Lucas, Livvy joins a worship team bound for the 
chapel at San Quentin. But when a full-scale riot breaks out, she is 
separated from Lucas and the rest of her group. Survival becomes this 
song bird’s sole focus.


Snatched from the chapel by an inmate, Livvy doesn’t know who to 
trust. Tobin says he’s protecting her, but she’s been blindsided before.
 She struggles to put her trust in God, while all too aware that free 
will can wreak horrible consequences. Tobin wants her to hide and ride 
out the prison storm, but Livvy becomes the obsession of another inmate 
who is a serial killer. Will God protect her? Will Tobin?




It’s one thing if Tobin is turning his life around behind bars. It’s quite another to fall for him.





My Thoughts:



No Turing Back is the debut book by Katie Vorreiter and it is fantastic. I love reading debut authors, I have found so many must read authors that way, and Katie Vorreiter is no exception.

No Turning Back is a great book that I can truly relate to. Katie Vorreiter writes with authority about professional singing (Opera), chronic panic attacks, serving a church, and San Quentin prison ministry, and what it is like to be a hostage.  The characters in this book are well written and relatable. I found myself relating to Livvy. I have experienced life altering trauma and suffer from chronic panic attacks so I know first hand the feelings and how it affects every portion of a person's life. Her courage and faith are admirable. I found this book from cover to cover unable to put it down. I cannot wait to read more from Katie Vorreiter, she is a great author, definitely on my list of authors to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense, you will not be disappointed. I give this author and this book 5 STARS.





















No Turning Back FB Banner



About the Book

No Turning Back

Book: No Turning Back

Author: Katie Vorreiter

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: December, 2016



Chronic panic attacks have stolen Livvy Fischer’s classically trained soprano voice and derailed her life. Due partly to a mix-up, partly to her crush on Pastor Lucas, Livvy joins a worship team bound for the chapel at San Quentin. But when a full-scale riot breaks out, she is separated from Lucas and the rest of her group. Survival becomes this song bird’s sole focus.



Snatched from the chapel by an inmate, Livvy doesn’t know who to trust. Tobin says he’s protecting her, but she’s been blindsided before. She struggles to put her trust in God, while all too aware that free will can wreak horrible consequences. Tobin wants her to hide and ride out the prison storm, but Livvy becomes the obsession of another inmate who is a serial killer. Will God protect her? Will Tobin?



It’s one thing if Tobin is turning his life around behind bars. It’s quite another to fall for him.

 







Click here to grab your copy.

 




About the Author

Katie Vorreiter

Katie Vorreiter is an award-winning writer and copyeditor. She makes her home in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two children rapidly morphing into young adults, and a ridiculously adorable cockapoo. No Turning Back is her debut novel.

 




More from Katie

I’m often asked where on earth I came up with the premise of No Turning Back. My good friend and pastor had me spellbound with his stories of taking softball teams into San Quentin, the maximum security prison for men. What a ministry! He had a few funny tales, but what stood out to me were the cautions the team was given upon entry: they had to sign a form acknowledging that in the event they were taken hostage, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation would not negotiate for their release.

Say what?

That got me thinking about what it would be like for a woman in such a situation. There are female corrections officers, certainly, as well as woman food service workers and volunteers in a range of capacities. But I wanted a true fish-out-of-water character, and thus Livvy was born. Because of a terrible event in her past, she’s hypervigilant about her personal security. She’s also tiny and, of all things, an opera soprano.

Once I had my Livvy, I threw her into a full-scale riot at a men’s correctional facility. Poor thing. But, of course, she’s got God on her side, and he tends to tip the scales. Yet, as all Christ followers are aware, prayer, even unto the God of the universe, is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. Pun intended. We know—all too painfully sometimes—that Jesus was right when he said we’ll have troubles here on earth. God is with us through the storm and works all things together for good, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll remove the storm and it’s often hard to see the good when we’re in the middle of not-so-good.

What role, then, does prayer have in the face of the free will of a person intent on evil? If you want to know the answer, read the book. Just kidding. The story is a fast, fun ride and delves into some deep areas, but I don’t pretend to answer the questions of the ages. If you like chewing on these kinds of issues—on your own or with friends­—check out the No Turning Back discussion questions on my website.

Don’t worry: the story isn’t all dark. In most situations, I can’t stay serious for long, so you’ll find some humor, as well as not one but two hunky romantic options. I really hope you like it. If you want to chat, drop me a note on Facebook or on my website.




Blog Stops




Giveaway











To celebrate her tour, Katie is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card!!



Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.













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Synapse By Steven James










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





Book Description:       



Thirty years in the future, when AI is so advanced that 
humans live side by side with cognizant robots called Artificials, 
Kestrel Hathaway must come to terms not just with what machines know, but with what they believe.



Soon
 after experiencing a personal tragedy, Kestrel witnesses a terrorist 
attack and is drawn into a world of conspiracies and lies that she and 
Jordan, her Artificial, have to untangle. With a second, more brutal 
attack looming on the horizon, their best chance of stopping it is 
teaming up with federal counterterrorism agent Nick Vernon. But the 
clock is ticking—and all the while, Jordan is asking questions 
Artificials were never meant to ask.



Deftly weaving suspense and 
intrigue into a rich, resonant tale that explores faith and what it 
really means to be human, Steven James offers us a glimpse into the 
future—and into our own hearts.

Synapse is an unforgettable, gripping story of dreams shattered, truth revealed, and hope reborn.







My Opinions: 

 





















 Synapse is the latest book by Steven James and it blew my mind. I absolutely love Steven James' writing and this book is fantastic. This book is very different from other books by Steven James and not in a genre I read very often but so glad I went outside my comfort zone. Synapse is a futuristic story about AI and if they have the ability to be human including in the emotions and beliefs. Steven James gives an interesting view on these things that really makes  you think of how possible these ideas are. From the start, this book grabs a hold of you and doesn't let go, even at the end. The end leaves you wanting more. This is a book that really opens your eyes about AI, where the technology in our world is headed, and the infinite about possibilities that could happen in our lifetimes. There are many fantastic characters, I enjoyed them all but Jordan (AI) is my favorite character. The human like characteristics made his journey interesting. I absolutely could NOT put this book down. I got drawn in on page 1 and went from there. I HIGHLY recommend this book and author who enjoys Christian Fiction/AI topics, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more from Steven James. I give this book 5 STARS.












Synapse FB banner 



About the Book

cover Synapse

Book: Synapse

Author: Steven James

Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi

Release Date: October 8, 2019



Thirty years in the future, when AI is so advanced that humans live side by side with cognizant robots called Artificials, Kestrel Hathaway must come to terms not just with what machines know, but what they believe. Is hope real for them, or merely an illusion?



Soon after experiencing a personal tragedy, Kestrel witnesses a terrorist attack and is drawn into a world of conspiracies and lies that she and Jordan, her Artificial, have to untangle. With a second, more brutal attack looming on the horizon, their best chance of stopping it is teaming up with federal counterterrorism agent Nick Vernon.



But the clock is ticking—and all the while, Jordan is asking questions that Artificials were never meant to ask.



Deftly weaving suspense and intrigue into a rich, resonant tale that explores faith and what it really means to be human, Steven James offers us a glimpse into the future and into our own hearts.



Synapse is an unforgettable, gripping story of dreams shattered, truth revealed, and hope reborn.

 









Click here to get your copy!

 




About the Author

stevenjames

Steven James is the critically acclaimed, national bestselling author of sixteen novels. His work has been optioned by ABC Studios and praised by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, the New York Journal of Books, and many others. His pulse-pounding, award-winning thrillers are known for their intricate storylines and insightful explorations of good and evil.  When he’s not working on his next book, he’s either teaching master classes on writing throughout the country, trail running, or sneaking off to catch a matinee.

 




More from Steven



“James is a pro at creating suspense.”



Criminal Element 







“stimulating tale…thrilling story of greed and corruption”



Publishers Weekly STARRED review

 

Read my op-ed on robots and faith in the New York Times

 

I grew up reading and loving science fiction stories. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of artificial intelligence, but as I’ve thought about it over the years, I’ve realized that our lives are not based just on what we know, but also what we believe. So, I started asking myself, “What would the world look like if machines developed artificial belief?” Within a few decades, advanced AIs might very well have consciousness and self-awareness. At that point, what will they choose to believe about the meaning of live, God, and the afterlife?

All of these questions were in my mind as I wrote Synapse, a story that takes place 30 years from now in a world very much like our own. This is a cautionary tale with implications that are both chilling and revealing and I think that if you like suspense, you’ll love this near-future thriller.

—Steven 

Learn more at stevenjames.net

Facebook and Twitter: @readstevenjames

Buy the book: https://www.tnzfiction.com/synapse-a-novel/




Blog Stops







Emily Yager, October 9



amandainpa , October 10



Wishful Endings, October 10





Pause for Tales, October 12



Mary Hake, October 12






Hallie Reads, October 15



Blogging With Carol, October 15



Remembrancy, October 16





Texas Book-aholic, October 18




janicesbookreviews, October 19



Bigreadersite, October 19



A Reader’s Brain, October 20




By The Book, October 21


















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Monday, October 7, 2019


          

        










Stitches in Time: The Deacon's Family Book 2










I received this book from the 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: 



Detachment had worked well as a life strategy for horse trainer Sam Schrock. Until he met Mollie Graber . . .

New
 to Stoney Ridge, schoolteacher Mollie has come to town for a fresh 
start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it 
boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks 
the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she's the first to
 raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the 
dropped stitches in a child's heart and knit them back together.

Mollie
 envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What the 11-year-old twins 
bring to her home is anything but. Visits from the sheriff at midnight. 
Phone calls from the school truancy officer. And then the most 
humiliating moment of all: the girls accuse Mollie of drug addiction.

There's
 only one thing that breaks through the girls' hard shell--an interest 
in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, Sam Schrock gets drawn into 
Mollie's chaotic life. What he didn't expect was for love to knit 
together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.
  



My Thoughts: 



Stitches in Time is the second book in Suzanne Woods Fisher's series, The Deacon's Family and it is phenomenal! As a huge fan of Amish Fiction, Suzanne Woods Fisher is one of my most favorite authors, I read her stuff any chance I get. Suzanne Woods Fisher writes with authority about the Amish faith, different Amish settlements, horses, orchards, and foster care to name a few. 
 I started these books in Stoney Ridge from the beginning so these characters are old friends, with new ones in every book. I found myself drawn to Izzy, wife of Luke Schrock. I can relate on many levels with her especially the relationship with her mother (or lack there of), struggles as a wife, and as she struggles with potential infertility. This book really gives the realistic picture of foster care from both sides of it and really gives insight into what it takes and what these children go through. I cannot say enough good things about this book and this author. I HIGHLY recommend this book and this author to anyone who enjoys Amish Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 5+ STARS.





 








About the Book



Book: Stitches in Time

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Amish fiction

Release Date: October 1, 2019

 






Detachment had worked well as a life strategy for horse trainer Sam Schrock. Until he met Mollie Graber . . .



New to Stoney Ridge, schoolteacher Mollie has come to town for a fresh start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she’s the first to raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the dropped stitches in a child’s heart and knit them back together.



Mollie envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What the 11-year-old twins bring to her home is anything but. Visits from the sheriff at midnight. Phone calls from the school truancy officer. And then the most humiliating moment of all: the girls accuse Mollie of drug addiction.



There’s only one thing that breaks through the girls’ hard shell–an interest in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, Sam Schrock gets drawn into Mollie’s chaotic life. What he didn’t expect was for love to knit together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.



Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the little Amish church of Stoney Ridge for a touching story of the power of love.

 







Click here to get your copy!

 




About the Author



Carol-award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes untold stories about inspiring people. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to the historical novel Anna’s Crossing.

 




More from Suzanne

Have you ever felt the tug to become a foster parent?

On any given day, there are nearly 438,000 children in foster care in the United States. Most states have a critical need for more foster parents, and the number of children placed in foster care increases yearly.

There are plenty of assumptions about having foster children, but most are incorrect. The media has a tendency to focus on the negative, but from all the research I conducted to write this book, for every bad news story, there were two good ones. Good stories just don’t make the news.

Below are some of the most common assumptions about foster care, with corrected information that is applicable across the United States (but keep in mind that each state has their own requirements).

 

Myth: Kids in foster care are bad or troubled.

Truth: Children in foster care are good kids taken out of a troubled situation. They need a caring foster parent who is patient and understanding. When given the opportunity, most of these children begin to thrive.

 

Myth: To be a foster parent, you need to be married and own a home and be a college graduate.

Truth: You don’t need to be married or to own a home or even be a college graduate. That means if you’re single or renting, you can be a foster parent.

 

Myth: I can’t afford to be a foster parent.

Truth: There are monthly reimbursement rates for children in foster care based on the level of care you provide. Medical and dental care is paid through state Medicaid programs.

 

Myth: Most kids in foster care are teenagers.

Truth: The average age of a child entering foster care is seven years old.

 

Myth: Most kids are in foster care because their parents have abused drugs.

Truth: Now, this one is not a myth. It’s true.



There are fifteen categories that can be responsible for a child’s removal from a home. Drug abuse from a parent has had the largest percentage increase.

 

Myth: Fostering could require a commitment until the child turns eighteen.

Truth: Generally, children remain in state care for less than two years. Only six percent spend five or more years in foster care.

 

Myth: It’s too hard to give a child up to his biological family.

Truth: Most children are in foster care for a short time, returning to their biological families. Reuniting a child to his family is the ideal situation. Foster families provide a safe haven for a child. Healthy grieving is to be expected, but it’s for the right reasons. It’s healthy.

 

Myth: You can’t adopt foster children.

Truth: In 2016, more than 65,000 children—whose mothers and fathers parental rights were legally terminated—waiting to be adopted. Also in 2016, more than 20,000 children “aged out” of foster care without permanent families. Research has shown that those who leave care without being linked to a “forever family” have a higher likelihood than the general youth population to experience homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration as adults.





 Is there room in your heart and family for a child in need? There are many ways to get involved, some that do not even require foster care. One recommendation: volunteer with The National CASA Association (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children. You can find out more information here: www.casaforchildren.org.

Or consider small ways to connect to children in need—after school tutoring at your public library. Volunteering at a community center. Buy Christmas gifts for a family in need through an Adopt-a-Family program with a local church. Support a family who does provide foster care with respites—babysitting or meals. There’s many ways to get involved to care for children in need. And every little bit makes a difference.




Blog Stops





The Power of Words, September 26



The Becca Files, September 26



SusanLovesBooks, September 26





Through the Fire Blogs, September 27






Texas Book-aholic, September 28




Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 29



Blogging With Carol , September 29



Hookmeinabook , September 29



The Avid Reader, September 30



Mia Reads, September 30




janicesbookreviews, October 1





CarpeDiem, October 1




Stories By Gina, October 2



Activating Faith, October 2



A Reader’s Brain, October 3



EmpowerMoms, October 3



Wishful Endings, October 3





Pause for Tales, October 4





Quiet Quilter, October 5



Vicky Sluiter, October 5



Hallie Reads, October 5






Bigreadersite, October 7



By The Book, October 7



She Lives to Read, October 7



Moments, October 8









Giveaway











To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of her book!!



Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.













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