Review and Giveaway: Mickey on the Move by Michelle Wagner Illustrated by Jenny Phelps

 

 

Join us for this tour from Feb 1 to Mar 5, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Mickey on the Move by Michelle Wagner
Category:  Children's Non-Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Jan, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

In this bighearted book, the real story of a young boy with deafness in his ears is aided by his mother and teachers in navigating new school experiences. Mickey is just like everyone else, except he wears cochlear implants and has to do things just a little differently than most. This charming tale reminds us that we can all find happiness if we lean on and support each other.

Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N
Mascot Books

My Thoughts:

Mickey on the Move is a heartfelt story inspired by a true story, about a boy named Mickey who has overcome and adapted to his life even though he was born deaf. Mickey is starting a new school and he is starting it with the continued help of his mother and his best friends. But this time is different, he will be doing things much more independently.

There is something that happens and the teacher lets his mother know as it could become an issue. I liked that the mom and the teacher talked it out and didn't jump to conclusions, but came up with a probable reason and a great solution. It happened to show teamwork with the parent and school, and Mickey and his friends.

This story shows that with a little bit of patience and ingenuity you can make the best of your world.  The artwork is simple and done well and pulls the reader into the atmosphere of Mickey's life.

I was provided a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:

Born and raised in Chicago, Michelle Wagner was always a very positive and outgoing woman. Her energetic love for children and zest for life was admired by everyone who knew her. Michelle is a realtor whose career background involved restaurants and always helping other people. She has dedicated time and support to charities and events to help other children with hearing loss and assist families as they work through the different approaches to raising a special needs child in a typical environment.

connect with author: website ~ instagram

 

Tour Schedule:
 

Feb 1 – Cover Lover Book Reviewer – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 1 - Working Mommy Journal – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – michellemengsbookblog3 – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 4 – Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Feb 5 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – The Adventures Of A Travelers Wife – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 9 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 - Sandra's Book Club - book spotlight / guest post
Feb 11 - Gina Rae Mitchell - book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 12 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 15 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 16 – Laura's Interests – book review / guest post
Feb 17 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Feb 18 – Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 19 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Feb 22 - Library of Clean Reads - book review / giveaway
Feb 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 24 – Ice Fairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 25 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 26 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 1 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 2 – Reading is My Passion – book review / giveaway
Mar 3 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway
Mar 3 - Pick a Good Book - book review / author interview / giveaway
Mar 4 – I'm All About Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 4 - Bigreadersite  - book review
Mar 5 – Reading Authors Network – book review / giveaway
Mar 5 - Pause for Tales - book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Review and Giveaway: What's That Noise? The Adventures of Forkman by Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie Illustrated by Vanessa Alexandre

 

Join us for this tour from Feb 1 to Mar 5, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Adventures of Forkman: What's That Noise? by Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Jan 2021
Content Rating:  G. This children's book is for everyone.

Book Description:

When poor manners are present, Forkman will be there to save the day! Join Kathryn and William as they learn how to load the dishwasher properly and avoid inappropriate distractions at the table with the help of all their utensil friends. This second book in the Adventures of Forkman series is a great introduction to mealtime etiquette for readers of all ages.

Buy the Book
Amazon.com
B&N
Mascot Books

My Thoughts:

I like children's books that are fun and teach a lesson or two. In What's That Noise?, Forkman, who is something like a superhero, teaches a couple of children (and even their parents) something new. 

This is a children's picture book that is divided in two chapters, three and four. There is an earlier book that must have the first two chapters. This particular book shows how to load a dishwasher and mealtime manners, like what noises should not be present at the family dinner table.

My ten year old son and I read this together. This may have seemed too young for him at first, but I think the lessons inside were invaluable and are a good reminder to all ages. In children's picture books, I think the art is very important and this one was really cute, especially Forkman and his friends. There were a couple of parts that had my son and I chuckling.

Overall I like the commonsense and manners that this book brings up and I think works well as great reminders for all ages.

I was provided a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Meet the Authors:

Tiffany Caldwell: I have worked with children for over thirteen years and every year basic manners become less evident. When I was growing up, my sisters and I took etiquette classes during the summer while we visited our grandparents. Etiquette was always a big part of our upbringing. When we would have our family dinners, my dad, W.R. MacKenzie, would make our utensils come to life as we were eating. Forkman became a part of our dinner routine! I am a mother of three great kids and military wife to my hero. A few years ago, I told my dad we needed to start writing our story. We are so excited to share Forkman with the world!

W.R. MacKenzie: I spent thirty-nine years in the bakery business. After I retired and my four children were grown, I felt it was time to share the importance of the family meal with the world. The Adventures of Forkman teaches children how to properly conduct themselves at the table. Our books are filled with characters all children can relate with and I believe Forkman and his crew will help children of all ages learn manners and table etiquette. 

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

 

Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 - Because I said so and other adventures in Parenting - review/guest post/ giveaway
Feb 3 - Cover Lover Book Review - book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 4 - Fantastic Feathers - book review
Feb 4 - She Just Loves Books - book review / giveaway
Feb 5 - Books for Books - book spotlight
Feb 8 - The Momma Spot - book review / giveaway
Feb 9 - The Adventures Of A Travelers Wife - book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 9 - Westveil Publishing - book review / giveaway
Feb 10 - Laura's Interests - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 11 - Jazzy Book Reviews - book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 12 - Lisa's Reading - book review / giveaway
Feb 15 - Sefina Hawke's Books - book review
Feb 15 - Sandra's Book Club - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 16 - Splashes of Joy - book review / guest post
​Feb 16 - A Mama's Corner of the World - book review / giveaway
Feb 16 - Gina Rae Mitchell - book review / giveaway
Feb 17 - Library of Clean Reads - book review / giveaway
Feb 18 - Deborah-Zenha Adams - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 19 - Icefairy's Treasure Chest - book review / giveaway
Feb 23 - Bound 4 Escape - book review / giveaway
Feb 24 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book review / giveaway
Feb 25 - Rockin' Book Reviews - book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 25 - Nighttime Reading Center - book review / giveaway
March 1 - Reading is My Passion - book review
March 2 - Bigreadersite  - book review / giveaway
March 2 - StoreyBook Reviews - book review / giveaway
March 4 - I'm Into Books - book review / giveaway
March 4 - Pause for Tales - book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Dream Again by Ann Marie Bryan

 

About the Book

 

Book:  Dream Again

Author: Anne Marie Bryan

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: August 20, 2020

One random day. One burst of laughter. One perfect moment. That’s all it takes for Gianna Barrett to capture Carter McIntosh’s attention—and his heart. His whole life has been a series of miracles, so this falls right in line. If only it were that simple. The object of his desire refuses to give him the time of day. Not deterred, Carter is sure he’s ready to put his heart on the line for love. Big mistake. He isn’t quite prepared and finds himself wrestling a soul-deep hurt into submission.

“There has been an accident….”

That devastating revelation shattered Gianna’s life, and in that one chaotic moment, everything she had was taken away. She has spent years carefully crafting her new normal, so there is no way Carter can just insert himself into her life. The fight is on but not for long. Their attraction is instant, and before she knows it, all her cynicism goes out the door.

When Gianna learns more about Carter’s life, she gets a better understanding of her beginning. As she starts her journey to healing, she uncovers Carter’s startling secret. In the days that follow, she struggles with feelings of regret, fueling her natural tendency to retreat. But the flames of desire burn hot and it’s not easy to break their unexpected connection. As the past reaches for them, they soon realize that to move forward, they must look back. Will they allow God to be the anchor they so desperately need—before it’s too late? For all they ever wanted was to be loved.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I have really been enjoying my reading year. Dream Again is by another new to me author and the story just really captured my feelings and heart. I would say that this is a story of second chances, of even second chances in your second chances.

Sometimes a girl meets guy and their romance that follows is exactly what I want to read. Gianna and Carter are meant for each other even before they know each other. And one finds out before the other that some things already bind them, but decides to keep them secret, for now.

Gianna is a woman who has suffered the devastating loss of her parents at twelve, and in her adult life she has suffered romantic loss. I think deep down she does not feel she is worthy of love or fun for that matter. She buries herself in her career, which she does enjoy, but there has to be more to life. 

Carter has lost his fiancé to death, and he is a little gun shy of falling in love again as well. But he is much more open to it, especially when it comes to his feeling for Gia. He opens his heart completely to her hoping for a happily every after for them.

But sometimes misunderstandings happen and bitterness can take root. My heart broke for both Gia and Carter and at different times in the story. I just wanted them to be together and let the past stay in the past and their future to begin. I look forward to more in this series.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Ann Marie Bryan is a dedicated multi-talented leader with a passion for excellence. She is the CEO and Founder of Victorious By Design, an organization committed to providing top quality professional writing services, comprehensive personal and professional development programs and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique needs of individuals and organizations.

A Christian Fiction author, Ann Marie writes to educate, inspire, and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blend faith and romance that test the resilience of love.

Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord.

 

More from Ann Marie

I am super excited that you are a part of this amazing Dream Again tour. I use the words—emotional, inspirational, compelling, and romantic—to describe my writing style. I love to put readers in the heart of the story to give them a chance to think how they would react in similar situations.

It was therapeutic for me to write Dream Again. Last year, my mom passed, so it was a year of grieving and adjusting for me. While I was going through, I decided to write a story about someone who suffered the loss of a parent. I wrapped that experience into a beautiful love story, Dream Again, which gives hope while showing the awesome power of God in the lives of two hurting people.

I hope you will enjoy reading Dream Again as much as I have enjoyed writing it. In this novel, you will witness the incredible transformative power of love in the lives of Carter McIntosh and Gianna Barrett as they lift their faith and develop the courage and tenacity to leave the past behind. Dream Again is laced with love, faith, friendship, and a sense of community, while demonstrating God’s desire to free people from life-altering events. I pray that you will catch a glimpse of God moving through time to secure the future of those He loves.

Thank you for touring with me and for taking the time to read Dream Again. Stay victorious!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 19

Through the Fire Blogs, February 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 21

Susan K. Beatty, Author, February 22 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 23

Inklings and notions, February 24

For Him and My Family, February 25

deb’s Book Review, February 26

Artistic Nobody, February 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 28

By The Book, March 1 (Author Interview)

Spoken from the Heart, March 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 2

Pause for Tales, March 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Ann Marie is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Dream Again!!

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/10868/dream-again-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Tides of Duplicity by Robin Patchen

 

About the Book

Book:  Tides of Duplicity

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: February 16, 2021

A jewelry heist, a kidnapping, and a choice. When Fitz’s sister disappears, he’ll do anything to get her back, even if it means betraying the woman he’s come to love. 

Private investigator Fitz McCaffrey went to Belize on a case, bringing his teenage sister Shelby along with him. They have no good reason to leave the resort and hurry back to the harsh New England winter. They lost their parents, he lost his job as a cop, and they both need time to heal. Besides, when Fitz meets and spends time with the beautiful and charming Tabitha Eaton, he falls hard.  

But minutes after Tabby’s flight leaves, Fitz is summoned by a mobster who believes Tabby broke into the hotel safe the night before and made off with half a million dollars’ worth of jewels—and he has the video evidence to prove it. As Shelby’s guardian, Fitz has to focus on caring for his sister, whether Tabby is innocent or guilty. He refuses to help the man—until he learns the mobster has taken his sister.  

The clock is ticking as Fitz scrambles to recover the jewels. If he succeeds, it’ll cost the woman he’s come to care for. If he fails, it’ll cost his sister’s life.  

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Tides of Duplicity was a straight up fun and suspenseful romance. Tabby experiences a whirlwind romance in Belize which she decides will always be precious in her memories, but she can't be with Fitz. She just met him for one, and two, she feels really responsible for her Mom's and brother's happiness. So much so that she has just settled into her life. Forgoing all pleasure, (except this trip where she met the man of her dreams), working at a job she is not happy at, and overall just existing.

PI Fitz cannot understand why Tabby and he cannot pursue a relationship together. They don't live that far apart and he would like to have a future with her. Yes he is the sole guardian of his teenage sister, but eventually she will grow up and leave. However, an unfortunate event takes place, accusations are made, threats are given, and this turns everything Fitz thought about Tabby on its head. 

Tabby on the other hand, has gone back to her mundane life not knowing the turmoil that is about to be unleashed on her. Can Fitz choose between Tabby and his sister or can he protect them both from the danger that is breathing down their necks.

I really enjoyed Fitz's protectiveness for Tabby, even when he was not sure of her. Both he and Tabby had issues to work through and the danger they were under motivated them to work through them pretty quickly. And the romance was well told.

 

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Aside from her family and her Savior, USA Today bestselling author Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Robin to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Texas, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.

 

More from Robin

Do you remember the show Party of Five? It ran for six seasons back in the 90s. I wasn’t a huge fan of the show itself, but I loved the premise: the oldest son of five children becomes the guardian for his younger siblings after their parents are killed in a car accident.

Talk about fodder for a great story.

When I was dreaming about Tides of Duplicity, I decided my hero, Fitz McCaffrey, had a similar story. In his case, his parents died when he was twenty-one, leaving him as the sole guardian of his eight-year-old sister, Shelby.

Do you remember being twenty-one? I do, and let me tell you, I wouldn’t have had the first idea how to raise an eight-year-old, especially one dealing with the trauma of losing her parents. Fitz didn’t know, either.

Sure, thanks to insurance, they had plenty of money to survive. He was able to finish college, go to the police academy, and get a job. But emotionally, Fitz didn’t know what he was doing. What he knew was that his sister needed him, and he loved her enough to figure it out.

Our story picks up eight years later when Fitz and Shelby go to Belize for vacation. Shelby meets a teenage boy who takes up all her time. Fitz doesn’t complain when he meets a beautiful woman named Tabby. They spend two weeks together, and by the time those weeks are up, Fitz has fallen hard.

But the morning Tabby leaves, Fitz discovers a few shocking truths:

Tabby was caught on tape stealing from the hotel safe.

The hotel safe held a half million dollars’ worth of jewels belonging to a mafia boss—who happens to be the father of Shelby’s new boyfriend.

And the mob boss wants Fitz to get his stuff back.

His leverage?

He’s taken Shelby.

Shelby’s the only family Fitz has left. He loves her like a father loves a daughter, and he’ll do anything to get her back.

Even betray the woman he’s come to love.

I loved writing this story. I loved writing the conflict Fitz deals with—the desire to save Shelby vs. the desire to protect Tabby from a very dangerous man. I love seeing his newfound faith at work. Frankly, as the world dealt with all the drama of 2020, I loved writing about exotic locations that took me out of my normal life—a couple of resort towns, not to mention Tabby’s hometown, the little snow-covered village of Coventry, New Hampshire.

As the winter winds blow, I hope you’ll take this trip with Fitz and Tabby and Shelby. I think you’re going to love it.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 21

Inklings and notions, February 22

Texas Book-aholic, February 23

Blogging With Carol, February 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 24

deb’s Book Review, February 25

Through the Fire Blogs, February 26

Mary Hake, February 26

Older & Smarter?, February 27

Artistic Nobody, February 28 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

For Him and My Family, March 1

Spoken from the Heart, March 1

Pause for Tales, March 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 3

Betti Mace, March 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 5 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize of a Kindle Paperwhite!!

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/1086a/tides-of-duplicity-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review: Network of Deceit by Tom Threadgill

 

About:

She's following her instincts. They're following her every move.

After her rescue of nearly fifty kidnapped children made international headlines, Amara Alvarez gets what she's worked for: a transfer to San Antonio's Homicide Division. But reality sets in quickly when her first case, the suspicious death of a teenager at a crowded local water park, plunges her life into chaos.

As the investigation moves forward, Amara finds herself stalked online by cybercriminals who uncover her personal life in frightening detail. With few leads, she's forced to resort to unconventional methods to find the killer and prevent her first murder investigation from ending up in the cold case files.

Tom Threadgill is back with another riveting page-turner featuring the detective who is willing to put everything on the line to see justice served and lives protected.

My Thoughts:

Amara Alvarez is a homicide detective that has heart and feels the need for the truth of the victim to be revealed. Faced with a new job where she is not quite welcome, bullied by other detectives, and not even a permanent working space, her first case is a bit tricky.

A young seventeen year old male has been found dead floating on a ride at a fun water park. What happened to him everyone assumes is heatstroke and while waiting for the toxicology reports, Amara feels she needs to start investigating before the evidence grows cold. What she discovers in the evidence is that he most assuredly was murdered, but why? And can she prove enough evidence to this that her case can go forward? She works with both a tenacity to solve the crime and with empathy for the family.

On top of all of her work issues she is also kind of dating a fellow detective and trying to probe her feelings on whether she wants more. Also she has been hit with some devastating familial news. All of this is on this one woman's shoulders who is trying very hard to balance both her personal and career life. In this second in the Amara series, Amara proves herself to be a good detective against all that she must stand up against.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Tom Threadgill is a full-time author and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the International Thriller Writers (ITW). The author of Collision of Lies, Tom lives with his wife near Dallas, Texas. Learn more at www.tomthreadgill.com.

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Alabama Days by Daphne Self

 

About the Book

Book:  Alabama Days

Author: Daphne Self

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 16, 2020

How could a loving God hurt so many people?

Paramedic Scott Wilson believes he can chase death away, but his spirit is shattered when people he loves are taken from him. As a paramedic, Scott sees every day the pain that people suffer, and he wants no part of a God that would allow bad things to happen to good people. As a result, he hides behind his work and addiction to ease the pain within his soul.

But once newspaper reporter Angela Mabry and her son, Max, move into town, Scott can’t help but notice the feisty redhead. Angela is determined to uncover the town’s seedy underbelly and reveal the strange coincidences of so many car accidents at one location.

When a prominent city official dies in a car wreck, Scott and Angela find themselves tangled in intrigue and deception. Together they search for the truth and discover that not all is what it seems.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Angela Mabry has moved back to her small hometown with her young son. Wanting to get away from the big city and bad memories coming home seemed like the best thing to do. Angela is a reporter and has been hired at the small newspaper to cover whatever stories her boss gives her. However, Angela comes across some inconsistencies as she is researching a story. Something is not right and being a tenacious and a no nonsense woman, Angela does not back down.

Scott Wilson is a paramedic and he has seen his fair share of awful accidents. The beginning of this book gives quite a devastating scene that sets Scott down a path that is dark and he has many demons to fight as he turns from God to other 'medications'.  Angela becomes a friend to him and the spiritual part of this book develops organically as she tries to help Scott turn back to God. Many people blame God for devastating circumstances and I think this story does well in showing Scott's mental and heart condition.

However, there is something sinister going on in the town that not only puts Angela and Scott in danger, but everyone that they care about as well. But one thing is for certain, they are bound and determined to uncover the truth.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Daphne Self, formerly published under the name D.M. Webb, resides in Iowa. As a Mississippian transplant, she spends her days in the Midwest state writing, editing, reading, antiquing, and planning adventures with her husband and sons. She pursues her dream as an editor and author with one goal in mind: To Glorify His Name. Daphne is also an avid reader who devours books in many genres.

 

More from Daphne

Why Did I Write What I Wrote?

One question that is always asked of me: “How did you come up with your book?”

Well, it is simple and complex. Like the helix shape of a DNA strand that holds four proteins in an infinite combination, my ideas are a lot like that. My first book, Mississippi Nights, started off as a book from my childhood. I wrote One Big Happy Family when I was about 16. It was buried and put aside for so many, many years. And after the line-of-duty death of my husband in 2005, the idea of resurrecting that novel percolated for some time. Finally in 2010, I took the story, revamped it, and drew from life to create a story about the prodigal son who returns home to family. It wasn’t just his story, but a story about his brother, a family friend, and a little girl. Mississippi Nights brought to life the story of alcoholism and how a person can fall into that addiction.

After that book was published, I started thinking: “What if someone saw death, hurt, and sorrow on a daily basis? What if that person didn’t have Jesus to lean upon? What would he do?”

And that’s how Alabama Days was born. While Mississippi Nights dealt with alcoholism, Alabama Days dealt with drug abuse, and in this case, prescription drug abuse.

Yet it was much deeper than that. What if the person was a really good guy? He was likable, generous, loving, yet he lacked that one relationship that would bring him peace. If he were someone who did what was right, no matter what, what would happen if he committed a wrong act only to find that his wrong act saved the life of another?

I had so many ethnical questions thrown at my characters. How would a Christian and a non-Christian react to certain circumstances. Because life isn’t always clear-cut, yet the Bible is, I wanted to show the messiness of being human.

We know that as Christians, we all fall short. We all sin at times. The difference is that when we sin, we know we can receive forgiveness and “Go and sin no more.” But how would a person who ran from God think? How would I react if I were like him?

Writers play around with what-ifs. We see the many facets of humanity. And that’s how our stories are born. And why we write what we do. For me, I want to show the many sides of human nature and behaviour and show that in all things, Jesus is the answer. Jesus is there for us all.

So, why do I write what I do? To bring glory to His Name and hope that through my words, people will come (or return) to Christ.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 17

lakesidelivingsite, February 17

Among the Reads, February 18

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 21

Older & Smarter?, February 22

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 22

Betti Mace, February 23

Texas Book-aholic, February 24

Blogging With Carol, February 24

Inklings and notions, February 25

For Him and My Family, February 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 26

deb’s Book Review, February 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

Pause for Tales, February 28

Artistic Nobody, March 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Daphne is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Mississippi Nights, a copy of Alabama Days, a floral mug, a leather Is. 40:31 bookmark, 2 mini notebooks, and a Paramedic Prayer keyring with velvet pouch!!

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/10867/alabama-days-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review: When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

 

About:

Munich, 1938

Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession and to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she does not report truthfully, she'll betray the oppressed and fail to wake up the folks back home.

Peter Lang is an American graduate student working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

As the world marches relentlessly toward war, Evelyn and Peter are on a collision course with destiny.

My Thoughts:

This is such a relevant read especially with everything going on today. The year is 1938 and this story takes place within that year and a frightening new world view is gaining power- Hitler's Germany.

We have two Americans who are living and working in Munich at the start of this story. Evelyn is a woman reporter who has enough struggles working her way up in a man's world. She also wants to write the truth about how the Nazi regime is dangerous, suffocating, and without many freedoms.

Peter is a graduate student who has a slightly different view than Evelyn. He sees the devastation the world has been through due to the Great Depression and workplace violence as men and women struggle to care and feed for their families. He likes the order that is in Germany.

Now this novel raises many questions and it chillingly reflects some of the atmosphere we are living in today. The way a group of people were painted as evil and how quickly others could turn on them. I felt author Sundin did a great job on showing through the year, before the World War 2 started, the attitudes of the people. And the frightening way they changed and turned on their neighbors.

I thought the title was excellent. Is the twilight before dusk or dawn? The light or the dark? Twilight is the time of in between and that is exactly where these two characters find themselves. 

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of several popular WWII series, including Sunrise at Normandy, Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale, and Wings of Glory. Her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. The Sky Above Us received the Carol Award, her bestselling The Sea Before Us received the FHL Reader's Choice Award, and both Through Waters Deep and When Tides Turn were named on Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Sarah lives in Northern California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.