Friday, November 29, 2019

Review: Faceoff by Rebecca Connolly, Heather B. Moore, and Sophia Summers

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About the Book:

She isn’t supposed to want him. He isn’t supposed to want her. But wanting each other is inevitable.

Clint McCarthy has finally achieved his dream of playing for a professional hockey program, and is eager to make his mark with his new team. While getting settled in his new city, he happens across Bree Stone, whom he has known for years, with their respective brothers both being in the famed Belltown Six Pack. But for the life of him, he can’t remember Bree ever looking so attractive. Or being so captivating. Or taking over his every waking thought.

In the middle of her graduate degree, Bree has no time or desire for working on her dating life, or lack thereof, but the impossibly handsome Clint McCarthy coming back into her life makes everything complicated. She shouldn’t be focusing on him, or on them, not when her professional future hangs in the balance. But once she hears about Clint’s past with the Northbrook Hockey Elite program, and where that program stands now, Bree just might find a way to make her career, and a future with Clint, come to life.

Welcome to Northbrook Hockey Elite!

Six professional hockey players used to play on an elite club team together, but have all separated and now play in the pro-hockey leagues. Not all of them were friends, yet circumstances bring them together, and for the greater good, maybe they can put aside their differences.

Visit us on Facebook: Swoony Sports Romances

Northbrook Hockey Elite Series:

Faceoff

Powerplay

Rebound

Crosscheck

Breakaway

Shootout

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46741705-faceoff

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/y2aoovgq

BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/yxrr7k5f

My Thoughts:

This was a very cute and romantic story about two old friends who come to see each other as more. We get to see their relationship and their romance blossom over time and over their dates. They certainly do not rush anything and the authors prolong their first kiss till you as the reader are about ready to jump out of your skin.

I like that this was not an angsty book and that their relationship was healthy and hopeful. The problems that they faced they worked together on and that was a refreshing read.

This is also a romance that takes place around sports. Specifically hockey which I know next to nothing about. But that's ok, I came for the romance anyway.

This is the start of a new series that focuses on 6 guys from a club they grew up in called Northbrook Hockey Elite. I look forward to more of these men's stories and their journey to happily ever after with their lady loves.

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

About the Authors:

Rebecca Connolly

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Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14116935.Rebecca_Connolly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.connolly.books/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/writerbecks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writer.becks

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rebecca-connolly

Website: https://rebeccaconnolly.com/

Newsletter: https://rebeccaconnolly.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7f6324e71468b0c7f3a3717ac&id=59638946a1v

Heather B. Moore

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Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Goodreads:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/37783537691/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/heatherbmoore

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhbmoore/

Website: http://hbmoore.com/

Blog: http://mywriterslair.blogspot.com/

Email list: http://hbmoore.com/contact/

Sophia Summers

Sophia Summers is an award winning author who just wants to relax a little and enjoy a great beach read. She lives in a quiet southern town brimming with an extra dose of hospitality and a whole lot of charm.

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She writes historical romance under a different name. You can follow her on http://www.sophiasummers.com. Be SURE to join her Newsletter for freebies and fun.

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1344106.Sophia_Summers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophia.summers.54540

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsophiasummers/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sophia-summers

Website: https://sophiasummers.com/

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/o8w5d8?fbclid=IwAR1AkRSJ3rI1w_U1WnlqZg3nAWev_wEFveu7CDcu5CKVuvfkYomZ2gZ5Wrs

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Hidden Rebel by Michelle Janene

About the Book

Book: Hidden Rebel
Author: Michelle Janene
Genre: Christian medieval fantasy
Release Date: August 17, 2017

A disguised warrior on a mission to save a dying kingdom,

but God has more planned. Aria has left home with one goal. Find the weapon used to defeat the horde of the Black Knight and save what remains of her kingdom.

But things are not going as planned.

Disguised as a male knight, she saves the young prince of the neighboring kingdom, and tales of her fighting prowess spread like a raging fire. Now, within the castle walls of a foreign kingdom, a young girl masquerading as her page serves as her only confidant. But the widower king and his enemies are taking notice of her. The legendary weapon, however, is nowhere to be found.

What is God doing?

Aria needs to save her home without losing her heart.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I am always interested when I hear about a new medieval author that I have not read before, as that is my favorite time period. So I was quite delighted to pick up Hidden Rebel.

Hidden Rebel is the third in a series (which I didn't know), but that was ok as it stood on it's own. I am not sure if any of the characters are linked.

This was about a woman warrior who is on a mission to find a weapon that will stop the wipeout of her kingdom. It started off with a bang as she enters the story quite heroically especially as she is dressed to look like a man and everyone believes her to be. King Edmund asks her to stay at his kingdom so that he and his men can help her look for this weapon that is supposed to be there.

The story takes a turn that I was not expecting and like Aria, I felt trapped and restless as she is basically held prisoner it seems for her own good. She seemed to go from this warrior knight to a woman who is helpless to leave. During this time of struggle for her she is given a "page" who is a young girl whom she develops a strong bond with. A lot of the story is about their growing relationship and their growth as characters, especially lessons about trusting God.

This was an easy read and I felt pulled into the story. The story does pick up again and there is a trace of romance within.

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

Michelle Janene lives and works in Northern California, though most days she blissfully exists in the medieval creations of her mind. She is a devoted teacher, a dysfunctional housekeeper, and a dedicated writer. She released her first novella Mission: Mistaken Identity in the fall of 2015, God’s Rebel in 2016, Rebel’s Son in 2017, and has been published in several anthologies. She leads two critique groups and is the founder of Strong Tower Press—Indie solutions for indie authors.

More from Michelle

The main character of Hidden Rebel is a princess who is also a warrior. She needed to move between court and the battlefield with minimal issues. Aria also took the verse that women should not dress as men seriously. I wrote about a fighting skirt for her. It appeared to be a pleated skirt with several long panels. Those panels weren’t sewn together other than at her hips. When Aria moved it was clear the skirt panels where over tight trousers and tall boots. I thought about the skirt so much I created my own. I have worn it to local Renaissance Faires.

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, November 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 21

Emily Yager, November 22

Books, Books, and More Books., November 23

Avid Reader Nurse, November 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 24

Texas Book-aholic, November 25

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 25

janicesbookreviews, November 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 27

Inside the Wong Mind, November 27

A Reader’s Brain, November 28

Pause for Tales, November 29

Inklings and notions , November 30

CarpeDiem, December 1

Library Lady Kid’s Lit, December 2

Faery Tales Are Real, December 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card and the entire trilogy on eBook!!

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/ede9/hidden-rebel-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Review: Why Do We Say Good Night? by Champ Thornton Illustrated by Rommel Ruiz

To Purchase

About the Book:

Going to bed and turning out the light can be a hard time for many children. Award-winning author Champ Thornton wrote this beautifully designed and illustrated book to help parents comfort their children with three truths about God. As a mother and her little daughter talk, they remember together that God made the night, he sees in the dark, and he watches over them just like a shepherd protects his sheep. Children and parents will want to start a new nighttime tradition of reading together about why we can say that the night is good.

In this important, engaging children's book, parents can bring comfort and encouragement to their children, reminding them Jesus is near.

My Thoughts:

This is a beautiful illustrated children's book that I was pleased to read. It is written for younger kids and the young at heart. My 9 year old son and I shared in the story and we were both delighted by the artwork and the message behind the poem like story.

The older I grow the more I appreciate the simplicity of a story that is found in children's story books. This would be a lovely addition to anyone, old or young who enjoys the message that we are watched over and loved by our Creator. The artwork is especially pleasing and what starts off as scary and overshadowing diminishes and becomes explainable.

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

About the Author and Illustrator:

AUTHOR

Champ Thornton is an the associate pastor at Ogletown Baptist Church in Newark, Delaware. He has pastored in South Carolina and served as director of SOMA, a ministry training school in Columbus, Ohio. He is host of "In the Word, On the Go," a ten-minute podcast for families and is the author of several books, including The Radical Book for Kids, Pass It On: A Proverbs Journal for the Next Generation, Radically Different and Why Do We Say Goodnight?. Champ and his wife, Robben, have three children.

ILLUSTRATOR

Rommel Ruiz was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to sunny Southern California to pursue his passion for creative expression and storytelling. An accomplished designer and illustrator, he incorporates influences from theater, film, animation, and mid-century design. His work includes animated visuals for Cartoon Network and the award-winning Luther documentary, as well as illustrations for books including Golly’s Folly, The Gospel in Color, and more. He is also the cofounder and art director of Patrol. He and his wife, Anny, live with their two joyful girls in Los Angeles.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Review: A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

About:

In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to solve the puzzle.

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?

My Thoughts:

Coming to the end of this remarkable series that has shed light on the darker side of English polite society, we finally get to have Jess’s story. She has been there from book one, always elusive and full of intrigue. Her mannerisms and suspicions have made me wonder what is her story? What is she hiding and from whom?

Well in A Pursuit of Home we finally get her story and it is a doozy. It has a quality and an air of an old fairytale that I found quite surprising given this was Jess, and we were finally getting her backstory.

Enter Derek Thornbury and a thorn in Jess’s side who is a very detail and fact oriented and his knowledge of art and history was remarkable. He is not someone Jess wanted to know or even be around but the sad truth was she needed his expertise. And so their adventure begins and I had a lovely time watching and seeing in my mind’s eye the paintings that told the story of the past so that the future may be revealed.

I always wondered what type of gentleman would capture Jess’s heart and Derek, a rather staid and bookish sort, was quite a surprise to me as a reader and to Jess herself.

This series was storytelling at it’s best and I look forward to more of author Hunter’s books.

I received 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:

Kristi is the RITA® award winning author of Regency romance novels from a Christian worldview. Her books include the award winning Hawthorne House series and Haven Manor series. Beyond writing, she is also speaker, teaching classes in writing as well as Biblical and spiritual topics. She has spoken to writers' groups, schools, and young women's groups at churches.

When she is not writing or interacting with her readers, Kristi spends time with her family and her church. A graduate of Georgia Tech with a computer science degree, she can also be found fiddling with her computer in her free time. A born lover of stories she is also an avid reader. From very young she dreamed of sharing her own stories with others and praises God daily that she gets to live that dream today.

Links:

https://www.kristiannhunter.com/

https://www.kristiannhunter.com/BookPage/APOH

https://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-Home-Haven-Manor-Book-ebook/dp/B07NNPFTG7

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-pursuit-of-home-kristi-ann-hunter/1130543155

https://www.christianbook.com/a-pursuit-of-home-3/kristi-hunter/9780764230776/pd/230772?event=ESRCG

https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Pursuit-Home/Kristi-Ann-Hunter/9780764230776?id=7523295432147

https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780764230776

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/a-pursuit-of-home-P008010769

Monday, November 25, 2019

Review and Giveaway: The End of the Magi by Patrick W. Carr

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The End of the Magi
By Patrick W. Carr
Christian Historical Fiction
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 384 Pages
November 5th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Centuries before the magi arrived in Bethlehem,
a prophecy sets a young magus on his path . . .

Following his vision of the coming Messiah, the prophet Daniel calls forth a select group of men who will count down the calendar until the arrival of Israel's promised king. Centuries later, as the day draws near, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, flees for his life when his adoptive father and others are slain by a ruthless Parthian queen.

Equipped with very little, in haste Myrad escapes the city and, searching for a way to hide from the soldiers scouring the trade routes, tries to join the caravan of the merchant Walagash. The merchant senses that Myrad is keeping secrets, but when the young man proves himself a valuable asset, an epic journey filled with peril, near captures, and dangerous battles begins.

With every day that passes, the calendar creeps closer to the coming Messiah. And over everything shines the dream of a star that Myrad can't forget, and the promise that the world will never be the same.

Praise for the Book

"Carr retells the story of the Magi in this bustling biblical adventure . . . . Myrad's divine vision of the star and his arduous trek battling his own physical problems to pay homage to the Messiah capture the majesty of biblical narratives and will appeal to Christians well versed in scripture."--Publishers Weekly

"Patrick Carr brings us a captivating tale in The End of the Magi. Based on the Holy Bible, he weaves a fictional tale of the adventures of a group of magi from the east looking for the Messiah. Myrad is a strong main character even though he doesn't see himself as strong. He has great character traits and these help him find triumph over tragedy. . . . The End of the Magi is a great holiday read and gives us much to think about in our journey to know God better."--Fresh Fiction

(Affiliate links included.)

My Thoughts:

I love history and seeing all the moving parts of the contemporaries as they live and rule in the place of time that they are born into. We know of the greats, but what of the others that did not have their named marked down in history?

Author Carr has taken the mystery and majesty of the story of the Magi, the Wise Men, the three kings, etc. and has given us quite an adventurous story of political intrigue and the powers that were in charge at the time. Not only around Jesus's birth, but well before and after.

The prophesy of the coming Messiah and the ones who were looking for him in the east has always intrigued me, and this star that they saw. I have had many questions about that star like was there anyone else looking for it? What kind of phenomenon was it? The author gives a good explanation on it and definitely some food for thought.

Besides the adventure, there was also a little bit of romance, which surprised me and again, I really liked that we get the start of the story all the way back at Daniel's time and the story continues on.

This was a different Christmas read but one that was exciting and full of wonder.

I received 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

Patrick W. Carr is the author of the acclaimed fantasy series The Staff and the Sword. A Cast of Stones won the 2014 Carol Award for Speculative Fiction and the 2014 Clive Staples Award. A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot were both finalists for 2014 Christy Awards. He teaches high school math and makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, with his incredible wife, Mary, and their four sons.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

- One winner will receive a print copy of The End of the Magi and a $20 B&N gift card

- Four winners will each receive a print copy of The End of the Magi

- US only

- Ends November 29, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Marisol Spanish Rose by Elva Cobb Martin

About the Book

Book: Marisol Spanish Rose
Author: Elva Cobb Martin
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: November 8, 2019

Escaping to the New World is her only option…Rescuing her will wrap the chains of the Inquisition around his neck.

Marisol Valentin flees Spain after murdering the nobleman who molested her. She ends up for sale on the indentured servants’ block at Charles Town harbor—dirty, angry, and with child. Her hopes are shattered, but she must find a refuge for herself and the child she carries. Can this new land offer her the grace, love, and security she craves? Or must she escape again to her only living relative in Cartagena?

Captain Ethan Becket, once a Charles Town minister, now sails the seas as a privateer, grieving his deceased wife. But when he takes captive a ship full of indentured servants, he’s intrigued by the woman whose manners seem much more refined than the average Spanish serving girl. Perfect to become governess for his young son. But when he sets out on a quest to find his captured sister, said to be in Cartagena, little does he expect his new Spanish governess to stow away on his ship with her six-month-old son. Yet her offer of help to free his sister is too tempting to pass up. And her beauty, both inside and out, is too attractive for his heart to protect itself against—until he learns she is a wanted murderess.

As their paths intertwine on a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and romance, only love and the grace of God can overcome the past and ignite a new beginning for Marisol and Ethan.

Click here to get your copy.

My Thoughts:

If you are looking for an adventurous read with characters that have to overcome a great deal of adversity, then Marisol Spanish Rose may be just the read you are looking for. I enjoy a good romantic swashbuckling adventure with pirates/privateers, ship battles, espionage, and spying. Throw in political intrigue and this read certainly delivers that and more.

The story starts right off with Marisol having survived an attack and just when she and her maid decide to runaway, things go from bad to worse for them. And let me tell you there were a few ‘I can’t believe that just happened’ moments for me. The twists and turns of this story were quite remarkable.

Captain Ethan Becket is a man who is brokenhearted and has turned his back on everything he has believed in. Once a pastor now a privateer his story arc is one of a man that is haunted but still ultimately a good man on the inside. There is still a small spark of faith and hope there.

This was my first read by author Martin and I have been missing out. If you like such authors like MaryLu Tyndall, you will like this one. Now I will be checking her backlist and looking forward to future stories.

I received 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

Elva Cobb Martin is a wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband and a mini-dachshund. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. Connect with her on her web site at https://www.elvamartin.com/.

More from Elva

A couple of things inspired me to write Marisol ~ Spanish Rose, in addition to my love of historical romance fiction set in the colonial/pirate era of Charles Town and the Spanish Main. I ran across a teaching of how people often let the one terrible moment of their lives define them and their future. Know anyone like this?

I envisioned a heroine in the 1700’s who let her “terrible moment”—being molested and accidentally killing the Spanish nobleman who attacks her—define her and her future destiny. My premise for this idea and novel is: Love, forgiveness, and determination can overcome the most horrifying experiences and poor choices when we invite God into the equation. Loving horses, particularly the white Lipizzaners, I named my heroine Marisol and set the attack on her father’s Andalusian Stud Farm in Cadiz, Spain in 1740. Andalusians are the Spanish horses in the ancestry of the Lipizzaners. And they can be trained to do dancing steps with a dancing maiden called the Flamenco, which my heroine can do well. Click here for a video of a flamenco dancer. https://youtu.be/lSQWQl0u_Ow Marisol’s exciting Flamenco plays a pivotal part in the novel. All this story idea needed now was an exciting, handsome Charles Town privateer—sometimes pirate—who will cross paths with my heroine when she flees Spain after killing the Spanish nobleman who molested her. Captain Ethan Becket, backslidden former Charles Town minister, has returned to the sea, grieving the loss of his wife and child.

By the time these two get together at the indentured block in Charles Town, Marisol has discovered she is with child. Thanks for stopping by! May you have an exciting, romantic adventure on the high seas with Captain Ethan and Marisol.