Monday, July 13, 2020

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Crystal Witness by Kathy Tyers

About the Book

Book: Crystal Witness
Author: Kathy Tyers
Genre: Christian fiction, science fiction, futuristic
Release Date: June 16, 2020

Her memories are blocked. Her freedom is gone. Her crime is a mystery.

When Ming Dalamani awakens from twenty years of suspended animation, she recalls only fragments of her former life: the life she led before she was arrested by the governing interplanetary corporation, Renasco, for a now unremembered crime.

Relocated to an alien world far from the only home she has ever known, Ming serves a powerful Renasco representative to repay her debt. But daily she lives with deadly threats from two men—the hideous mutant Zardir Huekk and the handsome, secretive musician Tieg Innig—who both want the same thing: information. Renasco-trained as a calligrapher in three dimensions, Ming begins to remember more: a clan, a mission, and interstellar piracy.

Ming must decide where her loyalties lie: with her powerful new employer, with a budding resistance movement… or elsewhere.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I have always wanted to read an author Tyers book. I have a couple of her older ones, I just have not picked them up, partly because she awed me. Why? Because her stories sound so amazing, but they are science fiction, and well as much as I want to, sometimes I just don't get them.

Crystal Witness sets up an interesting premise. Ming has been asleep for twenty years, for a crime she is not able to remember. When she wakes up she is not her own master, she is company property. Understandably she is leery of everyone. And there is some really creepy human hybrid creatures. Who can she trust and what is the truth in the world she now lives in?

For the atmosphere of space and dimensions the author is very good in her detail. I would say that this is a deep space novel. Probably due to my limited imagination, I did have some trouble keeping characters apart and trying to process all the technical detail as well.

Reminding me a bit of such movies like Babylon 5 and Star Trek, I recommend this as a solid science fiction novel. Even though it is not my usual reading, the premise and character's journey to the truth captured my attention (even with my limited scope).

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

About the Author

Kathy Tyers is widely published in speculative fiction, including her award-winning Firebird series and two licensed Star Wars “Legends” novels, as well as a travel book, a writing reference book, and a memoir co-written for classical guitarist Christopher Parkening. Her messiah-in-space novel Daystar, fifth in the Firebird series, won a 2013 Carol Award, and her terraforming/genetic engineering science fiction novel Shivering World won the 2019 Christy Award for Visionary Fiction. At home in southwest Montana with her husband William Gillin, Kathy focuses on writing, teaching music, and freelance editing.

More from Kathy

In 1988, after the initial release of Firebird and Fusion Fire by Bantam Books of New York, my then-editor asked for a stand-alone novel, and my then-agent presented me with a contract to write that book in just over half the time that I actually needed. So my third novel, Crystal Witness, appeared in 1989—and while the plot had strong bones, I wished I’d had several more months to polish it. Much to my delight, Enclave Publishing is re-issuing Crystal Witness in June 2020 with the layers of polishing added. While I was adding those layers, I found myself wondering what would happen next. Maybe … oh, yes … hmmm … Aha!

Now that Crystal Witness is ready to stand up and sing, I am delighted to be working on a multi-book sequel series, The Sunstone Saga, also to be released by Enclave Publishing. Book 1 of the saga, The Long Silence, is well underway. It introduces a new cast of characters and asks a powerful question: Where has God been, while humankind went to the stars?

Crystal Witness is the story of young Ming Dalamani, who wakens from twenty years of suspended animation to find herself “company property” on a distant world, with no memory of the crime she must have committed. She only knows that a powerful corporate monopoly rules interstellar space, and she has been assigned to serve a company representative. Immediately, powerful (and opposing) individuals offer threats and bribes, trying to enlist her to spy for both sides of a deadly intrigue. How long can Ming play both sides of the plot against her urgent wish to find out who she is … and what was her crime?

My background in music and the arts always manages to show up in my books. I made Ming a calligrapher in three dimensions, wielding a set of injection pens to create elegant designs in clear slabs. Another character is a court musician with futuristic technology at his fingertips. My entire family was musical; my mother played in 20thCentury Fox’s prestigious sound stage orchestra in the 1950s, and my father grew up in a family band that toured the U.S. every summer. When I was widowed in 2004 and needed to make a fresh start, I discovered that Regent College in Vancouver BC had a program in which I could study toward a Master’s degree in Christianity and the Arts—and write a science fiction novel as part of my thesis project. That book, Wind and Shadow, picked up the Firebird series at Book 4 and led to its completion in Daystar, Book 5. That series is conclusively finished—as you know, if you have read Daystar!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 30

Fiction Aficionado, July 1

Where Faith and Books Meet, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Inklings and notions, July 3

deb’s Book Review, July 3

Worthy2Read, July 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 5

Blogging With Carol, July 5

For Him and My Family, July 6

Book of Ruth Ann, July 7

Mia Reads, July 7

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, July 8

Through the Fire Blogs, July 9

Emily Yager, July 10

Hallie Reads, July 10

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, July 11

Breny and Books, July 11

amandainpa, July 12

Pause for Tales, July 13

The Artist Librarian, July 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize package of a still-in-box set of miniature toys that was released in 1996 to go with her novel, Star Wars: The Truce At Bakura, a signed copy of Firebird and One Mind’s Eye!!

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/fcdb/crystal-witness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway: Christmas in Bayberry by Jennifer Faye

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Christmas in Bayberry:

A Small-Town Christmas Romance from Hallmark Publishing

By Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 238 Pages

July 7th 2020 by Hallmark Publishing

She’s trying to save the family candle company.
He’s trying not to fall for Bayberry—and her—again.

Kate Taylor knows what she wants in life: to one day run her family’s candle business, which is at the heart of the close-knit community of Bayberry, Vermont. But the company isn’t doing well.

Wesley Adams is on the fast track to be an assistant vice president at his financial firm in Manhattan. Before the promotion is announced, he’s sent to this small town from his past to do an analysis of the candle company.

He doesn’t expect to bump into his childhood crush, Kate, and when he does, sparks fly. As he spends time in Bayberry, he falls for the town’s Christmas traditions—and for her. But he has a responsibility to submit an honest report. Will it extinguish Kate’s dreams…along with any chance they have for a future together?

This heart-warming romance contains a free Hallmark original recipe for Cast Iron Beef Stew.

(Affiliate links included.)

Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!
Please state the quantity you desire and which bookmarks/titles you are interested in. Feel free to order extra to share with your favorite bookstore, library and family/friends.

NOTE: A big apology but due to postal fees, only available to continental U.S. residents.

My Thoughts:

If you are looking for a little Christmas in July, look no further than Christmas in Bayberry. And if you adore Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this story from Hallmark Publishing.

What I liked was that more than one of the movies, we get more depth into the story and the character's lives. This is a story about a candle factory, which is very old and started the town, and it is in financial trouble. This company has stayed in Kate's family it's entire existence and she loves it. Now Kate has dreams and the Bayberry Candle Company is at the very top. She knows business isn't doing well, but not how bad it really is.

Kate's Aunt Penney hires a business analyst, Wesley Adams to find out exactly what kind of future the candle company has. I will say I was a little irritated that Kate was kept out of the loop and her aunt really wouldn't discuss these matters with her. I realized her aunt thought she was doing what was best but those secrets just didn't really sit well with me.

Wes is no stranger to Bayberry or Kate herself. He lived their briefly when he was younger and he had a mighty big crush on Kate. But Wes is focused on making it big in his company so he try's to stay all business. Unfortunately, this little town and its cheer, the big hearted people, and Kate draws him into the small town life and out of his comfort zone.

As Wes and Kate navigate business and their attraction to each other grows, both of their dreams become at risk. Finding out what is most important to each other made this heartwarming story a welcome read.

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

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card plus…

an autographed copy of CHRISTMAS IN BAYBERRY, Yankee Candle Bayberry, Wilton cookie cutter, Hallmark ornament, Hallmark Light-up earrings, Hallmark glass and more…

US only

Ends July 22, 2020

ENTER HERE

Sunday, July 12, 2020

Review: A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund

To Purchase

About

After Heartbreaking Loss,

a Marriage of Convenience Holds More Appeal than Ever Before.

There is nothing left to keep Zoe Hart in England. Unemployed and struggling with grief, she decides to leave her bleak life behind her and emigrate on a bride ship to British Columbia--the place her brother fled to when falsely accused of a drastic crime.

Pastor to miners in the mountains, Abe Merivale discovers an abandoned native baby during a routine visit to Victoria and joins efforts with Zoe--one of the newly arrived bride-ship women--to care for the orphan. When Abe is forced to choose between following the strict rules laid down by his bishop and listening to God's nudges to care for his people, he is left at a crossroads.

Determined to find her brother and to give the baby a home, Zoe rashly accepts a marriage proposal from a man who promises both. But Abe knows the man's unsavory reputation. Intent on protecting Zoe and wounded by his own failed engagement, Abe impulsively offers his own hand instead. They hastily marry, but both soon realize the marriage of convenience they imagined is not so convenient after all.

My Thoughts:

Another Hedlund story that hits all my sweet spots. My words will not be adequate to express how much I love this tale of loyalty, and love, and the seriousness of marriage vows. This is the third in the Bride Ships series and this story is about Zoe Hart who comes to British Columbia on the 2nd ship. Zoe has encountered a lot of loss in her young life. She is looking for her twin brother, Zeke, to make some things right. What she gets is more loss, a native baby, a stranger husband, and a convenient marriage.

Abe Merivale is a pastor and he has been trying to bring the Gospel to miners and natives alike. He is also a lonely man waiting for his fiancé. When he decides he can wait no longer he sends off a letter asking her to come to British Columbia and to marry earlier than planned. What he gets is heartbreak and a wife, a stranger he was not anticipating from the bride ship.

I enjoyed watching Abe and Zoe grow in their relationship. First they were strangers, tentatively becoming friends, while stronger feelings lay just below the surface. I adore marriage of convenience stories, and this one was one with a lot of obstacles to get around. Very meaningful truths are seamlessly woven throughout.

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:

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the author of over 20 novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy Award, Carol Award, and Christian Book Award. She received a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog.

Saturday, July 11, 2020

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: His Pretend Amish Bride by Rachel J. Good

About the Book

Book: His Pretend Amish Bride
Author: Rachel J. Good
Genre: Amish Romance
Release Date: June 30, 2020

In a small Amish town like Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, one solution to an indiscretion is to get married. Or perhaps, fake a respectable engagement . . .

Priscilla Ebersol has a fulfilling life teaching special needs children—until her boyfriend’s humiliating betrayal ruins her reputation and threatens her job. Shunned for something she didn’t do, Priscilla throws herself into a project on the benefits of camel’s milk for autism. Her research leads her to a newly opened Amish camel farm, where she discovers far more than she bargained for. . .

When a pushy Englisch company shows interest in shy, handsome Gabriel Kauffman’s camel farm, he struggles to get out of a sticky negotiation. Lovely, well-spoken Priscilla appears at the perfect moment and defends Gabe’s business so well that she is mistaken for his wife, a pretense they both secretly wish could be true. But though their bond deepens, Priscilla’s heart is still wounded, and Gabe battles with a troubling secret. And when a misunderstanding comes between them, it will take faith, honesty, and trust in God to overcome the past—and to allow their partnership to blossom into something more.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Sometimes what we planned and hoped for in our future and lives can come to a crashing halt in an instance. And that is exactly what Priscilla finds out as she is accused of things she did not do and the one person she thought would stand up for her does not. I really felt for Priscilla and her circumstances, not only of a broken heart, but the deception that brought it all about. Not only was her reputation being tarnished but so was her livelihood.

Priscilla comes across the new owner of a new camel farm, Gabriel Kauffman. A camel farm that sells milk. Yep, that was interesting to me especially the hard core buyout an Englisher was trying to pressure him into and it was interesting reading about the benefits of the milk.

Priscilla and Gabe have a connection almost immediately but neither will act on it. Priscilla on the account of her broken heart and Gabe because of his secrets, that are revealed to the reader through the story. So they settle on just being friends and they both learn what a true friendship looks like.

I enjoyed this story and learning about new things like camel's milk. I disagreed with Priscilla and how she handled her problem. I would not have done that and I guess in ways I thought her character was a little weak for it but I did understand her broken heart.

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

USA Today bestselling author RACHEL J. GOOD writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – the bestselling Love and Promises, Sisters and Friends, Unexpected Amish Blessings, Surprised by Love (2021), and two books in Hearts of Amish Country – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books. In addition, she has stories in many anthologies, including Love’s Thankful Heart, Love’s Christmas Blessings, Plain Everyday Heroes, Love’s Truest Hope, and the forthcoming Amish Christmas Twins (September 2020) with Shelley Shepard Gray and Loree Lough. She is also the coauthor of the Prayerful Author Journey: Inspirational Yearly Planner.

More from Rachel

A few years ago, I passed Amish camel farm in Bird-in-Hand, PA. As an author, seeing anything new or different always piques my interest, so I went for a visit. Not only did I explore the farm and store, I bought camel’s milk to drink. I think it’s important to do in-depth research for the settings and information I include in my Amish novels.

I was fascinated to discover camels usually bond to one milker, only give a little milk each day, and are extremely expensive to buy. All of those are reasons why camel’s milk is so expensive. It costs $15 for a pint. Much pricier than cow’s milk.

And if you’re wondering how camel’s milk tastes, the best way I can think of to describe it is a slightly salty version of powdered milk. It’s more watery than cow’s milk.

Because I grew up drinking powdered milk during my early childhood years when we lived in Africa, I’d always vowed never again to drink it once we moved back to the United States. A vow I’ve kept. That was never a problem living in Pennsylvania, where there’s plenty of farmland, cow, and Amish, of course.

The camel’s milk was enough like powdered milk to make me gag. But because I want to be sure my books are authentic, I drank it. So, readers, now you know how much a I care about you.

My concern for you also extends to more than just getting factual information correct. I pray for each and every one of you as I write my stories. I hope that they will touch your heart and bring you closer to God.

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, June 29

The Avid Reader, June 29

Among the Reads, June 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 30

Texas Book-aholic, July 1

Blogging With Carol, July 1

Inklings and notions, July 2

Batya’s Bits, July 2

She Lives To Read, July 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 3

Splashes of Joy, July 4

reviewingbooksplusmore, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Books, Life, and Christ, July 5

For the Love of Literature, July 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 7

deb’s Book Review, July 7

Blossoms and Blessings, July 7

Older & Smarter?, July 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 8

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 8

Reading Is My SuperPower, July 9

Bigreadersite, July 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 10

Maureen’s Musings, July 10

Pause for Tales, July 11

Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Artistic Nobody, July 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Vicky Sluiter, July 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of the book and $25 Amazon gift card!!

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/fcda/his-pretend-amish-bride-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Cleansed by Death by Catherine Finger

About the Book

Book: Cleansed by Death
Author: Catherine Finger
Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Mystery
Release Date: June 2016

Haunted by an evil presence she can’t quite grasp, Police Chief Josie Oliver finds herself drawn into the crosshairs of a vicious serial killer. Fighting for her marriage, faith, and fate, Chief Josie is confronted by an Adversary that only God can conquer–if she decides to let Him in.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Well here we are at the beginning of the Jo Oliver series. I have continued reading this series backwards as that is all my schedule would allow. Needless to say it has been interesting and I would not recommend doing that, but the series is definitely a keeper and one I hope to revisit soon. Yes, it is that good.

Here is where we would have met Jo. Not as the strong individual she becomes, but a woman who has been beat down by her husband. And let me just say, he was a creep. The things he did to her really made me mad. Real mad, at a fictional character.

Nick is present and always by her side. He is the consummate hero. Always trying to be uplifting, calling her Beautiful, always having her back. It is also like an open wound as well as she knows she made a mistake marrying Del, when she could have been so much happier with Nick.

Besides all the drama in Jo's personal life, which is leaking into her professional life, they are trying to catch a serial killer. A real evil one that needs to be caught.

This was another fast and quick read for me. I do recommend this series and all of its surprises. It is one I am keeping on the keeper shelf and it is a series worth a few more reads.

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

Catherine Finger loves to dream, write, and tell stories. Recently retired from a wonderful career in public education, she celebrates the ability to choose how to spend her time in a new way during the second half of life. So far, she chooses to write books, ride horses, serve others, and generally find her way into and out of trouble both on the road and at home. She lives in the Midwest with a warm and wonderful combination of family and friends.

Capsized by Death, the fourth novel in her Jo Oliver Thriller series, was released by Elk Lake Publishing in December, 2019. Anchored by Death, the third of her Jo Oliver novels, was a Bronze Medal winner at the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards; a 2018 Selah Awards finalist; and a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards. Her second Jo Oliver Thriller, Shattered by Death, was a finalist in the International Book Awards and the National Indie Excellence Awards. Catherine and her novels have been featured on radio stations, blogs, and in numerous articles—all posted at www.CatherineFinger.com.

Catherine loves to interact with her readers at www.CatherineFinger.com Follow her on Facebook at Catherine Finger, Author, and on Twitter at CatherineFinger@BeJoOliver.

More from Catherine

Welcome to our Jo Oliver Thriller series Celebrate Lit Tour!

Cleansed by Death, the first book in the series of four novels, began with an idea to write a book about strong women struggling with life, love, and loss while embedded in traditional male roles. I wanted to show real women dealing with difficult internal and external struggles and create tension for my readers. Playing with the question of whether such challenges make our characters better—or bitter—added depth and twists to my story.

It took a long time to get this story to the point of releasing it into the world. I stopped writing it twice, shelving it for about a year each time. Every summer as I percolated over the story, I read it cover to cover and realized I still loved both the voice and the bones of the story. Adding the faith piece in a way that felt authentic and edgy was the frosting on the cake and it happened as a half vision, half spiritual warfare experience in Jo Oliver’s head and heart. This experience developed her unique brand of conversation with God as she understands Him and added a spiritual dimension to my stories.

My Midwestern roots showed themselves with reckless abandon in this debut—becoming a cornerstone of future installments. As I write this kick-off note to you, I sit in front of my computer facing a wilderness scene that features prominently in this story. Writing in the midst of the corona virus leads me back to some of my favorite places for comfort—the woods and lakes of Wisconsin.

Enjoy the read!