The Daughter of Rome Book Excerpt!

About the Book

Book Title: The Daughter of Rome

Author Name: Angela Hunt

Genre: Christian Biblical Fiction

Release Date: March 4, 2025

In Nero’s Rome, Calandra helps her father, a renowned sculptor, complete the most significant commission of his illustrious career. But then a catastrophic fire nearly destroys the imperial city, leaving Calandra reliant on a group of Christians-—unusual individuals unlike any she has encountered before. Intrigued by their worship of the Son of an invisible God, Calandra grapples with her mistrust, only to find herself indebted to these believers as they help her rebuild her shattered world.

When Emperor Nero begins constructing his opulent Golden House, the people of Rome grow resentful, suspecting him of starting the fire in order to clear the land for his immense palace. Needing a scapegoat, Nero points at those who follow the Jewish Messiah, forcing Calandra to make an impossible choice between right and wrong, friends and family, love and death.

 

Book Excerpt

“Because I also knew we had debts.” A wry grin lifted the corner of his mouth. “And even though Cronus may say the statue does not adequately represent him, his pride will not allow him to refuse payment for a work that portrays him as more handsome than he is. So we will eat until we run out of sestertii, then we will find another patrician who wishes to see himself immortalized.”

“That should not be a problem,” I said, wiping my brush on an oiled rag. “The Forum is filled with them.”

I dipped my finger into a pot of blue paint, then rubbed the precious mixture on my skin to test the consistency. Few statues bore any trace of the gorgeous color, for few native Romans had blue eyes or wore blue clothing. In any crowd of patricians or senators, white was the predominant color, accented by the reddish purple so well loved by the upper class.

But blue was the color of the sea, and so rare I yearned to use it. “What if I gave him a blue ring?” I asked. “Though you did not sculpt a ring on his finger, I could paint a gold band with a blue stone.”

Father exhaled a slow breath. “Better, I think, to paint blue stones on his sandals. One thing is certain—­no other senator will have a statue like this one.”

“Then Cronus will love it,” I said, dipping my brush into the color. “Because I have never seen a senator who is content to remain equal to his peers.”

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/the-daughter-of-rome-book-excerpt/
Excerpt Two: https://www.fictionbooklover.com/posts/the-daughter-of-rome-book-excerpt/
Excerpt Three: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/the-daughter-of-rome-book-excerpt/
Excerpt Four: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/the-daughter-of-rome-epic-book-launch-and-excerpt/
Excerpt Five: https://storiesbygina.com/2025/02/15/the-daughter-of-rome-book-launch-with-celebrate-lit-publicity/
Excerpt Six: https://www.devotedtohope.com/epiclaunch-tdor
Excerpt Seven: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2025/02/11/the-daughter-of-rome-by-angela-hunt-epic-book-launch/

About the Author

Angela Hunt is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 160 books, with nearly 6 million copies sold worldwide. Angela’s novels have won or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the HOLT Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic Times Book Club and ACFW. Angela holds doctorates in biblical studies and theology. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs and chickens. Learn more at AngelaHuntBooks.com.

The Necessity of Kindness Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Necessity of Kindness (The Rose Collection Book 7. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 21, 2024

“Be ye kind” is a simple command, so why is it so hard for people to follow?

When the Lord opened the door for Denise’s husband, Topher, to Pastor the beleaguered Rhodes Baptist Church, she agreed to return to their hometown. Opening a bakery, supporting Topher in his ministry, and volunteering at Sylvie’s school aren’t nearly as challenging as trying to dismantle the harmful teachings that have taken over the church. Ideas masquerading as ‘biblical truth’ and ‘traditional Christianity’ resulted in spiritual bullying and a dwindling congregation. Denise is determined to help Topher guide the church toward the love and kindness of Christ.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie is angry at being ripped away from the only home she’s known—and from her church, friends, and boyfriend, Owen. She pretends that moving to Rhodes is an adventure and admits she’s looking forward to attending a “real” school and making new friends. She’ll help her parents with their church and work at her mom’s bakery, but this isn’t the life Sylvie wants. Everything is different now, and it isn’t fair.

Sometimes, it feels like the bullies are winning.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Though born on the east coast, I spent most of my life in the American Southwest, eventually settling in California where my husband and I raised two sons. Later we welcomed two fantastic daughters-in-law and four grandchildren into our family. After teaching history and literature for eighteen years, I resigned to write full-time. That new career move was paired with a physical move to beautiful Nevada, where I continue to write happily.

My preferred genre is Christian contemporary fiction. I keep my characters grounded in the real world and the real problems that Bible believers face today. While they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, my characters must also deal with the detritus of the past. Living well today doesn’t mean that yesterday is erased. I write what I know, either first-hand or through close observation, injecting the joy, happiness, and humor that comes with spiritual freedom and love.

More from Marbeth

No one warns you that some bullies grow up to be—bullies.

But some people go from victim to victorious. They stand up for others, leading them away from preferences used to bully others into submission and toward the freedom of God’s love.

Interview from the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?

From a purely monetary standpoint, I always said I’d like to make enough money to pay my rent and keep publishing my books. I may have undershot there, but I just wanted to be a contributing household member. We’ve always survived, so relieving some financial pressure sounded good. From an emotional and spiritual standpoint, however, my idea of success is much more profound. I want to connect with my readers and reflect their lives in my novels. Even if they haven’t gone through the conflicts my characters have, most people have witnessed spiritual abuse—even if they didn’t recognize it as such at the time. What I didn’t expect was the number of women who came forward to relate their experiences with spiritual abuse in its many forms (physical, emotional, mental, sexual) and were relieved to know that they were not alone. Knowing my work was part of their healing journey became my benchmark of success as an author.

2)Which character did you connect to best in this book?

I have two main characters—a mother and her teen daughter. I relate to the mother who has to leave her home for nearly two decades to support her husband’s ministry/job. She is frustrated at leaving behind the life she’s built but is ready to create a new life for her family in her old hometown. Unfortunately, her hometown is where she faced some tough times as a teen, so everything brings back those memories. She focuses on creating a home and new business and is excited that her husband wants her to join him in his ministry—not as an unpaid helper, but as a partner. Like Denise, I’ve moved households for my husband’s job and had to create a new life from scratch. Unfortunately, unlike Denise, I’m not a businessperson. I wish I had her talent and confidence, especially when dealing with bullies at the church. Like Denise, I’ve had to deal with people who use human standards and Bible verses pulled out of context to establish positions of power. I relate to Sylvie as a teen because she’s thrown into situations where she must make friends despite her nerves, but she also creates a lovely nest for herself in her new house. I let Sylvie explore her creativity when decorating her room and discovering what she likes. It gives her a comfortable place to reflect on her new life as she deals with her own bullies. Unfortunately, almost every school has them.

3)Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

Most of my books contain rip-your-heart-out scenes of conflict, but that didn’t fit in The Necessity of Kindness. This is a cozier book than my usual fare, so it took a few rewrites to let the quiet conflict of subtle bullying take center stage. I came away from writing the novel convinced that bullying IS abuse and refusing to see it as such among children and teens allows it to go unchecked among adults. Kindness isn’t a complex concept to grasp, and it’s a key component of Jesus’ teachings, but it’s often seen as a weakness even in Christian circles.

4)What inspired this book?

While every book in The Rose Collection stands alone, many of my characters will “visit” the other novels. Denise has been part of the overarching timeline since the first book, so I wanted her to get a chance to continue her story in her own novel. The theme of bullying wasn’t a difficult one to choose. More and more religious leaders are being exposed as bullies who care more about their power than about the teachings of Christ.

5)Which author influenced the you most?

David Eddings. It’s a strange choice for an author of contemporary Christian fiction, I know, but Eddings’s series, The Belgariad, changed how I read fiction. His characters inhabited a fantasy world and yet were some of the most realistic (smelly, exhausted, limited, and potentially great) characters I’d ever gotten to know. My rereads of his books made me feel like I was revisiting old friends.

6)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

Micah 6:8. Justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God is my greatest aspiration.

7)What is your vacation spot?

Anywhere I can enjoy time with my family. I love playing games and watching movies with them.

8)What are you reading right now?

I’m reading a Teresa Driscol novel called Close Your Eyes and a CC Warrens novel Dragonfly Ashes. Both women are brilliant authors.

9)Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

I’m sitting in an adjustable bed in what used to be my sister’s guest room. My husband and I moved in a couple of months ago, so now it’s our permanent quarters. Her décor is still in place, though. I’m surrounded by Native American prints and sand drawings on two walls and a selection of our late mother’s artwork on another.

10)If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

Ugh! Just one? Okay, I’ll say Bible, BUT, one with gigantic margins and unlimited pens, so I can create some biblically inspired stories and studies. Include some legal pads and I’ll write a novel or two.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 7

Vicky Sluiter, February 8 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Simple Harvest Reads, February 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

For the Love of Literature, February 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 18 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 20 (Author Interview)

 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marbeth is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54153

Emma’s Engagement Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Emma’s Engagement

Author: Susan G Mathis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 21, 2025

A lighthouse. A new wife. A jealous daughter. Can love shine through the darkness?

Emma Row yearns for a fresh start and a chance to build a loving family. But as she steps into her role as the Rock Island Lightkeeper’s wife, she finds herself navigating the treacherous waters of isolation and the bitter rejection of her new stepdaughter, Ada.

Michael Diepolder, the widowed lightkeeper, had hoped securing a companion would brighten his life and be a needed mother figure to his eleven-year-old daughter. Yet, as Emma struggles to adapt to the challenges of her new life, Michael realizes that the path to happiness is far more turbulent than he ever anticipated.

As a storm brews on the horizon, Emma and Michael must confront the tempestuous waves of doubt, jealousy, and isolation that threaten to extinguish the light of their love. Can they weather the storm and find the strength to keep their family together, or will the darkness consume them all?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

Emma’s Engagement is the conclusion to Love at a Lighthouse. This is an easy to read novella filled with exciting and tense moments. When Emma married Michael she didn’t anticipate the difficulties his young daughter would cause while home for the summer, since he sent her to a boarding school during the year. The mischievous actions by Ada were not appreciated by Emma, but her fortitude and faith kept her going as they had some sweet moments together too. After all family was what she longed for and who knew how marrying a lighthouse keeper would bring that to fulfillment. When a crisis arose at the lighthouse, who’s going to stand in the gap and benefit the most?

 

I did find some of the story seemed in contradict parts of Julia’s Joy but overall, the history, scenery of the St. Lawrence River and lighthouse keepers responsibilities and struggles came to life throughout the read.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Wild Heart Books and Celebrate Lit Bloggers tour for the book. I have expressed my own thoughts.

About the Author

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has thirteen in her Thousand Islands fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s ConfessionPeyton’s Promise,Rachel’s ReunionMary’s Moment,A Summer at Thousand Island House, Libby’s Lighthouse, and Julia’s Joy, and Emma’s Engagement.

 

More from Susan

An interview with best-selling inspirational historical fiction author Susan G Mathis.

The third novel of your new three-book series called Love in a Lighthouse is out. Tell us about that, please.

Join the Row-family women, Libby, Julia, and Emma, as they navigate the isolation, danger, and hope for lasting love at three different Thousand Island lighthouses in the St. Lawrence River. [Note: These can be read in any order.]

What inspired you to write Emma’s Engagement?

I have visited Rock Island Lighthouse a number of times, and it’s a beautiful lighthouse. It’s along the main shipping channel and it’s a New York State Park accessible by boat, so it’s a great place to visit. When I was asked to write a lighthouse series, I just had to write about it!

Why did you write about the Diepolder’s being a stepfamily?

The Diepolder’s story is true, though I had to imagine some of the details. Not only did I grow up in a stepfamily and became a step family when I married Dale, but my late husband and I wrote, The Remarriage Adventure, a premarital book for couples getting ready for remarriage. So, I had lots of fodder to explore the challenges of step parenting.

What was your hardest scene to write?

It’s always hard to inflict pain on the characters you’ve grown to love, so having Emma in so much pain from Ada’s rejection and the adjustment to a new marriage and stepparenting was difficult. As readers journey with her, they witness the challenges and the adjustments necessary. Her trials not only reveal Emma’s character but also influences her decisions and relationships throughout the story.

Why do you write about the Thousand Islands?

I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands—the setting for all my stories—in upstate New York. Actually, half of the 1,864 islands are in NY and the other half in Ontario, Canada. So, I spent every summer and more exploring the beautiful region. I’ve stayed on several of the islands and camped and rented cottages there. So, after I wrote my debut novel about the largest island, Wolfe Island, I was hooked. There are so many fascinating stories to tell.

Now, I take an annual Thousand Islands Book Tour to the islands where I meet with fans, friends, and family. I’ve stayed in Singer Castle, Casa Blanca, and other places that are the settings of my book. I’ve talked with the owners of the islands, local historians, and researched in the Thousand Islands archives. All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and are the true stories of the owners of that island. So, my plot is generally true. Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story. This makes my stories a bit more challenging, but I love a good challenge.

“I love introducing the Thousand Islands to readers and have heard from dozens that the area is now a favorite summer destination,” Mathis says.

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, February 4 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

Pause for Tales, February 6

Pens Pages & Pulses, February 6

Texas Book-aholic, February 7

lakesidelivingsite, February 8

Devoted To Hope, February 9

Simple Harvest Reads, February 10 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 11

Bizwings Book Blog, February 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 13

Lights in a Dark World, February 13

Betti Mace, February 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

For Him and My Family, February 16

Holly’s Book Corner, February 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54149

The Way Back to Eden Book Excerpt!

About the Book

Book Title: The Way Back to Eden: Book 2 of the Jaguar Oracle Series

Author Name: Kurt Mähler

Genre: magical realism

Release Date: Feb 28, 2025

A Mystical Journey to Restore the Natural Order as Hope Guides the Way

In the lush wilderness of the Rio Grande Valley, a centuries-old prophecy is about to be fulfilled. The jaguars, once the revered rulers of the animal kingdom, have vanished—until a brave jaguar named Oracle begins a journey to summon the scattered tribes and restore their rightful place.

A captivating quest and an unforgettable journey home.

His quest intersects with young Paco and his extraordinary animal companions—a wise horse named Plod, a storytelling toad called Bog, and a clever raccoon named Patch—as they navigate the mystical landscapes of the Texas-Mexico borderlands and Brazos River bottomlands, a quest that weaves through ancient forests, mysterious towers, and sacred sanctuaries.

Guided by ancient wisdom and the enduring loyalty of his animal friends, Oracle’s epic journey leads him through a world on the brink of upheaval. As greedy developers encroach on the land and threaten the delicate balance of nature, Oracle must navigate a tangled web of human greed, betrayal, and violence to find the missing jaguarundi tribe and unite the warring factions of the animal realm.

The fate of the Valley rests on Oracle recovering lost memories and rediscovering the original harmony between man and beast. From vast Texan ranches to ancient palm forests, from well-ordered zoos to untamed wilderness, The Way Back to Eden weaves together a rich tapestry of cultures, legends, and the immutable power of the natural world.

Blending elements of magical realism, environmental advocacy, and pulse-pounding adventure, this sweeping tale transports readers into a vibrant, unforgettable world where Oracle’s quest is to preserve the ancient balance and the interconnectedness of all living things.

The Way Back to Eden, a deeply satisfying and thought-provoking fantasy epic, is the second installment in the six-volume Jaguar Oracle series. Discover the magic that awaits where ancient wildlife sanctuaries hold secrets, where ghosts and tree house hermits guide lost souls home, and where the path back to Eden might just be hidden in plain sight.

Follow the trail. Find the tree. Change the world.

Book Excerpt

The lead grackle spread his wings unnaturally broad over the battle. “We are winning, winning! The spoil of the eyes is ours!” And the spider monkeys shrieked at the spectacle.

At that moment Oracle made a choice. I will let them do what they will, but I will open my eyes and protect their grace to see. I will defend my field of vision.

And Oracle did so. No matter how many grackles plucked and tore at his coat, no matter how many welts and wounds began to seep through his fur of ruddy gold, Oracle fixed his mind on one thing: the protection of his vision. And with the arena of combat limited to this one place, the cat fought his foes one at a time. Some of those grackles never flew again, and the ones who did live to see the light of day warned their offspring to never mock a cat with rosette spots.

The lead bird fell and disappeared in the confusion. The black-feathered cloud lifted and scattered. Silence once again descended upon the zoo, where all the animals pondered in wide-awake stillness what they had just heard under a torn-open sky.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/the-way-back-to-eden-book-excerpt/
Excerpt Two: https://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/the-way-back-to-eden-epic-book-launch-book-excerpt/
Excerpt Three: https://lightsinadarkworld.wordpress.com/2025/02/08/way-back-to-eden-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Four: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2025/02/celebrate-lit-presents-way-back-to-eden.html
Excerpt Five: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-way-back-to-eden-by-kurt-mahler.html
Excerpt Six: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-way-back-to-eden.html

About the Author

Kurt writes in the prophetic and poetic tradition, inspired by the wonder of creation and the cultures of the nations. Guiding sources for his works include the Hebrew prophets, the Desert Fathers, Dante, Milton, George MacDonald, C.S. Lewis, and Tolkien.

Kurt and his wife, Karen, married since 1993, raised five children in Afghanistan and have spent more than twenty years in forty nations as encouragers in the Christian faith. Their travels led to the discovery of the beauty and wisdom of storytelling. Their roots include the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande Valley, and Heart of Texas.

Kurt writes to give readers courage for their faith journeys, as he believes that no disappointment, however profound, should prevent you from completing it.

His website kurtmahler.com features his essays, poetry, and books.

Kisses from Heaven Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Kisses from Heaven, Book Three: Unique, Inexplicable, Extraordinary, and Supernatural Tales from the Heart of a Miraculous God

Author: C.B. Caleb Woodworth

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living / Personal Memoirs/ Prayer/ Inspirational

Release date: December 10, 2024

Jesus proved who He was by signs and wonders. Here, pastors and restoration ministers C.B. Caleb Woodworth and intercessor wife, Emily Anne, are ready to serve you a banquet of real-life God Stories, personal testimonies of Jesus’ unique, inexplicable, extraordinary, and supernatural ways to illustrate, once again, He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God was still performing miracles in our day, this series will be a welcome reminder of his power and goodness.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

A Marine aviator and family physician, C.B. Caleb Woodworth and Proverbs 31 wife, Emily, left the world to follow Holy Spirit as restoration (inner healing) missionary pastors over the last twenty-six years. Today, the Woodworths continue ministry among those in need from America’s heartland, making the most of their time, for the days are short.

 

 

 

 

More from C.B. Caleb

In a world that is growing darker and where hope seems far away, we need to hear about the goodness and faithfulness of God all the more.

This little book of true God Stories will introduce you to the wondrous ways Holy Spirit works to accomplish His will and purposes. Sometimes referred to as miracles, these “Kisses from Heaven” have most often come as a complete surprise or at the eleventh hour to turn ordinary events into inexplicable, extraordinary, or even supernatural ones.

Whether you are doubtful and need a reason to believe or you are a faithful believer grown weary in your walk, you will find story after story of God’s gracious intervention in the lives of mortal men and a hopeful reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of our heavenly Father.

So, Christian, come join us for a walk through our encouraging, if not eye-opening, personal little book of God Stories. We pray it becomes the harbinger of Jesus sharing tender mercies to and through your own lives, leading to an awesome Kiss from Heaven or two for you to pass on to the kids, grandkids, and generations to come.

Interview with the Author

What does success as an author look like to you?

I recall that the word “success” was only used once in the Old Testament when Abraham’s servant “successfully” found a wife for Isaac. So success was a completion of the mission. My mission since 2002 was to write God Stories from my life. That would be success for me. How the Lord wishes to use these books would be up to Him. They are, after all, His stories and me a scribe.

Which chapter was most difficult to write?

Probably the introduction to “A Black Cloud,” where I detail my impulsive choice to ultimately risk my children’s lives by a mere two feet from a thundering overloaded speeding log truck. A close second is “The Number Two Elevator,” where my daughter and I were thrust into peril in a hotel elevator in downtown Manila, one that I knew was a chronic problem in an infamous Manila hotel, where we both nearly lot our lives. Every decision leads to consequences and is worth at least the honor of considering its outcome. Aviators call that good headwork.

What was inspiration for this book?

In 2002, we docked our RV in Long Island Village, an RV park on the intracoastal waterway in Port Isabel, Texas. When settled, I had a strong unction (I believe from Holy Spirit) to take a tablet outside to write—the first time since college. Twenty-two years later (2024), and the “Kisses from Heaven” trilogy of sixty-five nonfiction tales has gone to press.

What would you like your readers to get out of this book?

John the Baptist in jail sent his disciples to ask if Jesus was the one or whether they should wait for another (Matt. 11). Jesus did not answer the question but told John’s followers to check out His miracles. Things haven’t changed. People need proof before they can believe most anything. Doubting Thomas did. In our day, we better have more than fine words to share about Jesus. Your testimonies will make the difference. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). He had to prove Himself. We must prove Him also.

Why write non-fiction?

Jesus used fictional parables to illustrate the truth. How much more powerful are parables that are true? We can illustrate and be defeated by clever speech. A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 22

Artistic Nobody, January 23 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, January 24 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Guild Master, January 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

A Reader’s Brain, January 29 (Author Interview)

Godly Book Reviews, January 30

Back Porch Reads, January 31 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 1 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 1

Fiction Book Lover, February 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Simple Harvest Reads, February 4 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, C.B. Caleb is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of all three books in the series!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54138

When the Avalanche Roared Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: When the Avalanche Roared (A Day to Remember Book Five)

Author: Lauralee Bliss

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release date: January, 2025

The Day Hope Seemed Swept Away

Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Lillian Hartwick has been in the small railroad town of Wellington, Washington, caring for her cousin and assisting the postmaster when February snows bring all train traffic to a halt. Slow-witted but kind Griffin Jones, who works odd jobs for the railway while enduring taunts from other workers, has tried his best to gain Lillian’s interest, but she is engaged and waiting her fiancé’s arrival from California. Predawn thunderstorms on Tuesday, March 1, 1910, trigger a devasting avalanche, sweeping two trains down Stevens Pass. Lillian and Griffin work together to help survivors, including Griffin’s tormentors. In the midst of the catastrophe their feelings for each other grow. But is it enough when Lillian’s fiancé finally arrives in the spring, ready to claim her as his own?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Marilyn

This Historical Christian fiction read is well penned with the research and detailed information with the difficulties faced to keep railroad lines cleared of snow during the winter. This is another worthy read in A Day to Remember series of how a disaster changed lives and is an event that should not be forgotten.

 

I was in the midst of the story from the beginning till the end. I felt the emotions of family members who were separated because of their jobs, especially those working for the rail line during the winter. Lillian journey to Wellington to help fill a request and something to do while her fiance was away gave way to more than she anticipated. The luxuries she knew were no longer available, but her gentle ways and the kindnesses from a simple, hardworking worker inspired her to not to complain. I loved the characteristics of Griffin and his faith kept him going despite how he was treated by others. When trains were stranded due to the endless snow the natural disaster hit that caused unbelievable damage, lives loss and so much more. The rally of the town folks and traveling a dangerous slope for assistance was emotional but filled with history, determination, aspiration, faith and insight to the tragedy that changed the landscape of America in the Cascades area of Washington state. I admired Lillian with all the challenges she faced and acceptance of all despite social economic status or their intellect. One never knows how God will orchestra lives when relying on him instead of social obligations, as the author beautifully illustrated in this Christian Historical Fiction read.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishers and Celebrate Lit Bloggers tour. I have shared my own thoughts.

About the Author

Lauralee Bliss has always liked to dream big dreams. Part of that dream was writing, and after several years of hard work, her dream of publishing was realized in 1997 with the publication of her first romance novel, Mountaintop, through Barbour Publishing. Since then, she’s had twenty books published, both historical and contemporary. Lauralee is also an avid hiker, completing the entire length of the Appalachian Trail both north and south. Lauralee makes her home in Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family.

 

 

More from Lauralee

Pure Joy

Lauralee Bliss, Author of “When the Avalanche Roared”

 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…  James 1:2 NIV

How does one equate a scripture like this with the death and destruction inherent in natural disasters? It seems an oxymoron to expect joy when faced with twisted metal and broken lives, such as in the deadliest avalanche in American history depicted in When the Avalanche Roared. Even now I think of the natural disaster of the hurricane that just recently destroyed mountain communities in western North Carolina, with homes and lives swept away in an avalanche of water and mud. So it was back in March, 1910 when a mile wide bank of snow detached from Windy Top in the northern Cascades of Washington State, slamming into three parked trains near Wellington, sending cars and sleeping passengers tumbling into the ravine. Over ninety lives were lost.

This could be considered a trial of supreme magnitude. Yet scripture commands we consider joy in the midst of it. The word joy evokes smiles and laughter, peace and satisfaction. It brings to mind Jesus resting in the boat in the midst of a raging storm, tossed about on high waves while the disciples huddle together in abject fear. After He calms the seas He asks them, “Where is your faith?” It demands the human mind look away from apparent destruction to something higher. To look beyond what one sees to the unseen. To trust God even when nothing appears trustworthy.

When the Avalanche Roared delves into the flames that spark, not from smoldering locomotives in a ravine, but within a small rail town that banded together in the wee hours of a frigid morning to rescue others. The destruction is evident. But the grit and determination of those who dug out people from heavy snow solidified by rain and cared for the suffering while their town remained isolated from the world speaks of a picture far greater than the picture of destruction. So it is today with communities swallowed by mud and trees and splintered fragments of homes as reminders of a destructive hurricane. Beyond the visual are the outpouring of help and compassion and holding the hands of those weakened by disaster in gestures of hope and resolve. And in this, a new birth of joy is realized.

God created us to find joy in struggle, to develop perseverance to achieve a goal despite what is thrown our way, to realize that when we do, we truly lack nothing. And therein we find lasting peace even in the midst of catastrophe.

Strangers unite to help the hurting.

A friend flew from Florida to North Carolina and arranged with this store owner for a free truckload of water for communities devastated by the hurricane.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 30

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 30

Stories By Gina, January 31 (Author Interview)

Pens Pages & Pulses, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, February 1

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2

Simple Harvest Reads, February 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 4

Connie’s history classroom, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 6

Betti Mace, February 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

Cover Lover Book Review, February 9

Holly’s Book Corner, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

For Him and My Family, February 11

Pause for Tales, February 12

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauralee is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a print copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54145

Maggie’s Journey Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Maggie’s Journey

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 7, 2025

A secret adoption, a quest for identity, and a love that could change her life forever.

Margaret Lenora Caine has never fit the mold her mother set for her. When Maggie discovers proof she was adopted, the rift between them only tears deeper. Feeling the sting of betrayal, Maggie requests permission to visit her grandmother in Little Rock, Arkansas. There she’ll set her sights on her dream of becoming a successful dress designer and maybe find her true identity in the process. Her father’s one condition is that she must be travel with her young aunt and her father’s handsome business partner, Charles Stanton—the man who once held her affections.

Charles Stanton, a thriving businessman, has taken a calculated risk by joining forces with Maggie’s father in a joint venture. When asked to chaperone his new partner’s sister-in-law and daughter on a cross-country trip, Charles sees it as an opportunity to strengthen their business ties. Though he initially sets his sights on Maggie’s charming and composed aunt as a potential wife, Charles soon finds himself increasingly captivated by Maggie’s resilience and charm.

With each passing mile, the bond between Maggie and Charles deepens, challenging both Maggie’s plans and her heart. Will the love growing between them help her embrace her identity—or complicate her search for what truly matters in life?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What i think you should know:

Maggie’s Journey by Lena Nelson Dooley is the first book in The McKenna Sisters Series. This is the second edition of the book. Set in 1885 this story features Margaret Lenora Caine, who discovers her adoption while preparing for her birthday.
What I think about this book;
When I read the prologue I thought that Florence would treasure the daughter that she had been blessed with so I was very surprised to read from Maggie’s prospective that she didn’t feel that way instead she felt like she couldn’t please her Mother or live up to her standards. I really enjoyed reading about Maggie as she struggled with the revelation that she was adopted and what that meant for place in the world and her family. Charles and Aunt Georgia were great additions to the story. I really felt Charles was a little fickle in his affections, but I realize many are really like that in reality. The most powerful quote in this book for me was “ You do know that after the enemy of your soul fed you one lie and you believed it, he kept on telling you others.”
How many times do we allow our lives to be poisoned with lies from the enemy? I loved this book and can’t wait to read more in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

 

 

 

Book Excerpt

“Mrs. Caine.” Angus McKenna came to an abrupt stop and cleared his throat before starting again. “I’ve come to ask you something that . . . I never dreamed I’d . . . ever ask anyone.” His voice rasped, and he stopped to take a gulp of air, staring off into the distance.

She couldn’t take her eyes from him, even when the baby in her arms squirmed. “How can we help you?”

New tears followed the trails down his cheeks and disappeared into his beard. He grabbed a bandanna from his back pocket and blew his nose with one hand. “I’ve just lost the most important thing in my life.” He paused and stared at the ground. “I don’t know how I can go on without her.” His voice cracked on the last word. Once again he paused, but much longer this time. His prominent Adam’s apple bobbed several times. “I’ve been crying out to God, but I don’t think He’s listening to me right now. If He were . . . ”

What a thing for a man to admit to them. Florence knew he must be near a breakdown. He did need help, but what could they do?

“I’ve decided . . . it would be best to find another family to raise one of my girls.” He stood straighter. “I’ve watched you with Margaret Lenora . . . ”

“Is that what you’ve named her?” Florence gazed at the sleeping baby, and her heart ached for the child. To grow up without a mother.

“Yes.” Angus looked straight at Joshua, and her husband gave a slow nod.

“Your husband has told me . . . how much you’ve wanted a child.”

For a moment, anger flared in her chest. Joshua shouldn’t share her secret with anyone. She took a deep breath to keep from saying something she’d regret. Even though she didn’t even look at her husband, she could feel his gaze deep inside. She was grateful he couldn’t see the ugly jealousy and covetousness that resided there.

Interview with the Author

 

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, January 23

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 24

Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Texas Book-aholic, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

Devoted To Hope, January 29

Guild Master, January 30 (Author Interview)

Sylvan Musings, January 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 1

Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, February 3

Holly’s Book Corner, February 4

Pause for Tales, February 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54139

Echo Nova Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Echo Nova

Author: Clint Hall

Genre: YA Science Fiction

Release date: January 14, 2024

Dash Keane is about to become the biggest star in history.

As a poor teenager living in the Dregs, Dash Keane can only escape his dismal reality by competing in illegal rooftop races and staying up late to watch the timenet with his younger brother.

When there is an opportunity to participate in a competition set thousands of years in the past, he uses his rooftop racer skills to catch the eye of Mr. Myrtrym, head of entertainment for the massive Dominus Corporation.

It is the chance of a lifetime when Dominus Corp. hires Dash to be a timestar—the focus of his own series in which he must survive some of the most dangerous periods in history, including the Cretaceous period, feudal Japan, the Wild West, and the Golden Age of Piracy. But when empathy for the people of the past conflicts with the desires of his new employer, he must decide whether the price of fame is worth it, a decision that may cost him everything.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Clint Hall is a storyteller, speaker, and podcast host. He has been writing stories since middle school, where he spent most of his time in class creating comic books. (Fortunately, his teacher not only allowed it; she bought every issue.) Known for instilling a sense of hope, wonder, and adventure, Clint is the author of Steal Fire from the Gods (finalist for several awards), and has been published across multiple anthologies and magazines. Find him at ClintHall.com or “The Experience: Conversations with Creatives” podcast, available on all major platforms.

 

 

More from Clint

Time is our playground

What happens when the past becomes the ultimate adventure?

If we could travel back in time, but nothing we did in the past affected the present, would we still consider the past to be “real”?

And if not, how would that “un-realness” impact the way we treated the past and, more importantly, the people who inhabited it? Would they still have fundamental human rights? Would they be protected by laws? Or would we see them as another resource to be exploited?

These are the driving questions behind Echo Nova, though I didn’t have these themes in mind when I started writing the book. I just wanted to write a fast-paced, fun story about a young hero going on adventures through time.

But as I began world-building and plotting, I faced the same issue as so many sci-fi writers before me. In time travel stories, the people going into the past often need to be careful not to make changes that would alter the future. Say the wrong thing to the wrong person in the past, and you might cause a ripple effect of changes that would prevent you from ever being born!

Of course, the problem of being unable to change anything can make for an exciting story with high stakes and lots of tension. The hero must walk a proverbial tightrope to achieve a difficult mission while altering as little of the timeline as possible.

But what if that wasn’t the case? What if the ripples of change in the timestream moved at the same speed as time itself, meaning that if we did alter something in the past, those changes never caught up to us?

For example, if we went back to 2004 and chopped down a tree, it would take 20 years for that “new” reality with the missing tree to reach 2024. But by then, we in the “present” will have moved forward 20 years to 2044, and we’d still have our tree.

If the present is unaffected, the past could become our playground. We could do whatever we wanted.

While that sounds great at first, as I developed the story, I realized that there could also be dire consequences, both in the past and the present.

In Echo Nova, the world’s governments have decreed that because changes to the past don’t impact the present, the past is not “real” but only residual energy and not under the protection of nations and their laws. Corporations can purchase past periods, mining them for valuable resources and owning the people of the past—called “echoes”—like property.

Time travel has also become a pastime of the wealthy. If you have enough money, you can travel back in time to go on a dinosaur safari, watch gladiators battle in the Colosseum, or attend a feast hosted by Cleopatra.

For everyone else, the past is mainly experienced through broadcasts operated by these corporations. These broadcasts feature people called “timestars” who go on adventures in the past to entertain people in the present.

But exploiting humans for our own personal gain and entertainment has terrible consequences, even for those who may claim that they’re “only watching.” When we start to view people as anything other than individuals with rights, flaws, intrinsic value, and everything else that makes us human, the damage goes both ways – hurting those who have been dehumanized as well as those who are guilty of dehumanizing, even if they did so passively.

For instance, while working on this book, I watched the O.J. Simpson documentary and was struck by how people behaved during the infamous Bronco chase. Here was someone accused of a heinous crime, fleeing police while threatening to end his own life, and people responded by flocking to the streets and overpasses to watch. They held up homemade signs while laughing, waving, and smiling for the multitude of news cameras. This wasn’t real life to them. It was part of the show.

As an author, it’s hypocritical for me to be overly critical of entertainment. Further, I believe there is incredible value in well-told stories, both real and fictional, across all mediums. And sometimes, I’ll even admit that I need to turn my brain off and watch something relatively mindless for an hour or so.

But if we’re not careful, we can lose pieces of ourselves on the altar of entertainment.

Echo Nova explores these questions, as well as our culture’s relentless obsession with fame and the dark places in which we can find ourselves in our pursuit of it.

If that all sounds a bit heavy, the book also features pirates, gunslingers, and temporally displaced sea dinosaurs.

After all, sometimes you just need to read something fun.

Interview with the Author

1) What does success as an author look like to you?

First off, thanks for having me on your blog!

I know it sounds cliché, but success for me is simply writing cool stories that I love.

This attitude is closely tied to my faith, and I strive to be genuine when discussing this topic. I think about it a lot. It’s important to define what success means to you.

I’m goal-driven and ambitious; I still work a day job and would love to make enough money to support my family solely as a fiction author.

However, if that never happens, it doesn’t mean I wasn’t successful. I enjoy my day job, and it gives me the time to write. Many authors rely on their writing to make ends meet, and that’s perfectly valid. For me, success is about creating stories that are fun, exciting, and honest.

I want to inspire hope, wonder, and a sense of adventure in my readers. If I can keep doing that, I’ll be successful.

2) Which character did you connect to best in this book?

I suppose it’s cliché or obvious to say the main character, but I connected with Dash. He’s driven by the idea that he needs to accomplish something grand to be significant.

Life often feels that way, as if the world tells us our value comes only from our achievements. This emphasis on accomplishment can overshadow the importance of relationships. Dash struggles with that. He doesn’t intentionally disregard others, but his priorities are misplaced. He’s too focused on what he can achieve, and his sense of value is tied to that.

I’ve experienced that feeling where I thought I had to accomplish something impressive to validate my worth.

3) What inspired this book?

Before I wrote Echo Nova, I spent years on another project with multiple POV characters and a massive scope. I loved working on that project, but once it was done, I wanted to write something that felt different.

That desire inspired the tone of Echo Nova, which features a single main character on a more straightforward journey. While the book is light and enjoyable, it also explores deeper themes, like the desire for fame and the potential desensitization it can cause in how we think about and relate to others.

Ultimately, I wanted to create something fast-paced and fun, but that still had a clear sense of purpose and lots of heart—that’s the essence of Echo Nova.

4) Which author influenced you most?

Many authors have left their mark on me—C.S. Lewis, Max Brooks, Pierce Brown.

However, while writing this book, I was particularly inspired by Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. That book made me feel a certain way, and one night, after I didn’t win a big award for which I was a finalist, I turned to it for escape. I stayed up late in a hotel room, reading it on my phone and taking solace in its voice and fun tone.

While some people think of that book for its nostalgia and pop culture references—elements I appreciate but don’t resonate with as much given my age—what truly speaks to me about Ready Player One are the themes about the importance of relationships.

When I wrote Echo Nova, I tried to capture many of those same emotions and ideas, although in very different ways.

5) What is your favorite Bible verse?

That answer changes for me every so often, but for the past year, I have kept thinking about Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.

It makes me think about my relationships with my sons. They’re still young and don’t always fully understand why I do what I do. They often resist things that I’m trying to do that will not only be good for them but also really fun.

While I always try to approach those moments with understanding, I also can’t help thinking, ‘If you would only trust me and trust that I have your best interest in mind at all times, it would be better for you in so many ways, and you would also get to have even more fun.’

Then I realize that God is probably often telling me the same thing. He wants me to trust Him. I won’t always understand. I won’t always see where we’re going. But if I trust Him and follow His ways, it will not just work out.

It’s going to be awesome.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, January 31

Simple Harvest Reads, February 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

Denise L. Barela, February 3 (Spotlight)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 4

Artistic Nobody, February 5 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 6

For the Love of Literature, February 7 (Spotlight)

Wishful Endings, February 7

Guild Master, February 8 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, February 9

Fiction Book Lover, February 10 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 12 (Spotlight)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 13 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Clint is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of the book, and a bookmark!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54146

Treasures of the Wise Interview and the Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Treasures of the Wise: 30 Devotions For Storing Up Heavenly Riches

Author: Tracy L. Smoak

Genre: Pictorial Devotional

Release date: December, 2024

Stories have been written throughout the centuries about the search for gold. But the true treasure we all need is easier to find than we think. For the wise person, treasure that will not be wasted, tarnished, or stolen can only be found in God’s Word.

Join author and educator Tracy Smoak on a thirty-day journey around the world as she showcases coins to highlight the beauty of the eternal treasure given to us from God. Each devotional is short but filled with riches beyond what the world can offer, as well as photographs of unique international coins and snippets of information about them.

Start your day off as one of the wise, who seeks after priceless insights offered by our Heavenly Father.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

A native Floridian, Tracy L. Smoak grew up riding horses and climbing citrus trees. Her passion is to encourage others in their faith journey. Smoak contributes to Guideposts. Ambassador International released her debut novel, Who Brought the Dog to Church?. Bold Vision published her Bible study about encouragement titled Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place.

She loves photography, and Treasures of the Wise is the third devotional with her original images. Living Water to Refresh Your Soul features tranquil lake scenes while Arranged with Love showcases floral landscapes.

Smoak holds a master’s in Education and a bachelor’s in Communication. At her church home she leads small-group Bible studies.

More from Tracy

Laying Up Treasures

The word “treasure” can send mixed messages. On one hand, that noun can bring forth images of pirates commandeering others’ gold and valuables. We all get a gleam in our eye from time to time and dream of great wealth.

The verb form of “treasure” means to hold something dear, such as a photograph of loved ones. This object may have no special worth, other than sentiment. What priceless object do you protect? Is it a leather baby shoe stored in a tiny box or a beaten-up, old baseball glove?

Either way, what we pursue—and hold—as our prized possession reveals much about our priorities. Is our contentment based upon acquisitions? If so, we find ourselves on a merry-go-round ride that leaves us dizzy. No matter how much we get, we still want more. This constant demand is damaging.

“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9 NIV).

To be well off, we need to put our hope in God, who richly provides us with all that we need and more.

“The emptiness we try to fill with earthly things stems from the desire for more of God,” said author and teacher Nancy Jenkins (Bibledolls: A Panorama of 28 Biblical Women).

To live well, we are advised to complete a wealth of good deeds. We are to be generous and willing to share. “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19 NIV).

Today’s prayer:

Dear Lord, please help us act on opportunities to do good for others. We appreciate your many gifts and find contentment in this moment, just as things are, with You by our side. Amen.

Interview with the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?

Success occurs when ideas connect with readers and help them cope with everyday life. I love it when someone lets me know that a Scripture or quote touched them in a meaningful way and encouraged them. Sharing photographs of God’s many blessings brings me joy.

2)What inspired this book?

When traveling overseas, I love studying the designs on foreign currency. I imagine who might have held the coins and what they could tell me about their life. Over the years, a simple collection grew, so I began sharing the coins with high school students in my English classes. We made maps, wrote narratives, and studied cultural icons. Treasures of the Wise combines my love of learning with Bible truths.

3)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

My new favorite verses come from reading yesterday in 1 Chronicles 9:26-27 NIV:

The gatekeepers “were entrusted with the responsibility for the rooms and treasuries in the house of God. They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they had to guard it; and they had charge of the key for opening it each morning.”

This is special because it reminds us that every person has been entrusted with the ability to protect the precious things of God. Each night with prayer, we guard our loved ones. And each morning walking forward in faith, we open doors for others to see God.

4)What would you like your readers to get out of this book?

My prayer is that these pictures and reflections make the Bible come alive and reveal good ways to manage money. I believe showing everyday blessings reminds us how much God already has given us to cherish.

5)What are you reading right now?

American and Iran: A History 1720 to the Present by John Ghazvinian reads like a novel. He captures key historical events in conversational manner that influence today. The 545-page nonfiction isn’t my typical read, but Ghazvinian fascinates with insights. His additional 74 pages of endnotes document the precision and care employed to write the work. Most of all, he maintains an unbiased voice. I am in awe of the work he’s done.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 29

Lots of Helpers, January 29

Leslie’s Library Escape, January 30

Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

For the Love of Literature, February 2 (Author Interview)

SHE LIVES TO READ, February 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 4 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 5

Blossoms and Blessings, February 6 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7

Cover Lover Book Review, February 8

Artistic Nobody, February 9 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tracy is giving away the grand prize of a hardcopy of the color devotional!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54144

Rebel Light Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Rebel Light

Author: Marilyn Turk

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: 2018

She ran away from the war only to find herself in the middle of it. Who will protect her now?

It’s 1861, Florida has seceded from the Union, and residents of Pensacola evacuate inland to escape the impending war. But Kate McFarlane’s impulsive act of rebellion changes her life and that of many others in ways she never expected.
As a result, Kate finds herself with an eccentric aunt in an unfamiliar place. Lieutenant Clay Harris, a handsome Confederate officer, offers a chance for romance, but his actions make Kate question his character. When a hurricane brings an injured shipwrecked sailor from the Union blockade to her aunt’s house, Kate fights attraction to the man while hiding him from Clay. She’s determined to warn her sea captain father about the blockade, but needs someone to help her. Who can she trust – her ally or her enemy?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Melissa

Set in 1861, Kate is to stay with a Great Aunt after sneaking onto her father’s ship. While staying with her great aunt, Kate meets the handsome Lieutenant Clay. Events happen that make her not trust men, but when the enemy, a union soldier, washes up on shore, Kate learns to love her enemy.
The setting of this story was fun, and I enjoyed the characters. Kate is our main character, and she definitely grows throughout the story. There were times I was annoyed with her but in the end, I ended up liking her. I liked that she learned to trust again. The Christian content in this story is really good. I loved her aunt Sally. She was such a strong character, always guiding Kate to the right thing. I also liked John and Bessie they were great supporting characters, and I liked they got a happy ending. There were some parts of the book that were a little too slow for me and other parts that were too fast. I wish it had a little more consistent pacing. Overall, the story was good.
⭐⭐⭐
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Award-winning author Marilyn Turk writes historical and contemporary novels laced with suspense and romance. She especially likes finding little-known historical tidbits to include in her books. In addition to fiction, Marilyn is a contributor to Guideposts’ Walking in Grace and other anthologies. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over 100 lighthouses, and served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys reading, walking, kayaking, fishing, gardening and playing tennis. She also sings in the choir at her church and leads a women’s Bible study group.

She is a member of ACFW, Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers, AWSA, Word Weavers International and the United States Lighthouse Society.

More from Marilyn

When I moved to Florida, I “met” my first lighthouse in person, the Pensacola Lighthouse. I was hooked on lighthouses from then on. I’ve always been interested in Civil War history as well, since so much of it took place in the south where I live, and I’ve been curious about what it was like to live in Florida during the war. Research on the subject got my creative wheels turning, and the story of Rebel Light was born. The book takes place in the beginning of the Civil War in Florida and shows the effects it had on the people living in the area. I loved the story of Katherine, the only child of a seafaring father, as she matures after leaving her familiar home in Pensacola and finds herself in an unfamiliar place where she has to abandon the rigid societal  confines of her former life and become an asset to her hardy great aunt in Apalachicola.

These characters are like my good friends, and I love them and their personalities. In fact, I love them so much, I wrote a sequel to Katherine’s story, Revealing Light, and thus the whole series of the Coastal Lights Legacy was born.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 17

lakesidelivingsite, January 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19

Pens Pages and Pulses, January 20

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 21

Texas Book-aholic, January 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 23

Betti Mace, January 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 25

For Him and My Family, January 26

Holly’s Book Corner, January 27

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, January 28

Pause for Tales, January 29

Stories By Gina, January 30 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, January 30 (Guest Review from Melissa)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marilyn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54133