Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Book Blitz: Hesitant Heroes by Sharon Rene

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Hesitant Heroes

(Divine Destiny #1)

By Sharon René

Young Adult, Christian, Dystopian

Paperback & ebook, 336 Pages

September 7, 2021 by Anaiah Press

In a future where the planet is ruled by the powerful Global Collective Council, and religion is outlawed, Jordan Scott is chosen to attend Global Collective University because of her phenomenal computer skills. Shy and insecure, she has difficulty fitting in with the intelligent, worldly teens at GCU. She joins a secret Bible study and meets Matthew Thomas, a good-looking jock with a big heart. Jordan’s relationship with Matthew grows deeper, and she even manages to bond with her cranky roommate while growing closer to her fellow teammates.

When Christian students mysteriously start disappearing from campus, Jordan stumbles upon the shocking truth—these students are pawns in a government plot, and she’s next on their list. Suddenly, she’s forced into a leadership position as she and her teammates journey from the European Alps to the jungles of Venezuela in a race to save the missing students and stop a political assassination. Fighting fears that have haunted her for years, Jordan battles with the strongest political force on the planet. She believes God placed her at GCU for “such a time as this.” Jordan will have to rely on her faith and friends to save the missing students and foil the evil government.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Author Thoughts on Quote from Hesitant Heroes by Sharon René

Hello. I’d like to share one of my favorite quotes from Hesitant Heroes.

Jordan Scott and her friends (Team Seven) have become entangled in a dangerous political scheme of kidnapping and assassination. Jordan is emotionally exhausted and ready to give up, but her roommate Hannie won’t let her.

In this scene, Jordan has thrown herself across her bed and told Hannie she was quitting. No more sneaking around and putting herself in danger. Hannie argues that she can’t quit but her arguments don’t work until she says:

“God put you here, didn’t He? Even He knows you’re a born leader.”

Could Hannie be right? Had God placed her at GCU for such a time as this?

Hannie sighed her breath heavy with the scent of spearmint gum. “Jordan, you’re the Queen Esther of Team Seven.”

Why would Hannie mention Queen Esther? She never talked about God. Jordan wasn’t sure Hannie even believed in God. She’d never been to one of their Bible studies and she didn’t know that Esther was one of Jordan’s favorite Bible stories.

Are you trying to tell me something God?

Through the book Jordan has believed that God placed Team Seven at GCU “for such a time as this,” but she never suspected Hannie would feel the same way.

When Hannie brings up Queen Esther Jordan knows that God is sending her the encouragement she needs to continue down an extremely dangerous path.

“For such a time as this” is the theme that runs through Hesitant Heroes. I believe God has placed every one of us in a certain place at a certain time for a certain mission.

This is not always easy to believe. As a teen I hated living in a small town. I’ve always been a city girl at heart. I didn’t understand why God had put me there. I’ve had many ups and downs in my career. I thought I wanted to work in broadcasting but that was a disaster, then I ended up working in a corporate legal department which I enjoy. I’ve always been an introvert, but God led me to teach youth Bible fellowship classes and participate in mission trips and prison ministry.

God engineers our lives.

Can you relate? Are you a teen who hates your school? Perhaps you hate the city you live in, or your marriage is not the romantic dream you hoped for. At times like this it’s hard to believe that God has put us in a certain place “for such a time as this.”

I hope Hesitant Heroes will help readers understand that God doesn’t always place us in beautiful, calm environments. Queen Esther lived in a pagan culture and was married to a pagan king. (Not great husband material). In Hesitant Heroes, Jordan, and her friends, Team Seven, must risk their lives to rescue their kidnapped friends and stop an assassination. Nothing easy about that!

I pray that readers draw strength from Hannie’s words and Jordan’s belief that God does have a special purpose for each one of us. We just need to ask God to direct us and show us what He wants us to do for Him in “such a time as this.”

About the Author

Sharon René loves to write young adult and children’s fiction. Her young adult speculative trilogy has been acquired by Anaiah Press and the first book, Hesitant Heroes, released in September 2021. Hesitant Heroes is an exciting blend of danger, drama and a little romance. Relentless Rebels is scheduled to launch in March 2022. Her first book, A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, was published in 2018 by TouchPoint Press. This is a book of short stories and devotions for elementary aged children.

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a signed print copy of Hesitant Heroes by Sharon René (US only)

Ends January 22, 2022

ENTER HERE

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Author Interview & Giveaway: Crown of the Warrior King by Henry O. Arnold

About the Book

Book: Crown of the Warrior King

Author: Henry O. Arnold

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: December 1, 2021

The desire of Israel…

the first to wear the crown is the warrior king

For decades the nation of Israel had no rest from her enemies. The people cried out, “Give us a king to lead us, to go out before us, to fight our battles.” And Yahweh hears the cries of the chosen. He plucks a king out of the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest of the tribes—Saul, son of a herdsman. The prophet Samuel anoints him as Israel’s first warrior king.

Under the banner of the wolf, the symbol of his tribe, Saul rises to prominence, winning the hearts and minds of the people of Israel with his success on the battlefield and benevolent leadership.

But when the nation of Israel cries out, “For the love of Israel. For the glory of Yahweh. For the honor of the king,” the praises of the people turn the humble heart of the warrior king into one filled with pride—a pride that has fatal consequences.

In this tale of triumph and tribulation, deepest love and burning rivalries, the new epoch is given a voice…and it is a Song of Prophets and Kings.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Henry O. Arnold has co-authored a work of fiction, Hometown Favorite, with Bill Barton, and nonfiction, KABUL24, with Ben Pearson. He also co-wrote and produced with Steve Taylor (director) and Ben Pearson the film The Second Chance starring Michael W. Smith, the screenplay for the authorized film documentary on evangelist Billy Graham, God’s Ambassador, and the documentary film KABUL24, based on the book which is the story of western and Afghani hostages held captive by the Taliban for 105 days. He lives on a farm in Tennessee with his lovely wife Kay. They have two beautiful daughters married to two handsome men with three above-average grandchildren. For more information please visit: www.henryoarnold.com

More from Henry

After the golden age of theatre in the Greek and Roman times, the theatre went dark, very dark as in Dark Ages, and for centuries it was thus. But it was the church that brought the theatre back to life by staging passion plays on biblical subjects. Since most people could not read at the time, it was a great way to tell the folks some Bible stories. The world has certainly improved its literacy skills since then. The delight I have in reading and writing stories from the Bible or on biblical themes has been with me for a long time.

When I formulated the concept of retelling the stories of the first three kings of Israel and matching them with the leading prophets of that age, the title of the series, The Song of Prophets and Kings, was a perfect match for the biblical/historical fiction genre. The first volume in this series, A Voice Within the Flame, was released last year and features the life of the prophet Samuel up to and including the anointing and coronation of Saul as the first king of Israel. Now it is time for the second volume, Crown of the Warrior King. This second novel picks up where the last one left off.

Whether the reader or listener is familiar with the biblical stories or not, I have written these novels in such a way that makes these ancient stories come to life in the modern world. When the reader/listener dives into stories that are 3,000 years old, it will be surprising how we all can see ourselves in these characters.

These are biblical stories that I grew up with and have read and studied all my life. It is a joy to get to share them with you in this series, The Song of Prophets and Kings.

Author Interview with Henry

Q: What was the inspiration behind this novel?
Henry: A love of Scripture. I have always enjoyed reading Scripture, and I find it not only supports my faith in God, but I see myself in so many of the characters, in truth, all the characters in these ancient stories. It wanted to share that passion with others. We all share a common humanity if not a common faith and these stories are as profound and modern today as they were 3,000 years ago.

Q: How long did it take you to write this novel?
Henry: Because The Song of Prophets and Kings was conceived as a series, I knew this was going to like running a marathon. I began several years ago writing the first volume, A Voice Within the Flame. I completed the second volume, Crown of the Warrior King, and the third volume, The Singer of Israel, before I found an agent and a publisher. I am currently halfway through volume four (working title The Fugitive King), and plan to start writing volume 5 (no working title as yet), sometime next year. The series will be finished in the fifth volume. So, you can see I am committed to completing this literary journey regardless of the outcome. I appreciate that WhiteFire has committed to the first three volumes. I love this process of writing, and God willing, will see it through to the end.

Q: Do any of the novel’s characters hold a special place in your heart?
Henry: I would say Samuel and Shira hold that special place. We certainly know a great deal about Samuel, but we know nothing about his wife. Samuel had to be married because Scripture says he had two sons…both reprobates. So, I had the wonderful challenge to create in this first volume of this series, A Voice Within the Flame, the romance and marriage of Samuel and Shira. I had the freedom to create Shira out of whole cloth. While being true to the cultural norms of ancient Israel, I wanted her to be a multi-dimensional character that would be compatible with the large personality of Samuel. I hope I have succeeded in creating a woman that is reflective of her times, but also our modern times.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from this novel?
Henry: I hope a reader will see themselves in these characters. More important, I hope, a reader will come away with a deeper understanding of and appreciation for Scripture and the characters. We should be able to see ourselves in these stories and in the choices and actions a character makes in his/her life. When we see ourselves in them, we see ourselves more clearly.

Q: If the novel was made into a movie, who would like you to see play the main characters?
Henry: That is a tricky question for me because I know what it is like to go through the casting process for a stage play and a movie. Star power does not mean great acting. I would want the best actors that could be found who would apply their unique creative genius to bringing to life these great characters. That of itself is a tall order.

Q: What are you reading now?

Henry: Colson Whitehead, John Grisham, Kristin Hannah, and Alice Munroe.

Q: How many bookshelves are in your home?
Henry: Not enough.

Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?
Henry: www.henryoarnold.com

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 13

Texas Book-aholic, January 14

Beauty in the Binding, January 15 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 15

For Him and My Family, January 16

Inklings and notions, January 17

deb’s Book Review, January 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 19

Splashes of Joy, January 20 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 21

Connie’s History Classroom, January 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 23 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 24 (Spotlight)

Cats in the cradle blog, January 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 26 (Author Interview)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 26

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Henry is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/17c58/crown-of-the-warrior-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, January 14, 2022

Epic Book Launch: Beneath a Star-Lit Sky by J. L. Crosswhite

About the Book

Book: Beneath A Star-Lit Sky
Author: JL Crosswhite
Genre: Christian romantic suspense
Release date: February 21, 2022

Small town girl looking to mend her broken heart…

…Small town boy needing to repair his reputation.

Who knew those simple goals could unearth life-threatening danger?

Holcomb Springs has a wild past, and the wilderness outside its borders hides a treacherous present.

Teacher Ella Sommer is ready to forget about her broken engagement and escape from running into her ex. An overnight hiking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail offers what she needs to clear her head and breathe out under the stars.

Ex-military Reese Vega left Holcomb Springs with a bad boy rep, but has returned wiser, longing for a fresh start in his hometown. His hiking tour business offers that opportunity, especially when he can get into the great outdoors and let his past evaporate into the mountain air.

When Reese and Ella are thrown together on the overnighter, what starts as a simple trek ends up being filled with danger when they stumble across something they weren’t supposed to see.

Can they put aside their history and use their wits to get out of this situation?

Or will it be too late?

You’ll love Beneath a Star-Lit Sky because while the wilderness can’t be tamed, the human heart can.

BOOK EXCERPT #2

The squirrel was probably hoping for a handout. Reese craved the quiet of the outdoors. It soothed him in a way nothing else could, especially after his injury. But this… this was not the kind of outdoors he liked.

But it was a peace offering for his brother who ran Holcomb Springs Outfitters. Maybe it would help mend the fences Reese’s enlisting in the military had broken in his pacifist family. He could only hope. They had wanted him to be someone different than who he was. They hadn’t exactly been in his corner.

He pointed for the group to continue on the trail while he remained behind to check on the stragglers. There were always stragglers. It gave him a chance to grab a minute of quiet. His headache had worsened from the chatter of the women. That and their endless flirting. He’d almost take another tour of duty compared to more tourists.

But due to his traumatic brain injury, that was no longer an option. And he’d told his brother, Raul, that he’d help run his outfitters shop until Raul got back on his feet. Literally. He’d had knee surgery and couldn’t lead the hikes and camping trips.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JL’s favorite thing is discovering how much there is to love about America the Beautiful and the great outdoors. She’s a mom to two, navigating the young adult years while battling her daughter’s juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, exploring the delights of her son’s autism, and keeping gluten free. A California native who’s spent significant time in the Midwest, she’s thrilled to be back in the Golden State. Follow her on social media to see all her adventures and how she gets inspired for her books!

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: God Is My Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom

God is My Hiding Place JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for God Is My Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: God Is My Hiding Place

Author: Corrie ten Boom

Publisher: Chosen

Release Date: October 19, 2021

Genre: Devotional, Christian

"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest."--Corrie ten Boom

Dutch watchmaker Corrie ten Boom, with her courageous, God-fearing family, sheltered Jews from the Nazis during World War II. This led to her arrest and suffering in prison and concentration camps--as told in her bestselling book The Hiding Place. Her dramatic life story and her more than 40 other books have prepared millions to face their own future with courage--relying on God's love to forgive, overcome, heal and restore.

Through this 40-day devotional based on Corrie's writings, you will find inspiration to strengthen your faith, re-root your soul in Christ and increase your experience of God's peace.

Receive the courage and comfort of the Holy Spirit, and remind yourself of what Corrie ten Boom knew and lived: God is your hiding place.

EXCERPT

“Day 3 - Becoming Childlike” – p. 24, 104 words.

God wants each of us to have the conﬁdence that comes from knowing we are loved, valued and celebrated. The Lord paid a hefty price to be with us forever and to prove how outrageous His love is. When we understand how absolutely and extravagantly loved we are, we can pray with childlike faith, laugh with unreserved joy and be free to be ourselves.

In the midst of hurrying about and being concerned with so many details of daily living, we must always remember that God’s love can make us conquerors and set us free if we receive Him with open and trusting hearts.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Corrie ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) was born in Haarlem, The Netherlands. After being arrested in 1944 for helping Jews escape the Nazi regime, Corrie spent a year during World War II in prison camps. After the war, she was invited to share her experiences in more than sixty countries and was honored by the state of Israel for her work during the war. Her life story, The Hiding Place, was originally released in 1971. In 1977, she settled in California, where she died in 1983, on her 91st birthday.

CONNECT WITH CHOSEN: Website

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Hiding Place and One Word for Today!

God Is My Hiding Place JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 11, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 18, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Book Review: Sunrise by Susan May Warren

About the Book:

Coming home was never the plan.

After a terrible family fight, pilot Dodge Kingston left home to join the Air Force. A decade later, he's headed back to the destiny that awaits him as heir to Sky King Ranch. But that's not all that's waiting for him at home.

Echo Yazzie is a true Alaskan woman--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. After her childhood best friend and former flame, Dodge, fled Denali, she settled into life on the Alaskan range. She's made her peace with being left behind--by her mother and by Dodge. And she's strong enough to live without them.

When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. What she doesn't know is that there are more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .

As Dodge sets out to find Echo, he can't ignore the feelings he still has for her. But will he be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?

Read an excerpt from Sunrise by Susan May Warren on the publisher's website.

My Thoughts:

Sunrise by Susan May Warren introduces readers to Sky King Ranch, home base of Sky King Air Services and the three estranged Kingston brothers. Set in the hearty Alaskan bush, which felt completely foreign to this Florida girl, the narrative captured the beauty of the land with vivid descriptions and Echo’s adoration of the area. Furthermore, the novel’s cover conveyed the enchantment of this rugged, amazing land.

If I were to describe Sunrise in one word, it would be tense. The first chapter brings the reader straight into the Kingston family strife. There’s a romantic pull between Echo and Dodge, but both have emotional angst brewing down deep. As the plot progresses, the characters contend with the elements of nature and experience life-and-death moments. While this constant strain held my attention to the story, the plot felt formulaic at times. Fortunately, a thread about the need to give and receive forgiveness seeped into the hearts of the characters and added a nice layer of character development.

Sunrise commences Susan May Warren’s Sky King Ranch series. It mentions characters from the author’s other novels, but reads as a stand-alone novel. I love the way the author has created this entire fictional community among her books. Sunrise will likely appeal to Christian romance readers looking for an entertaining suspense novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Monday, January 3, 2022

Book Spotlight: An Unlikely Duchess by Jessica Nelson

About the Book:

A marriage of convenience is the only way to save her family…

Widow Sophia Seymour never planned to marry again—let alone become a duchess. But with her father missing and her family impoverished, an old betrothal contract promising her hand to a notorious duke is her only hope. And Edmund DeVane intends to honor the agreement—in name only. After all, Edmund needs a wife with an impeccable reputation to protect his debuting niece. But as their arrangement starts to feel much more real, can their budding love survive Edmund’s deepest secret?

Excerpt:

"I understand you wish to marry for love only," the duke said.

He cleared his throat. "However, it seems that our union could also be construed as for something near to that principle-your love for your soon-to-be impoverished family, my love for my niece."

Sophia turned to him. Their gazes met. "But will you make a good husband, Your Grace? Can I trust you?"

Edmund wanted to reassure her, but he was suddenly assailed by memories, by experiences he had never spoken of and by a terrible, fearful certainty that he could never be a good husband.

"Edmund," said Sophia. "I do not ask for perfection."

"I have never been a husband. But I would do my best."

"We must have parameters if we are to do this." Her gaze flashed upward. "Here is the gist of it, Your Grace. I shall marry you, but under two conditions."

He waited, holding his breath.

About the Author:

Jessica Nelson believes romance happens every day, and thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to himself with passionate tenderness. She began writing her first historical romance after quitting her day job to stay home with her children. Now they’re teens but Jessica’s still plucking away at the keyboard, one kiss after another, in pursuit of the happily ever after.