Book Spotlight: Rescuing Her Ranch

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Rescuing Her Ranch by Lisa Jordan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Rescuing Her Ranch 

Series: Stone River Ranch #1 

Author: Lisa Jordan 

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 

Release Date: January 24, 2023 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

A fight for her future…

Might not be the one she thinks. 

Returning home after losing her job, Macey Stone agrees to care for the daughter of old friend Cole Crawford. Then she discovers that Cole’s uncle’s company wants to bulldoze her family’s land. Seeing the devoted dad with his child soon has her falling for the enemy. But can she choose between saving Stone River Ranch…and helping the man who’s stolen her heart? 

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

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Also Available

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Excerpt

“Speaking of that young man, you two are spending a lot of time together.”

“We’re friends, Aunt Lynetta. Nothing more. I’m caring for Lexi, and he’s helping with the ball. Besides, that’s all that can be with us. At least until this land issue is resolved.” Macey shoved the roll of tape in her bag along with the rest of the posters she’d had picked up from the printer before heading to the diner.

Aunt Lynetta slung an arm around her shoulders. “God’s got this. And your family. Nothing that happens is gonna surprise Him.”

Macey rested her head on Aunt Lynetta’s shoulder. “I admire your faith.”

“Girl, that’s the same faith you’ve grown up with.” Aunt Lynetta clicked her tongue. “I know your family’s faced a bunch of challenges lately, but you’re strong. You guys will get through this.” She tapped Macey’s chest. “Don’t allow your feelings to rule what’s in here. God hasn’t gone anywhere. Maybe you’re the one who put the distance between you and Him.”

Leave it to her aunt to tell her like it was.

Excerpt From
Rescuing Her Ranch
Lisa Jordan, 2023

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About the Author

Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. Happily married for over 30 years to her real-life hero, she and her husband have two grown sons. Lisa enjoys family time, good books, and creative time with friends.

Connect with Lisa by visiting lisajordanbooks.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Rescuing Her Ranch, a set of handmade cards, and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 28, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 7, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Book Review: Endless Grace by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt

About the Book:

Endless Grace helps us rediscover the rich treasures of the Psalms--through free-verse prayer renderings of their poems and hymns--as a guide to personal devotion and meditation.

The church has always used the Psalms as part of its prayer life, and they have inspired countless other prayers. This book contains seventy-five prayers drawn from Psalms 76-150, providing lyrical sketches of what authors Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt have seen, heard, and felt while sojourning in the Psalms. While each prayer corresponds to a particular psalm and touches on its themes and ideas, it is not a new translation of the Psalms or an attempt to modernize or contextualize their content or language. Rather, the prayers are responses to the Psalms written in harmony with Scripture. These prayers help us quiet our hearts before God and remember the Lord's daily mercies.

This artful, poetic, and classic devotional book features compelling custom illustrations and beautiful hardcover binding, offering a fresh way to reflect on and pray the Psalms.

Read an excerpt from Endless Grace on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

Endless Grace by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt “approaches the Psalms as literature designed for prayerful meditation (p. 14).” Each free verse prayer of Endless Grace responds to a Psalm with emotion and praise/supplication to God. New Testament phrases and teachings pepper the prayers, and I enjoyed the connections between the Psalms and teachings of Jesus.

Personally, I like to read one Psalm and the correlating selection from Endless Grace per sitting. These entries invite unhurried meditation and offer concepts that merit consideration. Often, the entries present historic ideas in fresh, lyrical wording that hooks my attention and renews my appreciation for such tenets. An example from the first prayer (Psalm 76 response): “Your peace is stronger than violence; / Your mercy fiercer than judgment.”

With its sturdy hardcover and lovely illustrations, Endless Grace: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt can be a gift. It’s appropriate for any Christian desiring meditative readings with a strong prayer emphasis.

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.

Book Spotlight: Beyond the Gray Mountains by Tricia Goyer

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Beyond the Gray Mountains by Tricia Goyer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beyond the Gray Mountains 

Series: Big Sky Amish #1 

Author: Tricia Goyer 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: February 28, 2023 

Genre: Christian Contemporary Amish Romance

Marianna Sommer always dreamed of a simple Amish wedding, but there’s nothing simple about marrying rock star Ben Stone. She loves him—but what about her traditions? Worse, suddenly Ben has questions—the kind that have him putting their wedding on hold.

Ben loves Marianna, but he has regrets—and fears—that are suddenly getting in the way of his happy ending. He doubts he’s going to “hear from God” in the high mountains like Marianna’s father suggests. But sure, he’ll go… 

But he might not return. Because high on the continental divide, trouble finds them. Now, it’ll take a miracle for Ben, Abe, and Abe’s brother, Ike, to make it down alive. Maybe Ben will hear from God after all…but if he does, can he become the man he needs to be to save them…and keep Marianna’s heart? 

When a runaway horse with a bloody saddle shows up, not only is the media alerted, but Marianna fears she’ll lose them all—her uncle, her father, and her beloved Ben. Suddenly she doesn’t care what the wedding looks like…as long as Ben makes it home. 

But is there more to Ben than she knows? And when she discovers his secrets, what sacrifices will she make to save…and marry…the man she loves? 

Fall in love with the first book in the cherished Big Sky Amish Collection.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

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Other Books In Series

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Excerpt

Saturday, June 24, Kalispell, Montana

“How hard can it be to plan one wedding?” Marianna Sommer mumbled to herself as she strode down Main Street in Kalispell toward the dress shop—the Englisch dress shop. The warm spring breeze blew softly, ruffling strands of light-brown hair that, for most of her life, had been neatly secured under her kapp.

But no longer.

On one side of Marianna paced her friend Annie Johnson, wearing her typical jeans, flannel shirt, and cowboy boots. In her mid-forties, Annie was the owner of the Kootenai Kraft and Grocery. Along with providing a location where one could buy anything from bulk flour and garden seeds to fencing and fishing supplies, Annie was also known to provide a listening ear and a boost of moral support. And this was why she’d offered to take Marianna and her mother dress shopping today.

Marianna had never attended an Englisch wedding, much less planned one. Yet now that she was marrying Ben Stone—the handsome musician with his dark hair, bright blue eyes, and easy smile—many changes would be taking place.

Starting with choosing a wedding dress.

Mem padded on the other side of Marianna in a typical Amish dress, apron, and kapp. She walked with her head lowered and shoulders slumped. She crossed her arms over her chest and uncrossed them as if she didn’t know what to do with herself. It was partly because Mem didn’t have baby Joy on her hip. Yet Marianna also knew this wasn’t how Mem had planned her life. First, losing her oldest two daughters years ago in a buggy accident, and now, having Marianna marry an Englischer. Every Amish mother dreamed of her daughters growing up and following in her footsteps. For Mem, this wouldn’t be so.

Lord, help me to get through this with peace…marrying the man I love yet also honoring my family and Amish friends. Was that even possible?

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About the Author

Tricia Goyer writes out of her passion for God and her love for family and others. The author of more than 70 books, she writes both historical fiction and nonfiction related to family and parenting.

This USA Today best-selling author has won a two Carol Awards and a Retailer’s Best Award. She was also an ECPA Gold-Medallion Nominee and a Christy Award Nominee and won Writer of the Year from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Tricia’s contemporary and historical novels feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She is a beloved author of Amish fiction, having written the Big Sky and Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series. Whether for fiction or nonfiction, Tricia’s writing style is vivid and heartwarming, allowing readers to take home more than engaging stories, but also messages that inspire faith and hope. Her goal is to write stories that matter. 

Connect with Tricia by visiting triciagoyer.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Beyond the Gray Mountains and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 27, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 6, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Book Review: The Glass Road by Alyssa Schwarz

About the Book:

The road ahead is full of bends and turns...

Austin Wright had bigger dreams than to inherit his grandfather’s old property, but with the help of his nephew and a few volunteers, he decides to reopen the idyllic summer camp of his youth.

Following her accident at the first triathlon of the season, Tess Prescott’s dreams of the Olympics are shattered, and when her brother volunteers her to work at his friend’s summer camp, she is anything but pleased. Determined to make the best of a bad situation, and to keep herself busy while she recovers, she reluctantly agrees, and ultimately learns the joy of being part of a team.

In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, two people must learn to work together if they have any chance of making it through this season of change—even if it means sacrificing the dreams they once strove so hard to protect.

But one unexpected secret could have the power to unravel it all.

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My Thoughts:

The Glass Road, book two in the Prescott Family Romance series by Alyssa Schwarz, worked well as a standalone. It took me a while to read this novel as my interest waned after the first third and the plot pace felt slow. Eventually, character development and spiritual growth rewarded my effort. Austin and Tess both raise legitimate questions and work through their fears as they become grounded in their faith. The process is realistic, yet beautiful.

Though billed as a romance, the romantic tension in The Glass Road stays low throughout the novel. Austin and Tess experience attraction to each other, plus ups and downs in their relationship, but I wanted more sizzle. I did like the way that God, as a present, third person in their relationship, added strength to their bond.

I expect many Christian fiction readers will love The Glass Road by Alyssa Schwarz more than I did. Alyssa Schwarz is a promising author, and I expect to read amazing novels from her in the future.

 

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.

Book Spotlight: Fraser by Susan May Warren

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Fraser by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Fraser 

Series: The Minnesota Marshalls #1 

Author: Susan May Warren 

Publisher: SDG Publishing 

Release Date: February 14, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Fraser Marshall is pretty sure his career as a Spec Ops fighter is over. Yes, he’s gone into private security, working for Jones, Inc, but his last gig ended with him wounded and taken captive. And those wounds just won’t heal. The last thing he wants to do is stick around his family’s winery pressing grapes. But what choices does he have?

The answer comes via a panicked phone call from his kid brother, Creed. 

Help, Fraser. I’m in over my head… 

Yeah he is, because he’s run away with a princess, with her bodyguard hot on the trail. And said bodyguard, Pippa Butler is going to hunt them down, no matter the cost. 

Even if she has to join forces with a bossy, arrogant former American SEAL. But Pippa has her own set of lethal skills, and if Fraser gets in the way, she’ll leave him on the side of the road. Still, maybe he’s not a terrible side-kick. He is handsome, and he makes her laugh… 

No, no, bad Pippa! She has no room for a man—an American—in her life. And Fraser hasn’t ever considered slowing down. Even if Pippa has him wondering if there is a different future ahead. 

But there’s more to the story than a Romeo-and-Juliet runaway romance. Princess Imani has seen a murder, and the perpetrator isn’t going to let her get away. Will Fraser and Pippa find the couple first? 

And if they do, can they work together to keep them safe? 

It’ll be tough if their hearts get in the way…

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christianbook | IndieBound | BookBub

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Also Available

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Excerpt

The GPS wouldn’t tell her what level the room was on, but she’d start here, work her way up. She followed it down the hall…

Stopped in front of a door, her heart thumping hard.

It was open. Partially, at least. She hadn’t brought her handy little Glock 26, thinking that she probably wouldn’t shoot Creed, despite what she found.

But she did have a taser, and this she pulled out, flicked off the safety.

Eased open the door.

The man stood with his back to her, wearing a jean jacket, a pair of cargo pants, boots. Short hair, although not quite military short, and just from the wide set of his shoulders, his lean torso, the stance of his legs, he looked like he could handle himself.

Clearly not the boy from the bar.

He must have heard the door opening, because he turned, hard. Stared at her.

Blue eyes. Painfully, impossibly blue—so blue they stopped her cold.

And then she spotted what dangled from his hand.

Imani’s necklace. The tracker.

“Who are you?” She raised the taser.

She had the sense of a tiger, his eyes darkening, crouching, ready to pounce.

“Who are you?” he said, his voice quiet.

She pointed to the necklace. “That doesn’t belong to you.”

“Who does it belong to?” He lifted it, and it dangled from his fingers.

Only then did the disarray of the room sink in—a lamp shattered on the floor, the bed mussed, pillows on the floor, and was that a bloody hand on the doorframe to the balcony?

“Where is she?”

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About the Author

With nearly 2 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA, and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill, and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com, and Christmas novellas. With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She’s a three-time RITA finalist and an eight-time Christy finalist.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanmaywarren.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Fraser and $10 Susan May Warren Store gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 21, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Book Review: The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

About the Book:

Copenhagen, 1940

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream--and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.

As Else hears rumors of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence.

Read an excerpt from The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

With The Sound of Light, Sarah Sundin has cemented herself as the queen of WWII Christian Fiction in my mind. This novel held my attention throughout and never felt too dark despite the Nazi occupation in Denmark. When things worsened in the plot, I put the book down as necessary and reminded myself that Sarah Sundin’s books always have a happy (or hopeful) ending.

Sarah Sundin expertly tied together the romance, character development, and themes in The Sound of Light. Else and Henrik’s journey offered many things to think about as these two characters learn and grow in wisdom and resilience. A few of the important topics addressed in The Sound of Light: women’s equality in the workplace, coexistence of virtues and faults, setting healthy boundaries, forgiveness, sacrificing to help others, and the power of words/silence. Reading this complex novel of resistance and heroism was a pleasure.

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin is a standalone novel, but characters from Until Leaves Fall in Paris and When Twilight Breaks cameo or are mentioned occasionally. I recommend this book to Christian fiction readers who enjoy a story with strong themes, historical details, and suspense. Five stars.

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.

Author Interview: With Me in the Storm by Karen E. Ingle

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for With Me in the Storm by Karen E. Ingle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: With Me in the Storm 

Author: Karen E. Ingle 

Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing 

Release Date: September 19, 2022 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

If she escapes her past, can she survive the storm to come?

Maddie's California dream-turned-nightmare is a perfect storm of abuse, trafficking, and unwanted pregnancy. She sees only one way out, until a network of strangers offers a solution that could save her life and her baby's. 

But escaping back to Minnesota hinges on Chris, the fiancé she rejected for the drug dealer who now owns her. After all she's done, is it too much to hope Chris will perform this generous act of love? 

And what if love isn't enough to protect Maddie when a deadlier storm closes in? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

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About the Author

Karen Ingle admires women’s resilience and courage that emerge when faced with a pregnancy that rocks their world. As a freelance writer, she has interviewed such women, met them, and served them. She’s also rubbed elbows with the gutsy people who care deeply enough to support women in their journeys out of dark despair into bright hope. Now Karen is weaving those true stories into the compelling novel, With Me in the Storm, and others still to come in her Rumors of Light series.

Connect with Karen by visiting kareningleauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Author Interview

Q: What was the inspiration behind With Me in the Storm?

Karen: Among many stories I’ve heard in the course of my work, I learned the true story of a woman like Maddie—caught in trafficking and seeking an abortion at the demand of her trafficker. The way her life changed when she discovered a different solution was so beautiful it made me cry. I wanted to tell a story like that, but without compromising the real woman’s safety or her new beginnings. So, I wrote a novel with her story woven together with other true stories I know.


Q:  How long did it take you to write this story?

Karen: All told, about four years. Some of that time was spent on the actual writing and re-writing. Some was spent fact-checking with my awesome friends who work in the fields of law enforcement, domestic violence, pregnancy help, and trauma-informed care. I also work three other jobs, so I had to squeeze authoring time in where I could.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this book?

Karen: “Safe isn’t about what you hold onto. It’s about who holds you.”


Q: What do you hope readers take away from With Me in the Storm?

Karen: I hope they come away with the assurance that even in very dark and complex situations, we have hope because of the God who cares about us and acts powerfully on our behalf. I would love to see some readers go on to be ambassadors of that hope, serving their communities. I would love to hear others say (as some have told me already), “This story brought me a whole new level of healing from the trauma of my past.” Or maybe some will say, “I’ve never trusted God to love me like this before. Now I do.”


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers would not know?

Karen: I’ve always loved writing. Yet I majored in chemistry. I started out teaching high school science, then elementary school, then I homeschooled my own kids. It wasn’t until my last children finished high school and left for college that I started a whole new career in freelance writing and authoring.


Q: What are you reading now?

Karen: In addition to reading fellow writers’ works in progress (as they did for me), here are the titles from the pile nearest my bedside table today:

Nonfiction—

· No Small Thing by Daniel J Mellish with Jan C. Johnson

· Embodied Hope by Kelly M. Kapic

· Finding God in Unexpected Places by Philip Yancey

Fiction—

· The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin

· A Mercy by Toni Morrison


Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Karen:Not enough! When we moved into our house over a decade ago, we gave away ten—yes, 10!—big boxes of books to a local library sale. I often mourn the loss of those books. It’s like dear old friends have moved away. The same titles at the library appear to be my books’ distant cousins, with different covers and none of the familiar dog-eared pages marking my favorite passages.


Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Karen:My husband recently introduced me to canoeing and camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with our family. I’d do that again! On a more regular basis, I garden and raise chickens. (Technically, I am the weeder and feeder. My husband is the brains behind both endeavors.)

All on my own, I love creating “mysteries” for my grandchildren: a series of clues hidden around the house for them to find, until the last one reveals the location of a missing treasure. At bedtime, we lay on our backs watching the stars from their nightlight rotate on the ceiling and we make up stories together. (Bedtime with Grandma Karen can stretch late into the night…)

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of With Me in the Storm, $10 Amazon gift card, notecard, sticker, handmade bookmark, and a packet of "Maddie's favorite hot cocoa mix"!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 27, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Book Review: Return From Tomorrow

About the Book:

The True Story of an Uncharted Journey Through the Afterlife.

As a world war raged around him, a young soldier named George Ritchie barely comprehended his own death as he left the physical world--only to return minutes later. Yet in the space between death and coming back to life, he experienced eternity.

In this riveting true story, Dr. George Ritchie shares some of the most stunning and detailed descriptions of life after death. You'll encounter other non-physical beings, travel through different dimensions of time and space, and discover a series of worlds--some hellish in their separation from life, some glorious in their heavenly brilliance. But most amazingly, you'll witness his transformational meeting with the Light of the world, the Son of God.

Hailed as one of the most amazing visions of the afterlife ever recorded, Ritchie's experience forever changed the course of his life and his understanding of the realm beyond our own--and it can do the same for you.

Read an excerpt from Return From Tomorrow at: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/return-from-tomorrow/2019612

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My Thoughts:

I read Return From Tomorrow by Dr. George G. Ritchie with Elizabeth Sherill in a single sitting. The book is short, but fascinating. Some of Dr. Ritchie’s experiences correlate to other return-to-life accounts I’ve read, but his happened earlier (in the 1940s). As powerful as Dr. Ritchie’s visions were, my main takeaway from them all was the immense, undeniable love of Jesus Christ. Reading his testimony greatly encouraged me.

I also absorbed Dr. Ritchie’s wise words as he related his post-experience mistakes and the lessons learned: the necessity of loving others well and following one’s call in life. There are many books on those topics, but Dr. Ritchie’s message felt personal and resonated with me.

I absolutely loved Return From Tomorrow by Dr. George G. Ritchie with Elizabeth Sherill and recommend this inspirational book to everyone, Christian or not. Five stars.

 

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.

Book Spotlight: Brooke by Ronie Kendig

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Brooke by Ronie Kendig, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Brooke 

Series: The Metcalfes #4 

Author: Ronie Kendig 

Publisher: Task Force Press 

Release Date: February 6, 2023 

Genre: Clean with faith elements, Romantic Suspense

Prioritizing career over family cost Brooke Metcalfe Mulroney everything—her relationship with her siblings, her marriage, her children. Written off by her family, she delves deeper into her work. Until a life-altering moment offers a chance at something she didn’t know she wanted—redemption. But her self-centered ways nip at her heels as she goes on the lam to do what she knows is right.

Former Special Forces operator and founder of MiLE, Cord Taggart wages war on human trafficking by taking the violence to the wicked, determined to never again let an innocent die because he did nothing. But maybe he’s bitten off more than he can chew this time as he works to track down New York City high-powered attorney Brooke Metcalfe, who is MIA. Then there’s her brothers who have threatened to chase him into the afterlife should he fail. 

Tricky are the hours as Cord negotiates many battles: freeing the captives, demolishing the Trench that has made millions off the skin-trade industry, and his growing, deep-rooted feelings for the bombshell in her highfalutin tower. Brooke must put her life—and heart—in the hands of the thick-skulled operator.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository

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Other Books in Series

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Excerpt

“[Do] you know what happened, how you were injured?” the nurse asked.

“I …” She swallowed, remembering how close she’d come to getting caught. “A-a car. I was hit by a car. There …” Telling them she was being chased would only draw authorities, and she’d already tried that once. “I guess … I just wasn’t paying attention.”

“We will get X-rays.” The nurse tapped into a device as she noted the vitals—and that’s when Brooke noticed her name badge read Min in Mandarin.

To thwart the pain in her back, Brooke shifted—pain exploded through her side. Crying out, she stiffened.

“But first something for the pain,” the nurse said in faltering English. “Is there someone you want us to contact?”

“I—” Cradling her side and screwing up her face bought her a moment to think. Mark and the girls weren’t talking to her.

Her brothers …

“You absolutely cannot tell them.” Mazin’s voice reverberated across her conscience.

“No …” She had no one to help her. Not anymore. Yet a pair of steel gray eyes argued with that. Pleaded with her to call him, much like the dozen voicemails. “No. I’m alone.” She had endangered the kids and her relationship with Mazin, so bringing Cord Taggart into it would only make things worse.

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About the Author

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share--sometimes--with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Connect with Ronie by visiting roniekendig.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive the entire signed set of The Metcalfes paperbacks!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 15, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 22, 2023. 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

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Book Review: An Explorer's Guide to Julian of Norwich

About the Book:

IVP Readers' Choice Award
Publishers Weekly Starred Review (Available here).

"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."

Julian of Norwich's Revelations of Divine Love is truly an astounding work: an inspired example of Christian mysticism, a unique contribution to Christian theology, the first book in English known to have been written by a woman.

But it can also be a daunting work. Veronica Mary Rolf, who has been studying Julian's text for decades, serves as a trustworthy guide for readers willing to take up and read Julian's work.

Rolf not only sets Julian's life and text in its fourteenth-century context, but she also sheds light on each of Julian's sixteen revelations. She then digs deeper into Julian's theological themes, including her innovative mystical theology of the "motherhood of God," and she offers a chapter on developing a retreat based on Julian's work. Throughout, Rolf takes a deeply contemplative approach to Julian, illuminating our understanding of this extraordinary woman, her enduring work, and the revelation that "all shall be well."

Books in the Explorer's Guide series are accessible guidebooks for those studying the great Christian texts and theologians from church history, helping readers explore the context in which these texts were written and navigate the rich yet complex terrain of Christian theology.

Read an excerpt from An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

My evangelical upbringing taught me stories of Biblical saints and modern missionaries but avoided the Catholic saints. When I discovered Julian of Norwich, I immediately wanted to learn more about Julian and her Revelations of Divine Love. An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf proved to be an excellent introduction that examined Julian’s life, culture, spiritual experiences, and written texts.

I devoured Part One of An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich. This section contained plenty of research, including citations, and carried my interest without seeming overloaded. However, Part Two holds the shining star of the book: Chapter 6 - A Guided Tour of Julian’s Revelations. Here, I found myself captivated by Julian’s experiences, but reading slowly as her intense visions and deep explanations called for careful consideration.  Most (but not all) of Julian’s conclusions fit within the Protestant belief system, and God’s immense love for his children threads through each vision. Although the author’s explication of the Revelations of Divine Love filled most of the chapter, Rolf frequently used quotes from Julian’s texts which included some of Julian’s Middle English spelling.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading An Explorer’s Guide to Julian of Norwich by Veronica Mary Rolf and I hope to soon read this author’s translation of Julian’s Revelations of Divine Love. I learned much from this book: Julian’s biography, historical details, and spiritual insights. Five stars!

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.

Epic Book Launch: Stormy Encounters by BJ Howe

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: Stormy Encounters

Author: BJ Howe

Genre: Teen/YA Action Adventure

Release date: March 14, 2023

When the biggest bully in town has you in his crosshairs, you can run, or you can dig deep inside and discover who you really are. Steven Carlson finds himself saddled with an unexpected debt he cannot afford, changing his plans for a summer of fun to one that forces him to places he never wanted to go.

There are storms on the horizon and equally daunting storms of the heart. With a father he doesn’t understand and a mother he can’t remember, Steven’s sixteenth year launches him on a journey that will forever alter his world.

In one unforgettable season, Steven Carlson is pushed to the edge of disaster and forced to confront his prison of self-doubt.

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BOOK EXCERPT #4

Steven punched Jackson in the arm. “Stop it. This is serious. Dad’s been going off alone for long drives in this car for the past two months, every day since he bought it.” He leaned his head back and throated a dull moan. “What a rotten way to start summer.”

“Hey, at least we had some fun tonight,” said Jackson.

Steven’s stomach churned. “This isn’t good. Clean up all those burger wrappers and stuff. Dad’s gonna be furious if we leave it like this.”

“He’s pretty weird about this car.” Jackson jammed ketchup packets into a fast-food bag. “You’d think it was a girl, or something.”

“Maybe he doesn’t need to know the part about Drew.” Steven sighed. “But, we have to keep our stories straight, not like last week when we ditched school – along with half the sophomore class.”

Jackson plastered a frown onto his face. “Drew needed to be taught that lesson. He’s been hammering me for being adopted ever since, I don’t know, forever.”

Steven squinted into the rearview mirror. The circus lights were still blasting from the squad. The neighbors must be getting a good show tonight. None of the houses had lights on except Mrs. Broderick’s, the neighborhood busybody.

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LINKS TO ALL EXCERPTS

Excerpt One: https://travelerswife4life.com/book-spotlight-stormy-encounters-by-bj-howe/

Excerpt Two: https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/2023/02/23/epic-book-launch-stormy-encounters-excerpt/

Excerpt Three: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2023/02/stormy-encounters-by-bj-howe.html

Excerpt Four: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/02/epic-book-launch-stormy-encounters-by.html

Excerpt Five: https://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2023/02/stormy-encounters-epic-book-launch.html

Excerpt Six: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2023/02/stormy-encounters-epic-book-launch.html

Excerpt Seven: https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/2023/02/23/stormy-encounters-book-launch-with-celebrate-lit/

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barb (B J) Howe has enjoyed entertaining others with stories since she was a child. As an adult, she used storytelling techniques to communicate in various workplace settings before exploring the art of memoir writing and fiction.

Stormy Encounters is her first significant work of fiction. Writing about teenage boys and lightning fast cars was inspired by her grandson, who at age four attempted to drive her car, and at age ten reminded her that he was a mere five years away from a driving permit. He is now entering his teen years.

Howe resides in Chanhassen MN with husband, Dave Howe, author of Live Pure and Free: The 90-Day Game Changer. She is on staff with Christian Grandparenting Network, and has contributed to several publications including: Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Jr. Magazine and Guideposts. Her desire in writing this book is to encourage young adults to mature in their integrity and pursue a personal relationship with Christ.