Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Author Interview: Holding on to Hope by Janet W. Ferguson

Holding onto Hope JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Holding on to Hope by Janet W. Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Holding on to Hope

Title: Holding on to Hope
Series
: Coastal Hearts
Author
: Janet W. Ferguson
Publisher
: Southern Sun Press LLC
Release Date
: April 1, 2023
Genre
: Christian Contemporary Romance

A fun road trip romance to the Grand Tetons!

Always the wedding planner, never the bride. 

Hope Rodriguez loves planning weddings. There’s nothing more special than helping a bride become a princess for a day, but she’s not sure that’s her calling in life anymore. If only she had her own special someone. Her only current prospect leaves her with more questions than answers about where she falls in his list of priorities. Yet, when a lifelong friend asks her to plan a destination wedding across the country in only two weeks, she’ll have to figure out how to pull off the impossible…alone. 

After being burned as a child and deserted by his family, Caleb Donnelly has an intimate relationship with pain. Despite all he’s endured, one ache refuses to leave him—the throbbing in his heart where Hope is concerned. So when Hope needs help with their friend’s wedding, he can’t stop himself from volunteering to travel two thousand miles to Jackson, Wyoming. As long as he keeps his feelings in check, he might not ruin their friendship. Because a beautiful woman like Hope could never love a scarred man like him. 

When Hope and Caleb’s plans go up in flames, it’s their hearts that might never recover. 

Grab your copy of Holding on to Hope...a Southern Contemporary Christian Romance novel from the Coastal Hearts Series.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub


More Books in This Series

 

For the Love of Joy Healing Skye


Excerpt


Could loving someone physically hurt? It must be possible. Because anguish seared Caleb Donnelly’s chest, scorching his heart like a white-hot flame. And Caleb knew pain—had an intimate relationship with it after years of surgeries, skin grafts, and laser treatments.

Sitting at the oak table in the rented Florida beach house, he struggled to rip his gaze away from this woman. Hope Rodriguez. He should quit staring before she noticed. Except, he couldn’t seem to stop. Ever since that summer before ninth grade, when she’d directed her sweet smile his way, he’d been smitten.

The feelings had been reckless, really. A disfigured guy falling for a homecoming queen echoed the story of Beauty and the Beast. But in the real world, happy endings rarely materialized. His early years in and out of hospitals and foster homes had taught him that few fairytales came true.

If anyone deserved a happily-ever-after, though, it was Hope.

About the Author

Janet Ferguson

Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the FHL Readers Choice Award winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after.

Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space. 

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


Author Interview


Q:
What was the inspiration behind Holding onto Hope?

Janet: Our family visited the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone in 2021, and I knew it was the perfect place for a fun story—a destination-wedding romance, even. The mountains and the landscapes were so inspiring. I could see God’s artistry all around. I delved into the topic of marriage in this novel, which is also a beautiful creation of our Lord. Unfortunately, in our broken world, relationships can be difficult. Bonds break, and families are damaged. When others fail us, we still have a God who loves purely—a Savior who heals.


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

Janet: It took a year. I had a lot of starts and stops because of busy times going on in our family but I finally finished before the holidays of 2022.


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

Janet: Yes! My hero was such a sweetie! Here’s my favorite: “Because you love that person so much, you can’t imagine life without them. When tough times come, you’d fight until your last breath for your wife and your marriage.”


Q:  What do you hope readers take away from Holding onto Hope?

Janet: In our broken world, relationships can be difficult. Bonds break, and families are damaged. When others fail us, we still have a God who loves purely—a Savior who heals.


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

Janet: I think I have a big imagination because I was a late in life child. One of my sisters was in college when I was born, and the other was away in college by the time I was five, so if I didn’t have a neighbor to play with, I made up stories in my head to entertain myself.


Q:  What are you reading now?

Janet: Knocking by Robin Merrill is my book club’s next read, so I’m just staring it. I have no idea what to expect because this is a new author to me.


Q:  How many bookcases are in your home? 

Janet: LOL, just three and they’re all full. I’ve tried to donate books to ministries, prisons, and nursing homes or give to friends when I finish. It’s hard to let go 😊


Q:  What is your favorite thing about being a writer? 

Janet: Research! I love to learn about places and jobs and nature and animals and so many other things! I do interviews and it’s so much fun to learn about someone’s career or life story. My kids might say I’m just nosy, ha!
 

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

Janet: Walk outside, eat at new places, be with family and friends, travel, especially if there’s a beach or a mountain to look at.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Holding on to Hope, a throw, a Hope rock & a Hope cross knickknack.

Holding on to Hope JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 17, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 24, 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Author Interview: Love Again by Ann Marie Bryan



About the Book


Book: Love Again

Author: Ann Marie Bryan

Genre: Christian fiction (Romance)

Release date: December 8, 2022

Sometimes, all you need is a second chance at love.

Let the adventure begin …

Rylan McIntosh was twenty-three years old when Savannah McKenzie shattered his world. Everything was almost perfect … until she disappeared. Nearly seven years later, Savannah stands before him with not a hint of remorse. The naive young girl is gone and the woman in her place is at the top of her game. She’s all glam in a tailored suit, acting like they were nothing more than mere acquaintances. But she’s forgotten something—how relentless he can be.

Having experienced more than her fair share of tragedy, the last thing Savannah wants is to contend with Rylan. Back then, she’d surrendered to her feelings for him and conceded to his request for a relationship … well, until she was forced to flee. Seeing Rylan again stirs up buried memories she has no intention of reviving.

All bets are off as they battle through the hurt and pain of their shared past. Savannah begs for a truce and, surprisingly, Rylan agrees. That’s until he discovers a web of secrets and lies that run deeper than he could have ever imagined. Still, some connections are too powerful to ignore. Will Rylan and Savannah develop the courage to leave the past behind? Will they allow God to restore what has been broken?

Standalone books in the McIntosh Brothers series:

Book 1 – Dream Again (The story of Carter McIntosh & Gianna Barrett)

Book 2 – Love Again (The story of Rylan McIntosh & Savannah McKenzie)

Click here to get your copy!


About the Author

Ann Marie Bryan is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and writing consultant, with more than a decade of experience providing top-notch literary services and innovative personal and professional development solutions to clients. As Founder and CEO of Victorious By Design, she uses her extensive knowledge and experience in human resources, information technology, banking, and writing to bring a well-rounded perspective when working with clients.

A Christian fiction author, Ann Marie writes to inspire and empower others. Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blends faith and romance. In addition, Ann Marie serves as the Editor-in-Chief of VBD Magazine, a quarterly literary and empowerment resource for the faith-based community. When she is not writing and training, Ann Marie enjoys speaking at conferences, retreats, workshops, and special events.

Ann Marie’s greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people, and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord. For further information about Ann Marie, please visit www.annmariebryan.com or https://www.victoriousbydesign.com.


Author Interview with Ann Marie


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

Ann Marie: In the world of storytelling, I am a plotter. I carry the storyline in my mind until I have a good idea where it’s heading. After that, I use Microsoft Word to create a basic outline of what I’m hoping to achieve in each chapter. Once I begin to write, it’s all about getting the story out of my head because I need the characters to stop talking.

It will take me 2-3 months to create my first draft for a full-length novel. After that, I do 2-3 rewrites, so it takes me about 6 months to create a novel.


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

Ann Marie: “Stop making excuses for not being productive about your purpose. Get to it. You don’t have all the time in the world. Seriously, you don’t.”


Q:  What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

Ann Marie: For me, writing is a ministry. It’s a way to remind readers about God’s purpose and plan for their lives, and the wholeness that comes from living a Christ-centered life.

While romance and drama are happening in Love Again, the central message is to stay the course as you walk in purpose. In other words, as you pursue your purpose, be relentless, have courage, lift your faith, and trust God that all things are working for your good. God takes us out of our comfort zone to stretch us and show us that we can accomplish far more than we think.

The underlying scripture used in Love Again is Philippians 1:6 (NKJV), “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”


Q: In what setting do you enjoy writing the most? 

Ann Marie: I like to write in the mornings… early morning, in silence when I can hear myself think. Usually, I write in my home office or on the living room couch.


Q: What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

Ann Marie: When I’m not writing my next amazing read, I operate as the CEO of Victorious By Design. We deliver top-notch literary services and innovative personal and professional development solutions to clients. Also, I serve as the Editor-in-Chief of VBD Magazine, a quarterly literary and empowerment resource for the faith-based community.

I enjoy traveling, so I love taking vacations with family and friends. Also, I absolutely love getting lost in a great book, not only because it makes me a better writer, but because it’s like a getaway that’s inspiring, entertaining, and educational.

I like all categories of the performing arts, but I have a special love for dance. I believe that the art of dance can be used effectively for worship, evangelism, and discipleship. Whenever I’m teaching liturgical dance, it is always a blessing to my soul.


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

Ann Marie: Let’s stay connected:

Website: http://www.annmariebryan.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorannmariebryan
Facebook Readers’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorannmariebryan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorabryan
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorabryan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorabryan
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bOw6sr
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ann-Marie-Bryan/e/B008VTK62O
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-marie-bryan
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6448888.Ann_Marie_Bryan


More from Ann Marie

I am thankful that you are a part of this amazing Love Again tour. It was a pleasure to write Love Again, the highly anticipated second installment in the McIntosh Brothers Series. Intensely emotional yet beautifully romantic, Love Again is a deeply moving story about faith, courage, a second chance at love… and what it really means to be a family.

In this novel, you’ll witnessed the growing relationship between Rylan McIntosh and Savannah McKenzie as they deal with the pain of the past and develop the courage to leave it all behind. While romance and drama are happening in this novel, the central message is to stay the course as you pursue your purpose.

I pray Love Again strengthens your faith in the Lord, and that you will be “… confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 (NKJV). God has a way of moving through time to ensure that all things work for our good. Whatever season you’re in, may God continue to bless and keep you.

Thank you for touring with me and for taking the time to read Love Again. Stay victorious.


Blog Stops


Texas Book-aholic, April 13

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 15

Guild Master, April 16 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 17

Beauty in the Binding, April 18 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 19

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 21

Splashes of Joy, April 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23

Blossoms and Blessings, April 24 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 25

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 26 (Author Interview)

Books Less Travelled, April 26


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Ann Marie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card and a copy of Love Again!!

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/2566b/love-again-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, April 17, 2023

Movie Review: Jesus Revolution

 About the Movie:



In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) is searching for all the right things in all the wrong places: until he meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher. Together with Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer), they open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival of radical and newfound love, leading to what TIME Magazine dubbed a JESUS REVOLUTION.

Buy JESUS REVOLUTION on digital now at https://jesusrevolution.movie/.


Watch the Trailer:




My Thoughts:

I started into Jesus Revolution expecting an inspirational movie that presented modern Christianity in a glossy, positive light. Instead, the movie freely represented the tension between church culture and the unchurched. The conflict around expectations made the story more honest than I expected, but I liked the grittiness. Jesus Revolution achieved a good balance of acknowledging the personal flaws and mistakes without villainizing any one person or decision.

Jesus Revolution opted to present the story of the Jesus Movement without a traditional story arc and big climax. Instead, it was more lifelike with highs and lows and many main characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the organic faith journeys and the presentation of Jesus’ love. In retrospect, I can see that Greg had his own character arc that showed his personal growth and movement toward the future.

I loved the clothing styles in Jesus Revolution. Some of Pastor Chuck’s shirts reminded me of my grandpa’s clothing that he kept for many years. The acting seemed on par, not stilted or unsuitable. I watched the movie on a computer screen, but my video quality was sharp and colorful.

Jesus Revolution earned a PG-13 rating for thematic elements and strong drug content. Personally, I wouldn’t let my daughters watch the movie until their late teens, mostly due to the heavy drug use.

Prior to watching Jesus Revolution, I did not know much about the Jesus Movement of the late-1960s and 1970s. After watching the movie, I did some research on the movement and the main people (most of whom are in Jesus Revolution at some point). I think a second watching would pull additional insights now that I’m more familiar with the events. Overall, I enjoyed Jesus Revolution. 4 Stars.

Many thanks to Kingdom Story Company for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.


More about JESUS REVOLUTION:

  • Has your family seen JESUS REVOLUTION yet? You can watch on digital NOW and on BLU-RAY/DVD starting 4/25! Buy now & see how you are impacted by this beautiful film!

  • Find movie resources at: https://jesusrevolution.movie/resources. There's a movie discussion guide, prayer guide, and more!


Giveaway:


One reader of this post will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. US only. Giveaway ends 04/20/2023 at 11:59 P. M. EST.

Enter by leaving a comment on this post that includes your name and email address.

Friday, April 14, 2023

A Novel-Tea Evening & Interview with Laura Frantz

A Novel-Tea Evening Blog Tour Sign Ups JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors including Lynn Austin, Susie Finkbeiner, Jocelyn Green, Laura Frantz, Kate Breslin, Amanda Barratt, and Joanna Davidson Politano, sponsored by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors
September 2, 2023 at 7 p.m. 
Palmer House Hilton Hotel, Chicago

Join us at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, at Chicago’s historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel for a tasteful evening with tea and talk of books, writing, history, and the power of story. Emceed by Chris Jager of Baker Book House, seven novelists will share what inspires them, tales from the research files, what they’ve learned on the journey, and their hope for readers.

Learn More about A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors


About the Authors

Lynn Austin

LYNN AUSTIN, whose titles include Long Way Home, Chasing Shadows, and If I Were You. Connect with her at LynnAustin.org.

Amanda Barratt

AMANDA BARRATT, whose titles include Within These Walls of Sorrow, The White Rose Resists, and My Dearest Dietrich. Connect with her at AmandaBarratt.net.

Kate Breslin

KATE BRESLIN, whose titles include In Love’s Time, As Dawn Breaks, and Far Side of the Sea. Connect with her at KateBreslin.com.

Susie Finkbeiner

SUSIE FINKBEINER, whose titles include The All-AmericanThe Nature of Small Birds, and All Manner of Things. Connect with her at SusieFinkbeiner.com.

Laura Frantz

LAURA FRANTZ, whose titles include The Rose and the Thistle, A Heart Adrift, and Tidewater Bride. Connect with her at LauraFrantz.net.

Jocelyn Green

JOCELYN GREEN, whose titles include The Metropolitan Affair, The Windy City Saga series, and The Mark of the King. Connect with her at JocelynGreen.com.

JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO

JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO, whose titles include The Lost Melody, A Midnight Dance, and The Love Note. Connect with her at JDPStories.com.

Purchase Tickets to Attend A Novel-Tea Evening with Authors


Book Spotlight: The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz


Title:
The Rose & The Thistle
Author: Laura Frantz
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: January 3, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

"A deeply atmospheric story of faith, love, and sacrifice that is as captivating as it is enthralling."--Sarah E. Ladd, bestselling author of The Cornwall Novels

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Blythe quietly awaits the crowning of a new king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with her maid in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

In this whirlwind of intrigue, ambitions, and shifting alliances, Blythe yearns for someone she can trust. But the same forces that draw her and Everard together also threaten to tear them apart.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository |Bookshop.org | Christianbook | BookBub


About the Author:




Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Lacemaker, and A Heart Adrift. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and a career firefighter. A direct descendent of George Hume of Wedderburn Castle, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion, Laura lives with her husband in Washington State. Connect with Laura by visiting laurafrantz.net to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Interview with Laura Frantz:


Q:
How long did it take you to write The Rose and the Thistle?

Laura: Not as long as the two years of research! Once that was done, the writing came about very quickly in about 6 months or so as I had a good foundation. That was just the first draft of many prior to print.
 

Q:  What most surprised you while researching this novel?

Laura: How much I loved the Lowland setting & time period. Scotland in any century is fascinating but the early 18th-c. is particularly compelling as so much was changing politically & culturally, etc. Lots of historical fireworks!
 

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

Laura: “Ringing the paneled chamber were four stalwart Humes in varying degrees of virility.” I only wish I had had all seven brothers in that scene 😊
 

Q:  What do you hope readers take away from The Rose and the Thistle?

Laura: Though times & people change like the characters & events in the novel, God does not. He is eternally trustworthy & faithful, with us then & with us still.
 

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

Laura: I was accepted to law school & on track to become a research attorney. Can you imagine?
 

Q:  What are you reading now?

Laura: I’m reading & rereading all of Elizabeth Goudge’s works, specifically The Castle on the Hill right now. Talk about depth & characterization!
 

Q:  How many bookcases are in your home? 

Laura: Not nearly enough 😊 6 bookcases, some of them floor to ceiling. My favorites are the glass-fronted ones from IKEA. I put my novels in those.
 

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

Laura: I love to stay in Airbnbs & travel. Or when home, I love to cook, take walks, & garden. You’ll always find a garden in my books!

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a tote bag, one bag of Pride and Peppermint Novel Tea, plus a $20 egift card to BakerBookHouse.com!

JustRead A Novel-Tea Evening Giveaway 

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 12, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 19, 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Book Review: The Whisperer's Wish by Janilise Lloyd

About the Book:


For sixteen years, Laurelin Moore has been keeping a secret. She is a whisperer, and she knows that to reveal her gift now is a dangerous risk. Past whisperers have been exploited for their power. But Ausland’s queen is dead and acknowledging her magic is her only chance at becoming a Rook in the Pentax—a competition that will decide the kingdom’s next ruler. Laurelin isn’t in it for the crown, though. She’s after the wish that will be granted to the victor. A wish that would save her dying brother, Pippin. But there are dangerous undercurrents to the competition, and Laurelin finds herself at the center of it. She begins to search for answers and discovers a secret with the potential to shatter the entire kingdom.


My Thoughts:

Although novels of teens-competing-in-dangerous-challenges are somewhat common, I enjoyed reading The Whisperer’s Wish by Janilise Lloyd. The well-paced story included a personal quest and several plot twists made it hard to put the book down. Laurelin’s selflessness and determination made her likable and had me rooting for her before, during, and after the competition  I liked how the author showed Laurelin’s magical abilities and dropped clever hints to explain the fantasy world of Ausland. This skillful method of world building felt more entertaining and intriguing than paragraphs of info-dumping.

The Whisperer’s Wish by Janilise Lloyd is a clean YA Fantasy that I would be comfortable with my daughters reading once they are teens. I think it would be an excellent choice for a YA book club as there would be plenty of issues to talk about: sacrifice, letting go, the weight of responsibility, etc.


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.


Thursday, April 6, 2023

Book Review: Jonas by Susan May Warren

About the Book:




Jonas Marshall is done storm-chasing, plagued with the memory of a terrible accident that paralyzed a fellow chaser, so the last thing he’s going to do is run into more danger. Now, he’s just a simple weatherman deploying dirigibles in an experiment to track weather patterns in Slovenia.

As far from danger as he can get.

But danger comes knocking in the form of hiker in need of rescue, and he can’t deny that her companion—beautiful Sibba Kovac—is a great distraction from the guilt that haunts him…until she paraglides right out of his life.

Probably for the best.

But danger still won’t leave him alone when a storm knocks his dirigibles out of the sky, and he happens upon one that looks tampered with…

It is. And worse, it’s carrying what could be radioactive waste. At least according to EOD expert Sibba…who finds herself face-to-face with the rescuer she can’t forget. But she’s not looking for him—her grandfather is missing, and she’ll stop at nothing to find him.

When her missing grandfather leads to the threat of a dirty bomb, she’s the only one who can stop it. And Jonas is the only man brave enough to run into danger with her. But she doesn’t have room in her heart to love him—not when she lives with death in her periphery. Can the right man, at the right time help her see beyond her fears to a future?

And if they have a chance to save the world, can Jonas let go of the woman he loves?

The thrilling second book in the epic romantic suspense of the Minnesota Marshalls!


My Thoughts:

Jonas brought all the danger, suspense, and romance that I expect in Susan May Warren’s novels. The story clipped along at a fast pace, and it was hard to put the book down. I liked Jonas and Sibba together as a couple, partially because they worked so well as a team. Their relationship was fertile ground for the spiritual themes of the story. Warren drove home the idea of finding God in the storm, but also integrated other ideas about forgiveness, choosing to live despite war/danger, and God reaching into the darkness.

Jonas lands as book two in The Minnesota Marshall’s series by Susan May Warren. The Marshall family is a bit larger-than-life, but I like them, especially when they are all together and the family dynamics start playing out. I recommend reading this series sequentially to get to know all the Marshall children. Of the two books available in the series, Jonas is my favorite, but I can’t wait to read Ned’s story in book three! 4.5 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.