Book Review: Entertaining Angels by Anne Neilson

About the Book:

Have you ever had a moment when you were certain angels were protecting you? Or perhaps in a time of need, you've longed for a reminder that God's angels are nearby.

Experience amazing stories of the angels among us in Entertaining Angels, alongside breathtaking art that will remind you clearly of the words of Scripture: "Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!"

Popular fine artist and writer Anne Neilson has personally experienced the presence of God's angels. In her newest book, Entertaining Angels, Anne and several guest contributors share thought-provoking, moving, and inspiring stories of their own angel encounters. Each entry recounts a story of an angel among us—accompanied by Scripture, reminders of God's love in the promise of the angels around us, and gorgeous original angel paintings by Anne.

Inside, read personal stories from notable guest contributors including:

• Kathie Lee Gifford, actress, author, and singer
• New York Times bestselling author Ron Hall
• Singer-songwriter Sheila Walsh
• Award-winning country music artist Jimmy Wayne
• Cheryl Scruggs, author and host of Thriving Beyond Belief podcast
• And many more

Known for painting with both passion and purpose, Anne is committed to donating to those experiencing homelessness and poverty in our world, ensuring that Entertaining Angels will continue to give back for years to come.

Let the compelling heartfelt stories and the beauty of Entertaining Angels inspire you to become more present to the divine encounters in your own life.

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My Thoughts:

Entertaining Angels: True Stories and Art Inspired by Divine Encounters by Anne Neilson is a beautiful, hardcover (with dust jacket), gift book. Prior to ordering this book, I had never heard of Anne Neilson, but her angel art is beautiful. I loved how the angels were drawn. Some of the poses repeated throughout the book, but the vibrant colors differentiated the paintings. The art photos capture the paintings’ textures and essences as well as possible, but I would love to view these in person.

The stories of divine encounters in Entertaining Angels were less angelic than I expected. Though some entries contain miraculous elements, many of the stories are people (aka everyday angels) that help others, sometimes based on divine instruction, but often just to show kindness. I enjoyed reading the uplifting stories even though the book wasn’t quite what I had anticipated.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Spotlight: The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane by Melissa McClone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Last Cottage on Pinewood Lane 

Series: Hope Crossing #2 

Author: Melissa McClone 

Publisher: Independently Published 

Release Date: December 14, 2022

Genre: Sweet/Clean Contemporary Romance (Christmas/Holiday)

She’s his Christmas miracle. Now all he has to do is convince her of that…

Figure skater Tasha Ramson used to love the holidays. But with her career on the skids, she needs a break from the festive season—and Berry Lake is the perfect place to take it. Organizing a Christmas fundraiser was not on her agenda. Neither was falling for the small town’s handsome lawyer. But…she did… 

Elias Carpenter needs a break, too. Between the demands of his family firm and managing the ice show fundraiser, he’s at the end of his rope. Tasha showing up is the best thing that could’ve happened for him professionally and personally. Now, if only he could convince her to move him out of the friendzone… 

When a pesky ghost from Tasha’s past arrives to wreck her present, will she hang onto Elias when it matters most? Or will she let her happily ever after skate away forever?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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EXCERPT

Elias placed his arm around Tasha, doing his best bodyguard impression to push his way through the crowd and lead her off the rink.

“How do you want to handle this?” he whispered.

“A few photos.” She spoke so quietly he strained to hear her. “There aren’t that many people.”

For now.

News traveled wildfire-fast in Berry Lake. And with one member of the Volcanoes part of this town via his wife, people following the team would know about Tasha’s all-pro hockey-playing brother. Elias did, but he’d failed to make Tasha’s connection to Alek.

“Shoes?” Elias asked.

“Let’s get this over with first.” Her resigned tone contradicted the smile frozen on her face.

He wanted to whisk her out of there, give her a hot chocolate, and kiss the worry from her eyes.

Whoa. Where had that come from?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA TODAY bestselling, award winning author Melissa McClone writes heartwarming women’s fiction and sweet contemporary romance novels for Tule Publishing Group, Harlequin Books, and Cardinal Press. She has also optioned two screenplays. When she’s not writing relatable characters and sigh-worthy happy endings, she spends her time in the rainy Pacific Northwest reading from her Kindle’s ever-growing TBR, napping with her Norwegian Elkhound and two mini panthers, and decorating her Happy Planner. Melissa graduated from Stanford University with a mechanical engineering degree, but discovered she prefers writing happily ever afters to jet engine testing and analysis.

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Christmas Mystery Prize Pack including a $10 Amazon card, a $10 Starbucks card, and Christmas items!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 14, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 21, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

Movie Review: 5000 Blankets

About the Movie:

Inspired by a remarkable true story, 5000 BLANKETS, is filled with hope and highlights the power of family and faith. When her husband has a mental break down and goes missing, a woman and her young son set out to find him on the streets, sparking a movement of compassion towards those in need and inspiring a city.

Buy tickets today to see 5,000 BLANKETS exclusively in theaters December 12 &13 only!

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Watch the Trailer:

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My Thoughts:

I’m glad I took the time to watch 5000 Blankets, a family drama about mental health. Around the holidays it’s easy to become busy and focused on the seasonal hustle, but this movie challenges the viewer to look beyond his or her comfort zone to see those we sometimes try to avoid – the homeless, the broken, the lost, the needy. The movie was heartbreaking from start to finish with some heavy and dark moments, but it also held hope, love, and an inspirational message about finding purpose.

It’s important to note that 5000 Blankets received a PG-13 rating for thematic material involving mental illness. Bobby’s mental health issues included a suicide attempt and what appeared to be schizophrenia (though an official diagnosis wasn’t given in the movie). At times, the camera showed Bobby’s perception. It’s possible those scenes could trigger viewers struggling with similar symptoms.

5000 Blankets draws inspiration from a true story and the end shows the actors/actresses meeting with some of the family. I immediately visited the Phillip’s Wish Foundation online to learn more about its mission. While 5000 Blankets was not a “fun” movie to watch, it is a meaningful movie that brings awareness to the needs of the homeless and shows that anyone can make a positive difference.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Many thanks to Sony Pictures for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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More about 5000 Blankets

• "Mommy,” he said. “Are you warm?” “Yes, baby, I'm warm.” “Is Daddy warm?” he asked. And then the then 7-year-old son asked about everyone else – the people on the street and in the shelters. His mom told him the truth: “No, not everyone is warm.”

• Phillip’s Wish is an organization that was founded by a little boy who saw a need in the world and decided to do something about it.

• Movie Website: https://www.5000blanketsmovie.com/.

• You don't want to miss this heartwarming story coming to theaters December 12 and 13. Get your tickets today at: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/5000-Blankets.

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Giveaway:

One reader of this post will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. US only. Giveaway ends 12/13/2022 at 11:59 P. M. EST.

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

November 2022 Reading Recap and December 2022 TBR

My November 2022 Reads: 

1. The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


2. A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


3. The Brilliance of Stars by J'nell Ciesielski - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


4. The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

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Expected December 2022 Reads:

Since I'm a bit late posting this reading recap, it turns out I've already finished two books on this list, but I'm putting them here anyway. Can you guess which ones? 😉

1. In Love's Time by Kate Breslin. - My first novel by an author that's been on my radar for a long time.


2. All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes. 


3. Giving Your Words by Sally and Clay Clarkson - Currently reading!


4. Walking with my Angel by Adam Scott Campbell.


5. Suncoast Empire: Bertha Honore Palmer, Her Family, and the Rise of Sarasota by Frank A. Cassell - Still on my TBR after several months! 🤣


6.  Entertaining Angels: True Stories and Art Inspired by Divine Encounters by Anne Neilson.

What will you read this month?

Book Spotlight: Meriden Park by Julie Daines

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Meriden Park by Julie Daines, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Meriden Park 

Author: Julie Daines 

Publisher: Covenant Communications 

Release Date: December 5, 2022 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Historical/Regency/Suspense

Following her childhood rescue from the gutters of Calcutta, Mary Grace’s life has been an astonishing rags-to-riches tale. The Wellings raised the half-Indian orphan with all the love and care the childless couple possessed, allowing her to grow into a beautiful and refined woman. But upon Mr. Welling’s death, it is time for Mrs. Welling to take Mary home to England―home to Meriden Park.

Despite her genial nature, Mary is received with suspicion by the villagers. For his part, however, Mr. Robert Markham is intrigued by the curious new beauty in town. Determined to make her acquaintance, he offers Mary a bargain she can’t refuse: a hot cross bun for a kiss. That seemingly innocent exchange is the first of many encounters between Robert and Mary, whose friendship blossoms into love during long walks in the privacy of Sherwood Forest. But the shadows of the forest hide a sinister secret, one Mary fears Robert might be a part of. As the mystery of the recent string of murders creeps closer and closer, Robert and Mary are drawn into a dangerous game, and unless she can unearth the truth, the couple risks losing one another forever.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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EXCERPT

Mary lowered her eyes as she walked along the great hall filled with portraits of stern-looking men all frowning down upon her. Angrezi sahib—English gentlemen. She need not see their scowls to know she did not belong here. That she was an impostor was written clearly upon her face, upon the color of her skin.

Had they known the truth about her beginnings, they would understand that the source of her shame had nothing whatsoever to do with her skin. But still, they looked down on her, these Angrezi sahib, along with everyone else, not caring one whit about the person behind. This was why she’d lowered her eyes. It was easier to keep her head down and avoid the whole mess.

She was tired of it all. So very tired. Why should their opinions matter to her? They were not so high and mighty now. Their glorious lives reduced to nothing but brush strokes on canvas nailed to ancient walls. She paused at the top of the stairs and glanced back. None of the portraits had ceased their glowering looks. She lifted her eyes and gave each of those stodgy men her most defiant glare before turning to descend the grand stairs.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Daines is an award-winning and best-selling author. She was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and was raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.

She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her vervain.

Connect with Julie by visiting juliedaines.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 book, $25 Amazon gift card, bookmark, stickers, and button.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 5, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 12, 2022. 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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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Review: All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes

QUICK FACTS

Title: All the Lost Places
Author: Amanda Dykes
Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: ‎Bethany House Publishers (December 13, 2022)
Length: (400) pages
Format: Hardcover, Trade paperback, & eBook
ISBN: 978-0764239502
Tour Dates: December 5 – December 19, 2022

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

When all of Venice is unmasked, one man's identity remains a mystery . . .

1807
When a baby is discovered floating in a basket along the quiet canals of Venice, a guild of artisans takes him in and raises him as a son, skilled in each of their trades. Although the boy, Sebastien Trovato, has wrestled with questions of his origins, it isn't until a woman washes ashore on his lagoon island that answers begin to emerge. In hunting down his story, Sebastien must make a choice that could alter not just his own future, but also that of the beloved floating city.

1904
Daniel Goodman is given a fresh start in life as the century turns. Hoping to redeem a past laden with regrets, he is sent on an assignment from California to Venice to procure and translate a rare book. There, he discovers a city of colliding hope and decay, much like his own life, and a mystery wrapped in the pages of that filigree-covered volume. With the help of Vittoria, a bookshop keeper, Daniel finds himself in a web of shadows, secrets, and discoveries carefully kept within the stones and canals of the ancient city . . . and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien Trovato.

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MY THOUGHTS

All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes exceeded my expectations and rates as one of the best novels I’ve read in 2022. My favorite books feature characters that I connect to in some way, and I immediately identified with Daniel. This fallen son’s emotions felt real and raw as he grappled with shame and a need to atone for his past. The story dove deep into the darkness of condemnation and searched for life-giving truth while avoiding platitudes. Daniel's redemption journey takes time but has a wonderful ending.

All the Lost Places is a book for those who ask hard, but worthy questions: Who am I? How can I atone for past wrongs? Where can I find peace? The themes of the novel call out truth to any Christian believer, but especially for the broken and the searching. I marked more than thirty quotes as I read, and I appreciated that the story held themes less commonly explored in Christian fiction.

In addition to the above, Amanda Dykes’ poetic prose and clever writing style made All the Lost Places a delight to read. This character-driven novel had a smartly paced plot that held my attention from beginning to end. The author freshened the popular dual timeline format by using the translation of a book to create the earlier timeline.

I recommend All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes to readers who enjoy historical Christian fiction with great depth and poignant themes. This novel lingers with me, and I know I’ll return to it 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.

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EXCLUSIVE AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

https://austenprose.com/2022/11/16/an-exclusive-interview-with-amanda-dykes-author-of-all-the-lost-places/

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ADVANCE PRAISE

“This lyrical dual-narrative historical from Dykes (Set the Stars Alight) dives into the histories of Venice, Italy, and Venice Beach, California.”— Publisher’s Weekly

"Introspective, surprising, and achingly beautiful."— Booklist starred review

"Dykes's pen is fused with magic and poetry. Every word's a gentle wave building into the splendor that is All the Lost Places, where struggles for identity and a place to belong find hope between the pages of a timeless story."— J'Nell Ciesielski, bestselling author of The Socialite

"Luscious writing, authentic characters, and an ending that satisfies to the core of the spirit, this novel is another winner from Amanda Dykes."— Heidi Chiavaroli, Carol Award-winning author of Freedom's Ring and Hope Beyond the Waves

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PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

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AUTHOR BIO

Amanda Dykes's debut novel, Whose Waves These Are, is the winner of the prestigious 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten Romance debut, and the winner of an INSPY Award. She's also the author of Yours Is the Night and Set the Stars Alight, a 2021 Christy Award finalist.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS