Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Book Review: The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar

About the Book:



From the bestselling author of Jewel of the Nile comes the thrilling tale of a woman who feels she has no future but soon discovers the fate of nations may rest in her hands.

The beloved daughter of Jewish captives in Babylon, Keren is sold into Daniel’s household to help her family survive. She becomes Daniel’s most trusted scribe, while taking lessons and swordsmanship training alongside Daniel’s sons and their best friend, Jared.

But after a tragic accident changes the course of her life, Keren finds herself in a foreign country, charged with a mysterious task: teaching a shepherd boy how to become a lord. When she overhears whispers that hint at his true identity, she realizes she must protect him from the schemes of a bloodthirsty king.

Jared cannot forgive Keren. Still, he finds himself traveling over mountains to fetch her back to the safety of home. When he discovers the secret identity of Keren’s pupil, Jared knows he must help protect him. Love battles bitterness as they flee from the king’s agents, trying to save the boy who could one day deliver their people from captivity.

Purchase at: Amazon ┃Barnes & Noble ┃Christianbook 


My Thoughts:

Fire and Lightning! Keren, female lead in The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar, captivated me with her perceptiveness and intelligence. Her “voice” invited me into her story and kept me turning the pages. I devoured the novel, excited for the plot and relationship developments. Then I read the book again, with knowledge of what would happen, and enjoyed it more the second time! With an ancient setting, beautiful prose, and spiritual truths, The Hidden Prince deserves to be savored.

Like so many of Tessa Afshar’s novels, The Hidden Prince, embeds spiritual themes into captivating fiction. The characters deal with so many things: following God’s will, setting one’s heart on truth, moving from upheaval to fruitfulness. My personal favorite was the theme about flourishing in the desert. I marked over forty quotes during my readings. If I read the novel again, I’d likely find more nuggets of truth to meditate on.

The Hidden Prince swirls together powerful themes, a thwarted romance, and royal intrigue. The story holds a strong dose of tragedy for Keren and Jared, creating depth and emotional investment for the reader, but without feeling overly heavy. I enjoyed reading The Hidden Prince and rate it 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.


Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Author Interview: Where is God in This?

Where Is God In This JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Where Is God in This? by Landra Young Hughes and Holly Crawshaw, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


Where is God in This? Title: Where Is God in This? 
Authors: Landra Young Hughes and Holly Crawshaw 
Publisher: Baker Books 
Release Date: October 18, 2022 
Genre: Christian Living

Life is unfair. Bad things happen to good people. Not all dreams come true. We lose people. We fail people. And when we encounter the inevitable struggles of life, we may be tempted to ask God Why me? as we try to reconcile our pain with God's promises. But a far more helpful and life-enriching question for us to ask God is What are you trying to teach me in this?

Tackling ten common struggles, such as isolation, fear, rejection, failure, insecurity, temptation, and more, Landra Young Hughes shows you how to have peace even when life doesn't make sense. Speaking with great empathy born from her own losses and years in ministry, Hughes doesn't suggest you "get over" your hard times. Instead, she helps you recognize that, while you will always live in a broken world this side of heaven, your pain has much to teach you about God and yourself. With her empathetic help, you'll discover how to grow through grief and thrive despite adversity.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Bookhouse | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Landra Young Hughes

Landra Young Hughes is the daughter of prominent pastor Ed Young Jr. and Lisa Young of Fellowship Church. Because of her upbringing, Landra has developed a passion for seeing people maximize their God-given potential and embrace their God-defined self-worth. She and her husband, Brad, live in Dallas, Texas, where they serve on staff at Fellowship Church and raise their three children. Landra is coauthor with Holly Crawshaw of A Different Kind of Love Story.

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

Holly Crawshaw is a writer and editor who believes everyone has a meaningful story to tell. Holly is passionate about partnering with authors to leverage their experiences to further God's kingdom and help God's people. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her three daughters.


AUTHOR INTERVIEW


Q: What surprised you most while writing this Where is God in This?

Landra: How lonely people feel in their grief. One of the most critical steps in any recovery is community. Grief is no different. We weren’t meant to walk through life in isolation, and that’s especially true during times of sorrow and heartache.


Q:  What do you hope readers take away from your book?

Landra: That the goodness of God isn’t based on our circumstances. The goodness of God is based on the cross, and on Jesus’ death and resurrection as payment for our sins. Our reconciliation to God gives access to grace, healing, and the hope of heaven. Remembering that hope in seasons of sorrow is vital to the healing process.
 

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

Landra: “I’m willing to bet that if the honest-to-goodness peace of God were available for purchase at Target on Black Friday, we’d be sliding our carts around the aisles on two wheels. But we don’t have to purchase the peace of God. Jesus already did that.”


Q: How long did it take you to write Where is God in This?

Landra: About a year, because I was processing the loss of my sister, LeeBeth, in real time as I wrote it.


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Landra: I love to cook! It may be a little ironic that a girl who is in recovery from an eating disorder would love to cook . . . but I do! Maybe it’s proof of God’s sense of humor?


Q: What do you wish you’d known when you were younger?

Landra: That it’s OK to not be OK.


Q: What are you reading now?

Landra: Emails! HAHAHA! I’m a busy working mom, like so many of my readers. I know that there are seasons when I can indulge in books and seasons when it’s more of a grind. This is a grind season, and I’m OK with that!


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

Landra: I love date nights with my husband, Brad. We go to this little Mexican restaurant with an outdoor patio. He’s so intentional about our time together.


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

Landra: Follow me on social media @landrayounghughes.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(10) winners will receive a paperback copy of the book and a $10 Amazon Gift Card.

Where is God in This? JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 7, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 14, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Monday, November 7, 2022

Book Review: The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

About the Book:


When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. Vivienne had no idea the woman existed, and yet her portrait is shockingly familiar. When the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.

The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know.

But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?

Joanna Davidson Politano casts a delightful spell with this lyrical look into the nature of women's independence and artistic expression during the Victorian era--and now.

Read an excerpt on the publisher's website.


My Thoughts:

In The Lost Melody, Joanna Davidson Politano weaves a story of darkness to light and despair to hope. The novel started off slow and a bit confusing due to timeline jumps (which stopped after a few chapters). I read the book in small sittings at the beginning, but the story grew on me until it was hard to put down.

The Lost Melody inhabits the dark atmosphere of Hurstwell Asylum, a Victorian-era facility in the isolated English countryside. The heaviness of hope lost weighs on the asylum patients, Vivienne Mourdant (our protagonista), and the reader. Vivienne learns first-hand about the mistreatment of the asylum patients. Seeing how the lack of compassionate care adversely affects mental health reminded me of today’s nursing home abuse.

Beyond the abuse and darkness, The Lost Melody offers polished prose, curated character development, and outstanding themes. Vivenne’s mindset changes quietly against the backdrop of this dark asylum, but she blooms with stunning light as she embraces God’s will and steps into her giftings. Politano does not allow her characters an easy out or rush the story’s climax.  I delighted in how plot events culminated and spiritual themes bore fruit to create a beautiful ending.

I recommend The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano to Christian fiction readers who enjoy a story with powerful themes set in a Gothic atmosphere. For readers who enjoyed Politano’s prior novel, A Midnight Dance, Jack and Ella cameo in The Lost Melody and I loved glimpsing their later life. 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.


Sunday, November 6, 2022

Book Spotlight: The Red Button by Keith Eldred

About the Book:

The prequel to A CHRISTMAS CAROL— A sweet Regency Christmas romance.

Here at last is the untold story of Scrooge's doomed engagement.

Belle Endicott and Ebenezer Scrooge are young, bookish, hardworking Londoners drawn together by button-making. His brand-new factory threatens her family’s tiny shop, yet they fall in love and start planning their future. When personal and business calamities strike, they confront them vigorously side by side, but ultimately something has to give. We know what it is. They do not.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/097676461X.


More From the Author:

This is a sweet, clean Regency romance with a print page count of 248.

To expand on the historical setting: As mechanization spreads worldwide in the early 1800s, Ebenezer Scrooge leaves his mentor Fezziwig to launch his first enterprise, a factory producing clothing buttons. Such businesses spell doom for independent button-makers, but Ebenezer seeks out the most respected small shop to gain expertise and contacts. There he meets congenial craftsman Archie Endicott and his daughter and partner Belle, who immediately fascinates young Scrooge as she astutely counters his business proposals. As Ebenezer and Belle learn more of each other—notably his driving ambition and her entranced communion with the spirit of her late mother—they fall in love and become engaged. This delights Belle's father but concerns Scrooge's bankers. Side-by-side, the loving couple confronts mounting challenges that jeopardize their future.

I released this book in 2020 as part of a labor of love. I was determined to self-publish my first 20 books in 2020 for reasons explained at my website in this brief "About" article: https://thisis.red/500words/


Excerpt:

CHAPTER TWO
A visitor.

Then one day, a visitor came to the Endicotts’ humble shop and home. There were three crisp knocks. Wiping his hands on his smudged apron, Archie answered. The caller was a young man, long and lean with impressive side whiskers and a long navy coat. He took a step back from the door and removed his tall hat.

“Good day, sir. I am here to discuss a contract. My name is ... ”

He stopped as if he could not recall what he was called and peered over Archie’s shoulder, his head cocked in curiosity. Archie turned to follow the gaze, and then he understood. The young man’s eye had fallen on his daughter.

As was her gift, Belle’s hands were floating and darting like butterflies as she used scissors, needle and thread to spirit fabric around buttons even as she gazed straight ahead with a soft smile and listened, it seemed, to someone beloved who was not there. Which, of course, was exactly what she was doing. She was with Lily.

A twinkle in his eye, Archie put a finger to his lips and beckoned the young man to enter. Sidewhiskers did so, his eyes never leaving Belle. In whispers, Archie explained Belle’s unique state and skill. It warmed his heart to see Sidewhiskers’ eyes narrow and his mouth flex in fascination.

“Extraordinary,” Sidewhiskers murmured. “What an asset.”

“Asset?” True to his name, Archie arched an eyebrow at this. 
A valuable capability, I mean.”

“Oh, yes, she’s a treasure, Belle is.”

“Belle,” said the young man softly. “It means ‘Beautiful’ in French. Her mother spoke a bit of French.”

“Indeed,” said the young man. “Beautiful.”

Archie could not be sure whether the visitor meant the girl or her “capability”—perhaps both—but he discovered an instant affection for him. Sidewhiskers was disarmingly awkward and nakedly ambitious. He had led with mention of a contract, and it appeared that he found Archie’s and Belle’s little family operation, to borrow the young man’s phrase, valuable. How intriguing. Perhaps there was something good—and someone good?—here for Belle.

“You were about to say your name, sir?” said Archie.

“Indeed,” said the young man, tearing his eyes from the girl and squaring again on her father. “My name is Ebenezer Scrooge.”


Praise for The Red Button:

Scrooge or Dickens lovers, take a chance on reading about a happier time for Ebenezer.
Sara M.

Organically introduces many familiar names from the original story, weaving them in and giving them believable and appropriate backstories. Will make you hopeful for one of literature’s grumpiest characters, even though you know how it’s going to end.
Renae P.

The reader gains a deeper understanding of what made Scrooge the man he is. Brings a sweet and pleasant closure to Belle’s story as well.
Erin M.


About the Author:


Keith Eldred created the THIS IS RED project with his wife Janet, a public library director diagnosed with early-stage dementia. With Janet’s condition making every day precious, they decided to make the most of 2020, the year of their 30th anniversary, by publishing 20 books. All profits from these titles go the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library, where Janet works. See more at www.thisis.red.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

My October 2022 Reads and November 2022 TBR

My October 2022 Reads: 

  1. Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  2. Life After by Katie Ganshert - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A deep story about survivor guilt, PTSD, and healing. Hard to read, but worth it.

  3. Embracing Advent by Jen Ludwig - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  4. Meeting Jesus in the Holy Land  by Ignatius Fernandez - ⭐⭐⭐½ - Read my review.





Expected November 2022 Reads:


This month I'll be attending The Art of Writing Conference and Christy Award Gala in Nashville, TN. Between the airport waits and the flight times, I'm hoping to work in some extra reading time. After all, what's a bookish adventure without some good reads? 😉
  1. The Brilliance of Stars by J'nell Ciesielski. - Just released on 11/01/2022!

  2. All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes.

  3. Giving Your Words by Sally and Clay Clarkson - Sally is one of my favorite authors on parenting/homeschooling!

  4. The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen.

  5. Walking with my Angel by Adam Scott Campbell.

  6. Suncoast Empire: Bertha Honore Palmer, Her Family, and the Rise of Sarasota by Frank A. Cassell - This has been on my TBR for several months and I'm not sure if I'll get to read it this month, but I'm keeping it on the list anyway.

  7.  The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano. 



What will you read this month?

Friday, November 4, 2022

Author Interview: Deadly Conclusion by Kathy Harris

Deadly Conclusion JustRead Blog + Review Tour 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Deadly Conclusion by Kathy Harris, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


Deadly Conclusion Title: Deadly Conclusion 
Series: Deadly Secrets #3 
Author: Kathy Harris 
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction 
Release Date: November 2, 2022 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

A Fast-Paced Suspense Book You Can’t Put Down

In the thrilling conclusion of the “Deadly Secrets” series, search and rescue dog trainer Keely Lambert breaks in Titan, a new shepherd, during a rescue mission to find little Conner Wells. Aided by childhood friend, Beau Gardner of the TBI, who is also Conner’s uncle, Keely finds the boy deep inside Metropolitan Nashville’s Beaman Park. 

But Conner is not all that Keely finds. On the way back to the welcome center, she notices something sticking out of the dirt—the military dog tags of her father who disappeared more than two decades before. 

The discovery sets Keely on a hunt to unearth her father’s killer, only to be thwarted by multiple setbacks—the murder of Beau’s father, the kidnapping of her mother, and her kennel being set on fire in the middle of the night. After Keely is kidnapped, Beau leads a manhunt to find her before the outcome reaches a "deadly conclusion."

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Harris

Kathy Harris is an author by way of a "divine detour" into the Nashville entertainment business where she works as a marketing director. For several years she freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote news stories and columns for various music publications.

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


AUTHOR INTERVIEW


Q: What was the inspiration behind Deadly Conclusion?

Kathy: Deadly Conclusion was the first romantic suspense story I ever drafted. I was writing women’s fiction at the time, but my critique partner wrote romantic suspense. She encouraged me to try my hand at it. When I signed a contract with Iron Stream Media for a three-book series, I proposed Deadly Conclusion as the third book.


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

Kathy: Life is busy. I had a lot of other things going on… And the next thing I knew, I found myself facing a deadline I didn’t think I could make. I wrote the majority of the first draft of Deadly Conclusion in two weeks. The last third of the book was rough, but I made the deadline. My agent’s first words after she heard I’d made it were, “It’s a miracle!” ha. She was right. Of course, subsequent drafts required a major rewrite.


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

Kathy: I really like this exchange between six-year-old Keely and her father, who died the day she turned seven-years-old.

“Keely, I want you to remember two things for me, OK?”

“OK.”

“Do you promise that you will never forget?”

“I promise.”

“I want you to remember to always . . . always believe in yourself.”

“OK.”

He gave her a hug. “And I want you to always remember that I love you.”


William Lambert’s words are important to his daughter. They are almost prophetic in that he gives her two of the most important things she will need in her lifetime… A belief in herself when things get tough. And the strength that comes from knowing that her father loved her.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from Deadly Conclusion?

Kathy: First, the importance of forgiveness. I also hope they will pick up on the analogy between the sacrificial love of two imperfect fathers, who gave their lives for their children, and our Heavenly Father’s love in giving His perfect Son for each of us.


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

Kathy: I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Advertising. It’s not something I pursued as a career, but I still enjoy brainstorming advertising strategy and critiquing ads I see on television, hear on the radio, etc. I know… that’s a little weird, isn’t it? ha.


Q: What are you reading now?

Kathy: I don’t have a lot of time for reading right now, but my TBR list is diverse, from romantic suspense novels to reviewing a friend’s manuscript draft, to non-fiction inspirational books.


Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Kathy:At last count, I think it was nine. I just bought two more. I would have more than I do, but in the last ten years or so I’ve read mostly e-books and audio books.


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

Kathy: I love hanging out with friends and family. Walking and hiking. And cooking. Within the last two years, I’ve started gardening and learning about preserving my harvest through canning. It has been a lot of fun. I’m also a big dog lover, as in “big dogs.” My Shiloh Shepherd, Gabriel, weighs in at 128 lbs.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $35 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of Deadly Conclusion.

Deadly Conclusion JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 1, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 8, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours