Streams of Courage by Sandra Merville Hart–Blog Tour

About the Book

Book: Streams of Courage

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 26, 2024

In a world turned upside down by war and betrayal…will his role as a spy bring them closer…or tear their future apart?

The war that Julia Dodd prayed to avoid is now reality, and with it, her world has been turned on its head. Her fellow citizens, who stood with her in their support of the union, have crossed firmly to the side of the south. And her mother, lost in her grief over the loss of her husband and children, can think of nothing but protecting Julia’s brother’s inheritance. She insists that her daughter seek a wealthier husband than Ashburn Mitchell.

Ash knows what his fellow citizens think of him when he refuses to fight for the Confederacy. Shouldering the accusation of being a coward and refusing to hide behind his limp, Ash remains in Vicksburg to support his family as a saddler while his two best friends join the fight. Struggling to increase his business so he can marry the woman he loves, Ash becomes a spy in support of the Union. He can’t fight for the South but won’t raise a musket against them.

As tragedy instigates Ash to risk greater danger to speed the end of the war, Julia can only pray it won’t cost them everything. She’s already lost her father and two siblings. Must she lose the man she loves too?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Overall, I enjoyed this story; however, it was so slow, I just could not get into it. I was just plodding through most of it, thinking eventually it’s going to pick up, I just never got there. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m so used to fast-paced suspense, or what it was. I loved the characters, they were very well written, and easy to understand. I could put myself in Julia’s shoes. I could imagine how I would feel going through the things she went through. I can imagine the anxiety I would have being a Union supporter in a Southern state surrounded by friends and neighbors who if they knew I was a Unionist would persecute me. I’m sure a lot of people would absolutely love this book; however, I just could not get into it like I normally do. I personally would give this one a 3 out of 5 stars, because I did like the characters, and the story line was good, just slow and not my cup of tea. If you love books set in the Civil War, or a simple romantic story, this could be a good fit for you.

**I received this book as part of the CelebrateLit Blog team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher.

More from Sandra

In Streams of Courage, Book 4 in my Spies of the Civil War Series, Julia, our heroine, has suffered several significant losses in her life, including her father and two siblings. Her mother’s insistence that Julia stop courting Ash, a saddler, and find instead a rich suitor makes no sense. Surely her father had provided for her.

Then she discovers that her parents have only provided for her younger brother, whom her mother had always adored. Julia will be penniless when her mother dies. The knowledge crushes her.

Ash is already supporting his mother and siblings. As Mama points out, adding a wife and children will stretch his income to the limits. Mama will not give her blessing should Ash propose. Julia, who had been raised in comfort, must find some means of support.

As I considered how Julia could make money in a war-time economy, it was clear her mother, as the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, would never condone her working in a shop. What can she do?

Tatting lace.

Her lace patterns have received compliments in the past. With fewer ships bringing goods into the city, lace is in short supply. Granted, the demand for lace has diminished because even dress fabric isn’t as available as before the war.

I enjoyed researching this skill that was once so prevalent among young ladies in society. I watched videos on making lace with a special needle called a tatting needle.

The most basic stitch is the double-stitch. There is a special way to hold the needle and thread so that the first stitch grabs thread from under the thumb and the second stitch grabs it from over the thumb. There is a rhythm to the stitching in the hands of a skilled lacemaker.

I watched videos that demonstrated making rings with picot trim. There is a variety of stitching. The variations create beautiful patterns. The lace is then rolled for storage.

Fascinating. It’s mesmerizing to watch the different patterns emerge.

Tatting is a small yet interesting aspect in the adventurous story. Ash has become a Union spy. For her and her family’s safety, he keeps his dangerous activities a secret from Julia.

Part of my research for this novel and the next two novels included a trip to Vicksburg, Mississippi. I toured the museums and walked the streets of the historic city. Though I wasn’t certain of my story at the time of my visit, I was inspired by the history.

Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1, is set in the Union capital of Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger are set in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. Actual historical spies touch the lives of our fictional family.

Through both real and fictional characters, this series highlights activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.

I invite you to read the whole “Spies of the Civil War” series!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 17

Alena Mentink, April 18

Connie’s History Classroom, April 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 19

Bizwings Book Blog, April 20

Holly’s Book Corner, April 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 21

Texas Book-aholic, April 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23

Betti Mace, April 24

Pause for Tales, April 24

Cover Lover Book Review, April 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 27

Lights in a Dark World, April 27

For Him and My Family, April 28

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 29 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, April 29

Blossoms and Blessings, April 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2afa6/streams-of-courage-celebration-tour-giveaway

LoveMORE by Marta E. Greenman & Maureen H. Maldonado—Blog Tour

About the Book

Book: LoveMORE: Your 30-Day Devotional to learn to love like Jesus

Authors: Marta E Greenman and Maureen H Maldonado

Genre:Christian Devotional

Release Date: April, 2023

The Bible tells believers to love one another, yet the world’s definition of love greatly differs from what God teaches. Come join us and explore how God’s love transforms our thinking and actions. You can begin to apply these methods to your own life and become a vessel God can use to show His love to all in need.

LEARN:

• Loving Like Jesus can be difficult at times.
• The individual Hebrew and Greek meanings of love in Scripture.
• How to apply God’s strategies to our everyday life to LoveMORE.
• Love is an action, not a feeling.

This 30-Day Devotional gives an in-depth look at Scripture and how to love God’s way. Join us today.Click here to get your copy!

My Review

I was so excited to do this Bible study on learning to love like Jesus loved. I strive to be completely honest in my reviews, and I think when reviewing Bible studies it’s important to note that I think everyone’s experiences with a Bible study will differ greatly. What I don’t care for, you may love and gain so much from, and vice versa. So in full transparency, here’s what I did and didn’t like about this particular study. While I did get several nuggets of truth from this study, I personally just could not get into it. I tried, I really did, and I wanted to love it, but I just felt like I didn’t get much from it. I think I was expecting it to be deeper than it was. I felt like it only scratched the surface, and I already knew a lot of the things I was reading. What I did love…I did love the format, I love Bible studies that have a workbook type format where you can answer questions about each day after you’ve read it directly in the book, and the illustrations were beautiful. I did also love how they explored the different words for love in the Bible and what they meant, that is something I love to do…exploring the meaning of words in the original languages. Also, the real life testimonies throughout the book were very good as well! Overall, while I did learn a few things, I just didn’t care for it. Maybe it was just that it wasn’t what I was expecting. Maybe it just wasn’t what I needed at this time in my life, I’m not sure. However, you may love it; maybe it’s something you need in your life right now, and it may speak volumes to you.

**I received this book as part of the CelebrateLit blog team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thougts and opinions are my own.

About the Authors

Marta left corporate America in 1998 to become a staff missionary with a church-planting organization known today as e3Partners. She led American churches in planting new ones with international church partners. During this period, Marta spent much of her time in the field on evangelism and discipleship, traveling to Colombia, Mexico, Moldova, Peru, Romania, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. She also had the privilege of leading women’s conferences in biblical training.

Marta began teaching inductive Bible studies in 1997 at her home church, where she taught faithfully for fifteen years. Debbie Stuart, the former women’s ministry director, said, “Marta Greenman is a master teacher, weaving biblical principles, personal stories, and clear application with every lesson. She walks in truth, loves the Word, and has dedicated her life to teaching that truth to women.”

After seven years on the mission field in Romania, Marta began to write Bible study curriculum. Her first study, Bound to Be Free, was published in 2011. Marta founded Words of Grace & Truth in May 2011, a ministry devoted to teaching God’s Word to the nations and teaching others to do the same, using curriculum God birthed through her teaching ministry. Since then, Leaders, Nations, and God and ACTs420NOW have been published. Her fourth book is a thirty-day devotional entitled FearLESS, co-authored with Maureen H.  Maldonado. LoveMORE: Your 30-Day Devotional to learn to love like Jesus is also co-authored with Maureen H. Maldonado. She continues to write additional biblically-based materials.

Marta’s latest ministry venture is GraceAndTruthRadio.World (GTRW), a global radio station outreach with God’s message of grace and truth. Her program Under God, with co-host Maureen Maldonado, airs on GTRW Mondays at 3:30 p.m. CST. Marta’s passion, regardless of the nation where she may be, is teaching God’s Word and equipping others to teach. She is a gifted teacher, speaker, and expositor of God’s Word. Marta lives in the Dallas–Fort Worth area of Texas with her husband of almost thirty years.

Maureen is the second of seven children. Growing up in a home where worldly wealth was a foreign concept, she always felt treasured by her parents and knew she was rich in love. Maureen married young and raised two amazing daughters. Her grandchildren are a blessing beyond anything she could imagine. Recently, she was able to add a granddaughter-in-love who adds joy

to the mix.

Maureen has a master’s degree in education from California State University and spent her career as a teacher, vice-principal, and principal in elementary education. Maureen never planned to leave California or the education system, but God had other plans. After Maureen’s husband was transferred to Arizona in 2006 and then to Texas in 2011, she spent several years teaching Just Moved, a Christian-based ministry program developed by Susan Miller for women who are moving home due to life changes (https://justmoved.org). God used her teaching education and experience as a training ground to begin teaching for Him. Involved in Bible studies in California, Arizona, and Texas, Maureen grew exponentially in her faith, love of God, and His Word. The culmination of these experiences led her to co-host the radio program Under God on GraceAndTruthRadio.World, where God’s Word is taught to the

nations. Maureen’s first book FearLESS was co-authored with Marta E. Greenman. LoveMORE is Maureen’s second book, also co-authored with Marta.

Today Maureen is using her new-to-her method of studying the Bible and her long-applied teaching methods to teach the next generation of believers. Her prayer is for others to gain as much insight into God’s transformational Word as she has received. She describes it as “opening the shades and letting in all the sunlight on a gloomy day.” Maureen feels honored and humbled to be a part of Words of Grace & Truth and asks others to join in prayer for this needed ministry and for the church, our country, and our world. Maureen and her husband, Raymond, reside in Texas, where they have transplanted almost their entire family from California.

More from Marta and Maureen

Marta and Maureen’s second Devotional LoveMORE: Your 30-Day Devotional to Learn to Love like Jesus, is the second of a planned series of twelve devotionals. Today we live in a world of divisiveness. We, as believers, need to learn to love like Jesus loved. Only then will we be able to reach people who are lost and in desperate need of Him. Jesus is the one who can transform them from the inside out. Before we can be His mouthpiece, or His hands and feet, we have to have His heart.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 15

Texas Book-aholic, October 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 18

Its Mama Safe, October 19

Lily’s Book Reviews, October 20

The Book Club Network, October 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 22

Simple Harvest Reads, October 23 (Author Interview)

Real World Bible Study, October 23

Lights in a Dark World, October 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 25

Stories By Gina, October 26 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 26

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Marta and Maureen are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/285e6/lovemore-celebration-tour-giveaway

Star of Wonder by Angela Hunt —Blog Tour by JustRead

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Star of Wonder by Angela Hunt hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Star of Wonder
Author: Angela Hunt
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Genre: Advent Devotional

Come, Rediscover the Wonder and Reality of the Very First Christmas

We all love the Christmas season, but have we buried the truth of the day?

Bestselling author Angela Hunt weaves together visceral storytelling with overlooked biblical historical truths to help you rediscover the places, people, prophecies, and purpose of Christmas. Each of the engaging twenty-five devotions includes scriptural insights, historical facts, and personal application, which–along with weekly family activities–will have everyone saying, “I didn’t know that!” as the Nativity comes to life anew.

Explore Bethlehem and Nazareth. Walk with Mary, Joseph, and others. Be amazed by the words of the prophets of old. And be warmed by God’s great purpose that culminated in the birth of the Messiah.

Star of Wonder is perfect as an individual Advent devotional or for family and small group study. You will see Christmas with new eyes, create lasting holiday memories, and shine light on the wonder of that night so long ago.

“This Advent devotional is written with passion, showing patterns and prophecies that filled me with renewed hope and wonder.”–FRANCINE RIVERS, bestselling author of The Lady’s Mine and Redeeming Love

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Christianbook | BookBub

Also Available:

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My Review

I love doing Advent devotionals at Christmastime. This one started out so good, and I wanted to do it with my family at Christmastime, but it ended up horribly disappointing. First let’s go with what I liked about it. I love how it went through the different places associated with Jesus’ birth, as well as the prophecies, people, and many purposes of Christmas. The historical information that is included was extremely helpful. I mean things like exactly how far the walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem was, or that Mary historically probably would have walked, not rode a donkey. Facts like these (and the many more throughout the book) really give you a better understanding of what was happening at that time. I learned so much from most of the book. The one MAJOR flaw I came across (and to me is just downright blasphemous) and the one thing which will keep me from reading it with my family, or recommending it to you, is that almost at the very end of the book, the author has a whole chapter about how Christ came to defeat our sin…..had we stopped there I would TOTALLY agree, however she goes on to claim that Jesus was born with a sin nature. This is something I find totally false and feel the Bible totally backs that He did in fact NOT have a sin nature as His Father was God who’s nature is holy….because of this I cannot in good conscience recommend a book to you that makes such claims.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

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About the Author

Angela Hunt is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 160 books, with nearly 6 million copies sold worldwide. Angela’s novels have won or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the HOLT Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic Times Book Club and ACFW. Angela holds doctorates in biblical studies and theology. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs and chickens.

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

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive one Angela Hunt book released by Bethany House Publishers from the last two years (winner’s choice)!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 11, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 18, 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

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

Glimpses of God: An Autumn Devotional for Women by Shirley Crowder and Harriet E. Michael—-Blog Tour

About the Book

Book: Glimpses of God: an autumn devotional for women

Authors: Shirley Crowder and Harriet E. Michael

Genre: Devotional (nonfiction)

Release Date: August 13, 2021

Grab your copy here

Creator God made the world in which we live.

He placed the moon and stars in the sky, the rivers and oceans on the earth. He also created seasons throughout the year. Each season is defined by specific features and attributes that are common.

As Christ-followers we experience spiritual seasons. Though these seasons do not come in order like seasons in nature, each spiritual season we experience is defined by certain features.

This book is focused on autumn—both calendar and spiritual. During our spiritual autumns, we prepare for change and the possibility of difficult days ahead. It also represents abundance and blessings.

This book is part of the four-book Glimpses of God series.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

It took me a few days, but I finally got into this devotional, and boy did I start learning things from this devotional! I was encouraged, I was challenged, I received things I need to hear for that day! While I wouldn’t say this is a deep study, it’s definitely more of a quick read. I loved adding it into my Bible Study time. It was nice to have the quick, encouraging devotional thoughts as I started my day. As an autumn devotional, this particular book focuses on “preparing for change and the possibility of difficult days ahead, and also abundance and blessings (from the back cover).” I found this to be so true. It was encouraging and thought provoking especially as we started our new homeschool year. Big changes for me as all 3 of my kids are now in school, and I needed the things I read in this book. One particular quote that really stood out to me was this Thought for the Day:

“Throughout your day, ponder the truth that God is our ever-present Redeemer who walks with us and guides us through every situation we face.”

p.99 – Glimpses of God: an autumn devotional for women

Overall, I would definitely recommend this devotional. There are also several other Devotionals in this series focusing on the other 3 seasons if you also want to check those out!

**I received this book for review as part of the CelebrateLit team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Authors

Shirley Crowder is an award-winning author (Ames Award, Southern Christian Writers Conference awards) and freelance Christian writer living in Birmingham, Alabama. She was born under the shade of a mango tree in Nigeria, West Africa, where her parents served as missionaries.

She is passionate about disciple-making, which is conducted in and through a myriad of ministry opportunities including biblical counseling, teaching Bible studies, writing, and music. She is a speaker and teacher for women’s, biblical counseling, addiction, and writing conferences, retreats, and workshops.

Shirley has contributed to several blogs, and is published as an author, co-author, and contributing author of fourteen books. She has appeared on several The Addiction Connection Podcasts and on Shaped by Faith with Theresa Rowe.

Several of her articles have appeared in “Paper Pulpit” in the Faith section of The Gadsden (Alabama) Times. She also has published articles for David C. Cook, Student Life, and Woman’s Missionary Union publications.

Harriet E. Michael is an award-winning writer winner of two Selah Awards, a Cascade Award, and an Ames Award.

Born in Nigeria, West Africa, as the daughter of missionaries, Harriet is a writer, wife, mother, and grandmother. She holds a BS in nursing from West Virginia University but has discovered her passion for writing. Since her first published article in 2010, she now has hundreds of published articles, short stories, and devotions.

Harriet is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Louisville Christian Writers. She is the author of ten books and hundreds of stories, articles, and devotions. Her work has appeared in publications by Focus on the Family, Lifeway, Standard Publishing, David C. Cook Co., Bethany House, American Life League, Crosswalk.com, Christian Communicator, Judson Press, Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Upper Room, Pentecostal Publishing House, Smyth and Helwys, and more.

She is also a Christian speaker who loves to talk to women’s groups about prayer or other topics or speak at writers’ conferences on free-lance writing, non-fiction writing, and devotional writing.

More from the Authors

For the winter devo, we used the following (I’ve changed the final few paragraphs.) If you have a pumpkin bread recipe you can add it.

From Africa to America, Life Long Friends

March 14, many years ago …

In the heart of the African jungle in the Niger River delta of eastern Nigeria, the first cry of a newborn baby echoes from a small jungle hospital. The baby is a girl, Harriet Clarice, the third child of medical missionaries, Alice and Keith Edwards.

Harriet and her family stayed in this remote part of Nigeria for a year until the other family returned from furlough. At that time, they went for another year to Oyo, Nigeria to language school and then on to Ogbomoso in central Nigeria, where they stayed the next ten years. Keith practiced medicine at the hospital in Ogbomoso, and Alice worked with him as a nurse.

October 24 of the same year Harriet was born …

Deep in the Yoruba country of southwestern Nigeria, some 260 miles away from Joinkrama, piercing through the tropical night sounds, the first cry of another newborn baby cries out at a guesthouse in Ogbomoso. This baby is also a girl, Shirley Jeanne, the fourth child of missionaries Jeannie and Ray Crowder.

In 1962 the Crowders moved to Ogbomoso. Ray served as administrator of the 96-bed hospital, and Jeannie taught kindergarten and ministered to the Nigerian women with home visits and Bible studies. Harriet’s parents worked at the Ogbomoso hospital with Ray.

Lifelong friends

Harriet ended up living just up the dirt road from Shirley. They played together nearly every day and formed a friendship that remained, even after years and distance separated them.

Harriet and Shirley, and the others in this unique group of individuals, who shared a common childhood in Nigeria in our beloved tropical homeland half a world away from where most of us live now, grew up calling each other’s parents aunt and uncle. Even as adults, we still feel a kinship as though we are family—cousins perhaps.

Some years ago, at a mission reunion, Shirley handed Harriet a book to which she had contributed. That was the first time Harriet knew she was a writer. Shirley had discovered a few years earlier that Harriet was a writer, too.

Several years ago, Shirley suggested that they prayerfully consider writing a devotional book together. Through that experience, they learned that they work well together. Their similar understanding and views on scripture is a good foundation for the different strengths each of us bring when it comes to writing.

Since that first book, we have worked and continue to work together on other projects. Glimpses of God: an autumn devotional for women is the final book in our 4-book devotional series, Glimpses of God. Through our devotionals we pray people will see Glimpses of God all around them. Creator God made the world and the seasons throughout the year. By using the seasons in nature, we help readers see correlations to the spiritual seasons Christ-followers experience and to get “Glimpses of God” in and through everything that happens.

So, we guess it could be said that we are once again “playing” with our childhood friend in spite of several decades having passed since they played together happily beneath the shade of mango trees.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 7

Vicky Sluiter, September 8

Texas Book-aholic, September 9

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 10

Christina’s Corner, September 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 12

Lighthouse-Academy, September 13

Splashes of Joy, September 13

The Book Club Network, September 14

Older & Smarter?, September 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 16

Mary Hake, September 16

For Him and My Family, September 17

Cover Lover Book Review, September 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 19

Raining Butterfly Kisses, September 19

Lights in a Dark World, September 20

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Shirley and Harriet are giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of the book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/27a6e/glimpses-of-god-an-autumn-devotional-for-women-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Promise of Home: A WW2 Family Saga by Kathryn Spurgeon–Blog Tour

About the Book

Book: A Promise of Home: A WW2 Family Saga

Author: Kathryn Spurgeon

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: November 21, 2022

What did WW11 look like for those who remained in the U.S? As the war heats up, hundreds of young men from Fremont’s hometown of Shawnee, Oklahoma, enlist, or get drafted. Word filters in about the wounded, the missing in action, and those who have died overseas.

Fremont Pope has not been drafted, but to do his part, he finds a job at an ammunition plant in Colorado Springs. His wife, Sibyl, hopes to teach women at a new church. They’re glad to get away from their cantankerous family, and then their family follows them to Colorado!

When the plant begins to close down, Fremont’s boss offers an amazing promotion back east. Their other choice is to move to New Mexico for mission work. Which will it be? Plunge ahead to a lucrative corporate job or help a small new church grow?

Ultimately, they yearn to go home, but where is home? Are they willing to give up their dreams and begin again?

As the couple stays in touch with people in their hometown, they learn of numerous war-time tragedies. Their return to Shawnee coincides with soldiers returning home. Based on a true story, footnotes and author’s notes are included.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

I did not know this was based on a true story of a family in Shawnee, OK when I started this book. It was interesting to read about the family as they lived through World War 2. It talked about their fears, their struggles, both physical and spiritual, and really gave you an idea of what life looked back in those days. I found Sibyl very relatable. She was a sensitive person, and I loved to see how she grew spiritually throughout the book. I loved that she had a heart for missions, and always wanted what God wanted for their lives, even if it was hard at times. I enjoyed this book, and since it’s book 4 in the series, I feel like I want to go back and read the previous 3 to see what happened before I jumped into their story.

**I received this book for review as part of the CelebrateLit Blog Team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Kathryn Spurgeon, an inspirational biographical writer. She’s won many awards including an Illumination Book Award. Publishing over a hundred stories, articles, and poems, she’s also published four novels. She grew up on an Oklahoma farm before moving to South Korea, where she adopted two children. She and her husband, Bill, now live in Oklahoma and have six children and fourteen beautiful grandchildren.

More from Kathryn

Researching the 1930s and 40s was almost more fun than writing the book!

Some reviewers’ remarks about this series:

“I could have learned a lot more in history class if we would have had stories like these.”

“Wow, reading this was like being there as it was happening. Cannot wait for more books by Ms. Spurgeon.”

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 11 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Texas Book-aholic, August 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 13

She Lives to Read, August 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 14

Cover Lover Book Review, August 15

lakesidelivingsite, August 16

Connie’s History Classroom, August 17

Betti Mace, August 18

The Book Club Network, August 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21

For Him and my Family, August 22

Pause for Tales, August 23

Lights in a Dark World, August 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathryn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/27166/a-promise-of-home-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sundown by Susan May Warren—Book Review

Grab your copy here!

Back Cover Copy

Former Delta Operative Colt Kingston knows when someone is lying. He may not know the truth, but he sure doesn’t trust Tae, the woman who is caring for his ailing father at Sky King Ranch. Behind those beautiful blue eyes, he can tell there is a troubled–and smart–woman.

A few of her stories prove true–he’s found the crashed plane and the dead body inside. Still, her story of survival seems too incredible to believe . . . until the thugs she claims to be hunting her show up and threaten Sky King Ranch. Now Tae must disappear, along with her secrets.

But Colt’s not about to let her go it alone. And when they discover that her secrets include the antidote to a plague that threatens the world, it’ll take all three Kingston brothers to save the country they’ve vowed to protect.

Susan May Warren brings her Sky King Ranch series to a climactic close with this high-stakes race against the clock.

My Review

An amazing conclusion to the Sky King Ranch series. I loved every minute of this book. Right from the beginning, this book takes off, and just keeps going so it made it hard to put down! So many twists and surprises throughout the book that will keep you on your toes asking what’s going to happen next! I love all the characters in this series, but Tae and Colt were a fun couple of characters, and I was rooting for them from the beginning. I highly recommend this whole series, and you’ll definitely want to start at book one (Sunrise) since they build off of one another.

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wellspring of Life by Allen Brokken (Book 5)–Blog Tour

About the Book

Book: Wellspring of Life

Author: Allen Brokken

Genre: Middlegrade Christian Fantasy

Release date: November 4, 2022

Lauren (12), Aiden(9), and Ethan(5) have been reunited with their mortally wounded Father. But, they must take him to the Wellspring of Life before it’s too late.

The Dark One suffered a massive loss when twelve-year-old Lauren and her younger brothers Aiden and Ethan rescued their father from his clutches. However, the battle left Father horribly burned and barely hanging on to life. However, they found a clue to his salvation, the fabled Wellspring of Life.

As the children trek across the wildlife of the prairie, take sides against them to drive them off their path. Meanwhile, the giant known as Skull Crusher hunts them mercilessly while seeking to master the Darkness so he can destroy the family once and for all.

New friends join them in their quest to save Father, but they could also choose the Darkness and lead them further astray. The children’s mission to save their father will fail if they can’t find the Wellspring of Life in time. Will they have the faith to stay on the narrow path to redemption?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This series is going to be a hit with my kids! This particular book picks up where Ethan and his family are trying to get their father to the Wellspring of Light to heal him of his wounds left by the power of the darkness. In their mission to get there, they are constantly being overwhelmed by obstacles that threaten to keep them from their destination. I love the spiritual truths taught in these books. I’ve always been a fan of allegory in books. The Chronicles of Narnia and Pilgrim’s Progress were favorites, and I loved how they taught spiritual truths in their own way. This series shows the battle between the light and darkness, and how we are Light Bearers that need to shine our light to the world. I also love how the Armor of God is weaved into the story. It’s very well written, and I love the different characters and their personalities. I love the action-packed adventure in each book, and this book is no different. It’s sure to keep your child’s interests. If you’re kids love adventure, and fantasy, I think they’ll love these books. Be warned, you definitely want to read these in order. While there is a brief synopsis of each of the previous books in the beginning, you can still feel a little lost jumping in. I highly recommend this series, and I think it would be a great read aloud for any age, but probably best for 6th grade or above for independent readers.

**I received this book as part of the CelebrateLit Blog Team. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way.

He’s dedicated 18 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development.  Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media @allenbrokkenauthor, and through his website allenbrokkenauthor.com.

More from Allen

Wellspring of Life was a blast to write! As a writer, one of the things I’ve had to contend with is that my characters rarely take me on an easy linear path from the start of a book to the end. As I work on a story, things tend to develop organically, and suddenly, the story’s conclusion is very different than when I put the first word on a page.

That’s where I found myself at the end of book 4 in the series, Armor of God. Unfortunately, the devastating way Father was wounded wasn’t in the original outline of the story or the series as a whole. So I had to write a whole book to determine if he survived. I also wanted to collaborate with a good friend, K. A. Cummins, author of the Snowglobe Travellers series, on a possible crossover. These combined to let me try out some new things as a writer.

For example, Wellspring of Life has a glitter bomb, a murder of wicked crows, and no good egg stealin’ prairie dogs, to name a few of the twists and turns you’ll find in this book. The kids also meet some new friends along the way. I enjoyed this the most because the new kids reflect the personality of my kids’ best friends from our homeschool co-op. Despite these kids now being off to college, we all had fun brainstorming their roles in the story.

Speaking of homeschool co-op, the book is dedicated to the Wellspring Homeschool Co-Op that my kids grew up in. Their verse is Proverbs 4:23 “Guard your heart because it’s the wellspring of life.” I couldn’t find a more appropriate theme for this book that deals with the consequences of an unguarded heart.

So I hope you take the time to pick it up, because it’s a wild ride across the prairie with a message of redemption I’m sure your family will enjoy.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 9

Texas Book-aholic, November 10

Inklings and notions, November 11

Blossoms and Blessings, November 12 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, November 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 14

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 15 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 17

For Him and My family, November 18

A Reader’s Brain, November 19 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, November 20

Lights in a Dark World, November 21

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, November 22 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://www.celebratelit.com/wellspring-of-life-celebration-tour/

You’ll Be Mine by Rachel Hauck and Mandy Boerma—Book Review

Grab yours here!

Book Description

International hotel manager Ben Carter is not sticking around Hearts Bend. He’s just home to sell the inn he inherited from his grandparents. The place holds all his best memories—especially the ones that include regular summer guest Cami Jackson. But she’s been out of his life for years, and she’s not coming back…

Real estate developer Cami Jackson is ready to take over as VP of her father’s company. When the Hearts Bend Inn comes on the market, she wants to swoop it up, if only because of the sweet memories of her favorite summers. The last thing she expects to find is her first love back to sign on the dotted line.

But for her father, the inn holds memories of a terrible tragedy, and he wants to kill the deal. An impulsive decision could turn into a lost-but-found dream…but only if Ben and Cami can keep the past from tearing them apart—again.

A heart-healing story of second chances set in the charming town of Hearts Bend!

My Review

Another wonderful Hearts Bend novel. I loved the characters so much. I love the transformation and the story of forgiveness woven into the story, and how the characters find their way back to God. I love all the Hearts Bend novels so far, and look forward to any future ones. I highly recommend this book!

**I received a copy of this book as part of the launch team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Twin Murder Mix-up by Sami Abrams—-Blog Tour

About the Book

Book: Twin Murder Mix-Up

Author: Sami A. Abrams

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: August 23, 2022

A case of mistaken identity…

has lethal results

After capturing a murder on her camera, photographer Amy Baker becomes the next target—but her identical twin is killed instead. Now on the run with her sister’s newborn, Amy has only one person to turn to—Detective Keith Young, her childhood crush. But when they discover Keith is the baby’s father, can he regain Amy’s trust to keep them safe…before the killer strikes again?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Edge of your seat suspense. You never know what’s going to happen next. I loved the characters and felt drawn into the story with them. I loved the way the author keeps you guessing, and wondering if the killer is going to catch Amy. Very well written, I didn’t want to put it down! Highly recommend this one!

**I received a copy of this book for review S power of the CelebrateLit blog team. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Sami A. Abrams lives in Northern California, but she’ll always be a Kansas girl at heart. She loves to travel and watch sports. However, most evenings, you’ll find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. She thinks a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. 

More from Sami

#Authorproblems   That’s what the excitement around Keith Young was…a problem—Kinda. Lol!

When I started to hear request for his story, I panicked. Authors don’t want to disappoint their readers. And being new to the published scene…Well, you get the picture. 😊

After the release of Buried Cold Case Secrets, many readers told me they wanted Keith’s story. In fact, the overwhelming response puzzled me. What had I done to create such a buzz about Jason’s partner? And of course, I had to ask why?

The general answer I received…Keith’s a nice guy and the perfect partner.

I have to admit, I got a little nervous since I had already written his story. And I worried if I’d done his character justice?

However, after writing Buried Cold Case Secrets, I knew Keith had to have his own story. He’s such a great guy and needed his happily ever after. So, I dove in and asked, what would happen if he made a huge mistake? Not just a physical one, but a heart one.

By the time I finished, I loved seeing Keith and Amy move past their poor choices and hurt to find acceptance and love. The perfect ending to Keith’s struggles.

All that to say, I hope you love Keith and Amy’s story as much as I do.  #TeamKeith

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 27

Bizwings Blog, August 27

The Avid Reader, August 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 28

Christina’s Corner, August 28

Genesis 5020, August 29

Texas Book-aholic, August 29

Inklings and notions, August 30

Through the Fire Blogs, August 30

EmpowerMoms, August 30

Betti Mace, August 31

deb’s Book Review, August 31

For Him and My Family, September 1

Pause for Tales, September 1

The Sacred Line, September 1

She Lives To Read, September 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 3

Britt Reads Fiction, September 3

For the Love of Literature, September 4

Lights in a Dark World, September 4

Paula’s Persuasion, September 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 5

Book Looks by Lisa, September 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 6

Vicarious Living , September 6

Mary Hake, September 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 7

Bigreadersite , September 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 8

Blogging With Carol, September 8

Simple Harvest Reads, September 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Labor Not in Vain, September 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sami is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon card and signed copy of Twin Murder Mix-Up (US only) or eBook for outside the US!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/210ca/twin-murder-mix-up-celebration-tour-giveaway

From the Grave by A.W. Tozer—Book Review

Grab your copy here!

Back Cover Copy

Lent is a time for recalling our death to sin and life to God. From the Grave aids in that by combining A. W. Tozer’s best reflections on faith, suffering, and spiritual progress. Each daily reading is paired with Scripture to guide hearts in the way of the cross, the “pain-wracked path” to life.

“Our uncrucified flesh will rob us of purity of heart, Christlikeness of character, spiritual insight, and fruitfulness. More than all, it will hide us from that vision of God’s face, that vision which has been the lights of earth and will be the completeness of heaven.”

—A. W. Tozer

My Review

If you want a good devotional to read leading up to Easter, this was a good one. I’ll admit it took me a few days to get into it, sometimes Tozer can be a little deep, but once I got in the groove, it was great. The only thing I have hold change if I could, was that it seems more like just daily reading. I personally prefer when my devotionals have application questions, because it helps me think more deeply about what I read. I just had to really dig to find the application myself….which is a good thing, it challenges me a bit. I still would highly recommend this one!

**I received this book for review from Moody Press. I was not required to write a positive review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.