Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Before We Were Yours By Lisa Wingate



Two families, generations apart, are forever changed by a heartbreaking injustice in this poignant novel, inspired by a true story, for readers of Orphan Train and The Nightingale.
Memphis, 1939. Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family's Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge--until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents--but they quickly realize the dark truth. At the mercy of the facility's cruel director, Rill fights to keep her sisters and brother together in a world of danger and uncertainty.

Aiken, South Carolina, present day. Born into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career as a federal prosecutor, a handsome fiancĂ©, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family's long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.

Based on one of America's most notorious real-life scandals--in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country--Lisa Wingate's riveting, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting tale reminds us how, even though the paths we take can lead to many places, the heart never forgets where we belong.

Pick up your copy here...







Selected among BOOKLIST'S Top 10 for two years running, Lisa Wingate writes novels that Publisher's Weekly calls "Masterful" and ForeWord Magazine refers to as "Filled with lyrical prose, hope, and healing.” Lisa is a journalist, an inspirational speaker, and the author of a host of literary works. Her novels have garnered or been short-listed for many awards, including the Pat Conroy Southern Book Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, the Utah Library Award, the LORIES Best Fiction Award, The Carol Award, the Christy Award, Family Fiction's Top 10, RT Booklover's Reviewer's Choice Award, and others. The group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with six others for the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who promote greater kindness and civility in American life. She’s been a writer since Mrs. Krackhardt’s first-grade class and still believes that stories have the power to change the world.

IN THE WRITER'S OWN WORDS: A special first grade teacher, Mrs. Krackhardt, made a writer out of me. That may sound unlikely, but it's true. It's possible to find a calling when you're still in pigtails and Mary Jane shoes, and to know it's your calling. I was halfway through the first grade when I landed in Mrs. Krackhardt's classroom. I was fairly convinced there wasn't anything all that special about me... and then, Mrs. Krackhardt stood over my desk and read a story I was writing. She said things like, "This is a great story! I wonder what happens next?"

It isn't every day a shy new kid gets that kind of attention. I rushed to finish the story, and when I wrote the last word, the teacher took the pages, straightened them on the desk, looked at me over the top, and said, "You are a wonderful writer!"

A dream was born. Over the years, other dreams bloomed and died tragic, untimely deaths. I planned to become an Olympic gymnast or win the National Finals Rodeo, but there was this matter of back flips on the balance beam and these parents who stubbornly refused to buy me a pony. Yet the writer dream remained. I always believed I could do it because... well... my first grade teacher told me so, and first grade teachers don't lie.

So, that is my story, and if you are a teacher, or know a teacher, or ever loved a special teacher, I salute you from afar and wish you days be filled with stories worth telling and stories worth reading.

My Review..

I love movies based on true stories, so a book based on a true story is just is good to me.
Before We Were Yours is based on a true story so you know I am going to tell you that all you don't want to miss this one. The book is based on the true story of Georgia Tann and her Tennessee Children's Home Society.
You see it play out just like watching it on a big screen. It was so real. The characters were so real and true.
A compelling and sad at times story. I wish that it had been longer. Wait I always say that about Wingates books.
I gave this book 5 stars two times. I highly recommend it.
I received this book from the Publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Monday, May 29, 2017

Come Next Winter By Linda Hanna & Deborah Dulworth GIVEAWAY!




Can love triumph over tragedy and bring joy amid winter? When unexpected tragedy hits her family, Carol Mason struggles to forge a new life for herself and her sons. Though Vermont has been their home for twenty years, betrayal and misunderstanding force Carol to leave the mountains she loves and return to her hometown of Apache Pointe, Arizona. There she is welcomed by scorching heat, lizards, scorpions, and (gulp) Aunt Penny. Carol finds a sympathetic friend in her cousin Millie as she does her best to put the pieces of her shattered life back together. But her prayers for guidance and a decent place to live away from Aunt Penny’s disapproving eye go unanswered. Has God turned a deaf ear to her just when she needs Him the most? The answer might be found in the handsome pastor of her family’s church. Frank is everything she would look for in a spouse. If she were looking. Which she is not. Especially when she discovers that Cousin Millie has set her hopes on becoming the pastor’s next wife. Aunt Penny’s outrageous attempts to ensure that Millie wins Frank’s heart bring Carol’s past crashing into her present, and might destroy any chance she has at a happy future. The writing team of Hanna and Dulworth deliver a story full of love and faith, and sprinkled with touches of humor that will have you wondering whether to laugh or cry.


Pick up your copy here...

My Review
Looking for a good clean romance?  Loss, tragedy, we all suffer thru it. This book has a good romance, well it's what I call a good chick lit book. Clean and fun fast read. You will love the characters. 
Only bad thing I can say about it was it was not long enough for me. It is one for contemporary romance fans to add to their book shelf.
I can't wait for book 2 in the Seasons Of Chance series.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend it.
I received this book from the Author for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Friday, May 26, 2017

A Pony Express Romance By Misty Beller



After growing up as an orphan, Josiah English wants nothing more than to have his own ranch and raise Arabian horses. Riding for the Pony Express is the ticket to his dream. And when he meets the stationmaster’s beautiful daughter, it seems the final puzzle piece is in place to form the happy life he craves. Mara Reid is thrilled to finally meet the man of her dreams, and the fact that they both want to raise horses in the Sweetwater River valley seems like confirmation straight from God. But when the Express shuts down and disaster strikes Mara’s family home, will Josiah learn what’s really important? Can Mara ever trust again?

Pick up your copy here...
 
 
Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get her bestselling novel, The Lady and the Mountain Man, FREE here: http://eepurl.com/bGt1er

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty's heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God's abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family--both immediate and extended--is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.

Learn more at www.MistyMBeller.com.

My Review...
 
Ready for a historical romance with Indians, horses, and a crazy romance. Then this just might your book.
This was the first time that I read one of Beller's books. I was  bogged down with lots of details, a little to much details. It was hard to connect with the characters at times. 
The book was one that historical romance lovers may like. The western history was researched and it was rich with history.
It was a 3 star read for me. Give it a try if you are a historical romance fan.
I received this book from the Author for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Feisty & Feminine By Penny Nance






CEO and president of Concerned Women for America Penny Young Nance is ready to change the way women today engage the culture.
“Today’s conservative women are intelligent, well-educated, compassionate, accomplished, funny, and fearless,” says Nance.
Feisty & Feminine takes an honest and transparent look at what it means to be a conservative Christian woman, with thoughtful commentary on the real issues confronting you right now.
Conservative Christian women have never fit neatly into stereotypes. “We’re not the humorless, dim-witted ‘church ladies’ Saturday Night Live has made us out to be,” says Nance. “In fact, we have an opportunity like never before to offer words of redemption to a world gone mad.”
Are you troubled by this nation’s decreased emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the abuse of women around the world? Are you concerned that the values this great nation are slipping away from your children? 
The time is right for this book, and for conservative women – like Esther of the Bible – to stand up, be heard, and make a difference in our culture.


Pick up your copy here...

Penny Young Nance is CEO and President of Concerned Women for America (CWA), and is a recognized national authority on cultural, children’s, and women’s issues. As the CEO and president of the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization, Penny oversees more than 500,000 participating CWA members across the country, over 400 CWA chapters, 26 Young Women for America College Chapters, and 400 trained leaders. She is also the president of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee and Concerned Women for America Political Action Committee and serves as the principal spokesperson for all three entities.

My Review

This was a different book for me. Not sure if it's because I am so tired of political mess and I just could not agree with some of the things said or it was just not a book for me.
I did agree with Nance on one thing it stands out is a good point to me 50 Shades of Grey is nothing but the promotion of physical and mental abuse and NOT a love story. It is NOT for true Christians to read or watch.
She talks about Fox news , I just want to say I am tired of all the news stations.
This just might not have been a book for me at this time in my life.
With that being said I gave this book 3 stars while some of the topics were great for women to be talking about some I just am sick of. I did like the personal stories.
I received this book from Wynn Wynn Media for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
 
Leave a comment to be entered to win a copy of this book.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Interview with Author Gayla Hiss




                                           Welcome Gayla Hiss Author of Avalanche
 
When Park Ranger Jenny Snowfeather runs into Deputy Marshal Chase Matthews at her brother's Fourth of July barbecue, she suspects there is more going on in Eagle Valley, WA than fireworks. After Chase confides that he believes the fugitive who killed his partner may be hiding out in the area, Jenny is skeptical at first. But when her peaceful town is besieged with a sudden crime spree, she realizes Chase's theory may be true. As the manhunt advances to the rugged backcountry of North Cascades National Park, Jenny is confronted with her past mistakes. But she soon discovers the greatest threat of all is losing her heart to Chase, who is obsessed with capturing the fugitive at all costs. Risking everything to help Chase find the man who could kill them both, Jenny's faith is put to the test. Like an avalanche waiting to happen, their path is fraught with danger. Will the enemy get away with murder? Will Jenny and Chase reach freedom and safety, or be buried alive? They must tread carefully. One step in the wrong direction could mean the difference between life and death.





1. Tell us why you wrote Avalanche?
After camping in the national parks and developing a fascination with outdoor survival
and wilderness adventures, I began to think about writing a series of books set in our
national parks. Then one summer, while hiking in the Cascade Mountains, I noticed the
trails closed due to the avalanche danger. At that time, I didn’t know avalanches could
occur in summer months, and the idea intrigued me. I chose North Cascades National
Park for the setting because it is the perfect place for a wilderness adventure. Its
spectacular mountain scenery and rugged backcountry are a hiker’s dream, but there
are a few hazards too. Naturally, the heroine had to be a park ranger, and she’s of
Native American descent so her roots go deep into the Cascades where her ancestors
were from. Avalanche is book 1 in my inspirational romantic suspense series, based in
the national parks.

2. What is the most important thing you hope readers take away from reading
Avalanche?
 That true justice and freedom come from God. A common theme in my
books is getting back to the simple things in life like faith, family, and the land. I feel like
we’ve become so busy and distracted we’ve lost touch with those three basic things. To
me, there’s nothing more enjoyable and restorative than going camping outdoors and
connecting with God, the Creator. We are so blessed to have our state and national
park system. I want future generations to value and enjoy them too.

3. How much of yourself do you write into your characters?
I intentionally try to make my characters different than myself, but they have some of the
same desires and struggles. They are definitely more adventurous and courageous than
I am, but they have their flaws too.

4. How do you choose your character's name?
I put a lot of thought into all of my characters names, probably too much. I sometimes
make up names to sound different. I want the names to reflect the essence of the
character, without distracting too much from the story.

5. If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
To heal people. There are so many people suffering in the world right now with all sorts
of afflictions. I wish I had the power to instantly heal them all, but I’m thankful I can pray
for them and that God has the power to heal them in His timing and according to His
plan, which is so much better than mine would ever be.

6. I am a dog lover. Tell us what role animals play in your books, if any.
I love to include all sorts of animals in my stories, especially since nature and wildlife
preservation is an important function of our national parks. In Avalanche, the heroine
has two Husky-mix dogs, Fred and Ginger, which she found abandoned in the park
when they were pups. They also have a little wolf in them, and now that they’ve reached
the time, they’re loveable puppy dogs.

7. Where can my blog readers keep up with you?
My Facebook Readers Group is a great place. I’m also on Amazon and Goodreads, and
my website is: www.gaylakhiss.com.

Thank you so much for hosting me, Mary!

 

You can pick up your copy here...

Leave a comment for your chance to be entered to win a copy of Avalanche!
 

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Weaver's Needle By Robin Caroll




Two recovery specialists.
One murder.
A hunt for the Dutchman's Lost Gold Mine becomes a race of survival.

 
Former Army MP Landry Parker fell into the recovery specialist role quite by accident—to help her ailing father. Now that she’s on her own, she is determined to prove herself and honor her family legacy.

After being shot in the line of duty, former police officer Nickolai Baptiste became a recovery specialist, and he’s good at his job—maybe even the best.
           
A potential client pits Landry and Nickolai against one another to find the Dutchman’s Lost Gold Mine map that was stolen from her murdered husband, and the potential payday is too enticing to pass up. The trail takes them from New Orleans to Weaver’s Needle in Arizona where legend claims the mine is hidden. Landry and Nickolai are no strangers to adventure, but the unlikely partners quickly discover there’s someone after the treasure and there are those who want to ensure the lost mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountain stays lost forever.

Can Landry and Nickolai work together despite their distrust of each other to save the legend before more innocent lives are lost? Will they find the real treasure isn’t the gold, but something more valuable. . .true love and understanding?

Pick up your copy...
 
 



About Robin...
"I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I've never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in." ~Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Robin is a southerner through and through. Her passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others. Robin's mother, bless her heart, is a genealogist who instilled in Robin the deep love of family and pride of heritage--two aspects Robin weaves into each of her 30 published novels.

When she isn't writing, Robin spends time with her husband of twenty+ years, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home--in the South, where else?

She serves the writing community as Executive Director/Conference Director for ACFW.

Her books have finaled/placed in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, RT Reviewer's Choice Award, Bookseller's Best, and Book of the Year.

On her faith, Robin says, "I love Jesus and will follow Him wherever He leads me."

An avid reader herself, Robin loves hearing from and chatting with other readers. Although her favorite genre to read is mystery/suspense, of course, she'll read just about any good story. Except historicals! To learn more about this author of deep South mysteries of suspense to inspire your heart, visit Robin's website at www.robincaroll.com.

My Review...
 
 
Ready to read a book that has been well researched and the plot is so good you can't put it down? You have found it in Caroll's latest book.
The History that is in this book was so well researched and spot on and you learn from this book while enjoying getting away in a good book.
The characters are the kind of characters that have you plastered to the book.
I liked  the protagonist who was not  marrying a non-Christian. Caroll puts Jesus on the pages in a way that does not slap you in the face but you know you are reading a good clean read.
I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend picking up a copy of this one.
I received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Saturday, May 20, 2017

The Christian View With Jackie Carpenter



Hey there blog readers and blog followers I am so excited to share with you all  what God is doing in my sweet friend  Jackie Carpenter's life.



It's amazing how something so magnificient was born out of Tragedy - when my son was on Trial for Murder and I couldn't see the light of day - God already saw Two Books that He would use me to write - He saw the Movie Stand Your Ground that would be based on these two Books (The Bridge and Georgia Justice) and He saw The Christian View!
 


The Christian View Multi Award Winning Tv Talk Show premiered in 2014 and has aired 72 Episodes.  A panel of CoHosts take Today's Topics and weigh it against the Word of God - Because God Does Have A View!  Produced in front of a Live Audience @ WATC57 Studios in Atlanta Georgia and now spanning over Eleven Networks - Live Streaming around the World and Truli Media just placed us on a Global Platform. 

The Christian View Online Magazine released its Inaugural edition June 2016 - Creative Editor David Ray Skinner has over 25 years experience in the Magazine world.  It's a quarterly magazine and the Summer/Fathers Day Issue is getting set to release on June 19th.
 


The Christian View also produces a monthly Blog as well.

All seventy-two episodes - the Magazine and the Blog can be viewed directly from our website @
 
 
Start Your Week Off Right
Mondays - The Christian View
7:30 am EST 8:30 am CST allnationstv.net
8:00 am AngelTwo Network DISH #266
10:00 am kingdomonlinetv...
Truli Media 24 Hrs
Youtube 24 Hrs
 
You can follow Jackie on Instagram and try to keep up with all that is going on with the Christian View there as well. https://www.instagram.com/the_christian_view/
 
 

Jackie Carpenter Author, The Bridge & Georgia Justice www.bridgetoamiracle.com Executive Producer/Stand Your Ground Movie www.standyourgroundmovie.com Executive Producer/The Christian View - TV Talk Show Coming to WATC 57 September 2014  www.thechristianview.tv

Friday, May 19, 2017

Mandisa Out of the Dark CD GIVEAWAY






MANDISA is back with a NEW CD “OUT OF THE DARK”. 


Acoustic Video for "Unfinished”: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v= IQFpXcvFI0A

Mandisa wrote her song “Overcomer” in 2013 to encourage her close friend Kisha, who was battling breast cancer. Mandisa really believed and prayed that God was going to heal her, but when Kisha went to be with Jesus in 2014, Mandisa’s foundation was shaken in a way she never expected. She fell into a deep pit of depression for close to 3 years, shutting out her friends, family and the rest of the world. Mandisa believes if she had kept going down that road she was on, she would not be here today… but God stepped in and lifted her out of that pit by using her close friends to communicate their love for her and God’s love for her. This album is Mandisa’s way of letting her fans into her story – it’s called 'Out Of The Dark' because that is exactly where God lifted her out of! 
You can watch her talk openly about this on Good Morning America last week here: http://abcnews.go.com/ GMA/video/mandisa-opens- overcoming-depression-47020463        

Coming off her most successful album ever, Mandisa has returned with an all new studio album, Out Of The Dark. Her previous album, Overcomer, produced an RIAA Gold single, garnered 2 Grammy Wins, and has sold over 320,000 albums. After the success of Overcomer, Mandisa fell into a deep depression, isolating herself from friends, family, and music. But now she is emerging from the pit of depression with a new album and a new outlook on life. Leading with the hit single, 'Unfinished,' Out of The Dark is filled with songs of hope, resilience, & reminders that God is still working, no matter the circumstance. The new album also features guest artists TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, and more.

With more than 1.4 million records sold, the American Idol album is a voice of encouragement and trust to people facing's life's challenges all around the world. Mandisa's previous album, Overcomer, debuted #1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart and featured the smash hit single of the same name. That album awarded Mandisa with 2 Grammy Awards and unprecedented media exposure, performing on Good Morning America and singing the National Anthem at a televised NFL game. This spring, Mandisa joined TobyMac on his Hits Deep Tour, hitting arenas all across the country.



My Review

This was such an uplifting CD. I could tell Mandisa was coming out of a deep depression. The words of the songs were a telling story. This Cd also features guest artists TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, and more
I have listened to the CD a few times and I have to say it just might be Mandisa's best one yet.
It takes you away to a better place.
If you are struggling with being down, loss of hope, feeling alone, asking where God is. Then this is your CD, it will lift you up and give you the hope that you are needing. It will bring you closer to God.
You just need a little pick you up. Then pick up a copy of this CD.
I gave this CD 5 stars. I HIGHLY recommend it.
I received this CD from Capital Records for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.


YOU MUST BE FOLLOWING THE BLOG! AND LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN A COPY OF THIS CD! THANK YOU! GOOD LUCK!