Friday, June 30, 2017

The Methuselah Project By Rick Barry GIVEAWAY!





In World War II, German scientists began many experiments. One never ended.
Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed―until the day he's shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.
When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success―but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn't aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn't Captain America―just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger's sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there's no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It's 2015―and the world has become an unrecognizable place.
Katherine Mueller―crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle―offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee?
Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Pick up your copy here...
 
 
Rick Barry has authored three novels: Gunner's Run, Kiriath's Quest, and most recently The Methuselah Project. In addition, he has hundreds of published articles and short stories to his credit. He speaks Russian and has visited Eastern Europe over 50 times. His experiences have included skydiving, mountain climbing, rappelling, camping in Russia, kayaking, wilderness hiking, white-water rafting, visiting World War II battlegrounds, even prowling deserted apartments in the evacuated Chernobyl district of Ukraine. He believes that all experiences in life provide fuel for a writer's imagination.

You can contact Rick through his author site, https://www.rickcbarry.com or via his Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRickBarry.

 

My Thoughts...
I had a very hard time getting into this book. I struggled really hard to read it.
I think that may have been because it was just not my favorite genre.
It's a book for those who are fans of war reads and sci-fi and adventure reads.
I  hope that you will give it a try if you are a historical,  war fan.
The Mary Reader received this book from the author for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Thursday, June 29, 2017

I HIT 500 Blog Followers!




YAY! I hit 500 Blog Followers so I want to share some book Marks and a $25 Amazon Gift card with one follower. The WINNER is Karen Stanley.
Karen I don't know you so would you please e-mail me so I can mail your book marks and Gift card to you.  Now lets hit 1000 and I will giveaway a $100 Amazon Gift card. Thank you all so much! Karen e-mail me at themaryreader@yahoo.com Please By Monday July 3.

 Please don't leave a comment with your mailing address.

Jane of Austin By Hillary Manton Lodge




Just a few years after their father’s business scandal shatters their lives, Jane and Celia Woodward find themselves forced out of their San Francisco tea shop. The last thing Jane wants is to leave their beloved shop on Valencia Street, but when Celia insists on a move to Austin, Texas, the sisters pack up their kid sister Margot and Jane’s tea plants, determined to start over yet again.

But life in Austin isn’t all sweet tea and breakfast tacos. Their unusual living situation is challenging and unspoken words begin to fester between Jane and Celia. When Jane meets and falls for up-and-coming musician Sean Willis, the chasm grows deeper.

While Sean seems to charm everyone in his path, one person is immune – retired Marine Captain Callum Beckett. Callum never meant to leave the military, but the twin losses of his father and his left leg have returned him to the place he least expected—Texas. 

In this modern spin on the Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility, the Woodward sisters must contend with new ingredients in unfamiliar kitchens, a dash of heartbreak, and the fragile hope that maybe home isn't so far away.

Pick up your copy here..
 
 
 
Hillary Manton Lodge is the author of six novels, including Jane of Austin,Together at the Table, Reservations for Two, and the INSPY Award-nominated A Table by the Window. When not writing books, blogs, or newsletters, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and exploring her most recent hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. She shares her home with her husband, Danny, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shiloh and Sylvie.

My Thoughts...
Jane Austin Fan? Sense and Sensibility fan? Then you are going to LOVE this modern spin. Author Lodge has a passion for Jane Austin and you can see it on every page of this fresh read.
Characters are so real and charming. I would love to see this book made into a movie. The romance alone in this book is so worth the read.  Callum the hero is swoon worthy, in my book.
The story is one I will cherish for a long time. This book will stay on my personal book shelf.
Author Lodge is a foodie at the end of some of the chapters are some sweet recipes.
I gave this book 5 stars two times. I HIGHLY recommend this book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Welcome Janell Wojtowicz




Christian college dean Drew McKinley mourns his dead wife and still wears his wedding ring. He stumbles on a desperate journey to understand God’s motives for her tragic death. Crossing his perilous path is Allison, a graduate student and new employee in the dean’s office. Even as she deals with financial hardships, she recognizes Drew’s unresolved grief from her own loss. Putting up a roadblock is Chris Whitney, the handsome but egotistical student senate president. He carries the secret burden of a dysfunctional family and a below-the-surface temper. The road Drew must navigate is fraught with career upheaval, a reawakening heart, substance and domestic abuse, a violent assault, and the struggle for forgiveness and restoration. Will Drew finish his journey to embrace the hope God offers, the love Allison shares, and the guidance Chris needs, or will he turn his back on all three with catastrophic consequences?

Pick up your copy here..
https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Hope-Janell-Butler-Wojtowicz/dp/1988422043/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498593266&sr=8-1&keywords=embracing+hope+janell


 Everyone Welcome  Janell

What is the most important thing  you hope readers will take away from reading your book?
Hope is one of what I call the Big Three in 1 Corinthians 13, yet it’s often overlooked by the virtues of love and faith. So, what is hope? It is wishful thinking and sitting around waiting for things to change for the better? Or is hope something more tangible—something you need to take steps to achieve; a plan of action?
 
The hero in “Embracing Hope”, Drew, has a strong dislike for Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” His plans were crushed when his wife was killed; he lost all hope. Then he begins to understand that hope takes a plan—action. He realizes he needs to step out in faith and love. Fearful and reluctant at first, Drew takes steps to find hope. Those steps include mentoring, a gritty missions experience, bravery in a crisis, and forgiveness that seem impossible. He had to look beyond himself. The result was he gave tangible hope to others, he discovered what God wanted him to do with his life, and he found hope through the love of a strong woman. My goal is that the reader will put action to their desire for hope, whether it’s dealing with a job loss, financial problems, broken relationships, illness, tragedy, loss.
How does your faith play in your writing?
I’m a born-again Christian, so I couldn’t write a novel without injecting the gospel; it’s in my spiritual DNA. “Embracing Hope” has a solid Christian message of forgiveness, redemption, and renewal. The message came naturally as I wrote it; I didn’t have to force it. The story uses Scripture, not in sermon or expository situations, but in conversation, prayers and contemplation—how we can use it in our daily lives. Two other manuscripts I’ve been working on also have a strong message of Christian faith, forgiveness and salvation. After 10 years in secular journalism, the sensibility to write faith-based people stories came when I worked in Christian environments (higher education, inner-city nonprofit) for 14 years. Bit and pieces of those experiences are found in “Embracing Hope.”
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
The entire chapter of Psalms 100, especially verse 5: “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues throughout all generations.”
 
What sparked your decision to journey down the path of writing?
I was born with it. It might also be heredity as my uncle, a pastor and theologian, wrote many Bible expository books. I was one of those kids who loved writing the cheesy and dreaded “What I did on my summer vacation.” Our family vacations were never adventurous, such as Disneyland or RVing across the country. I grew up on an Iowa farm, so I wrote about observations and activities on the farm, annual trips to see my cousins in the Twin Cities, day trips to Iowa tourist spots, etc. It’s fair to say I probably “fluffed” the writing a bit. J
Why did you choose this genre?
My writing career in journalism and public relations and most of my recreational reading has been nonfiction (history, biographies). I read some novels when I was younger, mostly Christian like “Christy.” A love for classic novels, such as “Sense and Sensibility” and “Wuthering Heights”, came in high school literature classes.
 
I never set out to write a novel, let alone a Christian romance. I credit (or blame?) a BBC version of “Jane Eyre.” One evening in 2007, I watched the movie and that night I dreamed the beginning, pivotal scene in the middle, and ending of what became “Embracing Hope.” I began writing compulsively the next day as soon as I got home from work. I consider “Jane Eyre” a dark romance, and in some ways Drew and Allison are the 21st century version. Drew is a brooding Mr. Rochester whose wife isn’t insane hidden away in the turret of a castle, she’s just dead. While Allison isn’t a suffering waif, she’s struggled with her own share of life’s hardships.
What are your hobbies other than writing?
I’m an avid walker. I tune my radio to Classic Country (a remnant from my rural childhood) and head for the regional park across the street from my home. When I was working on “Embracing Hope” I would dialogue scenes, more as the backstory to get a feel for the characters and plot. This was BEFORE technology enabled people to talk on the phone as they walked. People must have thought I was crazy talking to myself.
If you were granted one wish what would you wish for?
As impossible as it sounds, that this nation would be united politically, racially, culturally and spiritually. I cling to “with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26), and “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).
 
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
Jane Austen country! I’ve read most of her books and biographies—over and over—and watched most of the on-location movies—over and over. Seeing the area would bring her and the stories to life.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Never giving up on getting “Embracing Hope” published. It took nine years, and there were times when I put it on the shelf thinking it would be found and published after my death. But the cheerleading of two friends, Dale and Wendi, kept me going. The sudden death of Dale in 2015 inspired me to seriously pursue a publisher. I think he had a role in that from his heavenly residence.
 
Tell readers how to keep up with you?
·       Twitter - @janellwoj

·       Author Facebook - www.Facebook.com/janellbwoj

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Sisters By Kellie Coates Gilbert




Set in America’s original ski resort, Sun Valley, Idaho—SISTERS offers a thought-provoking look at three women . . . and the choices they make when they realize their lives aren’t exactly what they expected. Karyn Macadam is starting over after losing her husband to a skiing accident. A chance encounter with a backcountry pilot might be this young widow’s one shot at a new beginning, but only if she can let go of the past. Leigh Ann Blackburn is the perfect wife, until her husband grows more distant and she believes the worst. An outrageous plan to save her marriage turns the situation on its head and she soon learns not everything is as it seems. Joie Abbott, who always finds a way to mess up her life, has done it yet again. This time a bitter betrayal threatens to expose a heartache she desperately wants to keep secret, especially from her family. Through romance and heartbreak, laughter and tears . . . life is always better with your sisters at your side.

Pick up your copy...
 
 
Kellie Coates Gilbert has won readers’ hearts with her compelling and highly emotional stories about women and the relationships that define their lives. A former legal investigator, she is especially known for keeping readers turning pages and creating nuanced characters who seem real.

In addition to garnering hundreds of five-star reader reviews, Kellie has been described by RT Book Reviews as a “deft, crisp storyteller.” Her books were featured as Barnes & Noble Top Shelf Picks and were included on Library Journal’s Best Book List of 2014.

Born and raised near Sun Valley, Idaho, Kellie now lives with her husband of over thirty-five years in Dallas, where she spends most days by her pool drinking sweet tea and writing the stories of her heart.

My Thoughts...
I loved Sisters, It's not your usual Gilbert book. She has ventured out and wrote what was on her heart and is a little different than we are use to. I Immediately fell in love with the story of the three sisters. I could see a little of myself in each one of them.   I can't tell you which one was my favorite of the three because they all bring something different to the table.
Gilbert has outdone herself with this one. I am so excited to read the next book in  Sun Valley series.
This was a clean Contemporary Romance, I was shocked how fast the book came to an end. I just had sat down started reading and it was over. You are going to really enjoy this one.
I hope Gilbert can write fast, I am not a patient person.
I gave this book 5 stars and I recommend this one!
 The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Monday, June 26, 2017

Just Look Up By Courtney Walsh




After tirelessly climbing the ranks of her Chicago-based interior design firm, Lane Kelley is about to land her dream promotion when devastating news about her brother draws her back home―a quaint tourist town full of memories she’d just as soon forget. With her cell phone and laptop always within reach, Lane aims to check on her brother while staying focused on work―something her eclectic family doesn’t understand.

Ryan Brooks never expected to settle down in Harbor Pointe, Michigan, but after his final tour of duty, it was the only place that felt like home. Now knee-deep in a renovation project that could boost tourism for the struggling town, he is thrilled to see Lane, the girl he secretly once loved, even if the circumstances of her homecoming aren’t ideal.

Their reunion gets off to a rocky start, however, when Ryan can’t find a trace of the girl he once knew in the woman she is today. As he slowly chips away at the walls Lane has built, secrets from his past collide with a terrible truth even he is reluctant to believe. Facing a crossroads that could define his future with Lane and jeopardize his relationship with the surrogate family he’s found in the Kelleys, Ryan hopes Lane can see that maybe what really matters has been right in front of her all along―if only she’d just look up.

Pick up your copy here...



Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theater director, and playwright. Change of Heart is her fifth novel and is set in the same town as Paper Hearts. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two additional books in the Sweethaven series, as well as two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois where she and her husband own a performing and visual arts studio. They have three children.Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.

My Thoughts...
 I am a fan of Walsh's.  After reading her first three books, Sweethaven series. So I was so excited to read Just Look Up.
A book of Forgiveness and Family and a sweet romance that you are sure to fall in love with the characters.  I would love to visit Brooks cabins and I would love to be part of Lane's family dinners each week.
I felt like I was living  in the pages of this book as I watched great things unfold on the pages right in front of me.
I love a sweet romance with a swoon worthy character like Brooks. You don't want to miss this 5 star beach read.
Please don't email me. This is just my opinion this is by far my favorite book by Walsh!
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Saturday, June 24, 2017

I wanted to share another Blog with you all!






Are you following It’s Storytime With Van Daniker for all of the latest book reviews? Well, you should be. Here you will discover books all of your authors for your Christian Fiction needs. Genres range from contemporary romance, mystery, historical fiction, and even young adult. The gal behind the blog (Becky) is a fun and chill woman who loves God so she purposely reviews clean and wholesome books. Every now and then you will find a book that doesn’t fall into the Christian Fiction category, but she will share an honest view of the book and let you know of anything that you should watch out for.
You won’t just find book reviews on this blog either. You’ll find lots of author interviews, bookish content, and every now and then a giveaway.
Becky loves all of her readers and interacts with anyone who comments or asks questions and she absolutely loves anything to do with books. She enjoys hanging out at the beach, traveling and exploring new places, Disney, superheroes, watching movies, and just spending time with friends and family.
Like what you’ve read so far? Go click on that follow button on Becky’s blog! She’s always adding new content so you’re sure to check out your next read or learn about a new author.

Link to blog:
http://reviewsbyvandaniker.wordpress.com

Friday, June 23, 2017

Un-Common By Carey Scott




Uncommon is a battle cry for women to step out of the ordinary and live differently.
It's a blueprint for a life full of passion and purpose. And it has the power to change everything.
     
Carey Scott, author, speaker, and certified Biblical Life Coach, invites you to journey alongside her as she introduces you to women from the Word who chose to live uncommon lives even in the toughest circumstances. From stepping into scandalous situations to breaking cultural norms to risking the departure of a comfortable life, you will discover hope and motivation to live God’s way in a world that screams, “Tuck your faith away! Just be normal like everyone else!”

Now more than ever, it's time to step into something new. . .something life-changing and life-giving. God is asking you to shine Him into a world that needs to know there is a better way to live. And when you say yes to becoming uncommon, it's a radical act of obedience to the One who created you to be extraordinary.  Uncommon offers personal stories, insights, life lessons, questions for further reflection, and biblical support written especially for women.

With authenticity, vulnerability, humor, refreshing boldness and anchored in the Beatitudes, Uncommon will empower you to rise up. . .to reject the common. . .to embrace your calling. . . and to live in a way that points others to God. Buckle up, friend. It's time to be uncommon.


Pick up your copy here...
 
 
 
Carey Scott is an author, speaker, and life coach, honest about her walk with the Lord… stumbles, fumbles and all. Her passion is reminding women of their immeasurable worth, something the world is quick to discount. She speaks to women’s groups and writes about the issues that matter most to the heart of a woman.

Carey lives in Northern Colorado with her husband and two kids where she tries to be domestic, and appreciates the grace when she’s not. You can learn more by visiting her website and blog at CareyScott.org, or by tracking her down at the closest Starbucks.

My Thoughts
What a powerful read, From the very first page. Scott lets us know that it's okay to be Uncommon and live a different life as Christians we are to do this. Scott gives you  great advice on how to do this and lets us know it's okay. Stand out from the crowd and be proud to.
You will love the personal stories that Scott shares with us. This is a much need read for ALL of us.
I held on to every word and let is sink in. Scripture is all through this book and it is so easy to understand what Scott is saying.
This book gives you the opportunity to be a life changer.  And this book gives you the power to change.
I really feel like everyone needs to read this book.
I gladly gave this book 4 stars. I recommend it.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Naomi's Hope By Jan Drexler



Despite growing pains in her 1846 Amish community in Indiana, Naomi Schrock has settled into a comfortable life in her parents' home with her adopted son, Davey. Surrounded by family and friends, she tries not to think about the fact that she's not at the top of any man's list of potential wives. Yet when Cap Stoltzfus moves into the area and befriends Davey, Naomi finds herself caught between the plans she has made for her future and the tantalizing thought that Cap might be part of a life she never dared to hope for.

When a couple shows up claiming to be Davey's true family, Naomi and Cap must unite to make the decision that will determine the boy's future as well as their own. How can she relinquish him to these unknown relatives? And can God somehow bring wholeness to her heart?

Pick up your copy here...

Jan's husband of thirty years often says she's never happier than when she's in the kitchen cooking for someone, and he's right. With her Amish and Mennonite ancestry, mid-American roots and unending quest to be a stay-at-home wife and mother, Jan has always enjoyed cooking from scratch and sharing the subsequent goodies with friends and family.

Jan and her family have lived all through the mid-west, from Indiana to Texas to Kentucky to South Dakota, with a few others in between. Born in Michigan, Jan still proudly carries her pocket map of Michigan on the end of her arm, like all true Michiganders, and will gladly give you a tour of her home state. But her current love is the Black Hills of South Dakota, where she can be found hiking the Hills in all kinds of weather and regularly visiting the "boys" at Mt. Rushmore.

Having recently graduated from Homeschool Mom-hood (Summa cum Laude!), Jan devotes her time to the voices in her head who have been clamoring for attention during the last few decades. Instead of declining Latin nouns and reviewing rhetorical devices, her days are now spent at the computer where she gives her characters free rein.

Visit Jan at www.JanDrexler.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JanDrexlerAuthor

My Thoughts...

This is the third book in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie but it can be read as a stand alone.
You are going to love Naomi and Davey. If you are a fan of Amish Romances then you are going to enjoy this one.
Real characters that feel like you know them. The novel its self was slow, But it ends really fast. Needed a little bit better editing of the story line.
I gave this book 4 stars and hope to read some more of Drexlers books in the future.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Interview with Elle Kay




Abandoned by her dearest friend, Stella is running-scared. Life and death decisions force her to re-examine her faith, as well as her priorities. The handsome, Jason, only exacerbates her anxiety. Should she trust him? Something is amiss in the quiet town of Edinsville. How will Stella fare as her world gets turned upside down?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Stella-Endless-Mountain-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01BZGKC28/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497973610&sr=8-1&keywords=stella+by+elle+e+kay


What prompted you to start writing?
In my thirties I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I couldn't find a patient oriented support resource for someone newly diagnosed, so I decided to write one for others. I'd always been interested in writing, but hadn't taken it seriously until I wrote and published that non-fiction book, "Zebras of Hope." I was surprised at it's success. And it helped me to build the confidence I needed to move forward.

About a year later, my husband badgered me to write a children's book called "There's a Goat on My Porch. I did. Having accomplished those two writing tasks, I tried my hand at my first full length fiction novel, Stella. I expect to release the second in the series later this year. 


Why did you choose this genre?
I chose to write romantic suspense because it's the genre I read the most, so it came naturally as I began to write. I'm also working on a women's fiction novella. 


How did you choose your characters names?
In the Endless Mountain Series, they just came to me. I didn't put much thought into them. I did have to change some minor character names due to confusion before finalizing the book. In the novella I am writing, I researched the meanings of names to choose ones appropriate for the characters.


How much of yourself do you write into your characters?
Quite a bit. The beginning of Stella is based loosely on my own experiences as a young adult. Claudia's wild side is also based on me. As a teen and young woman, I was combination of Stella's introverted shyness and Claudia's desperate desire to fit in. I incorporate a good deal of my own life into all aspects of my writing. 


What is the most important thing you hope readers will take away from reading Stella?
I hope they will grow closer to God as they accompany Stella along her journey. She must face things she'd never dreamed possible and only the strength she derives from her relationship with Jesus get her through. I pray that my reader will feel the power of God through Stella's struggle. The theme of Stella is forgiveness. Forgiveness is what unlocks the door to a closer relationship with the Lord and it's that nearness we all so desperately crave, even if we don't know what's missing in our lives, we feel that emptiness until we ask Him to fill it.


If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
I hate seeing people suffer, so I would love to have the power to heal. Yet, I wonder if it's a good choice. Our suffering is often what brings us the closest to the Lord. When we reach the end of our own strength and are at our weakest, we lean on Him the most and come to recognize His strength and comfort.


I am a dog lover tell us about your pets if any.
Don't get me started! We have a hobby farm in Pennsylvania's Endless Mountain region. We lost our younger dog, a boxer-pit mix, Brandy, a few years ago during bladder surgery. Our older dog, Sammy, a lab-pit mix is seventeen and frail, so we haven't introduced any new puppies for fear it would be too much for him. We would like to get German Shepherd puppies and will someday. We have nine goats, three sheep, ten rabbits, thirty chickens, two turkeys, and two ducks. I absolutely adore our animals. 

Our goat, Vicky Van Goat, is the star of her own children's book series "The Adventures of Vicky Van Goat." There are only two books out so far, but I expect it will be a long running series. The kids really seem to enjoy them. My nieces and nephews get a kick out of Vicky being a real goat that they know personally.  

We're looking for a property with more acreage, so we can also get horses and a mini-donkey. 


Who is your favorite author?
That is a difficult question. There are so many that I love. I enjoy Teri Blackstock and Patricia Bradley, who both write suspense, but there are so many great authors out there. I read in many different genres. 

Tell the blog readers where they can keep up with you.
My website is updated with the latest information about my upcoming books. http://www.elleekay.com/. I also have a blog, where I write mostly devotional posts based on traditional hymns http://www.elleekay.com/blog/. I'm on most social media platforms. Here are my links: