Dynah Carey's perfect life is shattered by rape, her future irrevocably altered by an unwanted pregnancy, and her doting family torn apart. Her seemingly rock-solid faith is pushed to the limits as she faces the most momentous choice of her life--to embrace or to end the untimely life within her. ISBN-13: 9781868524242 My ThoughtsIt's been at least 15 years since I read The Atonement Child but I remember as a teenager realizing just how powerful and thought provoking it was. Francine Rivers had taken on one of the most difficult and polarizing topics then as it is now, but she had done so with a rare sensitivity and with an open heart. I was raised, and still believe, that abortion is wrong, however I was also taught, and still firmly believe, that no one touched by abortion comes away unscathed and that Christians should be extending grace and compassion to all of the victims of abortion just as Jesus would. There were two things in The Atonement Child that have stuck with me all of these years. One is that pain and mistakes can be generational, frequently unwittingly. And the other is that we as Christians can so easily become caught up in our own perfection that we lose sight of what the Bible really says and become even more unforgiving and unkind than the world is. The Atonement Child is an emotional story, it isn't always easy to read, you may feel convicted by your own judgementalism, but you will also come away with a better understanding and you will be uplifted and inspired by this story of forgiveness and hope... If you have had an abortion please consider talking to someone such as an abortion recovery support group. You are not alone and they will have someone who can help you find healing.
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
Other Books in the Series
Excerpt from Acres Of Promise
“That’s it, Noah. Pull the wire across one more inch. Yep. Good. Now hook it onto the support.” Andrew stood five yards from Noah. He hammered the stump he held deeper into the ground.
“Hold your end firm.” He strode over to his little apprentice, as he liked to call him, and checked Noah’s work. Andrew adjusted the wires onto some of the hooks that Noah had missed. “Give it a tug and test if you think it’ll hold.” Noah pulled on the fencing wire from the wooden stump. The mesh sagged slightly. “It needs to be tighter, am I right?” “Correctamundo. You’re learning fast. We need to build those muscles of yours.” Andrew unlatched the wire from the hooks and pulled it across more and reattached the fencing to the post. “Now, try its resilience.” Noah tugged, and it didn’t move. Andrew pointed to the fence. “This is how you need to be in school. When kids are tugging on your nerves, calling you names, trying to get you to react, you need to stay firm. Have some resilience.” Noah looked up to Andrew, squinting his eyes from the sun. “Like letting the words bounce off me?” Andrew ruffled Noah’s hair. “You got it, son. You’re learning fast. Now, you just need to apply it to real-life situations. And I want to hear all about it.” Noah nodded and looked like he would try his best. The Rhode Island hens clucked a few feet away, begging for scraps. The rooster made the most racket of all of them. Andrew pushed some dirt with his boot around the base of the post. Dust tickled his nose and eyes. He rubbed his sleeve over them before he sneezed. “Four more to go, and we’ll finish this section. Then we can have a break, and try those cookies your mom baked.” “I baked. Mom doesn’t make sweet stuff. If I want cakes and cookies, I’ve gotta make them myself.” Noah swooshed a fly from his face. “Right. I guess she’s too busy with the hobby farm and pets.” He shrugged. “Mom’s just lazy.” “Noah. That’s not a nice thing to say. I’m sure as a single mother, she’d work very hard to do most of the house jobs by herself. What do you do to help?” Noah’s face reddened. “Take out the trash. Clean my room . . . sometimes.” “Let’s do an experiment. Tonight, I want you to do extra chores your mom usually doesn’t ask of you. Then, report back to me what her reaction was. Don’t tell her I’m in on this.” He winked. “So, what should you say if she asks why you’re so helpful?” Noah’s eyes lit up, and he laughed. “Because I love you, Mom. She’d fall over if I said that.” This kid. How to get through to his teenage brain? Andrew rubbed the back of his sweaty neck. “But you do love her.” He patted Noah’s chest. “Deep down, you love her a lot. She’s your mom, and no one will ever replace her in your heart. So, when you say it, be sincere. If you help more around the house for a week, you watch how things turn around for you two. It wouldn’t surprise me if she started making cookies.” Noah became somber and seemed to consider the words. “I like this experiment idea. I’ll start as soon as I get home.”
It's Time For A Giveaway!
One winner will receive an ebook of the first book in the Single Again series, More Than a Second Chance and a $10 Amazon gift card
(open internationally to those who can use one of Amazon's branches)
Ends January 20, 2021
Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Sing Until You Die by Carole Brown (Interview, Guest Post, Giveaway)1/13/2021
Interview with Carole#1. What was the inspiration for this book? An older man we knew years ago who was thought to be a secret, U.S. civilian spy during WWII gave me the idea. That man never confessed whether he indeed was a spy, but the idea bloomed and became a three book series: The Spies of WWII.
#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book? Forgiveness. The female protagonist, Claire Anne Rayner, just can not forgive the man who was like a brother and son to everyone in her family...except her. His teasing, along with her middle sister's, was the bane of her life. It was only when they were entangled in the spy search that things change, and Claire realizes that people aren't always who we thought they were. Hearts change. And forgiveness is the only way for self happiness.
#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart. Psalm 91 is one of my favorites. I love how God will shelter us and protect us from the fiery darts of our enemy. I love that he is our protection, that he guides us and will always show us the way to go, the path to choose, and has the answers to our problems and questions. He is our best friend, one who understands far better than anyone when we our troubled, concerned or anxious. He corrects us when we need it (because we are his children!) and lovingly forgives when we err. We can trust him because he does what he says, we can lean on Him because no one is mightier than he, we can believe Him because his word is true and he never lies. More from CaroleA Grip on the Story by Carole Brown Unlike books one and two of The Spies of WWII series (With Music in Their Hearts and A Flute in the Willows), I couldn’t get a handle on where to go with Claire Anne Rayner and Wills Mason’s story in Sing Until You Die. I knew their names, knew their careers, but the plot evaded me until it was time to write the novel. And then… Slowly the plot opened up:
The more I wrote, the more I loved these two faulty, but loveable characters. Were they perfect? No. Were they determined to do what they felt was their duty, what they knew was their calling? Yes and yes. Claire, as a child and teenager, faced thoughtless and sometimes cruel teasings because of over zealousness from certain family and friends. In her youthful mind, she felt loathing for those hurting her and knew she’d never forgive those involved. Wills, on the other hand, as a youth, was bound to prove he was one better than his best friend. Nothing was too dangerous or too extreme for him to try. No matter how others might feel… Yet, through loving family and friends, these two grew into adulthood as caring, serious, and individuals determined to succeed in their separate pursuits. The only thing they needed to do was ask for forgiveness and forgive. Could they lay aside their accusations for each other and do it? Would they realize that past feelings and thoughts about the other might just be wrong? I worked hard at showing the slow and sometimes painful process of their achieving that. But tying in the insidious spy, thrust these two adorable, but different, characters into each others’ lives. That brings about the question: Will the web of deceit the mysterious German spy is weaving destroy their one chance of happiness with each other, or can they both let go of the past and work together to bring the spy to justice?
It's Time For A Giveaway!To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize package of a music-themed tote bag a 4-piece set of bird/flower coasters, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a signed copy of Sing Until You Die!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsLocks, Hooks and Books, January 4 Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 5 (Author Interview) Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 5 deb’s Book Review, January 6 Inklings and notions, January 7 Betti Mace, January 8 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 9 Texas Book-aholic, January 10 For Him and My Family, January 11 Connie’s History Classroom, January 12 Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 13 (Author Interview) Sara Jane Jacobs, January 13 Artistic Nobody, January 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex) Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 15 Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 16 Pause for Tales, January 17
Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Prayer Release Date: December 11, 2020 Click here to get your copy! More from Whitaker HouseIn His Presence by EW Kenyon is not written about what others were and did, but about what we are and can do! It is a lifting of the curtain and a revealing of the holy of holies and our ability to enter it and stand in the presence of the Father. In His Presence is a discovery of the fact that God’s ability is available to every child of God. This is your invitation to open the door…enter…and stand in His presence, in the presence of the Father!
It's Time For A Giveaway!To celebrate their tour, Whitaker House is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a copy of the book!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! Blog StopsDebbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 7 Texas Book-aholic, January 8 Inklings and notions, January 9 Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 10 deb’s Book Review, January 10 Locks, Hooks and Books, January 11 Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 12 Artistic Nobody, January 13 For the Love of Literature, January 14 Ashley’s Bookshelf, January 15 Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 16 Sara Jane Jacobs, January 17 Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 18 Vicky Sluiter, January 19 Mary Hake, January 19 For Him and My Family, January 20
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Texas Witness Threat by Cate Nolan,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
My Review
Only one man believes her story...
What would you do if no one believed you, even those closest to you? That's a really good question, one I found myself pondering as I read Texas Witness Threat. Somehow I doubt I would be half as generous as Christine is in the book! At any rate, I found that plot decision made by author Cate Nolan to be different and quite interesting. I'm so used to Assistant US Attorneys being believed in fiction... Texas Witness Threat was another edge-of-your-seat Love Inspired Suspense and I quite enjoyed it. Not a bad choice for my first read of 2021! The settings were great, starting in a creepy empty building during a thunderstorm and winding up on a Texas ranch, with some pretty interesting stops along the way. And I'll give you a hint, the cover really matches part of the story! If you are looking for a fairly short, easy, but romantic and suspenseful read, you won't go wrong in choosing Cate Nolan's latest from Love Inspired Suspense. It's a pretty good one! Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Texas Witness Threat by Cate Nolan a 4 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
It's Time For A Giveaway!
(1) winner will receive a Texas Witness Threat and
Christmas in Hiding (print or ebooks, winner's choice)!
Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 5, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 12, 2021. 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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.
Please note: If you are using a mobile device this post will appear quite long and you will need to scroll down.
Favorite Books From 2020
Here is a list of Tell Tale Book Reviews' favorite books read and reviewed in 2020.
You can find all of these reviews and many more by visiting our Book Review List page Top 20 Print Christian Fiction Books
Honorable Mention
The Raven by Mike Nappa The Major's Daughter by Regina Jennings One Final Breath by Lynn H. Blackburn Secular Fiction
May contain elements of faith but are not strictly 'Christian' fiction
Top 10 Love Inspired Books
Honorable Mention
Her Cowboy Till Christmas by Jill Kemerer Amish Country Kidnapping by Mary Alford Wilderness Sabotage by Heather Woodhaven Top 10 E-Books
Honorable Mention
Reviving The Commander by Nadine C. Keels Top 10 Fiction Audiobooks
Christian & Clean Reads
Top Dramatized Audiobooks
Honorable Mention
The Sacrifice by Karin Kaufman A Glazed Finish by Eryn Scott Love In Lead by Kari Trumbo Top 10 YA Books
Christian & Clean Reads
Honorable Mention
Fated by Kaylin Lee The Secret Of The Wooden Lady by Carolyn Keene A Curse Of Gems by Brittany Fichter Top 5 Non-Fiction Books
Christian and Secular
It's Time For A Giveaway!
I'm giving away winner's choice of the Historical Duo or the Contemporary Duo
Both sets contain Print copies. USA ONLY
We are excited to start reading and reviewing in the
new year and hope you will be joining us for... Reading Year In ReviewGoodreads Reading Challenge Goal: 75 books Started: January 1st Completed: April 24th Fiction: 285* Non-Fiction: 8 Other: 0 Print Books: 109 E-Books: 74* Audiobooks: 110 Total Number of Books Read: 293* Total Pages Read: 63,039** Percentage Of Challenge Completed: 391% * Read a boxed set that contained 8 individual e-books. ** Number of pages read is according to Goodreads. Audiobooks etc. do not appear in the final page count. Review Stats Total Number of Reviews: 225 Fiction: 223 Non-Fiction: 2 Print Books: 85 E-Books: 52*+ Audiobooks: 88 CDs: 0 Movies: 0 Other: 0 * Indicates there may have been more than one book in a single review. +Read a boxed set that contained 8 individual (e-)books. for sticking with us in 2020! We just want to take the time to say Thank You for your love and support in 2020. We sincerely hope you will join us for more reviews, interviews, and giveaways in the coming year. May there always be work, for your hands to do, |
9th Blogoversary Author
Reading and history have been my passion since early childhood when my parents encouraged both. I was introduced to Christian fiction around age 4-5 while listening to radio drama adaptations of books by great authors including Janette Oke. I have been a voracious reader and avid library patron ever since. I started Tell Tale Book Reviews in December 2012. I am also an active volunteer in the areas I hold most dear, library, museum, and pets. Hobbies include a small bead jewelry business, watching classic movies/ TV, listening to Irish/Celtic music, and autograph collecting. Our Rating System
1 Bark - OK 2 Barks - Good! 3 Barks - Great! 4 Barks - Excellent! 5 Barks - WOW! + Barks - .5 (1/2) If I consider a book less than OK I won't review it.
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Your blog is one of the most professional that I've seen. Thanks so much for hosting me!
DiAnn Mills - Author Jasmine, WOW! This post is incredible. Once again, you've blown us away by going above and beyond, from the Baltimore fun facts, to the amazing nautical divider graphics, and everything in between. Thank you for the amazing blessing of this post, of your time, and of who you are!
Amanda D. - Publicist I've been on your site and reading your reviews. Good stuff there.
Shelley Hitz - Author It is always refreshing to visit your blog and we really appreciate the thought you put into everything. I’m looking forward to your future reviews.
Bethany House Staff Member Jasmine, what a lovely surprise to read your review. I'm so pleased that you like The Chamomile. And five barks - I'm smiling.
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