Blog Archives

Book Review - Covert Amish Christmas by Mary Alford

3/29/2021

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Covert Amish Christmas
Love Inspired Suspense
by Mary Alford

-From Goodreads-

Fleeing to Amish country
might be the only way to survive Christmas…

Hiding in Amish country, former CIA agent Victoria Kauffman’s determined to find evidence to catch the corrupt agents who killed her partner. But when her Christmas refuge is discovered, the sole person she can trust is Amish widower Aaron Shetler. With ruthless—and dangerously powerful—enemies after them, Victoria must use all her training to make sure they live through the holidays.

ISBN-13: 9781335403155

Can he protect her in spite of his beliefs?

I've been a fan of Mary Alford's for several years now, but I was beyond thrilled when she chose to place several of her spine-tingling Love Inspired Suspense novels in the Amish community of West Kootenai in Montana. Needless to say, I was looking forward to Covert Amish Christmas and I was not disappointed.

Filled with chills, and not just from the cold, plenty of thrills, and even a few spills, Covert Amish Christmas was quite the exciting read! Smuggling, betrayal, murder, rogue government agents, and the deadly Montana winter landscape – not to mention an unexpected and inopportune romance – are all of the ingredients needed to make a real page-turner.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Mary Alford

Author Website

My question is, what are you waiting for? This may be a holiday story but you can definitely read it any time of the year and any Love Inspired Suspense novel from Mary Alford is sure to intrigue and entertain. Don't miss out!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Covert Amish Christmas by Mary Alford a 4 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - A Dark Beauty by Clarissa Kae (Review, Guest Post, Giveaway)

3/29/2021

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A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast

Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.

Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.

When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.

Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?

Genre: Fairytale
Release date: March 9, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

She destroyed his life, now he will destroy hers...

As a kid I collected fairytale books. As a teen I discovered fairytale retellings. I was intrigued by A Dark Beauty when I first saw the pretty cover, and, as soon as I found out it was a Beauty And The Beast retelling I knew I had to read it.

Clarissa Kae is a new-to-me author but this won't be the last book of hers that I read. Nope, I enjoyed this one and will certainly be wanting to get my hands on the next Victorian Retellings novel. I was curious where the author would take her beauty and beast, and, despite having read the back cover blurb I was still a bit surprised. From the Palace of St. James to the wild spaces of Wales, betrayal and political intrigue, this book has it all. However, what I loved the most were the witty barbs zinging back and forth between Georgiana and Lord Pichon. Ouch!

A Dark Beauty was a fairly quick read, aimed a little bit more towards older teens I still had no problem enjoying the story as an adult. I liked the fact that the original fairytale elements were all there but Clarissa Kae certainly made the story her own and told it in her own voice. If you love fairytale retellings I would easily suggest adding the first Victorian Retellings book to your shelf...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Dark Beauty by Clarissa Kae a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Clarissa

As a young girl most of the fairy tales talked about beauty as the only attribute but when Disney came out with Beauty and the Beast, my world was rocked. For the first time the heroine was a woman with a brain and a plan. I began researching the fairy tale and read every version.

When my youngest daughter was born (with dark hair and big beautiful brown eyes) I named her Isla Belle. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of writing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. And finally, that dream as come true.

Clarissa Kae

Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.
Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.
Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.
She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away to two winners
one $25 Amazon gift card each!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/109d3/a-dark-beauty-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, March 25
Labor Not in Vain, March 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26
The Write Escape, March 26
Books and Everyday Life, March 26
Texas Book-aholic, March 27
Breny and Books, March 27
The Christian Fiction Girl, March 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28
Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, March 28
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29
Through the Fire Blog, March 30
Inklings and notions, March 30
deb’s Book Review, March 31
Connect in Fiction, March 31
Inside the Wong Mind, March 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 1
Inspiration Clothesline, April 1
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 3
To Everything There Is A Season, April 3
Beauty in the Binding, April 3
Connie’s History Classroom, April 4
Blogging With Carol, April 4
A Baker’s Perspective, April 5
Genesis 5020, April 5
Pause for Tales, April 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6
Godly Book Reviews, April 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 7
Mary Hake, April 7

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Book Review - His Holiday Prayer by Tina Radcliffe

3/28/2021

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Genre:
Romance

His Holiday Prayer
Hearts Of Oklahoma book 3
(Love Inspired)
by Tina Radcliffe

-From Goodreads-

A new beginning could be closer than he thinks.

What he wants for Christmas…
may not be what he needs.

After receiving an unexpected job offer in Texas, widower Tucker Rainbolt decides he and his twins need a fresh start. But moving on means leaving his best friend, Jena Harper, and their vet clinic behind. For the first time, Tucker sees Jena as more than a buddy. What if leaving isn’t the answer? Maybe what he’s been missing has been right beside him the whole time…

ISBN-13: 9781335488558

His choice may break her heart...

You ever find one of those authors who, no matter what series it is, manages to make you feel right at home and friends with the characters whether you are starting with book 1 or book 3? Tina Radcliffe is one of those authors for me. I can just jump right into any of her stories and feel completely comfortable. While I have read all of the Hearts Of Oklahoma books in order, it is a little while between books, and since I read so much I don't always remember everything right off the bat. But that's just not a problem with His Holiday Prayer or any of the others.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Tina Radcliffe

Author Website

Spring may have just started to sprung where I live but I still enjoyed all of the Christmasy-iness of His Holiday Prayer. It's another sweet romance from the talented Tina Radcliffe and no matter what time of year it happens to be it's still a good time for one of her books.

If you love pets this is the book for you! As a pet lover myself, the four-legged characters in this book really won my heart, especially little Miss Ernie and Chester. Of course, in my opinion, you can't go wrong reading any of the Hearts Of Oklahoma books. Don't miss a one!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives His Holiday Prayer by Tina Radcliffe a 4 Bark rating.

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Screen the Church People movie!

3/26/2021

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Weary from the showiness and materialism that has overtaken his ministry efforts, Guy (Ramsey) goes on a journey to get back in touch with the heart of ministry and be a real role model to his youth group kids. He makes the difficult decision to cut short his speaking tour managed by his money-focused agent (Faison) after realizing that his reputation has become more fame-based than Gospel-driven.

But when Guy attempts to return to regular youth ministry, he is thrust into the throes of dissuading the youth group from performing a strange and potentially blasphemous stunt for the upcoming Easter service, starring a young, zealous new believer, Blaise. In attempting to manage his youth group while navigating an unexpected love interest in the Senior Pastor’s daughter (Cahill) and being a new father to his grown daughter (Manfredi), Guy ultimately rediscovers and puts on a powerful presentation of why we all need to put our hope in Jesus and not in ourselves.

Review

There's a new way to see Church People!
Virtual Screening Online!
Check it out by clicking below!

Watch Church People

#ChurchPeopleFilm #ChurchPeopleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Hosea's Heart by Linda Wood Rondeau (Interview, Guest Post, Giveaway)

3/24/2021

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How much should a wronged husband forgive?

Aubrey Beaumont has spent the last fifteen years in search of his runaway, drug-addicted wife. Now a respected Silver Spring pastor and chaplain, ready to give up and move on, his life takes unexpected turns when she suddenly contacts him. Terminally ill and having found faith, she begs Aubrey’s forgiveness. How can he overlook her past prostitution and liaison with one of Washington’s most vicious drug lords?

Grateful for a chance at reconciliation, Joanna Beaumont prays that her seemingly wasted life might serve some purpose in her final days. Perhaps her testimony against her former lover’s cartel will bring her the peace she craves.

Joanna and Aubrey’s paths will crisscross the Capital District’s underworld where they discover how God weaves threads of failure into tapestries of hope.

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Release date: 2018

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Linda

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Before I started writing professionally, I worked in the human services field: family services, adult protective services, child protective services, medical services, senior services, and nursing home social services, as well as hospital social services and as an in-school case manager. All these roles gave me many insights into the spiral of addiction and the profound impact addiction has on those who love the victim of substance abuse. Those who don’t understand are quick to judge and slow to develop compassion … much like my character Gregg Fischer, who hated drug addicts because of his personal loss. I wanted to write a book to show addicts are as much in need of love as anyone and how true love can only be extended through the power of the Holy Spirit. I hoped to show how God’s healing power transcends our failures.

#2. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I am hard pressed to pick a favorite out of my main characters in Hosea’s Heart. I see myself in all of them, even the male characters. But perhaps, my favorite is a secondary character, Percy Logan. I love his spunk. Even though he is in the early stages of dementia, he turns his life over to God. His end is better than his beginning. He struggles to make up for the lost years with his estranged daughter. Sometimes the aged babe in Christ can demonstrate more spiritual wisdom than the one

who has walked with the Lord his whole life. Perhaps the most difficult character for me to write in Hosea’s Heart, was Joanna. As a social worker, I understood the personal struggles of the addicted soul. I wanted to show the tragedy of Joanna’s circumstances and her fear she’d come to the Lord too late to find a purpose for her life. I wept for her as she pleads with God to let the little time she has left on earth to have meaning.

#3. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I think as you get older, there is a process called life review. We examine the whole of our lives and try to make sense of all our experiences, it’s successes and disappointments. In youth, we give little thought to how the complexities of our lives create a web God can use in our later years. I am a product of emotional abuse and divorce. God did give me three wonderful children. I remarried and have been with this wonderful man for forty-three years. As mentioned previously, much of my work experience has been in human services, though I

trained as a high school English teacher. I am a cancer survivor, and do encourage women to get their mammograms on a regular basis. My twenties, especially as a single parent, proved to be a time of great struggle. Yet, God sustained me, though admittedly, I was not always faithful to him. I questioned every tenet I’d been taught growing up in a fundamentalist church. God saved me from long-term consequences of my bad choices during those years. Today, through God’s pruning and patience, I’m enjoying the retirement life, though again not without

its challenges. I am the mother of three and grandmother of nine, all of whom bring me special blessings. When able, the hubs and I enjoy playing golf, going to museums, and walking. I watch a lot of television, justifying the time spent as “studying the elements of story.” We’ve been fairly isolated during this pandemic, but we do enjoy our online friendships. Though we lived most of our married life in the tundra of Northern New York, we spent six years post-retirement in Florida, opting to move to Hagerstown, MD to be nearer our children and grandchildren. We actually enjoy having four seasons again without the frigid temperatures. We are active in our local church, mostly in short-term ministry projects and in support capacities.

#4. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Coming to the Lord near the end of her terminal illness, Joanna felt her life had been wasted, that her addiction had robbed her of leaving a lasting legacy. She never lived to know her true legacy. Her struggles were the catalyst that prompted Aubrey to start a mission to impact hundreds. Eventually, Joanna surrendered her doubts and chose to believe God would somehow bring about some good from all she endured.
Where we see weakness and defeat, God sees strength and possibilities.
Romans 8:28 reminds us how God can take our worst past to make our best future once we have surrendered our messes to him:

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
My favorite Bible verse is John 10:10.

For many years, I only wanted to quote the second half of this verse. Then I realized, Satan is the thief. He wants to sabotage God’s good work in us with his many arrows of lies, to make us feel discouraged and doubtful in times of trouble. But God’s intent for us is to enjoy his many blessings, abundantly so. When trouble comes, we have a choice. We can let Satan bog us down with anger, resentment, or bitterness. Or we can trust the God who wants to provide a blessing even in this circumstance.

More from Linda

Folks ask me why I kept searching for Joanna.

I don’t really see myself as a martyr, self-sacrificing, or even like the prophet Hosea as some have compared me to.

Perhaps I searched so long because Joanna was the only woman I ever truly loved. We met at the Top Notch Lounge when I had stopped in to buy a getaway package for my parents’ twenty-fifth anniversary.

I turned to my friend, Gregg, a private detective, and said, “See that girl over there? I’m going to marry her.

Gregg shook his head “You’re crazy. That broad is nothing but trouble.”

“And you know this, how?”

“Instinct, buddy.”

I left Gregg standing at the reservation desk and walked confidently toward a future that I could only guess. She smiled at me as I approached her table and glanced at her beverage. “Cinnamon tea?” I asked.

I sniffed the scent. Then, it was like an aphrodisiac. Now the aroma makes me nauseous. If I had known then what I know now? Moot question because life rarely offers a mulligan.

Gregg gave me a sign that he’d wait for me at the restaurant.

I sat down next to her. “Aubrey Beaumont.”

“Joanna Curtis.”

We talked, though not about anything of importance. I knew no more about her after an hour than her name and that she’d been deserted by her boyfriend. Yet, I knew I loved her.

“Have you had dinner yet?”

“No. Actually, I haven’t eaten all day. I should keep up my strength. I’m eating for two.”

I suppose most men would be scared away at that point. But something tugged at me. I sensed she didn’t need me—but I needed her, as intoxicating as any drug.

“Why not join me and my friend at the restaurant downstairs.”

Despite Gregg’s loud protests, Joanna and I married two days later. I adopted her unborn daughter, though not of my flesh, a child of my heart. I didn’t know about Joanna’s addiction until the first time she left us. Though she had been to rehab numerous times, she relapsed again and again. The last time she left, I held her note in my hand, my heart sliced by the knowledge she’d not be back.

The intelligent thing would be to let her disappear … what she wanted. I always led with my heart, not common sense. Perhaps why God called me into the ministry after Joanna’s first relapse.

My fruitless search took me into the Capital District where I pastored a church in Silver Spring. Hope waned … and I even thought I might find love again with a woman named Cynthia. Until Joanna found me and called me to her side.

Fifteen years have passed since she left me the last time. Now, here I stand … face-to-face with reality. Cancer will take Joanna away forever. What does God require of me now? I can forgive her addiction. But sometimes a wife’s betrayal goes beyond the forgivable –her liaison with Joey Juarez, the worst drug czar in the Washington, D.C. area.

I have every right, scripturally and logically, to divorce her and move on. Yet, that same voice that called me to her so many years ago calls to me now. “Till death part us.”

READER:
What would you do if you were Aubrey? How would you advise him?

Linda Wood Rondeau

A veteran social worker, Linda Wood Rondeau has earned critical acclaim for her heart-warming stories of deliverance and forgiveness. The author now resides in Hagerstown, MD with her husband of forty years. Active in her local church, she enjoys playing the occasional round of golf, a common feature in many of her books. Readers may contact the author through Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Instagram or visit her website: www.lindarondeau.com.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize
of a book from her Amazon Author page!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/10986/hosea-s-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 17
Susan K. Beatty, Author, March 18 (Author Interview)
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 18
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 19
Texas Book-aholic, March 20
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 23
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 24 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 25
For Him and My Family, March 26
Inklings and notions, March 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 28
deb’s Book Review, March 29
By The Book, March 30 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 30

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First Line Friday - March 19th, 2021 (late)

3/21/2021

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Buy

E-Book

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Texas Target Standoff by Virginia Vaughan (Review, Guest Post, Giveaway)

3/21/2021

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A sniper lurks closer…
and only a navy SEAL can save her.

When psychologist Shelby Warren suddenly becomes a sniper’s target, navy SEAL Paul Avery springs into action to protect her. He needs her evaluation to get back to his team…and rescuing her might finally give him the redemption he’s been searching for. But when danger follows them to his family’s Texas ranch, keeping Shelby safe could be his most difficult assignment yet.

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Release date: March 1, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

She can ruin his career, can he save her life?

Let me start by saying that it's because of books like Texas Target Standoff that I enjoy Love Inspired Suspense, and in particular Virginia Vaughan, as much as I do. I liked it almost as much as I did the first Cowboy Lawmen novel, Texas Twin Abduction, which is my favorite Virginia Vaughan book of all time....for now at least.

Texas Target Standoff had all of the danger, mystery, drama, tension, and romance my little mayhem-loving heart could wish for. It's a fairly short read but the author packs all of the action and suspense she can into approximately 220 pages.

Fans of Virginia Vaughan and Love Inspired Suspense are sure to love her Cowboy Lawmen series. Texas Target Standoff is book 3 but each one can be read standalone. I can tell you from personal experience, though, that you won't want to miss a single one!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Texas Target Standoff by Virginia Vaughan a 4.5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Virginia

As writers, we discover many new and interesting things while researching a story. For TEXAS TARGET STANDOFF, I decided I wanted the hero to have a dog so I started looking at different photographs of dogs online until I found the one image I wanted to use—a sweet little border collie I named Bullet. He helps my navy SEAL hero find comfort and friendship while he’s recovering from injuries at his family’s ranch. But looking at dog photos on the internet did more than help my character grow, it also inspired me to adopt a dog of my own.

My home had been pet-free for many years since my beloved dog Miss Duchess died from cancer five years ago and, although the ten-year-old nephew I’m raising had been asking for a dog for about a year, I hadn’t reached the point of pulling the trigger and bringing another one home. Only the research I did for this book reopened that desire inside of me for canine companionship. In September of 2020, my son and I searched the shelters in search of a family dog and, when I spotted this adorable border collie mix, I knew we had to bring her home. We named her Ivy and, since joining our family, this sweet girl has brought us lots of love and laughter, plus a new adventure—dog training. I’ve never trained a dog in my life and little Ivy is a stubborn one. I’ve scoured YouTube for videos, taken classes, and worked daily on the simplest of commands like sit, wait, lie down. Slowly, we are making progress although barking, jumping, and walking on a leash are still some areas where we’re struggling.

I’d love to hear about your pets or your best training tips! To learn more about my family, including my training journey with Ivy, follow me on Facebook or subscribe to my newsletter at the links below. And look out for the next book—little sister Kellyanne’s story—in my Cowboy Lawmen series coming June 29, 2021.

Blessings!
Virginia

Virginia Vaughan

Bestselling author Virginia Vaughan writes inspirational romantic suspense. Blessed to come from a large, southern family, her fondest memories include listening to stories recounted by family and friends around the large dinner table. She was a lover of books even from a young age, devouring gothic romance novels and stories of romance, danger, and love. She soon started writing them herself. A former investigator for the State of Mississippi, Virginia utilizes her criminal justice background with her love or writing to transform words into powerful stories of romance and danger.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Virginia is giving away the grand prize package
of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Texas Target Standoff!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/1095e/texas-target-standoff-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 12
For the Love of Literature, March 12
Through the Fire Blogs, March 12
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 13
Bizwings Blog, March 13
Texas Book-aholic, March 14
Bigreadersite, March 14
Fiction Book Lover, March 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 15
Genesis 5020, March 15
Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 16
For Him and My Family, March 16
Artistic Nobody, March 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Inklings and notions, March 17
Reviewingbooksplusmore, March 17
Older & Smarter?, March 18
deb’s Book Review, March 18
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 19
Blogging With Carol, March 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 20
Betti Mace, March 20
Mary Hake, March 20
Lighthouse Academy, March 21
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 22
Blossoms and Blessings, March 22
Labor Not in Vain, March 22
KarenSueHadley, March 23
She Lives To Read, March 23
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 24
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 24
Pause for Tales, March 24
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 25 (Author Interview)
HookMeInABook, March 25
Simple Harvest Reads, March 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

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Throwback Thursday - March 11th, 2021 (very late)

3/20/2021

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In a world enslaved by money and power, one woman dares to be free. Will an explosive secret enslave her again?

The place is the island of Rhodes; the time, 227 BC. In the ten years that Tessa of Delos has been in bondage as a hetaeira, a high-priced Greek courtesan to a wealthy politician, she has learned to abandon all desire for freedom and love. But when her owner meets a violent death, Tessa is given the chance to be free—if she can hide the truth of his death and maintain a masquerade until escape is possible. Now Tessa must battle for her own freedom and for those she is beginning to love, as forces collide that will shatter the island’s peace and bring even its mighty Colossus to its knees.

Here is a powerful story showing how the love of God can transform even the most hardened person and bring back to life a soul jaded by sin and grief.

ISBN-13: 9780805447309

My Thoughts

Shadow Of Colossus may have been the 3rd book in Tracy Higley's Seven Wonders series but it is probably the one that I most recently read for the first time. And I've actually read it twice now. It's quite a story! Gritty, full of historical detail, and sure to keep you intrigued. Loosely Biblical fiction, an important character later meets Jesus, Shadow Of Colossus is no less interesting and packs a pretty good faith message. Those are the things that first drew me to Tracy Higley's books, even though, at the time, I wasn't a big fan of Biblical fiction. She has a real knack for seamlessly blending history and faith in stories that are both thought-provoking and entertaining.

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Movie Review - My Brother's Keeper

3/18/2021

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My Brother's Keeper

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER shares the story of returning war veteran SFC Travis Fox (TC Stallings) who has one more battle to fight - PTSD. Fox and his best friend SFC Ron “Preach” Pearcy (Joey Lawrence) are in their 6th combat deployment when Preach and his entire Ranger platoon are killed in a deadly improvised explosive device attack. Travis returns to his hometown to settle the affairs of his parents who had passed away years before. In searching for answers about his parents, he also discovers a new obstacle in PTSD. He finds support from church counselor, Tiffany Robertson (Keshia Knight-Pulliam) and slowly begins to rediscover his faith in God, until he discovers a secret. Travis uncovers a secret hidden by his best friend Donnie Berry (Robert Ri’chard) that threatens his new-found faith, restores his guilt, and causes him to consider the unthinkable.

My Review

Trouble is just beginning...

Am I My Brother's Keeper? While that question goes back nearly to the dawn of time it's one that we are still asking today. And, it's one that this Christian drama film explores while entertaining viewers. Toss in a mystery, some extra danger, and a dash of romance, and you have a movie that I enjoyed.

I applaud the moviemakers for taking on a topic that can affect anyone, Christian or not. PTSD has had many names over the years but it's only been more recently that we have become at least slightly more comfortable talking about it. While, My Brother's Keeper couldn't go quite as in depth, not in a 90 minute runtime, it still brings awareness and it asks some important questions. One of my favorite aspects of the story is that Travis doesn't have all of his problems solved and tied up in a neat bow at the end, instead he is on a journey of healing and faith.

I will note that this movie is rated PG-13, which, in my opinion, is a fair rating. There is nothing truly graphic shown but it is aimed at teens and adults. Adults who happen to remember the 80s will also get a kick out of seeing little Rudy Huxtable all grown up.

My Brother's Keeper is entertaining, thought-provoking, and it's one of those movies that inspire you to action in whatever capacity you can... So, get out and watch this movie starting March 19th!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives My Brother's Keeper a 4 Bark rating.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Collide Distribution for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my
own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Enter to win a digital movie code for My Brother's Keeper
(North America ONLY)

(Note: The code will be available once the film is released on home entertainment, so please stay tuned!)

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Happy St. Patrick's Day!

3/17/2021

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Happy St. Patrick's Day

from

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Movie Review - Church People

3/11/2021

1 Comment

Church People

FREE Discussion Guide

My Review

Church has never been quite so fun(ny)!

Are you a longtime church member? Were you raised in the church, like I was? Are you there in your favorite pew every single Sunday? Have I got the movie for you! Church People is a comedy film for Christians, by Christians, and about Christians. It's funny, it's surprising, and the ending is perfect. Oh, and the very closing line is priceless!

This movie pokes gentle fun at our churchy idiosyncrasies, our foibles, our sanctimoniousness, and even our hypocritical tendencies. There is something in Church People that will prick every Christian conscience even as you laughing because you recognize yourself on the screen. It's one of the most interesting mixings of laugh-out-loud humor and convicting truth-telling that I've seen in a new movie.

I watched Church People with my parents and each of us had a little different reaction. But, I can tell you this, all three of us were still talking about it the next day. It's one of those movies that you enjoy while watching but you also think about it after the TV has been turned off.

Two things I'd like to mention about the production are: Shooting the film at a real church was genius and it lent a lot of authenticity to the story. How much I liked the music, it was well chosen and it didn't drown out the actors.

So, do not expect an epic movie, but, do expect to laugh at yourself and be needled with a little truth. Church People is a good movie that all church people should watch...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Church People a 4 Bark rating.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Entertainment Squad for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100%
my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

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E-Book Review - Dangerous Deception by Evelyn M. Hill

3/8/2021

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Dangerous Deception
Love Inspired Suspense
by Evelyn M. Hill

-From Goodreads-

Nothing is what it seems…

Rachel Garrett has the ideal life: a job in a small town, surrounded by people she trusts—until a stranger arrives and insists it’s all a lie. Michael Sullivan’s claims that she’s been brainwashed and drugged can’t be right. But why is someone trying to kidnap her? Now Rachel must decide if she believes her closest friends…or the one man who makes her feel truly safe.

ISBN-13: 9781488061509

She doesn't believe him. But can she trust him?

Let me just start off by saying that Dangerous Deception was one of the most interesting Love Inspired Suspense novels that I've ever read. Amnesia is a well used plot device in romantic suspense but it's almost always attributed to an injury or a traumatic event that the brain wishes to forget. I think this may be the first time that it may be drug and brainwashing induced. I loved it!

Evelyn M. Hill is not exactly a new-to-me author but this is a new genre and I have to say that she does just as good with romantic suspense as she did with historical romance. I was kept guessing, which is always a fun part of reading, and, boy, was I in for a few surprises!

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Evelyn M. Hill

Author Website

I sincerely enjoyed Dangerous Deception and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any Love Inspired Suspense fan or romantic suspense lover. I, for one, can't wait to read more from Evelyn M. Hill, she's good!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Dangerous Deception by Evelyn M. Hill a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Just Read Audiobook Tour - In The Shadow Of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews

3/7/2021

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Genre:
Historical / Biblical

In The Shadow Of Jezebel
Treasure Of His Love book 4
by Mesu Andrews

-From Goodreads-

Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments.

Forced to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh's Temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family--and the nation--she loves?

With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings the Old Testament to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.

ISBN-13: 9780800721701

He'll teach her hope, she'll give him her heart...

In The Shadow Of Jezebel has been the Mesu Andrews book I was most curious about. Partly because I've really come to love her books and part slightly morbid anticipation. If you were raised in the church like I was or have read even a smidgen of your Bible, just the name Jezebel conjures up dark thoughts and a little dread. Seriously, the woman was BAD news for everyone around her and her daughter, Athaliah, was no improvement. You know things are just not going to go well for everyone involved...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Mesu Andrews

Author Website

I, honestly, had the most interesting reactions to In The Shadow Of Jezebel. I didn't particularly care for Sheba (Jehosheba) for much of the book. But I FELT for her all the way through. Jehoida, though, was someone I personally understood a little bit better, especially his irritation with people who won't do the right thing because it IS the right thing.

Mesu Andrews's books are always hard-hitting stories that are just as applicable today as they are historically accurate. They will wrench the heart right out of your chest with their intensity and then place it right back in with their message of faith and hope. The narrator of this audiobook version of the story did an excellent job capturing that spirit and bringing it to life in a truly vivid way. Simply put, she was great!

Needless to say, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend In The Shadow Of Jezebel, the Treasures Of His Love series, author Mesu Andrews, and especially this audiobook...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives In The Shadow Of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews a 4 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Delia And The Drifter by Melody Carlson (Review, Guest Post, Giveaway)

3/6/2021

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An arranged marriage to save the family from ruin?

Delia Blackstone knows what her mother is up to—she intends to marry her off to an older man who is all fortune and no future. And Delia’s having none of it.

When a mysterious visitor appears on the family doorstep and offers an opportunity for Delia to travel from Pennsylvania to Colorado, Delia knows it is time for her to strike out on her own and discover a new life. Along the way she encounters a handsome drifter who captures her heart. But is he interested in trading his exciting life of adventure for love?

Two murders, a missing will, and a number of puzzling relationships are enough to unsettle anyone—even smart, capable Delia. Who can she trust? And can she trust her heart in matters of love?

Genre: Historical Romance (Western)
Release date: February 15, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

She's a lady. He's a drifter. Can they find love?

I originally picked up Delia And The Drifter for two reasons, it's a Melody Carlson book and I love the name Delia. The title completely caught my attention and I was treated to a story that matched it perfectly.

I've mostly read Melody Carlson's contemporary books but I did enjoy this historical romance slash western. Delia and Wyatt were such fun to get to know. From the streets of Pittsburgh to Colorado ranchland to the Alaskan goldfields, these two manage to find adventure at every turn, not to mention danger and romance!

Though not always 100 percent historically accurate Delia And The Drifter was an entertaining mix of light and dark, romance and mayhem, and it reminded me much of the Christian historical romances that I enjoyed so much as a teen.

Delia And The Drifter was a pleasant way to while away a few hours on a dreary late winter day. It was an easy read, somewhat on the lighter side, and a nice start to Melody Carlson's new Westward To Home series. I'm now curious to find out what happens in the next book...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Delia And The Drifter by Melody Carlson a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Melody

I love historical stories about women. Particularly ones in the American frontier and old west. Probably because I grew up hearing pioneer stories from my grandparents, whose parents arrived in covered wagons. But contributions made by pioneering females is often overshadowed by their male counterparts.

That’s why I enjoy researching and telling these fictional yet reality-based stories of women who lived and loved and did their part to settle the frontier. To me they are the unsung heroes of the West.

Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/1089b/delia-and-the-drifter-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, February 24
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For Him and My Family, February 24
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Texas Book-aholic, February 26
Pause for Tales, February 26
Inklings and notions, February 27
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 27
deb’s Book Review, February 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 28
CarpeDiem, February 28
Betti Mace, March 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 1
Artistic Nobody, March 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 2
Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 3
Older & Smarter?, March 4
Connie’s History Classroom, March 4
Christian Bookaholic, March 5
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 5
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Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 6
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Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 9

Oregon Trail photo is from the National Archives and is in the public domain.
Original caption: "The Covered Wagon of the Great Western Migration. 1886 in Loup Valley, Nebr."

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Movie Review - Dolphin Island (Giveaway)

3/5/2021

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Dolphin Island

After losing her parents, 14-year-old Annabel lives with her grandfather on an island paradise. She's surrounded by an extended family of loving but quirky neighbors and her best friend -- a dolphin named Mitzy. However, everything soon changes when her maternal grandparents arrive with a shifty lawyer to bring her back to New York. It's now up to Annabel and her friends to figure out how to save the day and prove that love conquers all.

Dove-approved for all ages!
Winner of Best Feature Film - Christian Film Festival 2021

Purchase Dolphin Island after its on-demand release March 2nd,
and watch from the comfort of your own home!

Purchase

FREE Discussion Guide

“5 OUT OF 5 STARS” “RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 7 TO 18, PLUS ADULTS. IT IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY” -Kids First!

“A HEARTWARMING TALE OF LOVE AND ACCOUNTABILITY, WILL BE ENTERTAINING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY”
- Dove Foundation

My Review

What a fun adventure for the whole family!

OK, I'll admit it. I picked out this movie because it had 'dolphin' in the title. Like any little kid I just couldn't resist it... And I was most pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this cute tropical adventure! I wasn't the only one, though, everyone in my all adult household liked it!

A few things that I really appreciated about Dolphin Island:
-The filming location. Obviously not an indoor set/stage. Nope, this movie has some of the most gorgeous scenery and it gets its time in the spotlight.
-The movie is family oriented and has a Christian vibe to it without being too preachy.
-The liberal use of humor, Jonah 'Grandpa' is snarky and gets some of the absolute best lines. He had my family laughing quite often and he fast became my favorite character.

Shakespeare it is not, thank goodness, but Dolphin Island is a fun and entertaining family movie that is sure to appeal to kids and even grab the attention of adults. It's cute, it's adorable, and hey, the dolphin even gets to save the day...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Dolphin Island 4 Bark rating.