Category: February 2020

2022 Birthday Celebration - Book Interview with Terri Reed (Giveaway)

2/12/2022

The crash was intentional…
But he can’t remember why.

With no memory of the crash that landed him in a hospital, Ian Delaney is determined to uncover who sabotaged his helicopter—without the protection of his family-appointed bodyguard. But Simone Walker’s used to stubborn clients and won’t let Ian leave her sight. To catch an unknown traitor, they must rely on each other…or the next attack could prove lethal.

ISBN-13: 9781335554802

Book Interview with Terri Reed featuring her new release Secret Sabotage

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Ian Delaney was a character that appeared in three other books, Buried Mountain Secrets, Secret Mountain Hideout and Christmas Protection Detail. He’s the older of the Delaney brothers. I really needed him to have a story that would challenge his control and his idea of how life should be.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
This book five months from start to finish.

#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Simone Walker was a character that appeared in several of books in my Protection Specialist series. I had always intended to give her a story but then I moved on from that series before doing so. It was great fun to bring her back on stage in Secret Sabotage. She made the perfect pairing for Ian.

#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope readers will enjoy the story and the action-adventure. I hope that themes of forgiveness and acceptance will resonate with readers.

#5. What made you choose some of the specific locations in this book?
Because this was part of an established series, I wanted to use familiar locations but also give new dimensions to the setting. Keeping much of the action in the forest was both fun and challenging.

#6. How did you name your characters?
For Ian, I’ve always liked that name. Its strong name and means God is gracious. I don’t remember why I chose Simone’s name, it’s been so long since I developed her, but I like the way the name is so strong yet feminine. And it means God hears. I like that, too.

Bonus. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.

This verse seemed appropriate for this book, and for me, at the time I was writing the book. We were in the middle of a pandemic, my world had been upended and turned upside down by not only the virus but by riots, hatred, and mental health issues of family members. Fear threatened to take me down many times. Only because of my faith and my love for God and my family, was I able to make it through those months of torment. And Ian and Simone had to rely on God throughout the book when fear threatened to overwhelm them. But that is the crux of faith, isn’t it? We put our hope and trust in God no matter our circumstances.

Thank you, Jasmine, for hosting Secret Sabotage. And happy birthday!

Terri Reed

Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top ten Mass Market Paperback, Publishers Weekly top ten Religious Fiction, Nielsen Bookscan top fifty, Amazon #1 Bestseller and featured in USA Today. Her novel A Family Under the Christmas Tree was adapted into a Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas. Contact Terri @ P.O. Box 19555 Portland, OR 97224

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It's Time For A Giveaway!

Terri Reed is generously giving away a
$10 Barnes and Noble gift card and a signed backlist book.
(USA ONLY)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Prism Book Tour - No Chance Meeting by Jaye Elliot + Guest Post & Giveaway

2/28/2020

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Alex Jennings is done with life. After losing her brother in Afghanistan, everything has collapsed around her. Getting laid off from her day job and failing in her art career, she has nowhere left to turn. She once had faith to believe that all things would work together for good, but that faith died with her brother. Now she just wants the pain to end.

Riley Conrad served thirteen years in the military until three bullets sent him home. After a year and a half of physical therapy and scraping together a living, all he wants is to live a simple life and perhaps even open the coffee shop he dreams about. However, the weight of failing his parents’ expectations doesn’t make it easy, and working as a bartender isn’t getting him anywhere fast.

Could a “chance” meeting between Alex and Riley set them both on the path God always intended?

Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 393 Pages
February 11th 2020 by Living Sword Publishing

(Affiliate link included.)
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Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Guest Post from Jaye Elliot

Top 10 Romantic Pairings

I’m a hopeless romantic, so I tend to do a lot of shipping fictional characters. Here is a look at my top 10 in no particular order. Only one pairing is actually from a book. I’m a very visual person, so I tend to do more shipping of characters from movies and TV than I do for books. I’m sure I’m forgetting some, but these are the ones that jumped to mind immediately.

Robin and Marian (BBC’s Robin Hood) – So much adorableness, banter, emotions! They are just the cutest together, and I’m just going to pretend the very end of season two never happened.
Essie and Farrendel (Fierce Heart by Tara Grayce) – This is the one book pairing on the list. Fierce Heart was my favorite read of 2019. If you happen to like elves and arranged marriage plot lines, go check this book out. It’s the adorablest. (I’m an author, I can make up words.)
Tani and Junior (Hawaii 5-0) – I love these two so much. Talk about slow burn. It’s killing me waiting for these two to finally kiss, but I applaud the writing. Most TV romances don’t draw it out like this.
Ross and Demelza (PBS Poldark) – Oh, Ross and Demelza. There is so much angst with these two, but when they are together, it’s the best.
Daryl and Connie (The Walking Dead) – So I was a Daryl/Beth shipper, but since that didn’t happen, I’m totally happy jumping on the Daryl and Connie ship. I think it’s adorable the way he’s learning sign language to communicate with her.
Bellamy and Echo (The 100 TV Series) – This is my controversial pairing. I think I am in a very small minority here, but I 100% ship Bellamy and Echo in The 100. Ever since the cage part. They just make total sense to me.
Lincoln and Octavia (The 100 TV Series) – These two were so great together. I’ll just say that I will never be okay with what happened.
Toby and Happy (Scorpion) – I ended up losing interest in the Scorpion TV show, but I will always love Toby and Happy together. They were the one thing I still loved on the show when it all started going downhill for me.
Hardison and Parker (Leverage) – Who doesn’t love Hardison and Parker? Someone, I’m sure, but I think they are adorable.
Robin and Regina (Once Upon A Time) – Like with Lincoln and Octavia, I will never be okay with what happened with these two. They’re perfect for each other. They belong together. They very much should have had a happily ever after like the rest of the hero pairings. It’s completely unfair.

Jaye Elliot

Jaye Elliot is an award-winning author, country girl, and hopeless romantic at heart. She loves a good hero and will always sigh happily during the lights scene in Tangled. She writes from her home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, which she shares with three cats she considers her kids. When not writing romance novels, she pens fantasy and adventure stories as Jaye L. Knight.

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It's Time For A Giveaway!

One winner will receive a signed copy of No Chance Meeting, a coffee mug,
a bag of chocolates, and a hand painted watercolor bookmark

USA only
Ends March 4, 2020

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#NCMPrism

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2020 Birthday Celebration - Guest Post from Denise Weimer + Giveaway

2/28/2020

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When an injury sidelines college swimmer Anna Callaway, her dreams are crushed. She pours herself into her sports marketing practicum, helping a local special needs organization promote their athletic event. What she doesn’t expect is a swim team ripe for the Special Olympics—and their handsome but stubborn coach.

Craig Holt has dealt with eager and ignorant volunteers before. No matter how determined or persuasive uptight Anna might be about coaching his team to the Special Olympics, he has no intention of allowing her to raise the hopes of his swimmers, his sister, or his guarded heart.

Then Anna herself gets a second chance at becoming a champion. Will she pursue her lifelong goals or make room for a new dream?

ISBN-13: 9781645262572

Buy

Guest Post from Denise Weimer

Themes in Spring Splash

An injured college athlete meets her heart’s match in a special needs swim team and their coach.

After four years in her sister’s shadow as a university swim team walk-on, Anna Callaway finally had success in reach. She could measure it. Fifteen yards, and she would’ve been on that bus to Division 1 Championships.
But now she’s out of the pool with a bum shoulder and an impossible marketing practicum assignment, to help the local special needs organization with their spring athletic competition. That plus rehab and study leave Anna racing the clock in a new way, but she can’t seem to keep herself off the deck during Oconee Champions swim practices. And, no, the team’s triathlon-winning coach, Craig Holt, wouldn’t have anything to do with that.
Uptight Anna has a lot to learn about letting go of her perfectionism and relating to special needs athletes, but she isn’t the only one on a learning curve. As the primary caregiver to his younger sister with autism, Craig’s control issues just might surpass Anna’s. And he’s given up on anyone wanting him as a package deal.
Spring Splash is chock full of root-for-the-underdog, feel-good moments, heart-stopping romance, and nail-biting comebacks. But it’s also rich in takeaway value.

Refuse to fear or judge what you don’t know.
Each person’s path to victory and their moment of victory may look different—but are equally valuable.
Don’t allow fear of rejection or failure to steal your dreams, even if you’ve been rejected or failed before.

Denise Weimer

A swim mom for fifteen years, Denise Weimer writes historical and contemporary romance and romantic suspense set in her home state of Georgia. She’s authored over ten novels and a number of novellas. As a managing editor for the historical imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she also helps others reach their publishing dreams.

Connect with Denise here:
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It's Time For A Giveaway!

Denise Weimer is generously giving away
an e-book copy of Spring Splash

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Book Review - Veiled In Smoke by Jocelyn Green

2/27/2020

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Genre:
Historical Romance

Veiled In Smoke
The Windy City Saga book 1
by Jocelyn Green

-From Goodreads-

Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago's business district, they lose much more than just their store.

The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire--he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.

Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father's innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.

ISBN-13: 9780764233302

Chicago, 1871. One little spark will change everything...

Author Jocelyn Green has become a staple in my Christian historical fiction reading. I've read all, but I think one, of her novels. I've been looking forward to Veiled In Smoke since I first heard about it last year, and then when I saw that lovely old fashioned tinted photo style cover I was even more excited.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Jocelyn Green

Author Website

I've known about the Great Chicago Fire for a long time, not the nitty-gritties but the basic overview of facts, and yes, I knew that despite the Johnny Horton song Mrs. O'Leary's cow was not “the one to blame.” Recently I'd read a few articles about the storm of fires that appeared over several states around the same time as the one in Chicago. So, this is interesting stuff to me.

I loved how Jocelyn Green brought all of the threads together, things that hadn't really come to mind when thinking about the Great Chicago Fire. For instance, did you realize that the fire occurred only SIX years after the end of the Civil War? I hadn't thought about it all. Can you imagine the PTSD that would be triggered by the trauma, in civilians and veterans alike? Veiled In Smoke asks all of those questions, and a lot more, and through the power of fiction brings them to life in vivid smoke-drenched color.

Once again, Jocelyn Green treats her readers to historically accurate fiction that will immerse you in early 1870s Chicago and leaves you fully invested in the characters lives. Veiled In Smoke is beautiful story, though tragic at times, of family, faith, and putting the broken pieces back together into something different, but stronger than before. There's plenty of danger and drama, heartfelt moments, some romance, and really good murder mystery thread. It's a great read and I am really looking forward to the next book in The Windy City Saga series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Veiled In Smoke by Jocelyn Green a 4.5 Bark rating.

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Audiobook Review - This Treacherous Journey by Misty M. Beller

2/27/2020

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Genre:
Historical Romance

This Treacherous Journey
Heart Of The Mountains book 1
by Misty M. Beller

-From Goodreads-

A Christian Historical Romance novel.

Widowed and with child, Emma Malcom is fleeing from the reward offered for her arrest. She’s innocent of the dirty dealings her deceased husband orchestrated, but the angry townspeople didn’t stop to listen to her defense before she narrowly escaped with her life. Now, she and her twin brother, Joseph, must battle the mountain wilderness of the Rockies to reach Canada and the clean start she craves. But when a fall from the rocky cliff leaves Joseph wounded and weak, could the strange mountain man they encounter be God’s gift to see them to safety?

Simeon Grant makes bad choices. His deceased wife and twin babies are lost to him now because of his reckless decisions, and the penance he pays by living alone in this mountain wilderness is only a small piece of what he thinks he deserves. When a city woman, heavy with child, appears on his doorstep with her injured brother, her presence resurrects the memories he’s worked so hard to forget. And when she asks for his help to travel deeper into the mountain country, he can’t help wonder why God would force him to relive the same mistakes he’s already suffered through. Or maybe taking these two to safety could be the way to redeem himself.

But when their travels prove more treacherous than he imagined, Simeon finds himself pressing the limits of his ability to keep Emma and her brother safe. Can he overcome the past that haunts him to be the man she needs? Will Emma break through the walls around Simeon’s heart before it’s too late, or will the dangers of these mountains be the end of them all?

ASIN: B079H38PKQ

She's the last thing he ever wanted on his doorstep...

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Misty M. Beller

Author Website

While not a deep historical novel I still found This Treacherous Journey to be entertaining to listen to. It kept my mind busy while my hands were busy doing all that good stuff you gotta do around the house every day. Misty M. Beller's story has a little bit of everything. Trauma and drama, storms and wild animals, sacrifice and miracles, romance and danger, faith and redemption. One of the things I really liked about this book was the small cast of characters. I've read hundreds of historical novels over the years, many with an overabundance of characters. So, it's nice now and then to find one that's easy to keep track of who's who and what's what.

As I mentioned before, I listened to the audiobook version of This Treacherous Journey. I found the narrator's voice to pleasant to listen to, not everyone has a voice cut out for reading aloud but the lady chosen definitely does. And I felt that she did justice to Misty M. Beller's story. I have the next book in the Heart Of The Mountains series, which, I'll probably be listening to soon.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives This Treacherous Journey by Misty M. Beller a 4 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Hope For New Beginnings by Dr. Howard Eyrich and Shirley Crowder + Giveaway

2/26/2020

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Hope for New Beginnings: Devotions for the Adventure –
Stepping into any new beginning not knowing what is ahead, is exciting and unsettling at the same time. Our Hope, as Christ-followers, rests in knowing that we do not move forward in our own strength, but in the strength of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. We pray these devotions will help prepare your heart to learn from the Lord as He affirms His steadfast love that gives the strength and hope needed to walk boldly into whatever new beginning the Lord has in store for you. These devotions will guide your thoughts toward the biblical truths presented in the background and focal Scripture passages. Each devotional has exercises (you will choose at least one to do each day) that lead you to interact with the biblical truths presented and gain a deeper understanding of the truths in each devotion. Biblical Counselors, when you are ready to dismiss a counselee, this makes a great assignment for the next thirty-one days, then have the counselee come back for a final check-up.

Genre: Non-fiction / Religion / Devotional
Release Date: November, 2018

Click here to get your copy.

More from Shirley

New beginnings are a regular part of life. Sometimes they are well planned, and we eagerly anticipate the future. At other times, we are reticent to move forward into the new beginning. As we think about new beginnings it is appropriate for us to look at the beginning of God’s Word—the Bible.

In Genesis 1:1 ESV, we read, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Here God is the subject, as He is the subject of the entire Bible. From this verse we learn something very important about God—He existed before the universe was created. God has always been, is now, and will always be, present.

Next, we learn that from nothing God created the universe and everything within it. He is the holy, sovereign, majestic, powerful, all-knowing God.

Every time I read these first few verses of the Bible, I am amazed that with just four little words, Let there be light (verse 3), the Creator God spoke into existence light that drove away the darkness. What astounding power! From these verses, we learn that God is the Author of light. Other places in Scripture tell us that God is light itself (1 John 1:5), and James calls Him the Father of lights (James 1:17).

Think about it: here we are today, many years since God spoke those four little words, Let there be light, and as John tells us, The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5). The Light—God—brings clarity, order, and understanding, while darkness is seen as evil, void, and chaotic.

I watched the coverage of a solar eclipse on several websites. It was so interesting to listen as a myriad of scientists and others explained the wonders of the universe, and while the science behind it all was quite interesting to me, the coverage fell flat. Why? Because it was totally devoid of any mention of Creator God. Only one man explained the solar eclipse through the lens of God’s Word. As he explained the science behind the solar eclipse, he also explained that THE God of the Universe who created everything that we see, holds the entire universe in His hands, and controls everything that happens, including a solar eclipse.

In the midst of a new beginning or anything else going on in your life, the truths in these passages are wonderful reminders that we can step confidently into any new beginning as we trust in the God who was here in the beginning, is here with us now, and who will be with us always. And what a comfort it is to remember that the light of God dispels the darkness and chaos of sin.

Dr. Howard A. Eyrich

Dr. Howard A. Eyrich’s career has spanned more than sixty years. He has filled various roles including seminary professor and president, Pastor and church planter. He retired as the Director of Counseling Ministries at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama;
He has served on the boards of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, Birmingham Theological Seminary, Trinity Seminary, the Biblical Counseling Coalition, and The Owen Center, as well as various Presbytery and Presbyterian Church in America denominational committees to name some of major roles.
His publishing efforts include two books as solo author, three books with a co-author, and numerous chapters in significant volumes in the biblical counseling field, as well as articles for The Journal of Biblical Counseling and several other magazines.

Dr. Eyrich and his wife Pamela have two grown children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Retirement for him is a time for ministry. He writes, teaches, preaches, and travels for the Kingdom. He also enjoys the hobbies of model railroading, hunting, and shooting.
Dr. Eyrich is available to speak in conferences, fill pulpits, and for intensive marriage interventions, especially with ministries couples.

Shirley Crowder

Shirley Crowder was born in a mission guest house under the shade of a mango tree in Nigeria, West Africa, where her parents served as missionaries. She and co-author Harriet E. Michael grew up together on the mission field and have been life-long friends. Shirley is passionate about disciple-making, which is manifested in and through a myriad of ministry opportunities including: biblical counseling, teaching Bible studies, writing, and music.
She is a biblical counselor and is commissioned by and serves on the national Advisory Team for The Addiction Connection. Several of her articles have appeared in “Paper Pulpit” in the Faith section of The Gadsden Times, and in a David C. Cook publication. She also writes articles for Life Bible Study, Woman’s Missionary Union, InspiredPrompt.com and TheAddictionConnection.org. She has authored, co-authored, or contributed to six published books, and she has a four-book devotional series she co-wrote that is scheduled for publication over the next couple of years.

Shirley has spiritual children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren serving the Lord in various ministry and secular positions throughout the world.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate their tour, Shirley and Howard are giving away the
grand prize package of a print copy of the book and 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/f5c7/hope-for-new-beginnings-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16
Older & Smarter?, February 17
Inklings and notions, February 18
For Him and My Family, February 19
deb’s Book Review, February 20
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 21
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 22 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, February 22
CarpeDiem, February 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 24
SPLASHES of Joy, February 25
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 26 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, February 27
Just the Write Escape, February 28

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Audiobook Review - Gold Frankincense And Murder by Barbara Early

2/26/2020

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Genre:
Mystery / Holiday

Gold Frankincense And Murder
by Barbara Early

-From Amazon-

High school geometry teacher, Donna Russell likes her life well-ordered and logical, even if it is a tad solitary at times. But when a charming co-worker at the local food bank disappears just before Christmas, Donna is left with more questions than solutions.

After the missing man's neighbor, muscle-bound EMT Sam Holton, volunteers as Donna's crime-fighting sidekick, sparks fly between them. Donna wonders if Sam can be trusted, or if he's trying to throw an unknown into her calculations - and her life.

And when police recover a body from the icy Niagara River, Donna is faced with the most frustrating equation of all: can murder plus mayhem ever equal romance?

This story is part of the Pelican Book Group Christmas Holiday Extravaganza.

ASIN: B00AWF9XC4

Who knew volunteering could be so dangerous...

Gold Frankincense And Murder is a charming cozy style mystery set at Christmastime. It's relatively short, the e-book is about 72 pages and the audiobook is a little under 2.5 hours in length, and is an easy read/listen.

I listened to the audiobook and other than a few awkward pauses between scenes and chapters I really enjoyed it. The narrator's voice is a little different than in your average audiobook which was something I greatly appreciated.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Barbara Early

Author Website

If you like holiday cozy mysteries that leave you trying to guess whodunit, quirky and blunt heroines, handsome guys, and a faith element, Barbara Early has you covered.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Gold Frankincense And Murder by Barbara Early a 4 Bark rating.

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Leaving Texas by Caryl McAdoo + Interview & Guest Post & Giveaway

2/25/2020

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I know the plans I have for you, plans for good, not evil.

Cruel is the illusion of love. Robbed of her true love by his mean-spirited mother, Charity is given no choice but to leave Texas and follow her Prince Charming to the Golden State. Instantly attracted to her, Morgan agrees to help the young beauty on her journey, but where all other ladies paled after first blush, his initial fascination only deepens with every turn of the wagon’s wheels. Though obvious to all those around the two—how perfect Morgan and Charity were for each other—will the hard-headed, strong-willed daughter of Liberty O’Neal Harrell ever realize it?

Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: January 2, 2020

Click here for your copy!

Interview with Caryl

Hey, Jasmine! Thank you so much for inviting me to come and share here at your blog! I’m looking forward to meeting your readers! Did you know my THE BEDWARMER’S SON novel has a heroine named Jasmine? I love the name; it’s so pretty!

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

1. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I started LEAVING TEXAS on June fifth and finished it on August eleventh for a total of sixty-seven days!

2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
In 2012, I met a New York agent, Mary Sue Seymour at a rural writers’ conference in East Texas. The first thing I learned upon meeting her was that she grew up a McAdoo—it’d been her maiden name! (Had to be a God thing, right?) We hit it off and I volunteered to drive her to the airport when the conference ended, a three-hour ride.

She’d liked our (husband and me) writing but didn’t have a place for a male lead, so she told us if we’d write her a historical Christian romance, she’d sell it. We did, and she did!

Two months later! And to Simon & Schuster! From meeting to sale was less than six months—a God ordained miracle in this industry!

While that has remained my favorite genre, I still write in other genres such as Biblical fiction, contemporary Christian romance, for young adults, and for mid-grade readers!

3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Well, for me that has to be Morgan because he’s so much like my Ron. 😊 He’s strong, quiet, wise, patient, and gentle, plus he has a loving, servant’s heart and is so level-headed! 😊

4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope they will learn to trust and obey their Creator. Many times, we make plans without asking God what His are. When those go awry, we’re so disappointed and our world is turned upside down. But if we trust Him, we know He will work every situation to our good. And if we obey His instructions, He will always point us in the right direction. For a happy, peaceful, fulfilled life, it all boils down to trust and obedience.

5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
With publishing getting easier almost every day, readers many times get sub-quality stories littered with typos and bad grammar. Rather than leaving a poor review, contact the author privately through their website or Messenger to let them know.

I absolutely am so blessed when a reader finds one of those and contacts me! Did you know Indie authors are able to go in and FIX the error? I just love that because eventually, all my books should be perfect. It is crazy that after so many people go over it—editors and proofreaders—there would still be uh-ohs, but those workers get caught up in the story and ‘forget’ to edit or proof for a few pages.

If I have ten pairs of fresh eyes on a manuscript, every single one will find typos or small words left out, even misspellings that none of the others catch! An author cannot, should never, edit and proof their own work because our brains just read right over the mistakes!

Personally I’m grateful for EVERY REVIEW! The good and the bad! Reviews are so very important for authors, so if you like or love the story, thank the author by leaving a review! BLESSINGS!

Bonus:
God still speaks to us today. Don’t let anyone tell you He doesn’t. And He said we know His voice.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Thank you again for inviting me to your blog, Jasmine! I appreciate you choosing to participate in my Celebrate Lit Blog Tour for Leaving Texas! I’d be happy to come anytime!

BLESSINGS to you and all your readers!! 

More from Caryl

As my second family saga series—Cross Timbers Romance—grows, and the children of Book One GONE TO TEXAS come into adulthood, I fall more in love with these characters. This story—Book Four in the series, LEAVIN’ TEXAS, takes readers on another wagon train that historically left right about the same time of year as its early spring setting from Red River County, heading for California in 1850.

LEAVIN’ TEXAS is Charity O’Neal’s story wherein she determines to follow her Prince Charming, Eberhart ‘Hart’ de Vecchi, to California to start her new life with him there—no matter the naysayers or rough trails ahead. But as so often is the case, our plans and those God has in place for us don’t always correlate.

Many times, we’ve prayed about it—what we want Him to do, how we expect everything to turn out—and feel certain we are in His will. I personally thank God for praying mothers, friends, and grandmothers who perhaps see us heading in a wrong direction and beseech Him to guide us in His way, not our own.

My life has benefitted from such praying women.
So does Charity O’Neal’s.
I imagine yours has as well!

I love the well-known verse in Jeremiah!

Especially the ‘expected end’ part. I find great comfort in knowing His thoughts—or plans—are of peace and not evil, and that He intends to give us an expected end!
I hope you enjoy LEAVING TEXAS and will take time to review it!
BLESSINGS!

Caryl McAdoo

Praying her story gives God glory, award-winning author Caryl McAdoo continues prolificity with her new Cross Timbers Romance Family Saga series. Readers around the world enjoy her best-selling novels and shower them with 5-Star ratings galore. With forty-eight titles—and counting—her love for writing is obvious; the lady loves singing the new songs the Lord gives her as well! (Check out YouTube). Caryl gave Ron four children and the couple shares eighteen grandsugars. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, the seat of Red River County, in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Caryl 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/f5bf/leaving-texas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 13
deb’s Book Review, February 14
Texas Book-aholic, February 15
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, February 16
Inklings and notions, February 17
For the Love of Literature, February 18 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, February 19
Betti Mace, February 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 21
janicesbookreviews, February 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 24
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 25 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, February 26 (Guest Reviewer Donna Cline)

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Book Review - The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

2/25/2020

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Genre:
Historical Romance

The Land Beneath Us
Sunrise At Normandy book 3
by Sarah Sundin

-From Goodreads-

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the U.S. Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for—fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family—the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-Day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true?

ISBN-13: 9780800727994

Can love and faith get them through dark times?

Wow, this was quite a story. I've only read a few of Sarah Sundin's books but I've come to expect a lot from her. The Land Before Us topped them all. I do have to admit that I have not read book two in the Sunrise At Normandy series as of yet. But that did not diminish the impressiveness of this book. In The Land Before Us readers finally get to find out Clay's perspective of the events that tore his close-knit family apart, driving all three Paxton sons into various branches of the military during World War II. There's a lot of emotion in this story. Both Clay and Leah have painful pasts in addition to turmoil of present circumstances.

This Book received a 4.5 Bark rating.

Sarah Sundin

Author Website

Sarah Sundin captured my attention right from the start. I became immersed in the setting and invested in Leah and Clay's story very quickly. They are just the kind of people you love to have as friends in real life. And, I'll tell you, that made some parts of the story a little difficult.

I really did enjoy The Land Beneath Us and was reminded just how much I like Sarah Sundin's books. The story is by turns, fun, poignant, romantic, and even has an unexpected mystery angle. Clay's recurring dream was a surprising twist that I positively liked. All in all, this is a great wartime historical romance from a good author, a story you won't want to miss.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin a 4.5 Bark rating.

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2020 Birthday Celebration - Guest Post from Amy Lillard + Giveaway

2/25/2020

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In this new novel set in the beloved Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing, three generations
of women challenge themselves and each other to make a fresh start in faith, family--and love.

Jenna Burkhart is tired of being "special" and hearing about what she can't do. Even though she suffered a head injury in a childhood swimming accident, she wants a life of her own just like any Amish woman. But now that she, her mamm, and her mammi have moved to Wells Landing, she's having a hard time fitting in. . . . Until she meets Buddy Miller, a boy just like her, who gives her the confidence to reach for the impossible . . .

Like Jenna, Buddy is used to being the boy no one expects much from, the one people see as "different." Still, being around Jenna's lively, kind-hearted ways makes him strive ever-harder to become the self-sufficient Amish man she deserves. But in the face of family disapproval and their own fears, will Jenna and Buddy's courage be enough to give them a forever happiness together?

ISBN-13: 9781420149562

Our Review

Guest Post from author Amy Lillard

It’s no secret that I’ve been blessed with many wonderful opportunities which have allowed me to spend a great deal of time with Amish people from several different communities. Each community is unique, of course. Some ride bikes or scooters while in others such transportation methods are forbidden. In some, the women all wear darker colors, while brights are acceptable in others. Prayer coverings vary, buggies can be anything from white and brown to bright yellow, all depending on what is allowed there. But there is one thing the people all share: the need for love and acceptance within their community. Out of this need comes the story of Buddy and Jenna. Loving Jenna is a book I’ve been wanting to write for quite some time. You may remember Buddy Miller from other books in my Wells Landing Series. He has Down syndrome and is the brother of Jonah Miller who has been in the series since book one (Caroline’s’ Secret). Buddy has the wonderful knack of telling the honest truth, even when the person he’s telling it to might not be ready to hear it. Which is why he plays such an important role in Marrying Jonah, his brother’s story. But in writing about Jonah and Sarah, Buddy came to life and I knew that he needed a story of his own.

But who in Wells Landing could handle a sweet firecracker like Buddy (Ivan Dale) Miller? Jenna Burkhart. Jenna wasn’t born with her limitations but gained them after a swimming accident in which she died and then was resuscitated. She’s new to Wells Landing having moved there from one of my favorite Amish communities in Yoder, Kansas. With her caring disposition and gentle manner, Jenna’s the perfect complement to Buddy. But it seems their families are not sold on the idea of the two of them as a couple. With as hard as the well-meaning Burkharts and Millers work to keep them apart, Buddy and Jenna have to work twice as hard to prove themselves worthy of love and happiness, something that should be a God-given right for us all. Yet we all know, love and life are never that simple, even in a slow-paced Amish community like Wells Landing. But with a little faith and a whole lot of prayer, maybe their families will realize what Buddy and Jenna have known from the start: they were meant to be together. Always and forever.

Amy Lillard

I'm a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I've retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I'm from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty years and have a son-a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels-not necessarily in that order. I'm a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I'm shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I love to write inspirational romances. The two go hand-in-hand for me.

I have always been intrigued with the Amish culture, their gentle ways and slower-paced lifestyle. (And I love, love, love the fact that they stay married for their lifetime.) But until recently I never thought to blend this interest with my penchant for romance. Okay, okay, I'm a bit old-fashioned and even enjoy the gender roles that are present in this culture. I love to cook and take care of my family. Yes, that's me June Cleaver with a laptop.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I'll get to it or I won't, either way I'm good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I'm alone on this last one, and again, I'm good with it.)

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Amy Lillard is generously giving away
a print copy of Loving Jenna

USA only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Monday Movie - February 24th, 2020 (The Ugly Dachshund)

2/24/2020

2 Comments

The Ugly Dachshund
starring
Dean Jones ■ Suzanne Pleshette ■ Charlie Ruggles

(1966)

A HAPPY HONEYMOON GOES TO THE DOGS!...When a Great Dane disguised as a Dachsie crashes the party!

Fran Garrison's all in a tizzy because her prize Dachshund, Danke, is having pups, and she has hopes of one of the pups becoming a champion. But at the vet's, her husband Mark is talked into letting Danke wet nurse a Great Dane pup that's been abandoned by his mother. And Mark wants to keep the Great Dane. But Brutus has this problem: he thinks he's a dachshund and he's too big to be a lapdog. But when Fran ridicules Brutus one too many times, Jim's got a plan to prove to everyone (and Fran) that a great Dane can be far more than just an ugly dachshund.

There are two epic battles in this world....

The battle of the sexes and the battle between small dog owners and large dog owners...The Ugly Dachshund has it all.

This was one of the Disney movies that I don't remember seeing as a child, even though I always preferred live action movies to animation. But I think I am actually able to appreciate it a lot more as an adult. Partly because this is one of the few Disney films with no kids, aside from the four-legged furry variety. This is the story of a young married couple, who love each other immensely, but they have very different ideas in dogs. And that's where the fun begins!

The movie wouldn't be a Disney without some slapstick, just see what happens when the little dog steals the big dog's bone and then runs through an outdoor dinner party. There's a little stereotyping, but get over it as this IS a 60s movie, so...

The Ugly Dachshund is a little bit long for a Disney movie but it's so much fun. Whether you are a big dog person or a little dog person you can see the laugh out loud humor. Trust me, if you've been around people with dogs you've heard it all...or said it yourself...

So, grab your own furry friend and have a little fun with Dean Jones, Suzanne Pleshette, and their wild and crazy canine crew!

1 hour 33 minutes

Principal Cast

Dean Jones...Mark Garrison
Suzanne Pleshette...Fran Garrison
Charles Ruggles...Dr. J.L. Pruitt (as Charlie Ruggles)
Kelly Thordsen...Officer Carmody
Parley Baer...Mel Chadwick
Robert Kino...Mr. Toyama
Mako...Kenji
Charles Lane...Judge

Filming Location(s)

Walt Disney Studios, Burbank, California, USA

Quotes

Kenji: Rion! Rion!
Mark Garrison: Lion?
[Kenji points to Brutus, standing over Mr. Toyama, laying on the ground]
Fran Garrison: Brutus! Mark call him off. Mr. Toyama.
Mr. Toyama: Take away rion!
Fran Garrison: That's not a lion, that's a dog.
Mr. Toyama: [sits up] You call THAT, dog?

Fran Garrison: Mark it's hard enough to cater a party for 60 people without that four legged demolition squad around.
Mark Garrison: Demolition squad? Well what about that, that wrecking crew of yours? [the Daucshunds]

WATCH ON DVD

4-MOVIE DVD SET

WATCH ON AMAZON

Affiliate links used.

Thanks to IMDB.com for most of the info for this movie.

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Audiobook Review - Diamond In The Rough by Jen Turano

2/23/2020

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Genre:
Historical Romance

Diamond In The Rough
American Heiresses book 2
by Jen Turano

-From Goodreads-

When Miss Poppy Garrison accepts her grandmother's offer of financial help for her family in exchange for Poppy joining the New York social season, she quickly realizes she is far less equipped to mingle with the New York Four Hundred than even she knew. As she becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, becoming the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs her to be looks more impossible by the day.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, is in New York to help his cousin find an American heiress who can help save his family's estate. But when his very proper British manners lead Poppy's grandmother to request he teach etiquette to Poppy, he quickly finds himself in for much more than he bargained for.

And while they couldn't be more opposite, Reginald and Poppy just might find they have more to teach each other than they ever could have expected.

ISBN-13: 9780764231681

She's taking New York, and him, by storm!

There are many adjectives that apply to a Jen Turano book. Delightful. Charming. Enchanting. Captivating. Fascinating. Engaging. Lovely. Scrumptious. All of these definitely apply to this Diamond In The Rough who, with the help of a certain English gentleman, is either going to turn into a diamond of the first water or a colossal disgrace during her first society season.

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Jen Turano

Author Website

But, oh, Poppy's madcap adventures are so much fun! As is Reginald's amusing attempts to reign her in and save her from herself. I'd swear I say this with every new release, but it's true. Diamond In The Rough is probably my favorite Jen Turano book...so far...or at least until the next American Heiresses book comes out.

I've actually read this book twice. The first time in paperback and again when I got the chance at an audiobook. Yes, the story was familiar the second time through, but in a good way, and the narrator's sprightly voice brought the characters to life in an all new way. Sure, the accents are exactly spot on but she was the perfect choice to narrate the audiobook. The production quality was excellent and did justice to Jen Turano's wonderful story. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Diamond In The Rough, either audiobook or in print.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Diamond In The Rough by Jen Turano a 5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Loving Jenna by Amy Lillard

2/23/2020

1 Comment

Genre:
Amish

Loving Jenna
The Wells Landing Series book 9
by Amy Lillard

-From Goodreads-

In this new novel set in the beloved
Oklahoma Amish community of Wells
Landing, three generations of women
challenge themselves and each other to
make a fresh start in faith, family--and love.

ISBN-13: 9781420149562

Sometimes love takes a little persistence...

If there's one thing that you can count on when picking up an Amy Lillard novel it's that she will always surprise you. She takes on those tough family issues that are universal to Amish, Englisher, and beyond. Loving Jenna is definitely one of those.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Amy Lillard

Author Website

Some reviews are hard to write. Not because the book was bad, but because the topics in the story are either difficult or require some sensitivity. If, like me, you are not in the know on the current PC terms and phrases it can be a virtual minefield. You don't want to be hurtful to anyone but you aren't exactly sure how not to.

While I strongly sympathized with Jenna and Buddy, I also fully understood their parents' concerns and desire to protect them. Loving Jenna is very thought provoking as two young adults with disabilities navigate the perils of love and responsibility, while their parents struggle with letting them step into the lives they wish to lead.

Amy Lillard has penned another great story, told with sensitivity and kindness, that is sure to entertain as well as make you think. Loving Jenna is a sweet story, different than most Amish romances as all of Amy Lillard's books are, and it's a great addition to her Wells Landing series. Oh, and you can't help falling in love with a little character named PJ...I sure did...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Loving Jenna by Amy Lillard a 4 Bark rating.

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2020 Birthday Celebration - Character Inspiration with Carrie Fancett Pagels + Giveaway

2/22/2020

11 Comments

Lessons on Love collection
4 Teachers Find More Than They Bargained for in Their Contracts

Something Old, Something New by Kathleen L. Maher
New York, 1840s
Her father’s sudden death makes Gilda Jacobs the new schoolmaster, but to teach Christian curriculum she partners with fire-and-brimstone revivalist Joshua Blake, who learns a lesson in love.

Love in Any Language by Susanne Dietze
Kansas, 1870
Mary Clarence teaches English to the children of Swedish immigrants, but when her favorite students’ widowed father, Kristofer Nilsson, is accused of robbery, she’s determined to clear his name.

In Desperate Straits by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Mackinac Island, Michigan, 1894
Desperate for work, Margaret Hadley dresses as a young man to secure a dray driver’s position. When soldiers at the fort threaten her, Mackinac Island’s newest teacher, Jesse Huntington, intervenes.

A Song in the Night by Rita Gerlach
Virginia, 1904
Karin Wiles longs to share the uplifting power of music with children. But when she seeks to improve a poorly run school and include orphans, Nathaniel Archer delivers harsh words of opposition from the school board.

BUY
AMAZON ■ BARNES & NOBLE ■ CBD ■ BARBOUR

The Inspiration Behind the Character
By Carrie Fancett Pagels

My heroine, Maggie Hadley, in my novella “In Desperate Straits” in the Barbour Lessons on Love collection was inspired by a fellow Yooper woman. I’m from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, myself, and I met Judy Bishop when she drove our dray to a barbecue at the Cannonball on Mackinac Island. This was about six or seven years ago and I was in a boot because I could barely walk without pain. We didn’t know then that bone spurs were literally sawing away at my Achilles tendon. Ouch! But, because I was in the boot, I got inspiration for what became the Maggie Hadley character. I was inspired by this real-life female dray driver, who was so compassionate and allowed me to sit up by her on the trip to the BBQ.

Close up of tack and several horses in the stalls.

You see, I had always heard about a horse farm over in Pickford, not far from where I grew up in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. That Percheron horse farm supplied most of the horses for the carriages and the horses also wintered over in Pickford. So it was with great interest I discovered that Judy grew up on that farm! And her brother and sister-in-law now ran the Percheron farm. I thought that was super cool. I started percolating the notion of a young woman who grew up on such a farm, but back at a time when women’s choices were so restricted. And I tried to imagine how and why a young lady like that could be able to drive dray on Mackinac Island.

Long-shot extended view of horses & more Percheron horses in their stalls.

So my heroine, Maggie, ends up growing up on the Hadley Percheron Farm in Pickford and she does drive carriages and drays into their small town. In fact, she’s an expert driver (much like real-life Judy). When her brothers can’t work, during the 1894 recession, Maggie seeks to help her family out. She takes over the family’s contract with the island dray business. A fun side note is that Stan Danner, who appears in my novel My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island (a Romantic Times Top Pick and a Maggie Excellence in Literature Award Winner) runs the stables where Maggie Hadley goes to work on the island.

Head Shot of Carrie with Judy

In real life, Judy Bishop is in fact the Manager of the largest carriage outfit in the United States (possibly the world). You see, Mackinac does not regularly allow motorized vehicles on the island other than for emergencies. So most travel is by carriage and deliveries are by dray. In fact, UPS stuff gets delivered from the back of a dray draw by Percherons! Judy is an amazing young woman to be managing this place but really she was born to it!

When I was on the island for two weeks, this past summer 2019, Judy and I finally met up again. She was kind enough to give me a tour of the stables. It was obvious that these horses are her pride and joy.

Giveaway
A signed paperback copy of Lessons on Love collection from
Barbour Publishing to one commenter who answers my question.

Question: Do you ever think about how a “What if?”
might have inspired a story you are reading?

Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is an ECPA bestselling and award-winning author of seventeen published inspirational historical romances, tagline “Hearts Overcoming Through Time.” Carrie’s novel, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring (Barbour, July 2017) won the 2018 Maggie Awards winner for Novel with Religious Elements and was a Romantic Times Book Reviews Top Pick. Carrie’s romance novella, The Steeplechase, was a finalist in the prestigious Holt Medallion Awards in 2017. Her short story, “The Quilting Contest”, was the Historical Fiction Winner of Family Fiction’s The Story national contest and published in a book by that name. Her novella, The Substitute Bride, was a 2016 Maggie Award (published) finalist for Romance Novellas. All three of her Christy Lumber Camp books were long list finalists for Family Fiction’s Book of the Year and The Fruitcake Challenge was a Selah Award finalist.

Possessed with an overactive imagination, that wasn’t “cured” by twenty-five years as a psychologist, Carrie loves bringing characters to life. She also teaches at writing conferences and seminars on “Why Back Story Matters” in character development. Brought up in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula, Carrie resides with her family and their adopted Kelpie in the Historic Triangle of Virginia. Carrie enjoys reading, traveling, baking, and beading-but not all at the same time!

Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com
Blogs: Overcoming With God and Colonial Quills
Social Media Links:
Facebook Author Page ■ Facebook Personal Page ■ Twitter ■ Pinterest
goodreads ■ LinkedIn ■ Amazon author page ■ Bookbub ■ Instagram

11 Comments

Book Review - Isaiah's Legacy by Mesu Andrews

2/22/2020

2 Comments

Genre:
Historical / Biblical

Isaiah's Legacy
A Novel Of Prophets And Kings book 3
by Mesu Andrews

-From Goodreads-

The drama of the Old Testament comes to life as Judah's most notorious king ascends to the throne in this gripping novel from the award-winning author of Isaiah's Daughter .

At eight years old, Shulle has known only life in a small village with her loving but peculiar father. When Uncle Shebna offers shelter in Jerusalem in exchange for Shulle's help tutoring King Manasseh, Judah's five-year-old co-regent who displays the same peculiarities as her father, she's eager to experience the royal court. But Shulle soon realizes the limits of her father's strict adherence to Yahweh's Law when Uncle Shebna teaches her of the starry hosts and their power.

Convinced Judah must be freed from Yahweh's chains, she begins the subtle swaying of young Manasseh, using her charm and skills on the boy no one else understands. When King Hezekiah dies, twelve-year-old Manasseh is thrust onto Judah's throne, bitter at Yahweh and eager to marry the girl he adores. Assyria's crown prince favors Manasseh and twists his brilliant mind toward cruelty, beginning Shulle's long and harrowing journey to discover the Yahweh she'd never known, guided with loving wisdom by Manasseh's mother: Isaiah's daughter, the heartbroken Hephzibah. Amid Judah's dark days, a desperate remnant emerges, claiming the Lord's promise, "Though we're helpless now, we're never hopeless--because we serve El Shaddai." Shulle is among them, a girl who becomes a queen through Isaiah's legacy.

ISBN-13: 9780735291881

It is truly the darkest before the dawn...

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Mesu Andrews

Author Website

There are books, there are books, and then there are books. Isaiah's Legacy is one of the latter. This is one of those rare books that I loved and hated, which, shows just how talented Mesu Andrews truly is. I can't imagine it was easy for her to write this story, I certainly know that it wasn't always easy to read. Sometimes I simply couldn't put the book down, and just kept on reading in horrified fascination. Why, you ask? Because, this is the story of Hezi and Zibah's (Isaiah's Daughter) son who is known as the wickedest king in Judah's history. My heart broke as the character, Zibah, that I had so come to love in the previous book had pretty much everything stripped away from her as she watched her son spiral into unparalleled evil. My heart cried out for little Shulle as she was systematically stripped of her innocence and faith in God to become the instrument of evil people bent on revenge and power. And then there was Manasseh himself, young, naive, gentle, and manipulated by those who should have protected him.

Isaiah's Legacy was a hard book to read. I both loved and strongly disliked the heroine. The violence, the pain, the betrayal, and the abuse, heaped on the characters was heartrending. But it was true. Even if the fictionalized parts of the story didn't play out quite as portrayed, it was still TRUTH. This is the story of every little girl, or boy, who has been physically and emotionally assaulted by the very people they should be able to trust the most. This is the story of every mother dealing with the pain of a wayward child. This is the story of every child yearning for approval and finding it in the worst places. This is the story of every person who has to be torn down for Yahweh to build them back. Who has to find the end of themselves before they can truly be healed. This book is a terrible, beautiful, roller coaster of emotion that will leave the reader in tears but standing stronger than they were before. This is Isaiah's Legacy and it's our story now just as much as it was 2,700 years ago.

Please do not be scared off by what I've said. As hard as it was to read this story it's one that I think every adult SHOULD read. Ultimately, this book is a story of hope and of God's provision through the darkest of days. I wouldn't have said the things that I have if I hadn't become so invested in the story, if it wasn't so well written, if Mesu Andrews wasn't so amazingly good at her research and at making history and the Bible come alive in such vivid full-color detail. I can say without hesitation that Isaiah's Legacy will be on my list of favorite books this year and I can't quite say in words just how much I recommend this book from phenomenal pen of Mesu Andrews.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Isaiah's Legacy by Mesu Andrews a 5 Bark rating.