Friday, June 15, 2018

I am my Beloved by Caryl Macadoo

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: I Am My Beloved

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: April, 2018

The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.

How could the wisest man ever to live turn away from following God? The key is in Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs that King Solomon wrote after his return to the Lord. Who was the Shulamite? And why did he call her his sister spouse? Only God knows the answer, but the wisest man who ever lived left clues. You will never forget reading this anointed story and may find yourself setting it down to wipe tears away or simply worship the great I AM.

MY REVIEW

I feel blessed that I got to read this book! For I have gotten a lot out of this beautiful biblical fiction.

Isn't it wonderful to know that our Lord doesn't forsake us nor does he ever leave us?

Indeed it surely is for without Him we'd be nothing!!

I also want to say that such a beautiful cover!! I'm a sucker for lovely covers!

I think it wonderful to read about Abishag and King Solomon!

I know that we're not to wonder after the Bible but I think it's pretty awesome to know what went on in these people's lives long after that particular verse is over.

The way Caryl writes, she enables u to feel like what their lives would have been like!

Abishag truly appreciates life even though she has up and downs she always manages to praise God!! Oh my!! She even made me want to sing and dance even tho I was sorely in a bad mood tonight. My feet wanted to lift off the ground the way hers did!!

And the food!! Just makes me want to drool and reach into the book to grab some!!! Especially breakfast since that is my favorite food! I couldn't imagine having that much food!!

The Lord reminds us to have no other God's before Him for He is a jeaulous God.

I most assuredly have fallen from Grace many times!! I'm still struggling!

I so loved this book that I recommend you to read it and try to follow along in your Bible. It's amazing that these authors can bring them to life and I can the loving God through this author's heart!!

I loved her earlier book called the Bedwarmers Son but I think this will be my most favorite by her!

I received this book for free! All opinions are my own!!

Click here to purchase your copy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and a quick scroll through her novels’ rankings by Christian readers attests to the Father’s faithfulness. She loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs He gives her—look her up on YouTube to hear a few. Her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-two years ago, and now they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

Guest Post from Caryl McAdoo

I AM My Beloved is a story unlike any I’ve ever written in that it moved me so. Not saying all my stories don’t move me, they do—to tears and laughter. Just today I got all teary writing a scene in my WIP for next September. But I AM My Beloved moved me to worship. I literally would stop typing, bask in God’s presence, and worship.

I believe that it is anointed and of course, as always, pray it will give God glory. I pray that His children will be blessed and drawn closer to the Father reading it. It’s a romance, yes, but nothing like any proverbial historical romances you’ve ever read.

It’s the story of Abishag. Have you ever heard of her? Her name is mentioned only five times in the Bible, all in 1Kings. “So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.” Kings 1:3 They brought her to King David. To keep him warm during his dying days.

Scripture tells us the she cherished David, and also that he never knew her—his virgin queen. You’ll love her heart, creativity, attitudes, intelligence, and spirit of submission. It’s like all God’s beloved daughters can identify with her. Writing her story was akin to writing a love letter to Jesus. So often, it was Him and me, not these characters of olden days brought to life in I AM My Beloved.

This love story of what happens to Abishag after David’s death when Solomon, heir to the Throne becomes King of Israel. And perhaps, you’ll get a whole new take on the wisest man ever to live, as he takes on building the Temple of God, foreign wives, follows after their gods, then returns to serve the One True God and write Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.

At its end, is a section I call “Search the Scriptures” that point out and explain the clues that led to its writing. I hope you’ll enjoy it!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 2

Splashes of Joy, June 3

Novels Corner, June 3

Captive Dreams Window, June 4

Mary Hake, June 4

proud to be an autism mom, June 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 6

Janices book reviews, June 7

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 8

cherylbbookblog, June 9

Bibliophile Reviews, June 10

Carpe Diem, June 11

A Baker’s Perspective, June 12

The Christian Fiction Girl, June 13

Red Headed Book Lady, June 14

Bigreadersite, June 14

Godly Book Reviews, June 15

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, June 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away

GRAND PRIZE : $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st Prize: TWO novels–Choice-of-Caryl’s Titles (print or ebook)
2nd-4th: (three winners) ebook of I AM My Beloved
5th-7th: print copy VOW UNBROKEN!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ceba/i-am-my-beloved-celebration-tour-giveaway

Kappy King and the Pickle Kaper by Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kathryn "Kappy" King is happy being a plain-spoken unmarried odd-woman-out in her Pennsylvania Amish hometown. Her talent is making the special kapps local women use to cover their hair. But her skill at uncovering trouble in this quiet valley is about to be truly tested . . .

At first, young Sally June Esh's tragic death doesn't look like murder. Even in peaceful Blue Sky, collisions between buggies and Englisch cars aren't unheard of. Still, the Eshes are skilled drivers used to delivering their popular pickles for miles around. And after Kappy notices Sally's buggy was deliberately run off the road, her ex-Amish friend Edie gets strange texts saying the crash was no accident . . .

Kappy won't let her community's silence keep justice from being done. And even though a still-shunned Edie thinks of moving back to the city, she and Kappy start rooting out secrets about the Eshes' long-time neighbors--and new pickle-producing rivals. But when they learn that Sally's brother is secretly courting an Englisch girl, their investigation takes a disturbing turn .

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed another who did it with Kappy. I think she's my favorite character. I also like Edie.

Those two remind me of Sherlock Homes and his sidekick Winston.

I can relate to these two a lot. It seems that wherever they go trouble seems to follow them.

I cracked up with Edie. For someone who's been shunned by the community she's done her fair share of stunts and that's is what is so funny.

Kappy is cool. She doesn't really like trouble. And I think it's sweet that she worries about Jimmy Edie's brother. Jimmy is a go getter. I love his style.

It's wonderful how the author can show us that even people with disablilties are and able to take care of themselves.

I also like that the book cover is yellow since that is my favorite color. That I definitely love!!

But anyway, I gave this book a five star rating since I really love the author and I love her writing style. She knows how to add humor into the mystery. I mean, after all, the characters have to have some fun in life too!!

I can understand Edie's reluctance. There are some things in life that I don't really like either. Like changes even if those are for the good.

I'm getting ready to make a life changing deal in my life and I sure hope it's for the good.

I am not saying anything else about this because ya'll just have to read this cool story yourselves. I know ya'll will love it just as much as I did!!

I received this book for free and all opinions are my own!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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 adore romances.

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.)

Favorite movies--(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940's movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven't seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn's and Audrey's.

Tuesday, June 12, 2018

The Mending by Susan Simpson

ABOUT THE BOOK

Malinda Stauffer is happy that her gut frienden Phoebe Yoder may soon be married. Of course, Malinda can't help wondering about her own future. She hopes someday to find the same contentment as a wife and mother that she has helping her own mamm care for Malinda's father and five brothers. But a challenging health issue has her convinced no man wants the burden of a fraa who needs rest when there are farms to tend and businesses to run. Adding to her stress is the unwanted attention of an aggressive big city doctor smitten by her--an unsettling distraction she has kept to herself.

Timothy Brenneman works alongside Malinda's brother, Sam, handcrafting the finest Amish furniture in St. Mary's County. He can't recall when Sam's little schweschder blossomed into a beautiful young woman--but he would do anything to hold Malinda close and soothe the sad yearning in her eyes. Sensing her unease at the mention of her doctor only confirms his desire to protect her. Healing, however, is in Gott's hands, and a hard lesson in the true meaning of love may soon bless them both in ways they never imagined .

MY REVIEW

I got the pleasure of reading this newest book by Susan Lantz Simpson.

I loved it! I finished this book in one day bc it was so very good.

This story will want you to knock some heads together, laugh and cry with the new characters. And yes I even pretended that I was at the table eating dinner with them and boy! Saloma's food is gooooood!!

Im so very glad that Timothy stood his ground where a certain girl was concerned. Now, that's what I call a real man!!! He's everything and more!!

However; Im so proud of Malinda that I wanted to reach in the book and give her a big hug for being the strong woman I know she is.

Oh and before I forget we can't leave the fun loving Atlee out. I had to snicker with him. I do wish that he was the big brother that I never got to have.

This is one Amish story y'all just have to read!!

I received this book for free. All opinions are my own.

A Love for Leah by Amy Lillard

ABOUT THE BOOK

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, faith can open minds—and hearts—to create surprising bonds for a lifetime . . .

Independent-minded Leah Gingerich has always been outspoken. And even though she is now a progressive Mennonite, she's rediscovering the joys of family traditions back in her Amish hometown. Yet she can't help but clash with her handsome new Amish neighbor, Jamie Stoltzfus. He's too hard-headed and old-line to see that his traumatized young nephew, Peter, needs faith and help—or that a woman who stands up to him may be what he needs to heal . . .

After a devastating tragedy, Jamie moved to Pontotoc with his nephew for a fresh start. Holding fast to his beliefs is the only way he f

eels he can aid Peter—and himself. But somehow, Leah's freethinking ways and feisty challenges are sparking a happiness he's never felt before. Soon, Jamie can't imagine his life without her. But are their differences ultimately too great to overcome—or can love bridge their way to a future together?

MY REVIEW

Another great read by Amy Lillard. I always look forward to her stories and she never disappoints me.

A wonderful set of new characters and Leah finally gets to tell her story.

I finished this book in two sittings it was that good!!

The only thing I didn't like were Jamie's and Leah's stubborn personalities. Especially where Leah kept saying she's Mennonite and he's Amish. It got on my nerves because I wanted to knock their heads together sooooo bad!!

I believe if two people are attracted to each other and they really and truly care for each other then to me, it shouldn't matter.

Love is strong. Love is faithful. That's my belief.

I still think Brandon is special. I don't know why. He's like any typical teenager. Sort of reminds me of my son. Maybe that's why I"m attached to him. One minute they can be the best kid or kids you ever raised and then mooooood swing!! You never know.

There were many scenes in the book that made me snicker and then laugh outright. I just enjoyed the story for what it was. It's too bad that it had to end so quickly!!

There was a certain place in the book that I cried tho. I sure hate to see a family split up like that.

But, maybe she'll find her way back home. Only the Lord knows.

Thank you Amy for another great story! Please keep writing!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

I believe that God is love. I guess that's why I adore romances.

Friday, June 8, 2018

Buried Secrets by Barbara Cameron

ABOUT THE BOOK

After her husband dies, Rose longs to be near her family—especially her twin sister, Lillian—so she packs up her young son and leaves their life in Ohio to move back to Paradise, Pennsylvania.

Luke Miller is ready to settle down in Paradise. He soon forms a partnership with Rose to help farm her land. He finds that he’s enjoying the company of the quiet, modest widow and she may be just the woman he’s been waiting for. But is Rose hiding a secret beneath her reserved exterior—one that could keep her from having a future with Luke?

And Rose isn’t the only one concealing something. Luke has a secret of his own, and it could threaten their partnership—and their chance at love.

MY REVIEW

I love love this book!! One of Barbara Cameron's best yet!! Delightful characters that are easy to make friends with and are able to rejoice and be there with!!

This author has just the right style of writing to cry, laugh. She delivers wonderful messes through her novels and this one is no exception!

I always say that grief has no time plus you'll never really get over missing that person no matter where you land.

I still miss my mom and grandparents and it's been 20 some years or more. So I completely understand.

Time does have a way of soothing hurt and God has a way of filling that void in you life if you let Him.

In some ways, I think that we'd all be better off living like the Amish do. I love the idea of being in the world but not of it. I also like the way the community get together to help one another out in each person's time of need.

I do realize that Amish aren't perfect by no means. They have gossips like we do.

Forgiveness is what I like as well. But, that doesn't mean that the person is actually forgiven on the inside. That takes time. Believe me, I understand that all too well. We are all a progress in the works.

I will say I wish I were a lot like Rose. Daniel is so sweet!! I want his energy!!

Kids are special and I believe that Daniel was a blessing to Rose. Just like Michael was a huge blessing to me after my mom passed.

I gave this book five stars because I enjoy Barbara Cameron's books and her writing style. I love getting into her stories right from the beginning and any fan of hers will burn midnight oil on this delicious Amish story!

I hope there will be another one in the future because I think Ruth and Luke and also Lillian still have a story to tell!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 24 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Red Sky Over America by Tamera Lynn Kraft

About the Book

Title: Red Sky over America

Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 11, 2018

In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves.

America’s classmate, William, goes to Kentucky to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation and may not make it home to Ohio or live through the struggle.

Click here to purchase your copy!

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed this because
the setting was pre civil war Kentucky and not much is written about Kentucky during that time.
At least I don't think so.
I devour any book set in Kentucky or Ohio.
I loved the characters but there were some that I loved more.
The supporting characters are wonderful too!
I loved the drama and suspense that went along.
I admired America and what she stood for even if it was in her own family. I hated the position that she was put in and I didn't think it was fair. (Of course, nothing in life is fair)
Not even in todays world.
I just loved the whole story line. I think that Tamera has done an excellent job!
This book deserves 5 stars as well!!

About the Author

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 39 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren.

Tamera has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

Guest posts from Tamera Lynn Kraft

100 Steps to Freedom

by Tamera Lynn Kraft

Before the Civil War, Ohio had the largest Underground Railroad of any state in the Union. It is believed that every county in Ohio had a route. Many slaves would escape over the Ohio River and through Ohio on their way to Canada. This was a dangerous undertaking because, even though Ohio was a free state, the Fugitive Slave Law made it so anyone helping escaped slaves could be fined and jailed.

One small town, Ripley, Ohio, is believed to have helped more slaves escape than any town in Ohio. Ripley is located on the banks of the Ohio River across from Mason County, Kentucky.

One man who helped slaves escape was a freed black man named John Parker. Parker was educated by his master in Virginia and eventually bought his freedom. He traveled to Ohio and opened a foundry on Front Street facing the Ohio River. He was the first black man to earn a patent for one of the inventions he used in his foundry. At night, he would search the Ohio River looking for escaped slaves and helping them find their way to an Underground Railroad Station.

Rev. John Rankin, a Presbyterian minister, owned a house on top of a hill in Ripley. He built one hundred steps to the house that could be seen on the other side of the river. At night, he would light a lantern and hang it from the porch to signal slaves that it was safe to cross. It is estimated that over 2,000 slaves escaped through the Rankin House. None of them were ever recaptured. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote her famous novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, about the escape of the slave, Eliza, after hearing the story from Rev. Rankin.

Rev. John Rankin’s house is in my novel, Red Sky Over America. John Parker also is introduced as a minor character. The story takes place on the Ohio River in Kentucky across from Ripley where all these exciting events happened.

Oberlin College: A School Ahead of Its Time

My current novel series, Ladies of Oberlin, is about 3 women roommates who graduated from one of the most amazing colleges in American history, Oberlin College. Book 1, Red Sky Over America focuses on America, a woman attending Oberlin who is an abolitionist studying to become a missionary. The problem is her father is a slave owner. Here’s a little bit about this amazing college.

Oberlin College, founded in 1833 in Northern Ohio, was a college ahead of its time in many ways. In 1835, it became the first college in the United States to regularly admit African Americans. It’s also the oldest co-educational college in the US. In 1837, it admitted four women, three of whom graduated and earned a college degree. Mary Jane Patterson, another Obeberlin graduate, became the first African American woman in 1862 to earn a Bachelor of Arts college degree.

One of Oberlin’s founders once bragged that “Oberlin is peculiar in that which is good”. Oberlin was peculiar in many ways in advancing the causes of the time. Charles Finney, the second president of the college, helped it earn its controversial reputation. He was the fiery evangelist of the Second Great Awakening, a Christian revivalist movement in the early and mid 1800s.

Oberlin College was the hotbed of abolitionist activity and a stop for the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. It was once called “the town that started the Civil War” because of its participation in the Oberlin Wellington Rescue in 1858. Slave catchers came to Oberlin to capture an escaped slave and return him to Kentucky. Most of the town came to the slave’s aid and rescued him. For their trouble, over twenty were arrested and put on trial for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. During the raid on Harper’s Ferry by John Brown, three men from Oberlin participated.

Oberlin College was also well known for the women who graduated from the college and participated in the suffrage and prohibition movements. Lucy Stone, considered a pioneer for the women’s movement, graduated from Oberlin College in 1847.

Oberlin was also very well known in the missionary movement of the late 1800s. Between 1860 and 1900, 90% of missionaries sent overseas by the American Missionary Society were graduates of Oberlin College. Between 1899 and 1901, thirteen missionaries from Oberlin were martyred during the Boxer Rebellion of China. An arch in Tappan Square at the center of Oberlin pays honor to their sacrifices.