Wednesday, November 4, 2020

The Conqueror: Constantine's Empire, Book 1

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

The Roman Empire is on the brink of war. Rex, a daring young Germanic barbarian, catches the attention of Emperor Constantine and is given the enviable honor of serving as his bodyguard. When he is sent as a spy to the capital, he encounters Flavia--the bold and beautiful daughter of a rich Roman senator--in danger. After coming to her rescue, he joins her on a journey full of narrow escapes, secret identities, betrayal, loss and sacrifice. Through it all, both must consider the cost of following God. Combining the excitement of an adventure novel, historical and cultural accuracy, and an important message about what it means to follow Christ, this book will appeal to readers across a variety of interests. Volume 1 of the new Christian Empire Trilogy.


MY REVIEW

Well, not sure what to say and how to say it.
I will say that I really do admire the book cover. It's very well done.
However; I was disappointed with what was in inside the book.
From what a lot of people say they were too.
The writing and the research seemed to be well done but there was too much descriptive scenes shall we say Not recommended for children or young adults by any means.
I'm surprised that Revell published a book like this.
I gave this book three stars because of all the sex scenes and gory details of this book.
The way the author wrote them I didn't have any trouble imaging them. Not good.
The story itself had lots of interesting historical aspects and I loved that. I was hoping for a more of a Biblical fiction from the way the blurb sounded. But either way most of the book was OK.
I just hurried and skipped over the sex scenes and other ones I didn't care for.
My thanks to Revell/Baker Books for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bryan earned a degree in print journalism from the University of Tennessee. He then went on to study for a master’s degree in historical theology at Dallas Theological Seminary. From there he went to the University of Virginia, taking a PhD in the field of ancient church history. In 2002, Bryan took a position on the faculty at Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago, where he is a professor in the Theology Department. He teaches courses in theology, church history, and Western civilization from the ancient and medieval periods.


"NOTE TO PUBLISHER"
I'm sorry but I usually upload some photos with my blog but for some reason it won't let me tonight. I feel like this particular post is unexceptable/incomplete to me. 

HER INCONVIENT CHRISTMAS REUNION BY NINA SINGH


HER INCONVIENT CHRISTMAS REUNION BY NINA SINGH

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Her Inconvenient Christmas Reunion
By Nina Singh
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages
November 1, 2020 by Harlequin Romance

Can a mistletoe kiss…

…heal the past?


When Zayn walks back into Izzy’s life, years after he was forced to walk out of it, she’s faced with the undeniable attraction that’s never faded. Finding themselves co-owners of the vineyard that means so much to Izzy makes tensions run high! But then she’s seduced into a kiss under the Parisian Christmas lights… Can Izzy find it in her heart to forgive the man who once broke it?

(Affiliate links included.)
BAM | IndieBound | Apple | Kobo | Google | Harlequin


MY REVIEW

Such a fun and delightful read and right before Christmas too!
This book is full of love, redemption, forgiveness, friendships and mending past hurts.
I very much enjoyed this novel.
This new to me author has made this book very realistic. To me it's amazing how these authors can do that.
What I really enjoyed was the tour through the winery. I've yet to do that myself. I imagined myself tasting the wine along with the 6 people in the wine room.
I especially love how authors describe certain scenes in the book where I can use my imagination. That's so much fun!
I've found that Izzy and Zayn were fun getting to know.
My favorite quote in the book: "There's nothing he can say. Nothing will ever change the past." "That doesn't mean you can't look to the future."
The reason I liked this quote is because of what it says. Only that person can make the change if he wants to. To give ones soul peace in my opinion. To save regrets later and be glad that you did make that one decision.
Another thing I liked about this story is no matter how hard you try hiding the truth it will always come out. In other words, the Truth shall set you free my friends.
The author portrays this very well.
I wish the book didn't end because it was so good!
What I find interesting is how the name Zayn is spelled. I've not seen it that way before.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own



About the Author


Nina Singh lives outside of Boston with her husband, children, and a very rambunctious Yorkie. When not at her keyboard, she likes to spend time on the tennis court or immersed in a good read.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive an ebook of Her Billionaire Protector by Nina Singh and a $20 Amazon eGift Card
Four Winners will receive an ebook of Her Billionaire Protector by Nina Singh

US only
Ends November 18, 2020

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Saturday, October 31, 2020

Mercy's Refuge by Rita Gerlach

 



ABOUT THE BOOK

A young woman’s journey to the New World.


Inspired by William Bradford's 'Of Plymouth Plantation’, Mercy's Refuge is a sweeping historical novel of romance and adventure in the year 1620. Mercy McCrea, orphaned as a child and raised by her aging grandparents, lives in poverty. The only thing keeping her and her family from starvation is to work as a kitchen servant for a rich nobleman.

When catastrophe strikes and Mercy’s life is in danger, she flees England for her uncle’s farm in Holland. There she meets Caleb, a carpenter, and finds refuge among the Separatists who fled the wrath of the English King. Beginning in Ipswich, a North Sea port town in Suffolk, England, the novel takes the reader on a voyage across the English Channel to Holland, and then aboard the Mayflower.

When Mercy and Caleb face the dangers of the sea, their faith and love for each other is strengthened by the strong bonds of a people whose courage forged a nation. 


MY REVIEW

A truly amazing book along with a great author!
It's hard to believe that it will soon be the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower.
I love Gerlach's research and the stories of each person of what might've been.
History intrigues me. I've loved history ever since I can remember.
Authors like Gerlach make me love it that much more.
This wonderful book y'all! I just couldn't put it down! I stayed up late to finish it. I didn't want the story to end. I was sad when it did.
I think out of all the characters I liked real life Dorothy Bradford best. She just seemed so down to earth..I mean in getting to know her and all. Kind, gentle and helping others in their time of need.
Gerlach also has done a wonderful job in describing the scenes of the book that I could see in my mind and picture the people in what they might've done and how they looked.
I really enjoyed learning about the Separatists and their faith.
I will say that my favorite scene was being aboard the Mayflower and since I live by the ocean now, it isn't a problem to imagine smelling the salt from the ocean in the air. Best smell there ever was! However; I don't like storms at all so I can understand their fear.
I cannot say enough in how much I enjoyed this story and I want others to enjoy it too! I highly recommend this book.
There's some great references the author has included and I really enjoyed looking at those.
Thus is my favorite read by her.
I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes out with next!
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Rita Gerlach lives with her husband and two sons in a historical town nestled along the Catoctin Mountains, amid Civil War battlefields and Revolutionary War outposts in central Maryland.

"Inspirational romantic fiction is one way people can escape the cares of life and be transported back to a time of raw courage and ideal love," she says. "The goal of my writing is to give readers a respite, and inspire them to live fully and gratefully."





Tuesday, October 27, 2020

One Way Home by Melanie Campbell

 ONE WAY HOME BY MELANIE CAMPBELL



ABOUT THE BOOK

She’s hanging by a string—with only one chance left.

A recovering alcoholic and longtime widow, Sharon has struggled to build a new life. She’s made amends with her only daughter, Cassie, who’s been through a treacherous divorce. Cassie’s daughter, Renee, too young to understand her grandmother’s earlier mistakes, has become the light of Sharon’s life.

But Sharon can’t seem to escape from her past. Her mother’s deathbed confession haunts her. Convinced the answer to truly overcoming her addiction lies with her biological father, Sharon sends off a DNA test in the hope of finding him. When the results of the test aren’t as revealing as Sharon anticipates, she and Cassie team up to find the truth.

Meanwhile an old flame shows up. Sharon doesn’t think she can ever love again, but what Johnny offers seems like a dream come true. His charm and kindness shine so bright, Sharon can almost believe he’s changed.

As the search for her father continues to frustrate and tensions escalate with Cassie, Sharon wonders if leaving it all behind for a life with Johnny will save her crumbling heart.

Will the truth set Sharon free? Or it will it be the final blow to her sobriety?


MY REVIEW

What a beautiful and sad story.
A story that will leave you feeing love, hope and redeemed all at once. A good story that will clense your heart at the same time and leave your heart feeling full all at once. I love stories like these!
I could relate to some of the things that were going on in this story.
The feeling of loss, betrayal and yet there is forgiveness also. That's the hard part. Too much pride will make ppl not see what the Lord wants them to.
This book I feel will grab your attention and never let you go until the book is finished. You'll be thinking about Sharon, Cassie and Renee long after it's over.
I finished this book in a couple of hours. I simply couldn't put it down. I definitely recommend a box of tissues by your side as you read.
I love this new to me author and I look forward to reading more from her. She has done an awesome job with writing this book. Five stars. I wish I could give it more.
I do want to remind you about the most important lesson that some won't ever learn..Truth nough said but I love it.
But, here's another thing, You were loved and wanted from the moment you were created.
God loves and forgives no matter who or where, what you did.
I recommend this book. It will have your emotions all over the place.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Melanie Campbell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and ACFW. She wrote her first story when she was eight-years-old and has been in love with the power of storytelling ever since. She is also passionate about social issues and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, which she obtained during her stint as a single-mom. She’s now married and lives in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley with her husband, their three children, and several spoiled pets.

When not writing, she does the bookkeeping and other office work for her husband’s painting business, obsesses over the well-being of their three daughters, and cooks healthy meals. In the spring, you may find her hitting the trails to one of Oregon’s magnificent waterfall


Friday, October 23, 2020

THE KEY TO LOVE by BETSY ST. AMANT

 

THE KEY TO LOVE BY BETSY ST.AMANT


ABOUT THE BOOK

The only thing Bri Duval loves more than baking petit fours is romance. So much so, she's created her own version of the famous Parisian lovelock wall at her bakery in Story, Kansas. She never expects it to go viral--or for Trek Magazine to send travel writer Gerard Fortier to feature the bakery. He's definitely handsome, but Bri has been holding out for a love story like the one her parents had, and that certainly will not include the love-scorned-and-therefore-love-scorning Gerard.

Just when it seems Bri's bakery is poised for unprecedented success, a series of events threaten not just her business but the pedestal she's kept her parents on all these years. Maybe Gerard is right about romance. Or maybe Bri's recipe just needs to be tweaked.

Novelist Betsy St. Amant invites you to experience this sweet story of how love doesn't always look the way we expect--and maybe that's a good thing. 


MY REVIEW

Such a sweet and fun read!
I loved this new author and I hope to see more from her in the future!
I really liked how the story was set in a small town. In this way I can connect with the characters because I grew up in a small town myself.
I personally think the name of the town Story is so adorable! The town has made me feel at home.
The supporting characters Mabel and Agnes made this story that much more charming. I immediately fell in love with them.
The theme of faith makes the story that much more special.
Sometimes it takes a long journey for us to finally see that the Lord's love will never fail us and nor will He ever leave us. For without Him, we are nothing. At least I feel that way. He's the best friend anyone can have!
I enjoyed this book so much that it had me grinning and sometimes laughing out loud.
I could practically smell the delicious treats coming from the bakery as I'm a big fan of sweets.
Bri had me drooling.
I really found myself cheering Gerard and Bri on for their own happily after.
While I haven't tried macarons this story has made me want to try some although personally while I read I like to chow down on chocolate or a bag of dry cereal. I recommend this book very much! It will make you laugh out right, cheer our main characters on and leave your heart feeling full all at the same time!
I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book. All opinions are my own.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of fifteen inspirational romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two total opposite young daughters, a collection of coffee mugs, and an impressive stash of Pickle Chips. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored in Christ. When she's not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can usually be found somewhere in the vicinity of a white-chocolate mocha (nonfat, no whip!). She blogs frequently at www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women. Visit her at http://www.betsystamant.com
also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant 






A Haven for Her Heart by Susan Ann Mason

 A HAVEN FOR HER HEART BY SUSAN ANNE MASON



ABOUT THE BOOK

Homeless after being released from a women's reformatory in 1939
Toronto, Olivia Rosetti is taken in by an angel of mercy, Ruth Bennington. The two discover they share a painful past and together decide to open a maternity home for troubled women.

Despite the success of the home, Olivia is haunted by her inhumane treatment at the reformatory and the way her newborn son was taken from her. She feels undeserving of love--until she meets businessman Darius Reed. Although his attention makes her heart soar, he can never learn of her past.
Greek widower Darius Reed is determined to protect his daughter from the prejudice that killed her mother. He'll ensure her future by marrying a woman from a respected Toronto family. But when Darius meets Olivia, he's immediately drawn to her beauty and compassion.

Can love prove stronger than prejudice and past mistakes? Or will Olivia's secrets destroy any chance at a future together?


MY REVIEW

Can I start off saying that this book has my most favorite color on the cover and that the cover is beautiful? I've never seen a cover quite like this one. I just love IIT and it matches the story inside beautifully.
Of course, Mason does an awesome job anyway no matter what story she writes.
This story seems a bit heavier than most but it is still wonderful and it offers hope to the women that were in certain circumstances in their lives at the moment. 
I like how Mason adds historical facts along with her own imagination that brings her characters to life so that we may love them too. 
Let me tell you I really admired Olivia and Ruth.  I loved them for what they did and stood their ground against the odds.
This book deserves more than five stars because it's a can't put down book.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Susan writes both contemporary and historical Inspirational romances. She describes her writing style as “Romance sprinkled with faith” and loves themes of forgiveness and redemption!

She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and a former member of the Romance Writers of America. M

Susan lives near Toronto in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two adult children. She loves chocolate and wine and isn't partial to snow even though she's Canadian!


Monday, October 19, 2020

 MISSING THREE DAYS BY COLLEEN COBLE





ABOUT THE BOOK

The third book in a riveting new series from USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble.

A shocking murder.

Chief of Police Jane Hardy plunges into the investigation of a tragic local murder, but everything in her personal life is unraveling.

Her son’s arrest.

Jane’s son is accused of manslaughter, and she has to decide whether or not she can trust her ex, Reid, in the attempt to prove Will’s innocence—and whether she’s going to trust Reid with her heart.

Three missing days.

With the recent discovery of her mother’s whereabouts, Jane learns not only that her mother stole something vital all those years ago but that she drugged Jane so she wouldn’t be able to remember. What happened in those three days could change everything.

It all started with one little lie. But the truth is finally coming out.


MY REVIEW

Wow! I'm all in from the beginning of this book until the end.
This series just keeps getting better and better!
I love love this author and she know just how to add all the right ingredients to make a sit on the edge of your seat biting your fingernails waiting to see what happens to the characters.
Some of this I never saw coming. Even more exciting in my opinion!
What I really love about this series is how the author portrays teamwork. It's actually how it's how should be done. Even in real life no matter where you work.
I especially love that the author included God.
Here's a favorite quote from the book.
Olivia is telling Jane that "God is never cruel. He always has a plan and he sees beyond this temporal life. It might not be what we'd have chosen but he always works things together for the good."
Yes, the Lord is good. Always!
I highly recommend this book! So exciting that you'll finish it before you know it!
My thanks to Thomas Nelson for a copy of the book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


USAToday bestselling author Colleen Coble lives with her husband, Dave, in Indiana. She is the author of dozens of novels including the Rock Harbor Series, the Aloha Reef Series, the Mercy Falls Series, the Hope Beach Series, the Lonestar Series and two Women of Faith fiction selections, Alaska Twilight and Midnight Sea. She has more than 2 million books in print.




The Songs that could have been by Amanda Wen

ABOUT THE BOOK Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace. After a tailspin in her late teens, Lau...