Sunday, April 30, 2023

The Underground Book Readers: United Forces by Terry Overton (Book #2)

About the Book

Book: The Underground Book Readers: United Forces

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle grade, pre-teen, teen dystopian

Release date: March 1, 2023

In the second book of The Underground Book Readers, Leena, Kahn, Casey, Jairus, Asher, and Conroy face unpredicted challenges. The World Force tightens its grip on the remaining teens and children of the Blue Ridge Mountains area. Increased patrols and drones are seen nearly every day as they visit their underground cavern to read forbidden books and study the Bible. The Underground Book Readers attempt to find out the identity and purpose of a new threatening group seen on a nearby mountain while they continue to work on an escape tunnel. But they soon discover there is more under Leena’s house than a cellar. The underground group design a spy mission to the other mountain. Questions remain about possible escapees who left to find a free territory in what used to be called the United States in the world before.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

I couldn't wait for this second book in this series, and Overton didn't let me down. This is book flawlessly follows the first as we join this underground book reading group. They are plotting an escape to a different part of what was once the United States. As our young folks try to survive, major topics are talked about and this story is harder to review because it's just packed with history and biblical history along with the story of these kids and the way the world they are in has become. Sneaking to just read and reading books that are banned in their current world, set groups or religions overriding everything else, what is freedom and what isn't freedom. This series is for all ages, and is some of the best reading! There's so much packed into this that it's harder to write this review, other than to tell you it lacks for nothing. It's amazing and book three will be here soon.

5 Huge Stars

About the Author

Terry Overton obtained her Ph.D. in Psychology and her Ed. D. in special education. She taught in public schools and was a school psychologist and a professor before retiring in 2016. She began her second “career” after retirement writing Christian fiction books and devotionals. She hopes to share the Christian worldview through her writing and touch the lives of her readers. Her novels, middle grade readers, and picture books seek to entertain readers through the travel experiences and characters included in her books. Her books have earned Bookfest Awards, Firebird Award Winner, American Writing Award Gold, International Finalist Book Award, Reader Views Awards, Reader’s Favorite Awards and the Mom’s Choice Award. She currently resides in Laguna Vista, Texas, near the Texas-Mexico border. She enjoys Biblical history and general Bible studies, writing, and enjoying family and friends. She has seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

More from Terry

The series was motivated by discussions with local community and school librarians who expressed frustration with their inability to order and display classic books, and newer conservative or Christian based books, in their own libraries. The series reflects what is currently seen in many news stories where parents are outraged by the books their own children are being shown in schools. This Christian dystopian book series, written for middle grade readers and up, is an attempt to remind children of the blessings of books and of the Bible. In addition, several historic documents and time periods are discussed. It is my hope that introducing these topics in this way will pique curiosity of young readers who may not have had the opportunity to study these documents and events.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 20

An Author’s Take, April 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 22

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 24

Mary Hake, April 24

Texas Book-aholic, April 25

Aryn The Libraryan, April 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 29

Blogging With Carol, April 30

Simple Harvest Reads, May 1 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, May 2

Lights in a Dark World, May 3

debs book review, May 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/25adb/united-forces-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, April 27, 2023

A Summer at Sagamore by Lisa M. Pyrsock (Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts Book 2)

About the Book

Book: A Summer at Sagamore

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: March 14, 2023

Can summer love survive amid mystery and mayhem?

When Abigail Greenwood and her cousins settle in for their annual summer retreat at the stunning and impressive Sagamore Resort in the Adirondacks, all she wants is to spend as much time as possible plunking out stories on her typewriter. But when her cousins insist she join them in the tradition of choosing a beau to adore from a distance during their stay, she reluctantly plays along, setting her sights on a mysteriously quiet and aloof guest. What started as harmless fun soon changes as Abby finds herself captivated by debonair—and handsome—Jackson Gable. Who is he, and why does his arrogant amused smile exasperate her so much?

When a series of events causing mayhem and mischief begin to occur at Sagamore, journalist Jackson Gable is determined to get to the bottom of it, since his father is an investor of the resort. Jack has a nose for mysteries, but he may have to use his recently earned law degree and some of his posh family connections to sleuth out the culprit. Are the events connected? Why are they happening? And why can’t he get the beautiful Abby off his mind?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

What a story, I could read it again. Both lighthearted and mysterious, fluffy but deep, suspense filled and romance filled, A Summer at the Sagamore filled my soul with music and swept me away. I would love to see this be a movie as well! With strong faith, Abby and Jack were a joy to get to get know and how can we not love Abby with her typewriter? If you want a good, strong read, that's also swoon worthy, with so much music, that's a joy to read, this is that book.

5 Stars

About the Author

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA TodayBestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

More from Lisa

Behind the scenes at A Summer at Sagamore

When a dear writing friend approached me about writing a contribution for Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts, my heart leapt. The Gilded Age is my favorite time to write. Ask me to write anything from 1870 to 1910, and I’m hooked. I love the way traditions are colliding with progress and changing the world in this era.

An exciting time for women, I knew the heroine, Abigail, would be a writer, enthralled with her new, clunky, heavy manual typewriter. Independent, set to inherit her grandmother’s wealth, she would not be looking for romance. I wanted Abby’s grandmother, cousin, and sister to give us plenty of humor and fun along the way. Meanwhile, Abby, would portray a young woman on the brink of writing about her faith, inspired by a few pioneer writers and a previous experience to join the endeavor to pave the way for others to do the same.

Along comes our hero, Jackson. Jack has this Clark Gable kind of vibe, only younger, more handsome. He has strong faith, but it’s quiet, stifled by his position in society. Abby brings out the best in him. I loved watching their romance blossom and their trust in God grow amid the mystery of all the happenings at the Sagamore. More themes came out of the book than I expected. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 16

Texas Book-aholic, April 17

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 19 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 21

Mary Hake, April 21

Connie’s History Classroom, April 22

Cover Lover Book Review, April 23

Holly’s Book Corner, April 23

Book Looks by Lisa, April 24

Sylvan Musings, April 25

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 26

Blogging With Carol, April 27

For Him and My Family, April 27

Splashes of Joy, April 28

Blossoms and Blessings, April 29

Pause for Tales, April 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2566e/a-summer-at-sagamore-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Under an Indigo Moon by JL Crosswhite (A Holcomb Springs Small Town Romantic Suspense Book 2)

About the Book

Book: Under an Indigo Moon

Author: JL Crosswhite

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: December 28, 2022

It was supposed to be a fresh start for her…

…He’d never expected to find love again.

Will they find a second chance or will small-town secrets spell disaster?

Former big-city architect and single mom, Carissa Carver, found just enough to hope to begin a new life with her boys in Holcomb Springs. She dropped all her savings into a vacant Victorian in an online auction, hoping to flip it and build a better life.

However, it didn’t take long to learn nothing was as promised, including a chocolate Lab that came with the house, who adopted her son with Asperger’s. Could her boys handle being uprooted one more time?

But when things go missing, her house is vandalized, and she finds human bones in the basement, she wonders what she’s really gotten them into. Is this one more bad decision or something truly dangerous?

Deputy Jonas McCann came to Holcomb Springs to heal after the death of his wife and daughter. The last thing he needs is matchmaking by the meddling librarian, even if Carissa and her boys stir something long dormant in his heart.

As more strange things happen, he is drawn further into his desire to protect her and the boys he’s come to have a heart for. Can he solve the mystery before they get hurt? Does it have anything to do with the missing teenager? Or are those just ghost stories and small-town rumors? Especially the ones about the indigo blue moon.

Author JL Crosswhite will have you on the edge of your seat, unable to turn pages fast enough.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

This book has a murder mystery to solve, a cold case. The hardest kind there is. Romance? It's here. A lovely story with children? It's here too. A story that will keep you sucked in and make you feel like you know these people, that's this story. Law enforcement worth falling for, check. A family in need? That might be an understatement. The slow and beautiful way God changes lives and works things out, this story has that too. In short, it's a fantastic Christian romantic suspense. I enjoyed my visit and time in this fictional place and I think you will too.

5 Stars

About the Author

JL Crosswhite‘s favorite thing is discovering how much there is to love about America the Beautiful and the great outdoors. She’s an Amazon bestselling author, a mom to two navigating the young adult years while battling her daughter’s juvenile arthritis, exploring the delights of her son’s autism, and keeping gluten free. Learn more about her adventures and how she gets inspired for her books at JLCrosswhite.com

More from JL Crosswhite

It may surprise you, but I actually started writing Under an Indigo Moon about fourteen years ago (my books can germinate for a long time!). It started out as a women’s fiction book called Under the Blueberry Sky. It even finaled in the Frasier contest for first chapters in 2011.

But as I began planning the Holcomb Springs series, I knew I wanted to tell Carissa and Jonas’s story. While there are parts of me in all of my characters, Carissa has a unique place in my heart as the mom of a special needs kid. Her six-year-old son, Jayden, is based a lot on my experiences with my son who’s on the autism spectrum.

Because I had written much of the early part of the book a long time ago when I was closer to those long and difficult days, re-reading and writing those scenes took me back. My son is a young adult now, and I was amazed at how much I had forgotten about the day-to-day challenges of living with someone who sees the world so differently. And now I can look back and see how far he has come.

Jonas McCann was a bit of a mystery to me. Because my original envisioning of this book was as women’s fiction, there wasn’t a romance thread. So I had to create one. I’m fortunate to have law enforcement officers in my family to draw from. But as I got to know Jonas, he became as beloved to me as all of my characters (They feel like my children; I can’t pick a favorite!).

One of the highest compliments I received was from a book-coaching client (my day job) who read Beneath a Star-Lit Sky, the first book in the Holcomb Springs series. Her husband is a small-town sheriff, and she felt I really captured the role. That meant a lot to me. Even though I write fiction, I want my characters to feel like real people with real problems and challenges.

Under an Indigo Moon takes place in a fictional world—Holcomb Springs—that already has a lot of threads and tie ins. It’s book 2 in the Holcomb Springs Small Town Romantic Suspense series, but it ties in with the two previous series I’ve written—Hometown Heroes and In the Shadow. I don’t know about you, but I love seeing characters from previous books pop up again in later books.

You can certainly enjoy the book without knowing about all the “Easter eggs” hidden inside, but isn’t it more fun to be in on the jokes? So make sure you grab Claire and Alex’s story in Inn at Cherry Blossom Lane (grab it here for free) and the short story that introduces us to the Holcomb Springs group in “An Evening to Remember” (grab it here). There are clues in the story that play out in the book.

I hope you enjoy Jonas and Carissa’s journey as much as I enjoyed writing it—a story of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 6

By the Book, April 7

Vicky Sluiter, April 7

Texas Book-aholic, April 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 10

Daysong Reflections, April 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 12

Book Looks by Lisa, April 13

Lily’s Book Reviews, April 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 15

For Him and My Family, April 15

Blogging With Carol, April 16

The Sacred Line, April 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 18 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 18

Betti Mace, April 19

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, April 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J.L. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/25496/under-an-indigo-moon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Perfectly Matched by Liana George (Hopeful Hearts Book 3)

About the Book

Book: Perfectly Matched

Author: Liana George

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Release date: April 4, 2023

Nicki Mayfield is getting married!

Three days after deciding to marry so she can adopt the little girl who has captured her heart, Nicki Mayfield is heading to Texas to become Mrs. Ben Carrington. However, as the unlikely pair prepares to say “I do”, a shocking revelation threatens their plans to become a family.

Searching for the answers to the mystery that’s holding her future hostage, Nicki must also figure out how to keep Ms. O’Connor’s legacy alive at New Hope while simultaneously navigating a relationship with a guy she barely knows. None of which are proving to be easy tasks to manage.

Sacrifices will have to be made. Challenges overcome.

Can beloved organizer Nicki Mayfield succeed at building the unconventional family she wants or will circumstances beyond her control keep her from being perfectly matched in work, life, and love?

Find out as the final chapter in the Hopeful Heart Series comes to a conclusion!

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

I had to read this book, because I have close friends who adopted from China. So I had to read this story. Turns out it's the third in series, and it stood alone rather well, yet made me really wish I'd read the other two books. Nicki has her heart set on raising this child, so she's racing to the alter to say "I DO!" so she can adopt Lei Ming. Ben and Nicki will have all kinds of obstacles and challenges to overcome to make their new family what they want it to be. There's the fact that maybe their new "baby" is a missing child? What if their adoption agency closes because of the scandal and they then they can't get her? What is God doing with this mess? Topping that off, there's going to be a lot of medical bills for Lei Ming. Humm, that's an obstacle of its own. I didn't want to miss a moment of this story, rooting for the desired outcome and resolution to all the issues. It's a clean read and Ben even positionally, a pastor. Wow. I don't know what else I can say, but read this special story.

5 Star

About the Author

Liana George is a sought-after speaker, blogger, and author. Before pursuing a career in writing, she was a professional organizer and the former owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston. Her first two books in the Hopeful Heart Series, Perfectly Arranged and Perfectly Placed(Scrivenings Press), are based on her experiences as an organizer and her time living abroad in China. The third and final book in the series, Perfectly Matched, will release in 2023. In addition to penning novels, she is also the Co-founder and Creative Director at The Author’s Write Hand, a marketing/platform building/virtual assistance agency for Christian authors as well as a co-host of the Uncluttered podcast. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or watching tennis.

More from Liana

Nicki Mayfield’s Guide to Preparing for the Unexpected

At the beginning of Perfectly Matched, Nicki Mayfield and Ben Carrington are about to tie the knot AND adopt a toddler. Being a wife and a mother are foreign concepts to Nicki, who never dreamed she’d be either. Especially not within such a short timeframe!

However, just as Nicki and Ben began to move forward with their new family, a shocking revelation threatens their happily ever after and throws their perfectly arranged plans out the window. Thankfully, being a professional organizer Nicki knows how to prepare for a surprise or two.

Here are Nicki’s five best tips for preparing for those unexpected moments in life:

Don’t panic. That usually only makes things worse! Take a few deep breaths, pray, and see if you can get a clear understanding of what’s going on so you can get a handle on the situation.
Devise a temporary plan. Knowing that things are not going according to plan doesn’t mean you have to jump ship completely. See if you can come up with an alternate plan to carry you through the next few hours, days, or weeks until you can get back to your original agenda.
Stand together, not divided. Don’t let the unexpected cause division – either mentally, relationally, physically, or spiritually. Now more than ever you and your friends/family/significant other need to band together. Find ways to make that happen—even if it might be costly—because you’ll need all the support you can get during those turbulent times.
Don’t make assumptions and give up. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, assume the worst, and be tempted to quit. Don’t! Keep the faith and keep fighting until you’re absolutely certain there are no other options left.
See the unexpected as a blessing rather than a curse. While we may not enjoy the interruption of an unexpected circumstance, it might just be part of God’s divine plans. If it is, then you can expect a blessing to come from it, regardless of how dim the situation may look at the moment.

See how well Nicki follows her own advice and handles all the unexpected twists and turns she faces in Perfectly Matched, book three in the Hopeful Heart Series, releasing April 4, 2023.