Saturday, September 30, 2023

The Eternity Gate by Katherine Briggs (The Threshold Duology Book 1)

About the Book

Book: The Eternity Gate

Author: Katherine Briggs

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Destroy the key. Save her people and herself.

The Eternity Gate is found, and kings and monsters battle over its legends of treasure. But rumors whisper that someone stole the gate’s ancient key.

Seyo, handmaiden to the princess, keeps three secrets. First, she’s gifted in fire, not light, and may as well be cursed. Second, she translates a prophecy warning that the gate does not offer treasure but judgment. Third, Jorai, the scorned prince and Seyo’s confidant entrusts her with the key and disappears.

Surrounded by war, Seyo and her companions embark on a journey to seek help from a faraway empire and find Jorai, unaware of the trap awaiting them. But what should Seyo do with the key? Who can survive judgment, especially someone as flawed as her? Will hiding the key—or destroying it—save her people or ensure their defeat?

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

What an interesting plot and a great read! This book is a little steampunk and fantasy, and yet, more. The suspense and time just fly past while reading and almost any age can love this book. I know I did! I loved watching the characters grow, and all the twists and turns this story takes. The worldbuilding is off the chain, it's amazing. The faith theme is that God can anyone who's willing. I did find a few things that seemed like the faith message was more towards one denomination than another, but this might be because of how I interpreted it. I can't wait for book two!

5 Stars

About the Author

Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying oolong or chai tea. Katherine, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and studies other languages.

More from Katherine

Hello friend,

Journey. Friendship. Choices. Do these three words resonate with—even haunt—you too?

As I mature, I see my life and those of others’ as a journey. Aren’t you glad that, through Jesus, it’s leading somewhere amazing, and that the twists and turns have a purpose?

Believing thought leaders look at trends in current culture and diagnose that we’ve forgotten how to be a friend. What ingredients make a strong friendship? A listening ear? Sacrifice? Loyalty? Speaking truth in love? Encouragement? Are you honored to participate in an “unlikely friendship,” meaning someone who is different from you?

I’m sure you’ve faced many choices, even those of the impossible variety. Are you facing such a choice right now? Can you remember a past impossible choice and the light, albeit hard to see, that was always shining through?

Seyo, the main character in my debut YA fantasy The Eternity Gate, can relate. Even though she hides that she inherited the wrong gifting, her enemy’s gifting, she embarks on a journey across dangerous lands to save her country, despite feeling unworthy. She travels with friends and makes some surprising new ones. Along the way, she’s faced with unfathomable choices that will determine the fate of her home. Choices much too big for her shoulders, but that’s because she, like us, has Someone far more powerful helping her.

I encourage you to grab a tasty, warm drink. Since it’s autumn, I suggest The Republic of Tea’s pumpkin spice latte, and you can click here to grab the recipe. Sit back, relax, and remember:

What part of your journey has made you stronger?
Is there a friend you can reach out to with an encouraging word? Small actions change the world. Don’t give up.

Sip your cozy drink and please enjoy Seyo’s journey. I hope The Eternity Gate invites you into a grand adventure.

Sincerely,

Katherine Briggs

Blog Stops

Bliss, Books & Jewels, September 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 21

Texas Book-aholic, September 22

Through the Fire Blogs, September 23 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 25

Artistic Nobody, September 26 (Author Interview)

Madi’s Musings, September 26

The Book Club Network, September 27

Guild Master, September 28 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 29

Blogging With Carol, September 30

Labor Not in Vain, October 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3

Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card and one hardcover copy of The Eternity Gate!!

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/27fb7/the-eternity-gate-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Zuggy the Rescue Pug Happy Howl-idays by Jean Marie Alfieri

About the Book

Book: Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays

Author: Jean Marie Alfieri

Genre: Kid-lit Activity Book

Release Date: June 17, 2023

Three fun Zuggy the Rescue Pug stories in one action-packed activity book! First, Zuggy goes ‘Costume Crazy.’ How many does he model before finding the perfect Halloween outfit? Color them all. Then, Zuggy must save dinner from racing out the door, in ‘The Great Turkey Chase.’ Finally, Zuggy can’t stand the thought of the family having no presents this holiday. Can he work some Christmas magic? Only if the cat keeps his secret.

Packed with book club questions, puzzles, and games, this activity book makes a paws-itivly perfect gift for parents, teachers, and kiddos!

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

What a cute book covering three holidays of adventures in the life of a pug named Zuggy. He was a shelter dog at some point, which, in my area, wouldn't happen easily at all with his breed. Zuggy has a family, with a mom and dad, a boy and a girl, and a cat. It's really cool. In addition to the story, there are all kinds of games and puzzles. Coloring, numbers to make an image, crossword puzzles, matching games, and drawing games, it's a full activity book in addition to the stories. I really loved the Thanksgiving one. It made me laugh. The Christmas one is heartwarming, and the Howl-a-ween one is just cute. I need to get a copy for my friend with rescued pugs.

5 Stars

About the Author

When Jeans’s eyes locked with those of a smooshy-faced little dog who sat inside a kennel at the Humane Society, it was love! He captured her heart. She captured their many adventures in short story poems starring Zuggy the Rescue Pug. An author, speaker, and advocate for the adoption of senior dogs, Jean and her husband currently live with their three fur-kids in Colorado. They joke that although the humans pay the mortgage, it’s really the dogs’ house! Jean finds much of her writing inspiration from her “vintage puppies” and work at the Pikes Peak Humane Society.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 18

lakesidelivingsite, September 19

Texas Book-aholic, September 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 23

Blossoms and Blessings, September 24 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, September 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 25

Blogging With Carol, September 26

For Him and My Family, September 27

Artistic Nobody, September 28

Cover Lover Book Review, September 29

Guild Master, September 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 1 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, October 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jean is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a print-copy of the newest special-edition activity book, “Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays”!!

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/27fb2/zuggy-the-rescue-pug-happy-howl-idays-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Building Character through Picture Books Epic Book Launch!

Here's a peek inside this neat book!

Think About It:

1. Which person would you most like to be in this story? Why?

2. Whose job is most important in this story?

3. God gives each of us a job to do to be part of the Church. He says the church is like a body where each part has its job. What happens when each part of your body works well?

4. What happens when one part doesn’t do what it’s supposed to?

5. If everyone does their part, the church blesses people, and God’s will is done. Do you think God is happy when everyone does their part?

6. When each person does their part in the story, what happens to others in the story?

7. We never know how God is going to use our lives. We must simply obey Him and His word. In doing that, we help people know Jesus.

Everything you say and everything you do
should be done for Jesus your Lord.

(Colossians 3:17a, ERV)

We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him. These are the people God chose, because that was his plan. (Romans 8:28, ERV)

Did you miss an expert?

"Missed Any Excerpts"?

Excerpt One: https://travelerswife4life.com/building-character-through-picture-books/

Excerpt Two: http://kid-lit.library-lady.blog/epic-book-launch-and-excerpt-building-character-through-picture-books-devotional/

Excerpt Three: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2023/09/building-character-through-picture.html

Excerpt Four: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/09/epic-book-launch-building-character.html

Excerpt Five: https://carolkeen.blogspot.com/2023/09/building-character-through-picture.html

Excerpt Six: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2023/09/building-character-through-picture.html

Excerpt Seven: https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/2023/09/14/building-character-through-picture-books-book-launch-with-celebrate-lit/

I Can't Believe They're Gone by Karen Brough

About the Book

Book: I Can’t Believe They’re Gone

Author: Karen Brough

Genre: Children’s Picture Books

Release Date: June, 2023

The mouse family has lost someone dear.

Come follow each one as Bear helps them understand all they are feeling and how each expresses it in their own unique way. Tiny is so quiet, I wonder if Bear will be able to help him too?

Click here to get you copy!

My Review

I have recently had some more people in my life pass, and I know I'm grieving. I figured this children's book wouldn't be bad for me to read. The Mouse family has suffered a loss, but we aren't sure who they lost. It's a generic loss, which I understand but would have driven me crazy as a child without an adult explaining more. That can be an interactive tool, with the help of an adult. The story clearly shows each character dealing with grief in a different way, cooking, cleaning, or with Tiny, just withdrawn and depressed. The Bear is the wise councilor in this tale, but I struggled with the Bear's answer to the grieving mouse family members. That stated, the ending was creative and very good, very pro-active. There aren't really any faith elements in this story, so you will have to add that in for your children. The only upside of that is that this will work for a bigger audience.

4 Stars

About the Author

Karen Brough is an award-winning author who calls Australia home. As a wife, mother of three and former teacher, she writes with a teacher’s heart for children. Karen always knew she would write a book about processing loss and grief, so she became a student of the science of grief. When Karen lost a beloved friend in 2022, she turned to writing as part of her grieving process. This story is the result—a hope investment from her heart to yours. She believes it will help others know they are not alone in their loss and reassure those who don’t know what to do with all their big emotions.

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 3

Vicky Sluiter, September 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 4

Texas Book-aholic, September 5

Blossoms and Blessings, September 6 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 8

Guild Master, September 9 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 10

A Reader’s Brain , September 11 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, September 12

Splashes of Joy, September 13 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, September 13

Blogging With Carol, September 14

For Him and My Family, September 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package 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/278c2/i-can-t-believe-they-re-gone-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, September 10, 2023

The Starlet Spy by Rachel Scott McDaniel (Heroines of WWII Book 11)

About the Book

Book: The Starlet Spy

Authors: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: August, 2023

Hollywood Star Turns Spy

In 1943, movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the “Casablanca of the North.” When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.

The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone who’s subtle enough to spy on the Swedish elite without triggering suspicion. Who better than the “all beauty, no brains” Scandinavian starlet? Fluent in three languages and possessing a brilliant memory, Amelie loathes being labeled witless but uses the misconception as her disguise. She’s tasked with searching for the crucial files, but Fynn Ristaffason keeps getting in her way. Is the charming shipping magnate after the missing research? Or does he have other reasons for showing up at her every turn?

With the Gestapo on her heels, Amelie must rely on her smarts in addition to her acting skills to survive a world of deadly spies and counterspies.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

The time was 1943, and ironically I have family that was born in that year! Amelie Blake is working on the big screen. Sure, she's blonde and becoming a huge hit, but how does that help the war effort? What can she do to do more? Amelie made me think of an upgraded Marylin Monroe, but I don't object to that at all. Much more than just a dizzy blonde, this chick is following God, and then comes a role that requires that ditzy persona to do crazy things, being a spy! It's the perfect cover. With all this going on, there's still a romance, and so much that's funny in this story. Faith wasn't left out at all. Research was put into this as some famous people had brief cameos in this story. Packed with more suspense than I expected this new to me author and story won me over, quickly.

5 Stars

About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.

More from Rachel

Setting The Starlet Spy in Sweden

Hej! If you’ve ever been to Ikea, then you know that’s the Swedish greeting for Hello! Prior to writing The Starlet Spy, my knowledge of the Swedish culture was limited. It seemed I wasn’t alone. Early last year, I held a poll on my social media asking if anyone had ever read a book set in Sweden. A sweeping majority said no.

Since all of my previous books are set in the United States, this is my first novel with an international setting. So I immersed myself into research. I read books about the country, watched videos, followed Swedish Instagrammers to learn more about the language. And let me tell you, I totally fell in love with this Scandinavian world. It is now on my bucket list to visit because it’s just that gorgeous. I wrote The Starlet Spywith a romantic adventure vibe. I wanted to take the reader on a tour of this amazing country, from the classically beautiful Stockholm, to the quaint fishermen city of Malmo, to the ancient streets of Sigtuna—one of Sweden’s oldest villages—to the brilliant Northern Lights in the Lapland region.

Not only did I want to paint the scene of these various places, but I also wanted to introduce the Swedish culture. Tucked within the pages of The Starlet Spy, the reader will find traces of Scandinavian folklore and legends, which was super fun to explore. But to be honest, my favorite inclusion of Swedish culture was incorporating a traditional dance—the Hambo! It’s such an interesting and unique dance, and I may have been trying to coax my husband into trying it with me for an Instagram Reel, but so far, no such luck! Though I have no problem getting him to enjoy Fika with me. Fika, my friends, is a coffee break, or simply coffee. Just as the British favor their tea, the Swedes are adamant about their fika. So I can most definitely relate.

If all this intrigues you, I welcome you to read The Starlet Spy. It’s set in 1943, which was a pivotal time for Sweden during World War II. If you’ve read my previous stories, you know how much I love to weave as much true history into the chapters. This book has by far the most!