Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Amish Wilderness Survival Book Tour by Mary Alford

 



About the Book

 

Book: Amish Wilderness Survival

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: (Amish) Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 28, 2023

To stay alive, she must escape a killer’s clutches. . .

When her brother goes missing, Leora Mast will do anything to find him…even if it means putting her life in danger. Upon arriving in Montana, she finds an ally in Fletcher Shetler, but almost as soon as they meet, they’re running for their lives. With Fletcher’s help, Leora must unravel the truth about her brother’s disappearance…before the man who wants them dead tracks them down.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW
Leora made the trip from Colorado to West Kootenai, Montana to locate her brother, Tanner, and see her friend, Ethan. In the process, she meets Ethan's business partner, Fletcher. Together, a dangerous situation catapults them into a race to find Ethan & Tanner but also save their own lives.

The storyline is a fast-paced, heart-thumping mix of danger and unexpected help. Molly, a search and rescue dog, becomes an asset to them coming out alive in the end. I was on the edge of my seat and rooting for Leora, Fletcher, Tanner, and Ethan. The references to God are uplifting and Leora and Fletcher's faith helped sustain them.

I loved the story, main characters, and descriptions of their surroundings as I turned each page waiting to see what would happen next. Mary Alford never fails to give you an exciting Amish story filled with faith and danger. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it.

          About the Author


Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a pre-teen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

 

More from Mary

Before the Story Begins

Every good Christian romantic suspense has a beginning where the hero and heroine are introduced to each other and to the danger they’ll be facing, followed by an ending where everything (usually) is tied up nicely.

In Christian (and Amish) romantic suspense, there must equal amounts of danger, romance, and faith.

As a reader, one of my favorite parts of the book is when the hero and heroine have backstories that draw me in and have me pulling for them to overcome their pasts as well as the villain chasing them.

In AMISH WILDERNESS SURVIVAL, the heroine, Leora Mast has a heartbreaking backstory. As a teenager, Leora’s and her twin brother Tanner’s parents were killed in a fire that was later ruled arson. They relocated to Colorado to be closer to their aunt and uncle and grandparents. Soon after, Leora’s brother left the Amish faith and joined the Marines.

As an adult, Leora has gone through 2 separate rounds of breast cancer. She’s just finished the final round of chemo when her brother goes missing and Leora travels to West Kootenai, Montana to find Tanner’s marine lieutenant hoping to get answers about her brother’s disappearance.

Instead of finding her brother or Ethan Connors, she runs into Fletcher Shetler and the danger unfolds quickly from there.

Fletcher Shetler’s family has seen their share of heartaches as well. They have lived in West Kootenai for several generations. Fletcher’s grandfather started the furniture making business and the family mill their own timber for the pieces they create. Fletcher has a big heart and has been taking care of his mother since his father passed away.

Fletcher can’t imagine living anywhere else but his West Kootenai community and being part of a close family. But that loyalty cost him the love of his future bride when she chose to leave the community and break his heart.

Both Leora and Fletcher must put aside their pasts to try and find out what happened to her brother and Ethan before it’s too late.

From facing down armed kidnappers to almost being swallowed alive by a sinkhole, to being forced to hideout in a cave in order to avoid being captured, Leora and Fletcher face one trial after the other, and yet they persevere thanks to each other, Ethan’s K-9 German Shepherd dog, Molly, and their faith in God that is unshakable.

                   Blog Stops

Betti Mace, June 3

Blossoms and Blessings, June 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 5

The Avid Reader, June 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 7

Holly’s Book Corner, June 7

Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 8 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 9

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

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 12

Splashes of Joy, June 13

Bizwings Book Blog, June 13

Simple Harvest Reads, June 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, June 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 16 (Author Interview)

Books I’ve Read, June 16

                   Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Mary 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/263ee/amish-wilderness-survival-celebration-tour-giveaway 

Friday, June 9, 2023

Review of Counter Attack by Patricia Bradley

 



No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.


Purchase on Amazon


My Review

Alexis Stone takes over as chief deputy in her grandfather's absence. Little does she know, the quiet town of Pearl Springs is beginning to heat up. The storyline takes you on a roller-coaster ride of events. There is deception, danger, suspense, and a budding romance to keep your interest peaked.

It's a story that you won't be able to put down. The hunt for the Queen's Gambit Killer will have you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out who they are and what will happen next. It's a very well-written story by a gifted author. The characters have many layers. This is a book that will have you pondering the content long after you close the last page. Highly recommended.

I was given a complimentary copy by the publisher and willingly choose to review it.


Thursday, June 8, 2023

Tracking the Tiny Target Reviewer Tour by Connie Queen

 



Catching a kidnapper takes teamwork

…and a K-9’s help.

When a three-year-old boy is kidnapped, deputy sheriff Chandler Murphy and his search-and-rescue K-9 partner are on the case. And when the child’s mother, Bristol Delaney, insists on helping, he can’t turn her away. But someone is dead set on stopping the investigation. Can Chandler guarantee Bristol’s safety and rescue the missing child before the trail goes cold.


Purchase on Amazon



MY REVIEW

Bristol and her son, Spencer have changed towns often, since she left her husband, Rex. With Rex out of the way for good, life in a new town seemed safe, that was until her world was turned upside down.

The story contains lots of danger, unknown answers, mystery, suspense, and lots of twists and turns you won't see coming. This gifted author never fails to deliver and this is one of her best. A very well-written story, with compelling characters that will hook you from the beginning. The ending was a surprise and wrapped everything up nicely. All the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.

Friday, June 2, 2023

The Dreamer Album by Julie Elias- Singer/Songwriter of Christian Music


Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to a new to me singer/songwriter, Julie Elias. I hope you enjoy her beautiful voice as much as I do.  Be sure to enter the giveaway.

Have a wonderful day.

Julie



The Dreamer is the sixth album by Julie Elias, a singer, and songwriter who draws inspiration from her faith and personal experiences. The album was released in 2023 and features 16 songs that explore themes of hope, courage, and perseverance in the face of challenges and uncertainty. The album was influenced by Julie's own journey of rediscovering her dreams and trusting God's plan for her life. One of the highlights of the album is a duet with John Owen-Jones, a renowned musical theatre actor who played the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. The song, titled The Prayer, is a beautiful expression of faith and gratitude. The Dreamer is an album that invites listeners to embrace their dreams and find encouragement in God's promises.​

Link to Album

https://bit.ly/3Lnpowf


My Review

Julie Elias's album, Dreamer, is a combination of uplifting Christian songs that will touch your soul.  Her voice has amazing range and lots of emotion, and the instrumental accompaniment is very well done.  Every song on the album is filled with insight into your Christian walk. Some are slow and soothing, while others are more upbeat. It will definitely energize you and you will find yourself singing along.  I know I did.

"You Make Me Brave" and "Won't Hold Back" are two of my personal favorites. The songs brought tears to my eyes- Yes, God makes us brave!

This album is one you will listen to often and will be a wonderful addition to your Christian Music Library.


Enter the Giveaway


Thursday, June 1, 2023

Review, Excerpt, and Author Interivew- Children who Dance In the Rain by Susan Justice

 


 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Children Who Dance in the Rain by Susan Justice
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  32 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Compassion Project Press
Release date:   May 2023
Format available for review:  print-hardback (USA), PDF
Tour dates: May 15 to Jun 2, 2023
Content Rating:  G for all kids.
Book Description:

Sophie gets bored quickly and won’t even eat her food without looking at her tablet. She’s thrilled to hear of her family’s upcoming trip to a magical place called India, a land she’s only heard of in stories. Once there, she quickly realizes that the underprivileged children living in the mud colony possess a joy and contentment she can’t explain. Sophie sets out on a journey of discovery, but what she finds may change her world forever. This tale about the true meaning of happiness and the power of gratitude is based on true events.

Excerpt from Chapter One 

It was long after noon the next day before Naya was at last able to slip away. This time she was better prepared. In a deerskin bag slung over one shoulder she carried flint tools and kindling for making fire, a flint knife and enough food to last a day, as well as a full water skin. Over the other shoulder was coiled a long length of braided rawhide, strong enough, she hoped, to restrain the filly…

             She found the little band at dusk, when the sun’s afterglow cast blackening shadows across the landscape. She had just gained the top of a small rise and could see for some distance, despite the gathering darkness. There they were – blurred shapes silhouetted against the next range of hills. Succeeding ridges gained in height, verdant meadows giving way to forested slopes, behind which the sun had disappeared. The horses had led her to the edge of the grasslands…

            Naya shivered in the rapidly cooling air. The horses appeared to have stopped for the evening. The mares’ heads hung low, muzzles almost touching the ground in deep relaxation and she could make out several darker shapes that must be the foals, lying in the grass at their feet. Only the stallion stood alert, scenting the air for danger before dropping his head to grab a few mouthfuls of grass. Moments later, his head lifted again, keen eyes scanning the landscape.

Naya settled herself in the deep grass and rested her folded arms atop her knees. From her vantage on the rise downwind from the small band, she could sit and keep watch without arousing suspicion… Eventually, cheek resting on her forearms, she closed her eyes, and slept…

            At some point later in the night, she thought she awoke. Lifting her head from her folded arms, she checked the herd. They were as they’d been before, dozing in the lee of the hillside across from the rise where she sat. Even the stallion had relaxed his vigilance and stood with his head lowered. The full moon now rode high in the sky, bright enough to cast faint shadows. As Naya’s eyes adjusted to the night, the moon’s light illuminated a faint track leading down the rise at an angle from where the horses rested. She hadn’t noticed it before.

Rising, Naya moved as silently as she could, following the path in the moonlight. Soon, she found herself ascending another small rise, then descending, then rising again, until at last she stood at the edge of a ravine. Below, she could see a stream, shining in the moonlight, gurgling quietly as it flowed over its stony bed… Slipping and sliding, Naya made her way down the steep slope, scratching her skin against sharp rocks and thorny underbrush. At last she reached the bottom and looked around her. Along the ravine’s floor, smooth white stones marked the water course… Drawn onward, Naya followed the path upstream into a grove of trees.

            There, a wondrous sight met her eyes. Oaks and birches encircled a small pool of water, fed by an underground spring. Reflected in the pool’s clear, still surface was the round orb of the moon, casting its light from high above the rocky cliffs which formed the pool’s backdrop. Beside the pool stood the red filly, burnished coat softly aglow. Naya froze, rooted as if she were one of the trees, and stared. The filly, startled by the girl’s approach, stared back. Neither moved. Eventually, Naya remembered to breathe. In the next moment, she realized that she had left her rope, along with everything else she’d brought with her, back on the rise. Still, she and the filly stood motionless, looking at one another.

In that moment, Naya’s senses underwent an almost imperceptible shift; the moonlight became just a little brighter, the stream’s murmur became just a little louder, the slight breeze rustling the leaves in the trees became just a little fresher against her skin. In the next moment, she seemed to feel the filly’s thoughts.

            I will grant your heart’s desire, but only if you are able to grant mine. The musical voice resonated within the core of Naya’s being, even though no sound other than the splash of flowing water and whisper of the wind in the trees disturbed the silence of the grove. What is your heart’s desire?

            Awestruck, Naya could only gaze back at the young horse, who now regarded her with luminous dark eyes in which fear had given way to curiosity. Finally, she found her own voice. “I wish to be with you,” she said simply. “I wish to touch your coat.” Then, from deep inside, another longing welled up, a yearning so audacious she almost couldn’t bring herself to speak. Hesitatingly, she uttered the words. “I wish,” she said, “to ride upon your back.”

            Ah, the red filly seemed to reply, if this is indeed your deepest desire, then you must see with the eyes of your heart and create ties without the use of a rope. And when you have succeeded in granting my heart’s desire, then shall yours be granted also.

            Before Naya could begin to ponder the meaning of the words, the filly brushed past her in a chestnut blur and was gone, disappearing through the trees toward the mouth of the ravine. Gazing after her, Naya shook her head, as if to clear her senses. Water still flowed in the creek and a breeze still rustled among the leaves. The moon still cast its dim glow – but the moment of utter clarity had vanished, just as suddenly as the young horse. Shaking herself again, as if awakening from a dream, Naya retraced her steps to the mouth of the ravine. There was no sign of the red filly…


MY REVIEW

First, I have to comment on the author of this beautiful book. The storyline is pointing out the differences in culture. While Sophie lived in a world of privilege she soon found out that other places are quite different. The story teaches that not having much, doesn't mean their heart is empty and miserable. It teaches the value of giving and gratitude.

The washable hardcover is eye-catching in its many vibrant colors. The illustrator did a fantastic job of creating the characters in the story through drawing and colorization. All are well drawn and the expressions on the children's faces depict their feelings well. Each illustration is a joy to view and will keep any child engaged in the story. This book would make a beautiful addition to your child's library. Highly recommended.

I was given a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

 


Buy the Book
Amazon 
B&N 
(coming soon)
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Susan, a legal advocate for children’s rights, has long harbored a dream of crafting a tale that would empower young readers to understand and champion the rights of their peers. Drawing upon her own experiences as a young person comprehending privilege, she was inspired to write a book that would not only entertain but also inspire her readers to consider pressing social issues and to actively strive to make the world a better place for all children.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW w Sarah V. Barnes, author of SHE WHO RIDES HORSES

 

Q: What’s your favorite inspirational quote?

A: David Whyte has a line in his poem What to Remember When Waking:

“To become human is to become visible while carrying what is hidden as a gift to others.”

For me, this speaks to the essence of what we do as writers. Becoming visible means putting yourself and your words out there, for others to read. Writing is an inherently vulnerable act. Even if no one reads what you write other than yourself, you are still making yourself visible, if only to yourself. You are revealing what is hidden – the gift of your true self – the gift each of us alone can offer to the world. The whole poem is a powerful reminder of why we are here – and that line in particular really inspires me, especially as a writer.

 

Q: Is your book mainly for horse lovers?

A: No – it’s meant to appeal to a wider audience. I describe the story as ‘Clan of the Cave Bear’ meets ‘My Friend Flicka.’ Certainly the horses, and Naya’s relationship with the red filly in particular, represent an important aspect of the story line, but readers don’t have to be horse people to connect with the characters. The challenges they face are universal.

 

Q: What is the most courageous thing that you’ve done?

A: There’s more than one type of courage, of course. In terms of physical courage, competing in the cross-country phase of eventing probably took the most courage. Eventing is the triathlon of horse sports and cross-country involves galloping around a course while jumping over stone walls, leaping off banks, crossing ditches and traversing water obstacles. Like most things that require courage, however, proper preparation takes some of the edge off. If you and your horse have practiced navigating the various types of obstacles, and you’ve walked the course and know what to expect, a good outcome is more likely. As far as the kind of courage that involves emotional vulnerability as opposed to physical risk, the hardest thing that I’ve had to do is allow my children to go out into the world, make their own choices (and mistakes) and forge their own paths. You want the best for them, and that starts with setting them free. Not surprisingly, elements from both these personal experiences of courage show up in my books. 

 

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: When I’m not writing, I’m often at the barn with my horse. Horses are creatures of the present moment. They can also potentially be quite dangerous if you don’t understand them. Spending time around horses necessitates being mindful, being grounded, paying attention. My horse and I have a relationship which requires that I show up as my best self. Hobby is perhaps not the right word for the time and effort that I devote to her, and the lessons she teaches me. Spiritual practice comes to mind.

 

Q: What is your writing schedule?

A: Many writers apparently do their best work early in the morning. For me, that’s not the case. While I like to get up with the sun, I spend that first quiet hour journaling and reading, with a cup of chai at my elbow, followed by meditation and movement practice. Once the day is underway, my first commitment is usually going to the barn. Only after I’ve spent time with my horse, do I sit down to write. Once I’m at my desk, other than letting the dogs out and going upstairs for tea, I’m pretty much working away until dinner. I write very slowly – going back to reread and rework passages – so I need big chunks of uninterrupted time. Luckily I’m at a stage of life where I can enjoy that luxury.

 

Q: What is your next project?

A: I’m nearing the end of the writing/editing process for the second book in the She Who Rides Horses series. There will be a third book, for sure, and possibly more, depending on how the story unfolds. At some point the novels will be released as an audiobook and ultimately, I’d love to see the story made into a film or limited series.


Enter the Giveaway:
CHILDREN WHO DANCE IN THE RAIN Book Tour Giveaway