Tuesday, December 19, 2023

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher- Sepulcher Candles!! A Prayerful Gift that Touches the Heart!

 


ABOUT THE CHURCH OF HOLY SEPULCHRE

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is notable for many reasons: The church is located on sites of key importance to Christendom—the crucifixion, the tomb where Jesus was buried, and the site of the resurrection. Inside the church, one will see the stone slab upon which the body of Jesus was laid (the stone of anointing), Jesus’ burial chamber, and numerous rooms for prayer, reflection, candle lighting, and worship. Biblical Archeology notes 48 rooms or areas of special interest inside the historic church.


Would you like the chance to have prayers said on your behalf while lighting a candle in the Holy Land?  What a beautiful and meaningful gift to give this year, your loved ones can send in their own prayers to be said and lit with a candle in the Holy Sepulcher.  It's a great last-minute gift in the form of a gift certificate. 

To Purchase & More Information

https://bit.ly/LightaCandleinJerusalem


Top Gifts

Light a Candle - https://www.sepulchre-candles.com/category/light-a-candle


7 Day Prayer candle: https://www.sepulchre-candles.com/category/light-a-candle-for-a-week


Light a candle and have it returned to you in an olive wood box: https://www.sepulchre-candles.com/category/give-the-gift-of-light


I took this chance to say a prayer for my loved ones and was touched when I received my photos. I would like to share them with you.












Sunday, December 17, 2023

Home from the Storm Blog & Review Tour by Laurel Blount

 

Home from the Storm JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Home from the Storm

Title: Home from the Storm
Series:
Johns Mill Amish Romance #4
Author:
Laurel Blount
Publisher:
Berkley
Release Date:
December 26, 2023
Genre: Inspirational Romance Amish

In this stirring Amish romance about love and second chances, a shunned man returns to protect the wife he left behind—and falls in love with the family he never knew he had. 

After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he's determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him. 

Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place. 

Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub


My Review

I enjoy reading Amish fiction for many reasons, and Home from the Storm brought them all together. There are lots of family issues, struggles with faith, and of course the big one: Forgiveness.

The characters are so interesting. It was nice to read about them struggling with the normal things that we all do, making us somewhat alike. Of course, their lifestyle is quite different.

I'm hoping to read more by Laurel Blount. She weaves amazing stories of the Amish everyday life, plus tension from family circumstances and suspense. I love the faith, hope, and joy that runs through her chapters making the story come alive.

I received an ARC from the publisher and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required.


More Books In This Series

Shelter in the Storm   


About the Author

Laurel Blount

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes inspirational romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart! She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals.

An enthusiastic multi-tasker, Laurel writes for both Berkley/Penguin Random House and Love Inspired/Harlequin. She’s a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and the recipient of ACFW’s Carol Award, The New England Reader’s Choice Award and GRW’s Maggie Award. She’s represented by Jessica Alvarez of Bookends Literary Agency.  

Home from the Storm is Laurel’s twelfth book—and more stories are in the works! Stay tuned!

Connect with Laurel by visiting laurelblountbooks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win print copies of Shelter in the Storm, Strength in the Storm and Courage in the Storm plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

Home from the Storm JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 11, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 18, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Friday, December 15, 2023

New Release- "Twelfth Cake House" by Heidi Eljarbo

 




Even a clever matchmaker may need a push in the right direction if she’s to find true love. When she’s asked to find a match for herself, it proves to be the most difficult task she’s ever undertaken.

Mid-December 1796.

Sixty-year-old spinster Miss Jemima Thurgood has three weeks to finish the preparations for her annual Twelfth Night party. In her position as a matchmaker, for over forty years she has assumed a grave responsibility. Luckily, she’s a shrewd observer of people, and many happy reunions have come about due to her exceptional talent for nudging kindred hearts in the right direction.

Every year, Jemima invites twelve carefully selected men and women to her festivity, and each guest is assigned a dinner partner. The days before the merrymaking are constantly disrupted by one unforeseen event after another. Jemima must work hard to be ready in time, and more importantly, to provide the kind of celebration her chosen guests deserve.

But this year, what Jemima doesn’t know is that her life is about to take a sudden change of course—one she could not have predicted or planned for. As the days pass, several gentlemen indicate they are interested in becoming better acquainted with her, but only a very special man can charm a matchmaker.

A sweet romance novella set during a witty and enchanting Georgian-Era Christmas, Twelfth Cake House is a story about traditions, goodwill, and finding hope and the courage to change and take a chance on finding true love.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPJTSPKF


My Review

The Twelfth Cake House is a beautiful and magical story of the Twelfth Cake House annual party hosted by Jemima Thurgood. A matchmaker and baker, known by the village plans her annual party, bringing together her couples for the season, hoping they will be a match. This year she is in for a surprise.

I loved Jemima's character. Witty, always thinking outside the box, and willing to help the needy. Twelfth Cake House is a sweet, and unique story that almost reads like a fairytale.

Heidi is one of my favorite authors and never fails to entertain with engaging characters within a wonderful setting. Highly recommended. I received an ARC from the author and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own.



Wednesday, December 13, 2023

"The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle" Blog Tour by Daniel Petronelli



About the Book

 


Book: The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle

Author: Daniel Petronelli

Genre: Religion & Spirituality, Holiday Celebration, Children’s Chapter Book, Inspirational, Action & Adventure

Release Date: October, 2021

In the small foothill village of Shiloh on a stormy Christmas Eve, a group of children find themselves lost in a powerful storm. When a chance encounter with a kind stranger presents itself, their faith is put to the test as they discover the true meaning of Christmas, learn valuable life lessons, and experience the transformative power of just one tiny seed: The Seed of Faith.

This unforgettable, multi-award-winning story will inspire readers of all ages to believe in miracles and the unwavering presence of God in their lives.

 
 
Click here to get your copy!

My Review
The Seed of Faith is a wonderful children's book filled with wonder and faith.

A father explains the inspiring story of Faith Hill and how three brave boys from Reidsville went to set things right by giving their town a special gift for the village square. There are lots of magical miracles taking place and the story reminds us about love and helping others.

The message in the book came across well and will warm the adult's heart, as well as, being a magical tale that youngsters will enjoy. The illustrations are well done and depict the story well.
Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and willingly chose to review it.
 

About the Author


Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts and Stuart, Florida.

He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader where he led a large congregation in praise and worship songs, including two of his original songs: “ Walking in the Light” and “ Providence.”

Dan Petronelli participated in Smith’s Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins.

Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today.

This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

More from Dan

”The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle” is an inspiring story about the joy and blessings of faith.

I originally wrote this heartfelt story as a Christmas gift for my family, and it has since become a cherished tradition for us to read together on Christmas Eve. Encouraged by friends and relatives, I was inspired to share this story with a wider audience.

The book features numerous beautiful color illustrations by the talented artist Emily Pritchett.

At its core, this multi-award-winning tale focuses on finding courage during life’s most challenging moments and drawing strength from the Lord, knowing that He is always by your side.

Its captivating spiritual adventure unfolds as a small group of children finds themselves lost in a powerful storm on Christmas Eve, making it an engaging read for children.

This story glorifies the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ, not Santa Claus.

It illustrates the power of just one tiny seed of faith, showing that with God’s blessings, it can grow in the hearts and change the lives of all who believe.

My earnest hope is that “The Seed of Faith” will continue to take root and flourish in the hearts of readers around the world.

Planting a Seed of Faith in the hearts of our children—what greater gift could we possibly give?

                Giveaway



To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Certificate, as signed hardcover copy of the book, and a Christmas Tree Grow Kit!!*

(* Grow your own Christmas Tree from seed!
Includes: Seeds, Growing medium, a mini-greenhouse, and detailed instructions)

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/29248/the-seed-of-faith-a-christmas-miracle-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, December 9, 2023

My Review of "Capturing Hope" by Angela K. Couch Book Tour

 

 


About the Book

 

Book: Capturing Hope

Author: Angela K Couch

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: November, 2023

One step ahead of the Nazi’s. . .leaves Nadia little room for hope.

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

After her father is murdered by Nazis and her mother flees to her native Germany, hope is something of which Nadia Roenne feels little—even if it is the meaning of her name. It isn’t until an American photographer sacrifices his escape from Poland to save a Jewish family, that she finds a purpose. David Reid is very familiar with failure, but when he is charged with getting Nadia safely out of Poland, he is determined to succeed—even if she works against him at every turn, putting other’s lives ahead of her own. While they race against the daily shower of bombs over Warsaw and the ever-nearing German army, Nadia grows used to risking her life. . .but dare she risk her heart?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review
Capturing Hope is a very well-written historical novel about the takeover of Poland by Germany during WWII. Also, the extermination of Polish Jews.

The storyline is a heart-wrenching one fraught with hardships, the unknown future, fear, and death. Among this, the main characters do their best to survive and rescue others, putting their lives in danger. David Reid, a photographer is sworn by Baron Roenne to bring his wife and daughter safely to London. Needless to say, nothing goes smoothly as the invasion begins. The confidence of David and Nadia is uplifting.

The characters seem to leap off the page and pull at your heart. I found myself fully engaged in the story and couldn't put it down through all the twists and turns. The research by the author is amazing.

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

 

About the Author

To keep from freezing in the great white north, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the 2016 International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and toasty warm) by chasing after five munchkins.

 

 

More from Angela

When I first decided to set a story during the invasion of Poland, I was woefully unprepared for the pain and horror I found there. I wasn’t new to World War II and had just finished writing A Rose for the Resistance, which is set in France during the war and deals with the resistance and the Normandy invasion. The atrocities and genocide in Poland cut so much deeper.

In the early hours of September 1, 1939, the small town of Wielun, Poland, woke to a shower of bombs on their community. They did not house an army or warehouses, only homes and civilian businesses. Wielun was not the only town or village targeted—demonstrating the Nazi goal to spread fear and death. Six months earlier, Hitler had promised that if Poland did not bow to his wishes, he would wipe them off the map. Over the next month, and more so in the following six years, he came very close to succeeding.

For the full month of September 1939, while German armies rolled across the country, the city of Warsaw endured daily bombardment. Homes, workplaces, churches on Sunday morning, the Warsaw maternity hospital— nowhere was safe. On the tenth of September, someone recorded seventeen separate air raids over the city. I was moved to tears while viewing photographs of women and children who had been shot in the streets and fields by the bombers after they had dropped their payloads over the city.

No one came to their rescue.

Poland was abandoned by its allies to the Nazis.

So how do you write about all that and more while still trying to keep hope alive in the story and in the characters who have to live through such a frightening and demoralizing history?

I invite you to read Capturing Hope to find out.


                Blog Stops

An Author’s Take, November 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 1

Lily’s Corner, December 1

Texas Book-aholic, December 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

For him and My Family, December 3

Betti Mace, December 4

Books You Can Feel Good About, December 4

Life on Chickadee Lane, December 5

Cover Lover Book Review, December 5

Alena Mentink, December 6

lakesidelivingsite, December 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 7

Blossoms and Blessings, December 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 8 (Author Interview)

Devoted to Hope, December 8

Bizwings Book Blog, December 9

Exploring the Written Word, December 9

Holly’s Book Corner, December 10

Pause for Tales, December 10

Connie’s History Classroom, December 11

Labor Not in Vain, December 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 12

Lights in a Dark World, December 12

Joy Suzanne Hunt, December 13

Books I’ve Read, December 13


                 Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift 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/2909b/capturing-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, December 8, 2023

Review of "The Warsaw Sisters" by Amanda Barratt

 



On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena DÄ…browska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart--and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.


To Purchase


About the Author

Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas including THE WARSAW SISTERS, WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW, and THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS. Her work has been the recipient of the Christy Award and the Carol Award, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.

Amanda is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. She lives in Michigan and can often be found researching her next novel, catching up on her to-be-read stack, or savoring a slice of her favorite lemon cake.

To connect with Amanda, visit: www.amandabarratt.net.


My Review

If I could give this historical novel a 5+ I would. This is by far one of the best-researched and written historical novels I've read.

Although, heartwrenching at times and emotional, it was balanced out with hope. Two sisters, Antonina and Helena, each chose their own path working for the resistance when the Germans occupied Poland. They risked their lives many times for others.

The storyline is filled with heroism, courage, and the cruelty of war. At times, tears filled my eyes, soon to be replaced with pride at the sisters' heroic actions. The book left me thinking about the impact on Warsaw's citizens, the Jewish people living among them, and the drastic changes in their lives. Highly recommended. I couldn't put it down.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell, and chose to review it. A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.


Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Review of "Wounded Tiger" by T. Martin Bennett



Wounded Tiger is the true, character-driven story of the Japanese pilot who led the Pearl Harbor attack, an American prisoner of war, and a college girl who becomes the fulcrum of change in this epic book. 


Three incredibly different people's paths cross in ways so remarkable that it would be hard to believe if it weren't so well documented. This is a meticulously researched true story of hatred, love, revenge, and redemption.


This massively updated 3rd edition for 2023 contains new content, information, and over 300 historic photographs and documents, some of which have never before been published!



To Purchase



My Review


Wounded Tiger is based on a true story following three different people. I'm a fan of historical fiction and the author has woven a story that reads like historical fiction but has historical accuracy which gives us the best of both. I was amazed at how easy the story was to read. The addition of the many photos brought the story to life for me.

Following the lives of Mitsuo Fuchida, Jake Desazer, and the Covell family, gave me the perspective to see how each reacted to the war they became part of. The story is intense, at times heartbreaking, and left people's lives changed forever.

If you are a history buff or enjoy true historical stories told in fiction style, this one is for you.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.





        More About the Book


  





                                                                                                                    








                                                                    
















To remember and honor Pearl Harbor Memorial Day, we're excited to offer you the chance to win a copy of the critically acclaimed “Wounded Tiger” by T. Martin Bennett

                        Enter the Giveaway


  

Monday, December 4, 2023

New Release December 5th- "When Love Comes" (Wyoming Sunrise Book 3) by Penny Zeller








Can love be found amidst broken hearts and unexpected loss?

Determined to heal her broken heart, Charlotte Eliason visits her aunts in Prune Creek, Wyoming. What should be a time of peace and calm becomes one of chaos and unwelcome surprises when she discovers her longtime foe, Tobias Hallman, is the new blacksmith. To make matters worse, her two meddlesome aunts are constantly inviting him to supper and encouraging friendship between the two sworn enemies.

Tobias Hallman has always wanted to be a blacksmith, so when an opportunity arises to own his own shop in Prune Creek, he seizes it. However, he doesn’t expect to cross paths with his childhood nemesis, the annoying Charlotte Eliason. But if she’s so annoying, why is she constantly on his mind?

When tragedy strikes, close proximity soon forces two reluctant hearts to become allies in a quest to rescue Tobias’s orphaned niece. Can Charlotte and Tobias put aside their preconceived disdain for each other and find love in the midst of challenging circumstances? Does God have a plan for them and for a young girl grieving the untimely loss of her parents?

A woman with a broken heart. A man struggling with the loss of his family and the subsequent care of his young niece. And two silly aunts who discover it's never too late for true love.


Preorder today at 99c special pricing!

Purchase


My Review

The story puts Charlotte in the path of a childhood foe, Tobias Hallman. Charlotte isn't happy to find him living in the same town, but God has his plan for her life. Lanie, orphaned by the death of her parents, won my heart and is my favorite character.

The main characters were very relateable, the storyline was filled with instances of God's love and grace. Lots of humorous banter from Charlotte's aunts, surprising circumstances you won't see coming, and lots of faith and hope.

One of Penny's best. Highly recommended.


I received a complimentary ARC from the author and willingly chose to review it. All opinions are my own.