Tuesday, January 17, 2023

FREE Jan 17th - 21st Interplay Conspiracy Target: Earth

 



Science Fiction with a Christian Twist
FREE on Amazon  January 17th through January 21st


*NOTE*
This book was originally published under the name of The Zarion-Saving Mankind.
I felt that this story needed some additional editing which I have completed. The new cover and title is to better represent the story.


Description:

Davis Summerfield thought he was retired and living the good life, that was before he had to accept an offer he wasn’t at liberty to refuse. Interplay, a secret government agency wants him to head up their space exploration/research department. Not cooperating was not in his best interest. Not knowing what his position as head of the department entails, he is surprised when he finds out it includes an exploration mission to outer space.

Davis soon learns there is an infiltrator inside Interplay, which places him in an uncomfortable position. He must find out who it is and report them to his superior, but can he trust them? With contacts from his past life, he begins an investigation of his own which only puts him in danger. What is Interplay’s role? How far will they go to keep their secrets?

Is Earth’s total annihilation going to be the outcome? Davis discovers his true destiny from a Zarion spiritual leader who comes to him, and he must now face the biggest challenge of his life. He must help save mankind. The clock is ticking, and the countdown has begun. Will he be able to convince them to trust him in time or is their survival doomed?

Julie


To Order FREE

Saturday, January 14, 2023

The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem by Kurt Brower

 



About the Book

 

Book: The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem

Author: Kurt Brouwer

Genre:Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: November 18, 2022

He was the Beloved Disciple…

…and he would be the last.

The mantle to tell the whole story has fallen on him.

From the cross, Jesus entrusted John, the youngest disciple, with the welfare of Mary, Jesus’s mother. Over thirty years later, as Jerusalem becomes a cauldron of explosive tempers, he receives a calling he doesn’t want.

Will he listen and follow?

And if he does, will it be too late?

In 62 AD, the Jewish high priest executes James, the brother of Jesus, triggering a bitter fight for power in Jerusalem that shatters the quiet life of John. The Jewish people he loves are making dangerous choices that will change the land of Israel forever.

Should he stay in Jerusalem and help hold off the Roman onslaught? Or is it time to reach out to those beyond Israel’s borders?

If he chooses to leave, what will be his message to these foreign believers? What new words of comfort could he possibly share?

Set against a backdrop of actual events, The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem is the first novel in a new series based on the Bible and Christian history.

Follow along while John faces multiple crises and comes to understand what it is to stand alone and lean on only the Lord.

Your heart will embrace The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem because John’s story is the story of our hope and promise.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK

This is the first book in the series. It takes you on a journey back to Biblical times in such a way that brings richness and undeniable Christian aspect clearly to the story. The time period, which appears well-researched, makes the reader feel like they are there with the characters.

The characters are well-developed and appeared very real to the time period. Following, John's journey through a trying time of conflict, death, and faith gives the reader an idea of what it was like for the disciples of Christ.

There are times of perilous journeys, unknown dangers, but also times of closeness, prayer and family. I can't wait to read the next installment. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinons are my own.

 

About the Author



Kurt is a Christian writer, living in Hawaii. A few years ago he did a study at his church on the Apostle John. That little project got him hooked on the man who started out life as a fisherman and then became a disciple of Christ.p>The more he learned, the more he wanted to know. What did John do after the Crucifixion? Why did he wait so long to write the Gospel of John? Where did he live for the last 60 years of his life? This historical novel came out of the research he did to answer those questions.

He started a blog (KurtBrouwer.com) a few years ago. On it he has written over 100 blog posts and a few Christian booklets.

Now he’s working on Book Two in this series. The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch takes up where Book One ends. The Last Disciple is a Christian historical novel that introduces you to John, the last disciple of Christ. 

More from Kurt

About 85 AD, more than fifty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of John struck the Christian world like a lightning bolt out of a clear blue sky. At that time, few Christians even knew that one of the disciples yet lived. After all the years, decades even, a new book of the Bible came out, written by the last disciple of Christ.

Who was the last disciple?

John the son of Zebedee walked with Jesus during his ministry on earth. He witnessed the Crucifixion and later entered the empty tomb after Jesus rose from the grave.

John, the youngest of the disciples, outlived all the others. In fact, John, the last disciple of Christ, lived for more than 60 years after Jesus died on the Cross. But who was he? And what did he do all those years? Where did he live? With whom? What do we know of him and his life?

The youngest disciple…

John walked with Jesus when he was young, probably a teenager or very early 20s. He and Andrew were the first discples of Christ. John lived so long that he became the last disciple too.

A few details about John

He was:

  • The son of Zebedee, his father, and Salome, his mother
  • Brother to the disciple James
  • Possibly a cousin to Jesus through his mother
  • A fisherman on the Sea of Galilee
  • He and his brother James were friends and even fishing buddies with Peter and his brother Andrew
  • Almost certainly the youngest of the 12 disciples

I got hooked (pun intended) on John early one morning

One morning I read a short piece from BibleGateway.com by Jonathan Petersen, When Was Each Book of the Bible Written? In it, Petersen gave the approximate dates when all the New Testament books came out. The first, written by James the brother of Jesus, came out around 44 AD or as late as 49 AD. The most widely accepted year for the Crucifixion is 33 AD, so the first book did not come out for at least 11 years after Christ died.

The next New Testament book to come out was Paul’s letter to the Galatians, around 49 AD. After that came the gospels of Mark and Matthew. Other books such as Luke, Acts, and all of Paul’s letters came along in fairly short order. Peter’s two letters came out and then the book of Jude, about 68-70 AD. Then, for at least 10-20 years, no new Bible books came out.

The silence was broken

Finally, the silence was broken. After all the years, decades even, the words of one who walked with Jesus came forth. The Gospel of John came out written by a man who saw the empty tomb after Jesus rose. A man who would write five books of the Bible:

  • The Gospel of John 80-90 AD
  • The Letters or Epistles of John 90-95 AD
  • The Book of Revelation 95-98 AD

A unique voice came forth

As John’s gospel spread from church to church, a unique voice came forth. What a miracle that must have been to first century Christians when the Gospel of John appeared!

That’s it for now. We will continue with more in future posts on the saga of the last disciple of Christ. If you can’t wait, watch the video above.

Yours in Christ, Kurt

                       

              Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 4

Lots of Helpers, January 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 6

Lily’s Book Reviews, January 7

Cover Lover Book Review, January 8

deb’s Book Review, January 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 11

Texas Book-aholic, January 12

Connie’s History Classroom, January 13

Bizwings Blog, January 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 15

Mary Hake, January 15

Lights in a Dark World, January 16

Blogging With Carol, January 17

                 Giveaway



To celebrate his tour, Kurt is giving away the grad 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/2363e/the-last-disciple-crisis-in-jerusalem-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Lulu and Malek Sail Off to Sea Book Tour by June Foster & Rob Scheer, Author's Q & A, Review

 

 


Book Details:

Book Title:  Lulu and Malek Sail Off to Sea! by June Foster and Rob Scheer
Category:  Children's Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 32 pages
Genre:  Children's Book
Publisher:  Hubble & Hattie
Release date:   August 23, 2022
Content Rating:  G.  The book is designed for children between 3-7 years of age.
Book Description:

Adventurous friends Lulu and Malek make fantastic discoveries, take care of our planet, and meet new friends as they explore the wonders of the world under the sea. With vibrant illustrations and endearing characters, this fun-to-read rhyming book is sure to be a children's favorite that they will want to read over and over again! Add this fun-filled and inspiring book to your home or class library! It will be enjoyed by children who love adventure, a good laugh, and want to learn more about the sea and conservation.
Buy the Book:
Amazon B&N ~ BAM
Indigo AbeBooks IndieBound
add to Goodreads
Meet the Authors:

Just a bit about me. I live in Arizona, but for most of the year, I travel across our beautiful earth as a deckhand and yoga instructor in the yachting industry. I love the serenity of the sea, exploring treasured caves, hiking through lush green forests, immersing myself in different cultures, and meeting new friends. I recently launched an online retail store (www.yachtieinspired.com) that offers conservation and yachtie inspired designs through my Sea Our Love and Silent Whispers Collections. You can also purchase a Personalized Signed Copy of my books on my online store, or please visit junenfoster.com to learn more!

My co-author, Rob Scheer and I have completed two beautifully illustrated, heartfelt children's books. Rob is the Founder and CEO of Comfort Cases. Since 2013, Comfort Cases set out on a mission to eliminate the use of trash bags and provide children entering the foster system with brand new essential and comfort items. To date, Comfort Cases has positively impacted over 110,000 children, and has recently opened a chapter in the United Kingdom. For each book purchased of Lulu and Malek Sail Off to Sea, we will donate one book to Comfort Cases.

connect with the authors: website twitter facebook instagram instagram ~ goodreads


AUTHORS Q & A 

1.     In your book you make a reference to pollution on the beach and nets in the ocean, how did you come up with this idea?

 

JUNE:  Having worked in the yachting industry, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of pollution and trash, such as plastics, spilled oil and netting. While the ocean covers 70% of the Earth and holds 80% of all life, it faces overkilling of fish, species extinctions, warm and acidic waters, and coastal erosion. Our story includes Lulu and Malek’s stewardship by picking up trash along the coastline, and saving a small fish entangled with a net—a small, yet gentle way of introducing this subject to young children.

 

ROB: Well, I have to give credit to my co-author, June. She’s worked in the yachting industry for years, so it came naturally. But beach and ocean pollution is often on my mind, as my family loves going to the beaches near where we live on the Maryland shore. It’s always disappointing to see trash on the beach or in the water. Writing this book with June is a great way for us to raise awareness about what can be done to solve this problem.

 

2.     What is your next project?

JUNE & ROB:  Rob and I have completed a second children’s illustration book, full of love and hope. We will begin looking for a publisher in Q1. Additionally, I (June) have completed a short story near and dear to my heart that I hope to publish in 2023. And Rob hopes to have a new addition of his memoir coming out this year.

3.     Do you have another profession besides writing?

ROB: Oh yes. I am the founder of Comfort Cases, an international non-profit organization that promotes hope and dignity to youth in foster care. When I was 18 and “aged out” of foster care, my foster parents handed me a black trash bag with my belongings in it. Decades later, when our first beautiful children came to us through foster care, I was appalled that they too had their belongings stuffed into that same black trash bag. How could that be?  So, my husband and I founded Comfort Cares to solve that problem. Since then, we have now given away more than 200,000 Comfort Cases, backpacks filled with new essential items for youth in foster care of all ages - items would include new pajamas, a new blanket, an age-appropriate hygiene kit (including a new toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc.), and a “stuffy”. We’ve given these away to youth in every state in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.

 

JUNE:  For eight months of the year, I work as a Chief Stewardess or Deckhand in the yachting industry. I’m able to save enough money to allow me four months on land to complete and publish my stories that I work on throughout the year.

 

4.     Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

ROB: My children and all youth in foster care inspire me in everything I do. Don’t we all want our children to have better lives than the ones we live?

JUNE:  For me, inspiration comes in many forms, and normally it bubbles to the surface when I least expect it. One time, I came across a quote that touched me to the core. It inspired me to write a short story that will be part of a larger collection. Another example was when a golden maple leaf fell into my hands during a hike in Ohio. This led to my first published novel. In other cases, it could be a series of related news reports that inspire. In the case of Lulu and Malek Sail Off to Sea, it was Rob’s book, A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time. After reading his heart wrenching, yet inspirational story, and learning more about Rob and Comfort Cases, I was inspired to collaborate with Rob to write two children’s books.

5.     When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

ROB:   I never knew that I wanted to be an author, but I’ve always loved books. As a youth growing up in foster care, books were always a huge comfort to me. They were an escape from my reality that I really needed. As the father of five children, all who were in foster care, I try to pass my love of books on to them. I always have a stack of books by my nightstand as well as in my office. They are easily recognizable, as I’m always sticking little yellow “post-its” in them to track passages I find memorable and that I want to revisit. When I was asked to write my memoir, Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time, I said: “But I don’t even know the difference between ‘there,’ “their’ and ‘they’re’!” Now I know that writing is just as important to me as reading.

JUNE:   I’ve always loved storytelling, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I pursued publishing. There were a series of memorable moments that led me in this direction. During college, I enrolled in many global sociology courses. For the first time in my life, I read about the multitudes of international social crises. The material introduced me to the vast inequalities, rights violations, and perpetual intergenerational cycles of poverty. Children, in general, have always pulled at my heartstrings, so reading about their suffering in particular drove me to dig deeper into their day to day lives and circumstances. As my worldview changed, and my senses enlightened, I knew where I needed to focus; however, I was uncertain on how I could have influence. After graduating, I enrolled in Film Production at Grand Canyon University. I was in the middle of a screenwriting course when my Papa passed away. I collapsed. He was my everything—I loved him deeply and miss him every day. A few months later, I opened my draft screenplay and read it with fresh eyes. I felt my characters, plot, setting . . . well everything lacked substance and depth. I was determined to bring my story to life. It was at that moment, I guess you could say, that I became an author and soon after, published The Girl and the Golden Leaf. A few years later, I was honored to meet Rob, and thrilled to have written two children’s illustration books with him!


MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK

Lulu & Malek Sail Off to Sea is an enduring story that will instill in our children the habits of caring for people, our planet, and wildlife. It's written in a simple easy to understand style in rhyme.

The characters are adventurous and love to discover new things, helpful in times of trouble, and caring. All the attributes we hope our children have. The characters are well-drawn in vibrant colors that will grasp your children's attention and bring joy to them.

It's a book children will enjoy over and over again and would make an excellent addition to any child's library.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Julie


Enter the Giveaway:
Lulu and Malek Sail Off to Sea! Book Tour Giveaway




Tuesday, January 3, 2023

New Release- Critical Threat (Extreme Measures #3) by Lynette Eason

 




FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn't mean they're not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer--in prison but certainly not out of Sam's life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with Peter's MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They've met before--and though Grace thought they'd made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They'll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case--especially because it's about to get personal.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason doesn't give you time to catch your breath in this breakneck race to stop a serial killer.


Purchase on Amazon


MY REVIEW

Critical Threat is an on-the-edge-of-your-seat non-stop action suspense at its best. It is intriguing from beginning to end. The serial killer's victims' descriptions were handled in such a way as to eliminate a lot of gore and focused more on the cat-and-mouse game to catch the killer.

The characters were well-developed and my favorites were Grace and Eleni, who both showed extreme strength and cunning. The serial killers' identity played out well and the ending wrapped things up nicely. A well-written story, easy to read, and filled with loads of excitement. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Thanks for Reading,

Julie

Monday, January 2, 2023

New Release- Time of Enduring Love (Pacific Cove Legacy Series Book 3 ) by J.E. Grace



Time of Enduring Love  

Book 3 of the Pacific Cove Legacy Series

Christian Romance/Ranch Life

Available in Ebook & Paperback

FREE on Amazon Jan 3rd-7th

Description

 Continuing after the wedding of Peter and Amanda, the Saunders family discovers more joy and sorrows in store for them.


A hired ranch hand isn't who he appears to be. But what secret is he hiding? Will the Saunders family be able to discover it in time?

When a new rancher moves into the area, problems arise for Naomi and Jason. Can their marriage withstand it, and their faith pulls them through unscathed. Only God knows for sure.


Ebook


Paperback



OTHER BOOKS in the SERIES

















Book 1-Time of Haunted Beginnings  99c


Book 2- Time for Second Chances


Thursday, December 29, 2022

New Release- "Because God Made Me I am Special" by Crystal Mary Lindsey




Children need to feel confident and content within themselves, whether male or female.


With that confidence, they are able to develop relationships and strengthen their self-esteem through play while developing new skills daily. Praising a child's effects along the way creates a positive environment for them to learn and grow at their own pace.


The world can be confusing for children, especially now with teachings in schools and the world questioning gender.


As Christians, we know that God makes no mistakes and we are created for a specific role as male or female.


Both gender roles are unique and put together in unity to procreate.


This story is simple in context and written to help little ones understand and accept who they are.

Prayerfully as they read or have the story read to them, they will find joy in their gender.

Children thrive when they feel safe and secure to grow without uncertainty or fear.

They need to be protected and understood by family, friends, and teachers who listen to them with care and love.




To Purchase on Amazon




About the Author
Crystal Mary Lindsey is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and retired health professional of many years.
She desires to see children reach their full potential in self-confidence and awareness of who they are with acceptance of their own unique abilities.
As they read this story, it is her desire they understand with a happy heart God's perfect plan and love for their life.

Why I wrote the book

My grandson, seven years old, stood still in my lounge room and earnestly said,
"I wish I was a girl."

"Why would you want to be a girl?" I asked him, surprised.

"Girls have more fun, and everyone is a girl in our house except me."

"Aww, honey, come here. I love you just as you are, and when you grow up, you will have strong muscles, and girls will ask you to help them with what they can't do. Did you know that?"


He shook his head, still looking at me sadly and somewhat confused, but he didn't want to talk about it anymore.

The world can be confusing for children, especially now —teachings in schools and the world question gender. As Christians, we know that God makes no mistakes and we are created for a specific male or female role. Both gender roles are unique and put together in unity to procreate.


This story is simple in context and written to help little ones understand and accept who they are. Prayerfully as they read or have the story read to them, they will find joy in their gender.


Children thrive when they feel safe and secure to grow without uncertainty or fear. They need to be protected and understood by family, friends, and teachers who listen to them with care and love.


Proverbs 22:6. "Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  

 

 


 


 

 

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

New Release- The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan



 From the author of The Widows of Champagne, and inspired by true events, comes a gripping and heartwrenching story of two very different women united to bring light to the darkest days of World War II.

 
London, 1933
 



At first glance, Austrian opera singer Elsa Mayer-Braun has little in common with the young English typist she encounters on tour. Yet she and Hattie Featherstone forge an instant connection—and strike a dangerous alliance. Using their friendship as a cover, they form a secret society with a daring goal: to rescue as many Jews as possible from Nazi persecution.
 
Though the war’s outbreak threatens Elsa and Hattie’s network, their efforts attract the covert attention of the British government, offering more opportunities to thwart the Germans. But Elsa’s growing fame as Hitler’s favorite opera singer, coupled with her secret Jewish ancestry, makes her both a weapon and a target—until her future, too, hangs in the balance.
 
From the glamorous stages of Covent Garden and Salzburg to the horrors of Bergen-Belsen,  two ordinary women swept up by the tide of war discover an extraordinary friendship—and the courage to save countless lives.



My Thoughts on the Book

The Secret Society of Salzburg is the first novel I've read by this author. It captivated me and it will not be the last.

The storyline gripped my heart, the characters were mesmerizing and inspirational, and the setting or backdrops pushed me into a time of great hardship and atrocities of Hitler's war.

There were lots of tense moments, and heart-breaking moments of betrayal, yet some outstanding success and inspiration. The main character Elsa was beyond amazing. She was strong and devoted to the arts, but also the cause. Hattie, an artist depicting the opera singer in her art was entertaining to read about. Hattie was a devoted fan of Elsa, but also a strong ally in the cause to help the Jews.

Keep the tissues handy, but this book will also make you smile with pride at Elsa, Hattie, Vera, Oliver, and Melvina's accomplishments. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it.
Julie



Monday, December 26, 2022

New Release by Dora Hiers- "A Heart's Song-Canderhart Dynasty Book 3

 


Now that the legacy of Canderhart Racing is settled, Dustin "Dusty" Canderhart needs to crank out the words to make the contracted deadline for his next action adventure romance book. But it appears as though his muse has abandoned him. Or rather, his pseudonym Sage Rockford. There's a lot riding on this book. He's not worried about the advance. It's more about proving to his father that writing is a viable profession just as much as car racing.

On the run from a stalker, singer/songwriter Oakley Mead retreats to her hometown of Hawley Creek, hoping to keep a low profile and not attract any attention. But that hope incinerates when she runs into her high school sweetheart, Dusty Canderhart, and the town's most eligible bachelor insists on keeping her safe. Oakley doesn't want or need Dusty acting like one of his fictional heroes. All her life, starting with her father, men have betrayed her, and romance belongs in his books, not in real life.

Will Dusty convince Oakley that she can trust him not to hurt her and that romance isn't just reserved for fiction and songs? Can he show her that they belong together? Will Oakley feel safe enough in Hawley Creek, in Dusty's arms, to stop running? Can she trust the new song taking up residence in her heart? Lyrics of truth, faith, hope and love…

https://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Song-Christian-Romance-Canderhart-ebook/dp/B0BJ7ZR178


My Review

Dusty Canderhart is trying to finish his novel but decides the coffee shop is too busy. On his way out, he can't believe the woman he literally runs into is non-other than Oakley. He discovers he still has feelings for her.

This installment is Dusty's and Oakley's story. There are some tense moments and Dusty is worried about her safety.  The characters of Dusty and Oakley are very relatable and I enjoyed following their journey. Another great Canderhart read that didn't disappoint.  A short story but one that packed a punch. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Julie


Friday, December 23, 2022

FREE Dec. 24th thru Dec. 28th on Amazon- New Release - "To Rescue My Love" by J.E. Grace

 



Title: To Rescue My Love: A Christmas Surprise

Christian Historical Western Romance

Published:  December 20, 2022

FREE Dec. 24th thru Dec. 28th


Description:

Jake Prosser, owner of Prosser Ranch in Nortonville, Colorado had fallen hard when he met the love of his life. He trusted God for his future, but nothing went as planned. It appears he must endure more than he ever expected, and can his faith withstand it all?


Emma Wright, kidnapped by outlaws, leaving behind a life she loved, now spends time imprisoned in a strange town. Held by an abusive man, she only dreams of her escape. An unexpected event and help from someone she didn’t expect, brings her freedom, but only to suffer another fate. It seems she can’t win but never gives up hope.


Will God heal their broken hearts and bring them the happiness they desire?



Paperback







           Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to You & Your Family! God Bless!



Wednesday, December 21, 2022

NEW RELEASE- To Rescue My Love: A Christmas Surprise by J.E. Grace



Title: To Rescue My Love: A Christmas Surprise

Christian Historical Western Romance

Published:  December 20, 2022

99c or FREE on KU

Description:

Jake Prosser, owner of Prosser Ranch in Nortonville, Colorado had fallen hard when he met the love of his life. He trusted God for his future, but nothing went as planned. It appears he must endure more than he ever expected, and can his faith withstand it all?


Emma Wright, kidnapped by outlaws, leaving behind a life she loved, now spends time imprisoned in a strange town. Held by an abusive man, she only dreams of her escape. An unexpected event and help from someone she didn’t expect, brings her freedom, but only to suffer another fate. It seems she can’t win but never gives up hope.

Will God heal their broken hearts and bring them the happiness they desire?