Thursday, February 15, 2024

Review of Embers in the London Sky by Sarah Sundin

 



As the German army invades the Netherlands in 1940, Aleida van der Zee Martens escapes to London to wait out the Occupation. Separated from her three-year-old son, Theo, in the process, the young widow desperately searches for her little boy even as she works for an agency responsible for evacuating children to the countryside.

When German bombs set London ablaze, BBC radio correspondent Hugh Collingwood reports on the Blitz, eager to boost morale while walking the fine line between truth and censorship. But the Germans are not the only ones Londoners have to fear as a series of murders flame up amid the ashes.

The deaths hit close to home for Hugh, and Aleida needs his help to locate her missing son. As they work together, they grow closer and closer, both to each other and the answers they seek. But with bombs falling and continued killings, they may be running out of time.


To Purchase


MY REVIEW

Embers in the London Sky is the story of Aleida, who is searching London for her young son, and Hugh, a war correspondent during the German Invasion in 1940. The author's descriptions of London and the well-developed characters made me feel like I was there. There are moments of suspense, and mystery, as well as times of intense tenderness. It's a story of hardships, truth, compassion, and a beautiful love story. Also, a story of a mother's love for her child. Highly recommended. A true wartime masterpiece. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.



Monday, February 12, 2024

On Preorder at Special Pricing and My Review of A Love Rewritten by Dora Heirs

 




What is it with this enchanting small town of Butterfly Bend? Is there something in the river that mends wounded hearts and blows the sweet wind of love through the town? So far, Calla Jansing has watched both of her sisters get shot with Cupid's arrows. She's happy for them, really, but she's steering clear of those pesky arrows. She had her one true love, and when her husband passed away from a massive heart attack after ignoring his doctor's warnings about the sustained stress of being a police chief, it just about killed her too.

 She's nowhere near ready to open her heart to love again. But with her sisters' attention elsewhere, she appreciates a friend like Gary Callahan. He's funny and kind, a great dad and grandpa, a believer, and sometimes a shameless flirt. But he's also the town's police chief, so a friend is all he could ever be. 

Police Chief Gary Callahan has a few more good years left in him to protect his beloved city from crime. Over the years on the force, he's caught his share of criminals, but he can't seem to figure out how to capture the romantic attention of the beautiful and vivacious Calla. She seems perfectly happy to keep him firmly tucked in the friend zone. 

What's it going to take to get her to change her mind? For him to retire just as he's reached the pinnacle of his career? Or will the dire situation with his grandson's friend spur her to drop him as a friend altogether? Is Calla's faith strong enough to free her heart to fall in love with another police chief and trust that the Lord will protect Gary in his chosen profession? Will she continue to friend zone Gary or will she allow the Lord to rewrite her story? A Love Rewritten…


To Preorder


MY REVIEW

A Love Rewritten is book 3 in the Second Chane Love in Butterfly Bend. This is Calla's second chance story. Calla is one of the triplet sisters. The other two sisters have found their true love. Calla isn't sure about hers, especially when Police Chief, Gary, catches her eye.

The story is full of the issues when you let your past frame your future. It's an inspirational and sweet romance that will keep you smiling. Calla is witty, and her banter with Gary left me chuckling. I loved the ending.

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

Julie














Friday, February 9, 2024

Review of It is Finished by Charles Martin

 



Across forty days of vivid storytelling, It Is Finished offers you a unique and vital roadmap to trace the power and necessity of the cross throughout the Bible, from the book of Genesis all the way to your present-day reality.

Through forty slices of the story of Calvary, master storyteller and vivid Bible teacher Charles Martin, will walk you back to the cross to look up at it from a different angle each day and ask the Father to reveal to you:

  • What exactly did he mean when the dying Jesus said, "It is finished"—what was finished at the cross?
  • When did what Jesus finish at the cross even begin?
  • What does this man's death 2,000 years ago have to do with me today?
  • What is God offering at the cross that I so easily forget and take for granted?
  • What do I not realize about myself that the Father God has never forgotten?

 

Whether it is your first, tenth, or ten thousandth time looking up at the cross of Christ, you can trust New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin, to wrap an arm around your shoulder, come alongside and walk with you as a fellow pilgrim headed in the same direction and answering the same question: "What will I do with this man, Jesus?"

Because before we can celebrate the resurrection, we need to backtrack to where Jesus has been, how He got there, and what His presence there accomplished. And while Satan can't change what happened on that Friday, he has been working ever since to hide what happened there. To obscure the work of the Cross. To avert our eyes. But on this 40-day pilgrimage your eyes will open wide and your heart will race as you discover the answer to the question that can change your life, Lord, why me? Why would you endure the cross and despise the shame, for me?




To Purchase




MY REVIEW


It is finished is a wonderful book centered on Jesus. It reminds the reader of the power of Christ and covers from Genesis to the present day. You take 40 days to explore the biblical accounts and discover that even though Christ's work was finished on the cross, that he continues his work in every one of us. The author answers some important questions we all ask ourselves. It's a resource to keep on hand and to refer to often. It would make a good study for small groups. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.



Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Review of What Rhymes with Reason Film- Available Feb 6th



Tragedy ignites a group of teens on a quest to find a legendary landmark hidden in the wilderness. Together, they navigate the adventure while confronting the darkness within themselves in an attempt to find hope. 


The WORLD'S favorite coming-of-age, faith-adjacent, adventure/drama is NOW available on all major digital platforms to rent and own! Watch 'What Rhymes With Reason' with the whole family today! 


 It’s hard to get our youth to talk about anything sometimes…


What Rhymes With Reason is carefully crafted to not only be a FUN cinematic experience but also encourage much-needed conversations surrounding faith and mental health! 

·        FUN and SAFE... This film has been carefully crafted to not only be a cinematic adventure but also break down walls so we can have much-needed mental health conversations with our kids. 

·        The cinematic and entertainment value found in modern teen dramas without the glorification of wrongdoing like 13 Reasons Why, or the often cheesy or preachy moments of some faith-based films. 

·        A movie from a team that produced a film that Hollywood and even other Faith filmmakers will not. YA family and "Young Group Kids" have a HUGE audience, but are undervalued and underserved by studios because overwhelmingly they believe that they won't sell. Our approach from day 1 as a calling in our team's life is to fill this need for this audience searching for something better!! A movie that provides HOPE in a dark and broken world.

·        $12.99 Price point. Bargain to own for their family.

 

PRESS

"Love overcomes the darkness." - Cooper Dowd, Movieguide

"A coming-of-age film every teen should see." - Randy Tatno, Epoch Times

"A powerful resource addressing teen depression." - Jessica Lee, Churchleaders.com

 

WRWR has won awards all over the world. We are just so thrilled that the film is already resonating with youth and families from so many different cultures!

Just a handful of the honors...

  • Best Family Film - CANNES World Film Festival, Cannes France
  • Best Family Film - West Bengal India
  • Social Impact Award - Ukraine Symbiotic Film Festival
  • Best Feature Film - Dubai International Cine Carnival
  • Best Actor - Rome Independent Film Awards


To Purchase the Film

 



MY REVIEW


What Rhymes with Reason is a very well-directed and produced film. The cast of characters is very real to their part and the situations they face can be typical of teenage issues. Jesse and his sister, Savannah are dealing with the loss of their father.  And each character in the movie is dealing with their own issues.


The music in the movie was well-planned out and fit well. There were some tense moments, but also some tender ones. The movie got the message across well.


I feel the movie watched by a teenage audience, will be able to relate well to it.  The main thing that stood out to me was friendship and love for each other. They were better together. Depression and panic attacks can be disabling but there is help out there and you're not alone.




\

Coming-of-Age Film Empowers Kids Struggling with Mental Health



 


What Rhymes With Reason

 

January 2024 – From Virgil Films comes Reckless Abandonment Pictures new feature film What Rhymes With Reason. The coming-of-age adventure, partnered with 988 Mental Health Lifeline which empowers kids struggling with mental health, is told through a Goonies-like adventure lens. The acclaimed feature will be coming to digital HD everywhere February 6th and DVD.

 

The family-friendly film follows six teens, led by the charismatic Jesse Brandt, who enlists his friends to help find a legendary landmark hidden in the wilderness. Together, they navigate the adventure while confronting the darkness within themselves. At the film’s center is the subject of depression, and the filmmakers know that it’s hard to get our youth to talk about it. Which is why What Rhymes With Reason is carefully crafted to break stigmas and encourage much needed conversations surrounding faith and mental health.

 

The all-star young cast of What Rhymes With Reason includes Gattlin Griffith (The Boys), Ricardo Hurtado (School of Rock), Giselle Torres (The Villains of Valley View), LaRonn Marzett, Katie Burgess, Juan Graterol and Bart Johnson (High School Musical).

 

The film partnered with 988 Mental Health Lifeline to help improve mental health outcomes. The nationwide operation provides a three-digit number to replace the 11-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Mental Health Lifeline operates 24/7/365 and offers services for mental health crisis calls. Operators in Oklahoma are licensed and certified health crisis specialists who answer calls and dispatch local services and mobile crisis teams.


What Rhymes With Reason channels coming-of-age classics like The Breakfast Club, Stand By Me, and The Goonies to tell a timeless story of hope for the youth of today.\


About Virgil Films – Virgil Films & Entertainment was founded in 2003 by Joe Amodei to acquire, and distribute feature films, documentaries and original episodic television series. Over the years Virgil has enjoyed partnerships with Sundance Channel Home Entertainment, National Geographic Cinema Ventures, Pure Flix Entertainment, Vancouver based Network Entertainment,  Major League Baseball Productions, Morgan Spurlock’s Warrior Poets, OWN and other high-profile entertainment brands. Their feature films have been available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, AppleTV +, Hulu, Vudu, Google Play, HBO, Starz, Showtime and many other digital and TV networks. Virgil Films releases include the Oscar-nominated documentary Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me; the critically acclaimed best-selling Forks Over Knives; and the Oscar-nominated documentary Restrepo and its sequel Korengal. They have also released the entertaining I Am Chris Farley, I am Heath Ledger, Trafficked, Code Blue, Ruth and the holiday classic The Real Bedford Falls. Clarence Clemons, Who Do I Think I Am was their first in house production which followed their successful five-episode documentary series Happy Jail which was a co-production with Netflix.  Follow them on twitter: @virgilfilms www.VirgilFilms.com


About Reckless Abandonment Pictures 

Our mission is to produce quality moving pictures one frame at a time. From concept to final product, we are a full-service video production company. We specialize in creating radically family friendly content, telling visual stories across a multitude of mediums. Our clients include DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Warner Media, Hasbro, Mattel, LEGO, and NatGeo Wild. For more information, visit ra-pictures.com

 

About Oklahoma 988 Mental Health Lifeline

The 988 Mental Health Lifeline is designated as a three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Mental Health Lifeline operates 24/7 and offers services for mental health crisis calls. Operators are licensed and certified health crisis specialists who answer calls, connect to and dispatch local services and mobile crisis teams. For more information, please visit 988lifeline.org

 

























 https://www.blessedfreebies.com/what-rhymes-with-reason-giveaway.html


Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Renewed Hope Blog Tour by Carmen Peone

 

Renewed Hope JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Renewed Hope by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Renewed Hope

Title: Renewed Hope
Series:
Seven Tine Ranch Romance #3
Author:
Carmen Peone
Publisher:
Iron Stream Fiction
Release Date:
February 6, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

Can they find her son in time? 

Sophie Cayes is on the road to success as an artist. Until her ex-husband threatens to sue for full custody of their son. Upon learning of a guest ranch in Eastern Washington that keeps a room open for women in need, she grabs her son and bolts. Although Chad Davis loves starting colts on the Seven Tine Guest Ranch, his goal is to have his own spread. Everything’s on course until a woman and her preschool son show up. He’s not thrilled about helping out. Until the boy comes up missing. On his watch. Along with a tribal cop, they head back to Montana in search of the boy, knowing his dad was the one who kidnapped him. Sophie prays they find him before her ex-husband and his new wife go on the run. Taking her son with them. 

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


MY REVIEW

Sophie Cayes has a complicated past. She learns that divorce doesn't always cut the ties of an abusive relationship-especially when you have a child. But, things get complicated when Chad Davis comes to her rescue.

Renewed Hope at times, was a difficult read. I relate to abusive behavior firsthand and like Sophie realized it takes a lot of courage, determination, support, and faith to see you through.

Carmen Peone pens a story of Native American victims who come to be victors. She takes a story of tragedy and shows how God turns it into a story of hope, faith, and a new future. This is another of her well-written books in the Seven Tine Ranch series that leaves me wanting more. Fantastic read. Highly recommended.

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

More Books In This Series

Captured Secrets 


About the Author

Carmen Peone

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Contemporary Western Romantic Suspense and lives with her husband in Northeast Washington and on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation. She weaves threads of healing, hope, and horses into her stories that lead to happily ever after.

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

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will win a signed copy of Renewed Hope, a $25 Amazon gift card, and a story-related postcard!

Renewed Hope JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 5, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 12, 2024. Winners 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

Monday, February 5, 2024

New Release- Explosive Reunion by Dana R Lynn




 Madelyn Blake has worked hard to get where she is professionally and to be present to her twin daughters. An abusive relationship has taught her to be wary. It has also shaken her trust in God. When she becomes the target of a killer who enjoys using fire and explosives, her entire life is put on hold.

Trevor Stone appears to be a shy, mild-mannered man, but he has seen the worst of people. Still, he retains his unwavering faith that God is in control of everything. As a technician in a bomb squad unit, he has honed his ability to keep calm and clear thinking in life and death situations. When his former best friend is in danger, Trevor puts all his skills to work to keep her and her adorable little girls safe and stop the killer.

As the danger escalates, Maddie and Trevor struggle with their growing feelings for each other while trying to outwit a killer who is always one step ahead of them. Will they survive and get a second chance at love?

Purchase


MY REVIEW

Sargeant Madelyn Blake has twin daughters by her ex-husband, who recently died. Even though they divorced and his death made everything final, the abuse still plagues her. Sargeant Trevor Stone and Madelyn have a history. Now, they are working on a case together.

The storyline is action-packed and filled with mystery and intrigue. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the killer was. The characters were well-developed and pushed the story along nicely. Lots of twists that will keep you guessing. Well written, and everything is wrapped up nicely in the end.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive review is not required, and all opinions are my own.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Dana R. Lynn is a bestselling, award-winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. She met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters.

She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is also a blogger on Seekerville and a member of the Suspense Squad. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats, and thinks chocolate should be a food group.

Readers can contact her or sign up to receive her monthly newsletter a www.danarlynn.com.



Sunday, February 4, 2024

New Release- Review of Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

 



As a child, artist and potter Dani Bennett witnessed the brutal murder of her parents. With no memory of the incident or her true identity, she was forced to take on a new name and a new life, hidden away in Montana for the past 25 years.


Mae Richmond has spent the same stretch of time searching for her granddaughter, who went missing the night her daughter and son-in-law were murdered. Convinced the woman she saw in a pottery magazine feature is the woman she's been searching for, she enlists the help of K-9 officer Mark Lassiter of Pearl Springs, Tennessee, who tracks Dani down.

Skeptical but curious, Dani sets out on a journey to uncover the secrets of her past and reclaim her true identity. But someone close to her is determined to keep the truth of what happened all those years ago hidden.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


USA Today best-selling author, Patricia Bradley is the recipient of numerous awards, including an Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award in suspense, a Selah winner, was a Carol, and a Daphne du Maurier finalist. Her romantic suspense novels include the Logan Point series, the Memphis Cold Case Novels, and the Natchez Trace Park Rangers.

She is now hard at work on the second book in her new Pearl River series set in the Cumberland Plateau area above Chattanooga. The first book in the series, Counter Attack will release in mid-2023.

She has conducted writing workshops for American Christian Fiction Writers, the Mid-South Christian Writer’s Conference, the KenTen and Scrivener retreats (where she was the keynote), the Memphis American Christian Fiction Writer group, and the Bartlett Christian Writers group.

She and her two cats call Northeast Mississippi home--the South is also where she sets most of her books, and when she has time, she likes to throw mud on a wheel and see what happens.


My Review

This is my first read by this author. I found Fatal Witness a runaway thrill ride. Lots of well-developed characters, and a great storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat holding my breath.

The story had lots of suspense, mystery, and a who-done-it that entered into the story a few times. It kept me guessing until almost the end. Also, included in the story was a K-9 dog and another smart dog owned by Dani.

The ending of the story wrapped up nicely. Fatal Witness is one of those stories that once you're engaged, keeps you there until the end. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read her next book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Review of Deadly Mountain Escape Blog Tour by Mary Alfred

 

Deadly Mountain Escape JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Deadly Mountain Escape by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Deadly Mountain Escape

Title: Deadly Mountain Escape
Author:
Mary Alford
Publisher:
Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date:
January 23, 2024
Genre:
Christian Romantic Suspense

Can this officer stop a trafficking ring? 

Or will deadly criminals stop her first? 

A search for a missing young woman becomes a nightmare for K-9 deputy Charlotte Walker when she stumbles on a trafficking ring and is captured. Death seems certain until she’s rescued by rancher Jonas Knowles. Together, they take shelter in the Amish community he left behind. But they can’t hide forever—not when the criminals are still after them and countless girls are at risk…  

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



My Review

Deputy Charlotte Walker and Jonas Knowles are both dealing with guilt from their past. When they are forced to lean on each other, their lives go in a direction they never expected. The action was non-stop and it had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down. The mystery and deception come at every turn.

Even though the story is about a sensitive subject, the author handled it brilliantly. The main characters have lots of layers and are courageous and cunning when trapped in a dire situation. Their faith in God is strong. My favorite character is Charlotte and her resilience in trying to protect the victims. Lots of surprises in the story. Highly recommended.

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

About the Author

Mary Alford

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog.

Connect with Mary by visiting maryalford.net to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) The winner will win a copy of Deadly Mountain Escape & a $50 Amazon gift card!

Deadly Mountain Escape JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 30, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 6, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for a print copy, ebook if outside US. 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

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy by Brad Masen, Ed.D.

 

 



Book Details:

Book Title:  Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy by Brad Mason, Ed. D.
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 32 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Yorkshire Publishing
Release date:   January 2024
Content Rating:  G.  Suitable for everyone.
Book Description:

The Charlie Chaloosy book series kicks off with its inaugural offering, Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy.

The first book focuses on Charlie's experiences as he learns lessons, gains new experiences, and grows up in a world that happens to rhyme. The story is told through the use of a playful rhyme scheme and enhanced with beautifully colored illustrations of Charlie tackling new adventures in whimsical detail. The book ends with Charlie providing two pages for the reader to become an author by writing their own story.
Buy the Book:
Amazon B&N
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author

My passion for children's literature stems from 30+ years in education and my re-entry into bedtime stories with the addition of my beautiful grandchildren. I created Charlie as a means for children to learn with Charlie by having a growth mindset when it comes to facing new experiences and learning new things. Children live in a world that is traveling ever faster and my desire is to help them slow down and enjoy childhood through the adventures of Charlie Chaloosy. I hope children have fun with Charlie while engaging their minds through stories that encourage them to read, write, illustrate, and dream a little.

Author Interview with Brad Mason, author of CHARLIE CHALOOSY IS OFTEN QUITE CHOOSY

Are you a fulltime author and if not what else do you do?

I’m in my 34th year in education and I wrote my dissertation in 2004 and I think upwards of 10 people read it, so I knew it was time for another book. Seriously, this is my first book, so you could say that I am new to the children’s literature world.

 

What do you do in education?

I am in my 9th year as a superintendent of a TK-8 school district in Southern California. Previously, I was a teacher, dean of discipline, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and held different management positions at the district office. It appears I’ve had a hard time keeping a job. The beautiful thing about my career trajectory, though, is I’ve been able to clear my name with my mom. I have her believing that all the time I spent in the principal’s office growing up wasn’t because I was in trouble. She now believes I was “job shadowing.”

 

What was your motivation for writing the Charlie Chaloosy book?

As I previously mentioned, I’ve spent my professional life in education with tens of thousands of children and I have always been drawn to the “invisible child.” I’ve been asked what is an “invisible child.” They are the children that walk with their eyes cast down, that are often alone or exist in an outer orbit of activity away from the core of what is going on at the school. These children are often not there by choice; they often end up there due to a lack of self-confidence, anxiety, or the relational skills necessary to make and sustain friendships. Charlie has his own struggles in the book due to his fixed mindset about what he will eat, what he will wear, or what he is comfortable doing. Charlie goes through a bit of a metamorphosis in the book that sees him build up the courage to try new things, make a new friend, and benefit from the confidence that comes with each of those little successes. I want children to see bits of Charlie in themselves and make plans to do something that stretches them a little bit.

 

Why did you choose to use the rhyme scheme for the book and where did the idea come from to ask the reader to be an illustrator and writer with you and Charlie?

Realizing my audience is young children, I wanted the book to be enjoyable and accessible, but I also wanted it to have some impact. I thought the rhyme scheme might be fun, as well as the liberty I take bending some words to make them fit. It was fun taking a base word that fit the narrative and kind of “oosying” it a bit. I know that many children are struggling in the area of anxiety and a lack of self-confidence and I wanted to write Charlie as a character that was relatable in that way. I wanted to provide a book caring adults could use with children that could assist them in this area. Lastly, it just kind of hit me to add the last two pages for drawing and writing on their own. I figured what better way to give a child a call to action than to let them draw about and write about something new they would like to try that would be a stretch for them?      

 

What is your hope for the book?

This is a simple answer. This book will be a success if it is enjoyed by children and it provides encouragement for children to take a chance and try something new. Oh, and lastly, it will be a success if it outperforms my dissertation, which is currently holding at 10 readers, including my mom.


connect with author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram

My Review
This children's book is a hardback of good quality that should hold up after many times of reading. The cover illustration is eye-catching and will catch the attention of young children.

Through reading the book, a child is taught through rhyming story form, to experience new things with anticipation and to interact with other children. The inside illustrations are well-drawn and are in vibrant color. The character of Charlie is very expressive and compliments the story told on each page.

Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy is a story to be enjoyed by children and also by adults reading to children. Parents can feel comfortable adding this to their children's book collection. Highly recommended.

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

     


Enter the Giveaway:
Charlie Chaloosy is Often Quite Choosy by Brad Mason Book Tour Giveaway




Friday, January 26, 2024

Muldoon's Minnesota Darling Blog Tour by E.V. Sparrow

 


About the Book


Book: Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling, a Novella

Author: E.V. Sparrow

Genre: Historical fiction

Release Date: May 10, 2023

A heartsore widower with hidden fears and little faith…
The naïve daughter of a farmer guarding a repulsive secret…
A township unaware of the hidden menace amongst them…

Heartbroken from losing his family and his farm, Mick Muldoon is hopeful as he emigrates to America with his siblings. All he finds is despair and no work. Were America’s rumored promises of plenty all lies? Would God ever hear and answer his prayers?

Seventeen-year-old Shauna McGann is determined to marry Mick Muldoon despite her mother’s objections. His past and his limp might repulse others, but not her. What burdens Shauna is her terrible secret – a secret she promised her friends she would keep. Now Shauna needs help and protection. Could she trust Mick, or will she lose everything by telling him?

Will Mick finally be free of loss and find success in America? Will Shauna overcome her fears and finally feel safe?

In this Muldoon’s Misfortunes prelude novella, author E.V. Sparrow creates a provoking tale of flickering faith and enduring hope through an emigrant’s efforts to adapt, and a young woman’s unprejudiced love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

E.V. Sparrow is a short story writer turned novelist. Her readers encounter God’s unexpected presence through her character’s escapades. Her own adventures she wrote about involved traveling in over twenty countries. Sparrow lived on an Israeli kibbutz, worked for the U.S. Army in Bavaria, and hopped a freight train for a weekend.

A highlight for Sparrow is when Guideposts and Bethany House Publishers accepted four of her anthologized stories before she signed a 3-book historical fiction series contract with Celebrate Lit Publishing.

Her father’s family’s immigration from Ireland, their letters and documents, and some family stories inspired her current historical fiction novels.

In E.V.’s personal and church life, she ministered through prayer, worship, mission teams, and in Divorce Care and Singles. California native relocated to North Carolina, E.V. Sparrow and her husband enjoy family time with their grandchildren and exploring their new state.

More from E.V.

I’m writing books inspired by my father’s family because they believed in God but wrestled with their faith. Faith doesn’t come easy for every believer. We grapple with intimacy with God, but does God battle with us?

My oldest brother shared some stories of our great-grandfather, who emigrated here after losing his wives and children in Ireland. Yes, at least two families. I wondered, how could a suffering heart and soul survive those losses? Our great-grandfather’s inner turmoil didn’t change once he resettled in America. I read letters he wrote to his son—our grandfather and sifted through family photos. Certain aspects from the timeline of great-grandfather’s life fashioned my main character, Mick Muldoon. Mick encountered God’s unexpected presence several times without recognizing it.

Thinking through a Scripture verse, 1 Corinthians 13:13, (NIV) “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love,” reveals what remains when all else we are accustomed to is gone. I assume hope is as powerful as faith and love. It’s a triangle of strength for us until it goes wobbly. What happens when one or two of the three stabilizers are weaker than the others? Wounded, confused, and resilient characters named Mick, Orla, and Liam Muldoon.


My Review

The story starts in New York and ends in Minnesota. The life of Mick Muldoon, twice wed and now a widower hates his life in New York and decides to head to Minnesota with his brother. He is looking for a better life.

The characters have lots of layers and despite having heartache and despair, keep praying for hope. The story has moments of joy, some difficult situations, and fear. The happy ending and renewed faith wrapped everything up nicely.

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Celebrate Lit and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.




                  Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Bizwings Book Blog, January 26

Sylvan Musings, January 27 (Author Interview)

An Author’s Take, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

A Reader’s Brain, January 29 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 30

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 31 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2

By The Book, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3

For Him and My Family, February 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 5 (Author Interview)

                    Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, E.V. is giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling and an Amazon $50 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/299bb/muldoon-s-minnesot-darling-celebration-tour-giveaway