Spurgeon on the Power of Scripture

 

 About the Book

 The great London preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon had a lot to say during his four decades of ministry at the Metropolitan Tabernacle. And beyond his mighty voice, Spurgeon’s pen churned out countless words of biblical interpretation and Christian wisdom. These words can still encourage us today!

Volume 2 of the Spurgeon Speaks series focuses on the power of God’s Word. Nothing motivated Spurgeon more than proclaiming the holy Scriptures. His love for the Bible will encourage you as well.

Presented in lovely editions that you’ll be proud to have on your shelf, the Spurgeon Speaks series offers focused readings on topics that were important to the Prince of Preachers. Expertly selected by Jason Allen and updated for twenty-first century readers, this series will be a valued addition to the library of pastors, scholars, and anyone who appreciates the legacy of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. (Goodreads)

BUY HERE

 

 

My Thoughts

 

My goodness but this book has a lot in it! This is a very slow read. You read one paragraph and then have to think on it for a time. There are so many great quotes and things to ponder while reading this book that it does take a while to get through it all. I think this book would go nicely with a personal study or just to read along with your Bible. If you haven't read Spurgeon I highly recommend picking up this book if you are ready for a bit more depth when it comes to considering scripture.

The voices of earth are full of falsehood, but the word from heaven is pure. (pg 34)

 

Five Stars. 

 

"I received this book from Moody Publishers for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Life Flight Review

 

 About the Book

 EMS helicopter pilot Penny Carlton is used to high stress situations, but being forced to land on a mountain in a raging storm with a critical patient--and a serial killer on the loose--tests her skills and her nerve to the limit. She survives with FBI Special Agent Holt Satterfield's help. But she's not out of the woods yet.

In the ensuing days, Penny finds herself under attack. And when news reaches Holt that he may not have gotten his man after all, it will take all he and Penny have to catch a killer--before he catches one of them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lynette Eason is back with another high-octane tale of close calls, narrow escapes, and the fight to bring a nefarious criminal to justice. (Goodreads)

 

 BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

 This book ended up being completely different from what I was expecting and that is a good thing! This book had a lot more creepy serial killer vibes than I was expecting. I wouldn't read this alone at night. I loved the characters and it is constant suspense throughout the whole book. There is a romance side story that was also a lot different than the norm and it was fun and more realistic than most. The ending has a few twists and turns and I am now eager to read book two! 

If you enjoy suspense I think you would enjoy this book. Lynette Eason has written some great books but I think they just keep getting better! 

Four stars.

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

Shadows of Swanford Abbey Review

 

 

About the Book

In pursuit of an author who could help get her brother published, Rebecca Lane stays at Swanford Abbey, a grand hotel rumored to be haunted. It is there she encounters Sir Frederick--the man who broke her heart. When a mysterious death occurs, Rebecca is one of the suspects, and Frederick is torn between his feelings for her and his search for the truth.

 

 

BUY HERE

 

 

My Thoughts

When picking up a Julie Klassen novel you know you are in for a treat. She is so great at weaving a story line that has an element of mystery. This book has a lot of characters and at first I struggled a bit to keep up. I enjoyed Sir Frederick's character immensely but didn't click so much with Rebecca. There are some fantastic secondary characters that I think I actually enjoyed more so in this story. The mystery element holds throughout most of the book and I got some gothic eerie vibes that I thought was well done. This book also reminded me a lot of Agatha Christie books and that made it all the better. 

Though not my favorite by Klassen, I enjoyed this story. 

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

 

 

 

A Heart Adrift Review & Giveaway!!

 

 

 About the Book

It is 1755, and the threat of war with France looms over colonial York, Virginia. Chocolatier Esmee Shaw is fighting her own battle of the heart. Having reached her twenty-eighth birthday, she is reconciled to life alone after a decade-old failed love affair from which she's never quite recovered. But she longs to find something worthwhile to do with her life.

Captain Henri Lennox has returned to port after a lengthy absence, intent on completing the lighthouse in the dangerous Chesapeake Bay, a dream he once shared with Esmee. But when the colonial government asks him to lead a secret naval expedition against the French, his future is plunged into uncertainty.

Will a war and a cache of regrets keep them apart, or can their shared vision and dedication to the colonial cause heal the wounds of the past? Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz whisks you away to a time fraught with peril--on the sea and in the heart--in this redemptive, romantic story. (Goodreads)

 

BUY HERE 

 

GIVEAWAY 

I am giving away one paperback copy of A Heart Adrift. US entries only

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 My Thoughts

Every single story that Laura Frantz pens is wonderful. There simply is no limit to her talent and the characters that she creates. Every year I eagerly await her next novel. When I receive the book in the mail I do a happy dance. Then I have to decide if I should wait to read it (because once I start, it is over for another year) or if I should delve in and enjoy. But then I decide to just read it because life is too short not to read Laura Frantz! 

All that to say this story is lovely. I thought both characters were very unique and also their background. The two main people Esmée and Henri have known each other a long time and have a past history. The way this book develops I thought was very interesting and a bit out of the box for these historical romance novels. This book had a lot more historical context and isn't a terribly fast read but still enjoyable. There are some really difficult things brought up in the story line that took me by surprise but made it all the better. I also was pleasantly surprised and delighted to discover there is a lighthouse in this book that plays a big role. 

I loved the book and I love everything that Frantz has written. 

Five Stars!

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

 

 

Never Leave Me Review

 

 

About the Book

 In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he's desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.

When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to find it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in a race against the clock in this breathtaking, emotional second Waters of Time story. (Goodreads)

 

 BUY HERE

 

My Thoughts

I loved the first book in this series and if you haven't read it you need to before picking up this one. The two are very much connected so it makes a big difference in understand everything that is happening in this second book. 

I was excited to delve more into Harrison's character and I so enjoyed all of the characters in this story. This novel alternates between present day and the Middle Ages though it focuses more in present day. I think that is partly why this story only gets four stars. I LOVE the time travel and the historical side of things so much more than present day. Both sides were well written I just wish we could have spent more time in the past. All that to say this is a fantastic series. I couldn't put it down and I am hoping Jody Hedlund writes more time travel stories. 

If you enjoy time travel and a splash of clean romance this is the book for you!

Four Stars. 

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Elinor: A Riveting Story Based on the Lost Colony of Roanoke

 

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About the Book

Book: Elinor

Author: Shannon McNear

Genre: Christian/Historical/Romance

Release date: December 1, 2021

A Journey Full of Hope…
Escape into a riveting story based on the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke.

Author Shannon McNear portrays history with vivid authenticity.

In 1587, Elinor White Dare sailed from England heavy with her first child but full of hopes. Her father, a renowned artist and experienced traveler, has convinced her and her bricklayer husband Ananias to make the journey to the New World. Land, they are promised, more goodly and beautiful than they can ever imagine. But nothing goes as planned from landing at the wrong location, to facing starvation, to the endless wait for help to arrive. And, beyond her comprehension, Elinor finds herself utterly alone. . . .
The colony at Roanoke disappeared into the shadows of history. But, what if one survived to leave a lasting legacy?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.

 

More from Shannon

Why did I write this story? Well, God shoved the opportunity under my nose, and I didn’t want to be guilty of taking the easy way out, by saying no. 😊

 

Really, while the concept was fascinating, the execution was daunting, and sometimes terrifying. The Elizabethan Era—before the King James Bible and even before Shakespeare was popular! As a student of the Revolutionary War and surrounding times, I felt very much out of my depth.

 

Though the research sucked me in, it was also daunting. Sifting through various interpretations of the primary accounts and their own speculations on why they felt things must have gone a certain way. Trying to “find” my story amongst all the theories and opinions. Above all, getting to know my characters and letting them come alive in my own imagination.

 

And come alive, they did—in full color, with a vividness I did not expect. I hope I was able to translate even a portion of what I envisioned to the page, so that you also can see them!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 4

The Christian Fiction Girl, January 4

Joanna Bair, January 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 5

Rebecca Tews, January 5

For the Love of Literature, January 6

Remembrancy, January 6

Texas Book-aholic, January 7

Betti Mace, January 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 8

Inklings and notions, January 8

For Him and My Family, January 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9

deb’s Book Review, January 10

Labor Not in Vain, January 10

Blogging With Carol, January 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 11

Connect in Fiction, January 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 12

To Everything There Is A Season, January 12

Mary Hake, January 12

Bizwings Blog, January 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 13

Connie’s History Classroom, January 14

Splashes of Joy, January 14

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 15 (Spotlight)

Sodbuster Living, January 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 16

Through the Fire Blogs, January 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Pause for Tales, January 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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.

GIVEAWAY

 My Thoughts

 Anything that has to do with the lost colony of Roanoke is something I want to immediately read or research. I love the mystery that surrounds this colony and it is fun to read the many different perspectives and possibilities. This book starts out a bit different than I was expecting but in a good way. I liked reading about them getting there to the new land and settling. I thought the perspective of Elinor to be very interesting. There is a lot packed in this book and a lot of historical details. At times it seemed there was too many details that it distracted a bit from the story so much so that at times it read more like non fiction than the fiction that it is. Not that any of that is a bad thing at all but there is a lot of information to take in. I really LOVE at the very back of the book it has a full list of the characters from the roster of the 1587 voyage. This is a great tidbit that I thought was brilliantly added. If you are at all interested in this part of history I do recommend! 

Three Stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. "

Top Ten Tuesday: Most Anticipated Books Releasing Early 2022

 These are just some of the books I am most anticipating to read soon! 

Top Ten Tuesday!

Best Books of 2021

 Oh my goodness this was quite a year for books. I read far more than I thought I would and discovered some new authors. It was very difficult to narrow it down to ten. I realize I didn't read as much suspense which is one of my favorites. So I will need to find some good suspense books in 2022. 

Check out Top Ten Tuesday to see what other people loved this year as well.

Saving Mrs. Rossevelt Review with Celebrate Lit Tours

 

About the Book

Book: Saving Mrs. Roosevelt

Author: Candice Sue Patterson

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical/Adventure

Release date: December, 2021

 

Shirley Davenport is as much a patriot as her four brothers. She, too, wants to aid her country in the war efforts, but opportunities for women are limited. When her best friend Joan informs her that the Coast Guard has opened a new branch for single women, they both enlist in the SPARs, ready to help protect the home front.

Training is rigorous, and Shirley is disappointed that she and Joan are sent to separate training camps. At the end of basic training, Captain Webber commends her efforts and commissions her home to Maine under the ruse of a dishonorable discharge to help uncover a plot against the First Lady.

Shirley soon discovers nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust? Why do the people she loves want to harm the First Lady? With the help of Captain Webber, it’s a race against time to save Mrs. Roosevelt and remain alive.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance—where the past and present collide with faith. Her debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and made INSPYs Longlist for 2016.

 

More from Candice

The idea for Saving Mrs. Roosevelt literally came overnight. I had just finished writing a contemporary romance set in Maine, centered around a harbor town where lobstering is prevalent. My agent called me and told me about the Heroines of WWII series and asked if I’d be interested in writing a WWII novel. If so, I needed to come up with a story and proposal fast because spots were limited and filling quickly. My mind was so consumed with research of the lobster industry that I felt I couldn’t clear my brain fast enough to come up with another story on such short notice. That’s when I started wondering how I could take the knowledge I already had and make it work for a WWII novel. I googled Maine during WWII, came across an article that mentioned the SPARs, and the idea for Saving Mrs. Roosevelt was born.

I don’t want to give too much away, but the Nancy Drew deep inside me figured out a unique way to merge lobstering with espionage.

Though the plot is purely fiction, there are some characters and events that are historically accurate that were fun to include as well. I love Maine, but I’m Hoosier born and raised, and in my SPAR research, I discovered that Dorothy C. Stratton–the woman the Coast Guard asked to direct the SPARs–was the Dean of Women at Purdue University in Indiana. She was a woman of true character, grace, and strength. I knew right away she needed a cameo in my story.

Within twenty-four hours of receiving my agent’s call, I had plotted the entire story and sent a proposal. Weeks went by, and as fall ushered in its beautiful colors, my husband surprised me with a trip to Monhegan Island, Maine. We walked the trails, ate amazing seafood, and took in the gorgeous view. While on the island, my agent called again, this time to let me know that Barbour had contracted Saving Mrs. Roosevelt. What a special moment it was to be standing on the very shoreline where the book is set when I received the good news.

Since the book is set in Maine where the heroine works on a lobster boat with her father, I wanted to share my favorite recipe for Maine blueberry pie.

 

Maine Blueberry Pie

Ingredients:

2 Pie crusts

1 quart of fresh Maine blueberries

1 ½ tbsp lemon juice

Freshly grated nutmeg

¼ c light brown sugar

¼ c white sugar

¼ c flour

2 tbsp tapioca for thickening (if the berries are juicy)

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place the berries into a large bowl, add lemon juice, and toss. Add the remaining ingredients and toss until the berries are well coated with the flour and sugars mixture. Line the pie plate with one crust. Put the berries into the pie plate and top with a solid or lattice-top crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the berries are bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

Blog Stops

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 15

Girls in White Dresses, December 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 15

Remembrancy, December 16

Bigreadersite, December 16

Genesis 5020, December 16

Lighthouse Academy, December 17 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, December 17

The Sacred Line, December 17

Betti Mace, December 18

Boondock Ramblings, December 18

Inklings and notions, December 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 19

Older & Smarter?, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 20 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, December 21

Blossoms and Blessings, December 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 22

Through the Fire Blogs, December 22

Mary Hake, December 22

For Him and My Family, December 23

Spoken from the Heart, December 23

Labor Not in Vain, December 23

She Lives To Read, December 24

Elly Gilbert, December 24

Splashes of Joy, December 25

Pause for Tales, December 25

deb’s Book Review, December 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 26

Connie’s History Classroom, December 27

To Everything There Is A Season, December 27

The Author Reads, December 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 28

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 28

Lights in a Dark World, December 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Candace is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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.

GIVEAWAY

 

 

About the Book

This is the first book I have read by this author so I wasn't sure what to expect. I haven't read much about the SPARS so that completely fascinated me while reading this book. I loved the historical aspects and I always love reading the author's note at the back of the book to find out more on the history. 

The start of this book had me glued to the pages and I was completely swept up into the world of Shirley Davenport. I thought it was fun and unique and there are some great secondary characters as well. About midway the story slowed a bit for me and I really had to make my self get over the hump to the last few chapters. I really don't know why but I had a hard time with the romance side of the story. The characters didn't click for me but that is just my opinion. There is a fun mystery and this is a unique perspective during this time in history. I recommend if you enjoy WWII history and strong female characters. 

 

Three Stars. 

 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review"

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books on My Winter 2021 To Read List

 Top Ten Tuesday!

Today is all about the top ten books on my Winter 2021 To Read List! The list is much longer than this but I hope to get to these soon! Have you read any of these? Any book recommendations that I should add?

Lost in Darkness Review & Giveaway with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Lost in Darkness

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: FICTION/ Christian/Romance

Release date: November 1, 2021

 

England, 1815

Amelia Balfour has one dream. . .to tour Egypt as a travel writer. But when her wish is finally within reach, her father dies, and her malformed brother Colin depends upon her to arrange for a revolutionary surgery. Amelia returns home, hoping he’ll recover before the ship sails for Cairo.
Former Navy surgeon Graham Lambert is sick—of travelling, loneliness, and especially the injustice of the world. Leaving behind the military, he partners with a renowned surgeon, the man who promises new life to Amelia’s brother.
But just as the operation begins, Graham suspects the surgeon is a fraud. After a botched procedure, Colin goes mad and escapes, terrorizing their neighbor, author Mary Godwin—planting the seed for her greatest creation, Frankenstein.
Can Amelia and Graham stop Colin before he destroys everyone in his path and find the tender soul still trapped inside…or will they be too late?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

 

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.

 

More from Michelle

Are You a Monster Too?

 

“Look at that! The fattest girl in the class is the first one to get in line for a cupcake.”

 

Those words, spoken to me in junior high by a clueless boy, are forever seared into my memory. Just because I wasn’t a willowy stick-figure who didn’t match up to magazine covers, I was singled out. Made to feel ashamed. Made to feel like a monster.

 

Have you ever felt that way?

 

Chances are you have. We are all poked and prodded at some point in our lives…which brings up a few questions. How do you deal with the sometimes ugly perceptions with which others view you? How do you stop trying to prove your worth to others, when in their eyes you are somehow worthless? Why does God allow such hurtful things to happen anyway?

 

These are the questions I attempt to tackle in my new release, Lost in Darkness. And surprisingly enough, those are the very same issues contemplated in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Now hold on. Don’t go rolling your eyeballs quite yet—which is the usual response whenever Frankenstein is mentioned.

 

Most people’s conception of this great piece of literature has been forever ruined by Hollywood’s green creature. You know the one, the giant with bolts sticking out of his neck and a stiff-legged walk. So not true. The essence of Shelley’s “horror” story is instead about a creature who struggles with heartfelt needs that can only be met by his creator. In this story, Shelley respectfully handles the subject of what we owe our creator and what our creator’s responsibility is toward us as the created…the very same questions we all struggle with.

As does Colin Balfour, a man with a heart of gold and a face that causes children to scream. In Lost in Darkness, he hopes to undergo a life-changing surgery that will end his self-imposed isolation. But what really happens is a life change for his sister Amelia and the surgeon who tries to prevent it all from happening. For indeed, even if there be monsters, there is none so fierce as that which resides in man’s own heart.

Blog Stops

Life of Literature, November 29

Genesis 5020, November 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 29

The Write Escape, November 30

Betti Mace, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, November 30

Remembrancy, December 1

Inklings and notions, December 1

Blossoms and Blessings, December 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 2

Daysong Reflections, December 2

For Him and My Family, December 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 3

Bigreadersite, December 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 4

For the Love of Literature, December 4

SodbusterLiving, December 4

deb’s Book Review, December 5

Splashes of Joy, December 5

Back Porch Reads, December 5

Connie’s History Classroom, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 7

Through the fire blogs, December 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 8

Pause for Tales, December 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 9

Labor Not in Vain, December 9

To Everything There Is A Season, December 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, December 10

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 10

Truth and Grace HomeschoolAcademy, December 11

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 11 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 11

Rachael’s Inkwell, December 12

Blogging With Carol, December 12

Connect in Fiction, December 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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.

 

GIVEAWAY

 

My Thoughts

 From the first pages of this book you are immersed into the lives of Amelia and Colin. Being siblings these two really were my favorite characters in this novel. This story is dark and to be honest a bit creepier than I expected. The author wanted to write a twist on Frankenstein and she does a great job. I think this is definitely Michelle Griep's best book. She really takes the reader into the shadows and gets to the heart of the characters in this one. There are twists that I don't expect and while there is a touch of romance, it wasn't my favorite part. I truly had no idea where the book was headed or how it would end. I love that the story line wasn't entirely predictable. 

Four Stars. 

 

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."