Thursday, November 29, 2018

Lost Christmas Memories Review and Giveaway with Celebrate Lit Tours

Lost Christmas Memories FB Banner copy

About the Book

Lost Christmas Memories
Book: Lost Christmas Memories
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense/Christmas
Release Date: November 1, 2018
A witness with amnesia
Can she trust this Gold Country Cowboy with her life?
Tracy Wilson witnessed a murder—but after a head injury, she can’t remember what she saw. Now someone plans to silence her for good, and only cowboy Keegan Thorn believes her. With a killer after her at Christmas, Tracy is running out of time to remember…and falling dangerously hard for the cowboy who could break her heart.
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink 
Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com.


Guest Post from Dana

Writing this book was bittersweet for me. It was lovely to finally be able to tell youngest Thorn brother Keegan’s story, but I sure am sorry to say goodbye to this series! It was such fun to write about these four kinsmen and the family bonds that held them together through all manner of murder and mayhem! Here at Mentink Manor, we have recently sent a bear cub away to college for the first time. It feels like I have lost a limb now that my Boo Boo is gone! Fortunately, we will enjoy having her home for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Though it won’t be a cozy country Christmas like it is for Keegan (we live in a city of 80,000 here in Northern, CA) we will be thrilled to have all our family home to celebrate together (Mama Bear, Papa Bear, two cubs, a naughty terrier, and a senior citizen box turtle!) I hope you enjoy this last installment in the Gold Country Cowboy series. I am sending along our best wishes for a blessed holiday season, from our Mentink household to yours!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 22
Christian Bookaholic, November 22
Among the Reads, November 22
Inklings and Notions, November 23
Just Your Average reviews, November 23
Blogging With Carol, November 23
Because I said so -adventures in parenting, November 24
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 24
Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, November 24
Moments, November 25
Simple Harvest Reads, November 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 25
Genesis 5020, November 26
SusanLovesBooks, November 26
Remembrancy, November 26
Kat’s Corner Books, November 27
Pause for Tales, November 27
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 27
Quiet quilter, November 28
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 28
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 28
Book by Book, November 29
A Rup Life, November 29
To Everything A Season, November 29
Older & Smarter?, November 30
Have A Wonderful Day, November 30
Cafinated Reads, November 30
KarenSueHadley, December 1
Lighthouse Academy, December 1
Daysong Reflections, December 1
Bibliophile Reviews, December 2
A Baker’s Perspective, December 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2
Janices book reviews, December 3
Bigreadersite, December 3
Texas Book-aholic, December 4
Carpe Diem, December 4
Godly Book Reviews, December 5
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 5

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a copy of Lost Christmas Memories, a $50 Amazon gift card and this cute reading charms necklace!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. CLICK HERE.

My Thoughts

I was over the top excited to read this book! I have been LOVING Dana Mentink's books! Typically I don't read many Love Inspired simply because they are so short. But every once in a while I find an author that I just have to read everything they write because their writing is that fantastic. 
Anyway, needless to say this story was a great suspense. I couldn't really put it down because I had to know what was going to happen. The family in this series has been the best and really ties all of the stories together. It was fun to see Keegan grow throughout the story and I really liked Tracey's character. The murder in this particular book had me stumped for awhile, which makes it all the better! 
If you enjoy a little suspense in a beautiful setting with fantastic characters, this is the book for you! 

Five stars. 

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










Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday Favorite Platonic Relationships In Books

This week's TTT list could go on for a long time. The secondary characters in books typically can make or break a story line depending on how they are written. Here are some of my favorites but there are many others! 


17253180
 The entire Christiansen clan. 




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Mandie and Uncle Ned.



 32497077
 The Bradford Sisters


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Laura and Pa



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The entire McKenna Family



 36840309
 The Thatcher Sisters


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Mother, Daughter, Grand Daughter


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 The secondary characters in this book are the best.





https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3.Harry_Potter_and_the_Sorcerer_s_Stone
Hermione and Ron as friends to Harry


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Matthew and Anne from Anne of Green Gables


Sunday, November 25, 2018

Holy Roar Book Review

 

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 About the Book

What does it mean to praise God? 
In the ancient world, something extraordinary happened when God's people gathered to worship Him. It was more than just singing; it was a declaration, a proclamation, a time to fully embody praise to God for who He is and what he has done. In fact, in the Psalms, seven Hebrew words are translated into the English word praise, each of which represents a different aspect of what it means to truly praise God.
In Holy Roar, Chris Tomlin and Darren Whitehead share a fresh perspective from the worship practices of the ancient world. Grow in your understanding of praise as Darren offers unique insights. Be inspired as Chris shares how those insights take shape in the stories behind some of your favorite worship songs, including "How Great Is Our God," "We Fall Down," and "Good Good Father." Whether for your own personal use or for use in your church small group, Holy Roar provides insight and encouragement to deepen your practice of praise.
Become a part of the Holy Roar. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

 Before reading this book I was able to listen to Chris Tomlin's new album which is intertwined with this story. This is a very short book that is written from two different perspectives. I thought that was an interesting way to write this book as you do have to keep track of whose chapter you are reading. I thought this book shed some light on some of the backstory of the new album. There are different ways to worship and my favorite word discussed in this tiny book is Barak which means: To kneel. To bless God (as an act of adoration). To praise. To salute. To thank. (page 70)
I love the thought that part of praising God is to thank Him. This book makes you think and I found it to be an interesting read. 



"Thanks to BookLook  for offering me a copy for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."





Monday, November 19, 2018

The Illustrated Word Coloring Journal Review


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 About the Journal

Just as medieval monks brought the Scripture to life through intricate inked illustrations in handwritten manuscripts, you can now create your own masterpiece of color and design. Copy Scripture as a spiritual exercise or record your own thoughts and prayers on the pages. Your words and art will unite to create a keepsake that will be a treasure for years to come. (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

Coloring has really been popular the last few years. You can color most anything and multiple coloring books for adults have come out. This journal ties coloring and writing together. There are some lovely coloring pages that go along with different verses. Most of the coloring pages are pretty detailed and I am sure will have a pretty end result. I like the idea of being able to keep a journal but also add color on the opposite page. 
Five Stars. 

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












Faith & Lettering Journal Review


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 About the Journal

New from professional letterer Krystal Whitten! With guides, instructions, and tutorials, this is a fun and inspiring way to create beauty with words. It is the perfect place for journalers to practice Bible journaling, lettering quotes and verses, or decorating a page with original thoughts and plans. Exploring your God-given creativity has never been so rewarding.  (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

What first stands out to me when I look at this journal is how colorful it is. It has a beautiful cover and a nice pen holder on the side. When you first open it, it has an introduction on ideas on how to use this particular journal. Basically if you like drawing and making letters unique, this is the perfect journal for you! It gives you pages to write, practice lettering, graph paper sections, and even bullet pages. I like this journal because it is truly unique. 
There is also a book that goes along with the journal which is also under the above link I shared. 

Five Stars. 

"I received this journal for free from Ellie Claire. All opinions are my own." 











Illuminate Your Story Journal Review



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About the Journal

Use this almost-lost art of illuminating letters to enhance your writing, Bible journaling, or sermon note-taking. Rich illustrated manuscripts in the Museum of the Bible’s collection inspired these gorgeous letters. Easy to follow instructions, practice pages, and encouragements guide you through the creation of amazing start letters, flourishes, and more. (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

I love the color of this journal. It has a nice pen holder on the side and nice pages in the interior. This journal is more about creating a fun older type lettering. There are a few pages of step by step instruction on how to create certain letters, and they are very detailed! It is very pretty and along with practice pages are normal lined pages to write on. This journal is a nice size, not too small or too big. I think it would make a lovely gift. 
Five stars. 

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







Sunday, November 18, 2018

The Ministry of Ordinary Places Review






About the Book

Popular blogger Shannan Martin offers Christians who are longing for a more meaningful life a simple starting point: learn what it is to love and be loved right where God has placed you.

For Christ-followers living in an increasingly complicated world, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to live a life of intention and meaning. Where do we even begin?

Shannan Martin offers a surprisingly simple answer: uncover the hidden corners of our cities and neighborhoods and invest deeply in the lives of people around us. She walks us through her own discoveries about the vital importance of paying attention, as well as the hard but rewarding truth about showing up and committing for the long haul, despite the inevitable encounters with brokenness and uncertainty. With transparency, humor, heart-tugging storytelling, and more than a little personal confession, Martin shows us that no matter where we live or how much we have, as we learn what it is to be with people as Jesus was, we'll find our very lives. The details will look quiet and ordinary, and the call will both exhaust and exhilarate us. But it will be the most worth-it adventure we will ever take. (Goodreads)


My Thoughts


So I finished this book not sure how to rate it. Yes, there are some wonderful points about multiple topics throughout the book. But for me I felt like it was lacking Biblical references. Yes, we need to do so many of the things mentioned. I think many Christian's are in a bubble so this book helps see life from a different perspective. I do think more Biblical references should have been made instead of just what the author thought to be correct. In any case it was a thought provoking read. 

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own."

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Bookish Items!

This week's Top Ten Tuesday is all about bookish items, and I have to tell you it is near impossible to put on here all of the fun bookish items out there! This was so fun and I think I need to put some of these on my Christmas list. : ) 


http://pollyanna-reinvents.blogspot.com/2012/08/literary-garden-sign-post.html
I need something like this in my home library!

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Because who doesn't need another cup?


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LOVE



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Everything she makes is wonderful! 



Book Worm Wrap Ring - Bookworm Twist Ring - Book Lover - Gift for Reader
This is something I actually own. I love it.

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Lovers-Diary-Shelagh-Wallace/dp/1552090159/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541983720&sr=8-2&keywords=a+book+lover%27s+diary&dpID=5130P2KFZCL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch
Fun!

Jane Austen Mini Address Book (4'x5
Mini address book, I actually own this too! I love it!

https://www.amazon.com/Novel-Journal-Anne-Green-Gables/dp/1626865183/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541984220&sr=8-1&keywords=green+gables+journal
Anne of Green Gables!



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This would just be so cool with different titles!



BOOK LOVER'S LOUNGE PANTS #want
I can't find these for sale anywhere but I want them!

Sunday, November 11, 2018

On Magnolia Lane Review

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 About the Book

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes the final book in Hunter’s Blue Ridge Romance series.

Pastor Jack McReady has secretly carried a torch for Daisy for two long years. She’s a member of his congregation, after all, and she’ll never see him as more than a trusted counselor. Jack’s best friend Noah has taken every opportunity to encourage his lovesick friend, but when Noah catches wind that Daisy has joined an online dating site, he takes matters into his own hands and orchestrates a meet-cute of the most unconventional kind.

Owner of the local flower shop, Daisy Pendleton is content with her small-town life, but she’d sure like someone to share it with. After several disastrous first dates, she’s about to give up—and then she finds a seemingly wonderful man online. Daisy gets to know TJ through a series of messages but finds herself spending more time with Pastor Jack outside of the church at the same time. What she doesn’t know is that her online prospect and Jack are one and the same.

Just as Daisy’s love life starts to look promising, a mysterious woman appears in town. Daisy is faced with a revelation about her family that turns her world upside down, and she looks to both TJ and Jack for help.

Jack must find a way to reveal himself as her online suitor without breaking her heart and losing her trust. As Daisy faces Jack’s betrayal, she’ll have to learn to extend grace to herself, her family, and the man she’s grown to love. (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

  Back in a beautiful setting, Hunter takes us into the lives of Jack and Daisy. This was a pretty fast read, very much a Hallmark type story line. I will say that I liked how the author added some diversity of the characters. I also thought it was important for Jack to be a pastor because it really showed how pastors are people too, they mess us, they have feelings, etc. I think sometimes we hold them up as if they are without sin or capable of being hurt. That simply isn't the case and I thought that part of the story was well written. I found the side story of Daisy and her discovery interesting, while someone unrealistic. This was just a sweet little romance that was enjoyable. 

Four stars. 

"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own."











 

Friday, November 9, 2018

How Do You Say Good Night? Review



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 About the Book


A fun, new bedtime story to read to your kids!

Join Zoey the zebra as she searches across Africa for the best way to say good night. She sees the bedtime routine of lions, warthogs, monkeys, and more—but which one is the very best?

Teaching little ones to celebrate differences while appreciating the blessing of their own unique family, How Do You Say Good Night? is a great way to introduce the concept of diversity in a fun and respectful way while also fostering an attitude of gratitude.

Watch your little ones reach for this book night after night! (Goodreads)


My Thoughts

I love a good board book for kids. This story is super cute and I was actually surprised at how many words are on each page. It makes for a longer than expected story which isn't a bad thing, just not what I was expecting. The main story is animals being thankful to God for some thing in their life like "We thank God above for His sweet, gentle love". It is a sweet little bedtime book that I think some children would really enjoy! 
Five stars.
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free. All opinions are my own."












Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Wait for Me Review: The Thrilling Series Conclusion!


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 About the Book

Pete Brooks can't believe he's waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn't sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.

EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he's no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn't get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness--with murderous intent.

Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he's learned to find Jess and Esme--and pray that his past mistakes don't cost him the life of the woman he can't stop loving. (Goodreads)



My Thoughts

This series has been a wild ride taking us on many adventures! I was so excited to see what would happen with Pete, he has been a favorite of mine since the start. I actually think this particular book might be my favorite out of the whole series. I thought the suspense was good and the romance was not over the top just well written. Jess is also a favorite character of mine and I really enjoyed reading more of her character. Susan May Warren has such a gift for story and she adds thrill and humor in her books. There were a couple of times in where I thought the conversation was dragging a bit. Some other side stories seemed slightly rushed but otherwise tied up the series nicely. 
The setting in the whole series has been captivating, and I would love to visit it someday. 
I strongly recommend reading this series from the beginning. While you could start in the middle, there would be a lot of confusion as there is a lot of backstory with each character in each book. 
I am eager to read what Susan comes up with next!!! 

Five stars! 

Comes out November 6th! Pre-order now!

"Thanks to Revell for offering me a free copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."