“The Blackout Book Club” by Amy Lynn Green

Posted on November 20, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

On the Homefront!

During WWII, in a small town in Maine, a group of very different people come together to form a book club.

The members include:

Louise, the wealthiest person in town, and the most difficult. Her father donated the library, now, she wants to close it.

Avis started the book club to keep Louise from closing the library. Her husband, Russell, is hard to live with since he has not been eligible to join the military.

Ginny, hard-working and plain-spoken, relocated after the government took their family business.

Freddy who lost an eye in the war, is now working as a gardener for Louise.

Martina, along with her two children, is hiding in this small town from her abusive husband.

As time goes on, this eclectic mix of people form bonds and friendships, helping each other with losses and a variety of situations.

Martina suspects someone is committing treason with the Germans, but how to prove it? Russell may have found a way to be part of the war effort. Ginny believes that Freddy is hiding something. Avis continues to try to convince Louise to keep the library open. Will Louise’s secret save the library?

This is a fun book with quirky characters that balances out the serious things of the war. The author did a great job making the tale feel like the 1940’s, and it is told from a Christian viewpoint. I recommend this five-star book to fans of well-written stories or WWII tales.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Blackout Book Club, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/amygreenbooks/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/amygreenbooks/

The Author’s Website:  https://www.amygreenbooks.com

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“Something About Grandma” by Tania de Regil

Posted on November 19, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Visiting Grandma!

For the first time, Julia is going by herself to stay at Grandma’s house.  Lots of things there are different from what she is used to.  It is even in another country.

The little girl is fascinated by the plants Grandma has growing on her house and in her garden.  She is amazed that Grandma knows how to do so many things, including knowing when Julia is homesick, and helps her feel better.  In the end, the mystery of why Julia went alone is revealed when her parents arrive with a new baby.

This tale will open children’s eyes to the fun, new, and interesting things that older people have to offer. Also, that learning unfamiliar things can be an adventure.  It introduces the idea of going alone to visit someone and prepares them for the possibility of being homesick.  This story highlights the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

This is a good story to read anytime but will be handy if a child will be visiting someone by themselves.  Hard-backed and over-sized this book contains illustrations on every page.  Children ages four through eight-years-old will enjoy this tale.

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Something About Grandma, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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“Honor’s Refuge” by Hallee Bridgeman

Posted on November 17, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Running from the Bad Guys!

As a child, Melissa watched her father beat her pregnant mother to death. Now an adult, Melissa runs a shelter for abused people, but her biggest desire is to be reunited with her baby sister, Lola, who she hasn’t seen since the night her mother died.

Phil is a former Special Forces soldier who had to leave the service after losing his leg. Although a doctor, he is is working as an EMT. Why would he do that? He loves Melissa but won’t act on it because he feels he isn’t good enough. Secretly, he has been searching for Lola.

Rescuing Lola opens up a huge can of worms since she is the wife of a dangerous drug lord, and is kept under lock and key. Her escape releases a small army of well-armed killers who search for Lola night and day. People are threatened, beaten, and die. Will Lola live long enough to get into protective custody, and get a new identity? Who can be trusted to help since at least one of the American agents is dirty, are there more?

Third in a series, this story stands on its own. This tale is full of action, but is clean, and includes times God helps them when nothing else can. I recommend this five-star story to fans of action and suspense.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Honor’s Refuge, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorhalleebridgeman/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/halleebridgeman/

The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/halleeb

The Author’s Website:  https://www.halleebridgeman.com/books-by-series/

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“The Story of Christmas” by Patricia A. Pingry

Posted on November 16, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

How Christmas Really Began!

While a family is preparing for Christmas, the dad tells why we celebrate this holiday. Brightly colored illustrations show Mary and Joseph making their way to Bethlehem. Later the birth of Jesus takes place while surrounded by animals. Angels sing glad tidings of his birth as shepherds listen in their fields.

As the family puts together a creche manger, the dad explains that Christmas is a birthday, it is that of Jesus. That is why we give presents at Christmas, because we are celebrating Jesus’ birth.

This five-star board book is sure to be a favorite of children up to five years-old. It is told with the miracles and wonders of the event, but in words a small child will understand. Remember the true meaning of Christmas with this book. I highly recommend it.

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Story of Christmas, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

 

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“Targeted” by Eason, Blackburn & Walters

Posted on November 4, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Chase or Be Chased!

Enjoy three, fast-paced thrillers:

“On the Run,” by Lynette Eason

“Deadly Objective,” by Lynn H. Blackburn

“Caught in the Crosshairs,” by Natalie Walters
“On the Run”

In this first story, Daria is reliving the nightmares from her past. Her father had been a killer, and part of the Russian mafia. Daria’s information led to his capture, and ultimate death.

Now, years later and without warning, Daria is attacked in her home. She is sure it is men from her father’s dark network, and she barely escapes.

The doctor, Ryker who treats her wounds, believes her wild story, and helps her. The bad guys track her to the hospital, so Ryker leads her to his hidden home, but they show up there, too.

Can Daria get away permanently, or will they get her and kill her? Why are they after her?
“Deadly Objective”

Emily has been administering physical therapy to the vice-president’s son, Mason, at his home. Mason is a moody, and difficult teenager. His current secret service agent, Liam, is the first to keep Mason in line–most of the time. Today Mason is on his best behavior because after therapy, he will be going camping with Liam.

Before therapy finishes, a bomb goes off causing the ceiling to fall, barely missing Mason because of Emily’s quick action. After moving to a safe house, including Emily, another attack occurs. It is decided Mason would be safer in the woods than staying in town with all the attacks. So the camping trip moves forward, with Emily included.

After reaching the remote location, it is discovered the bad guys have followed them, and are determined to capture them. Will other agents arrive in time? Will the information Mason reveals help them?“Caught in the Crosshairs”

In the final installment, CIA officer, Claudia, follows the directions given in a mysteriuos text. Once there, she is surprised to find the dead bodies of Prince Mohamed, and his head of security. Police arrive and consider Claudia their number one suspect.

After following her, Ari the officer assigned to get the truth out of her, witnesses more than one attempt on Claudia’s life. The two of them work together to find out who wants her dead, and why. They will barely survive numerous attempts to kill Claudia. Who is behind this, and why?

These three thrillers will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. All these five-star tales are clean, and written from a Christian view point. You will get three exciting stories in one book, and I recommend it to everyone, but especially to fans of action and mystery.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Targeted, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/lynette.eason

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/lynetteeason

The Author’s Website:  https://lynetteeason.com

 

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LynnHBlackburn/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/LynnHBlackburn/

The Author’s Website:  https://lynnhblackburn.com

 

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041917969557&ref=hl

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/natwalterswrite

The Author’s Website:  https://www.nataliewalterswriter.com 

 

 

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“You Can Shine So Bright!” by Jinger & Jeremy Vuolo

Posted on October 27, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Love Shines Through!

Want harmony instead of fighting, and crying among children? Try teaching them love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This pretty picture book illustrates how to do that.

Children, like adults, can’t always be perfect and follow these recommendations every time, but any attempt to do them will make everyone’s lives much better. This book states that just one act of kindness can change the world, so put these things into action!

The best way for children to learn these characteristics is for the adults around them to model them. Also known as the fruits of the Spirit, these traits will make adult’s lives happier, too, when they practice them.

Over-sized and hard-backed, this book contains a nice encouraging note from the authors in the back.

This 5-star book is recommended for ages 3 through 3rd grade, and adults of all ages who want a peaceful family.

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, You Can Shine So Bright, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Jinger’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jingervuolo/

Jeremy’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jeremy_vuolo/

The Author’s Website:  https://www.jingerandjeremy.com

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“Anything but Plain” by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Posted on October 25, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Here Comes Trouble?

Born and bred Amish, including being a bishop’s daughter, Lydie can’t seem to fit in, almost everything she touches backfires. She is easily distracted, forgets important things, and causes chaos wherever she goes. No one is more unhappy by her behavior than Lydie herself, but even though she tries her hardest, she can’t stop getting into trouble.

She has loved Nathan all her life, and he loves her, but something is being held over Lydie’s head that causes her to stop the relationship. Are they doomed to be apart, and both unhappy without the other?

Nathan and his brother, Mick, are in a contest that will change the course of their lives. Their father has pitted them against each other. Mick will be using chemicals while Nathan will use organic methods to grow their crops. Whoever has the biggest harvest will win the entire farm.

Doc may have the answer to Lydie’s problem, but her father does not want her taking medicine. Is there a drug-free way for Lydie to get help?

Lydie’s grandmother is a domineering woman, negative, and will not tolerate anyone disagreeing with her. She brings her own form of mayhem, and has just decided to move in and “fix” Lydie. Will Lydie only get worse from this treatment?

Lying and conniving is going on in this tale, with many people not what they seem. This is a highly entertaining book that you won’t want to put down. Despite all the fun, the tale has a serious side that covers adult medical issues that can be helped with the right care.

You might recognize yourself, or someone you know, in the pages of this story. I recommend this five-star book to those who enjoy well-written Amish tales, or modern stories.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Anything but Plain, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/suzannewfisher

The Author’s Website:  https://suzannewoodsfisher.com

 

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“Dog Days of Summer” by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Posted on October 20, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Hot Dog!

Trina is a hard-working, famous Nashville singer who has missed out on a lot of family life while devoting herself to her career. Her mom and niece Mari, are the only family she has. Now her mom has had a string of accidents, while Mari has been having dangerous incidents occur at her dog rescue, Second Chance Ranch.

Trina vows to spend more time back home in Brenham, Texas, so she can watch over the both of them. To that end, she buys a home there. But doing so has caused her record producer to become so furious that he threatens not to renew her contract. Will Trina give up her beloved singing career to be with her family?

In the meantime, more treacherous incidents occur at Second Chance Ranch. Why is a dog rescue, one that is not fully off-the-ground yet, being threatened?

Wyatt was Trina’s high-school prom date, as well as, her long-time friend and lawyer. He made it big without leaving Brenham, and comes to Trina’s aid in all the predicaments that happen to her. Could Wyatt have had feelings for Trina ever since their decades earlier high school date?

Despite being the second installment in a series, this story definitely stands alone. But read the first book, it is lots of fun, and good, too!

This clean mystery is written from a Christian viewpoint, contains red herrings, danger, and humor along with lots of twists and turns. Despite funny incidents, this is a serious tale that will keep you turning the pages. I highly recommend this five-star book to fans of mysteries and well-written fiction.

Barbour Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Dog Days of Summer, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.ybarbo

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kathleen_ybarbo/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kathleenybarbo

The Author’s Website:  https://kathleenybarbo.com/

 

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“Word of Honor” by Hallee Bridgeman

Posted on October 13, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

The Past is Not Today!

Lynda and Bill have a history, a bad one, but neither have seen each other for ten years. Today, both of them are in the military. They have an assignment that will require them to pretend to be married, while doing undercover work. An environmental group has become increasingly violent. Their statements about their cause have resulted in lots of damage and people dying. Hoping to catch the ones behind it, the American military has sent them to the Middle East.

Lynda and Bill are shocked to see each other again, and that they have to work together. Can they put aside the emotional baggage from the past, and pull off the deception? When they get the bad guys, can they get enough intel out of them to find the one behind all the violence?

This globe trotting story has clashes with dangerous people, as well as, intense interrogation of the bad guys. Lynda attempts to analyze that information to discover their next movements. Her work is showing that something bigger is going to happen. Stopping terrorism is always the goal, but will they be able to do so this time before the large attack Lynda fears?

Bill’s story continues from the last book with more information about him, and introduces Lynda. Bill is struggling with the direction his life should go, and if he should stay in the military.  He has lots of pain from the past due to his mother’s terrible neglect of him while he grew up.  The characters face lots of difficulties, and some turn to God for help navigating through them. This clean, five-star book will be enjoyed by fans of thrillers and action.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Word of Honor, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/authorhalleebridgeman/

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/halleebridgeman/

The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/halleeb

The Author’s Website:  https://www.halleebridgeman.com/books-by-series/

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“Everywhere with You” by Carlie Sorosiak

Posted on October 9, 2022 by WordPress.com Support

Smiles and Joy!

A lonely dog and a little girl with a big heart come together to become great friends.  As they get to know one another, their hearts become entwined with each other.  The two live side by side, and they spend lots of time together on each side of the fence that divides their yards.

Despite the fence separating them, the two have lots of adventures.  When the little girl reads books to her canine friend, in their imaginations, they live out the tales together.

This is an adorable book.  The illustrations are wonderful, and add even more delight to the story.  A surprise twist at the end, makes a way for everyone involved to be very happy.

I cannot recommend this over-sized, five-star picture book enough, hurry out and get a copy.  This is a sweet and endearing tale.  It will bring smiles and joy to all who see it, and will be loved by children up to third grade.

Walker Books and Candlewick provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Everywhere with You, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The Author’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/carliesorosiak/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/carliesorosiak/

The Author’s Website:  https://carliesorosiak.com/

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