“The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery” by Amanda Cox

Posted on September 14, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Life Takes a Different Path!

In a small southern town in the 1960’s an unmarried girl, Glory Ann, finds herself pregnant after learning the father has  been killed in Vietnam.  Her parent’s solution is to take her to another small town’s grocery store and introduce her to the owner, Clarence.  She is shocked when her dad then tells her he has arranged for her to marry Clarence, and it will be done right that minute.  Can she do that, and what will become of her life?

Fast forward a few years to Rosemary, Glory Ann’s daughter, who has grown up helping in her parent’s business.  She has a strategy to get far away from her small town, make something of herself and see the world.  That is the plan until one bad choice causes all her dreams to come crashing down.

In the present day, Sarah, daughter of Rosemary, and granddaughter of Glory Ann, feels like her life has just plummeted down.  Unbelievably, the night she was leaving her lonely marriage, her indifferent husband dies.  She believes returning to her hometown, and helping her grandmother with her business will bring her the healing she needs.  Unfortunately, her mom is constantly pushing her to leave.  Then Sarah is shocked to discover yet another life change is going to happen to her.

Three different stories and time-lines all weave together to make an amazing dual-time tale. One over-riding connection between the three women is keeping secrets and how that hurts them, along with those they love.  When Sarah, with the help of handsome Clay, starts unraveling the secrets, all their lives change.  Just when you think you know how it will end, the tale takes another turn.

I loved this five-star book, and you will, too. The story is a real page turner, and the surprising situations will grab your interest from the first. Clean and told from a Christian view point, I highly recommend this to fans of excellent story telling with suspense.

Revell Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, 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/amandacoxwrites/

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

The Author’s Website:  AmandaCoxWrites.com

 

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“100 Best Bible Verses to Overcome Worry and Anxiety” by Bethany House Publishers

Posted on September 12, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

Feel Better!

Want to get rid of anxiety, fight despair and feel happier in your life—and do so quickly?  This book will do that and more by using one hundred hope-inspiring Bible verses such as:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing (I shall not want)” Psalm 23:1

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears”   Psalm 34:4

The context of each verse is explained in an easy to grasp way.  Although the explanation is uncomplicated, it is not simple, but a very thorough definition.  That is followed by a straight forward meaning of the scripture.

Finally, there is the application of the verse in your life.  All parts of this book are very good, but the application part really shines.  Suggestions with concrete actions to follow are given for gleaning the most from each scripture.  Other verses are given for further investigation.

It will only take a few minutes to read the information about each scripture.  Meditate and pray about what you have read. You will start to feel encouragement, love, and that God has got your back.  I recommend this five-star book to anyone who needs more assurance and joy in their life.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, 100 Best Bible Verses to Overcome Worry and Anxiety, 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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“How to be Cooler Than Cool” by Sean Taylor

Posted on September 10, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Jean Jullien

Being Cool!

Join the fun as first cat, then cockatoo, and finally, pig each find the same pair of sunglasses.  One at a time, after putting them on, they instantly feel cool.  That is until they immediately try doing something they wouldn’t normally do.  Instead of feeling hip while wearing the dark glasses, they suffer through some very uncool consequences.  After that, each friend throws the sunglasses down. When chick finds them, the three friends try to warn her.  Instead of listening, she puts them on—what happens afterwards is a surprise. This over-sized, hardbacked book contains a fun story with lots of laughs and giggles.

There are good lessons here, too.  First, you don’t need something to make yourself be cool, coolness comes from the inside, and how confident you are in yourself.  Finally, putting something new on doesn’t mean you can make bad choices without consequences.  Make wise choices. Remembering that is how you can be cooler, than cool!

Children three through seven-years-old will enjoy this five-star story.  It will give little ones lots of fun while learning—and how cool is that?!

Candlewick Press has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, How to be Cooler Than Cool, 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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“Every Knee Shall Bow” by Bryan Litfin

Posted on August 31, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

A Grand Adventure!

The beautiful Flavia, a devout Christian who grew up with a life of privilege is thrown together with Rex, a tough soldier who believes there is no difference between Christianity, and the worship of the old gods.

The Roman church wants the two of them to journey to Emperor Constantine and get his permission, along with financing, to build churches and have an official book of scripture printed.  While trying to do that, they will face many dangers and hardships including beatings, kidnapping, death attempts, jail time and take part in a war.This epic, sweeping tale takes place in the early AD 300’s just as the old Roman empire is about to become Christian. Constantine’s rule is challenged by those who want to replace him.  It is a dangerous time with much unrest in both the government and the church.

The Gnostics want their heretical teachings of Christianity, along with their books and worship practices to be the norm.  They will stop at nothing to achieve it–including paying spies, influencing priests to take their side, and hiring a murderous mercenary who has a vicious snake tattoo on his forehead.

This exciting story has Flavia and Rex in one dire situation after another, but their biggest downfall may be each other.  Although this is the second installment in a series, this story stands on its own.  Be aware that although clean, there are some adult situations so recommend this for older teens and adults.  Fans of action or historical tales will enjoy this five-star book.

The Library Thing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Every Knee Shall Bow, 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/bryan.litfin

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

The Author’s Website:  www.bryanlitfin.com

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“Dozers Don’t Dose” by Melinda Rathjen

Posted on August 21, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Gareth Williams

No Need for the Sandman!

Having trouble getting a little one to go to sleep?  Are they coming up with all kinds of reasons why they do not need to slumber?  If so, you will identify with the bulldozer in this book because that is what he says, too.  Just like a sleepy child that denies they need to rest, the little bulldozer in this tale insists it does not need to either.

Youngsters will giggle at the pages showing all the other things that do need to sleep, such as trains, trucks, and planes, while the bulldozer continues to claim it does not!  Kids will have fun naming or pointing at the different vehicles on each page.

This over-sized, five-star board book is a big seven-inch square that contains colorful illustrations on every page.  This would be a great book to read at bedtime; children will really love the ending.

Dozers Don’t Dose will be enjoyed by children up to kindergarten.

Worthy Kids has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Dozers Don’t Dose, 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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“Joy—God’s Secret Weapon for Every Believer” by Georgian Banov

Posted on August 20, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

I’ve Got Joy!

Georgian grew up in communist controlled Bulgaria where life was a meaningless drudgery.  People tried to survive despite constant lack of food, horrible living conditions, and trying to stay out of trouble with the communists.  As a young adult, he and a friend made a harrowing escape through the Iron Curtain, and ended up in America.

They were pleasantly surprised by our country because the communists had insisted that our land was the worst place on earth.   Georgian was often witnessed to by members of the Jesus movement.  Eventually, he had a radical experience with God, became saved, and was filled with a joy like he had never known.

Because of that, his life took a different turn.  He attended seminary, was part of a successful Christian rock band, and met his wife.  The couple have ministered in this country, and around the world, including sneaking hundreds of Bulgarian Bibles into his native land.  Georgian has had an amazing relationship and communication with God. They have witnessed real life miracles such as having enough food to feed 1200 but when 2400 showed up, supernaturally, everyone had a plateful.  Or a miracle that involved five hundred pounds of frozen chicken being left outside for days in temperatures over 100 degrees, yet the chicken did not thaw out, and was still safe to be served to the people it was meant for.

No matter the situation, Georgian says God’s joy has gotten him through it, and that same joy is available for each of us.  Georgian’s life is fascinating, and his advice to seek God’s joy is sound.  I recommend this five-star book to fans of true stories, or those who want to have a fuller life themselves.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Joy—God’s Secret Weapon for Every Believer, 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/GeoandCoCo

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/georgianbanov?lang=en

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“God of Wonders” by Faith Blatchford

Posted on August 18, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

Spectacular Living!

Want to live a life of awe, aware of the wonders that surround you?  Have you ever only appreciated something when it was gone?  This devotional wants to change that.  See the marvels around you, and let them influence every part of your life. The forty items in this attractive, hard-backed book will expose you to awesome circumstances that occurred in the Bible.  For instance, remember when John heard from the Lord while on the Isle of Patmos?  Think of how amazing that encounter was, along with the information that he was given.   Or consider the jaw-dropping birth of a King in Bethlehem that caused a star to change in heaven, and brought three Wise Men from far away to seek Him out.

Let the majesty of God and all He has done be the biggest influence on you.   When you choose things on social media and other secular sources to sway you, you fill drained, and sometimes sad.  But your body and soul will be refreshed and joyful when you purposely think about the wonders of God, especially as you read His word.

This five-star book can easily fit in your purse or pocket where you can pull it out to be reminded of the stunning occurrences that have, and will continue, to take place with the Lord.  Look for the marvelous in all situations, expect the miraculous. I recommend this to anyone who has ever longed to be uplifted.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, God of Wonders, 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/agetocome?ref=br_rs

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

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

The Author’s Website:  http://www.faithblatchford.com

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“Beyond the Tides” by Liz Johnson

Posted on August 16, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

A Good Fish Story!

Ten years ago, Oliver ruined Meg’s chance for a scholarship when he destroyed her high school science project.  Ever since, Meg has held a grudge, and can’t stand him.

Today, her dad surprised her by saying he is getting rid of the family fishing business. Her dad wants to devote himself to her mother who has a terminal disease.  Despite being able to get a lot of money for the business, Meg can’t believe her ears that he plans to sell it to Oliver, and cheaply.

Meg is so upset that she says she wants the business.  This is regardless of her lack of fishing knowledge, or that she is given to horrible seasickness, and she will have to give up teaching to have the business.

Her dad says Meg and Oliver must work together during the upcoming season.  Their performance will determine who gets it.  The following weeks are backbreaking and difficult.  Then things start happening:  their lobster traps are stolen; someone sabotages a vital instrument.

Who is trying to cripple them? Is Oliver looking to get the business just so he can re-sell it at a huge profit? Meg can barely handle her mom’s deterioration, is there a better way to get through it?

This tale is full of family love despite hardships, discovering that learning the whole story can change your viewpoint, and romance.  The culprit behind the boat vandalism is a surprise.  This clean, five-star book is told from a Christian viewpoint, and will be enjoyed by fans of sweet stories whose characters succeed even through difficulties!

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Beyond the Tides, 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/lizjohnsonbooks

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/book/a-dazzle-of-diamonds/

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“Under the Bayou Moon” by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Posted on August 14, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southern Charm!

Ellie, a young teacher from an Alabama farm, longs to see what the rest of the world looks like.  It is 1949, a couple of years after the end of the war.  The returning vets she dated would like to marry her, have her give up teaching, while staying home and having children—without ever asking if she is okay with that.

To satisfy her wanderlust, Ellie has accepted a teaching job hundreds of miles from home in backwater Louisiana at a place called Bernadette.  She finds it isn’t as idyllic as she thought because there is no electricity or indoor plumbing there, and she is the teacher for all twelve grades.  But she loves the local characters she meets, that French is their first language, the small community, and the legend of the white alligator.

Has she found her forever home, maybe even the love of her life?

But unbeknownst to Ellie and all of them, this peaceful little hamlet has a dangerous current running beneath it.  A powerful man has discovered a treasure there, and is determined to not only get his hands on it, but do so without any of the actual owners getting a penny.  He sets in motion circumstances that could change the course of all their existence, and cause the end of the lifestyle they all enjoy.

This is a sweet story of a by-gone era that has caring relationships with fun traditions, but at the same time, a tale with danger, stealthy activity and sketchy characters just below the surface.  This clean, five-star, page-turner will keep you glued to it until the end. Told from a Christian viewpoint, fans of entrancing, southern settings with romance and hints of danger will like this book.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Under the Bayou Moon, 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/valeriefraserluessebooks/

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

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

 

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“A Midnight Dance” by Joanna Davidson Politano

Posted on August 11, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting What You Always Wanted?

A disfiguring fire in Victorian England cut short the career of Ella’s mom, a famous ballerina.  Because of that, Ella grew up in poverty with a secret identity.  That is because her mom was so embarrassed by how she looked afterwards, that she wanted everyone to think she died rather than face the world.  Ella has wanted to be a ballerina all her life, despite her mom’s wishes to the contrary.

Through a chance set of circumstances, Ella received a dance scholarship, and then joined a dance company in London.  But it is difficult, with the other dancers making her life hard. The insecurity of that causes Ella to daily continue dancing hours after practice is over.

In the theater, Ella meets Jack who learns the truth about who her mom was.  Ella thinks he is bad news, but helps him write a ballet about the fire her mother was in.  In the end, they plan to solve the mystery of who set the fire.

Will the original arsonist attend, and try to kill Ella?  What secret does Ella hold that could turn Jack away from her?  Could her mother have been married to two men at the same time? Will learning the identity of Ella’s father help her?

This story got more and more exciting as it went along, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. It kept me turning pages to see what happened, was a clean story, and was told from a Christian viewpoint. There is a surprise at the end I didn’t see coming, and bet you won’t either! This five star book will appeal to fans of mystery, dance, or amazing plots.

The Library Thing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, A Midnight Dance, 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/joannadavidsonpolitano

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

The Author’s Website:  https://jdpstories.com/?fbclid=IwAR1xiaIauKxWpn6Hj6fE4zdHV_1oJRTOBopSH5y_UK7Bbo2WhVSj1honEmU

 

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