“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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“The Barrister and the Letter of Marque” by Todd M. Johnson

Posted on August 6, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intrigue, Tricks & Subterfuge!

Lady Madeleine Jameson is low on cash and desperate to save her crumbling estate, as well as, help her infirm, sick father.  She takes a chance by investing all their money in a ship manned by her cousin, Harold.  The profit will be the miracle they need.

When the ship arrives, and everything looks like it will work out, men board her, and imprison Harold.  They are accused of piracy.  If found guilty, Harold could be hung, and Madeleine and her dad would be ruined.  Their Letter of Marque would prove their innocence, but it seems to have vanished into thin air.

Despite not wanting the case, Barrister William Snopes well-known for court-room antics, is pulled in.  Things are stacked against them: paperwork that should support their claim is missing, vital witnesses have disappeared, and the quick court date gives them little time for investigation.  As they unravel the case, layers of corruption are uncovered—but can they find evidence in time to prove it?

This five-plus stars book is amazing, and it should be part of your must-read list. There is action, intrigue, and every imaginable block to the truth coming out.  Reading this will keep you on the edge of your seat, and you will not want to put it down.  It is a clean tale told from a Christian viewpoint.  This will be loved by anyone who likes exciting stories.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Barrister and the Letter of Marque, 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/authortoddmjohnson/

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

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

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“Between the Wild Branches” by Connilyn Cossette

Posted on August 5, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Between a Rock and….

Set during Bible days, Philistine orphan Lukio was taken in by a Hebrew family.  That is when he met Shoshana, and although children, they knew they wanted to marry when grown.  But then Lukio misinterprets a situation and runs away to his homeland, leaving a heartbroken Shoshana behind.

After returning, Lukio became a fighter, rising to the country’s well-loved champion, known as Demon Eyes. It brought him fame and fortune.  Just as he becomes betrothed to the king’s daughter, he notices her maid is none other than Shoshana, his childhood love.

They find themselves in an impossible situation because they both still love each other, but Shoshana is now a slave, while Lukio is to marry the princess.  Lukio throws himself into finding a way to get Shoshana back to her Hebrew home.  But if the king finds out Lukio is helping a much-hated Hebrew, they will be killed.

An intricate plan is devised to free her.  Will Lukio risk his wealth, good name, and luxurious lifestyle for Shoshana–who he will never see again after she leaves?

The author paints such a beautiful picture with her words, it is easy to feel transported to the ancient times where this tale takes place. You will be captivated by this predicament, and wonder how it can work out, or does it?

Even though this tale stands alone, it would add a lot to the story if you read the first book in the series.  This five-star story will appeal to fans of tales of long-ago, as well as, lost loves.

Bethany House Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Between the Wild Branches, 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/AuthorLisaHarris

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

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

 

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“The Chase” by Lisa Harris

Posted on July 31, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hurting People for Kicks!

After being off work recovering from a gun shot wound, US Marshal Madison James returns to jump right into a current bank robbery.  It is a hostage situation, and someone has been critically shot.  With very little to go on, Madison and partner Jonas, are determined to stop it.

With some sly tricks, the bad guys slip out of the bank, but Madison and Jonas are on their tail.  The two are a formidable team, and have become even closer since her shooting.  Jonas came by frequently, and he began a standard Friday night drop by.

Madison has amnesia about who shot her, but is convinced it is connected with the unsolved murder of her husband, Luke, five years earlier.  Since then, she has spent all her time trying to solve it.

As the man hunt for the robbers continues to broaden out, Madison and Jonas work together to bring them to justice.  The two go from one treacherous situation to another, always just missing catching them.

Will Madison and Jonas get the robbers before they escape to another country?  Can Madison come to terms with the fact that Luke’s murder might never be solved?

This is the second installment in the US Marshall’s Series, but this tale stands on its own. At the end of the book, there is a surprising twist concerning Luke’s murder.  Told from a Christian viewpoint, this is a clean story.  This fast-paced five-star book will keep you turning the pages, and will be enjoyed by lovers of thrillers and modern-day adventures.

Revell Publishing has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Chase, 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/AuthorLisaHarris

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

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

 

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“Monster Food” by Daisy Hirst

Posted on July 28, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrated by Daisy Hirst

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Monster’s Eat….Uhm, Uhm, Good?

Come join the monsters, and learn through giggle causing, catchy rhymes, what silly things they like.

For instance:

“some monsters eat peaches,

some monsters eat pears,

and then there are monsters

who only eat chairs.”

As little ones laugh to hear the things monsters like to eat, they will smile to learn that the best thing to eat is food–for both monsters and kids!

This adorable board book is an over-sized square with thick pages perfect for children’s fingers.  Daisy Hirst is both the author and illustrator of this five-star book, and she keeps the fun going to the last page.  Children through three years old will love this imaginative tale!

Candlewick Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Monster Food, 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/DaisyHirst/

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

The Author’s Website:  http://www.daisyhirst.com/about/

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“This Kind of Love” by Kaelin and Kyrah Edwards

Posted on July 26, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doing Life Together!

Kaelin and Kyrah are a young couple that have become very well-known because of YouTube and Social Media.  This book chronicles how they met, and obstacles they overcame to become a couple. Included is Kaelin’s desire to date intentionally, that is, with the ultimate goal being marriage, and to have a God honoring relationship.

While they were in college, they began making prank videos for YouTube, and their number of followers sky rocketed.

With the welcome addition of making money from these pranks, came exhaustion from trying to constantly come up with new ones.  Eventually, they decided to completely change from doing pranks to having a media platform that followed their daily lives as a young Christian couple.

Making the change was nerve-wracking as they hoped their followers would stay with them, become an-on-line family and all of them could “do life together.”

This book is very transparent as it tells the story of their lives, and the often-messy things going on in it.

Kyrah tells of the problems with her mom, and difficulties she had when they first married.  Kaelin shares unreal expectations he had for Kyrah, and his tendency to be a workaholic.  They both testify to the way God not only helped them get through hard things, but their relationship got stronger because of it. By putting their trust in God, and with His help, they have a great relationship today.

Even if you are not familiar with them, you will enjoy their life story in this five-star book. Today the couple has millions of followers, works together, and make their living from Social Media.

Hachette Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, This Kind of Love, 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/KaelinAndKyrah/

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

The Author’s YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/kaelinandkyrah

The Author’s Website:  https://kaelinandkyrah.com/about

 

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“Ride the Wind” by Nicola Davies

Posted on July 22, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

Illustrations by Salvatore Rubbino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Journey to Feeling Better!

Javier misses his mother who has died.  As he works on his father’s fishing boat, an albatross flies too close and gets caught on the boat’s fishing hooks.  Javier is immediately reminded of his mom, and wants to take care of the bird.

His dad cares nothing for the hurt bird and just wants her out of the way.  But Javier secretly removes her from the boat, takes care of her, and tries to nurse her back to health.  His father is furious when he finds the albatross has been hidden in his house.  Uncle Felipe talks the dad into letting the bird stay until the next ocean voyage, in two weeks.

This is a sweet story of a boy trying to come to terms with the loss of his mother by doing kind things for something that reminds him of her—in this case, the albatross.  As he translates more of his feelings about his mom to the bird, it becomes vitally important to Javier that he reunite the bird with her family.

Ultimately, the grieving father realizes his son has been suffering, too.  After more trouble as a result of the father’s blindness to Javier’s situation, the two are reconciled because of their shared sadness.

This book shows that it is okay to grieve, but to remember we are not the only one suffering when someone dies.  Also, we all do it in different ways.  Ironically, the grief both the father and son have been feeling ultimately unites them.

This five-star book is good as a stand-alone-story.  Additionally, it could be used as a springboard to talk and help a child deal with their feelings of sadness and loss.  Or it could help a child understand what it might be like for someone they know who is grieving.   This tale would be good for five through nine-year-old children.

Candlewick Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Ride the Wind, 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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“50 Pentecostal and Charismatic Leaders Every Christian Should Know” by Dean Merrill

Posted on July 21, 2021 by WordPress.com Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Moves of God

This is a great book that tells you the true stories of Christian people you may, or may not, have heard of.  The information is very interesting about people I was already aware of, but I really loved hearing about the lives of those I had never heard of.

Marie Woodworth-Etter felt the call of God on her life as a child, but she didn’t know how to do anything about it since she was a woman.  After many years of heartache, at the age of thirty-five, she was finally allowed to speak.

Eventually, she did end up telling people about The Lord at many places, but even then she faced the possibility of being arrested, or being hurt by vicious mobs.  There was also a group that wanted to declare her insane.  Despite all these trials and more, she continued speaking the word of God.

Many of these accounts include miracles these people saw.  In Smith Wigglesworth’s ministry, he told a man who was wheelchair bound because of amputations in both legs, to purchase a new pair of shoes.  Although others who heard it thought he was cruel, the man did go to a store the next day and purchase shoes.  When he put each stump into a shoe, a new foot and leg was instantly formed, and the man was able to walk out of the shop!

Stories of the extraordinary await you in this book.  People included represent many denominations and walks of life.  For instance, there is Larry Christenson, a Lutheran pastor; Francis MacNutt, a Catholic Dominican Friar; and Pat Robertson, a television host and business magnet.  Having their lives changed by the Holy Spirit is the common connection they all share.

Read of the powers and wonders our Lord released in these people.  It will build you up, and give you a new outlook.  I recommend this five-star book to everyone.

Chosen Books has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, 50 Pentecostal and Charismatic Leaders, 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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