“Diamond in the Rough” by Jen Turano

A Force to be Reckoned With!

Although Poppy was forced to take part in just one season of New York society, her penchant for attracting trouble could make her remembered for years.   Time after time, she finds herself embroiled in activities that shock her genteel grandmother, Viola.  Out of desperation, Viola convinces the very proper British Reginald Blackburn (who is secretly a Duke’s son) to instruct Poppy about the correct way to behave.  Reginald himself is fit to be tied by Poppy since she continues getting into trouble and drags him into it as well.

Many hilarious situations develop, although, some of them unexpectedly turn out to be serious.  In an unforeseen twist, the ending brings together lots of information that hadn’t seemed related.  I loved  that this clean, entertaining tale was told from a Christian perspective.

A good point about how secrets eventually come out was made to Reginald, but applies to others who have secrets in this story. Murray’s characteristics didn’t come together for me (was he originally going to be someone different?), but everything else in this fun tale drew me in.  This 5-star book will be enjoyed by those who like well-written, light-hearted romances of yesteryear–with some unforeseen zigzags.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Diamond in the Rough, 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/jenturanoauthor/

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

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

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“Dying to Meet Jesus: How Encountering Heaven Changed My Life” by Randy Kay

The Key to Happiness!

During a health crisis, Randy Kay died and was transported to Heaven where he met Jesus.  That near-death experience (NDE) has changed every minute of his life.  This book focuses on the feelings, strengths and emotions that Randy had as a result his Heavenly encounter.

Although he does give some description of Heaven, the main point of this story is what he received by meeting Jesus.  Any doubts about God’s existence or His being unaware of the hard things Randy was going through, were replaced with rock solid knowledge of God’s reality, and the confidence of the Lord’s hand on his life.

Many trials have come the author and his family since that time.  He has been able to face them all because of the strength and fortitude he received while in Heaven.

Randy uses God’s word in the Bible, along with what he gained in Heaven, to offer hope and encouragement to readers.  His NDE was so precious to him that he did not share it with others for a long time.  Ultimately, he felt God himself was urging him to write this book and include his NDE.  The author agrees with Paul when he said:

“To me, living means having Christ. To die means that I would have more of Him. If I keep on living here in this body, it means that I can lead more people to Christ….” Philippians 1:21-22

I recommend this 5-star book to Christ followers who want hope and help in life, as well as, assurance of a glorious future.

Chosen Books has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Dying to Meet Jesus, 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/randolph.kay.7

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

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

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“Snow Leopard: Ghost of the Mountains” by Justin Anderson

Illustrated by Patrick Benson

The Snow Leopard Revealed!

The large cat, known as the Snow Leopard, lives in the wilds of the rugged Himalayan mountains.  It is so rarely seen that the locals call it the gray ghost.  This is an account based on the author’s attempt to track one down.

Besides the excitement of actually finding this evasive animal, the book contains descriptions of the color and markings of its coat, the number of miles it travels, and the way it hunts.

The leopard’s tale—which is the longest of any cat—is used like a scarf to keep warm during the cold winter snows, as well as, helping the leopard keep its balance when jumping and running.  Its paws, which are enormous, allow the weight of the cat to be spread out so it can walk through deep snow and never sink.True to nature illustrations of the leopard and its environment cover the pages of this over-sized, hard-backed, 5-star book.  This non-fiction volume is full of facts and information that will appeal to grade school, and even older, children who are interested in details about animals and nature.

The author is a zoologist and has done many documentaries about nature and animals in wilderness locations.

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Snow Leopard, 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 Twitter:  https://twitter.com/justinfanderson

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“A Day for Skating” by Sarah Sullivan

Illustrated by Madeline Valentine

Winter Fun!

Little ones will find out how much fun winter can be while going along with the little girl in this book.   Join her as she has a magical time on the frozen ice.  Everything sparkles as she skates and glides along with family and friends—even taking falls in stride. Some kids race along, while others play hockey or make designs on the ice, at the same time, adults waltz with each other.  She has a good time warming up fingers and toes while drinking yummy hot cocoa which makes everything glow.

Children will enjoy the rhyme of the short text done with darling illustrations that really highlight the thrills of a special winter day and evening. This hard-backed picture book will be liked by preschoolers to seven or eight-year old children.  If it is too cold to go outside, this 5-star book will be a great way to enjoy the good things about winter while comfortably reading indoors!

Candlewick Press has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, A Day for Skating, 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/sarahsullivanauthor/

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.sarahsullivanbooks.com/books/bk_day_for_skating.html

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“The Way of the Brave” by Susan May Warren

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Friends & Danger!

Three friends, Shasha, Jenny, and Aria, are trapped on Denali, a dangerously steep Alaskan mountain, known for avalanches, bad weather and blizzard white outs.  Jenny convinced them to make the climb as a way to rise above some difficulties they have faced.  Just when it looks like all is lost, a group of three former Seals:  Orion, Ham and Jake, appear.  Instead of getting the women off the mountain, the men become trapped while trying to rescue them.

Additionally, Orion and Jenny have a history, in fact, their past is the main reason Jenny was making this climb—to forget him along with the secret she never wants him to know.  Orion, on the other hand, has been searching for Jenny for the past two years.

Besides the life and death battle on the mountain, there are also struggles with an incognito bomber at a political rally.   The rally politician may hold the key to the mystery of two seals first listed as dead, but now possibly alive.  Have they been spirited away by some government agency?

This book is amazing!  You get caught up in this well-written story right away with action, dramatic relationships, and mystery.  Faith enters the story through Orion’s fury over hearing about God from all-trusting Ham.  I highly recommend this 5-plus star book to anyone who enjoys well-developed stories that will capture your heart!

Revell Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Way of the Brave, 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/SusanMayWarrenFiction

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

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

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Random Ramblings: A New Way to Touch Your Heart for Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Growing up, I was surrounded by members of the Greatest Generation:  my parents, their friends, and our extended family.  They were capable and strong, having survived The Great Depression, World War II and the raising of a new generation of children (me included) who came to be called the Baby Boomers.  And we thought they would always be around…until they weren’t.

We hardly have any members of the Greatest Generation left.  But out in sunny California, there remains one, a Major Bill White.  He is a WWII Marine vet, as well as, a survivor of the notorious Battle of Iwo Jima—and he is 104 years young.

Major White has just one request, send him a Valentine.  He promises he will save each and every one.

Join me as I send a Valentine to a man who beat the odds by staying alive during one of the worst battles during the war, and has gone on to beat the odds of aging, and living past 100 hundred years.  Do it to make this a bright Valentine’s Day for him.  Do it in the memory of a beloved member of The Greatest Generation.  Or just do it as a good deed, I promise you will feel better for it!

Send Valentines here:

ATTN: Hold for Maj Bill White, USMC (Ret)

The Oaks at Inglewood

6725 Inglewood Ave.

Stockton, CA 95207

You can read more of his story here:  https://fox4kc.com/2020/01/10/this-104-year-old-marine-corps-veteran-is-asking-for-valentines-day-cards-ill-save-every-one/

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“Collateral Damage” by Lynette Eason

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Good vs. The Really Bad!

As a result of surviving brutal explosions in Afghanistan, both Asher James and Brooke Adams have left the military.  Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), each of them are trying to piece their lives back together.  Not really knowing each other while in the military, they have now been thrown together because someone is trying to kill Brooke.  Can it be related to something she unknowingly became linked with while overseas?

At the same time, a number of shallow graves are found in South Carolina, the people are multiple ages, races and nationalities, what common link do they all share that led to their deaths?  Law enforcement is mystified about what the connection could be.

Meanwhile, back in Afghanistan, reporter Sarah Denning is working incognito in an orphanage, and has uncovered a terrible crime involving the children.   She fears the dangerous people behind it have found her out, making her life at risk–but she might not be able to get out in time.

Fast-moving thrills and action fill this book, with faith woven in lightly.  Amazingly, situations that seem unrelated are shown to be connected. Even though there are a lot of characters introduced at the beginning, stick with it, and the story will smooth out.  Keep in mind that, once revealed, the subject matter is shocking, and, for me, it was difficult to read.  This many layered 4 1/2-star tale will be enjoyed by those who like fast-paced, action stories.

Revell Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Collateral Damage, 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

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“Penguin and Moose” by Hannah C. Hall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Illustrated by Anna Chernyshova

Finding Something Good!

Come join Penguin who is determined to be a bird that flies, and goes through all kinds of things trying to do that.  Nothing works!   But no matter how crazy his ideas, Moose is always right there beside him, willing to help him out.  Even if Penguin doesn’t get what he started out for, he ends up finding he has something better, a friend.  This great tale will spark the imagination of children, while also showing the truth of the verse, “a friend loves at all times”—Proverbs 17:17.

Delightful illustrations cover this book’s pages, making the story come to life, and will cause giggles galore when showing some of the messes Penguin gets into.  This charming, hard-backed book is geared toward preschoolers to grades 3 or 4.   Get a copy today, and prepare for some fun reading.  I highly recommend this 5-star book which will appeal to all children!

Worthy Kids has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Penguin and Moose, 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/authorHannahCHall

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

The Author’s Website:  http://hannahchall.com

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“Recovered” by Robby Gallaty

How You Can Overcome Everything!

Can you trust someone who has lied and stolen—including from their parents—in order to have money for drugs?  How about if they went through rehab, but then failed and went back on drugs?  In this amazing true story, Robby Gallaty has done all that and more.

But, then, he did get drug-free, and has been for years.  How did he do that?  He met Jesus AND he included Him in every part of his life.  This amazing true story will give you the details of all he did wrong, plus all the things he did right that ultimately led him to turn his life around.

Today, he has a wonderful wife, two sons, and pastors a megachurch in Tennessee.  And what of his family that he lied to and stole from?  They have a good, loving relationship with each other.

How could this incredible story be true?  Read this book, and find out for yourself–you will not want to put it down.  I highly recommend this 5+ star book to anyone who has problems they don’t know how to overcome, or for those who enjoy true stories of those who do (overcome them)!

B & H Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Recovered, 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/gallaty/

The Author’s Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Rgallaty?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Author Information:  https://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/pastor-robby-gallaty-he-isnt-who-you-think-he-is/

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“Seconds to Live” By Susan Sleeman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Countdown!

This fast-moving story involves cyber-crime and a vicious killer, The Phantom, who has left a trail of murdered “traitors,” yet has never been identified.  Because of messing up, Dustee, a member of the witness protection program, is now running for her life from The Phantom.  Dedicated Agent, Taylor Mills, tries to protect Dustee—who seems bent on doing things to keep herself in danger.  Will Dustee’s lack of cooperation cause her death?  Or will Taylor be able to rescue her from increasingly dangerous situations?

Things are compounded by another government agency becoming involved, especially that of Agent Sean Nichols, causing sparks to fly between him and Taylor. This tale has some very attention-grabbing, suspenseful situations that will capture your attention.  Also, there is the shocking revelation of a government turncoat.  But the most surprising thing is the ending with the identity of The Phantom.  I didn’t see that coming at all—and I can usually guess these things.  You will be blind-sided by it!

This is a clean story, not graphic or gory, with characters that deal with trust, forgiveness, and faith.  This 5-star tale will be enjoyed by those who like, action, suspense, and some romance.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Seconds to Live, 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/SusanSleemanBooks/

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

The Author’s Website:  https://www.susansleeman.com/?fbclid=IwAR3UzGmPzE_Ehig39XVNKh_EJs3mYo9fMwmEVR5cCcKTpV2ACq_dRmgOT6I

 

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