Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Becky

Exciting Times!

Lady Selene has just married Lord Damien, but it was not a love match.  Instead, it was done out of desperation to save her life.  She yearns to know Damien’s real feelings towards her.  Kindness and fairness abound in her new husband’s life, as well as, in the treatment of his people.  It is very different from the cold House of Ravenwood where she grew up.

The Great Light is often spoken of in her new home.  Damien actively believes in and worships the Light, but Selene is unsure.  Her dreams are haunted by the Dark Lady, causing her to be exhausted and tense.  Shockingly, things she sees in her dreams begin taking place in real life.  She urgently wants to bring it to an end, and spends lots of time pouring over ancient texts hoping to find an answer.

Unknown to Selene, her sister, Lady Amara, pursues Selene to rain destruction on Damien and his kingdom.  Spurred on by their mother’s order not to return unless she is successful, and coupled with Amara’s jealousy of Selene, she will go to any lengths to be victorious.

Damien and Selene gently begin to get to know each other, talk of their amazing gifts, and consider what all their future’s may be.  At the same time, storm clouds of war are gathering, and a clash among the houses seems destined to take place with the spring thaw.

There is much good versus evil in this tale.  Selene is torn between what she has known her entire existence, and the life she is exposed to in her new home.  Excitement in this story builds, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat wanting to know what happens next.  Flight of the Raven is the second story in the Ravenwood Saga, and has enough backstory to be read on its own–but the tale would be much richer if the first book is read.  I highly recommend this 5-star book to all who enjoy fantasy and adventure with a Christian point of view.

Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Flight of the Raven, 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 Website:   www.morganlbusse.com

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

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

The Author’s Ten Favorite Characters from Flight of the Raven:  https://morganlbusse.com/2019/04/09/ten-favorite-characters-from-flight-of-the-raven/

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A Quick Giveaway of God Made Mommy Special by Glenys Nellist

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Becky

The Love of Mommy!

This is one of the cutest children’s books I have ever seen.

A group of adorable baby animals want the reader to meet their mommies so they can explain why she’s wonderful.  Invitations to get to know their mommy come from a dolphin, an owl, and a squirrel along with others, each cuter than the last.  They all offer reasons why their mommy is the greatest.  They share the special times each one has had with their mommy, along with the incredible way God made her for each one of them.  Each mom teaches her child something important.

The story concludes with a child who wants the reader to meet their mommy.  The child speaks lovingly of her, and tells of the special things she does and teaches—along with how much love they have for each other.

A child’s hands will love the feel of the nicely padded cover of this board book, and the brightly colored illustrations on every page will surely catch their eye.  Every mom and her child will love to read this together.  With Mother’s Day coming up, this would be a perfect gift for a mother and child in your life!  I highly recommend this 5+ star book, it is a treat for all who read it.

 

The giveaway!

If you act fast, the author is running a giveaway on her site:  https://www.glenysnellist.com/a-three-book-giveaway-of-god-made-mommy-special-just-in-time-for-mothers-day/#more-4620.  The Instagram winner will be announced on Thursday May 2nd. Facebook & website winners announced Saturday, May 4th, 2019, so hurry over!!

The Author’s Giveaway Website:  https://www.glenysnellist.com/a-three-book-giveaway-of-god-made-mommy-special-just-in-time-for-mothers-day/#more-4620

The Author’s Website:   https://www.glenysnellist.com/god-made-mommy-special-god-made-daddy-special/

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

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

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Book Review “Open Door Living” by Jen Schmidt

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Becky

Easy Ways to Share the Gift of Hospitality

Welcome!

This thin hard-backed volume has a beautiful embossed cover, contains lots of lovely pictures, and is easy to read through in one sitting.  But it is more than just a nice-looking book.

Inside its pages are suggestions for hosting guests in your home, no matter if you are young, old, single or married.  There are ideas to have a gathering even if you don’t have much material wealth or many possessions.  A list of possible conversation starters is included in case conversation lags.  The author has added a few recipes along with ideas of how to entertain in formal or informal ways.  The recommendations given can be adapted to a gathering of your own, or it can be a good jumping off point to tailor a shindig to your taste.

Open Door Living emphasizes that no matter what, welcoming someone into your home is a rewarding experience.  Friendships can be started or strengthened by having people in, memories can be made that will warm your heart for years.  The old adage that it is better to give than receive will be experienced by the adventure you will get by inviting others into your home.

Lots of encouraging sayings pepper the pages of this volume, as well as, some real-life examples of hosting that have taken place.  Follow this book’s advice, and socialize with others.  Our Lord, in the book of Hebrews, doesn’t tell us to meet together just to make extra work for us. We are instructed to do so because we will be blessed by it.  We will have a richer, fuller life when we reach out to others.

Have a get together, host it in your home—don’t find reasons not to do it.  This little volume will give ideas to get you started entertaining, and avoid getting side tracked by making it unnecessarily hard.  I recommend this 5-star book to anyone wanting to add fun to their life.

B & H Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Open-Door Living, 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.

Click here to find the book.

About the Author:  For the last decade, Jen Schmidt has been encouraging, challenging, and cheering on women to embrace both the beauty and bedlam of their everyday lives on her popular lifestyle blog, Balancing Beauty and Bedlam. With a variety of topics—from easy dinner ideas and personal finance to leaving a legacy—Jen equips others to live life to its fullest, reminding them it’s the little things that really are the big things in life. A popular speaker, worship leader and founder/host of the annual Becoming Conference, Jen shares with humor and authenticity as she invites others to join her on this bumpy, beautiful life journey. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, five children, a few too many animals, and an available sofa for anyone who needs it.

The Author’s Websites:  https://www.incourage.me/author/jennifer-schmidt

https://beautyandbedlam.com/?fbclid=IwAR2gvPVrxbS1eqXnHlAvjXeesY4fT8ZpKcPtSp5oD-a9yObmpGTsxn-nZ1E

The Author’s Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/beautyandbedlam/photos/jen-schmidt-author-of-just-open-the-door-how-one-invitation-can-change-a-generat/10151043939379995/

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

 

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“Far Side of the Sea” by Kate Breslin

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Becky

Adventure, Love and Stopping the War!

The constant noise of WWI bombs exploding in France is unnerving for Lieutenant Colin Mabry as he translates coded messages snuck out by homing pigeons. Despite being across the water in England, he can clearly hear them. When translating one day, he is surprised to discover one of the messages is addressed to Colin from Jewel. She is the young woman behind enemy lines who tended his wounds, and gave her love to him. She writes that Colin is the only one she trusts, and he must come to Paris to help her.

As a war veteran who suffers nightmares from battles that almost took his life—and did take his arm—Colin fights PTSD constantly. He states his strong faith in God has given him the strength to carry on. The idea of going to Paris where bombing takes place day and night is unwelcome. But Colin has never forgiven himself for not taking Jewel when he left, and vows he will help her this time.

Before leaving, Colin is warned that Paris is full of spies, and Jewel might be one of them. She wouldn’t be the first to play on a soldier’s feelings to gain information or capture. He pushes on, but arrives in Paris to discover Jewell isn’t there. Instead, another woman claims to want to take Colin to her, but is she a spy? A simple meeting turns into an escapade that will include journeying through many areas with people he shouldn’t trust, with others he should, but not always picking the right ones. He rubs shoulders with notorious spies, traitors, and attempts to save something that just might end the war.

This is a thrilling story that will open the eyes of readers to what it was like to be a part of WWI, including fun information about how much homing pigeons helped the war effort. It is easy to put yourself in the shoes of Colin, and understand how he feels. A romance develops that seems doomed the more the story develops, and the entire tale is told from a very clear Christian point of view. I enjoyed this 5-star book and recommend it to lovers of history, thrillers, and romance.Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Far Side of the Sea, 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 Website: https://katebreslin.com
The Author’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateBreslinAuthor?fref=ts
The Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/@Kate_Breslin

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Giveaway! “A Mountain Worth Moving” by Amanda Mason

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Becky

I have very exciting news.  Amanda Mason, the author of A Mountain Worth Moving, is providing a copy of her book for a giveaway.  As I wrote earlier, this is one of the best books I have read.  Now the winner of this giveaway will have a chance to see just how special this 5-star story is.

The following is a summary of the book:  John Mitchell has given up an enjoyable life in the city that included dating and a career, so he can run his family’s sprawling ranch. He is also taking care of his family–which consists of his mother who spends all of her time taking care of his invalid brother, as well as, his alcoholic and trouble causing brother.  Because of all this, John has no life of his own, and he can hardly bare the weight of it all.  However, feels he deserves it because he is responsible for something so terrible, he can never make up for it.  John seems to be the only one to fear a therapist may cause them all to fall into a deeper pit of despair and trouble.

Read how the author weaves these tragic circumstances into an amazing story that will fill you with joy—and it is all told from a Christian point of view.  (You can read my complete review here:  http://bookreadingtic.com/2019/03/13/a-mountain-worth-moving-by-amanda-mason/ )

Want a chance to find out how this exciting story plays out?  Enter by following the instructions in the Rafflecopter below.  Your email address will be used to contact you if you win, and will not be passed on.  The best of luck to you.  You must be a resident in the continental USA and 18 or older to enter. Only one entrant is allowed per mailing address, per giveaway.  No purchase necessary! *  Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Giveaways only valid in continental USA.

*See Disclaimer Section in above drop-down heading under picture.

This giveaway is now over.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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“Good News! It’s Easter!” by Glenys Nellist

Posted on March 18, 2019 by Becky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easter Wonders for Children!

This darling oversized board book takes children on a tour of the miracles going on in the world around them.   Flowers dressed in pretty colors pop out of the dark earth into the sunshine.  Caterpillars enter cocoons to come out as butterflies with beautiful wings that glide through the air.  The best news of all, Jesus comes out of the tomb to give everyone who believes in Him the gift of a forever home in Heaven—and Easter is born.Children will find enchanting verses that captures spring’s exciting new beginnings with things such as jumping frogs and hopping bunnies.  The author tells the story beautifully in language simple enough for little children to understand.  Small hands can easily grip the thick pages while looking at the beautifully colored illustrations throughout the volume.  

This would be a nice addition to an Easter basket, or a gift at anytime.  Despite the book being about Easter and spring, it is a fun story little ones will want to read year-round.  This is the first in a series of three books, and I highly recommend this delightful five-star book to the young children in your life.

Discovery House of Our Daily Bread Ministries has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Good News! It’s Easter!, 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 Website:  https://www.glenysnellist.com/celebrating-the-release-of-good-news-its-easter-with-a-three-book-giveaway/

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

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

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“A Mountain Worth Moving” by Amanda Mason

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Becky

Losing it All, but Getting Everything!

John Mitchell has a lot on his plate.  At one time, he had a good life in the city, with a job that allowed him to have a nice place to live, and a good social life.  But now, he is in charge of taking care of his family’s sprawling ranch, along with supporting his mom who is the sole care-taker of his invalid brother, Ben.  Additionally, John is constantly bailing out his other brother, an alcoholic who causes all kinds of destruction and trouble.  He takes care of everyone, but himself.  However, this hard life is okay because in John’s mind, he is responsible for something so horrible that he deserves it.

His mom is excited about a special program for injuries like Ben’s that has had almost miraculous results; she is pushing for them to do it.  The program is difficult to get into, and even harder to stay once in.  Thinking Ben is beyond help, John doesn’t want false hopes.  Things that haven’t worked out in the past have left the family so discouraged that John fears this is going to have the same outcome.  He takes his frustration out on Jill, a kind therapist in the program, furiously accusing her of having an ulterior motive.  John doesn’t think a happy life is possible for any of the Mitchells.

Despite the anger, disasters and bitterness the characters face, the author is able to contrive a really wonderful solution that is both satisfying and happy—and she does it from a Christian point of view.  This is a clean and powerful story; it is also one of the best books I have ever read.  I highly recommend you get a copy as soon as possible.  If there was a rating higher than five, I would give it to A Mountain Worth Moving.  This story will pull you in from the very beginning, and you will be hooked until the last page. Treat yourself to this 5++ tale!

The author has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of A Mountain Worth Moving, 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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“Between Two Shores” by Jocelyn Green

Posted on February 19, 2019 by Becky

A Sweeping Historical Tale

Catherine Duvall is living in the 1700’s and is surrounded by conflict in her family, her country and even herself.   Growing up, she had no peace because of her Mohawk mother’s and French father’s constant arguing.   Her mixed heritage makes her feel torn between two peoples. While her homeland is in upheaval because the French and British are fighting each other for possession of the land.  The war has caused deprivation and near starvation for Catherine.

After her mother’s death, Catherine left the Mohawk people and moved in with her alcoholic father, who mistreated her despite her trying to take care of him.   Catherine has also suffered being called a savage or half-breed by those around her.

Years after Catherine’s fiancé leaves, he reappears.  Without asking forgiveness or explaining his absence, he wants Catherine to help him with something that will be both difficult for her, and put her life in danger.  Against her sibling’s wishes, she sets out with people that may or may not be trustworthy, where she is exposed to a multitude of hardships.  Despite all the bad things Catherine endures, she has a good heart, and continues to try to help others.  Her story takes place against the background of true historical events. 

The author writes beautifully, and from a Christian point of view.   A hint about this story will be found in the words uttered by the tale’s characters when they say, “some stories don’t end the way we want them to.” Be aware, there are a lot of sad times and descriptions of difficult situations in this book, along with in-depth accounts of historical events and the countryside.

I would have enjoyed this story much more if the detailed descriptions throughout the book had been pared-down.   Be sure to look at the “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Between Two Shores.” You will learn how this story ties into the movie, Casablanca and West Side Story, along with many other interesting tidbits!  I recommend this 4-star book to those who enjoy in-depth historical fiction.

Bethany House Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of Between Two Shores, 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 Website:    www.jocelyngreen.com

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

The Author’s Twitter:   https://twitter.com/jocelyngreen77

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Lucy and Joe’s Hot Chocolate: A Book Review Recipe

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Becky

 

This recipe appeared in my review book, The Christmas Edition: A Journey to Paradise by Robin Shope.  Enjoy this drink any time of the year, but it is especially good now in the winter!

2 cups whole milk

4 tsp sugar

1 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

1 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped

1 tsp brown sugar

A splash of vanilla

Real whipped cream

Heat everything in a saucepan, except the vanilla, until the chocolate melts and the sugar dissolves. Pour half into a blender and mix until foamy. Return to the saucepan and add vanilla. Stir briefly and then serve with three inches of whipped cream.

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“The Christmas Edition A Journey to Paradise” by Robin Shope

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Becky

Too Good to be True?

Despite the joy of the Christmas season, Lucy Collins can feel the shadow of hard times approaching The Turtle Creek Newspaper.  Started by her grandfather, and still run by her family, the newspaper is about to get competition.  A big company that has caused other newspapers to close is moving to her small town.  Unless a miracle happens, Lucy is afraid her family business will be gone.

Out of nowhere, Joe McNamara appears in their office, and takes the job as editor.  Everything he does turns to gold.  Because of his popular style of writing along with his ability to charm lots of new advertisers to bring much needed revenue to the paper, Lucy thinks they might have a fighting chance to survive.

But Joe is surrounded by mystery and it appears they might be the undoing of them all.  When Lucy accuses him of betraying the newspaper he disappears as suddenly he appears.

This not an ordinary romance story.  Joe’s secrets will keep you wondering what he is all about throughout the story.  Just when it seems the tale will end in a predictable way, it takes a twist and delivers a surprise ending.  I liked this book a lot, and even more so since it was written from a Christian viewpoint.  Even though the book is set during the Christmas season it can be enjoyed year-round.  The five-star book is recommended for anyone who enjoys fiction.

Pelican Book Group has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of The Christmas Edition, for 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 Blog:   http://theserialwritingsofrobinjansen.blogspot.com/

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