Friday, September 30, 2016

Down the Hidden Path by Heather Burch

Down the Hidden Path (The Roads to River Rock, #2)Book Description:
Jeremiah McKinley is the first of his enlisted brothers to return home to River Rock, Missouri—their sleepy but charming hometown in the Ozarks—in the wake of their father’s death in combat. While he’s grateful to be home with his sister nearby, his grief over losing the man known as Major Mack proves almost overwhelming, especially without his brothers around.

After years of guilt and tireless effort, Mary Grace “Gray” Smith finally has her life on track. The last person she wants to see is Jeremiah: her former best friend, former crush, and the man who could easily destroy the one thing she holds most dear. But after one of Jeremiah’s brothers returns home with a head injury, Gray becomes his therapist—and a long-kept secret threatens to reveal itself and alter the course of several lives forever. Could this secret also give Jeremiah and Gray the chance to finally have the future together they always longed for?


My Thoughts:
This book will take your emotions on a roller coaster ride.  Jeremiah (Miah) has come back home after being a soldier for years and is trying to get used to civilian life.  Mary Grace (Gray) was Miah's best friend but isn't thrilled with a reunion.  I liked both Miah and Gray.  Both had their issues but both really were good people.
There were times I wanted to go into the book and smack one (or both) of them, especially Miah but life is complicated and never what you expect.  The author did a great job of making you 'have' to read the story.  It isn't one you will want to start and put down, but you will want to finish in one sitting!  I really liked all of her characters and without giving away anything in the story, I really liked the ending.
It was a 5/5 for me.  I look forward to reading the next in this series!!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Chronicles of Heart & Soul Cover Reveal

Title: The Chronicles of Heart & Soul
Author: L.L. Hunter 
Genre: YA Fantasy
Expected Release Date: Nov. 9th, 2016
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design and Photography
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb: There was once an angel born of fire who was fated to rule the world.
Her existence was planned, her destiny mapped out before she even knew who she was.
When Scarlett was a little girl she never dreamed she would one day be the one to rule the entire Nephilim world.
Now as an adult, her nightmares are making up for lost time.
Plagued with visions she doesn’t know what to make of, and a dark secret hidden deep within, she turns to an unlikely ally for guidance.
Afraid for her future child’s life, Scarlett makes a choice that could change everything forever.
After a heartbreaking sacrifice is made,
Scarlett never thought she would ever taste darkness, but this time she can’t escape.
Especially when her son is fated to rule the underworld.
In the epic finale to the bestselling Legend of the Archangel series, will the world burn in heavenly fire or be saved by the girl who was fated to rule it all?
L.L. Hunter is the author of over 20 published works, including The Legend of the Archangel Series and The Garden of Eden. She has studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science, and dramatic arts, but has always known her true calling was to be an author. 

She has been writing since her teens - everything from fan fiction, to song lyrics, to plays and musicals. When not working on her next paranormal romance, she can be found at home in Australia, reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of her “fur babies.” Follow her on Facebook, Twitter @llhunterbooks, and her blog - http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au.
Instagram: @llhunter
Pre Order Links:

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Gratitude a Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal

Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring JournalBook Description:
Gratitude: A Prayer and Praise Coloring Journal invites you to bring creative journaling and the calming act of coloring into your quiet time with God. This beautifully designed interactive prayer book from Tyndale's Living Expressions collection helps guide your thoughts as you pray about concerns such as health, overcoming stress, personal relationships, and more. Gratitudegives you a way to celebrate and give thanks to God for the many blessings he provides. Filled with over 100 designs to color, plenty of space for journaling and sketching, and 40 needs-based prayers, Gratitude helps you express your devotion to God with your whole heart!

My Thoughts:
This is an absolutely amazing book.  To start with, the cover is gorgeous.  The pages to color are beautiful and I love to journal and to color so this was the perfect mix.  Each page had a theme and it was really nice to read the topics and just remember/focus on how good God really is.  
I enjoyed the coloring of the pages and how everything is laid out.  The book itself is very sturdy, a hard cover book, and I think it will last quite a while.  I will be getting some of these to use as Christmas gifts for family/friends because of how much I enjoyed it.  
I love this one so it is a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

365 Pocket Morning Prayers

Cover: 365 Pocket Morning PrayersBook Description:
Each morning when you arise, take a moment to talk with God about the day ahead. Ask Him to prepare your heart so that you can be ready to face any challenge that comes your way. 365 Pocket Morning Prayers can guide this time of life-changing conversation and help you express your needs and concerns to God. Don’t worry about what the day will bring. Instead, release your troubles and concerns into God’s care by reading and meditating on the prayers featured in 365 Pocket Morning Prayers. Begin your day in joyful anticipation, trusting that God is in control of your life and wants only the best for you.

My Thoughts:
I think this is a book that any Christian can use.  It is 365 prayers that are extremely easy to relate to your everyday life.  There are comfort, love, marriage, compassion and so many more.  There is no order that you have to read this in but if you feel compelled to skip around or read straight through, each morning/day it is great.  
This little book actually helped me to get more in the habit of talking to God each morning.  It is something all Christians should do but it is easy to get out of the habit of doing it.  Each prayer has a scripture to relate to it and even if the prayer doesn't specifically relate to your issues of that day, you will find some joy/comfort in reading God's word.
I rate it a 5/5.  

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Eugenia Destiny and Choice by Georgeos C. Awgerinos

EUGENIA: DESTINY and CHOICEBook Description:
Eugenia Corais—known as Jenny—is a brilliant intellectual who aspires to transform her Columbia University activism into a media crusade. After she crosses paths with Dietrich Neuendorf, a charismatic, unyielding German human rights attorney haunted by his secret family past, they quickly fall in love.
Meanwhile, eight thousand miles away, in Southern Africa, Rhodesian white settlers break away from the British Commonwealth and are surrounded by hostile Africans demanding immediate independence. The UN imposes an embargo on the former colony, while the hardline Rhodesian regime declares a state of emergency. As violence in the country intensifies, Dietrich is offered a job there to investigate civil rights violations, and a few weeks later, Jenny flies to Africa to join him. Together, they begin a dangerous journey in a tumultuous country on the brink of war.

When Jenny meets an armaments contractor, an unscrupulous man of immense power and oppressive colonial military background, she will encounter a shadow government operating behind the mainstream political smokescreen. She will also discover a dark side she never knew existed – her own.

Jenny’s personal saga unfolds on a historical canvas that spans from cabaret Berlin and wartime Europe to the American Civil Rights era, the anti-Vietnam War protests, and the explosive final days of colonial Africa. EUGENIA: Destiny and Choice charts a quest for human awareness and social conscience in a political dystopia. The epic narrative follows three compelling characters tested by love and promiscuity, moral conflicts and momentous circumstances.

My Thoughts:
This book will make you think.  I started out thinking it wasn't going to be a 'deep' book, but it quickly proved me wrong.  Jenny is a character that I really liked and enjoyed watching grow through the book.  Really, she changed a lot and learned quite a bit about herself as she did!  She and Dietrich are both dedicated to fighting for causes.  They are married and move to Africa for Dietrich to fight for justice there.  
Jenny meets Desmond and he is a typical bad guy.  The whole book involves political issues, civil rights and love/moral issues.  They are all woven together and the author does a good job of teaching about history without seeming to.  Overall this was a good book.  It is not a 'shallow' or quick read but rather one that you will think about long after you finished reading.
It was a 4/5 for me. Honestly, not my usual book but the author did a good job in spinning this one!

Thank you to the publisher/author for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine. 

Friday, September 23, 2016

Escape to Redemption by Peter M. Parr

Book Description:
Josie only had the gun to frighten Curtis Rook, but his son disturbed her. One startled reflex and now he's dead. Josie flees to Poland leaving her boyfriend Snaz to take the rap. A reformed criminal offers her refuge from the police and the chance to begin a new life, but she cannot hide from her guilt. As the stakes rise, Josie begins to realise that only her own forgiveness can set her free. Fast-paced and original, Peter M. Parr's contemporary take on Crime and Punishment challenges traditional ideas about guilt and redemption, and the meaning of forgiveness.

My Thoughts:
This book kept me intrigued throughout. Josie has decided to scare Rook but then he winds up dead and she runs. This leaves her boyfriend to take the blame for everything. I had mixed emotions through the whole book. I hoped Josie would do what was right but then again I didn't. 
The whole story just makes you think and I liked that. Exploring both characters and how they handle their respective problems was interesting. I would decide what I thought should happen then read some more and change my mind. It made me wonder how I would react in a similar situation. Josie annoyed me at times (a lot of the time) but I liked her some too. I felt sorry for Snaz but the whole situation was crazy and most of the time felt like something that could have really happened. 
4/5 for me. The story had good and bad points but overall I enjoyed it. 
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via VABT). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine. 

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Scar Tissue by M C Domovitch

Title: Scar Tissue
Author: MC Domovitch
Publisher: Lansen Publishing
Pages: 396
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Thriller/Paranormal
When successful model Ciara Cain wakes up in hospital, remembering nothing of the weeks she has been missing, her only clues are the ugly words carved into her skin. According to the police she was a victim of the Cutter, a serial killer who has already murdered three women. For her protection the police and her doctors give a press conference, announcing that because her amnesia is organically caused, her memory loss is permanent. But, whether her memory returns or not is anybody’s guess.
Overnight, Ciara’s glamorous life is gone. Her scars have killed both her modelling career and her relationship with her rich boyfriend. With nothing to keep her in New York, she returns to her home town of Seattle, moves in with her sister and goes about building a new life. But when her sister lets it slip that Ciara’s memory is returning, the killer comes after her again. If Ciara is to stay alive, she must keep one step ahead of the Cutter.

My Thoughts:
To start with, I fell in love with this cover, just because it pulls at you.  The story inside was just as good.  Ciara is an up and coming model.  That is until she wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the previous 3+ weeks.  She doesn't remember being abducted or how she got the multitude of scars all over her body.  I felt so terrible for her.  She had to feel so victimized and not remembering it would just have to make your imagination go into overdrive.
The cops throughout the story were hard working, smart people.  The problem was the bad guy was smart too.  I really liked Ciara's sister.  She was determined to help however she could, even giving pushes to make Ciara venture into uncomfortable territory.  The former boyfriend and his family were a piece of work and I completely disliked his mother and sister!  I thought I would read this book over a couple days, you know a nice steady pace, BUT once I got into the story I literally didn't put the book down except twice!  The writing keeps you hooked.
It was a 5/5 for me.  I truly enjoyed the story, even if I cringed at some of the themes and characters.  It was just well written.  

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine

For More Information


Monday, September 19, 2016

Night and Day by Iris Johansen

Book Description

Forgotten Visions by Lia Davis

Book Description:
Kalissa Bradenton isn’t your average coffee shop owner. Born to an elite witch bloodline with a rare genetic mutation, she’s a Divinity on a mission. Her investigation into the deaths of her parents sends her straight into the middle of an ancient war between witches and demons. After a near-fatal accident, a childhood friend, Ayden Daniels, comes to her aid and triggers visions of a past she doesn’t remember, sparking an old flame and new desires. With their history slowly becoming clearer, Kalissa eagerly sets her sights on mending Ayden’s heart and gaining his trust—until a ghost from her past returns to claim her as his demonic mate.
While investigating a series of Divinity murders, Ayden, the new sheriff of Maxville and grandson of the oldest living Divinity, comes face-to-face with the one woman he hopes to have little to no contact with. Old pain rises instantly and is quickly followed by anger and resentment. Through his rare power of adaptability, however, he learns that things from his past may not be what they seem. Hope fills his broken heart, and determination pushes him to do whatever it takes to win Kalissa once more before he loses her forever.
Together, they must find the strength to mend their tattered souls and learn to love again, while fighting an evil out to destroy the world.

My Thoughts:
This is a good start to a series I cannot wait to read more of.  Kalissa and her twin are devastated when their parents are killed in a car crash.  It is even more disturbing for them since their parents aren't your typical humans, but Immortals.  I loved seeing Kalissa and Khloe interact.  The way they communicated was really neat.  The way the author brought Kalissa and Ayden together, or back together, was great!
Ayden is so hot!  I felt so bad for him when he had to see Kalissa again.  Though she broke his heart, he still has the pull to her that he has always had.  Kalissa's memory loss is frustrating and I absolutely hated what had happened to her!  Ayden was still perfect for her and the fighting in here was good!  
It was a 4/5 for me.  I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series, the characters are addictive!

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.  

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Thursday, September 15, 2016

Claiming Your Inheritance by Cherrie Kaylor

Claiming Your Inheritance: Unlimited Access to the Voice of God
Book Description:
Living Under an Open Heaven

How do I hear God’s voice?

As a child of God, hearing the Father’s voice is your spiritual inheritance. The good news is that your Heavenly Father is always talking! In fact, He has a lot to say about your divine purpose in His Kingdom.
For over 40 years, God has used Cherrie Kaylor in both church and corporate settings to help people discover the simplicity and joy of hearing from Heaven. In Claiming Your Inheritance, Cherrie teaches you the powerful, yet simple keys she has learned to hearing God’s voice and putting His Word to work.

Don’t just read the Bible as a book of information… experience the living word of God as life-changing revelation! As you open its pages, you will step under an open heaven and receive prophetic guidance from the Holy Spirit for supernatural living, empowerment to face your everyday struggles, and wisdom to decipher Heaven’s language through dream interpretation.

Tune in to hear the sounds of Heaven and start living out your divine destiny… right now!

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  It helped me to view scripture differently and how I journal.  Listening to God is key and this book will help with that.  You have to be open and ready--not distracted and half-listening.  There is so much He wants for us and to show us if only we listen to him.
I would recommend this book to anyone trying to learn more and be closer to God.  The scripture book/journal is just such a good concept.  Writing down the verses that stand out and why is a great idea.  We just have to be 'tuned in' to God for us to hear and understand what He has for us.5/5 for me.  This one is a keeper. Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via bookfun magazine).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Unraveled by Jennifer Estep

Book Description

Origin Cover Reveal!!!

Title: Origin
Author: Dylan Quinn
Genre: NA Urban Fantasy Romance
Expected Release Day: Sept. 22nd, 2016
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR
Blurb: One Sacrifice can save humanity.
So can one heartbeat. One kiss. One touch. I didn't save my Gemini's soul the night I rescued him from the dark realm. Cade Adams saved mine.
One kill can change everything.
Since I eradicated the worlds most dangerous demon, the Fallen factions are out for blood, and their target is my family: Genesis--the Origin of humanity. The only way to protect my legacy against an ancient prophecy threatening to take me out is to resume my reign as Chayah, Eternal Mother. But I can't remember her. My own secrets are buried so deep, even I can't reach them.
One secret could destroy us all.
Thousands of years loving Cade and five lifetimes leading Genesis are lost to me. While I've been away fighting to remember my own life, my family's been fighting each other. Our own demons just may destroy humanity's only defense against the darkness before the Eternal war has even begun.
Sometimes the most dangerous battle is the war within ourselves.
Since sneak reading her first big girl romance at the age of eleven, Dylan's been addicted to Happily Ever Afters. Playing pretend with swoon-worthy book boyfriends and their strong leading ladies often keeps Dylan sleep deprived, though she seldom complains about dreaming in dialogue.
With juxtaposed interests, Dylan writes it all ~ Character driven romance in NA, YA and adult, from sticky sweet to taboo heat ~ Urban Fantasy to Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense. Nothing's off limits.
When she's not writing guilty pleasures, Dylan plays stage mom to her daydreamer offspring in the Midwest. This Music fangirl goes nowhere without her beats and playlists. She has an affinity for Moscato and chocolate-covered strawberries. Dreams of singing on the Voice with Adam and Christina, and fantasizes about getting trapped in Mystic Falls with Damon Salvatore.
Author Links:
Buy Links:
#Free with #KindleUnlimited
Origin: Coming Soon!

Sunday, September 4, 2016

A Memory Worth Dying For by Joanie Bruce

A Memory Worth Dying forAbout the Book

“Do Not Return To Texas!” Marti Rushing gets the message, loud and clear. If she returns to Texas, her life is in danger. If she stays in Tennessee, she’s safe. But when she receives a letter telling her that Daniel, her ex-husband and the love of her life, is dying, she knows she has to defy the stalker and return to Texas to see him. Three years ago, Daniel accused her of things she couldn’t remember doing. Without waiting for an explanation and after four wonderful years of marriage, Daniel kicks her off of his family’s Quarter Horse ranch. Now, three years after their separation, he walks into her art reception in Tennessee and acts like he doesn’t remember her. Does the memory loss have anything to do with the letter she received, or is Daniel pretending? Is he the one stalking her, or is it someone with a deadly, sinister motive? Ignoring the deadly warnings, she leaves for Texas, but on the way there, the attempts on her life begin. Will she be able to evade her pursuer’s attacks? Or will Daniel’s face be the last one she sees?

My Thoughts:
Yes!  You will want to read this one.  I got caught up in the characters here who were realistic and grew through the story.  The author did a great job catching my attention at the start and not letting the story get bogged down.  I truly wanted to read the whole book at one time, and would have it had been possible.  God was throughout the book but not forced on you, He is just skillfully woven throughout.
Marti has been through so much, which is made worse by her loss of memory.  She doesn't remember what happened and moved to Tennessee after Daniel ended their marriage.  She received a letter that Daniel is dying and decides to go see him.  Her stalker doesn't like this and now her life is in danger.  There is more to the story and it gets complicated but the action never stops.  Really great suspense.
I think it is a 5/5 and will absolutely look for more great books from this author.
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

A Memory Worth Dying For Banner

About the Author

Joanie has a strong passion for reading, and her love for books with nail-biting suspense, inspires her to write contemporary suspense books. Thankful that God has given her the ability to write from her home in the country, she strives to use that opportunity to honor Him in all of her writing. Joanie and her husband, Ben, live in a country home near Madison, Georgia, right in the middle of a pasture full of beef cows. There they raised and homeschooled their three children. She enjoys cooking, taking long walks, painting oil portraits, and caring for their home in the country.


Guest Post from Joanie Bruce

Hello everyone. My name is Joanie Bruce, and I’m happy to visit with you today and tell you a little about myself and my book, “A Memory Worth Dying For.”

The idea for this book actually started from a simple memory. Years ago, I watched a movie about a woman whose father-in-law ruined her marriage. That thought raised a question in my mind: What would happen if a married woman was kicked out of her home by her father-in-law, and her husband never stood up for her against his father?

Many questions and solutions emerged from that one idea, and the brainstorming began… One answer lead to another problem, and the answer to that problem produced another question. When all was done, the plot for this book emerged.

After adding suspense, mystery, love, and a growing spiritual aspect to that one idea, I was able to combine them to form an interesting plot. Finally, after several months of work, “A Memory Worth Dying For” was born.

I love this story because it shows forgiveness at its highest peak. Marti and Daniel have a wonderful marriage, but because of greed, selfishness, and a colossal misunderstanding, that marriage is dissolved. Even though they are separated, the love they feel for each other never wanes. Marti’s love for Daniel throws her into a dangerous situation, but that same love also gives her the perseverance and determination to stay in Texas and fight for the happiness of the man she loves even though her life is threatened if she does. I’m sure you’ve all read the Bible verse Joel 2:25a. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten.­­­” That verse is the one Marti clings to throughout the story.

As I do my writing each day, I pray that God will teach me something. Writing this book taught me so many lessons. Not only did I fall in love with the characters, but with the idea of practicing forgiveness in my own life. It also reinforced the knowledge that I should never jump to conclusions and get the facts before I make decisions. In this book, Daniel jumped to a conclusion and listened to gossip which caused the break-up of his marriage and unnecessary stress in his life.

Years ago, one of my Sunday School students gave me a book for Christmas called “In His Steps.” If you remember, that book started the campaign that encouraged you to ask “what would Jesus do?” before every action. I was convicted while reading that book because I knew I wasn’t doing things in my life for the Lord’s glory. So the next Sunday in church, I dedicated my life back to the Lord, and I began praying He would use me in whatever way He chose.

After those sincere prayers, the Lord began showing me how I could use my life and the talents He gave me for Him. It was shortly after that prayer I found out I had the ability to paint portraits, and not long after starting my art career, my first attempt at writing was accepted for a publishing contract. I realized then that following the Lord’s leading in my life and an attitude of gratefulness and obedience all worked together so the Lord would bless my efforts.

If you take anything away from this post, I hope it will be that the Lord can use anyone who is willing to be used. If you surrender your talents to him, no matter what your age or limitations, God can still use you for His glory.

Thank you for listening to my ramblings. I hope and pray that God blesses each of you in all of your accomplishments.

Blog Stops

August 31: Petra’s Hope
September 1: A Reader’s Brain
September 2: Quiet Quilter
September 2: Splashes of Joy
September 4: Ashley’s Bookshelf
September 5: Carpe Diem
September 6: Pause for Tales
September 7: Blogging with Carol
September 10: bigreadersite
September 11: Daysong Reflections
September 12: just the write escape
September 12: Mary Hake


Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Joanie is giving away a Kindle Fire and her books! Click the picture above to enter.