Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Days of Messiah Volume 3 - The Master's Calling by Amber Schamel



After generations of waiting, the Messiah has come at last. And not a day too soon. All his life, Malon Ben-Tyrus has been stifled beneath Roman laws and religious traditions, and he longs to be free. The oppression of the Romans worsens every day, and the religious system led by the Scribes and Pharisees has grown corrupt.

Malon believes his life calling is to become a disciple of the Messiah and help free Israel from bondage. When Jesus heads to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, Malon knows this will be a historic event. Jesus will enter the city as the Son of David and take His place as the Messiah of Israel. He longs to follow Jesus to Jerusalem, but his family won't allow him to go.

When at last his family consents, Malon arrives in Jerusalem only to discover that he is too late. The man he thought to be the Messiah has been crucified, and Barabbas—his greatest enemy—has been set free.
Appalled by the cowardice of Jesus' disciples, Malon returns home seething with frustration and despair. Everything he believed he was destined to become died with Jesus. Was he wrong about his destiny?


 About Amber:


Author of over half a dozen books, Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest". She lives in Colorado and spends half her time volunteering in the Ozarks. Visit her online at www.AmberSchamel.com/

Amber loves giveaways, join her on the group Christian Book Giveaways to find free reads!
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

Blog: http://www.stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberS...
Twitter: @AmberSchamel
Pintrest - http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...


My Thoughts:

I am really sad to have this series end. I have enjoyed each and every book. This book takes place after Christ has died and Malon Ben-Tyrus believes he is to follow Jesus, however Jesus is dead, or is He. This book takes readers on the discovery of who Christ is and the joy found in following Him. The description is rich and the characters are believable. I highly recommend the series.




Shakespeare's Rebel by C.C. Humphreys

Summary

To be (or not to be) the man to save England

England’s finest swordsman and fight choreographer at the magnificent new Globe Theatre has hit rock bottom. John Lawley just wants to win back his beloved, become a decent father to his son, and help his friend William Shakespeare finish The Tragedy of Hamlet, the play that threatens to destroy him.

But all is not fair in love and war. Dogged by his three devils—whiskey, women, and Mad Robbie Deveraux—John is dragged by Queen Elizabeth herself into a dangerous game of politics, conspiracy, and rebellion. Will the hapless swordsman figure out how to save England before it’s too late?

Brimming with vivid periodic detail, Shakespearean drama, and irresistible wit, Shakespeare’s Rebel is a thrilling romp through the romantic, revolutionary times of Elizabethan England that will delight historical fiction fans and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike.







Chris (C.C.) Humphreys is an actor, playwright, fight choreographer and novelist.  He has written nine historical fiction novels including The French Executioner, runner up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers; Vlad – The Last Confession,  the epic novel of the real Dracula; and A Place Called Armageddon. His latest YA novel is The Hunt of the Unicorn. His work has been translated into thirteen languages. Find out more about him on his website: http://cchumphreys.com.

Social Networking Links

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/80075.C_C_Humphreys


Exclusive excerpt

John had endured ambushes by Spaniards and by Indians and survived them all. But survival required a lot of fight to gain the opportune moment for flight. And it required a sword—his sword, which was in his scabbard over the shoulder of the man ahead.
The big Irish spearman had only been briefly dissuaded by the blow to his head. He came again now, yelling, point leveled. Kicking his heels in, John drove his horse on, away from the thrust, dragging the reins from the other man’s snatching hands. He was next to Tomkins in a trice. “Sword!” he bellowed, leaning back to avoid the swishing cuts that were keeping the attackers at bay. The man heard, saw. He may have been a cur serving a dog, but he obviously had been a soldier and he recognized bad odds and some aid. Catching the nearest attacker with a cut that took half his ear gained him the moment to bend at the waist toward John, and it took but that moment to snatch out his backsword. As soon as he had it, he was whirling it without aim; just as well as it rang off the steel of two thrusts, knocking both aside.
The trees pressed close, narrowing the path. The ambushers swarmed, to John’s eye a score at least to their five survivors, but their farmyard weapons revealed they were probably not soldiers and his escort were, and they were mounted. Even if only four of them were actually fighting, Sir Samuel’s spinning horse was keeping several of the assailants occupied. John, taking advantage of height, struck down, the folded weight of his backsword dropping as sudden as a thunderbolt. He drove forward into Tomkins’s assailants, forcing men to duck, plunge, weave, more concerned now with dodging steel than striking with it. One man ran at him wielding a sickle, leaning back to swipe. But he had a balancing hand forward, so John cut it off.
A terrible shriek, more sprayed blood, a slight drop in ferocity…and then a cry louder than all the rest. The huge Irishman who had first attacked John was running at him again now, spear leveled—and by the way he held it, he, at least, had held one before. Placing his head alongside his horse’s neck, John kicked hard with his heels, and the horse leaped forward. The running giant had not allowed for it, nor the backsword thrust ahead that John used to deflect the spear tip along his mount’s flank, flicking his point back in time to let the man impale his neck upon it. As he fell, John twisted then withdrew his blade.

Indie Bound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781492609902





Sunday, November 22, 2015

The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart

{More about The Five Times I Met Myself}

The Five Times I Met Myself (Thomas Nelson, November 2015)
What if you met your twenty-three-year-old self in a dream? What would you say?
Brock Matthews’ once promising life is unraveling. His coffee company. His marriage.
So when he discovers his vivid dreams—where he encounters his younger self—might let him change his past mistakes, he jumps at the chance. The results are astonishing, but also disturbing.
Because getting what Brock wants most in the world will force him to give up the one thing he doesn’t know how to let go . . . and his greatest fear is that it’s already too late.



{More About James L. Rubart}

James L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel “Rooms” as well as “Book of Days,” “The Chair,” “Soul’s Gate,” “Memory’s Door,” and “Spirit Bridge.” He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest.
Find out more about James L. at http://jameslrubart.com.
FacebookTwitter



 My Thoughts~

James Rubart is known for his books that deal with the spiritual realm, in his latest book he takes us into the world of dreams, which I found to be one in the same. What would you do if you could meet your younger self, what would you tell yourself? Brock our hero is having dreams, meeting his younger self and seeing how his life would be different had he made a different choice. This is a mind bending novel one that will not only keep you reading, but keep you up late at night. I highly recommend this book, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!



Friday, November 20, 2015

Syrian Refugees and the Believing Christian

Okay . . . I really don't like to get into political issues however the Syrian Refugees coming into the United States has made me look at things a little differently.

These verses were floating around Facebook the last couple of days, and it makes me wonder how we as a follower of Christ do what He is calling us to do yet be proactive and protect our country, because it is clear that our government isn't going to.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me. Matthew 25:44-46


I asked our small group leader his thoughts regarding these verses and the refugees, and I liked his answer. It made sense and was doable.


He first said that it was interesting, how do we do what Christ is calling us to, in the midst of this. He went on to say that the government letting them to come into America really isn't the issue. The issue is being face to face with someone who needs assistance and doing nothing whether a refugee, widow, military veteran, a child. Every day we come in contact with people and how many do we pass by and do nothing. If we were honest probably every one of them. Yet the Syrian refugees seem to be getting all the attention. Not our homeless, our military vets, starving children, who are all right here in America.

My thoughts: Instead of getting all wrapped up and "upset" because a believer's opinion is not the same as yours look for ways to follow Christ's command looking for no praise, daily. Who knows if I'll run into a Syrian refugee, I do know that I will see someone who is homeless, or a veteran, almost every time I go shopping. Looking for ways to minister daily is always on my mind and I think that is the most important thing. God will take care of the rest!


Thursday, November 19, 2015

Hand Me Down Princess by Carol Moncado

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Hand Me Down Princess
CANDID Publications (August 31, 2015)
by
Carol Moncado


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

When she’s not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband, four kids, and a dog who weighs less than most hard cover books. She prefers watching NCIS to just about anything, except maybe watching Castle, or Girl Meets World with her kids. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not watching her kids – and the dog – race around her big backyard in Southwest Missouri, she’s teaching American Government at a local community college. She’s a founding member and President of MozArks ACFW, category coordinator for First Impressions, blogger at InspyRomance, and represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Prince Malachi Van Renssalaer of Mevendia is getting married. The problem? He’s never even met his bride. His father arranged everything, right down to the marriage contract. Malachi swears to himself that he will be nothing like his father in the ways that count - including his fidelity to his wife.

Jessabelle Keller would happily spend her entire life in obscurity, but her father once saved the life of a future king. Before he dies, her father is committed to seeing that king make good on his promise to have one of his sons marry her so she would be taken care of for life.

No sooner than Prince Malachi and Jessabelle return from their honeymoon, they find themselves dealing with both private trauma and the very public drama of groundless accusations from the press. Just as they begin to weave their fragile trust back together, a ghost from the king’s past arrives and threatens everything they’ve ever held dear.

Secrets have a funny way of coming out and this one could rip the faith of the country in their leaders to shreds. Malachi is determined to protect Jessabelle no matter what it takes, but will it ever be enough for her to not feel like a Hand-Me-Down Princess?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Hand Me Down Princess, go HERE.



Saturday, November 14, 2015

The Ology by Marty Machowski

A page-turning storybook of theology for kids
In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.
Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older.
Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.
Check out this preview!
A companion The Ology CD from Bob Kauflin and Sovereign Music is also available.



{More About Marty Machowski}

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over twenty years. He is the author of the Gospel Story for Kids series, which includes “The Gospel Story Bible,” “Long Story Short,” “Old Story New,” and the “Gospel Story Curriculum,” as well as the Advent devotional and curriculum “Prepare Him Room.” He and his wife, Lois, and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Find out more about Marty at http://martymachowski.com.



My Take ~ The Ology is beautifully illustrated book with biblical truths on each page. I loved the illustrations and how the story points straight to God's truth. Kids will love this book. It would be a perfect family devotion book, the chapters are short and the verses are right there on the pages. This would be a perfect Christmas gift for a family with young children.

Highly recommended!


Friday, November 13, 2015

Hiding Places by Erin Healy







About the book:
Eleven-year-old Kate Whitby leads an invisible life, the youngest member of her odd family. They live in their historic small-town hotel, where she is an expert at keeping everyone’s secrets: her sister’s a thief, her great-grandmother isn’t as crazy as people think, her mother lives in the past, and her beloved grandfather might have killed his best friend.

Devoted to the people she loves—more than they have ever been to her—Kate vows to protect each one.

Charlie Fuse has lived on the streets since his alcoholic father threw him out. When Charlie’s powerful street family tests his loyalty by demanding that he kill the son of a rival gang leader, he refuses. They frame him for the murder, forcing Charlie to run.

When Kate finds Charlie injured and penniless, she hides him from his enemies and her uncharitable relatives, unaware that he has a connection to her family as old as the hotel itself.

The murderous gang tracks Charlie down. To flush him out, they take the clueless family hostage and threaten young Kate. Even then, Kate keeps Charlie hidden, putting all her childlike faith in one terrible hope: that the family who has never been able to protect her before might learn how to do it now.



About this author
:
Erin Healy is a supernatural-suspense novelist and an award-winning fiction editor. She began working with Ted Dekker in 2002 and edited twelve of his heart-pounding stories before their collaboration on KISS, the first novel to seat her on "the other side of the desk."

Erin is the owner of WordWright Editorial Services, a consulting firm specializing in fiction book development. She lives with her family in Colorado.








My Thoughts~ Erin created a multifaceted story with real characters and a believable story. My heart went out to Kate who kept all the secrets for the family. There was a lot going on throughout the book, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
Highly recommended!



Wednesday, November 11, 2015

A Father's Second Chance by Mindy Obenhaus

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Father's Second Chance
Love Inspired (July 21, 2015)
by
Mindy Obenhaus


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A Word from the Author: To steal a line from Donny and Marie, I’m a little bit country, a little bit rock-n-roll. I’m trapped in the city, but prefer the country or the mountains.

I love Jesus, my family, and just about anything sweet.

I believe Jesus died for my sins, rose three days later, and will one day return. He has carried me through some of my darkest hours. Without faith in Him, I would be nowhere.

I have a penchant for chocolate, clothes, and shoes. When I’m not penning romance novels, I enjoy cooking, decorating and shopping.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Businesswoman Celeste Thompson has one goal: to make her restaurant and hotel a success. She doesn't need any distractions, even from handsome contractor Gage Purcell and his two adorable little girls. Besides, single dad Gage is just biding his time before a big job at the mines comes through. But as Celeste's project springs to life, their arguments transform into attraction. Gage isn't looking for romance, especially not with another career-driven woman like his ex-wife. But openhearted Celeste is more than just another work-consumed client. She might just be his happily-ever-after.

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Father's Second Chance, go HERE.



Saturday, November 7, 2015

Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh






For the first time since their children were born, empty nesters Judith and Stan Winters spent Thanksgiving without the kids, and it's looking like Christmas will be the same. Judith can't bring herself to even start decorating for the holiday; her kids always hung the first ornaments on the tree, ornaments they had made each year since they were toddlers. Sure they were strange-looking--some could be called downright ugly--but they were tradition. A tradition she's heartbroken to miss this year.

With Judith refusing to decorate the bare spruce tree in their living room, Stan knows something must be done. And his only hope for saving the holiday is found in a box of handmade ornaments. 




About this author

Dan Walsh's debut novel, The Unfinished Gift, won 2 Carol Awards and has been published in several editions and different languages. It continues to be an Amazon bestseller during the Christmas season 5 years later and has sold over 50,000 copies.

With the sequel, The Homecoming, book reviewers began to liken Dan's writing to Nicholas Sparks. Dan's 3rd novel, The Deepest Waters, earned his 3rd Carol Award for Best Short Historical. His 4th novel, Remembering Christmas became his first national bestseller and was a finalist for Inspirational Book of the Year.

Since then, Dan has written 13 more novels, including a 4-book fiction series with Gary Smalley. The Discovery and The Reunion, both stand-alones, were also named finalists for RT's Inspirational Book of the Year and both have over 350 5-Star reviews on Amazon. The Reunion has also been optioned for full-length feature film.

Dan released his first indie-published novel, When Night Comes in Nov 2014. It is the first book in the Jack Turner suspense series. He plans to release the sequel early in 2016. He's also just released Rescuing Finley, the first in the Forever Home series, a new trilogy of books that will also feature dogs as a main character.

Dan lives in the Daytona Beach area with his wife, Cindi, where he's busy researching and writing his next novel. They've been married for 38 years and have 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren.



My Take~

Dan has once again written a book that tugs at your emotions and pulls you right into the story. You will need a box of tissues for this one. Being an empty-nester I could relate to Judith. We have six kids all spread out and we don't get to see them nearly as often as I'd like. There was a lot of nostalgic familial trend throughout the book which brought back memories of my Christmases as a child and with my children. This is a great book that will put you in the Christmas spirit.
Highly recommended!


 

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

The Thornbearer by Pepper Basham

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Thornbearer
Vinspire Publishing, LLC (May 7, 2015)
by
Pepper Basham


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of 5 great kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus, and proud AlleyCat over at a group writing blog, The Writer’s Alley. Her debut historical romance novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in May 2015, and has already garnered its first award with Readers’ Favorites International Awards. Pepper’s second and third books in the series arrive in February 2016. Her first contemporary romance debuts in April.



ABOUT THE BOOK

From the decks of the ill-fated Lusitania to the smoke-filled trenches of France, Ashleigh must choose between the forgiveness of her past, life in the present, and a Savior who can rescue her from them all. When her fiancé leaves her eight months before their wedding, the unexpected blow ignites a battalion of insecurities stemming from her father's intimate betrayal. Her worst fears are confirmed - who could ever love a soiled woman? In an attempt to escape the shame and disappointment of her past, Ashleigh boards the ill-fated Lusitania to cross the war-torn waters of Europe. Much to her dismay, she isn't traveling alone. Sam Miller is always making up for his best friend's mistakes. Determined to help Ashleigh, he offers his compassion and protection as she ventures across a perilous sea. With the faint hope of renewing his lost love for Ashleigh's sister, Sam never expects to find the woman of his dreams in his best friend's former fiancé and his own childhood companion. As they travel across the Atlantic, neither is prepared for the life-altering and heart-breaking journey of their friendship. When the truth of Ashleigh's past explodes in the middle of war and Sam rejects her, Ashleigh must decide if God is enough - or if the double weight of her betrayal and past will crush her life forever.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Thornbearer, go HERE.


My Take~ I just love debut authors, and Pepper will be one to watch for years to come. In her debut novel, she takes the tragedy of the sinking of the Lusitania, and the WWI's war and creates characters that tug at your heart-strings, make you laugh. Her writing is both lyrical, and moving. The spiritual thread is there, but not overwhelming. I loved this book and am anxious for the next one. This book will be on my end of the year favorites! Great job Pepper! Highly recommended!


Sunday, November 1, 2015

Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love by Julie Lessman


She stole his heart.
He stole her peace.
Can hope steal their pain?

At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack O'Bryen, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope, turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all?




About Julie:


Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. Winner of the 2009 ACFW Debut Author of the Year and Holt Medallion Awards of Merit for Best First Book and Long Inspirational, Julie is also the recipient of 14 Romance Writers of America awards and was voted by readers as “Borders Best of 2009 So Far: Your Favorite Fiction.”
Chosen as the #1 Romance Fiction Author of the Year in the Family Fiction magazine 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie was also awarded #1 Historical Fiction Author of the Year in that same poll and #3 Author of the Year, #4 Novel of the Year and #3 Series of the year. She resides in Missouri with her husband, daughter, son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter and is the author of “The Daughters of Boston” series—A Passion Most Pure, A Passion Redeemed, and A Passion Denied. Book 1 in her “Winds of Change” series A Hope Undaunted ranked #5 on Booklist’s Top 10 Inspirational Fiction for 2010.


My Take~

This is Julie's best book ever, and I'm a huge fan of her historicals. She takes everyday people, with everyday struggles, hurts, disappointments, loss of hope and shaky faith and shows how when you allow God to handle those struggles, hurts, disappointments, loss of hope and shaky faith, He takes them and gives back the hope you were looking for. This is a book for everyone. It is full of hope and truth.

Highly recommended!



First Line Friday Featuring Riot (A Breed Apart: Legacy #3) by Ronie Kendig and JJ Samie Myles

  Happy Friday!! Welcome to the weekend!!! Today I am featuring one of my favorite authors, Ronie Kendig. I loved A Breed Apart series and I...