2.04.2023

The Brilliance of Stars by J'Nell Ciesielski // Review

My Review:

An action packed spy novel, bullets whiz by as Jack and Ivy fight for their country and find love in this larger than life adventure.

A theatrical adventure worthy of a Marvel movie, with an origin story to match. I was taken by surprise by this book as it sets quite the different tone when compared to other books by this author. Great for fans of swashbuckling adventure, there is definitely enough action to go around!

I personally found the book intriguing at first, but as it progressed I struggled to stay engaged despite all the action going on. It is a clean read for the most part, which I always appreciate. But I think that my main difficulty was that the characters and the plot seemed larger than life and unrealistic, as well as the dialogue between them.

Overall, there are a lot of great things about this book, but for me it just didn't click together for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

2.03.2023

The Cowboy's Journey Home by Linda Goodnight // Review

Lucie's Review:

Yates Trudeau is making his way back to his hometown after being discharged from the Army, running into his former flame brings back memories and hopes for a future, but will the secret he is keeping prevent them from giving love a second chance?

An engaging second chance romance. I liked how Laurel didn't give up on Yates, even though he'd hurt her in the past. There was great character interaction and growth, I especially admired Laurel's faith and her big heart for others. I loved seeing how Yates's family welcomed him back yet gave him space to make up his own mind.

Overall, an enjoyable read with wonderful characters and a compelling storyline. A great quick, heartwarming read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

2.02.2023

The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund // Review

My Review:

An engaging western marriage of convenience romance, that pulled me in from the very beginning.

Catherine is a midwife with a big heart, who has always dreamed of a family of her own, but a birthing takes a turn for the worst when the mother dies and Catherine is framed for murder. She promises to deliver the baby safely to his father in Colorado.

Dylan McQuaid has made a lot of mistakes in his life, but everything is finally starting to into fall into place now that his debt is paid off, and he is serving as the Sheriff of Fairplay. But that all threatens to come tumbling down when a woman he doesn't recognize shows up with his child in tow.

A terrific addition to this entertaining series and perhaps my favorite of the series. I loved how Catherine was willing to go the extra mile to help others, no matter the hour or situation. She has a big heart, and is an amazing mother. I loved seeing her and Dylan get to know each other, as well as the chemistry between them. Dylan has come a long way, and it was nice to see the man he is becoming.

It was also fun to see other members of the McQuaid family and see their love for one another. Overall, this was an amazing conclusion to the series, with instantly likable protagonists, and a quick hook. I very much enjoyed the humor of the situation, and the growing chemistry between them. Plus, Stu and Trudy were a hoot! An amazing read from beginning to end!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

2.01.2023

Depending on the Cowboy by Jill Kremerer // Review

Review:

Quiet and reliable, could Blaine be the kind of man that Sienna can depend on?

Blaine's sister brings his high school crush Sienna, to the ranch to stay for awhile. While she is there he helps her entertain her niece and nephew, and realizes that he never quite got over her. Could this second chance be what both of them need?

An engaging romance, set against the rugged Wyoming range. I liked how Blaine's family embraced Sienna from the start was supportive of her throughout, finding ways to help with the niece and nephew as well. Blaine is a wonderful man, dependable and considerate, I liked how he took time to get to know Sienna and found ways to spend time with her.

Overall, a heartwarming and engaging read, with wonderful characters. I liked this western romance, and was so happy to see Blaine finally get a story. An enjoyable read from beginning to end!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith // Review

My Review:

I'll admit this was a difficult one for me to review. First off, I'd like to say that the author did the best she could with what she had, but it is very difficult to tackle one of the most well-known time periods of Biblical history, through the perspectives of the main figures while giving it a fictional flair as well. I think that the author did a great job of for the most part sticking to the text, but for me it made the book predictable and hard to get into because of the strong focus on well-known people, rather than a fictional person experiencing things alongside the main characters.

The story is told from various viewpoints, like Zipporah and Moses' adoptive mother, as well as Miriam. It is obviously well researched, and a few choices were made on divisive details.

Overall, this is a hard one to review, as I think that it was as well done as it could be considering the various factors at play, and I think she did a great job of being accurate to the Bible and times. But it did make for a predictable fiction read. A good reminder of God's plan at work and His mighty deeds!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Heaven Sent // Movie Review and Giveaway!

“Heaven Sent” is a romantic comedy about refinding love later  
in life and rediscovering joy after loss. 

  Watch Heaven Sent on Pure Flix starting February 3rd! 

Elise, a grandmother hurt by her past, and Patrick, a widowed pastor, have closed the door on love. But with faith and a little help from technology, will their live-streamed romance find a way?

Find out more and start streaming today! https://www.pureflix.com/movie/heaven-sent

Review:

A charming romantic comedy that looks at relationships at every age in a technology filled world.

Elise is a devoted grandmother, raising her grandson Derrick, she is hesitant to try dating again, but a chance encounter with a local pastor might be the catalyst for restoring her hope. A fun romantic family film, with a charming cast, plenty of humor, and a message of second chances and letting go of the past.

I loved how close Elise was to her grandson, Derrick, as well as how he encourages her to get outside of her comfort zone. I also really enjoyed the meet cute and thought that having a romance with a more mature couple was a great fresh change up. Patrick is a kind and caring pastor, who has a lot going on in his life as he also tries to help a younger couple repair their relationship.

Overall, it was an enjoyable, heartwarming romance with a talented cast and plenty of drama along the way. Engaging and light-hearted this is a fun film to watch with the ones you love.

 #HeavenSentMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Pure Flix for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opin ions are 100% my own.

Giveaway: 3-month subscription to Pure Flix

(Note: This is limited to US winners only, and only to those who have NOT won a subscription in the last 6 months.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1.31.2023

Surviving the Wilderness by Maggie K. Black // Review

Lucie's Review:

When his young daughter is taken, Jeff Connor must join forces with wilderness guide Quinn Duke as they race to bring his little girl back safe.

A fast paced, high stakes adventure that finds Quinn and Jeff battling not only the elements but those who are threatening Addison. Engaging and easy to follow, this was a suspenseful adventure I didn't want to put down! There was a lot going, I liked how Quinn and Jeff got to know and respect each other through this adventure.

Overall, this was an exciting read with great characters, strong faith and high stakes. Quickly drew me in and kept me guessing. Definitely one I'd recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Story of Love by Beth Wiseman // Review

My Review:

Yvonne Wilson moves to Montgomery to help out Jake and Eva with their bookstore while Eva is on bedrest and Jakes juggles the store with farming. Yvonne is excited for a new start, working alongside her new friends. Abraham can't deny the spark between himself and Yvonne, but he is already in a relationship.

An engaging read, I loved getting to know Yvonne and Abraham more as well as seeing familiar faces from previous books. I admired Abraham for staying true to his faith, and his morals. Yvonne is a kind woman adjusting to her new life in Montgomery, it was fun seeing Yvonne come to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas among her new friends.

An engaging sweet romance, though if it were a movie it might border on PG-13 for some suggestive scenes though framed in a negative light. A quick entertaining read, I look forward to seeing what is next for the families of Montgomery, Indiana!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

1.30.2023

Ranch Under Fire by Tina Wheeler // Just Read

Ranch Under Fire JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ranch Under Fire by Tina Wheeler, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Ranch Under Fire

Author: Tina Wheeler

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

A witness on the run.

A mission to survive.

Fleeing after witnessing a shooting in her office, Bailey Scott must rely on cowboy Jackson Walker for protection when the gunman turns his sights on her. With a drug ring determined to silence her, Jackson promises to protect her at his ranch. But he’s an undercover DEA agent with secrets he can't reveal. Can he take down the criminals before their pursuers lead them straight into an inescapable trap?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Review:

Witness to murder, Bailey Scott finds herself in the killer's sights.

Jackson Walker takes her under his wing, while hiding a secret of his own. Can they stay one step ahead of the killer and stop them before its too late?

A fast paced adventure, with a lot going on. I liked how this book kept pulling me in, with great interaction and growth from the characters. Jackson has great instincts, and I liked that he wanted to be proactive in keeping Bailey safe even though he couldn't always give her answers.

Bailey is a strong Christian, she is doing her best to keep trusting. I liked that she was level headed and always tried to see the light in each situation, as well as her relationship with her dad.

Overall, an engaging and action-packed read, with great interaction, faith, and characters that I could cheer for all the way through. You won't regret picking it up!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Tina Wheeler

Tina Wheeler is a retired teacher and award-winning author. Although she grew up near a desert in Arizona, her favorite place to plot a new story is on a balcony overlooking the ocean. She enjoys spending time with her large extended family, brainstorming with writing friends, discovering new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.

Connect with Tina by visiting authortinawheeler.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive an autographed copy of the book and a $15 Amazon card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 30, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 6, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

1.28.2023

The Two-Cent Piece by Dennis Conrad and illustrated by Courtney Smith // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Two-Cent Piece

Author: Dennis Conrad (Illustrated by Courtney Smith)

Genre: Children’s Picture Book (Fiction)

Release date: September 3, 2022

Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she gives them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’”

Out of a heart of love, Anne gives six of her special coins away hoping the message on the two-cent pieces will strengthen each person’s faith.

Click here to get your copy!

Review:

A beautiful story of faith, family and the power of prayer.

Young Anne gives each of her three brothers a treasured 2 cent piece before they go to fight in the Civil War, hoping that the words minted on the coins will be a reminder and encouragement while they are away.

A wonderful story that brings out the author's love of coins and their history, as well as a strong message of faith. A great story to share with the young ones in your life, accompanied by lovely illustrations. I was intrigued by the 2 cent pieces from the story and it inspired me to do some research of my own. Such a wonderful book, great for age 5-8 especially.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

A former coin collector for over fifty years, Dennis combines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.

He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.

He retired as a professor of Speech Communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.

The Two-Cent Piece is Dennis’s first of seven books in the In God We Trust Series from Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

More from Dennis

HOMESCHOOLERS, TEACHERS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS –

Coin collecting brings together history, art, and the thrill of discovery.

Children who collect coins will LOOK at coins differently. They can…

Look for people. For example, who is on the nickel? (Hint: Thomas Jefferson)

The new quarters featuring women include coins with Anna May Wong, the first Chinese-American movie star; Nina Otero-Warren, who advocated for women’s suffrage and was a government official in New Mexico; and Wilma Mankiller, the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Look for places. The state quarter series includes all of the states like California with Yosemite Valley.

Look for dates. Connect coins to historical events. For example, coins minted in 2001 were minted the same year as the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11, 2001.

Look at coins as art. The people who design coins are artists.

Look for and find coins in change. Let the great adventure begin.

Look and learn why some coins are more valuable than other coins. There is a difference between the face value of a coin (a dime is worth ten cents), and its value to collectors.

Are you a homeschooler, a teacher, or a family member who wants to help children start their first coin collection?

Get Free Resources about coin collecting by conveniently subscribing to Dennis Conrad’s newsletter.

You will receive a link to my resource page, where you will find two free resources. One for ages 5-6 year olds, and another for ages 7 and up. Or you can choose both. Let the fun begin! https://dennisconradauthor.com/coincollecting5/