Recorder by Cathy McCrumb // Celebrate Lit, Review and Giveaway

About the Book

 

Book: Recorder

Author: Cathy McCrumb

Genre: Dystopian Science Fiction

Release date: November 8, 2021

The Consortium is All. But Recorder Can No Longer Obey.

Recorder has no family, no friends, and no name. Donated to the Consortium before birth, her sole purpose is to maintain and verify the records. A neural implant and drone ensure compliance, punishing for displays of bias.

Suddenly cut off from controlling technology, Recorder tastes what it means to be human. But if the Consortium discovers her feelings, everyone she knows will be in danger.

With no name, no resources, and only an infinitesimal possibility of escape, Recorder’s time is running out.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

A riveting Sci-fi adventure with excellent world building and compelling character growth.

A well written, engaging debut, with realistic and convincing world building, I liked how the author used a dual timeline to show not tell the past events, utilizing functions of the plot. I had a hard time putting this one down and I liked the growing relationships between the characters that we got to see in the past and the present. 

Overall, a must read for fans of sci-fi, the author artfully constructs a mysterious futuristic world, terrifying and intriguing, compelling and consistent, this book did a fantastic job of reeling me in and keeping me invested as the story unfolded, while also bringing up deeper questions of what it means to be human. I am excited to see where this series will go!

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

About the Author

Cathy McCrumb graduated from Biola University with a degree in English Literature and a love for stories. She and her husband, whom she met while writing letters to soldiers, have five children and currently live within the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. While writing is one of her favorite things to do, she also enjoys reading, long hikes and long naps, gluten-free brownies and raspberries, and crocheting while watching science fiction movies with friends and family.

 

More from Cathy

When I was about three, my first imaginary friend, Sally from Clap-Hands-Land, threw a man’s hat in the air. At the time, I found her action uproariously funny, though I no longer remember why. As I grew older, speculative fiction—almost any variety of fantasy or science fiction—became my favorite stories to tell and read.

Once I had children, however, all I managed were practical lists on scraps of paper. I shoved down that desire to create until after my youngest was born, when a friend challenged me to write again. That first short story began a landslide of words and ideas about grace, worth, and the sometimes-bittersweet reality of daily life. Soon afterward, a story was born from a vivid dream set on a stark moonscape. As I wrote it down, the Recorder herself sprang into being, and Recorder became inextricably bound to her point of view.

For me, stories are fundamentally about possibilities. The tension between catastrophe and eucatastrophe plays out with relative safety on the page. I believe that when ideas and themes intersect, however, stories can reach deep within authors and readers. Indeed, if they do not touch the author, they are unlikely to impact anyone else. When failure, grief, and evil are contrasted with faith, hope, and love, the narratives inspire deeper connections with our own emotions, others, and God. Tales of light and dark challenge us with the opportunity to think through truths and lies without leaving home.

And yet, transformation itself isn’t safe, and therefore fiction can’t be, either. The risks inherent in change open the possibilities of growth and failure. Stories provide an exploration of becoming. They can open a divide through which we can glimpse something greater or worse than our own worlds. Fiction allows us a place where we can practice and triumph.

And maybe, perhaps, even throw our hats into the air.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 20

Texas Book-aholic, November 21

Mary Hake, November 21

Inklings and notions, November 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 23

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 23

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 24

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 24

Blogging With Carol, November 25

Labor Not in Vain, November 26

For Him and My Family, November 26

deb’s Book Review, November 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 30

Through the fire blogs, November 30

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 1

Wishful Endings, December 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away the grand prize of a personalized, signed hardcover copy!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/137ec/recorder-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Debutante's Code by Erica Vetsch // I read with Audra Tour, Review and Giveaway!

Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series
 
Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn't spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They've been living double lives as government spies--and they're only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family's legacy.
 
Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spies. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors--not to mention the nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner, who suspects her of a daring theft.
 
Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents' last mission?
 
Best-selling author Erica Vetsch is back with a rollicking, exciting new series destined to be a hit with Regency readers who enjoy a touch of mystery in their love stories. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and Anne Perry will love the wit, action, and romance.
 
Click here to read an excerpt.

Review:

Bow Street runner Daniel Swann and Debutante Juliette Thorndike keep running into each other in unconventional ways as their missions intersect they are in a race against the clock.

A wonderful introduction to the characters of a brand new series by Erica Vetsch, and if you've read her last series you may even recognize some familiar faces along the way. Filled with intrigue and mystery, I liked how this book has the characters circling each other as they work on their separate but connected missions. This book is unique in that you get to know the characters more as individuals as they aren't working together, but do keep running into each other through out the book. 

Overall, a fun fast paced adventure with intriguing characters and fun interactions. A twisting plot with great reveals long the way. I can't wait to see where this dynamic duo will go next!

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

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.
 
Vetsch is the author of many novellas and novels, including the popular Serendipity & Secrets Regency series and the new Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery series
 
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
 
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

Enter here: https://www.audrajennings.com/2021/11/enter-erica-vetschs-cozy-up-with-good.html
https://www.ericavetsch.com/giveaway.html

God Is Coming: An Advent Journey by Maggie Philpot, illustrated by Michael Livesay-Wright // Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book: God Is Coming

Author: Maggie Philpot

Genre: Children’s books, Christian books

Release date: October 15, 2021

In a search for a book that presented the beauty and mystery of the advent season with elegance and simplicity meant to be enjoyed by the entire family, God Is Coming was born. This Advent Journey traces the story of God’s relentless pursuit of His children and all of the anticipation of the holiday season in simple, rhyme and meter. Children and adults alike will be touched by the reminders of the profound truths of the gospel and families will return to these stories and these iconic images year after year.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

A beautiful book that traces the reason for Advent through the Bible in rhyming meter and verse, expertly pulling out themes and promises that God fulfilled through Jesus' birth. 

A stunning book that can be enjoyed by the whole family, written in a powerful and melodic style showing God's promises and our need for a Savior. I loved how it starts in Genesis with creation, then goes as a sort of overview through the Bible showing major themes, and how God's promise will bridge the chasm between us and God. This book is honestly the most poignant and powerful, yet at the same time written in a way that makes it easy to explain difficult themes and why Jesus was the only answer to meet our great need. 

Such a powerful book, perfect for sharing with your family the hope we have in Jesus. Perfect for Advent or for all year round. I highly recommend this book for every family!

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

About the Author

Maggie Philpot wrote her first children’s story when she was in middle school (a story about an egg named Eggbert) and she has been dreaming up stories ever since. She lives in Fort Worth with her spectacular husband (whom she calls Husband), her two precocious children, and a rather ridiculous dog, Tucker. She is passionate about anything and anyone who attempts to make beauty, order, and meaning in this crazy world. The simple act of writing is one way to do just that.

 

More from Maggie

In a search for a book that presented the beauty and mystery of the Advent season with elegance and simplicity, God Is Coming was born. This book traces the story of God’s pursuit of His children and all of the anticipation of the Christmas season in simple, rhyme and meter. This year available in a deluxe hardback edition with full-color illustrations, offering you the opportunity to bring home a truly heirloom-quality book to be a part of your holiday traditions!

Blog Stops

Lighthouse-Academy, November 17

Vicky Sluiter, November 17

Simple Harvest Reads, November 18 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 19

Inklings and notions, November 19

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 21

deb’s Book Review, November 22

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 23

For Him and My Family, November 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 24

Labor Not in Vain, November 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 26

Mary Hake, November 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 29

Maureen’s Musings, November 29

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Maggie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of God Is Coming and a hand-crafted wooden advent spiral!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

 https://promosimple.com/ps/13cf9/god-is-coming-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Season of Change by Beth Wiseman // Review

Review:

A heartwarming read of new romance and faithful friends. 

Lizzie and Esther have all they can handle, matchmaking for their new employee while trying to get to the bottom of who could be Esther's secret admirer/stalker. A heartwarming read, filled with charm, humor, and plenty of heart. 

I think this was my favorite book in the series, Rose and Benjamin are so adorable together, a sweet story of opposites who attract. I loved revisiting Lizzie and Esther, as they get up to their usual mischief, bring heart and hilarity in equal measures. I especially loved the way that Gus has grown so much as a character over the course of the series with a kind heart under all his gruffness, and I loved his friendship with the sisters. 

Overall, this was a satisfying read, filled with sweet moments, as well as others that tugged at my heartstrings. A heartwarming novel of romance, friendship, faith and community.

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

The Wonder of Creation: 100 More Devotions About God and Science by Louie Giglio, Tama Fortner, illustrated by Nicola Anderson // Review and Giveaway

Well-known for his powerful messages about science and the Bible, Louie Giglio has a passion for inspiring kids to notice, enjoy, and be in awe of God's creation. In The Wonder of Creation, children will find new delight in God's creativity with 100 devotions that explore: Animals--from honeyguide birds to flying snakes to white rhinos Space--from black holes to volcanic moons to gamma-ray bursts People--from optical illusions to brain freezes to our immune systems Earth--from rainbow rivers to blue lava to flowing glaciers And much, much more! 

• With engaging illustrations and striking photography, this fun and informative book is ideal for children ages 6–10.
• Each of the 100 devotions features a scientific fact or an easy activity for exploring faith, a short Bible verse, and a closing prayer. 
• With a brightly embossed cover and a ribbon bookmark, The Wonder of Creation: Is ideal for science-loving kids, Bible-loving kids, and any child ready to go deeper in faith. 
• Continues a well-loved devotional series that has sold more than half a million copies. 
• Makes a great addition to a homeschool STEM curriculum or a bedtime reading routine. As kids dive into this awe-inspiring devotional, they'll be amazed at the many wonders God has made! 
• Download the free Parent Discussion Guide HERE 

The Wonder of Creation available now! https://www.indescribablekids.com/

My Review:

A delightful devotional for children that explores the wonders in the world that God made. 

Containing 100 devotionals, each one starts with a Scripture and a feature of a unique animal or phenomena, closing with a word of encouragement, fun fact and prayer. I enjoyed learning fun facts from a Christian perspective worshipping God for his magnificent creation, in a way geared to young children and stoking their curiosity. This is would be a great book to read together with the young person in your life, making a great gift as well. 

I loved how this book affirms how God created the world and each of us, and this book has great potential to spark curiosity in growing minds. Accompanied by fun an fitting illustrations, this book is very well done and would be a great addition to a homeschool curriculum. A wonder inspiring reminder of how great our Creator is!  

#WonderOfCreationMIN #thewonderofcreation

#MomentumInfluencerNetwork

 Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own. 

Giveaway

1 physical copy of The Wonder of Creation use the rafflecopter below:

Note: This giveaway is limited to the US only.

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Yukon Justice by Dana Mentink // Celebrate Lit Team, Review and Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book: Yukon Justice

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: October 26, 2021

Sabotage on a family ranch…

Newfoundland Ella and her Alaska State Trooper partner is on the case.

When her estranged uncle attempts to sabotage her family’s reindeer ranch, K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski heads home to help save it—and becomes his target. With their rocky past, Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford and his furry partner are the last team Katie wants assigned to protect her. But with the ranch under siege, they must work together…or risk falling victim to a killer.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review: Katie returns to the family ranch in order to help her aunt get to the bottom of what is happening with the missing reindeer. She didn't expect to find herself depending on State Trooper Brayden Ford and his K-9 partner, Ella, to help her get to the bottom of the sabotage.

An engaging read, set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Alaska frontier. I liked the chemistry between Katie and Brayden, and how they bonded over their shared faith. It was an action packed read, well balanced with relationship building, great pacing and reveals along the way. 

Overall, an entertaining read with excellent characters and an adorable dog, Ella who loves water and is  great partner. I liked how Katie and Brayden had to learn to trust each other, and how they worked together to try and stay one step ahead of the bad guy. A suspenseful story of faith, family and second chances.

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

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly  and Amazon bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

 

More from Dana

Up on the housetop, click, click, click, down through the chimney with good St. Nick. Does anyone know that line from the famous Christmas song? I’ve been singing it for years but only recently did I learn that the clicking is a real reindeer phenomenon. Those reindeer ankle joints make a clicking sound so they can find the rest of their herd if they are separated in a blizzard. It’s just one of the many things I learned about reindeer while researching to write Yukon Justice. In the novel, Katy has to take over running her aunt’s reindeer ranch and protect it from threats by a dangerous intruder. I had the pleasure of “Zoom” interviewing the owner of the Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks, Alaska! Jane helped me learn all kinds of interesting things about reindeer. How much do you know about these critters? Take my quick three question trivia quiz to test your knowledge!

 

1. What’s the difference between caribou and reindeer? They are the same animal but caribou are the wild variety and the domesticated version are called reindeer.

 

1. Do males or females grow antlers? Both! Reindeer are a type of deer and the only species where the female grows antlers as well as the males.

 

1. How come kids put out carrots for Santa’s reindeer? Good question! Carrots are not, in fact, part of a natural healthy reindeer diet. The animals don’t even have front teeth! A much better treat would be willow or birch leaves, or their favorite food…lichen, which they find by scraping the snow away from the ground with their hooves.

 

So how did you do? If you want to know more about these amazing creatures, snag yourself a copy of Yukon Justice!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 6

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 7

Gina Holder, November 7 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, November 8

Daysong Reflections, November 8

Genesis 5020, November 8

For Him and My Family, November 9

Lighthouse-Academy, November 9

Bigreadersite, November 9

For the Love of Literature, November 10

Remembrancy, November 10

Betti Mace, November 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 11

deb’s Book Review, November 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 12

Blogging With Carol, November 13

To Everything There Is A Season, November 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 14

Simple Harvest Reads, November 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 15

Vicarious Living, November 15

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 16

Blossoms and Blessings, November 16

Bizwings Blog, November 16

She Lives To Read, November 17

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 17

Splashes of Joy, November 18

Through the Fire blogs, November 18

Kayem Reads, November 18

Labor Not in Vain, November 19

Pause for Tales, November 19

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book OR signed copy of the book (U.S. Only)!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/12f8a/yukon-justice-celebration-tour-giveaway

God with Us : A Journey Home by Jeremy Pierre, illustrated by Cassandra Clark // Review and Giveaway

 

Author Jeremy Pierre and illustrator Cassandra Clark want to awaken children to a  brave journey — a journey home. This world is not our home. We live east of Eden  and short of Heaven. The earlier children understand this, the more sense they can  make out of this sad, wonderful place. This storybook aims to share their vision of  the world as a place in-between, to awaken them to the brave journey they must  take toward their true home — their home with God. https://www.shepherdpress.com/godwithus/

Hardcover (268 pages) with full-color illustrations 

Review: A captivating and poetic telling of the Greatest Story Ever Told.

Told from the perspective of two angels observing from above, but not interfering the story of God's great providence unfolding in non-rhyming poetic verse, accompanied by stunning watercolor sketches. From Genesis to Calvary and beyond, the story is told, pulling out overarching themes and most of all that this world is not our home.

A beautiful book to share with children or to buy for yourself. I believe that this is an excellent, and stunning creation put together by Jeremy Pierre and Cassandra Clark, as an adult I enjoyed it so much and think that it will appeal to people of all ages. Because the best sign of a quality children's books is if it can be enjoyed by adults as well, and this Bible Storybook definitely hits that mark with flying colors, as well as telling the Most Important Story in a breath-takingly gorgeous format.

Overall, a well thought out and put together book, with gorgeous watercolors that capture the themes and nuances of the telling perfectly. Highly recommend this stunning project!

#GodWithUsMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Many thanks to Shepherd Press for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 

Buy God With Us: A Journey Home now!

https://www.shepherdpress.com/products/god-with-us/ 

https://bit.ly/god-with-us

“God with Us delivers truth with imagination, creativity, and beautiful illustrations.  The gospel message becomes clearer with every turn of the page. Like a symphony  of truth that crescendos to the final fanfare, God with Us ends with a finale that  connects the gospel dots and offers an invitation to believe. Bravo and well done!”  —Marty Machowski, Pastor and author of The Ology, Wonderful, Long Story Short,  and other gospel-centered resources for church and home

We are partnering with Momentum Influencing Network and Shepherd Press to give one reader a hardcover copy of this stunning book. Use the rafflecopter and comment below to enter. Giveaway is limited to US residents only. Giveaway ends November 23rd, 2021 at 11:59pm CST.

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