Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts

Friday, September 6, 2024

Momentum Influencers Blog Tour: Life In Christ Bible Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers

• God has a purpose for your life in this moment. You have a part to play in what He is doing in the world. But knowing why you are here starts with knowing who God says you are. The Life in Christ Bible invites you to embrace your identity and purpose as you:

• Discover why you matter-not because of anything you do, but because you are made in the

image of God.

• Explore how the gospel of Jesus Christ makes you a new person.

• Learn how who God says you are changes how you think, speak, work, and move through the world.

Embrace your purpose as you discover why you matter, how the Gospel makes you a new person, and learn how that changes the way you think, speak, work, and move through the world.

Features include:

Book introductions that feature identity-related themes and topics found in each book

1000 notes connected to 40 themes related to our identity in Christ that run throughout the Bible

70 chain-referenced articles addressing 16 identity-focused topics

50 encouraging quotes about our identity and life in Christ

17 charts

Concordance

End of page translators’ notes and cross references

Line-matched, single-column typesetting

Clear and readable 9-point NKJV Comfort Print®

Download a Sample of the Book of the
Gospel of MARK

I have been on the hunt for a new Bible for daily use. I am not one who prefers using a New King James Version Bible, but I wanted to give this one a look at. I received my copy and I started comparing it to my current Bible which is ESV Bible and about 10yrs old. I can honestly say this Life in Christ Bible is AMAZING! The Layout is really easy to follow. The Charts and info throughout really help understand the Scriptures even further. I was in AWE of all the informational charts and reading plans throughout the Bible. I think New Christians would especially be encouraged reading through this Bible and encouraged in their faith. The Life in Christ Bible is more then a "standard" Bible, it truly shows how to live according to God's Word! I HIGHLY recommend this Bible to anyone who needs encouragement while reading the Bible!

BUY The Life in Christ Bible HERE

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

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Monday, January 30, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Shattered Reflection by Madisyn Carlin

Book: Shattered Reflection

Author: Madisyn Carlin

Genre: New Adult Christian Fantasy / Fairytale Retelling

Release date: December 21, 2022

Can hope be found for four shattered souls?

Princess Nordica Icerri’s crown will be purchased with blood—her blood. Now the sole heir to the throne, she is determined to be the queen the Snowlands deserve, but that comes with a price: a numbed heart and soul. Only when she meets kidnapped physician Loren Alocer does Nordica allow herself to hope she can become queen without completely losing herself. But not everyone wants what’s best for the Snowlands, and Nordica’s upcoming rule is compromised at every turn. Can the criminal physician—and his faith—thaw Nordica’s heart, or is she destined to be the heartless queen she is being forced to become?

War shattered not only Breac Finson’s heart, but his faith as well. Tired of fighting, Breac only wants to be left alone, but his efforts are for naught when a friend calls in a favor. He soon finds himself in an unexpected alliance with Layree Alocer, a woman determined to find her wrongfully-kidnapped brother at all costs. Can a broken soldier help right a wrong—and find his faith again in the process?

Sides must be chosen and loyalties will be tested as a new war approaches. Can broken lives be mended in time to help save the Snowlands, or is evil already too deeply embedded?

Click here to get your copy!

I am not one who normally reads Christian Fantasy books, especially being that most are geared toward Youth. I really liked the Synopsis of this book and the fact that it is geared toward Adults. Shattered Reflection by Madisyn Carlin is Book 1 in The Shattered Lands series.

Princess Nordica Icerri is "Queen in Training". She is determined to become the best Queen the Snowlands ever had. Her heart though isn't in the right place, very numb heart. Loren Alocer is a kidnapped Physician and when Princess Nordica meets him, she has hope she can become queen without the numb heart and soul. Nordica is discovering that now everyone in the Snowlands wants her to be queen and she is being deterred by everything she does. Loren Alocer has strong faith and he thinks he can help Princess Nordica. Breac Finson has struggled with life since War and his faith is also struggling due to Wartime. Breac really wants to be left alone, but he finds himself helping Layree Alocer, a woman who is absolutely determined to find her kidnapped brother. Will Princess Nordica soften her heart before becoming Queen? Will Breac have his faith restored by helping Layree? Will healing happen in the Snowlands?

I will say it took me a couple of chapters to really get into the storyline. Although, once I did start enjoying the story, I couldn't put it down. I really LOVE this book is a retelling of a Fairytale. The STRONG Faith-Based Message throughout the book is very encouraging. The twists and turns really kept the storyline exciting and non-predictable. This book was the first one by Madisyn Carlin that I have read and it won't be the last time. I truly LOVED this book and I am looking forward to reading more in this series. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Fairytales, Fantasy, and Christian Fiction. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

More from Madisyn

What comes to your mind when you think about fairytale retellings? Is it Disney’s 1950 retelling of Cinderella? Glittery swirls of magic? Talking animals? Pretty gowns? Or, perhaps, frying pans or a sassy dragon?

My interest regarding fairytales was first piqued when I was young. Though I was only three, I distinctly remember riding in the car and flipping through the three-story fairytale collection my mom just purchased for me. I couldn’t read, but the bright colors and abundance of animals entranced me. Now I not only read fairytales, I write retellings of them.

Why, though? Aren’t fairytales just fun stories that sometimes impart a lesson?

No. Fairytales are much more than that. The majority of fairytales contain deep, important lessons the authors or culture of that time wanted their readers and listeners to learn from. Fairytales offer encouragement, hope, and include gentle reminders about doing the right thing even when we don’t want to.

Take, for instance, The Snow Queen, which is the fairytale I modeled Shattered Reflection after. In The Snow Queen, the forefront themes are loyalty and perseverance. No matter what trials the female protagonist endures, she pushes on with the mindset that rescuing her best friend is worth the effort and pain.

Aside from being rich in wry humor, breathtaking scenic descriptions and worldbuilding, and interesting characters, The Snow Queen contains faith and reminds readers that our ultimate source of strength is God—not ourselves.

This is what I wanted to emulate in Shattered Reflection. This story—with its broken characters, tattered kingdoms, and insidious antagonists—contains plenty of faith amidst pain, questions, and wounded hearts. I wanted to illustrate that, no matter what we’re going through, God is in control and nothing and no one ever slips from His grasp.

What is Shattered Reflection?

Title: Shattered Reflection
Series: The Shattered Lands | Book One
Genre: NA Christian Fantasy
Subgenre: Fairytale retelling (The Snow Queen)
POVS: 5
Ages: Appropriate for ages 15+ due to non-graphic violence
Core Themes: Salvation, Loyalty, and Forgiveness

Shattered Reflection is a Christian fairytale retelling which incorporates heavy faith elements, numerous action scenes, clean romance, and plenty of evil villains.

Content Warning:
SR1 contains heavy topics, although none are described in a gratuitous and gory manner. There is also a lot of violence, so I do not recommend this book for anyone younger than fifteen. If you are older than fifteen and are easily bothered by such content, then this probably is not the book for you.

Texas Book-aholic, January 22
To Everything There Is A Season, January 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 24
Cover Lover Book Review, January 25
deb’s Book Review, January 25
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 26
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28
Literature Approved, January 28
Denise L. Barela, January 29
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 30
Blogging With Carol, January 31
Through the Fire Blogs, February 1
Pause for Tales, February 2
For Him and My Family, February 3
Rebecca Tews, February 4
Holly’s Book Corner, February 4

To celebrate her tour, Madisyn is giving away the grand prize package of one autographed paperback copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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/23bc6/shattered-reflection-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Sunday, January 29, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Two-Cent Piece by Dennis Conrad

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!

Children's Picture Books are an excellent way to introduce young ones to the wonderful world of reading. The Two Cent Piece by Dennis Conrad is a Faith Based Picture Book for young kids.

Anne is a little girl who enjoys collecting coins. Her 3 older brothers are leaving to go serve in the Civil War as part of the Union Army. Anne gives each of them a Two Cent Piece before they leave. She tells them “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.’ The brothers accept her gift, although one brother is grappling with his Faith. A life-changing incident happens for that brother on the battlefield and his faith is restored.

I really enjoyed this book. It tells a great story of History with a Faith and Fictional twist. The Civil War period was a very important time in History and this book is written in a way that helps the Young Ones understand the time period. I also LOVE that the book has a strong Faith Message. It is VERY well written and the Illustrations are just amazing. A Very unique Picture Book for kids and I HIGHLY recommend it! FANTASTIC BOOK!

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/

Lots of Helpers, January 18
Girls in White Dresses, January 18
Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 19
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20
For Him and My Family, January 20
Cover Lover Book Review, January 21
A Reader’s Brain, January 22
Mary Hake, January 22
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 23
Texas Book-aholic, January 24
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 25
deb’s Book Review, January 26
Pause for Tales, January 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 28
Labor Not in Vain, January 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30
Lights in a Dark World, January 30
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, January 31

To celebrate his tour, Dennis is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a hardcover copy of The Two-Cent Piece!!

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/23bc2/the-two-cent-piece-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Friday, January 27, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Wagons West by Caryl McAdoo

Book: Wagons West

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: November 22, 2022

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

Besides the God-fearing, decent folks seeking new beginnings, adventurers, miners, risk-takers, fugitives, perverts, and runaways alike—even royals—comprise a few of the characters in book one of the ‘New Beginnings Family Saga’ titled WAGONS WEST. The two-thousand-mile journey is wrought with danger, trials, troubles and tragedies, deprivations, and of course, romance, but the lure of gold and a fresh start urges the sojourners on to the Promised Land!

Blaire Beechy, a widow with two almost grown daughters, Adeline and Beatrice, and a twelve-year-old son Tucker sells everything to go for the gold only to discover the rules of wagon master Ambrose Lee forbids them to join his wagon train, but the widow is determined. Though the disgruntled and handsome widow turns his head, the man deals with troubles of his own. His train isn’t full, he has yet to hire a scout, and his integrity thrusts him into saving a troubled young woman called Birdie. The journey is an arduous undertaking, but he’s done it before and is up to the task.
Wagon Ho!

This story was first published in episodes at Kindle Vella, Season One, by the same name. Season two SETTLERS & TOFFS continues the story and episodes are now being published and are available at Kindle Vella.

Click here to get your copy!

Caryl McAdoo is one of my favorite authors. I started reading her books a few years ago and have LOVED every book that I have read by her. Wagons West is Book 1 in the New Beginnings Family Saga Series, her most recent series. I was very excited to read it recently.

The time is 1849 and it is the period of the California Gold Rush. Blaire Beechy is a widow with 2 young adult daughters and a 12yr old son. Blaire has recently sold everything her family owns to head West to the Gold Rush. She is not deterred when she discovers that the Wagon Master, Amborse Lee, has forbidden her family from joining his Wagon Train. Ambrose is very frustrated with things at the moment. He is still needing a Scout for his Train, his Wagon is not full yet and now he finds himself helping a young woman named Birdie. Will Blaire and her family make it on the Wagon Train? Will Ambrose achieve the task of getting the Wagon Train Westward bound?

Caryl McAdoo does it again, another GREAT book! I was captivated by the Storyline from the very first chapter. I have always been a fan of the California Gold Rush Era and the Wagon Train Era.I really enjoyed all the Characters in the book, Blaire was probably my favorite. She is a very determined woman who only wants what is best for her family. Ambrose Lee was a super interesting character in the book. I LOVE how detailed the book was about the Wagon Train history and Gold Rush Era. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. WONDERFUL Book!

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over sixty published now—delight readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen to a few on YouTube. Sharing four children and twenty-four grandsugars (six are greats), Caryl and her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-four years Ron live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

What a fun, new adventure writing WAGONS WEST! Ron and I stepped up to try a new program Amazon offered authors called Kindle Vella where we’d write episodes rather than chapters. In a year’s time, WAGONS WEST had thirty-five episodes and was over one hundred thousand words, about four hundred pages.

We continue to write Season Two of the “New Beginnings Family Saga” SETTLERS & TOFFS, with the same characters going into the following year, 1850, scattering into three settings: those from Season One’s wagon train who decide to settle Auburn, California, those just starting the sojourn west with Emmerson Pierce, scout in Season One, now wagon master, and we sail the Atlantic to England when the son of the Earl of Farnsworth receives word of his older brother’s death.

The characters in WAGONS WEST made it so special for me, and I believe you’re sure to love them as well. Robert E. Lee’s older brother Ambrose is our wagon master and the story’s main hero. As all my heroes (thanks to Ron’s part of our collaboration) he is strong but flawed.

Our matriarchal heroine Blaire Beechy, recently widowed, has sold everything and uprooted her three children—two almost grown daughters Adeline and Beatrice and their twelve-year-old brother Tucker—only to discover Captain Lee’s idiotic rules forbid an unmarried woman from traveling in his wagon train. Why must there be a man at the head of each family?

WAGONS WEST offers readers adventures with a colorful cast of characters who support, cause trouble, act a bit crazy, and play ball to make the story one you just can’t put down. All along the way, God is questioned, given praise, denied, and surrendered to, saving sojourners again and again—not only in the spiritual realm.

It’s a story I’ve certainly enjoyed writing, and I’m hoping you’ll enjoy reading WAGONS WEST as much!

As always, I’m ‘Praying my story gives God glory!’ Hallelujah! There is no one like Him! He alone is the Great King over all the earth! Not a man that He could lie, but worthy to receive all glory and all praise!

Blessings, y’all!