Come Back to Me (Waters of Time, #1) by Jody Hedlund

ABOUT THE BOOK

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story. 

MY THOUGHTS.....

She seemed to search for the right words to say and her body grew more rigid. "If I tell you the truth, you'll think I'm insane. " "Test me." She drew is a deep breath. "I'm from another time and place."

A present-day research scientist and an English knight from the 14th century. Healing Holy Water and the Tree of Life. The Canterbury Cathedral. These are just a few of the intriguing elements in this new book by Jody Hedlund, and from the beginning I was enthralled with the story of Marian Creighton and Will Durham. It was very apparent, from their first unexpected meeting, that their relationship wouldn't be the norm. I enjoyed their amazing chemistry and their realization that they wanted their marriage of convenience to be something more. They needed to be together forever, but how could two people, centuries apart, expect to do so? Would Marian, or could Marian, give up twenty-first century conveniences to live in medieval times?

This book has mystery and suspense, but there is also a Christian faith message mixed in with the scientific aspects of this amazing adventure. Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite authors but I was uncertain how she would manage a time-travel Christian book. Well, let me tell you, she managed extremely well! Come Back to Me proved once again that she can write any genre, and I can't wait to see what is planned for the next book in the Waters of Time series.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. A favorable review was never required. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats.

Learn more at Jody's Website     

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A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

ABOUT THE BOOK

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way.

MY THOUGHTS.....

'Regret once again swept over her, churning inside until she feared she would be sick. Life outside the reformatory walls was supposed to be fresh and new, but already she'd soiled it with a falsehood.' 

A Lady in Attendance has everything that I love in a book: romance, conflict, and characters who are flawed and fallible, but so eager to change. Hazel McDowell wants to make amends for her wrongdoings, and begin a new life, but her secret past may prevent this from ever happening. I absolutely loved Hazel and I longed for her to be reconciled with her family once again!

"I love the woman you are today and who you'll be tomorrow. That woman is born from who you were yesterday. I want it all."

Who knew that a dentist could be so romantic? Gilbert Watts seems to be a man of few words, but when he speaks....oh, the beautiful sentiments that come out of his mouth. And it's all because of a red-haired dental assistant, with sparkling eyes and a flawless wit, who has helped him discover what has been missing in his life!

I enjoyed the historical details of this story that is set in 1898, and learning about the dental practices of that era. I smiled at Gilbert's concern about the propriety of having a female assistant, and then, his relief that Hazel would be there to help him handle his very difficult patient, Alberta Robertham.

This is a stunning story with an unlikely hero, a young woman who has suffered more than she deserves, a romance that will leave you wanting more, and a beautiful message of hope, faith, and forgiveness. Author Rachel Fordham has done it once again, and I highly recommend A Lady in Attendance to all who enjoy historical Christian romance!

I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Fordham started writing when her children began begging her for stories at night. She’d pull a book from the shelf, but they’d insist she make one up. Finally she put her love of good stories with her love of writing and she hasn’t stopped since. She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

Learn more at her Website     Blog     Facebook    Amazon

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Finding Family in a Far-Away Land: An Adoption Story by Amanda Wall: Review & Giveaway

Join us for this tour from June 21 to July 16, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Finding Family in a Far-Away Land: An Adoption Story by Amanda Wall
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 4-10),  44 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book, Adoption
Publisher:  BookBaby
Release date:   March 29, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

Every adoption experience is uniquely different but the yearning to have unconditional family love is universal. Two Indian sisters, Priya and Ari, experience what it's like to be adopted into a multi-cultural, interracial family. Walk alongside these two charming, dynamic girls as they journey through the adoption transition to a new country full of new experiences!

"Finding Family in a Far-Away Land" is a pensive and sometimes comical book that demonstrates how children can experience the same journey quite differently. A glossary of cultural terms is included so that all can learn and enjoy what Ari and Priya cherish about their Indian roots. This story is meant to be a resource to those hoping to learn about one family's adoption experience― and may even help a child process their own adoption story. The intended audience for this book is children ages 4-10.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ IndieBound
add to goodreads

MY THOUGHTS.....

'My new family had colorful eyes and different skin. Looking different scared me at first but now I see that we share the same heart. We are each uniquely special.'

Amanda Wall has written a heartwarming adoption story about two young orphans who are sent to live with a new family in a new country. Children reading this will be given a glimpse of India, the country where Priya and Ari were born, while learning about the fear and anxiety that children feel when they are sent to live with people they have never met!

Wall's colorful illustrations make this an appealing book for young children, but the entertaining, emotional, and educational text is what makes it so special. There are giggles, along with tugs at your heart strings, and I especially liked learning about Priya and Ari's heritage. Throughout the book Wall has featured special Indian words in red, and then explained them in the glossary of terms in the back. Who knew that an orphanage in India is called a Sishu Gruha, or "House of Children"?

Finding Family in a Far-Away Land is a well-written children's story that is perfect for classrooms or as an addition to a school library. I also recommend it for families who have experienced, or are contemplating, adoption.

I received a copy of this book from the author via iRead Book Tours. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

 

Meet the Author:

Amanda is a mother of four with a heart towards adoption. She lives in Colorado with her family but loves to travel and connect with others through their culture. Educating families on adoption is a passion for Amanda because the adoptees' voice is often unheard.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads

 

Tour Schedule:

June 21 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 21 - Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
June 22 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
June 23 – The Adventures of a Travelers Wife – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
June 24 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
June 25 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
June 28 –Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
June 29 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book review / giveaway
June 30 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review
July 1 – @twilight_teader – book review
July 1 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
July 2 – Reading is My Passion -book review
July 6 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 6 - Sandra's Book Club - book review
July 8 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 9 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
July 9 - Pause for Tales - book revew / giveaway
July 12 – Reading Authors Network – book review / giveaway
July 13 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 14 – The Bespectacled Mother – book review
July 14 - I Read What You Write - book review / guest post / giveaway
July 15 – Sahar's Blog – book review / giveaway
July 16 – Books for Books – book review
 

Enter the Giveaway:

 

FINDING FAMILY IN A FAR-AWAY LAND Book Tour Giveaway

 

View all my reviews 
 

Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.

As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself, and Perdita knows who Tansy should choose. But why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?

Saddle up for a heartfelt story of love--love of family, love of place, and the love of a lifetime--from bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart. 

MY THOUGHTS.....

A passion for books and a love of reading are the motivation behind Tansy Calhoun's decision to take a job as a packhorse librarian, and these feelings are why I worked as a librarian for almost twenty-three years! I fully understand that “A day chin deep in words and stories seemed the next best thing to heaven to Tansy.” I can see why a person would be willing to ride a horse, in all kinds of weather, over the steep mountains, to take reading material to the people living in the hills of Eastern Kentucky!

Author Ann H. Gabhart has created many memorable characters for this wonderful story that is set in 1937. Tansy, unmarried at age twenty, but filled with hope that she will find the kind of love that she reads about in books. Caleb Barton, who's already found his special person, but doubts that she will ever feel the same. Perdita Sweet, Preacher Hiram, and the 'writer man' from the city who's come to learn their stories!

Gabhart paints a realistic picture of life in Kentucky during the Great Depression and she does so by using the dialect and culture that was common during that time and place. Along a Storied Trail is rich in history, brimming with romance, and overflowing in faith. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical romantic fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. By the time she was ten she knew she wanted to be a writer. She's published over twenty novels. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren and she still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dog, reading and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, will be followed by Small Town Girl. She has also written two books about Mary Breckinridge and the Frontier Nursing Service: These Healing Hills and An Appalachian Summer. 

To learn more visit Ann's Website      Facebook     Twitter    Instagram   Pinterest

 

View all my reviews

Power Play (Capital Intrigue #3) by Rachel Dylan

ABOUT THE BOOK

When State Department attorney Vivian Steele witnesses two ambassadors collapse as if poisoned at a diplomatic dinner in Washington, DC, she is recruited to be a member of a joint FBI task force assigned to investigate. But she soon finds her by-the-book ways clashing with a special agent in the Diplomatic Security Service, Jacob Cruz. A former Navy SEAL and in charge of the event's security, Jacob takes the attack personally and is driven to act quickly, even ahead of the rules and regulations.

As Viv starts to work her diplomatic sources, her past as a State Department lawyer comes back to haunt her, and secrets held tightly by the government thrust her into a web of danger. Afraid, Viv turns to the one man bent on protecting others. But can she accept Jacob's reckless ways as exactly what she needs to stay alive and to discover the truth behind the attacks? 

AMAZON     BAKER     BARNES & NOBLE     CBD

MY THOUGHTS.....

This is the last book of the Capital Intrigue series and it's a perfect conclusion to this exciting series. Power Play allows us to witness a work partnership between attorney Vivian Steele and special agent Jacob Cruz that promises to turn into so much more, and it offers us a chance to catch up with the characters from books one and two. Author Rachel Dylan is also a lawyer, and I was fascinated with the legal aspects that she shares in this engaging plot. I was also completely immersed in the efforts to find who has killed two ambassadors, and why Vivian is now a target.

Dylan has become one of my must-read authors and this book certainly didn't disappoint. Power Play has intrigue, suspense, nail-biting adventure, and characters that I would like to know. I loved the very realistic romance between two people who choose to take it slow, and I appreciated the faith message that is powerful and inspiring, but never overwhelming. This is the perfect summer read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation's top law firms. She enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. Rachel writes the Atlanta Justice Series which features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader's Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids--two dogs and three cats. 

Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find her at her Website  Facebook     Twitter    Instagram     Pinterest

Check out my reviews for the other two books in this Capital Intrigue series.

End Game 

Backlash

View all my reviews

A Bible Study Journal for Women: Featuring Insights from the Bestselling How to Study the Bible by Barbour Staff

ABOUT THE BOOK

You want more from your time alone with scripture. . .
A Bible Study Journal for Women provides helpful instruction
and ample space for you to jot down your reflections.
 
Based on the million-copy bestseller How to Study the Bible, this journal describesa the types, tools, and techniques of exploring God’s Word. And it allows you to share your thoughts and feelings along the way, creating a treasured record of your own walk with God.
 

A Bible Study Journal for Women is presented in a beautiful package featuring

a flexible textured binding

two-color interior printing

stained page edges

a ribbon marker

Here are everyday Bible helps for everyday spiritual growth.

Amazon     Barnes & Noble     CBD     Barbour Publishing

MY THOUGHTS.....

Do you like to journal when you study your Bible, or are you just now discovering the art of journaling? This new book from Barbour Publishing is a perfect choice if you can answer Yes to either of these questions. A Bible Study Journal for Women begins with an abridged version of How to Study the Bible by Robert M. West, with approximately thirty pages devoted to useful tips for studying God's Word. This section is followed by attractive pink-edged lined pages, decorated with colorful flowers that mimic the beautiful cover, and they offer you a perfect place to record a Study Topic, the Date, and your thoughts and observations.

A Bible Study Journal for Women is a wonderful addition to your Bible study / devotion time, and it's also a great introduction to the joys of journaling. This soft-cover journal with its ribbon bookmark is absolutely gorgeous, and it would also be a perfect gift!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

  

View all my reviews

Capitol in Crisis by Kathy Roy Johnson: Review with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Capitol in Crisis

Author: Kathy Roy Johnson

Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Christian Thriller

Release date: September 2020

 

Simone Perez, Architect of the Capitol, is stunned when a terrible explosion which rocks the Capitol, totally collapsing the tunnel which connects the House and Senate Chambers and trapping several people. Simone promptly assembles an Interagency Committee to help her assess the damage to the Capitol and develop a strategy to rescue survivors. .  She also assumes responsibility for briefing the press, making her job even more daunting.  As the story unfolds, members of the Committee work together to find survivors and bring them to safety. We meet several true-to-life characters like Fire Chief Earl Bentsen who recognizes that time is of the essence and Rob Tate, a skinny maintenance worker who realizes that he can reach the Café as well as the mechanical room by crawling through an old vent space.  Through several twists and turns, Simone maintains a steady hand, aided by the Speaker of the House, John McIntyre, who finds her very attractive. Although it seems an impossible task, one by one, victims reunite with their families.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS.....

"Okay. everybody, listen up! There's been an explosion and we're evacuating the Capitol. Now! Let's go, please."

These words show the urgency felt as people discover that the basement tunnel has partially collapsed under the United States Capitol, and there are people in extreme danger. What follows is an exciting look at the rescue attempts, and the thoughts of the many people involved in this tragedy. Government officials, rescuers, and people trapped in the rubble who struggle to make sense of this happening. Is this the act of terrorists? Can we prevent further destruction? Will I see my loved ones again?

Author Kathy Roy Johnson has been a lobbyist and a Senate aide, so she has intimate knowledge of the Capitol of the United States. This book is an inside glimpse at the various government agencies in the Capitol, along with the intriguing transactions that occur daily, and it also gives us a peek at our national treasure. I appreciated Johnson's portrayal of the many people involved, from the Architect, to the Speaker of the House, to the various people covering the news, but it was the manager of the coffee shop that I found especially endearing. Addie was a grandmother raising three grandsons, and I appreciated the faith that she projected.

Capitol in Crisis is a contemporary suspense novel with romance and faith woven into the plot, and it offers an interesting view of people, from all walks of life, who work together to overcome the odds!

I received a copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

About the Author

 Kathy Roy Johnson worked for a U.S. Senator for three years in the mid 1970’s. Thereafter, she worked as a lobbyist for United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc. before joining the Federal government as Congressional Liaison. She retired in 2015 and live in Silver Spring, Maryland with her husband, Ed and their beagle/basset hound, Jake.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, June 16

The Sacred Line, June 16

lakesidelivingsite, June 17

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 18

For Him and My Family, June 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20

Blogging With Carol, June 20

Inklings and notions, June 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 22

Mary Hake, June 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting June 23

Betti Mace, June 23

Older & Smarter?, June 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 25

Spoken from the Heart, June 25

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 26

deb’s Book Review, June 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 27 (Author Interview)

Lights in a Dark World, June 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29

*No Giveaway for this Celebration Tour

View all my reviews

Dwell on These Things Inspiration Cards: 31 Thoughts to Align Your Heart with God's Truth by John Strange and Ink & Willow

ABOUT THESE CARDS

Your daily inspiration is never far from reach with this unique set of cards that encourage you to see yourself through God's eyes, featuring messages that are biblical and beneficial, all designed to be displayed with the included stand.

Countless messages enter our hearts and minds each day. Some of these messages are true and helpful. Others are hurtful, destructive, and out of line with the message God wants us to understand and embrace. What messages are you choosing to believe and repeat to yourself? When you first saw your reflection in the mirror this morning, what did your internal conversation sound like? Did you speak a message of hope to your heart or a diatribe of defeat?

Based on the book Dwell on These Things by John Stange, this thirty-one-day inspirational card set will encourage you to change the message that enters your mind into a positive, biblical one. On the front of each beautifully designed card is a short message to remind you of how God views you and everyday situations. The back of the card reinforces that message with time-tested wisdom.

Let this be your first step in a great journey toward self-love and self-acceptance! Change your life by changing the messages that enter your mind.

AMAZON     BOOKS A MILLION     WATERBROOK MULTNOMAH

MY THOUGHTS.....

These cards are meant to be a supplement to the book Dwell on These Things by John Strange, but I found them to be inspiring and useful in their own right. Each of the thirty-one cards has a motivational thought on one side, with a deeper explanation on the other.  Some of the thoughts include "Value listening as much as you value speaking.", "You can rely on God's unconditional love.", and "The Lord hears your cry for mercy." Turn the card over and each thought is explained even further. 

These thirty-one cards come in an attractive case and there is also a cardboard stand that allows a single card to be chosen for the day and displayed on a table or desk.  I loved the bright colors of the cards and the sturdy cardboard makes them especially durable for repeated use. Dwell on These Things Inspiration Cards are great for personal use, they are perfect for gifts, and I can also see them being sent individually in cards and letters. There are times when we all need encouraging and motivational words, and these cards certainly meet the challenge. My only wish is that they also offered applicable Bible scripture.

I received a complimentary set from Ink & Willow and Waterbrook Publishing. A positive review was never required. These are my own thoughts.

4 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

John Stange is the author of Dwell on These Things. He is the lead pastor of Core Creek Community Church in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, as well as an adjunct professor at Cairn University, where he teaches courses on counseling, theology, and church planting. John is a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team and is also the director of the National Mission Board, a ministry focused on church planting and church health.

Ink & Willow products infuse contemplation and inspiration into the regular spiritual practice of creative-minded Christians, wherever they are in their faith journey. Each thoughtfully curated gift product is based in biblical truth and sparks a reminder of how God reveals beauty in the midst of our ordinary.

The Joy of Being Mom: Embrace the Adventure with Study Guide by Judy Brisky: Review & Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

You know all about crying babies, dirty diapers, toddler tantrums, potty training, school assignments, and the list goes on and on. Ahhh, Motherhood! But wait, there’s more! 

Judy Brisky wants you to know that despite any of these demanding situations, even in the toughest of seasons, you can experience the joy of being a mom every single day. But first you will need help and wisdom that can only come from the Lord. Then you will find that being a mom is one of the most joyful experiences you will ever have. Yes, you’ll get tired and you’ll feel pressures, but you’ll also be filled with joy!
Judy offers the encouragement you need to face common challenges and offers practical solutions from the Bible. She shares from her own relatable experiences, mostly good, but also not so great. Even more, she will bring you hope and motivation to: 

Cherish each season

Deposit intentional investments of love

Make every word count

Leave a lasting legacy

MY THOUGHTS.....

This book is for moms of ALL ages, and it is filled with encouraging words for women in EVERY stage of motherhood. Author Judy Brisky shares her experiences in raising her own children, along with the wisdom she has gained. She also urges readers to value the role that God has given them, to dedicate themselves to raising children who love and respect their Heavenly Father, and then, being a living witness for their children. She reminds us that "Telling your children to read the Bible is good, but reading it with them as you sit side by side is even better".

The Joy of Being Mom has so many nuggets of sound advice and it is rich in God's Word. Each chapter begins with a Bible selection, but it doesn't stop there. More scripture is shared throughout the chapter and it concludes with a Study Guide that includes a Review, (more) Scripture, Questions, Heart Connectors, and Prayer. The icing on the cake? There are coloring pages at the end of each chapter to further emphasize the topic you've just read.

I've experienced all of the stages of being a Mom, so I've felt the exhaustion, the fears, and the disappointments. I have also known the overwhelming love and joy, and I do value the role that God gave me. I also understand that "once a mom, always a mom" is so true, as I enjoy this season of being a grandmother!

Brisky has written this book in an easy, conversational style that makes you feel like she is talking directly to you! I recommend that you grab a copy, take your time to read and ponder the words, and then apply them to your own season of being a mother, so that you can also appreciate The Joy of Being Mom!

I received a copy of this book from Gateway Publishing and Blog About Blogger Network. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my very own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judy and her husband, Mike, have been married more than 30 years. They attend Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, where Mike is the Executive Pastor to the Senior Pastor. For more than a decade, Judy has enjoyed teaching and speaking on marriage, parenting, and all things Jesus! She has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Pan American University (known today as The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley). Judy and Mike have two adult sons and two wonderful daughters-in-love. Jacob is married to Neeli, and Joel is married to Danielle (Danny).

Want to learn more? Visit Judy's    Website    Facebook    Instagram   

  

GIVEAWAY

I am thrilled to have a copy of The Joy of Being Mom to give away. Please comment below, telling me what season of motherhood you are enjoying. Are you a mom to young children, teens, adults, or are you perhaps enjoying grandchildren? Please tell me and don't forget to leave your email in a non-spam format. Example: name (at) domain name (dot) com. Giveaway ends Friday, June 25, 2021. 

View all my reviews

Every Window Filled with Light by Shelia Stovall: Review & Giveaway with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Every Window Filled with Light

Author: Shelia Stovall

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Christian Fiction

Release date: April 2, 2021

Welcome to Weldon, Kentucky, where the only things the locals love more than fried pies are gossip and match-making.

Librarian Emma Baker, a young and childless widow, believes her dream to build a family is over. It’s been two years since a student accidentally stabbed Emma’s husband to death, and her grief has stifled any interest in romance—until she meets Pastor Luke Davis. But when Emma learns Luke is counseling her husband’s killer fresh out of jail, her temper gets in the way.

Meanwhile, Emma discovers twelve-year-old Harley, abandoned by her drug-addict mother, hiding in the library, and takes the girl in as her foster mom. Then a young mother is made homeless by an apartment fire, and Emma opens her home again. One person and one prayer at a time, Emma begins to discover hope.

If Emma can yield and offer forgiveness to her husband’s killer, perhaps she’ll be able to piece together the broken parts of her heart…and the broken people who enter her life…to form a new family and maybe even have a second chance at love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS.....

A widowed librarian in a small town, a minister who looks like he's stepped off the cover of CQ, and a teenager who's been forced to grow up too fast. Three very different people who share one common connection--they've all experienced deep hurts! These are just three of the great characters in Every Window Filled with Light, and they are some of the reasons that I enjoyed this book so much. Author Shelia Stover is a librarian herself and she perfectly describes some of the activities that a library director would be involved in. She also gives Emma Baker a loving, generous heart for young people, with one notable exception. She cannot forgive the young man that she holds responsible for the death of her husband. She's lost the love of her life, she can't have children, and her relationship with her mother is nothing to write home about. Emma is basically alone!

Every Window Filled with Light refers to Emma's desire to fill her large, stately home with people. This is a touching story of hurts left to fester, forgiveness that seems to be elusive, and the addiction epidemic that threatens our society. It is also a testament to the power of love and faith, and the liberation that comes from forgiveness.

I enjoyed everything about this book! The depiction of life in a small town, the people who live there, and the reminder of the importance of good foster care. I also enjoyed the hint of romance and the strong faith element woven throughout the story. This is Shelia Stover's debut novel and I look forward to reading more about the fictional town of Weldon, Kentucky. I recommend Every Window Filled with Light to all who enjoy Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

About the Author

Shelia Stovall is the director of a small-town library in southern Kentucky, where only strangers mention her last name, and the children call her Miss Shelia.

Shelia and her husband Michael live on a farm, and she enjoys taking daily rambles with their three dogs to the creek. Spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, is her all-time favorite thing. The only hobby Shelia loves more than reading uplifting stories of hope is writing them.

 

More from Shelia

When I was younger, I daydreamed about becoming an author, but it wasn’t something I pursued. I wrote a few short stories for fun, but I poured my time and energy into my children and career.

In the summer of 2011, I participated in a Bible study called Jonah by Priscilla Shirer. One evening, our facilitator asked us to meditate on the question, What does God want you to do that you don’t want to do.  I sat feeling smug as the others prayed. I’d already signed up for a short-term mission trip to Africa, which I hadn’t wanted to do. But as I sat in the quiet, God spoke to me. Write a book for me. My heartbeat quickened as God gave me the opening and the ending of the story. I envisioned a large two-story yellow Victorian home with every Window filled with light.

God’s request filled me with panic, and the workbook page remained blank. The thought of someone reading God’s request made my face hot. Who was I to think I could be an author? Finally, I made a feeble attempt, but it was too hard.

My Ninevah was Africa. I turned my thoughts and efforts to preparing to go to Niger in December 2011. After the trip, all I could think about was returning to Africa. Our translators were visiting the US. It thrilled me when they accepted my invitation to stay overnight in my home. While preparing for their visit, I discovered my laptop under the bed covered in dust. I gulped as I remembered God asking me to write a book. With trepidation, I opened the computer and read the first few pages of the story I’d started. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great. I whined to God. I don’t have the skills or the talent. I don’t know how to write a book.

Then, I received an email in my work email account promoting a Christian writers’ conference. To this day, it is still the only email I’ve received at work advertising a writers’ conference. I could hardly breathe as I read the email promoting the writers’ workshop to be held at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, TX—a long way from Kentucky. I shared everything with my husband, and he encouraged me to go even though we didn’t have the money. He reminded me we had a travel credit in our airline account because of connection problems during our first trip to Africa, and so, I packed my bags.

When I attended the conference, two instructors, New York Times best-selling author Lisa Wingate and Judy Christie, changed my life when they encouraged me to finish the story. Judy asked me to commit to writing one hour a day, and she predicted I’d finish the first draft by Thanksgiving if I’d stick with it. The conference was held in October, and I thought her expectations impossible. I didn’t meet her goal, but I finished the first draft on 12/12/12. I’ll never forget that morning. It’s a good thing I had no idea of the work ahead of me.

Judy was kind enough to give me the email address of her award-winning editor Jamie Clarke Chavez. I sent the first three chapters to Jamie, and my mouth dropped open when she agreed to work with me. Today, she is someone I consider a dear friend. Writers have asked me, How did you get Jamie Chavez to work with you. She must have taken pity on me. I cringe as I remember those first chapters. I consider Jame a gift from God.

Through the years of hard work, God has been faithful to provide me with encouragement and help along the road to publication. If there is anything good in Every Window Filled with Light, it is from Him and the people he sent to aid me. The best blessings of the writing journey are the friendships I’ve made along the way.

I hope you’ll read Every Window Filled with Light or give it to someone who needs an uplifting story of hope. If there’s a person you know who doesn’t know Christ and doesn’t want to listen to a witness, this is a book you can share. I hope the reader will be so drawn into the story they won’t realize they are being exposed to God’s salvation plan until it’s too late.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about why I wrote Every Window Filled with Light. Has God ever asked you to do something you didn’t want to do?  I’d love to hear your story.

Warm regards,

Shelia

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 10

The Avid Reader, June 10

Through the Fire blogs, June 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 11

Texas Book-aholic, June 12

Cats in the Cradle Blog, June 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 13

For Him and My Family, June 14

CarpeDiem, June 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 15

Inklings and notions, June 16

Just Writing, June 16

Older & Smarter?, June 17

Rebecca Tews, June 18

deb’s Book Review, June 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 22

Mary Hake, June 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shelia is giving away the grand prize package of a themed gift basket from Habegger’s Amish Market!!

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/10d52/every-window-filled-with-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

View all my reviews