Dark Design (The Erin Delaney Mysteries #2) by Nancy Mehl

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Erin Delaney learns that a serial killer has mimicked the murder portrayed in her bestselling novel, her career as an author takes a detrimental turn. She joins her friend Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI profiler, to help identify a suspect, but the team is stumped, and Kaely fears for Erin's safety as they work to dismantle a web of fear and chaos.

On top of tracking down a murderer, Erin must shoulder the weight of a haunted past and the claims that she stole the plot of her novel from one of her sources. But as the enemy looms closer than ever, Erin's life hangs in the balance.

Bestselling author Nancy Mehl threads a plot of danger and threats with heart-drumming suspense in book two of The Erin Delaney Mysteries.

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

Nancy Mehl once again pulls readers into a tale of good versus evil, and it's hard to determine the cause of that evil! A killer who uses murder scenes from popular murder mysteries has used one of Erin Delaney's books for his latest crimes, and Erin is also accused of stealing a book plot from another author. How much more must she endure as she and Kaely Quinn-Hunter feverishly work to stop this madman?

Mehl created a powerful duo when she paired FBI profiler Kaely with ex-policewoman/author Erin in the first Erin Delaney Mysteries, and Dark Design continues to explore their special partnership. They're both haunted by troubled pasts, but Kaely's faith has sustained her. Will her strong Christian witness convince Erin that she needs the peace and comfort found in knowing God personally?

I loved the characters, the intricate clues, and the powerful faith message woven into the plot. Friendship and romance sweetened the story, but danger, fear, and compelling suspense kept me turning the pages! This isn't my first Nancy Mehl book, and it certainly won't be my last. The riveting conclusion of Dark Design left me yearning for the next book in this series!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband, Norman, and her very active puggle, Watson. First published in 2001, she has now authored nine books, including an omnibus mystery collection, Cozy in Kansas, which contains three of her previously published Ivy Towers mysteries. Book three in the series, For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls, won the American Christian Fiction Writers Mystery Book of the Year award. Nancy's main writing interests lie in mystery although her new Harmony Series leans more toward the romantic suspense genre. Nancy runs a HUD program for the city of Wichita and is president of a volunteer organization, Wichita Homebound Outreach. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Kansas Authors Club.

Learn more about Nancy at her      Website     Facebook     Twitter    Instagram  

ERIN DELANEY MYSTERIES

Shattered Sanctuary

Dark Design

Fatal Finale

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The Glorious Image of God: How Jesus Reveals Who God Made You to Be by Rousseaux Brasseur

ABOUT THE BOOK

Being made in God’s image can be a hard concept for children to fully grasp, but The Glorious Image of God explains how, through the story of Jesus, we can learn to see God’s reflection within ourselves and foster a deeper sense of spiritual identity and self-worth. From ministry leader and children’s book author Rousseaux Brasseur, this masterfully woven, rhyming text dives into stories from the Bible unpacking what it means to be an image bearer of God, helping us to better understand how we can share God’s love and goodness with others in our lives.

Every human being is a wonderful work of art, made in God’s image and capable of reflecting God’s goodness and light to others. The Glorious Image of God is a fun exploration of the story of how God wove his likeness into us humans, where our purpose comes from, and how Jesus reflects who God made you to be. This picture book for kids 4 and up is designed to help grow children’s foundation of faith, guiding them to understand how they reflect the image of God and how God delights when his children fill the world with his love.

The Glorious Image of God:

• Is an ideal addition to any child’s bookshelf or children’s ministry library, unpacking biblical truths in a theologically sound manner to bring increased understanding for children 4 and up
• Full of colorful, bright illustrations that engage children and help them imagine Bible stories as well as modern day scenes where they can reflect God’s image.
• Perfect for reading together at bedtime, in Sunday school, in Christian classrooms, or any favorite read-aloud times.
• A great gift for Christmas, Easter, and any gift-giving occasion or holiday.

Help your little ones understand the profound concept of being made in God’s image. Through Jesus, they will learn to see God’s reflection within themselves, fostering a deeper sense of spiritual identity, self-worth, and connection to Jesus.

 Purchase link: https://bit.ly/GloriousImageofGod

MY THOUGHTS.....

Did you know you're a wonderful work of art, made in God's image?

I often told my daughter that she was special because she was created in the image of God, and now I find myself giving my soon-to-be 12-year-old granddaughter that same assurance. If only I'd had this book sooner!

The Glorious Image of God is a charming book for all of the littles in your life! It has captivating illustrations. poetic text to stir their imaginations, and a message taken straight from God's Word. Author Rousseaux Brasseur shares the Creation story, the fall of mankind, and the need for God's Son to be sacrificed, but more importantly, he reminds us that Christ's resurrection allowed God's image to shine through all of us.

I especially love the final words in The Glorious Image of God.

"Remember that God made everyone to share His love and light-.

So go reflect God's glorious image and let your light shine bright!"

This book is a perfect book for family bedtime reading. but it's also a wonderful resource for Sunday school or youth groups! Needing a special gift for the children in your life? This is a wonderful choice!

I received a review copy from the publisher via FrontGate Media. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#imageofGod #Godscreation #kidzmatter #childrenspastor #kidmin #kidspastor #ministry #church #childrenschurch #sundayschool #christian #christianmom #ad @@zonderkidz @Rousseauxbrasseur @questercommunity

The Glorious Image of God helps children to understand their life purpose and their strong connection to God!

 

These are such fun illustrations. Kids being kids!

"But there within its branches a most crafty creature lurked."

 I wonder how long it will take your littles to find the serpent in the tree?

God's Plan would not allow his glorious image to be "spoiled or lost forever". 

I'm always excited when Mary and baby Jesus are highlighted!

Jesus's death and resurrection..."the world began anew".

God's glorious image had been restored!

Young, old, small or big...we are all made in God's own image.

This is what gives us worth!

 Purchase link: https://bit.ly/GloriousImageofGo

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The Wonders of the First Christmas: Explore the Birth of Jesus through History, Archaeology, and Art by Andy McGuire

ABOUT THE BOOK

Experience the Christmas story and witness the goodness of God. Through historical details and Biblical truths, The Wonders of the First Christmas is an inspirational and educational picture book that tells the story of Jesus’s birth from a new perspective, helping families deepen their understanding of God and his word.

The Christmas story is so familiar that we often take the details for granted. But did Mary and Joseph really ride on a donkey to Bethlehem? What was a manger and why did they use one for Jesus’s bed? And where were the wise men actually from? By approaching the story with historical insight and a child’s sense of wonder, Andy McGuire crafts a tale that feels fresh and insightful, using well-researched material and beautiful original artwork.

The Wonders of the First Christmas:

Combines the gospel text of the nativity story with historical, biological, and geographic facts about ancient Israel and the life and times of Jesus.Gives children a solid foundation for their faith with beautiful art and additional content.Is the perfect Advent or Christmas book to share with children ages 4 and upIncludes an easy-to-read main story as well as callouts with easy-to-understand facts 

Emphasizes God’s love for his children and his plan for our salvation.

After reading this book, we are reminded that God placed a new star in the nighttime sky to tell that a powerful King had been born in Israel. Wise men followed that star to find him.

The Wonders of the First Christmas

• Beautifully written and illustrated by bestselling author Andy McGuire

• Incorporates fascinating facts about the history and geography of the birth of Jesus

• Retells the nativity story from both a Scriptural as well as historical perspective

• Is the perfect Advent or Christmas book for 4-8 year-olds

Purchase link: http://bit.ly/47YCJrO

MY THOUGHTS.....

This is a must-have book for anyone with children in their life! Beautiful illustrations, a story that faithfully shares the birth of Christ that's told in scripture, and fascinating information about the culture of that time are packed into this gorgeous hardback book! Author Andy McGuire uses text that's easy for children to understand, but the facts revealed are equally captivating to me!

If you long for your children and grandchildren to know the 'reason for the season', grab this book! If you want them to learn more about Creation, the world as it was during biblical times, and the history surrounding this special birth, make this one of their Christmas gifts! Children ages 4-8 are the target group for this Nativity story, but it's perfect for all ages. I will proudly share The Wonders of the First Christmas with my granddaughter and the children in my church because I want to help them uncover the amazing, real story of Christmas!

I received a review copy through FrontGate Media. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#Christmas #Nativity #FirstChristmas #ChildrensBook #Bethlehem #ChristmasBook #christmastime #christmaspresents #ad 

SOME HIGHLIGHTS!

Bethlehem: where the Nativity story began! I was surprised that describing him as a carpenter didn't necessarily mean that Joseph worked with wood. The word carpenter means "the builder",  and most buildings in Bethlehem were made of stone. Joseph and Jesus were both called carpenters but they probably worked with stone!

Did you know that a manger was a large stone with the center hollowed out so that food for the animals could be placed inside?  God's Son was likely placed in that hole!

I love this picture of Mary and baby Jesus! Luke 2:12 tells us that Jesus "was wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger".  Mothers still swaddle their babies today!

God placed a new star in the nighttime sky to tell that a powerful King had been born in Israel. Wise men followed that star to find the baby but it was probably two years before they found a toddler named Jesus!

Finally...Mary, Joseph, & Jesus made it back home to Bethlehem

I love that a map is included! 

This would be a wonderful Christmas gift! 

Purchase link: http://bit.ly/47YCJrO

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The Amish Ballerina by Richelle Brunstetter & Wanda E. Brunstetter

ABOUT THE BOOK

An Amish Woman Hides a Secret Passion
 
Eighteen-year-old Arie Kauffman loves to twirl and leap around the barn in her Amish bonnet and dress, practicing ballet moves her English friend taught her. Her parents would be upset to learn that this longtime interest has progressed to her secretly attending ballet classes. Arie even hides her dance skills from her boyfriend, Edwin Chupp, who often invites her to try new things, knowing she has an artistic heart. Her secrecy, however, is causing damage she may not be able to repair. When offered new opportunities to dance, will Arie break from Amish tradition or hold true to the bonds of her faith and family?
 

MY THOUGHTS.....

This new book isn't your usual Wanda E. Brunstetter book! It is Amish fiction, but the families aren't the typical Amish families we've come to expect. Arie Kaufmann is keeping a secret from her parents, and her mother isn't always the kind, supportive person we associate with Amish mothers. What it does have are the heartwarming emotions and strong faith elements that we value in Brunstetter's books. Hard choices and difficult decisions are present, along with the need to pray, trust, and forgive!

Arie's dream to become the best dancer she could be, and her certainty that her family wouldn't understand, were very touching, as was the support from her boyfriend Edwin Clapp. I was also intrigued by the young Amish drill team that used its performances to earn money to help needy Amish neighbors.

The Amish Ballerina is a thought-provoking story co-authored by Wanda E. Brunstetter and her granddaughter, Richelle Brunstetter. I look forward to more of their collaborative efforts in the future.

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

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Richelle Brunstetter lives in the Pacific Northwest and developed a desire to write when she took creative writing in high school. After enrolling in college classes, her overall experience enticed her to become a writer, and she wants to implement what she’s learned into her stories. Just starting her writing career, her first published story appears in The Beloved Christmas Quilt beside her grandmother, Wanda E. Brunstetter, and her mother, Jean. Richelle enjoys traveling to different places, her favorite being Kauai, Hawaii.

Check out Richelle's Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/richellelbrunstetter

New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and receive numerous awards.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and family ties. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her  Website  Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest

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Trail of Mountain Secrets (National Park Protectors, 2) by Darlene L. Turner

ABOUT THE BOOK

A case of mistaken identity.
A K-9 to the rescue.

Park archaeologist Violet Hoyt’s wilderness search for a missing family’s remains takes a deadly turn when a gunman mistakes her for someone else. The discovery of a grave of skulls reopens a cold case, and someone is determined to keep the truth hidden. With the help of K-9 handler Maverick Shaw and his human-remains-detector dog, Wolf, Violet must find the final family member—and evade the masked man who has targeted her. Soon Violet learns a shocking She has a presumed dead twin sister who may still be alive, and now they’re both in danger. Can Violet and Maverick expose a conspiracy before this Christmas becomes their last?

AMAZON 

MY THOUGHTS.....

What a story! It didn't take long to realize that a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase was beginning, but it took much longer to understand why! Violet Hoyt's search for the remains of a family in the snowy Canadian wilderness spiraled into a race for truth that was marked by twists, turns, and multiple secrets. Maverick Shaw soon became her protector, along with his specially trained dog Wolf, but what would shield Violet's heart when the secrets were revealed?

Darlene L. Turner has never been better as she takes readers along the Trail of Mountain Secrets! She fuels the adventure with constant danger, continuous suspense, and ominous villains, and the sweet and slow-burning romance makes it even more volatile. I recommend it to fans of romantic suspense, but be prepared for a reading marathon. I found it hard to put down!

I received a digital ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darlene L. Turner’s love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. 

Darlene won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense twice and an ACFW Genesis award. She’s represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. Her debut book, Border Breach, released in April, 2020 with Love Inspired Suspense.

Darlene met her husband Jeff at the turtle races in Ontario, Canada. She loves flavored coffee and plaid shirts. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders. 

Darlene’s social media:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/2Woy8dK

Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Qso27O

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2UhbelT

BookBub: https://bit.ly/2QrdkhP

Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2x2Batz

Instagram: darlenel.turner

  

National Park Protectors

Book 1: Danger in the Wilderness

Book 2: Trail of Mountain Secrets

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Shattered Amish Identity by Mary Alford

ABOUT THE BOOK

The key to her survival
lies hidden within her memories.

When Amish school teacher Hannah York is attacked, she defends herself with skills she never knew she had. CIA agent Titus Miller arrives, claiming that she’s actually fellow agent Lara Redmond—and that she’s in danger from a powerful enemy. Despite suffering from amnesia, Hannah is certain she’s only ever lived a quiet Amish life. But why does Titus seem so familiar, and could it be true that he loved her once? When Hannah’s family is abducted, she and Titus must work together to find them. Can Hannah trust him to help unlock the truth of her past…and keep her safe?

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

This new book by Mary Alford takes her romantic suspense novels to a new level. Yes, there's excitement and intrigue, but the questions surrounding an Amish schoolteacher in Kentucky extend well beyond the normal Amish mystery! Is she really Hannah York, or has she lived a life unknown to the people in Rachel's Crossing? Does she have a past completely foreign to her Amish identity?

Shattered Amish Identity is a fast-paced and cleverly plotted story that begins with Hannah's uncertainty and immediately spirals into a relentless race for survival. As her lost memories begin to resurface, she also experiences a rush of emotions for the man helping her. Was Titus Miller a part of her past, and did they once share a personal connection? I loved the chemistry, the what-ifs, and the intricate clues that are often misleading. I was also unsure of the good guys until the end. Grab this book because it's one of Alford's best stories yet!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Alford is a USA Today bestselling author who loves giving her readers the unexpected, combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in stories the reader can't put down. Her titles have been finalists for several awards, including the Daphne Du Maurier, the Beverly, the Maggie, and the Selah. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two cats and one dog. 

Learn more by visiting her Website    

Facebook    Twitter     Instagram     Pinterest

RACHEL'S CROSSING, KENTUCKY 

Framed in Amish Country

Shattered Amish Identity

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Saving Daniel's Daughter (Daniel's Daughters, Book 2) by Mindy Steele

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a storm threatens Miller’s Creek, an unexpected hero will emerge.

As the harvest wedding season approaches in the small Amish community of Miller’s Creek, Kentucky, love is everywhere and if Rosemary Raber isn’t careful, she might just catch the bug. After a childhood trauma, Rosemary vowed to never let anyone close outside of her own family. Keeping her head down, focusing on her honey and cheese business always worked before. At least it had before one meandering mutt sneakily plotted against her.

MY THOUGHTS.....

Rosemary Raber never fully recovered from witnessing her biological father's murder, so can you blame her for wanting to protect herself from any more trauma? She will remain in Miller's Creek, devote herself to her family, and that will be enough! But what about the childhood friend who's always loved her? Will Paul's devotion be strong enough to soften her heart?

Saving Daniel's Daughter is Rosemary's story, and Steele perfectly depicts the emotions of both Rosemary and Paul. She was desperate to keep her heart safe, he was determined to ease her fears and win her love, and their time together during a terrifying storm was especially poignant. Throw in multifaceted characters, an adorable rescue dog, and a beautiful Kentucky setting, and the result is pure reading pleasure! Not to mention the chance to spend more time with Daniel Raber, one of my favorite book heroes ever! Now I wait to see what's in store for Daniel's third daughter, Martha Jane (MJ).

Mindy Steele's bio states that she always wanted to write, and this book proves that she CAN! Saving Daniel's Daughter is a heartwarming story of love, resiliency, and deep faith. I recommend it to all who enjoy Amish fiction.

I received a digital ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele writes Amish Romance peppered in humor, using her rural surroundings as her muse. She is a best-selling author and the winner of the 2022 FHLCW Reader's Choice award for sweet romance. Steele creates realistic characters for her readers and believes in engaging all the senses to make you laugh, cry, hold your breath, and root for the happy-ever-after ending. Readers can find themselves, somewhere within the pages of her Amish fiction or romantic suspense novels.

Learn more by visiting Mindy's Website. 

You can also follow her on Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

His Amish Wife's Hidden Past 

Daniel's Daughters Series

Courting Daniel's Daughter

Saving Daniel's Daughter

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The One Year Bible for Women by Tyndale (New Living Translation)

ABOUT THE BIBLE

Read through the Bible in one year in as little as 15 minutes a day.

The One Year Bible for Women combines the bestselling daily Bible reading format with two-minute daily devotionals written just for women to create a one-of-a-kind devotional Bible that women of all ages will love.

This Bible in the bestselling One Year collection is designed specifically for women. This beautifully designed women’s devotional Bible features the clear and trusted New Living Translation. Women can follow along each day through the designated readings and finish the entire Bible in one year in as little as 15 minutes a day.

Key features of this women’s Bible include:

• Daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs
• 100-word daily devotional thoughts written by Misty Arterburn
• The accurate and understandable New Living Translation (NLT)
• Makes a great gift for couples or individuals!

This Bible is CURRENTLY on Sale! 

https://amzn.to/3Wa1EBO

MY THOUGHTS.....

I've seen many plans for reading The Holy Bible in one year, but this special Bible takes it a step further. Each day offers an Old Testament reading, a New Testament selection, and readings from Psalms and Proverbs. They are all together, listed under the same date, so they're right at your fingertips. The New Living Translation is easy to understand, there are commentaries and devotions to enhance your understanding, and each day's selection can be completed in 15-20 minutes. For easy reference, The One Year Bible for Women begins on January 1, but I didn't receive my copy until late October. My one-year reading journey began then..what a blessing!

This is the suggested reading for my birthday.

The Old Testament reading is Ezekiel 10:1 -11:25. 

Hebrews 6:1-20 is the New Testament selection, along with Psalm 105: 16-36. 

November 4 concludes with Proverbs 27:12 but there are devotional thoughts and a commentary to inspire me even more!

"As we live in a world full of corruption, rather exiled from our citizenship in heaven, God's presence goes with us. With what challenge today will we practice trusting in God's presence?"

Are you thinking of starting your own one-year reading plan? This is the Bible for you! It's perfect for new believers or seasoned Christians, for personal Bible study, or even for use in a small group setting. An added attraction is that The One Year Bible for Women can be paired with The One Year Bible for Men, making these Bibles a great resource for couples’ devotional experiences. This Bible is also a wonderful gift suggestion!

I received a review copy of this Bible through FrontGate Media. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#oneyearbible #ad @tyndalehouse

 

GREAT GIFT IDEAS! 

The One Year Bible for Women 

The  One Year Bible for Men

 

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