Julie Arduini's Blog, page 28

Book Review: Deception by Rita Garcia

Deception: A Nikki Summers Mystery, Book 1 of an exciting new series set in Serenity Cove.

The heart-touching mystery that will forever change the way you look at other people’s lives.

Witnessing the murder of her fiancé in a drug bust gone wrong, Nikki Summers turns in her badge with the Serenity Cove Police Department and sets up a private investigator office in the front room of her beach cottage, which she shares with Izzy, a Belgian Malinois.

Rose Ledbetter strides into Nikki’s office, dressed in a mohair navy jacket with wide lapels trimmed in white over tailored slacks, a style past its time. Rose, one of those rare people you meet and feel you’ve known forever. Her son—missing 20 years, left a trail colder than the snow in the Swiss Alps. That was only the beginning of her story.

Unraveling the pieces of Rose’s life escalates Nikki’s own pain and loss. Her burden of guilt and grief—she’d safely tucked away inside.
By helping Rose, can she free herself from the nightmare of the past?

Julie’s Review:

Deception is a level of excellence I aspire to reach as an author. Rita develops multi-dimensional characters and Nikki, in first person POV has a strong and haunting voice that I loved. The secondary characters are just as interesting. Rose is captivating with her wealth and flawed choices. And so many questions. Everything seems to lead back to the people around Rose’s life. The closer Nikki delves into it, the more danger she finds.

Serenity Cove itself is a character, and that’s not easy to do. Rita crafts a well-rounded book that makes me happy it’s a series. I look forward knowing I have more to read.

Formatting this, the Kindle preview did not work. If it doesn’t show for you, you can find Deception HERE.

Roar Like a Lion Parent Resources+ Giveaway Winner

Last month I shared my book review for ROAR LIKE A LION. Congratulations to HOLLY for winning a copy of the book!

I recently received additional resources that parents will love. I hope you check them out!

Downloadable Parent Guide: LINKAdditional Downloadable Resource: LINK

Lesson Learned by Paula Peckham

We need to learn some lessons more than once.

This morning, heading inside my local Starbucks, I crossed paths with a homeless woman. The clues were obvious. Mis-matched clothing, worn in layers. House slippers on her shuffling feet. Crazy hair. Quiet muttering, speaking only to herself.

Coffee waited inside, and I had an appointment to meet. I didn’t pause as I passed her. She was youngish, between 30-40 years old. A frown creased her face. Her jaw clenched with a belligerent jut. 

She ignored me, arranging her collection of plastic bags on a table on the outside porch. 

Waiting in line, I watched the reactions of the people inside. The barista kept glancing outside, worry in his eyes. Was he wishing she hadn’t set up camp at his store? She was dirty and didn’t present a welcoming presence to customers arriving for their morning pick-me-up. Two women seated inside at a small, round table eyed her with avid fascination, whispering to each other as they laughed, shiny nails glittering on their fingertips, lipstick kisses on the lids of their coffees. 

I should talk to her on my way back to my car. Homeless people feel invisible, ignored by the world bustling past them. I should take the few seconds required to ask her a question, say hello. Would she be argumentative if I spoke to her?

She looked angry. Many homeless suffer from mental illness and can be combative. I glanced at my watch. I had time to stop for coffee. Did I have time to stop for her?

She walked off of the porch and around to the drive-thru. My eyes widened, and I stepped back so I could watch her progress. What was she doing now? What were the people waiting in line in their cars thinking, watching her approach? She startled me by climbing right into the landscaping. The leaves of Asian jasmine still dripped from their early morning spraying from the automatic sprinklers. The water droplets would soak her clothing. She exhibited classic crazy-person actions.

The crazy thing she did? She plucked trash from the bushes, then climbed back out and deposited it into a waste can. 

God, forgive me. 

The homeless woman cleaned the debris tossed aside by a careless person paying $5.00 for a cup of coffee.

I picked up my drink and turned to leave. I passed the two smirking women, resenting their privilege, resenting their beauty, feeling disappointment burn inside.

Disappointment at myself. Was I so different?

Disappointment at them. It’s so easy to judge, especially from our oh-so-comfortable lives.

I pushed the door open to head outside, calling a greeting to the woman as I did. I said it loudly enough for the ladies with the beautifully manicured nails to hear.

The woman outside looked up. She was someone’s daughter. Someone’s sister? Maybe someone’s mother. Our eyes met, and I smiled at her. 

The change was amazing. A wide grin creased her face, transforming her angry, belligerent look into beauty. I stopped, struck. 

“Have you had breakfast?” McDonalds was 20 yards away. 

Her smile broadened. “Oh, yes!” Her voice was sweet, childish, high-pitched. “I have bagels!” 

What a beautiful, grateful spirit. Shame flooded me.

I touched her on the arm as I passed, a fingertip on her sleeve. “Have a good day.”

“God bless you.” Her reply was fervent. 

She called down God’s blessing on me for speaking to her, for recognizing her as a fellow human being. For seeing her.

Jesus taught us to do this. He led by example, repeatedly. He spoke to the lame man waiting by the pool of Bethesda. He spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well. He spoke to the tax collector, to the leper, to the demon-possessed men in Gadarenes. 

Today I learned, again, that I want to live my life like Jesus. Help me, God, to see this world and Your people through Your eyes, not mine. Help me to always ask, “What would Jesus do?”

A fifth-generation Texan, Paula Peckham graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington and taught math at Burleson High School for 19 years. She divides her time between her home in Burleson and her casita in Rio Bravo, Mexico. Her debut novel, Protected, was an ACFW Genesis semi-finalist in 2020 and will be published March 2022 with Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. She also writes short stories and poems and is a member of ACFW and Unleashing the Next Chapter. For more about Paula and her books, visit her website. PaulaPeckham.com

Book Review: Spouse in the House by Cynthia Ruchti & Becky Melby

A frank and funny look at what to do when together is too close

Two’s company, especially for those who love each other. So what happens when–due to retirement, working from home, or even running a business together–spouses find that being in the same space all the time is awkward, complex, annoying, and just plain challenging? How can partners coexist without co-exhausting each other?

Cynthia Ruchti and Becky Melby know all too well how adjusting to a new, all-the-time closeness can cause the bliss of marriage to form blisters. Drawing from their experiences, and from men and women across the country in the same situation, the authors take a deep breath and dive into the root causes. They dig into the ways God’s Word has to say, and they offer practical tips for learning the spiritual, emotional, relational, and even physical steps that can help readers replace irritation with peace.

For any Christian who wants their home to be a refuge of peace and serenity for all–not just themselves–and who wants to know they aren’t alone in the mental and physical claustrophobia of too much togetherness, Spouse in the House is a vulnerable, charming, and pragmatic breath of hope.

JULIE’S REVIEW:
I thought Spouse in the House would address the pandemic and the forced working together that threw my husband and I together for a year and a half. The book addressed so much more than that. From retirement to home businesses to layoffs and everything in between, Spouse in the House offers personal anecdotes from the authors, even other authors that are relatable and helpful. Their stories are hilarious, but never bitter or mean-spirited. There’s Biblical wisdom, statistics and so much more.

Whether you are newlyweds getting used to each other or about to retire together, Spouse in the House is a must-read for everyone. It covers every aspect of having a spouse with you 24/7 and how you’ll not just survive, but thrive. I highly recommend.
a Rafflecopter giveawayAbout the AuthorsCynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope through novels, nonfiction, devotionals, and speaking events. She serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a frequent speaker at writers conferences across the country. Find out more at  cynthiaruchti.com.

Becky Melby is an author and speaker, with more than twenty books to her name, including four cozy mysteries for Guideposts’ Secrets of Wayfarers Inn series. Find out more at beckymelby.com.

Both make their homes in the heart of Wisconsin with their respective retired spouses, and are longtime best friends.

Fiction Finder: October 2021 New Releases

October 2021 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

 

Contemporary:

 

Perfectly Arranged by Liana George — Can Nicki risk letting go of her well-ordered life plans and embrace what God has perfectly arranged? (General Contemporary from Scrivenings Press LLC)

 

Contemporary Romance:

 

Tacos for Two by Betsy St. Amant — Rory Perez, a food truck owner who can’t cook, is struggling to keep the business she inherited from her aunt out of the red–and an upcoming contest during Modest’s annual food truck festival seems the best way to do it. Then maybe Rory will have enough time to meet the man she’s been talking to via an anonymous online dating site. Complications arise when Rory’s chef gets mono and she realizes she has to cook after all. Then Jude discovers that his stiffest competition is the same woman he’s been falling for online the past month. Will these unlikely chefs sacrifice it all for the sake of love? Or will there only ever be tacos for one? (Contemporary Romance from Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)

Riverbend Gap by Denise Hunter — She came in search of the family she’d always wanted—and found the kind of love she’d never dared to imagine. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan))

Worthy of Redemption by Krystina Renae Rankina — Ten years ago, tragedy sent her running… can friendship and maybe even love prove him worthy of redemption? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Home for Christmas by Cathe Swanson, et. al. — The 6th annual Christmas Lights Collection features active duty and veteran military members. (Contemporary Romance from Havilah Press Publications)

A Harvest Heart by Denise Weimer — Hope Richardson is good at just that—hoping. Problem is, she’s often disappointed—by fathers who die, boyfriends who ghost her, and lack of promotion at her event planning firm. It’s her twin sister, Faith, for whom things work out. When Faith’s fiancé lands an out-of-town job, Hope is called home to plan a wedding in the Georgia foothills … and jumpstart the tea room Faith was supposed to run with their mother. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

The Billionaire’s Secret by Meghann Whistler — He’s a billionaire hiding a devastating diagnosis. She’ll do whatever it takes to help her sick, matchmaking mom. A freak accident throws them together, but will his big secret tear them apart? Inspired by 2 Corinthians 12:9, The Billionaire’s Secret is a sweet inspirational romance with a swoony hero, LOTS of entertaining banter, and a strong Christian message. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

 

Historical Mystery:

 

Murder at the Empire by Cathe Swanson — They call him the Emperor. John Starek fills his theater with fine artwork and treasures. He’s particularly pleased to have one of the country’s first female organists – and he thinks Gayle Wells is the bee’s knees. Despite pressure from her social crusader mother, Gayle isn’t interested in changing the world. She just wants a car of her own – and a career playing the organ at the Empire movie palace would be especially ducky. Then the Empire’s treasures start disappearing and employees start dying. Are a few pieces of art really enough motive for the string of murders? Will Gayle be next? (Historical Mystery from Celebrate Lit Publishing)

Historical Romance:

 

To Stand in the Breach by Danielle Grandinetti — 1933, Wisconsin – Large animal veterinarian Katy Wells takes her patients’ welfare personally, so it’s no surprise when she stands up to angry farmers planning a milk strike or takes in an injured draft horse to save its life. But after a visitor from the past discovers her location and reveals a threat, she must choose between her work and her freedom, and whether to trust a man to keep her safe. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

The Petticoat Spy by Elva Cobb Martin — A feisty Southern belle and a blockade runner ignite romance, faith, and fireworks to save Charleston during the American Revolution. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)

A Family for Hazel by Linda Shenton Matchett — After the Civil War takes Hazel Markham’s father, and her mother dies of a broken heart, a friend of her parents hires Hazel as a companion. All is well until the woman’s lecherous son takes an interest in his mother’s assistant. When Hazel spurns his advances one too many times, the man frames her for theft, and she is fired. As a last resort she applies to be a mail-order bride, and to her dismay, her groom-to-be is a preacher. Will he believe her claims of innocence or reject her as unacceptable? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)

In Pieces by Rhonda Ortiz — Boston, 1793—Beautiful and artistic, the only daughter of a prominent merchant, Molly Chase cannot help but attract the notice of Federalist Boston—especially its men. But she carries a painful secret: her father committed suicide and she found his body. Now nightmares plague her day and night, addling her mind and rendering her senseless. Molly needs a home, a nurse, and time to grieve and to find new purpose in life. But when she moves in with her friends the Robbs, spiteful society gossips assume the worst. And when an imprudent decision leads to public scandal, Molly is tempted to take the easy way out: a marriage of convenience. In the wake of tragedy, these longtime friends discover a new intimacy. But slander, confusion, absence, and a wealthy, conniving bully stand between them. And with French spies on the loose, they not only have to rescue their reputations—they have to protect their lives. (Historical Romance from WhiteFire Publishing)

The Wrangler’s Woman by Davalynn Spencer — Corra Jameson doesn’t think of herself as a spinster and is content to spend quiet evenings with her books. Paper beaus, her sister calls them, teasing her about the stories Corra reads. But when a rugged widower asks her to come to his ranch for the summer to help him with his tomboy daughter, she sees opportunity to earn a side of beef for her sister’s family. Besides, she has nothing to lose in the arrangement. Except perhaps her heart. Re-released from the 2016 ECPA bestselling Barbour collection, The Cowboy’s Bride. (Historical Romance from Wilson Creek Publishing)

Christmas Tree Wars by Delores Topliff — Kris Lundquist, am ambitious New York City financial planner, comes home to Wisconsin for two weeks to help his Swedish-American Christmas tree grower dad meet a financial crisis. While there, he gets re-acquainted with Marcie Halvorsen, the idealistic forestry-major niece of their cranky Norwegian neighbor who is also home to solve a financial shortfall. Both enter contests to provide national Christmas tree to build their businesses and sales. Despite their relationship seeming as star-crossed as Romeo and Juliet’s, they fall in love and help their families and town rediscover the reason for the season. (Historical Romance from Scrivenings Press LLC)

A Heart for the Sailor by Terri Wangard — Working as a Winnie the Welder during World War II, Evelyn builds submarines. She’s good at her job, but men begrudge women taking jobs in heavy industry. She dreams of the day her sailor comes home and the life they’ll have, but does Jerry dream about her? When a typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific, Jerry and his shipmates aboard the Tabberer rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. The typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)

A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse — After being kidnapped as a child, heiress Emma Grace McMurray has seen firsthand the devastation that greed causes in the world, and she wants nothing to do with it. When she discovers her father has offered her up as a bargaining chip to expand his empire, she disappears into the night. Determined to stay hidden, even if it means always looking over her shoulder, she finds herself working as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel. When the son’s owner, Ray Watkins arrives at the hotel on business, he immediately admires Emma Grace, and though an attraction begins to form, she can’t let go of the deep-rooted fear that he’s just like every other wealthy man she’s known. When suspicious activity follows Emma Grace and Ray to the El Tovar, they are pulled into a mystery that stirs up their worst fears. And as shocking revelations come to light, they are left to question all they thought to be true. (Historical Romance from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)

 

Romantic Suspense:

 

Deadly Connection by Kathy Harris — After fending off a would-be abductor, 27-year-old singer-songwriter Hannah Cassidy hides behind a car in the half-empty parking lot behind Pancake Pantry in Nashville. From there, she watches in horror as her attacker grabs another woman and pushes her into a nearby car. Within seconds, the vehicle speeds away. TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson may have planned a quiet day off and a date with Shannon―the only name her online profile revealed―for an introductory lunch, but after pulling into a parking space on 21st Avenue South, he hears a scream. He races to the back of the building and finds a frightened young woman bent forward and gasping for breath. Thrown together by uncanny circumstances and driven by the whys and what-ifs of secrets yet to be revealed, Hannah and Jake set out to find the connection between them before it becomes deadly. (Romantic Suspense/Thriller from Iron Stream Fiction (an imprint of Iron Stream Media))

Yuletide Cold Case Cover-Up by Jessica R. Patch — The mystery of her sister’s death is about to reveal some deadly answers…When her sister’s remains are found just before Christmas, cold case agent Poppy Holliday is determined to solve the years-old murder—even if it turns the killer’s sights on her. But her investigation with her straitlaced partner, Rhett Wallace, is stirring up the town’s old memories—and bitter grudges. And this killer will do anything to keep secrets buried. (Romantic Suspense/Thriller from Love Inspired (Harlequin))

Traces of Virtue by Robin Patchen — From her deathbed, Carly Garcia’s mother asked Carly to look after left her stepfather and her sisters. Carly is doing everything in her power to keep that promise, but now she has a new life to protect, this one innocent and vulnerable. She visits her ex to tell him a truth he doesn’t deserve to know… and witnesses his murder. Now, Carly’s on the run from killers whose faces she never saw. Braden Reilly is building a career in Coventry, New Hampshire, happy to put the drama of his crime-ridden Boston neighborhood behind him. When a woman he’s spent years trying to forget shows up on his doorstep, his first instinct is to turn her away. But the bruises on her arms and the fear in her eyes have him offering her sanctuary. The story she tells him makes his blood curdle. Together, they must discover who’s behind a murder nobody believes occurred before the killers catch up to Carly and her unborn child. (Romantic Suspense/Thriller, Independently Published)

 

Literary:

 

A Flicker of Light by Katie Powner — For generations, the Jensens have raised their families in the small Montana town of Moose Creek, where gossip spreads faster than the wind. Yet some secrets need to be told. When twenty-one-year-old Bea discovers she’s pregnant on the heels of her husband losing his job, she’s forced to admit she needs help and asks her dad for a place to stay. But past resentments keep her from telling him all that’s going on. Grandma June is good at spinning stories, but there’s one she’s never told. Now that her mind is starting to fade, her time to tell it is running out. But if she reveals the truth before her memories are gone forever, the Jensen family will never be the same. (Literary from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)

 

Mystery:

 

Memories, Murder and Small Town Money by KC Hart — When Katy Cross finds one of Skeeterville’s supposedly upstanding citizens dead in the dumpster behind the grocery store, she has to work hard to find the killer before any more of the town’s colorful citizens are harmed. (Cozy Mystery, Independently Published)

 

Speculative Fiction:

 

All That’s Fair by Amanda G. Stevens — Unable for the last century to grow old or succumb to injury, Cady Schuster has lost a lot of people, some more recently than others. She’s trying to find new belonging in Harbor Vale, Michigan, among a welcoming little group of fellow ageless folk. Then she meets Paige, a mortal woman who needs a friend-and might need help. Paige’s husband rules their church with an authority unquestioned by his congregation. When Paige suddenly severs all communication, Cady determines to find her. Churchgoers warn her off, and the behavior of Paige’s husband proves a still bigger warning. Is this friend lost too, or can Cady help her? And how far should an ageless woman involve herself in the conflicts of mortals? (Speculative Fiction, Independently Published)

 

Thriller/Suspense:

 

Ice Cold Blue by Susan Page Davis — Campbell McBride is now working for her father Bill as a private investigator in Murray, Kentucky. Xina Harrison wants them to find out what is going on with her aunt, Katherine Taylor. Katherine is a rich, reclusive author, and she has resisted letting Xina visit her for several years. Xina arrived unannounced, and Katherine was upset and didn’t want to let her in. When Xina did gain entry, she learned Katherine fired her longtime housekeeper. She noticed that a few family heirlooms previously on display have disappeared. (Thriller/Suspense from Scrivenings Press LLC)

 

Western:

 

Love on the Range by Mary Connealy — While his brothers and their new wives search for who shot him, Wyatt Hunt is temporarily bedridden and completely miserable. Somehow Molly Garner’s limited skills have made her the most qualified in their circle to care for Wyatt. But by the time he’s healed, she’s fed up with him and the whole ungrateful family. For even worse than his grumpiness were the few unguarded moments when he pulled at her heartstrings, and she has been long determined to never repeat her mother’s mistakes. But when another Pinkerton agent gets shot, they realize Hawkins isn’t the only danger. The Hunt brothers will have to band together to face all the troubles of life and love that suddenly surround them. (Western from Bethany House (Baker) Publishing)

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

 

  Ocracoke By Christmas by Cindy M. Amos, The lighthouse shelters a few choice secrets
but never falters in shining a light on true love. (Historical Romance)

 

 

  The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham, He was never supposed to become an earl. She was never supposed to marry him. (Historical Romance)

 

 

  Jingle Bell Square by Joi Copeland, He wants healing after losing his father.
She wants to find a love that will last. (Contemporary Romance)

 

 

  Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams by Kathy Fulkerson, et. al., A collection of Christmas beach romance novellas by five multi-published authors. (Contemporary Romance)

 

 

  Sweet Cranberries by Sherry Kyle, When a handsome electrician and other residents of the island step up to help with the festival, she must discern whether they really have her best interests at heart. (Contemporary Romance)

 

 

  When Love Trusts by Judythe Morgan, A second chance at first love. (Romance)

 

 

  A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano, Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own tragic end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the past? (Historical Romance)

 

 

  Lucinda’s Defender by Blossom Turner, Life hasn’t turned out at all like Lucinda expected, but neither is the depth of love one man has for her. (Historical Romance)

 

Come Visit Me

This week is the first one possibly in a year or more where there is hardly anything on the calendar dictating where I have to go or what I have to do. There has been so much travel and appointments that I have longed to be home.

Now that things have quieted down, I’m trying to get back on a writing and blogging schedule. Also, clean the house. But I’d rather talk about blogging.

I’ve been part of the team blog Christians Read since its inception. I think it has been a decade or more. It was before I was published when owner Vicki Hinze believed in me and gave me a rotation. Although I’m most likely the slowest author when it comes to publishing books on the team, I’m still there. And I love it.

I blog every Wednesday, and today I’m up.

It would mean a lot if you not only read my post, but subscribe. Your favorite Christian authors are there—Vicki, Nancy J. Farrier, James Coggins, Tara Randel, Bridget A. Thomas, Hannah Alexander, Mary Alford, Kristin Billerbeck, Kathy Carmichael and Nora St. Laurent. I look forward to their posts, and I think you will as well.

Good and Present

This was what I posted on Facebook:

“It was a year ago that we nearly lost mom. It all happened so fast. We had to force her to go to the ER, and even then she told registration she was there because she was a little dehydrated. The truth was she was hours away from passing. They had no idea what was going on, but obviously Covid was the top concern. I knew that wasn’t it, but I understood the protocols.

They made me isolate with her. Things became critical and her amazing doctor had to intubate and vent her as they scrambled to find a specialized hospital that could treat her. Many of the procedures were similar to what doctors performed on Hannah when we nearly lost her as a baby, except then they denied letting me stay because they knew how traumatic it would be. This time, I was feet away from mom as the team worked on her.

Before they performed those life-saving measures, Dr. Hobson told us to say goodbye, confessing he could make no promises. Clear as day I remember her looking me in the eye. “No matter what, it will be good for me. I make it, that’s good. I don’t, it’s good. I know where I’m going, and it is good.” She emphasized that needed to be my focus.

Months later, we faced that day. And although the shock of it all has nearly done us in, her words have been a comfort. We know where she is. Her faith was strong. It was not religion to her. She had a relationship. And now she walks heavenly gardens with Him, most likely dad pointing out things he’s also found and waited to show her. That is good. Hard. But good.”

In those months where I stayed with mom to caregive, and then returned for her funeral, and then the business associated with her death, I walked through it in a haze. We planned a vacation for healing, and that was canceled thanks to Covid. We planned an alternate vacation where I mentally broke.

How bad was it?

I could not walk. I froze so bad emotionally I could not move. Everything tensed up. I needed my husband to take my arm. What normally would take seconds to cover took painful, slow minutes. It was awful.

There was another trip not long after that and thankfully that went better. Upon return, I got bronchitis. My lungs tightened up and the smallest activity felt like I’d climbed a mountain. It was lonely and sad, it was the same time frame as the Afghanistan tragedy. I felt hopeless and lost.

Thankfully I’m on the other side of these issues. I feel great. I’m walking nearly at my normal pace. My breathing is good. I attended a family event out of the area and had no problems walking. No emotional triggers. I’m back on my devotional and prayer schedule, something that has been hit and miss to the degree I’m used to participating.

Through it all, at the very lowest, there was one thing I can say.

I felt God’s presence.

I was lonely, but never alone. I know that with all my heart.

Julie Arduini

I don’t know what 2020 was like for you, or this year. If you are feeling like the bottom has fallen out, I encourage you to ask God to show Himself. For me, He shows up in so many ways. A sermon. A song. A verse in the Bible that I’ve read many times but it reads new. Something someone shares. He longs to give you the desire of your heart. To shower you with His unconditional love.

The hardest year has taught me much.

My mom has it good.

And God has been present.

For me, these things are a gift.

Book Review: Roar Like a Lion by Levi Lusko +#GIVEAWAY

Kids are wrestling with tough issues these days—peer pressure, purpose, unexpected change or loss, and wondering where their faith fits in with it all. Roar Like a Lion encourages your kids to “run toward the roar” as they face their fears, knowing that God is with them every step of the way. 

Pastor and bestselling author Levi Lusko is known for making tough topics accessible while drawing his readers toward a richer spiritual life. In his first children’s devotional for ages 6 to 10, Levi tackles real issues our kids face with a lighthearted and approachable tone. Kids are equipped to approach both fun moments and tough times with their hearts set on God’s faithfulness with the help of fascinating stories and facts, eye-catching art, Bible verses, prayers, and simple action steps. 

This 90-day devotional covers highly relevant topics such as: 

facing fears about school and friendships having courage to try something new handling new challenges, past disappointments, and grief dealing with peer pressure and bullying understanding how we each fit into God’s great story 

As a parent and pastor, Levi is able to address real-life situations with compassion, grace, and biblical authenticity. Roar Like a Lion is a great way to spark discussion with your kids on meaningful topics and get them in the habit of reading a biblically-based devotional. 

Offering practical approaches to faith in everyday life, Roar Like a Lion will inspire your kids to nurture their personal faith in a God strong enough to protect and guide them as they run toward the roar during the challenges in their lives. 

JULIE’S REVIEW:

This book is perfectly timed for kids. As I look at the world around them, the need to be courageous and bold is a must. Roar Like a Lion gives all the info on how kids can strengthen their faith—and their roar. The devotions are not long, but packed with color, information, Biblical wisdom, and even a visual hunt for anchors. There are also animal facts, general trivia and history. Like I said, short readings, packed with so many resources kids can use. I was impressed as an adult. I really hope kids are given the opportunity to read Roar Like a Lion. They will not be disappointed.

Order Roar Like A Lion today!

 Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

Giveaway: Leave a comment and I will choose one winner via online generator to receive one copy of Roar Like a Lion. This giveaway is limited to US winners only.

Book Review: Chasing Her Dream by Jennifer Slattery

She needs his help…

But can she trust him again?

After she inherits her uncle’s mismanaged ranch, single mom Rheanna Stone’s not sure she can also handle saving abused horses from a nearby property. So when rancher Dave Brewster offers to stay in town to help, she can’t say no—even if he left her once before. As they grow closer, old secrets are uncovered…but can they heal past heartbreak to give themselves a new beginning?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Julie’s Review:

Chasing Her Dream is a perfect reading escape. I always enjoy an inherited property and a hero and a heroine with a past. What I really enjoyed was the added element of a single parent and abused horses in need of rescue.

This is a sweet story full of hope and romance. I really enjoyed this, and I think you will, too.

Jennifer Slattery is a writer and speaker who’s addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the author of six contemporary novels maintains a devotional blog found at http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com. She has a passion for helping women discover, embrace, and live out who they are in Christ. As the founder of Wholly Loved Ministries, (http://whollyloved.com) she and her team partner with churches to facilitate events designed to help women rest in their true worth and live with maximum impact. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves going on mall dates with her adult daughter and coffee dates with her hilariously fun husband.

I received a copy of Chasing Her Dream in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.

The King’s Daughters by B.J. Bassett

I Said Yes to God’s Call

I enjoy reading about the story behind the story. And I hope you do too because I’d like to share mine with you.

My book, The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional, began unexpectedly. I was in between fiction projects when I felt a call from the Lord to write a devotional book.

I’d written devotionals for many years for several Christian publishers, and per the contracts, I’d sold my rights to them. Could I come up with 366 new devotional ideas for a book?

Obediently I set my fiction writing aside, answered God’s call, and began to write. The working title for the project was Your Crown Awaits, and it took two years to write. When completed, I began to submit the manuscript to literary agents and soon learned devotionals are hard to sell, especially if you aren’t a recognized name in the Christian realm.

After receiving rejection after rejection, I stowed the manuscript in a box and said, “Lord, if you called me to write this book for your eyes only, that’s okay with me.”

Months later, I received a love-offering check from one of my cousins. At first, I planned to rip it up or send it back. Then, I thought, is this God working through my cousin? Does he want me to use the check to self-publish my book?

Technology is not my forte, but I plowed ahead and did my best to format my manuscript. I wasn’t happy with the cover because the pictures I took of a crown on a purple background didn’t upload correctly. I also changed the title to The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional at the last second.

Today, The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional is blessing others and helping them grow spiritually. It is also posted on Facebook daily, reaching a broader readership.

That’s the story behind how The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional came to be written and published. I said yes to God’s call.

The King’s Daughters—A Women’s Devotional is available on Amazon.com. Signed copies can be purchased at bassett106@charter.net. They are $10, plus shipping and handling. Enter The King’s Daughters in the subject line.

B. J. Bassett

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher, and speaker.

Her books include Lily, Gillian’s Heart; Sweet Charity; and co-author of a children’s devotional, My Time with God, which sold 55,000 copies while in print.  

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life but also as a writer. She also offers book talks.

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam, and sipping earl grey tea. A native Californian, she now lives in Roseburg, Oregon.