Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: Diving Into the Beloved by Lark Compton

 

DIVING INTO THE BELOVED

Lark Compton

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

Diving Into the Beloved is a mesmerizing collection of poetry that plunges into the realms of love, spirituality, and the soul's longing. Each poem is a profound reflection of the sacred dance between the lover and the Beloved, capturing the essence of divine connection and human vulnerability. Compton's words invite readers to explore the depths of their own hearts, making this book not just a literary work but a spiritual experience—an invitation to embrace the love that resides within and around us. With a youthful, modern interpretation of the path to enlightenment, this collection reminds us of the ecstatic poets like Rumi and Hafiz, yet Compton's voice remains distinctly his own, weaving together concrete details and bold imagery that will leave a lasting impression.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

EXCERPT:

Beloved, take me back 

to that feeling space

in dream time

where I can easily navigate

my yellow submarine

with its pink propeller of love

while laughing at the absurdity

of being a character

in your psychedelic cartoon

Laughing and crying tears of tangerines

floating endlessly

in my submarine of love,

silly, as it swims endlessly in you

I give up, I have no clue

why I continue to exist on your playground

For the moment I will keep crying and laughing

tears of tangerines

until there are enough

for a giant glass of your morning juice

Then, I hope that when you drink it

you will laugh at this cartoon,

put it down

and I can go back to composing poetry

to the tune of

“We all live in Beloved's submarine

Laughing and crying tangerines of pure love

floating through galaxies and universes

sharing our love fruit with all

in Beloved's wild cartoon of Love”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Lark enjoys being a hermit and staying out of the limelight.

 

He has been known to accidentally bodysurf with turtles at play.

 

He leaves them alone and they leave him alone.

 

Everyone's happy.

 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/53108042.Lark_Compton

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GIVEAWAY:

Lark Compton will be awarding print copies of the book to ten randomly drawn winners.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Shadowed Secret (Mirror Estate Series Book 5) by S F Baumgartner

About the Book

Book: Shadowed Secret (Mirror Estate Series Book 5)

Author: S.F. Baumgartner

Genre: Christian Suspense Thriller

Release date: May 13, 2025

In a world of secrets and shadows, a priest, two accountants, and an elite task force must protect what’s hidden or risk it all.

Fr. Phil, a former Navy SEAL turned priest, finds his quiet life at Mirror Estate shattered when a priest from the Vatican pays him a visit. Asked to retrieve a secret book before it’s auctioned on the dark web, Fr. Phil must face lethal adversaries and race against time, knowing his life is on the line.

Tommy Rivers’s date with Mia Granger turns deadly when they’re attacked upon discovering a colleague murdered at the office. Assuming they have the book, ruthless operatives have Tommy and Mia in their sights.

With the exposure of the secret book threatening the lives of countless operatives, Fr. Phil, Tommy, Mia, and an elite FBI task force must prevent a catastrophic intelligence leak before time runs out.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

S.F. Baumgartner crafts fast-paced Christian suspense thrillers, weaving tales of complex characters, secretive operatives, and relentless agents. Her gripping storytelling has earned acclaim, with Living Secrets—Book 1 of her Mirror Estate series—named a Top Pick in the thriller category at Killer Nashville, 2024. When she’s not plotting her next twist, she’s binge-watching crime TV shows, like NCIS or playing with her cats. Fans of James Patterson’s style, especially those who appreciate short, punchy chapters, will find much to love in her work.

 

 

More from S.F.

Unraveling Secrets: The Journey of Writing This Book

Some books come together effortlessly. Others take their time, demanding patience, persistence, and more rewrites than I care to admit. This latest installment falls firmly into the latter category. The story simply didn’t gel the first couple of times I attempted to write it. I knew where it needed to go, but the journey to get there felt off. Characters resisted the paths I initially set for them, subplots unraveled at the seams, and the pacing never quite clicked the way I wanted it to.

It took several drafts and a fair amount of frustration before things finally started falling into place. Looking back, I realize that part of the struggle was that this book needed to do more than just continue the story—it had to weave together past threads while setting the stage for what’s to come. That’s a delicate balance, and it wasn’t something I could rush.

Why I Wrote This Book

The simplest answer? It’s the next chapter in the story. After everything that has happened in previous installments, there were lingering questions that needed answers, loose ends that needed to be tied up—or, in some cases, unraveled even further.

This story is about Fr. Phil. He’s no longer just the priest of Mirror Estate’s chapel; he’s once again being pulled into the shadows of his past. Old alliances resurface, and new threats emerge. At the same time, Olivia and Simon’s upcoming wedding adds a deeply personal layer to the story. In many ways, this book is about past decisions catching up with the present—whether in matters of faith, espionage, or personal relationships.

And then there’s the Ghost. Marge Beaumont remains as enigmatic as ever, and while she’s playing by the rules—for now—it’s clear she’s still ten steps ahead of everyone. The question isn’t just whether she can be trusted, but whether anyone can truly outmaneuver her.

The Challenge of Getting It Right

What made this book particularly challenging was the complexity of the narrative threads. There’s a missing book that may or may not contain dangerous secrets. There’s an auction on the dark web that threatens national security. There’s a decades-old mystery involving hidden treasure. And, of course, there’s the ever-present undercurrent of trust and betrayal—who’s telling the truth, who’s working an angle, and who’s about to make their next move?

Balancing these elements while keeping the pacing tight and the stakes high took longer than expected. Some subplots had to be reworked entirely, others had to be trimmed down, and a few surprises emerged that even I didn’t see coming in the early drafts.

What’s Next?

Now that this book is finally complete, I can say with confidence that the struggle was worth it. The twists, the revelations, and the character moments that emerged from this process have made it stronger than I initially imagined.

For readers who have been following this series, I hope you enjoy the ride. Expect high stakes, hidden agendas, and a few moments that might just leave you breathless. And as always, thank you for sticking with me on this journey—because the story is far from over.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 11

Stories By Gina, May 12 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13

Texas Book-aholic, May 14

Simple Harvest Reads, May 15 (Author Interview)

Betti Mace, May 16

Artistic Nobody, May 17 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18

Blogging With Carol, May 19

Guild Master, May 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 21

For Him and My Family, May 22

Fiction Book Lover, May 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, S.F. is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and an eBook copy of the book!!

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

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54216/

My Review

I have had the pleasure of reading the previous four books from S F Baumgartner's Mirror Estate Psychological Thrillers series and was excited to have the opportunity to read the fifth installment, Shadowed Secret. This one is by far my favorite of the series. I was often holding on to the edge of my seat. It was so unpredictable that I never knew what could possibly happen next. I could not put this fast paced thriller down until the end.

I am going to give Shadowed Secret five stars. I believe fans of clean thrillers will love it as much as me. I would love it if more additions to the Mirror Estate Psychological Thrillers series in the future.

I received a digital copy of S F Baumgartner's Shadowed Secret from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health by Andrea Jo Rodgers

About the Book

Book: A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health

Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

Genre: Nonfiction

Release date: November 16, 2024

Embark on a journey to healthy aging!

Would you like to improve your vascular health by lowering your blood pressure, avoiding weight gain, and increasing your aerobic activity level? How about saying goodbye to urinary incontinence and overactive bladder while improving your bowel health? Have you thought about building a healthy framework of muscles, joints, and bones as you sail into middle-age and beyond? Could you benefit from a home exercise program to build bone density and manage osteopenia and osteoporosis? Would you like to keep your youthful appearance, understand your immune system, and learn strategies to improve balance and prevent falls? In A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health, veteran Doctor of Physical Therapy Andrea Rodgers, who is CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, emergency medical technician, and a low pressure fitness instructor, expounds upon all these topics and more. Join Andrea as she shares valuable information in this one-of-a-kind book that will aid in your quest towards healthy aging.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for 30 years. She is CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, and a low pressure fitness instructor. She also specializes in orthopedics, osteoporosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Writing is one of her passions, and she is the award-winning author of numerous inspirational books. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for 38 years and has responded to 10,000 first aid and fire calls. She enjoys reading, day trips, and savoring a cup of green tea. She lives with her family on the east coast.

 

More from Andrea Jo

Aging can be defined as the process of growing old. The key to graceful aging is to stay in good health as the years slip by. One of the best ways to do this is to be proactive. What you do today can help ensure better health tomorrow.

People often start to think about aging when something goes amiss. Perhaps they develop an ache or pain that lingers: a stiff neck, an achy back, or painful hips and knees. They may receive a diagnosis that forces them to confront their health head-on, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, obesity, or perhaps even cancer.

I’ve worked as a clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy in both the hospital and outpatient setting for thirty years. During this time, I’ve helped people with wellness initiatives as well as various health problems. I’m CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, and a certified low pressure fitness instructor. During my 38 years as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) with my local rescue squad, I’ve assisted countless people in times of medical crisis. The goal of this book is to share pearls of wisdom that I’ve learned from my experiences as a physical therapist and EMT.

Some may be reading this book to stay healthy as you get older. Others may be looking for ideas to improve your current condition. Perhaps you are looking to build muscle and bone strength, improve flexibility, or choose a healthier lifestyle with respect to diet and exercise. Or maybe you wish to stop leaking urine or say goodbye to constipation and countless hours in the bathroom.

Do you think wellness simply means freedom from disease? Well, it includes much more than that. Wellness can be defined as the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal. Wellness serves as a cornerstone towards the vision of healthy aging. Wellness constitutes a dynamic process of change and growth in which individuals actively become aware of healthy choices and consciously make a decision to choose them. It’s a balanced lifestyle which encourages physical and mental health and well-being. Wellness emphasizes the mind, body, and spirit. Wellness means being proactive about staying healthy as you get older. It involves using available knowledge and tools to achieve optimal health. Many of the chapters in this book focus on different areas of wellness as a means to strive towards healthy aging. My goal is that each of you stay active, embark on a journey of wellness, and enjoy your middle age and golden years in good mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 7

It’s Mama Safe, May 8

Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 9

Texas Book-aholic, May 10

Book Looks by Lisa, May 11

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 12

Artistic Nobody, May 13 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, May 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 15

Guild Master, May 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 17

Fiction Book Lover, May 18 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19

A Reader’s Brain, May 20 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea Jo is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54214 

My Review

I found A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health by Andrea Jo Rodgers to be a helpful guide for me. All throughout the book were step by step exercises with photographs provided. They were easy to follow and not hard to do. It, also, gives advice and tips on improving immunity, preventing illnesses, and how to keep the brain active. It is no doubt a keeper for me that I follow over and over for years to come.

Five stars is what A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health deserves. I highly recommend it for readers who are searching for great ways in their aging journey. 

I received a paperback copy of Andrea Jo Rodgers' A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Book Tour and Giveaway: The Perfect Mother by Desiree Moodie

 

Book Title:  THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  Twisted Thoughts Publishing
Release date:  May 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: My book has a few "f" words, one or two religious profanities and a few crude terms. There is no sex, but there is violence. Mature themes include pregnancy loss.

Book Description:

The perfect neighborhood. The perfect family. The perfect crime.

When Dawn Harrington moves to the quiet, picturesque town of Meadowbrook, she’s hoping for a fresh start. A place where no one knows her name. Where she can leave behind the whispers, the heartbreak, the gaping hole left by the son who vanished from a park nearly twenty years ago. But secrets have a way of following you.

A few blocks over, Evelyn Harper has spent years crafting the perfect life—an adoring husband, beautiful children, a home straight out of a magazine. But when she sees Dawn standing in her driveway, Evelyn feels the first stirrings of something she hasn’t felt in years.

Fear.

Because Dawn isn’t just any new neighbor. She’s a woman with a past. A past that collides violently with Evelyn’s own. 

At first, Dawn and Evelyn circle each other warily—neighborly smiles masking something far more sinister. But as Dawn starts asking questions and Evelyn begins watching her every move, the game between them becomes something far more treacherous.

As their carefully built lives begin to crumble, one of them will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

The other will stop at nothing to keep it buried.

Because some lies can be forgiven. Others demand blood.

The Perfect Mother is a spellbinding psychological thriller about deception, obsession, and how far a mother will go for the truth. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn, and Shari Lapena, this is one twisted suburban nightmare you won’t soon forget.​

Buy the Book:
Amazon
(release date May 16)

Meet the Author:

Desiree Moodie has been writing since before she could talk — seriously. As a kid, she spent weekends scribbling on notebook paper and stapling the pages together into makeshift books.

Now, she crafts dark, twisty stories featuring morally complex characters and impossible-to-put-down plots. Her writing is influenced by her travels, old-school noir films, and pro-wrestling (yes, still). She loves difficult women, villains who might just have a point, and snappy dialogue.

When she's not writing, Desiree is watching reruns of Perry Mason, working on her Lauren Bacall impression, or pulling Tarot cards. She’s got a soft spot for readers who love clever, gritty stories with a little bite — so don’t be shy. Drop her a line (just not in all caps).

Keep up with her at desireemoodie.com​

connect with the author:  
website  ~  X/twitter  ~  facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

---

Enter the Giveaway:

THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie Book Tour Giveaway

My Review: 

The Perfect Mother is my first introduction from the talented author, Desiree Moodie. After reading this one, it will not be the last I read from her. I was quickly captivated with this book. At first, I was not sure what to think, but within the first few chapters, I was hooked. It was full of action, danger, and secrets. It was not one that could easily be predict as to what would happen from scene to scene. I was often on the edge of my seat. It was like riding a thrilling roller coaster with all of the ups, downs, twists and turns. My head was often spinning trying to catch up. The characters were intriguing, plot was sensational. There was nothing I did not like about this book. I did not want to put this tale down until the very last page. I think it is one of the best psychological thrillers I have read in a long long time. I loved it.

I am going to give The Perfect Mother a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read action packed thrillers. I would love to read more from Desiree Moodie. They have earned themselves a new fan and will most definitely be grabbing their past releases. 

I received a paperback copy of Desiree Moodie's The Perfect Mother from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Fathoms (Oceans of Time Book Three) by Lisa T Bergren

About the Book

Book: Fathoms (Oceans of Time Book Three)

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Genre: Adult Historical Portal Fantasy

Release date: April 22, 2025

Can the She-Wolves of Siena survive the lion’s den?

Luciana Betarrini is living a nightmare. Blinded in battle, she is unsure what her future holds.

When Lady Tiliani Forelli volunteers to serve as the young Lady Romano’s governess—in order to protect the child—Luciana quickly follows suit, volunteering as a tutor. But as they navigate life in the

treacherous neighboring castello, they find Lord Ercole a chameleon of adversaries, intent on mastering the She-Wolves of Siena any way he can.

Together, Luciana and Tiliani must find a way to bring Ercole down and buy time for Domenico and Marcello to establish new allies. But Luciana continues to find herself at a crossroads: Is she willing to risk leaving Sir Giulio Greco forever in order to chase healing through the time tunnel?

Or is she called to accept her plight—in light of the myriad blessings of her new medieval life—and make her way through the best she can?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over sixty books spanning a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to women’s historical fiction to supernatural suspense and time travel. She lives with her husband and three gradually-flying-from-the-nest young adult children.

 

 

 

 

More from Lisa

I love to read and write books about “found families.” People that are brought together by a shared cause, purpose or passion. More and more, our world seems divisive, so I suppose it’s my small effort to plant a flag in the sand and state, “Look, I know we’re all different, but we can all decide to love first.”

The Forellis created that sort of found family in River of Time for the Betarrinis, especially as Gabi and Lia were mourning their dad. And in Oceans, they again make way for my twin hero and heroine, who are in many ways orphaned. I strive to make room in my life for those around me who are a bit adrift, missing a family “anchor.” Tim and I love to host dinners and make feel people welcome in our home with good meals and good conversations around a fire.

Of course, in medieval Italy, the family is striving to survive when many want to see them die. When it’s “us against them” to the death, that’ll cement a bond. But even in today’s society, I think we have enough against those of us who stand for Christ, family and traditional values, that perhaps we can link arms with one another and grow stronger for the bond. And my hope in doing so, is that we will not distance “the other side,” but rather draw them to us with a winsome, welcoming and loving spirit—seeking places we can bond and celebrate one another, even though we differ.

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, May 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 14

Texas Book-aholic, May 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 17

Blogging With Carol, May 18

Artistic Nobody, May 19 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 20

Sylvan Reads, May 21

For Him and My Family, May 22

Guild Master, May 23 (Spotlight)

Romances of the Cross, May 23

Simple Harvest Reads, May 24 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Fiction Book Lover, May 25 (Spotlight)

To Everything There Is A Season, May 25

Lily’s Corner, May 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54218/

My Review

I have previously had the pleasure of reading the first two books from Lisa Tawn Bergren's Oceans of Time series, Estuary and Rip TIde. I was excited to have the opportunity to continue the series with the third installment, Fathoms. Since this is a continuing series, it would be best to read the books in order. I was instantly thrown into Luciana and Tiliani's story and catching up with them. Once again, they are faced with adventure, action, and danger. I loved it. 

I am going to give Fathoms five stars. I believe readers and fans of clean historical fantasies will love it as much as me. As always, I would be excited to more books like this from Lisa Tawn Bergren in the future. 

I received a digital copy of Lisa Tawn Bergren's Fathoms from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Your Fincances God’s Way and the Your Finances God’s Way Workbook by Scott LaPierre

About the Book

Book: Your Fincances God’s Way and the Your Finances God’s Way Workbook

Author: Scott LaPierre

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Release date: May 3, 2022

Since he married, author and pastor Scott LaPierre has supported his wife and ten children on a single income. He’s witnessed the stress that accompanies financial insecurity, yet he’s learned firsthand that even those with a limited income can eliminate monetary worries when they abide by biblical principles.

With Your Finances God’s Way, you’ll replace negative spending habits with positive patterns that will set you on the road to financial freedom. Drawing from the Bible’s wisdom on money management, this book provides essential steps backed by proven practices, helping you…

• get the most out of your money by paying off debt and building up savings
• make informed spending choices that help you avoid anxiety, regret, and conflict
• enjoy the fruits of managing your money in a way that honors God

Use what God has provided to thrive! Whether you’re young or old, married or single, working or staying at home, Your Finances God’s Way will give you everything you need to be a Christlike steward of the resources you have been given.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Workbook

How can I take control of my impulsive spending habits? How do I make up for not saving sooner? How should I prepare in case of an unplanned financial burden? Money can easily become a source of anxiety, but a sound understanding of your finances and a proactive plan for your future will put those fears to rest!

This companion workbook to Your Finances God’s Way guides you deeper into the Bible’s financial wisdom while leading you to create a plan for money management. Perfect for individual use or group study, you will find…

• thoughtful questions for self-reflection
• illuminating verses from Scripture
• helpful guidelines for creating a personalized strategy for spending, saving, giving, and paying off debt

As believers, part of living out the call in 1 Corinthians 6:12 to “not be dominated by anything” means ensuring we control our spending and not the other way around. This workbook will give you the tools to take charge of your money, find peace with your finances, and use every resource God has given you for His glory.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Scott LaPierre is a teaching pastor, author, and popular conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. God has blessed Scott and his wife, Katie, with ten children.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Scott

There are many finance books already available, so why another one? What makes mine different? Is there any reason you should trust what I have to say?

Most importantly, I’m not asking you to trust me but God. Your Finances God’s Way is not a collection of my opinions about money, but God’s words revealed in Scripture. I do my best to unpack the Bible’s critical money-related verses. God is the One “who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18), and He “makes poor and makes rich” (1 Samuel 2:7). That means God knows what you should and shouldn’t do with your finances, and He has provided you with the needed instructions in His Word. I present these instructions in a clear, engaging, and biblical manner.

I’ve taught extensively on money to the church I serve. The most common type of counseling I give is for marriages, with many sessions revolving around finances. The time I’ve spent with people in counseling—couples and individuals—has made me familiar with the most common problems in marriage, many of which relate to finances. I have seen people struggle, and the time I’ve spent studying the Bible has equipped me to help them find solutions. I’ve been blessed to watch the truths of God’s Word resolve their problems, restore their relationships, and strengthen their financial situations. Your Finances God’s Way is the culmination of hundreds of hours of Bible study and counseling. I wrote this book because I am passionate about this area of Scripture and life.

As a pastor and counselor, I have witnessed the blessings of obeying God and the negative consequences of disobedience. I have experienced these blessings and consequences firsthand as a husband and father. As of 2024, our oldest child of ten, Rhea Grace, is 17. Perhaps God will bless us with more. We have always been a single-income family. I was a schoolteacher when Katie and I married; then, I became a full-time youth pastor. In 2010, I moved from that role to become the senior pastor at Woodland Christian Church in Woodland, Washington.

We have never lived off anything more than modest salaries, but God still enabled us to pay off all our debt, including our mortgage. In some months, we put a few hundred dollars toward debt; in others, we allocated a few thousand. When Katie inherited $10,000, we didn’t think twice before putting it toward the mortgage, and every tax return went toward the mortgage—the year I worked part-time as a youth pastor and full-time as an elementary schoolteacher provided the most money we ever made. More than half of each paycheck went toward the mortgage.

I share my story for three reasons. First, I want to give you confidence in the biblical principles presented in this book. Second, I don’t want you to wonder, Has Scott “walked the talk,” or is he a hypocrite? When discussing debt, I want you to know we have none. When I talk about paying off a mortgage, I want you to know that’s what we’ve done. Third, I don’t want you to think, That’s easy for you to say, Scott; you’ve probably made more than I make. Whether you make much money or a little, you’re in the prime of your career or just starting, or you already have a family or are looking to start one, these principles work because they’re rooted in God’s Word.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, May 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 10

Guild Master, May 11 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 12

Fiction Book Lover, May 13 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 15 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 16

Blossoms and Blessings, May 17 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 18

Stories By Gina, May 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 19

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

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 21 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Corner, May 22

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Scott is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book and workbook!!

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

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54215/

My Review:

I found Your Finances God's Way: A Biblical Guide to Making the Best Use of Your Money to be a great tool to have on hand for all. Mr LaPierre offers wonderful advice on financial freedom while using the Bible's principles in doing so. The book is full of scriptures that he uses to back up with how this could be achieved and what is expected from God. The workbook is, also, helpful to read along with this book that provides many questions to be answered with space provided.

Five stars is what I am giving Your Finances God's Way: A Biblical Guide to Making the Best Use of Your Money, I recommend it for those who are looking for ways to controlling their spending and finances. 

I received a paperback copy of Scott LaPierre's Your Finances God's Way: A Biblical Guide to Making the Best Use of Your Money from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Review Tour and Giveaway: Raven's Hill by Garth Pettersen

 RAVENS HILL

Garth Pettersen

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GENRE:  Historical Mystery

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

When Harald, the second son of King Cnute, returns from fighting the king's enemies in Northern Wales, he expects his life to return to normal⸺farming in the Midlands, overseeing his few tenants, evening walks with his beloved Selia⸺an idyllic life, far from the power-mongering of King Cnute's court. But the king has other plans for Harald and his wife—he grants them a large landholding, a gift they cannot refuse.

 

On arriving at their new holding, Ravens Hill, Harald and Selia receive a tepid welcome⸺from belligerent housecarls, a conniving steward, an uncompromising abbess, bitter at not adding their estate to her abbey lands, a priest with roaming hands, and a grieving daughter of the previous landholder, who has entered the nunnery.

 

Harald and Selia wish to improve the lot of their tenant farmers but they face obstacles at every turn, and Harald’s generosity is seen as weakness. They also learn the lands come with an unexpected millstone—an unsolved murder.

 

And then the trouble begins.

 

Fans of Bernard Cornwell will love Ravens Hill—part of the award-winning Atheling Chronicles series.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

EXCERPT:

Making no sound, Udele closed the door to her father’s house and stepped out into the moonlight. She scanned the collection of buildings to see if anyone was stirring—she knew her father’s housecarls slept like bearns—even when on watch—and if they rose at all, it would be just to piss onto the scattered rushes that covered the hall’s floor. The two hounds Cyning and Cwēn padded over, seeking attention. She stroked their heads but said nothing. Udele made her way to the horsefold where she bridled her favorite gelding. Bats flittered above her, catching flying insects, and though the night was warm, her body gave a shiver. She wore a tunic and long-sleeved under-tunic, a cæppe to cover her head, and a mantle over the shoulders. Udele scanned the broad valley, saw the shadows of clouds crossing the moon travel over the fields of wheat and barley. She remembered her purpose and hurried. He would be waiting.

 

Udele led her horse down the track from Ravens Hill, and only mounted when she was well away from the large steading. When she thought it safe, Udele urged the horse into a controlled canter, the road visible in the moonlight. The small hamlet of Déorfald lay but a mile distant and their meeting place was not far from there. Déorfald was a small place with mill, bakehouse, and smithy near cottages with small holdings. The place she and Aloc met secretly lay downstream on a wooded clay bank above where cliff swallows burrowed. The thought of Aloc waiting made her heartrate quicken. He was the miller’s son, tall and handsome, and though not of the thegn class like herself, he would make a fine husband. Her father would come to the same conclusion in time. Poor Aloc fretted over Thegn Wulfrun’s disapproval and sometimes he would despair of ever marrying her. But Udele knew she would have him in time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Garth Pettersen is a Canadian writer living in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver, BC. When he's not writing, he is riding horses or working on his acreage. Garth's short stories have appeared in a number of anthologies and in journals such as Blank Spaces, The Spadina Literary Review, and The Opening Line Literary 'Zine. His story, River's Rising, was awarded an Honourable Mention for the Short Story America 2017 Prize, his fantasy novella River Born, was one of two runners-up for the Windsor Editions (UK) Short Fiction Prize, and his novel The Sea's Edge won a first place Incipiere Award in 2024. Garth Pettersen's historical fiction series, The Atheling Chronicles is published by Tirgearr Publishing and is available on most online outlets (The Swan's Road, The Dane Law, The Cold Hearth, and The Sea's Edge). The fifth book, Ravens Hill, will be released in April, 2025. Print editions are available on Amazon.

 

Buy Links:

Tirgearr Publishing:    http://www.tirpub.com/gpettersen

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ravens-Hill-Atheling-Chronicles-5-ebook/dp/B0DZPGNVXZ

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/author/garth-pettersen/id1292516225

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ie/en/series/the-atheling-chronicles

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Garth%20Pettersen

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/gpettersen

 

Website:  https://www.garthpettersen.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writeandride/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/garpet011

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY:

Garth Pettersen will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

MY REVIEW:

I have loved reading Garth Pettersen's The Atheling Chronicles series and was honored to have the chance to read the fifth installment, Ravens Hill. Harald and Selia's story was one of action, adventure, and danger. The author's historical details made me feel as though I was transported back in time seeing this tale unfold in real time. I thought this was a fabulous read.

I am going to give Ravens Hill a very well deserved five plus stars. I would give it one hundred if I could. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read historical fiction, particularly set during the Anglo Saxon era. I am hoping that there are more to come from The Atheling Chronicles series in the future.

I received a digital copy of Garth Pettersen's Ravens Hill from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.