Blog Tour and Giveaway: Join or Die: An American Patriot's Book of Quotes by R Blake Wilson

 

Join us for this tour from August 8 to August 26, 2022!

Book Details:

​Book Title:  JOIN, or DIE. - An American Patriot's Book of Quotes by R. Blake Wilson
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  214 pages
Genre: American History, Constitution, Democracy
Publisher:  West View Press 
Release date:  April 12, 2022
Content Rating:  G for this book of quotes

 

Book Description:

An AMERICAN PATRIOT'S history lesson.

A book every American should own and read.

"The PEOPLE are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our LIBERTY." Thomas Jefferson

"A HOUSE DIVIDED against itself cannot stand." Abraham Lincoln

​"FREEDOM of SPEECH is a principal pillar of a free government; When this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved, and TYRANNY is erected on its ruins." Benjamin Franklin

BUY THE BOOK:
AMAZON
add to goodreads

 

Meet the Author:

R. Blake Wilson is a Father, Corporate Employee, Small Business Owner, American Farmer and American Patriot.

Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois in the shadow of United States President Abraham Lincoln and having achieved success and failure chasing the American Dream, Blake has grown to appreciate and admire the American story. He believes in the American Dream and the Pursuit of Happiness and has lived his life chasing both. His story is emblematic of an America where the individual is free to fail. succeed, fail and succeed again and again. His vision of American Unity is based on American Values and the United States Constitution...

In God We Trust, E Pluribus Unum, and Ordered Liberty. (2022)
DON'T TREAD ON ME - An American Patriot's Book of Quotes (2011)
JOIN, or DIE. - An American Patriot's Book of Quotes (2022)
LINCOLN - An American President's Book of Quotes (coming soon)
REAGAN - An American President's Book of Quotes (coming soon)
TRUMP - An American President's Book of Quotes (coming soon)

connect with the author: website ~  instagram ~  facebook ~ twitter

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Tour Schedule:

​Aug 8 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / author interview / giveaway
Aug 9 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Aug 10 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 11 – Bless Their Hearts Mom – book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 12 – Connie's History Classroom – book review / giveaway
Aug 15 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Aug 16 - Sefina Hawke's Books - book spotlight
Aug 17 – The Adventure of a Traveler's Wife – book review / author interview / giveaway
Aug 18 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
Aug 19 – Books and Zebras – book review / giveaway
Aug 22 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 23 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Aug 24 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Aug 25 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Aug 26 – Paws.Read.Repeat – book review / giveaway

 

Enter the Giveaway: 

 
JOIN OR DIE: - An American Patriot's Book of Quotes Book Tour Giveaway

My Review: 

Join or Die: An American Patriot's Book of Quotes by R Blake Wilson is a fabulous book to read. My young son was excited to see it when I first received it and took it over before I had a chance to read it. He greatly enjoyed reading the various patriotic quotes from the founding fathers to present American leaders. It was nice to see a book that was not one that divided political parties but gave some wonderful messages from all parties throughout history. I found them inspiring and saw how most of them have been relevant for our country through the years. I love that it included the text of the Declaration of the Independence, Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It was a great little lesson for my son and it was great to sit and talk to him to see what all he learned. 

I am giving Join or Die: An American Patriot's Book of Quotes a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly believe readers who enjoy reading historical figures, inspiring messages and patriotic quotes will definitely want to grab this one. It will be placed on my limited keeper shelf to have on hand to read again and again. I will be looking for more books like this by R Blake Wilson in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of Join or Die: An American Patriot's Book of Quotes 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: Bobby's Girls: A Novel by John R Price

About the Book

Book: Bobby’s Girls: A Novel

Author: John R. Price

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: August 6, 2022 (New Cover)

Having grown up on their own show in Hollywood, Christian sister-and-brother actors Staci and Mike Whitaker have now married and raised their own families out of the limelight. Life away from Hollywood’s glamour has given them new perspectives on family and culture.

Fate reboots their old show and summons Staci, and Mike’s wife Celeste, to a fresh chance at entertaining modern families. After much discussion, they carefully accept. But when the show goes horribly awry, Staci, Celeste, and even Mike find themselves sorely tempted and even tricked into violating their most cherished ideals.

How will they find their way back, when all around them seems aimed towards darkness?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

John R. Price is a Christian, loving husband, college teacher, and writer in Central Arkansas. For over 40 years, he has loved watching classic television and following the entertainment industry as a hobby. He also enjoys studying Christian apologetics. He is married to Anna, his wife, who helped edit his first Christian novel, “Bobby Girls: A Novel.”

 

More from John

I wrote the book as a Christian response to a well-known actor starring in a popular television show reboot. I thought the topic would be an interesting fictional exploration what actors and fans should consider when a TV show seems to compromise an actor’s values.

 

I chose the Dallas metroplex as the main setting because I have visited the area several times. As a child in the early 1980s, I remember watching two Dallas TV stations on cable TV.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 10

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 11 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Inklings and notions, August 12

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 13 (Author Interview

deb’s Book Review, August 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 16

Through the Fire Blogs, August 17 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 20

Guild Master, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22

Blossoms and Blessings, August 23 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, August 23

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, John is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/20dfb/bobby-s-girls-a-novel-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

I found Bobby's Girls: A Novel by John R. Price to be a good read. It was interesting to see how the Whitaker siblings deal with their new lives and new opportunities. They have to be reminded what it right for them and how to stay away from temptations. I had to keep reading to see how Mike, Celeste and Staci were able to keep their faith and what choices they make. I liked it. 

I am giving Bobby's Girls: A Novel four and a half stars. Readers who enjoy reading clean and inspiring fiction will want to pick this one up. I will be looking forward to more by John R. Price in the future to see where else his imagination will take his readers to next. 

I received a digital copy of Bobby's Girls: A Novel 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: Not Dead Yet by Traci Hunter Abramson

About the Book

Book: Not Dead Yet

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Genre: Suspense

Release date: June 13, 2022

Cassidy Edgemont has been dead for four years. At least, that is what the world has been led to believe. After becoming unwittingly entangled in a group called the Coalition, known for using fake news to generate political unrest in the United States, Cas was offered a devastating choice: stage her own death and join her rescuers, the guardians, or risk the wrath of the organization she betrayed. She chose death.

As an invisible government operative, Cas has been living in Paris with no complications—until her family pays an unexpected visit to the European city, changing everything. They think Cas is dead, and she has to keep it that way. But when a bomb is detonated nearby and fake news incites riots in the city, Cas recognizes the mark of the Coalition.

Donovan, a fellow guardian, is summoned to join her in Paris to attempt to untangle the intricate web linking Cas’s past with the recent bombings. But as the threat level escalates, Cas must again make an impossible decision: face possible exposure to her family in her race to uncover the truth or risk the loss of innocent lives.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas for suspense novels as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. She considers shoes an optional accessory which became evident when she won her first three Whitney Awards in 2013 (Code Word), 2014 (Deep Cover), and 2016 (Failsafe.) Safe House won Whitney Awards for both the mystery/suspense category as well as 2017 Adult Novel of the Year. She added two additional awards in 2019 (Mistaken Reality – best mystery/suspense and Sanctuary – Adult Novel of the Year.) She currently lives in Virginia with her family where she enjoys sports, travel, writing, and coaching high school swimming.

 

More from Traci

Paris anyone? After years of restricted travel and various COVID-related challenges, I needed to spend some time back in a city I love, even if it was only as part of my fictional world. Add in my years working with the CIA, and Not Dead Yet was born.

While Not Dead Yet is technically the sixth book in the guardian series, all of these books are written as stand-alone novels, which simply visit some characters from previous novels and sometimes introduce characters that will be featured in the stories to come.

Not Dead Yet was particularly enjoyable to write, not only because it gave me an excuse to revisit my photos and memories from my most recent trips to Paris, but also because of the parallels that naturally occurred with my own life.

Cas, the main character, is the first female guardian in my fictional top-secret program of government operatives who strive to serve and protect U.S. intelligence and military personnel. When I worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, I often attended meetings in which I was the only woman in the room. Respect and loyalty had to be earned regardless of gender, and I was fortunate to work with some amazing individuals over the years. Some of those treasured work relationships come through within the pages of this book.

Another similarity to my own background is Cas’s family dynamics. She has her parents and a younger sister, which mirrors my own early childhood. Her family is often in the public eye because of their association with the media industry. While I didn’t come from the extreme wealth and fame as my character did, I do remember well what it was like to have a mom on television (The Home Hunter in Phoenix, AZ) and to have a sister working in the entertainment industry. While my sister (Tiffany Hunter) has taken over The Home Hunter in recent years, a few of her earlier positions included serving as the backstage coordinator for the Grammys as well as working as Bill Murray’s personal assistant.

Not Dead Yet blends many experiences from my past with the events of the present and the ever-present question of What if? I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 4

Inklings and notions, August 5

EmpowerMoms, August 5

For Him and My Family, August 6

Cathe Swanson, August 6

Texas Book-aholic, August 7

Blogging With Carol, August 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 8

Betti Mace, August 9

Wishful Endings, August 9

deb’s Book Review, August 10

Inside the Wong Mind, August 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 12

Holly’s Book Corner, August 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 13

Mary Hake, August 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 14

The Book Club Network, August 14

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 15 (Author Interview)

Dee S. White, August 15

CarpeDiem, August 16

Reading with Emily, August 16

Pause for Tales, August 17

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Traci is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card, Signed Book, Matching bookmark, Matching pin, and Matching stickers!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2070b/not-dead-yet-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Not Dead Yet is the sixth installment from Traci Hunter Abramson’s Guardian series. Since it is the first book I have read by this author and have not read the others from the series, I feel that this one can be read as a stand alone. I thought it was a pretty good read. I enjoyed the unique writing style and plot. Cas and Donovan were quite the team and I had to keep reading to see how it would all end. 

Not Dead Yet will be getting four and a half stars. I recommended it for readers who enjoy reading clean romantic suspense. I am interested in reading the other books from the Guardian series to see what Traci Hunter Abramson’s imagination took her readers to. 

I received a digital copy of Not Dead Yet 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 Giveway: Prodigal Lives by Carol McClain

About the Book

Book: Prodigal Lives

Author: Carol McClain

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Release date: April 1, 2022

Life keeps piling problems on Meredith Jaynes. She loses her second foster child—one she was scheduled to adopt. Then Parker Snow refuses to marry her. With only her goats and artisan soap to support her, life will get no better.

If she is honest, though, she still has Crystal. Her funny, happy, loveable toddler makes the sun shine and reminds her of the never-failing love of God.

Pearl Solomon loves her life with her grandfather Guy, but every one of her triumphs is overshadowed by her sisters’ lives. With Mama Meredith, they live a life she envies. Because of her jealousy, she refuses to contact them.

Years later, life for both families twist down paths they do not wish to travel. Pearl knows she’s lost what was most precious in life but has no means of fixing things. Left to her own devices, she spirals out of control.

Meredith finds it harder to mask the despair infertility has brought to her life.

Both families believe they must reconcile themselves to their fates as reality shatters their dreams unless they dig deep for the promise of love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Carol McClain is the award-winning author of four novels dealing with real people facing real problems. She is a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith might look like, you will find compassion, humor and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work.

Aside from writing, she’s a skilled stained-glass artist, a budding potter and photographer. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and growing farm. Inspired by Meredith Jaynes, she owns two goats. One will kid soon.

You can connect with her at carolmcclain.com.

On goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14030286.Carol_McClain

On BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carol-mcclain

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.Carol.McClain

 

More from Carol

Have you ever thought you’ve seen yourself in a novel?

 

If you know an author, you probably have.

 

For years I worked with recovering addicts and those helping them in organizations like Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-styled support group like AA. If I read the events of these people’s lives in a novel, I would say, “Too fake to believe.”

 

Their lives are tragic, funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming.

 

Many of their stories made it into my latest novel Prodigal Lives (modified, disguised, and novelized).

 

I not only incorporate others into my work, but I live through my characters’ lives (Please don’t suggest a sky diving protagonist).

 

In Prodigal Lives one of my main characters owns goats. For years, I begged my husband too let me have a goat or two. He promised. Then, he wimped out, so I created Meredith Jaynes a successful artisan specializing in goat soap and raising Nubians.

 

Prodigal Lives is a sequel but can stand alone (reading both books amplifies your enjoyment, of course). This book follows the loss Pearl and Meredith feel as Pearl is adopted by her grandfather. Pearl becomes jealous of her sisters who stay with Mama Meredith, and they lose touch. Although they hear nothing from each other, neither is forgotten.

 

I believe in redemption. All my work illustrates that no matter how far you fall, a loving Father is going to make a way to redeem you. He’s done it for me, and I was an impossibly problematic child of the King.

 

I hope you enjoy Prodigal Lives. Sign up for my newsletter and blog and never miss a new release, my Biblical thoughts or an appearance I’m making. Believe me, I wouldn’t live, my blog and newsletter are fascinating.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 6

Splashes of Joy, August 7 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 7

Texas Book-aholic, August 8

Inklings and notions, August 9

For Him and My Family, August 10

Artistic Nobody, August 11 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 13

A Reader’s Brain, August 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 17

Spoken from the Heart, August 18

Pause for Tales, August 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/20711/prodigal-lives-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Prodigal Lives is the second installment from Carol McClain’s Treasured Lives series. Since it is part of a series, I would advise to start from the beginning. I loved the first book, Borrowed Lives, but enjoyed this one so much more. The author’s talent shines through with this one. I instantly felt an instant connection to the characters. The story made me giggle at times while making me wanting to grab the tissues at other times. An overall beautiful tale. 

Prodigal Lives will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. Readers who enjoy reading clean true to life fiction that they can relate to. I am hoping there will be another addition from the Treasured Lives series to see what else Carol McClain has in store for her characters. 

I received a paperback copy of Prodigal Lives 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: Two Roads to Paradise by Gordon Jensen with Cara Highsmith and Gordon Thomas

Join us for this tour from July 18 to August 12, 2022!

Book Details:

​Book Title: The Way Out (Book 1: Be Careful What You Wish for Series) by Gordon Jensen with Cara Highsmith and Gordon Thomas
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  240 pages
Genre: Sci-Fi
Publisher:  Highsmith Creative Services
Release date:  September 2020
Content Rating:  PG-13 +M. The language is pretty tame, but there are a few swear words. The bigger issue is some of the topics addressed in it. ​

 

Book Description:

When the Alpha Centauri crew returns to earth after a failed mission to explore a distant planet, they quickly learn the world is not how they left it.

Under new global leadership, the planet has managed to go decades without conflict, except for one major problem. Thanks to a pandemic caused by a mutation in a new strain of GMO corn, the world’s population plummeted to 2.6 billion, wiping out a disproportionate amount of men and leaving the globe run almost entirely by women. The mutation altered the human DNA, making it impossible to produce male babies and increasing Y-chromosome related diseases.

Because of their lack of exposure, the Alpha Centauri crew, especially the men on board, now find themselves in high demand. The Powers that Be think they are the solution, but with that solution comes the inevitable hunger for power and control. As greed, self-interest, and corruption rear their ugly heads, a planet that had found its way to peace is thrust into turmoil once again.

So, the question becomes: Are they really the answer to a seemingly unsolvable problem? The world may soon come to understand that sometimes getting what you wish for isn't the gift you think it will be.

The Way Out is at once a brilliant and relatable work of post-apocalyptic fiction. Think The Handmaid’s Tale mixed with Netflix’s The Wilds, and a touch of Interstellar, the movie. It’s a uniquely told story that will have you waiting as impatiently as the crew to understand the New World Order of the near future.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon.com
add to goodreads

 

 Also Available for Review:

Book Details:

​Book Title: Two Roads to Paradise (Book 2: Be Careful What You Wish for Series) by Gordon Jensen with Cara Highsmith and Gordon Thomas
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  324 pages
Genre: Sci-Fi
Publisher:  Highsmith Creative Services
Release date:  May 2022
Content Rating:  PG-13 +M. The language is pretty tame, but there are a few swear words. The bigger issue is some of the topics addressed in it. 

 

Book Description:

​Although the reappearance of the Alpha Centauri I crew was miraculous, it was not the celebratory homecoming they expected. Their return to a world reeling from a pandemic that wiped out more than half the population thrust them right into the center of controversy and conflict. Now, three years later, though the tide has turned and the survival of the human race seems to be secure, the survival of human relations is far less certain. The cure should have been the injection of hope the world needed to restore balance and end the chaos of the last four decades. Instead, the complex implications for personal rights and freedom have fractured the North American territory in such a way that the division may never be repaired. As the crew dispersed to find their place in this new landscape, Hunter Young found himself embedded in the Marshall administration as an agent for the mysterious K Group. What had been a relatively uneventful assignment suddenly becomes a whirlwind of adventure as he is called to a rendezvous that requires a long and circuitous journey.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon.com
add to goodreads

 

 

Meet the Authors:

Gordon Jensen holds an MBA from University of Rochester, New York, Simon School of Business and a bachelor's degree from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. After working in finance In New York for several years, Jensen went back to Minnesota to run the family business. He retired after selling the the business and is now fulfilling a number of life-long dreams, including writing a novel series.

 

Cara Highsmith has always been drawn to the world of books and has found herself working in this industry in one capacity or another for the majority of her adult life. She holds a Master of Arts in English from Belmont University and did work toward a PhD at Middle Tennessee State University. Cara was on the editorial team at Hachette Book Group USA, working with several New York Times bestselling authors, for nearly four years. After leaving Hachette in 2008, she began freelancing, developing proposals and manuscripts for agents, editing and ghostwriting for authors, and assisting clients in preparing projects for self-publishing. Cara is a master of being a jack of all trades, but currently spends her free time working on several personal writing projects and enjoying life on a beautiful northern California mountain.

connect with authors: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

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Tour Schedule:

​July 18 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of THE WAY OUT / guest post / giveaway
July 19 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
July 19 - Literary Flits – book review of THE WAY OUT / guest post / giveaway
July 20 – Literary Flits – book review of TWO ROAD TO PARADISE / author interview / giveaway
July 21 – Sadie's Spotlight – book series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 21 - The Momma Spot – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
July 22 – A Crane Between The Pages – book review of THE WAY OUT
July 22 – @acourtofbookishreviews (TIK TOC) – book review of THE WAY OUT
July 25 – Mostly Mystery Reviews – book review of THE WAY OUT / guest post / giveaway
July 26 – SpareTimer866 – book series spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 26 - She Just Loves Books – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
July 27 – She Just Loves Books – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
July 27 - The Momma Spot – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
July 28 – Splashes of Joy – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
July 28 - Kam's Place – book review of THE WAY OUT
July 29 – Splashes of Joy – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
July 30 - @pen.books.and.scalpel – book review of THE WAY OUT
Aug 1 – Mostly Mystery Reviews – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / author interview / giveaway
Aug 1 - Kam's Place – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE
Aug 1 - @acourtofbookishreviews (TIC TOK) – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE
Aug 2 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Aug 2 - Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of THE WAY OUT
Aug 3 – @Mel.literate – book review of THE WAY OUT
Aug 4 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE
Aug 4 - Stephanie Jane - book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
Aug 5 – A Crane Between The Pages – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE
Aug 8 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
Aug 9 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
Aug 9 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
Aug 10 – Books are a Blessing – book review of THE WAY OUT / giveaway
Aug 10 - Stephanie Jane - book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
Aug 11 – fundinmental – book series spotlight / giveaway
Aug 11 – Books are a Blessing – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
Aug 11 - @pen.books.and.scalpel – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE
Aug 12 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of TWO ROADS TO PARADISE / giveaway
Aug 12 - Books for Books – book series spotlight

 

Enter the Giveaway: 

 

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISHED FOR Book Tour Giveaway

 

 My Review: 

Two Roads to Paradise: A Novel is the second book from the Be Careful What You Wish For series by Gordon Jensen with Cara Highsmith and Gordon Thomas. This is not from my usual genre that I usually go to when I want to find something new to read. However, I enjoyed reading the first book in the series, The Way Out: A Novel and wanted to see what it was going to happen next in the series. Just like book one, the plot is different and one that I could not be compare to another story I have ever read. The concept and structure of the book is unique and intriguing. This one does cover quite a bit of current controversial topics, politics, and the divisions that I would rather try to escape from when reading a book, but it was interesting how the authors used their imagination on how to deal with it. Though this one did not hold my attention as The Way Out: A Novel, it was still worth reading. 

I am giving Two Roads to Paradise: A Novel three stars. I believe readers who enjoy reading books from the science fiction genre. I will be looking for more books from the Be Careful What You Wish For series in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of Two Roads to Paradise: A Novel 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: Matters of the Heart by Heidi Gray McGill

About the Book

Book: Matters of the Heart

Author: Heidi Gray McGill

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: July 15, 2022

When those experiencing the same fate she endured show up at her doorstep…

Katie determines to be their champion, no matter the fallout.

Will the man who fought for the other side also fight for her?

Unconventional Katie empathizes with the widows and orphans of the Civil War, searching for a place to call home in Shumard Oak Bend. But with no one to help her, she’ll need to do it secretly, a challenge she readily accepts. She’s taken charge before, and she’ll do it again, no matter who she has to outwit to get the job done.

He vowed to be his own man and stop doing everyone else’s bidding. But he follows orders when a pair of emerald green eyes, blazing red hair, and freckles that dance on the bridge of a pert nose conscript him to duty. Be his own man. Who is he kidding? Skunks don’t change their stripes. They leave disasters in their wake wherever they go, just like him.

Overcoming personal obstacles and finding your true self doesn’t mean going it alone. Yet the answer isn’t always in the one you seek.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Heidi is an optimist who chooses to find the silver lining in life’s clouds of doubt. This plays out in her writing. Her ability to weave scripture seamlessly into the lives of her characters will uplift and encourage you, while her masterful storytelling will keep you turning page after page and wishing for more.

Heidi lives with her husband of thirty years near Charlotte, NC. When she isn’t writing, you will find her outside playing with her two grandsons, walking, scrapbooking, reading, cooking, traveling, or finding an excuse to have an outing with a girlfriend.

Fusing Faith and Fiction™

True Christian Fiction. Relatable Characters. Life-changing stories.

 

More from Heidi

Where did the idea for Matters of the Heart originate?

 

Before I was an author, I was the founder and director of an English as a Second Language ministry. The program touched the lives of students from 35 different countries. Regardless of culture, religion, language, or age, I found a substantial similarity in these students—they all wanted to improve their lot in life and that of their children.

 

Stories abounded of walks across deserts, financial hardships, desperate attempts to explain emergencies to medical professionals or law enforcement, failed verbal connections with schoolteachers, and an inability to obtain work because of their lack of language skills. Prejudice and distrust blocked them, culture shock took them outside their comfort zones, and the urgent need to survive made them scramble to dig deep inside and find creative ways to secure shelter and put food on their tables.

 

It wasn’t that these immigrants weren’t capable of achieving success. In their home countries, vocations varied from chemist and biologist with PhDs, to teachers, lawyers, and medical professionals. Others came from poverty and had little education but were not afraid of hard work, long hours, and low pay. They were tenacious, and they worked with relentless determination and a bullheaded resolve to achieve their goals. They relied on each other and soaked in everything around them in their desire to assimilate into the American culture and find a new place to belong.

 

Immigrants in the late 1800s were not much different. Individuals came to improve their lot in life and be a part of the greatest country in the world. In Matters of the Heart, Hans Korhonen left Finland with his brothers to take advantage of the land grants. Together, they worked to establish a farm large enough to sustain four families and support troops during the Civil War. Yet, in their desire to belong and give back to our great nation, Hans’s idyllic life changed through his service as a Union soldier.

 

Kathleen Murphy, or Katie, came to the United States to escape a life of extreme poverty and abuse in Ireland. Working in her aunt and uncle’s boarding offered more than a job. It provided the love and support of a family. Katie rose from her previous station and started fresh with hope on the horizon. She found a source of ministry that gave her life a purpose she’d not had before.

 

My association with my former ESL students helped me develop the characters in this book into individuals with which readers can identify.

 

Join Katie and Hans as they establish themselves in their new home of Shumard Oak Bend.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 5

Texas Book-aholic, August 6

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, August 6

Inklings and notions, August 7

lakesidelivingsite, August 8

For Him and My Family, August 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 11

Blossoms and Blessings, August 12

deb’s Book Review, August 12

Connie’s History Classroom, August 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 15

Pause for Tales, August 16

Truth and Grace HomeschoolAcademy, August 17

To Everything There Is A Season, August 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Heidi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copy of the first three books in the series!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2070c/matters-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Matters of the Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel is the third installment from Heidi Gray McGill’s Discerning God’s Best series. I have not had the pleasure of reading the first two books yet, but felt that this one can be read as a stand alone. I thought it was a great story. I loved the faith element within the pages and felt as though I was on the same journey with Hans and Katie. 

I am giving Matters of the Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel five stars. Readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I will be soon grabbing Desire of My Heart and With All My Heart to find out what happened previously. 

I received a paperback copy of Matters of the Heart: A Shumard Oak Bend Novel from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.