Thursday, September 30, 2021

Movie Review: God's Not Dead: We the People

 

God's Not Dead: We the People

This next film in the God’s Not Dead franchise is an inspiring, must-see movie for everyone, especially those in the homeschooling community

Featuring Christian singer Francesca Battistelli as a Christian homeschool mom who’s fighting for the right to continue educating her children at home

Several original members of the God’s Not Dead cast are back in this film as well, including David A.R. White as Reverend Dave Hill, Paul Kwo as Martin Yip, and Hadeel Sittu as Ayisha Moradi


Synopsis:

The God’s Not Dead franchise continues in God’s Not Dead: We the People as Reverend Dave (White) is called to defend a group of Christian homeschooling families.  He finds himself taken aback by the interference of the government, and believing that their right to educate their own children is a freedom worth fighting for, Reverend Dave is called to Washington DC to testify in a landmark congressional hearing that will determine the future of religious freedom in our country for years to come.


Get Your Tickets:

Only in theaters October 4, 5 & 6!

Buy Tickets Here: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/Gods-Not-Dead-We-The-People

Official Website: https://godsnotdead.com/

Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GodsNotDeadTheMovie/


My Review:

I was so excited to finally get an opportunity to watch the latest movie from the God’s Not Dead franchise, God’s Not Dead: We the People. This is the first one I have watched in this series, and after watching this one, I will definitely be going back and watch the others. I loved the storyline. It is so relevant as to what is going on currently and it is pretty scary at times. The movie is a great reminder that God is always in control and to keep fighting in what you believe in. I love to see some recognizable actors, such as, Isaiah Washington and Antonio Sabato Jr. 

God’s Not Dead: We the People is definitely getting a well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for everyone to watch. It would be a perfect addition to any family’s movie night. It would give an excellent opportunity to bring up some important discussions.


Disclosure:

Many thanks to Pinnacle Peak 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.


My Review: 

Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: Keeper of My Dreams by Susan Leigh Furlong

 

Keeper of My Dreams

by Susan Leigh Furlong

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GENRE: Historical/adventure romance 

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BLURB:

Reid Haliburton, a skilled gunsmith, wants to control who uses his revolutionary handgun until a vicious pirate decides the gun will be his. The price of refusing is Reid’s life and those of his three young sons. Reid’s only chance to save his sons is to send them away and face the pirate’s wrath alone.

 

Leena Cullane Adair is stunned to find three lads hiding in her cart, and, although she only met their father a week ago, he holds her heart and her dreams, and she will do whatever it takes to keep him and his sons alive.

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EXCERPT:

He picked up the barrel of his new gun and began to polish it when a hard knock on his door shook him out of his reverie.

A man planted his feet and stood akimbo in the doorway, a man who obviously knew the intimidating impression his stature presented to others by his rugged good looks, his burnt mahogany colored hair and eyes. He announced in a firm voice with an English accent, “My name is Jonas McDever, and I am the captain of the Scarlet Lion. I have come to see the new weapon you are working on.”

Reid looked up from his worktable as an uneasiness settled over him. He recognized the captain’s name and his ship, the Scarlet Lion, as one reputed to attack and destroy any other ship unfortunate enough to get within spyglass range. This McDever was a pirate of the worst sort, and he didn’t care who knew it.

“I dinna ken what ye’re talking about. I have no new weapon to show ye.”

“I’m not here to argue with you.” …“Perhaps I can offer you this. I have been watching your sons for the last few days when you take them to school. Handsome lads. I captain my own ship, the Scarlet Lion, and a fine ship it is. I have need of another cabin boy. Would one or two of them like to become cabin boys on my ship?”

Reid whipped around. “Is that idle curiosity…or a threat?” 

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

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Susan Leigh Furlong was born in the middle of a blinding spring snowstorm at the University of Michigan, which forced her mother to walk across campus in the snow to the hospital while in labor. Susan doesn’t remember any of this auspicious beginning, but it always makes for a good story! As a child she moved across the country six times to various big cities before the age of fourteen because of her father’s career in women’s ready-to-wear clothing. At college she met and married her love, and moved to his small hometown in southern Ohio, and you couldn’t get her out of there with a crowbar! She taught first grade and fourth grade and raised her children who did not have to change schools even once. Creating stories started early in life—as is typical of most writers—even before she could actually write. Then came handwritten pages stuffed in her underwear drawer, followed by stories created on a manual typewriter. Her first computer—a Commodore 64—was replaced by a series of computers and laptops, which her husband promised she could never fill up the storage space, but she always did. At age 32 she performed in her first community theater play—Guys and Dolls—where she quickly realized that she wanted to play ALL the parts, which is exactly what a writer does. She writes and/or directs church-related plays and sketches and also performs and sings with a music and drama ministry, LightReaders.

Her love of history led her to write two plays about her now hometown, presented in reader’s theater style by local citizens, followed by two non-fiction books about the local history published by Arcadia Publishing. She loves to do the research even though old books and documents make her cough and sneeze! Susan first discovered romance novels when she won a copy of Velvet Song by Jude Deveraux at the local bookstore. She reads all varieties of books, but historical romance is forever her first choice.

Steadfast Will I Be and By Promise Made were published by The Wild Rose Press in 2019 and 2020 respectively. By Promise Made won the NEST – National Excellence in Story Telling – for Historical Romance for 2021. Her third book – Keeper of My Dreams – a continuation of the Cullane family adventures - will be officially released on September 6, 2021.

 

CONTACT AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Susanleighfurlongwriter@gmail.com

Twitter@FurlongLeigh

Facebook – Facebook.com/SusanLeighFurlong

Website – www.SusanLFurlong.com

BUY LINKS:

Universal link: https://books2read.com/u/4Xroj7

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Dreams-Susan-Leigh-Furlong-ebook/dp/B0994NWD7M/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58575240-keeper-of-my-dreams

Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keeper-of-my-dreams-susan-leigh-furlong/1139825086

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GIVEAWAY:

Susan Leigh Furlong will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW THE TOUR AND COMMENT
ON EACH STOP TO EARN MORE ENTRIES TO WIN!

September 27: Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
September 28: Straight From the Library
September 29: Fabulous and Brunette
September 30: Locks, Hooks and Books
October 1: Novels Alive
October 4: Andi's Book Reviews
October 5: Westveil Publishing
October 6:Long and Short Reviews
October 7: Literary Gold
October 8: The Key of Love
October 11: Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm
October 12: Dawn's Reading Nook
October 13: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
October 14: All the Ups and Downs
October 15: Gina Rae Mitchell




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Blog Tour and Giveaway: Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel

About the Book


Book:  Undercurrent of Secrets

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Genre: Christian Romance

Release date: September 2021

Two women, a century apart, are bound by a haunting secret aboard a legendary steamboat.

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement had sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavors to secure the prestigious title with hopes to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.

A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untamable as the rivers that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to cook. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.

More from Rachel

A Century on the River

In 1914, America hadn’t joined WWI yet. Airplanes, or flying machines as they were called, were still a phenomenon. Radios weren’t a thing. Hawaii and Alaska weren’t part of the United States. The world as a whole looked different than the one we walk today. But one thing remains true as it had 100 years ago—The Belle of Louisville graced the waters. In fact, the century-old steamboat is like a floating time capsule.

First named the Idlewild, this boat was built in Pittsburgh, PA and was launched in October 1914. It began its days as a packet boat, hauling freight and ferrying passengers. During the ‘Roaring 20s’ there wasn’t much documentation for her travels. But it’s believed the Idlewild spent the decade tramping—a steamboat term for going up and down the river, stopping at various towns and taking passengers for excursions. Which worked perfectly for Undercurrent of Secrets.

The boat was then sold to New Orleans where it continued to ferry passengers. In 1931, The Idlewild spent a season in Louisville running trips to Rose Island and Fontaine Ferry amusement parks. It then spent the next several years coursing the waterways from Canada to New Orleans, living upon the Mississippi and Ohio river systems until WWII. The second world war brought a lot of action to the Idlewild which was then outfitted with special equipment to push oil barges along the river. She also served as a floating USO nightclub for troops stationed at military bases along the Mississippi River.

In 1947, she was sold and renamed the Avalon. For the next two decades the legendary lady spent her days along the rivers, hosting excursions, bringing adventure to the hearts of many Americans. But all those years and miles eventually caught up to her and she fell in disrepair. In 1962, she was put up for auction in Cincinnati where she was purchased by Jefferson County Judge Executive Marlow Cook for $34,000. She then received her third name, The Belle of Louisville.

The restoration of the boat was supervised by marine architect Alan L. Bates (later Captain Bates). Capt. Bates’ books, Str. Belle of Louisville, and Moonlight at 8:30, were a huge help to me while researching the history of the boat and the crews who worked on her. The reno crew worked tirelessly rebuilding the Belle and on April 30th, she tested the waters again by racing against the Delta Queen in the first Great Steamboat Race. The Belle has been wharfed in Louisville ever since. This century-old steamboat has stood the test of time, surviving decades, sinkings, storms, weathering all the trials with grit and grace. If you ever find yourself in Louisville, you could book a cruise on the Belle and experience history.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25

Rachael’s Inkwell, September 25

Texas Book-aholic, September 26

Christian Bookaholic, September 26

Where Faith and Books Meet, September 27

Inklings and notions, September 27

Genesis 5020, September 27

For Him and My Family, September 28

Life of Literature, September 28

deb’s Book Review, September 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 29

Remembrancy, September 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

She Lives to Read, October 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 1

Older & Smarter?, October 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 2

Mary Hake, October 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 3

Simple Harvest Reads, October 3 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Bizwings Blog, October 3

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 4

For the Love of Literature, October 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 5

Through the fire blogs, October 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 6

Pause for Tales, October 6

Artistic Nobody, October 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Just Your Average reviews, October 7

Splashes of Joy, October 8

Labor Not in Vain, October 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/11b61/undercurrent-of-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Undercurrent of Secrets is Rachel Scott McDaniel’s wonderful addition to the Doors to the Past series. I thought this was a great read. I enjoy reading dual time line stories and this one will be among my favorites I have read to date. I loved it! The details of the book really made me feel as though I was right there with the characters.

Undercurrent of Secrets will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I look forward to reading more by Rachel Scott McDaniel in the future, as well as, the other books from the Doors to the Past series. This one should not be missed.

I received a paperback copy of Undercurrent of Secrets from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Cinders Like Glass
(Victorian Retellings #2)
By Clarissa Kae
Historical Romance, Fairy Tale
Paperback & ebook, 234 Pages
July 29, 2021 by Carpe Vitam Press

Grieving her father's sudden death, Lady Ada Whitworth's childhood stutter resurfaces. She seeks solace in her charcoal sketches secretly published in London's Thames & Times newspaper. Her brother's sharp tongue and quick temper shame Lady Ada into complete silence but not before she overhears his traitorous plot to kill the queen at the upcoming International Ball.

Mute and heartbroken, Lady Ada's private pain is mistaken for arrogance, earning the ire of society. The Duke of Girard is tasked with sniffing out the elusive French spy called Tailor while an anonymous artist pokes fun at the duke's failed pursuit, taunting him every step of the way. With the upcoming International Ball just weeks away, the Duke will stop at nothing to bring stability back to his beloved Britain-including finding the artist behind the sketches.

When Lady Ada's accused brother disappears, she becomes the target of the Duke's wrath, assuming her silence is from guilt, not grief. To loosen her tongue, the Duke demands Lady Ada be interrogated at his estate, a home hidden in the wild Welsh countryside. She sweeps the chimney, launders her clothes and helps the cook-she will do anything but speak to the Duke.

Lady Ada's quiet service softens the Duke, his mind often turning to thoughts of her. But can he earn Lady Ada's trust in time to save the queen?

(Affiliate links included.)

Other Books in the Series

A Dark Beauty
(Victorian Retellings #1)
By Clarissa Kae
Historical Fiction, Fairy Tale
Paperback, ebook & audiobook, 212 Pages
February 9, 2021 by Carpe Vitam Press 

A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast

Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.

Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.

When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.

Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?

(Affiliate links included.)
 
About the Author


Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She's the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.

Since her first novel, she's explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.

Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.

She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


Five winners will receive one of the author’s backlisted titles: Once And Future Wife, Pieces To Mend, Taming Christmas, Of Ink And Sea, or A Dark Beauty 
(ebooks to international winners, print to US winners)

Ends October 6, 2021


Grab Our Button!



My Review

I had the pleasure of reading the first installment from the Victorian Retellings by Clarissa Kae, A Dark Beauty. I was excited to have the opportunity to read the second book, Cinders Like Glass. I enjoyed this version and retelling of Cinderella. It was fun to see a whole new twist to this tale. I really liked it.

Cinders Like Glass four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean books that reimagine beloved fairy tales. I look forward to reading the next book from the Victorian Retellings series.

I received a digital copy of Cinders Like Glass 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: Dangerous Amish Showdown by Mary Alford

About the Book


Book: 
Dangerous Amish Showdown

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: Amish Suspense

Release date: August 24, 2021

Under siege in Amish country…

She must fight for their lives.

Gunshots shatter Willa Lambright’s placid Montana evening—and that’s before she discovers on-the-run lawman Mason Shetler on her doorstep. Willa hadn’t glimpsed her childhood friend since he’d turned his back on Amish country years before. Now the US marshal’s returned with an injured partner, a young witness he must protect at all costs…and vicious Mafia agents dead set on making sure none of them survive.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author Mary Alford loves giving her readers the unexpected. Her titles have appeared on the USA Today list, Publisher’s Weekly bestseller list, and have finaled in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence in mystery, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.

Mary is an avid reader. She loves to cook, can’t face the day without coffee, and her three granddaughters are the apple of her eye. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two spoiled cats and a dog who thinks he owns the place.


More from Mary

When I first heard of the title for my latest Love Inspired Suspense, I smiled. Dangerous Amish Showdown reminds me of the old westerns where the good guys face off with the bad guys and always win. As a child I loved watching them, mostly because my dad loved them so much, and yes, a big draw for me besides sharing the time with him, was seeing the good guys win. It’s what I try to put into every single book I write, and it’s exactly what happens in Dangerous Amish Showdown.

Lately, I find myself reminiscing a lot about childhood things such as watching old westerns with my dad, and smiling at those simpler times.

In Dangerous Amish Showdown, it takes coming back to his simple childhood Amish community for Mason Shetler to realize how special that life once was for him. Through the courage found in a little girl who has lost everything, and the strength of a woman whose future is uncertain, Mason discovered what he had been searching for all along.

I truly hope you enjoy Mason and Willa’s fight to protect young Samantha and the love they find along the way. And I hope their happy ending leaves you with a smile on your face, and maybe takes you back to a simpler time in your life.

Blessings always,

Mary Alford

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22

Maureen’s Musings, September 22

Hebrews 12 Endurance, September 23

The Avid Reader, September 23

Genesis 5020, September 23

Texas Book-aholic, September 24

Vicarious Living, September 24

Inklings and notions, September 25

Blossoms and Blessings, September 25

Betti Mace, September 26

For Him and My Family, September 26

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

deb’s Book Review, September 27

Older & Smarter?, September 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 28

Bizwings Blog, September 28

For the Love of Literature, September 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 29

Living the Good Life, September 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 30

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 30 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, October 1

Bigreadersite, October 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 3

Mary Hake, October 3

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 4

Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 5

HookMeInABook, October 5

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize 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/11b56/dangerous-amish-showdown-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

I have had the pleasure of reading previous books by Mary Alford and was excited to have the opportunity her newest release, Dangerous Amish Showdown. It is exactly what I would expect. It is a fast paced, action packed, and quick read. I admired the courage of Willa. Her story was not one easily predictable and I never knew what was going to happy next. I found myself staying up late to read the whole book. 

I am giving Dangerous Amish Showdown a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading Amish fiction, as well as, Romantic Suspense. As always, I will looking for more by Mary Alford in the future. 

I received a paperback copy of Dangerous Amish Showdown from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.