Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway -Then Judgement Author: Caryl McAdoo On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Then Judgement

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Biblical fiction

Release date: April 8, 2022

A story of the three days Jesus did not spend in the tomb.
The Son of Man was made sin, cast away from the presence of the Great I AM’s presence, and condemned to Hades to face judgement. What exactly happened during those three days from the Lord’s lifeless body of flesh being placed in the tomb and His glorious resurrection? Hints throughout the Scriptures give clues to what transpired—how He got to Paradise to be with the thief on the cross that same day. One thing is certain! He rose on the third day and now lives forever more seated on His throne at the right hand of the Father! Hallelujah!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over sixty published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and twenty-one grandsugars (three are greats), Caryl and Ron, her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-three years, live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

As many of you know, my husband Ron and I write together. When Simon and Schuster released our tenth title, the editor requested one name for the cover and since it was a historical romance, preferred a female’s. The arrangement worked so well for us that we continued only my name being on the cover after we went Indie!

Anyway, we have been talking about writing this book for years, coming across little clues for the story in Scripture studies now and again over that time. At last, God released us to write THEN JUDGEMENT based on the twenty-seventh verse of Hebrews, nineth chapter: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

I love searching the scriptures and telling a story that strictly adheres to God’s Book, His Living Word, the Holy Bible. I love His stories and so understand that His Word is bread to our souls, feeding us wisdom and knowledge of our Creator and His everlasting, never-ending love for us!

Creating Biblical fiction tales carries a lot of responsibility that I truly enjoy taking on, being a guardian of the Truth. I love to bring characters from those days gone by so long ago to life on the pages of my books! I do feel a bit like John when he said this, writing of our Savior.

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” John 21:27

Biblical fiction could easily become my favorite genre—if it isn’t already. I do write more historical romance stories set in the 1800s (a favorite time period) in Texas (my favorite state)! And as much as I love that research . . . nothing compares to digging into the Word!

I pray you will enjoy living through the three days that Jesus did not spend in the tomb! May my story cause you to dig a little yourself, checking out our theory! I know this to be Truth: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

Hallelujah! Glory be to His Holy Name! The righteous run into it and are saved! There is no one like unto Him! He alone it the Great King over all the earth! Worthy to receive glory and praise!
As always, I’m ‘Praying my story gives God glory!’
Blessings, y’all!

My Thoughts

Then Judgement is written by the mega talented Caryl McAdoo. Since joining the Celebrate Lit team as a blogger, I have read several of Caryl's books. She writes across multiple genres and a variety of topics. However, one thing remains. God will shine through in every story. This is a Biblical Fiction story.

This is such a beautifully written story. I will admit that I cried several times through this book. This book follows Dodi who was tasked with guarding our Savior and watching over him throughout his life. Dodi takes the job very seriously. Even when he fully did not understand why God was letting things to happen, Gabriel, Namrel and others remind him that God has a purpose.

The crucifixion topic always makes me cry. The way the author wrote this scene really reminded me of what my Savior went through for me. Dodi had a hard time watching this. Once Jesus passes, his soul slips from his body - and Dodi and Namrel carry him to go through a trial with Lucifer. The author has portrayed Lucifer like he is in our world. Lucifer will take THE WORD and twist it around and use it against us - and as the trial goes through the patriarchs and Dodi provide evidence to how he has never sinned.

The author writes her story with lots of biblical evidence to back it up. The writing flows nicely. This was a quick and easy read. Make sure you have tissues ready while reading. My copy that was sent to me is now stained with my tears. Thank you to the author for reminding me of what our perfect Savior did to save us.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, May 11

Connie’s History Classroom, May 12

deb’s Book Review, May 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 15

Inklings and notions, May 16

Texas Book-aholic, May 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 21

Splashes of Joy, May 22

Mary Hake, May 23

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the prize of a $25 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/1db49/then-judgement-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway - A Rose for the Resistance Author: Angela K. Couch ON Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: A Rose for the Resistance

Author: Angela K. Couch

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Christian

Release date: April, 2022

9781636092072 (4) A French Woman and German Soldier Create a Truce

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

With her father in a German POW camp and her home in Ste Mere Eglise, France, under Nazi occupation, Rosalie Barrieau will do anything to keep her younger brother safe. . .even from his desire to join the French resistance. Until she falls into the debt of a German solder—one who delivers a wounded British pilot to her door. Though not sure what to make of her German ally, Rosalie is thrust deep into the heart of the local underground. As tensions build toward the allied invasion of Normandy, she must decide how much she is willing to risk for freedom.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

To keep from freezing in the great white north, Angela K Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the 2016 International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and toasty warm) by chasing after four munchkins.

More from Angela

The story of A Rose for the Resistance has been in the making for a while. Rosalie and Franz came to life for me in the first novel I started writing as a teenager… (not even going to mention how long ago that was). Though much of that early work will never see the light of day, I am glad I can finally share them with you.

Every November 11th since I was a child, I would sit with my dad and watch WWII documentaries and movies like A Bridge too Far, or The Longest Day which featured Sainte-Mère-Église during the D-day landings. So many of those stories beg to be remembered and I tried to include as much as I could in this novel, even in passing. Stories such as John Steele of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment who dropped into the warzone of Sainte-Mère-Église that night and his chute caught on the spire of the church. He hung limply for hours, pretending to be dead, before the Germans took him prisoner. John later escaped and rejoined his division. Or, Henry Langrehr who landed five miles from his drop zone, crashing through a greenhouse on the way down. He was unharmed from the fall, but was later wounded and captured. He lived into his nineties to tell the tale.

Many of the events and deeds of The Resistance in the novel are also pulled from history. The French citizen’s willingness to risk their lives to transport weapons and information, and to staunchly resist the brutal German occupation. It is estimated that approximately 90,000 men women – and children – were killed, tortured, or deported by the Germans for their efforts.

Though many of the characters in this story are fictional, there are so many men and women who truly did live through the horrors of the War in Europe, and more importantly risked or sacrificed their all for the freedom and lives of others.

I pray we never forget.

My Thoughts

A Rose For The Resistance is written by Angela K Couch. This is part of the Heroines of World War II series. While they all have the central theme of strong women during WWII, they all can be read as stand alone books.

Rosalie is in St. Mère Église, France. Her family has a beautiful garden of roses. She’s happy with her life until Nazis invade. Her father goes to fight for France, her boyfriend killed, her brother almost killed and her whole life changed in an instant. By a German soldier that shows mercy. The book then fasts forward a few years. Times are tough. German soldiers are taking part of Rosalie’s families crops. Instead of roses her greenhouse grows veggies. No one has heard from her father.

Rosalie watched helplessly as her younger brother, Marcel starts to work for the Resistance. She’s worried that he will be shot on site. When suddenly the German soldier that saved her brother reappears.

Franz is different then the others. He has kindness and compassion in his eyes. He remembers Rosalie and Marcel and wants to help. He even shows up on their doorstep with a wounded British pilot. He tries to shelter her family as much as possible.

Seeing the war through Nazi occupied France is a different setting for me. I’ve read a few books the past year with the is viewpoint. The author has created such a wonderful story you will not want it to end. I’ve read several books by this author and have always really liked them.

Well written characters. Descriptive scenery. History lessons woven through out. I do not want this series to end.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Books, Books, and More Books, April 29

The Write Escape, April 30

Remembrancy, April 30

Southern Gal Loves to Read, May 1

Rachael’s Inkwell, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

Genesis 5020, May 2

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, May 2

Inklings and notions, May 2

She Lives To Read, May 3

lakesidelivingsite, May 3

Betti Mace, May 4

For Him and My Family, May 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Sodbuster Living, May 5

deb’s Book Review, May 5

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 6

Vicarious Living, May 6

Older & Smarter?, May 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 7

Sylvan Musings, May 7

Connie’s History Classroom, May 8

Blossoms and Blessings, May 8

Mary Hake, May 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 9

Splashes of Joy, May 9

Through the Fire Blogs, May 9

Bizwings Blog, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 10

Labor Not in Vain, May 10

Bigreadersite, May 11

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 11

CarpeDiem, May 12

Lights in a Dark World, May 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and 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/1d3bb/a-rose-for-the-resistance-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review -- Secrets of Rosenli Manor by Heidi Eljarbo Hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Secrets of Rosenli Manor by Heidi Eljarbo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Secrets of Rosenli Manor

Series: Mysteries of the Modern Ladies' Society #1

Author: Heidi Eljarbo

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: March 29, 2022

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction/Mystery

Betrayal and trust go hand in hand in the first book of Heidi Eljarbo’s new turn-of-the-century series.

It’s 1898, and Lilly has spent most of her life motherless and living with a father who never looks for a silver lining. When her great-aunt Agatha passes, Lilly’s existence takes a drastic turn. She packs her few belongings and moves into the old lady’s magnificent estate, Rosenli Manor.

In the days that follow, Lilly tries to understand who Agatha really was, and hidden secrets slowly rise to the surface. Her great-aunt’s glamorous legacy is not quite what Lilly had imagined. She must trust in newly forged friendships, and to her surprise, she discovers what it means to truly fall in love. But not everyone is happy about the new mistress of Rosenli.

Intrigue, mystery, and a touch of romance in the Norwegian countryside fill the pages of Secrets of Rosenli Manor. Fans of Rhys Bowen, Julie Klassen, Kathleen McGurl, Kate Morton, and Lucinda Riley will be delighted with this new novel.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi Eljarbo

Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don't want to go near.

Heidi grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.

Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

CONNECT WITH HEIDI: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

MY THOUGHTS

Secrets of Rosenli Manor is book one in the Mysteries of the Modern Ladies' Society series. This series is written by new to me author, Heidi Eljarbo. I was drawn into this story from the first few pages and I did not want the story to end. I cannot wait until the next book comes out.

Lilly is surprised to learn that her Great Aunt leaves her estate to her when she passes. She does not remember much of her great aunt - but the family has had the rumor mill churning. Lilly takes her few belongings and moves into the Manor. She starts to really get to know who her great aunt was. She finds out that everyone wanted a cut of her great aunt's money - and now people are super nice to her.

Lilly and her character are realistic. She is naïve at times. She has taken on great responsibility at the turn of the century. The author did a great job creating her and her personality. I hope to read more from this author. Thank you to the author and JustRead Publicity tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive a paperback copy of Secrets of Rosenli Manor and a paperback copy of Of Darkness and Light!

Secrets of Rosenli Manor JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 3, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 10, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Thursday, May 5, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway - The Amish Twins Next Door Author: Vanetta Chapman On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: The Amish Twins Next Door

Author: Vanetta Chapman

Genre: Amish romance

Release date: April 26, 2022

TheAmishTwinsNextDoor Two little matchmakers could change everything…in this novel by USA TODAY bestselling author Vannetta Chapman.

Falling for a pretend suitor could cause real complications…

Amish single mom Deborah Mast is determined to raise her seven-year-old twin sons her way. But when neighbor Nicholas Stoltzfus takes the rambunctious boys on as apprentices on his farm, she’ll learn the value of his help with more than just the children. And when the two little matchmakers hatch a plan of their own, Deborah could also discover how to reopen her heart…

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Vannetta Chapman is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of 39 full length novels, plus various novella collections. She has written for Abingdon Press, Harvest House Publishers, and Harper Collins Christian Publishing. She currently writes for the Love Inspired line of Harlequin Books. Chapman has received numerous awards including the ACFW Carol Award for best mystery (Falling to Pieces), and Christy Award finalist (Anna’s Healing).

More from Vannetta

When I married my husband 22 years ago, he had a 21-year-old daughter and 16-year-old twins. I was a single mom with a 10-year-old son. I was also a certified, experienced teacher. I could handle it. (Cue laughter) I had no idea what twins was like. I didn’t understand that special language they have with one another. I was perplexed by the way they could be fighting one moment and adamantly defending one another the next. Everything about twins confused me.

Now our children are all grown. They’re adults, and I wonder how the years have passed so quickly. The Amish Twins Next Door is my first book featuring twins, and I enjoyed every minute of writing it. I enjoyed telling a story about a mom who wonders if she will ever have a conventional family—because I was that mom. I also had way too much fun writing about a man who thought he could give parenting advice when he had no children.

Ultimately though, like all of my other books, The Amish Twins Next Door is a book about the over-arching grace of God and how it can carry us through all things. My hope is that you will laugh, maybe cry, and come away from the book feeling uplifted.

My Thoughts

The Amish Twins Next Door is written by Vanetta Chapman. This is book 9 in the Indiana Bride series. I have not read all the books in the series, but they can all be read as a stand alone book. First , let's talk about the amazing cover. The twins in this book, Jacob and Joseph are seriously the cutest. The art on the front of the book brings their characters to life. The picture of Deborah is exactly how the author has described her.

Young single mom, Deborah has her hands full with Jacob and Joseph. They are certainly, double trouble. Their new neighbor, Nicholas (AKA Nick) gets off on the wrong foot with the twins and their mother. The twins are energetic, team up with each other, and tend to get themselves into a lot of trouble. Deborah is raising them as a single mom. She loves them more then anything and starts to doubt her parenting when Nick gets on to her and the boys. To make matters worse, Nick and Deborah's father have forged a business bond to raise goats. This means that Nick will be interacting with them.

Nick comes up with a plan - the boys can work on various farm chores. In exchange of Nick teaching them to do more for themselves, and try and steer them from their mischievous ways. This sounds like a good idea, until Deborah's parents start telling her that she needs to court Nick. So Nick and Deborah enter into a "fake" relationship. Although, they start to develop feelings toward each other but don't want to let the other person know.

This was such a heartwarming story. I loved all the characters. The author also wove in a story of no matter what we have done, how far we have fallen, God is always there with his everlasting forgiveness. The author writes her Amish characters and their surroundings so well. This was one of my favorite Love Inspired Contemporary books that I have read.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.