Saturday, April 11, 2020

Eden by Brennan S. McPherson

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About the Book

Eden: Biblical Fiction of the World's First Family
Book:  Eden
Author: Brennan S. McPherson
Genre:  Biblical Fiction
Release Date: April 1, 2020

“You want me to tell of how I broke the world.”

It’s the year 641 since the beginning of the world, and when Eve passes away, she leaves Adam the only man on earth who remembers everything from the beginning of the world.

When Enoch, God’s newly appointed prophet, decides to collect the stories of the faithful from previous generations, he finds Adam in desperate need to confess the dark secrets he’s held onto for too long.

Beside a slowly burning bonfire in the dead of night, Adam tells his story in searing detail. From the beginning of everything, to how he broke the world, shattered Eve’s heart, and watched his family crumble.

Will Enoch uncover what led so many of Adam’s children away from God? And will Adam find the redemption and forgiveness he longs for?

My Thoughts:
As a general rule, I love Biblical fiction.  It is always known that it is fiction and that the author is going to embellish and add their own take on things.  What I don't like is when it deviates a lot from the actual Biblical account of what happened.  To me, the author went too far with this in several spots in the story.
The above being said, the author did a great job at the start.  The story is told from Adam's perspective and there are some parts that I truly did like.  There were some conversations Overall though, the book was heavy and dark.  There was a lot of conflict and I wanted to see more of God's grace and love shine through to lighten it up.
It was a 3/5 for me.  It was an interesting story, but not one I am going to reread or share with friends.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.



Click here for your copy.

About the Author


brennanBRENNAN S. MCPHERSON writes epic, imaginative biblical fiction with heart-pounding plots and lyrical prose, for readers who like to think biblically and feel deeply. He lives with his wife and young daughter in the Midwest, and spends as much of his spare time with them as possible.

Read an Exclusive Excerpt

In my beginning was not darkness, but Light.

As I opened my eyes for the first time, I saw dust motes swirling around five bright points. I reached for them and realized the dust was not blowing past me but instead settling across the complex shapes in my arms.

Distracted, I twisted my wrist, seeing muscle, tendon, bone, and a partial layer of skin. Clenching my fingers one by one, I saw the movement in my joints.

Fascinated, I watched as a swathe of dust poured over me like a sheet of silk and morphed into smooth, brown flesh. I ran my fingers across my new skin, and when the sound of shifting sand settled, noticed what sounded like gentle Music riding on the breath that flowed into me.

I inhaled.

Exhaled.

Inhaled again.

“Adam,” I said, for I had heard that name—my name—in the Music.

I realized that my Father was singing over me, and in his singing, he had given me life and form, and had named me Adam.

He smiled at me, with those dark brown eyes, and let soft melodies fall from his tongue as I lay on my back.

He lifted me from the mud and burned the remaining dust from my skin with the heat of his presence. But he did not hurt me as a natural flame might. Instead, he filled and cleansed me. And the joy of him filled me with an insatiable desire to experience everything around me, to understand the world he had sung into existence.

I’ve never since felt so whole as I did with him in Eden. Because inside me was nothing that did not belong. Only him, and the breath he gave, and the Music he sang, and the smells of Eden, and the touch of his Light, and the taste of his name on my lips as I spoke for the second time. “Father.” I smiled and laughed.

He stood magnificent, warm, compassionate. The image of the invisible condensed in a life foreknown before the foundations of the world were formed.

I felt his pride over me and laughed again, only now with tears.

My first moments were not like those of a newborn child come from a womb. Instead, they were of a child gone into the womb. Swaddled in the Light of God. Cocooned in his satisfaction.
I was Adam. Man fully formed. Reflection of perfection.

In joy, I fell to my hands and knees and bowed my forehead to the ground. Tears flowed to the soil I’d been formed from. How great! How wonderful this being was who had made me for himself, and who so unendingly satisfied me. Nothing I’ve experienced in my long years could ever make me forget it. That sense of purpose. Of everything being right.

Ah, yes. I see wonder on your face, Enoch, at how tears could be present in a world yet unbroken by sin.

Have you never wondered why the kiss of a lover can bring tears to our eyes? It is because some goods are so great that they must be given vent. For not all tears spring from sorrow. And not all aches are unwanted.

Yet still, my Father lifted me and wiped my cheeks. Then he led me across hills and valleys, puddles and rivers. He pointed at plants and skittering animals and insects, and it seemed as though I could hear the echo of his melodies in their movements.

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Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Brennan is giving away the grand prize package of a “McPherson Publishing bundle”, which includes the following books: a copy of Flood, Babel, the three Psalm Series novellas, and The Simple Gospel book!!

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

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Author Interview with Jodie Wolfe



AW: Tell us about yourself…
Here's my official bio:
Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Romance Writers of America (RWA), and COMPEL Training. She's been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. She's a contributor and co-founder of Stitches Thru Time blog. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

AW: What genera do you write and why?
I write Christian historical romance. I've always had a fascination for the 19th Century and it's just natural for my faith to be a part of my stories.

AW: Tell us about your book….
Here's what the back cover says:
In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery's sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation's ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy.

Jules Walker strides into Drew's life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle--more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she's not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.

AW: What was your inspiration for this book?
I wanted to explore what would happen if a guy ordered a wife and the woman who showed up wasn't anything like what he'd advertised for.

AW: Do you have a favorite character and why that one?
I know I shouldn't play favorites but…my heroine, Jules Walker, has been my all-time favorite character to write. She's full of spunk, naivety, humor, and pure fun. She isn't afraid to tell things like they are, or at least how she sees them.

AW: Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?
Not really. Of all the books I've written, this was the one that flowed the easiest when it came to writing.

AW: What project(s) are you currently working on?
I’m working on tweaking the second book in my Burrton Springs Brides series. It doesn’t have a definite title yet, but I’m looking at the possibility of Wooing Annie or Protecting Annie. I'm also working on a book set in the town where I went to college. It deals with belonging and is titled, Hannah's Quest.

AW: Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about?
Hmm. Can't think of any.

AW: Do you have any advice for writers out there?
Trust God for His timing with each of your projects.

AW: Where can we find you?
Website:
https://www.jodiewolfe.com







AW: And of course we have to know, where can we find your book? 

Purchase Links for Taming Julia:





Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Capture by Heather Renee

Capture (Elite Supernatural Trackers, #2)Book Description:
One final task to complete before they're released, but what price will it come with?

I never would have predicted I'd still be stuck in Mandora Supernatural Prison for as long as I have been, but I refuse to give up hope. No matter how long it takes, I'll find a way out from under the warden's twisted rule. More importantly, I'll do it the right way because a life on the run isn't one I'm after.

With the Fabled Four at my back and my feisty fairy sidekick on my shoulder, I won't stop until we're all released from the hell we've been stuck in. But with tensions high, escape isn't as easy as it sounds while we hunt down those the warden wants.

It will take all the power I can acquire, and for our group to finally work as a team, in order for us to come out on top, but just when victory in our sights, we realize not everything is as it seems.

My Thoughts:
Yep!  Another great one from one of my favorite authors.  Okay, so this book picks up where the first one left off (Start with book 1, you won't be disappointed).  I'm brimming with questions after reading the whole thing, but some of my initial questions were answered.  The characters I loved from the first book are still here and still making me smile.
I love the snappy comebacks and sassiness.  These characters absolutely have unique personalities and I love it.  Cara and Jax--yay!  Nixie was great in this one.  Cara grew so much as a character and I think we are getting closer to answers for her.  Not to mention the FF, yep this is a series that I cannot wait to continue reading.
It was a 5/5 for me.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, March 16, 2020

Mountain Hostage by Hope White

Description

Friday, March 13, 2020

Author Interview of Michael S. Sayen

The Cure for Divorce: In the Kingdom of God by [Sayen, Michael S.]
Author Interview:

Tell us about yourself… 

I am just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit. ( ðŸ™‚ )  


What genera do you write and why? 

Pastoral Resources/Marriage and Family 

Tell us about your book.

My book is a crazy book! Unbelievable, really. I had taken one year of bible college and lived focused on one doctrine. Divorce. I have now studied under the top professors in the world. It looks at divorce and remarriage in the first church. The Jewish system, verses a open minded Gentile legal system. 

What was your inspiration for this book? 

The holy spirit, and a girl. Always a girl is involved somewhere in every good story. 

Do you have a favorite character and why that one? 

What it would have been like in first century 

Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book? 

Everything. The most difficult was studying national and international law. 

What project(s) are you currently working on? 

Just want to finish this and never write again. 

Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about? 

Yeah, I hate writing. ðŸ™‚ 

Do you have any advice for writers out there? 

Write what your passionate about, and do not be bound by the laws of grammar. 

Where can we find you? 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cure-Divorce-Kingdom-God-ebook/dp/B07W81M7CD/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Michael+Sayen&qid=1583836073&sr=8-1

And of course we have to know, where can we find your book? 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cure-Divorce-Kingdom-God-ebook/dp/B07W81M7CD/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Michael+Sayen&qid=1583836073&sr=8-1



Michael S. Sayen
The Cure for Divorce: In the Kingdom of God
Pastoral Resource 
pages 46
Venues: Marriage and Family

Unilateral marriages in the Old Testament, (bride price) transfers authority from the father of the bride to the groom, preventing the wife from being able to divorce her husband and allowing the man to marry in polygamy. Bilateral marriages under Greco-Roman law, (like we have today) creates an egalitarian society where either spouse can initiate the divorce, and polygamy is not allowed. These two ideals were at war in the first century church. The Law of Moses allowed man to put away his wife for uncleanness. The Law of Ezra commanded the circumcised men of Israel to put away their pagan wives and children born unto them. Was the woman given the equal right to put away her husband in the New Testament? And why does Paul seem to talk about men and women differently regarding divorce and remarriage in his letter to Corinth? This short-book explores marriage, divorce, and remarriage in ways you have never heard before.


Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Britfield and the Lost Crown by C.R. Stewart

Britfield and the Lost CrownBook Description:
Britfield & the Lost Crown is the first book in a thrilling seven-part series for middle school and young adult readers. It will inspire children to engage both their creativity and their critical thinking skills as they encounter actual places, authentic characters, and exciting but realistic events in seventeen action-packed chapters.
Based on family, friendship, loyalty, and courage, Britfield & the Lost Crown and its hero, Tom, take readers on an epic adventure across England – from the smoldering crags of Yorkshire to the heart of London and, finally, to the magnificent shores of Dover.
With help from his best friend, Sarah, and a hot air balloon, Tom flees Yorkshire, escaping from Weatherly Orphanage and the clutches of a relentless detective, in pursuit of the truth about himself and his heritage: Are his parents still alive? Is he the true heir to the British throne? As Tom and a memorable cast of both heroic and dastardly characters unravel a royal mystery that could change the course of history, readers are taken on a breathless journey to a surprise ending that will leave them clamoring for more .
Built on more than seven years of extensive research and development, Britfield & the Lost Crown creates a real world that readers can embrace as it weaves accurate geography, literature, architecture, and history into its fast-paced story. With stimulating language and active writing, Britfield engages the reader from the first pages and doesn’t let go until it reaches its exciting conclusion.
 

My Thoughts:
I was excited to get this book to review and it certainly did not disappoint.  Tom and Sarah are orphans and they have to escape the horrible orphanage they live in.  There is a detective that specializes in tracking down children and they must evade him if they are going to remain free and get answers to some very puzzling questions.
This book was one adventure/escape after the other.  It is aimed for children but I completely enjoyed it and have shared it with my 12 year old who is enjoying it immensely.  I loved the action, the mystery, and the friendship.  Overall the entire story was well thought out and wonderfully written. 
It is a 5/5 and will stay on my keeper shelf.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Amiranda by John P. Adamo

Amiranda: Princess Amiranda and the Tale of the Deciduous Forest
Book Description:
An instant classic tale portraying the life of "Amiranda," an innocent and brave princess, who unwittingly sets out on a quest that will ultimately determine the fate of her entire kingdom. From her castle window, Amiranda would gaze at the beautiful countryside below-always watching carefully, always observing everything. Gradually the princess realizes that she knows very little of the small kingdom over which she would one day reign. Nevertheless, Amiranda would never disobey her father's wishes, especially the one to never enter the mysterious dark forest, which borders their kingdom. That is, until one day when she would have no other choice. Amiranda will take a journey that will lead her on a wild adventure, where the decisions she makes will determine the fate of many lives-the lives of her animal friends, her family members, those who dwell in her kingdom, and her very own life as well. Travel along on this trip where Princess Amiranda hopes to find the missing piece in her existence and ends up trying to achieve the impossible....

My Thoughts:
This was a super cute book.  I completely enjoyed it.  Amiranda is a wonderful character.  She is a princess and she wants to actually get to know the kingdom she lives in.  A dark forest borders the kingdom and of course, she would never venture in there.  Except she does.
The journey she takes is unbelievable.  The adventure she embarks on is for family, but she meets some really interesting friends along the way.  I truly enjoyed her animal friends and not so much the sorcerer.  All in all, it was a great read that I'm passing along to my daughter to read.
It was a 4/5 for me.
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, February 24, 2020

Pokergeist by Michael Phillip Cash

PokergeistBook Description:
Sometimes life, as well as death, is about second chances. Luckless Telly Martin doesn't have a clue. An awful gambler trying to scrape by as a professional poker player, he becomes the protégé of world famous poker champion Clutch Henderson. The only catch…Clutch is a ghost.
Telly and Clutch must navigate the seedy gambling underbelly of Las Vegas learning to trust each other in order to win the elusive International Series of Poker, repair their shattered personal relationships and find redemption in this life and the hereafter.


My Thoughts:
This is an entertaining novella.  It was a good, quick read that I enjoyed.  I thought this was going to be a mystery, but it wasn't.  That being said, I still enjoyed the story.  If you enjoy the game of poker, I think this story will strike your fancy.
Clutch was entertaining to me.  As a ghost, he still wants to play the game.  Telly and his girlfriend were both interesting characters and somewhat believable.  Overall an interesting and entertaining read.
It was a 3/5 for me.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received copy of this book via PUYB for review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill

Collision of LiesBook Description:
Three years ago, a collision between a fast-moving freight train and a school bus full of kids led to devastation and grief on an unimaginable scale. But a fresh clue leads San Antonio police detective Amara Alvarez to the unlikely conclusion that one of the children may still be alive. If she's correct, everything law enforcement believes about the accident is a lie.

With time running out, Amara must convince others--and herself--that despite all evidence to the contrary, the boy lives. And she will do everything in her power to bring him home.

A fresh voice in suspense, Tom Threadgill will have you questioning everything as you fly through the pages of this enthralling story.


My Thoughts:
This book caught my attention at the start and didn't let up.  I enjoyed the way it pulled me in and didn't veer off path but barreled straight ahead.  There was plenty of suspense and it is clear that the author did his research.  The horrible accident the book is about broke my heart but it is something that really could happen.  
Amara was a good character and very realistic.  Following her thought process and all the evidence, she developed well as a character.  I loved her determination.  It didn't matter what, she was going to get to the end of it.  Overall, a really good book.It was a 4/5 for me.  I will absolutely look for more from this author.   Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Shadows of Lela by Tessonja Odette narrated by Emma Faye

Shadows of Lela audiobook cover art
Book Description:
A forgotten princess. A deadly quest. A threat that hides in shadow....
Sixteen-year-old Cora is a princess with a dark past. Exile has kept her safe. But when she rescues a dying unicorn from a mysterious band of hunters, her identity - and her life - are in danger.
Prince Teryn has the perfect plan - win the quest, marry his betrothed, and become king. But his mission goes awry when he faces a feisty young woman in the woods. Although they meet as foes, she shares a secret that bonds them.
Teryn and Cora’s fates are entwined in a plot far deadlier than they ever imagined. Can they face the threat together? Or will a terrifying enemy destroy the land they love?
Shadows of Lela is book one in the Lela Trilogy. If you like swoon-worthy romance, adventurous quests, breathtaking magic, and surprising twists, then you’ll love Tessonja Odette’s epic fantasy tale.

My Thoughts:
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book as it is a new author and narrator to me, but I loved it!  Cora has been raised away from the comforts of a princess that she should have been accustomed to.  It wasn't her choice but probably was what wound up being the best thing for her.  Teryn is a prince out on a crazy quest.

I loved the first meeting between Teryn and Cora.  It was great!  I love how the author twisted the story lines together and how we get the different viewpoints.  The narrator did a good job of giving each character their own voice.  There were funny parts, creepy parts, and loving parts to this story.  Lots of elements wonderfully balanced and I cannot wait to see what the author does next with these characters in this land.

It was a 5/5 for me!


Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.