REVIEW: The Spirit Bridge by James Rubart

The Spirit Bridge by James Rubart

{About the Book}

The Warriors Riding have battled in astounding supernatural realms, set captives free, and awakened thousands of hearts. But now their only chance of survival depends on calling for The Spirit Bridge.

Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus have achieved staggering success in the spiritual realm . . . but each is reeling from vicious attacks. They need rest. A break from the war.

But the warlord Zennon is raging and will give them no quarter. The demon holds what he believes to be the trump card—a hidden strategy set in motion before Warriors Riding even began—that will detonate the team from the inside out. And he's just set it loose.

The street magician Simon—finally free of Zennon's alternate reality prison—is racing to remember his past before his ignorance obliterates his destiny. Then there's Miyo—a brash young warrior with advanced knowledge of spiritual realities and supernatural armor even Reece doesn't know about. These two will be pivotal in the final war.

If only the Warriors knew which side Simon and Miyo are truly on. If only they knew how to fight against Zennon's final assault.

The Spirit Bridge is the epic conclusion to acclaimed author James L. Rubart's Well Spring series, which will propel each of the Warriors Riding on a quest of true identity, ultimate freedom, and a final battle that will leave them changed forever.

{My Review}

Rating: 4.5 Stars!!

The Spirit Bridge by James Rubart is reminiscent of a Ted Dekker and Frank Perreti novel. The Spirit Bridge deals with the supernatural, good and evil. This normally is not the type of book I would pick up, but this author has been recommended to me countless times. So I thought I would give it a try. It was overall a good and strong novel. I'm quite surprised I enjoyed it so much. I will definitely be reading Jim's other works.

REVIEW: Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith

Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith

{About the Book}

For Monica Scott, building her late father’s house at Lake Tahoe isn’t an option—it’s a necessary distraction from confusing memories and an uncertain future. But a handsome planner working for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is keeping Monica from moving forward with the project. Never mind that he’s young and charming with a great sense of humor. No one is going to stop Monica from making her father’s dream—and her own—a reality.

All Greg Linsey wants is for his work to mean something. His job at TRPA gives him the opportunity to fight for the environment he loves and make a difference in his small corner of the world. But with the sophisticated Monica Scott’s arrival, his dedication is tested as never before, especially when Monica turns to his unscrupulous nemesis for assistance.

As Greg and Monica’s animosity turns into something far sweeter, can they learn to accept each other’s promises and avoid the growing danger to their lives and hearts?

{About the Author}

Sandra Leesmith loves to travel in her RV and explore all of nature’s beauty, discover America’s history, and fellowship with the wonderful people she meets while on the road. She enjoys reading, writing, hiking, swimming, and pickleball. Learn more about Sandra and her books at www.sandraleesmith.com.

You can connect with Sandra on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. You can also find her and her talented writing buddies at the Seekerville blog.   

{My Review}

Monica Scott has come to Lake Tahoe for one thing, to realize her father's and her dream-- a newly built home. However, distractions along in the form of a TRPA worker named, Greg Linsey. He is handsome, charming, funny, and trying to keep Monica from going ahead with the building of the home. 

Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith was a good book, not great, but good. I just adored the characters, especially Monica and Greg. Monica and Greg are similar in many ways. Monica won't anybody get in her way of finishing this house, and Greg won't let anyone disturb the environment that he loves so dear.

Love's Promises is set in Lake Tahoe, which I loved, because Lake Tahoe is very close to me. I have been there many times, so imagining Lake Tahoe in my head while I was reading was quite easy. However, I wasn't a fan of the environmental theme and message. I tend to avoid books with this kind of message because it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. This due to the fact that we now live in a world where many people care more about the environment than people. But I was happy to see that this was not case in Love's Promises. The environmental message was there, but wasn't shoved down my throat, like others I have read. And the romance was sweet as honey.

Overall, it was a good book. The prefect read for contemporary romance lovers.

{Giveaway}

Sandra is offering one reader a taste of Lake Tahoe with a sweet prize pack: a signed paperback copy of Love's Promises, a journal, a Lake Tahoe coffee mug, a pound of Millstone Velvet Chocolate coffee, and a Hulet Glass chocolate drop! This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. You can enter to win via the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW: A Lady's Honor by Laurie Alice Eakes

A Lady's Honor by Laurie Alice Eakes

{About the Book}

On the cliffs of nineteenth-century Cornwall, a spirited, impetuous young woman is torn between the honor of her family and the longing of her heart. England, 1811 A tarnished reputation. A distant home. A forced engagement to a dangerous man. When Elizabeth Trelawny flees London, she has more than one reason to run. And when her carriage, pursued by her would-be fiancé, is caught in a storm, she quickly accepts the help of a dark stranger. Anything to get back to Cornwall. Rowan Curnow is not exactly a stranger. Not quite a gentleman either, class disparity once kept him from courting Elizabeth . . . even if it didn’t keep him from kissing her. The couple elude their pursuers and reach Bastian Point, Elizabeth’s future inheritance and the one place she calls home. But in the very act of spiriting her to safety, Rowan has jeopardized Elizabeth’s inheritance---if her Grandfather ever learns she spent the night, however innocently, in the company of a man. When smugglers unite the pair in a reckless, flirtatious alliance---an alliance that challenges the social norms that Elizabeth has been raised to revere and rattles Rowan’s fledgling faith in God---Elizabeth must choose between the obedience of a child and the desires of a woman: whether to cling to the safety of her family home or follow the man she loves. 'Eakes delivers beautifully written romantic suspense set in Cornwall during the Regency Era.' ---Publishers Weekly 'Beautiful nineteenth century Cornwall offers a contemplative setting for this dramatic romance that involves murder, suspense, and a surprise villain.' ---Romantic Times, 4 STARS

{My Review}

5 stars!

A Lady's Honor by Laurie Alice Eakes takes place in nineteenth century Cornwall England, specifically in 1811. Elizabeth Trelawny is betrothed to someone dangerous and her reputation has been tarnished. So to escape it all, Elizabeth decides to flee London. She is pursued by her forced fiance, however, he is caught in a storm. Elizabeth meets and accepts help from a total, but handsome stranger. Through A Lady's Honor, Elizabeth Trelawny must decide to obey like a child or be with the man she loves.

A Lady's Honor is a beautifully, and poetically written historical romantic suspense. Laurie Alice Eakes has written something to cherish. A Lady's Honor is something I will keep on my bookshelf for years to come. If you are a fan of history, romance, and suspense this is the book you should pick up and enjoy. Believe me!

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Alone Yet Not Alone

Alone Yet Not Alone

{About the Book}

Autumn of 1755 bestowed to the Leiningers' world, not only its rich beauties, but also a rewarding harvest. On this particular day the whole valley seemed to rejoice in the fullness of the season---but suddenly Barbara and Regina's peaceful frontier life is changed forever. General Braddock and his army had been defeated and soon the Pennsylvania settlers would suffer the bloody effects of the French and Indian War. On October 16, 1755, a band of Indians, led by Allegheny warriors, stormed through Buffalo Valley, burned the Leiningers' log cabin, and captured the sisters. Few survived the Penn's Creek Massacre and even fewer lived to tell the story. Regina makes a promise to her older sister just before they are unwillingly separated---each to endure different fates. Barbara is taken deep into the wilderness, but holds on to the hope that she will find her little sister. Though she is adopted into the Indian tribe, there is a longing deep inside that cannot be denied. She must escape---but the penalty if caught is certain death. No one expresses Barbara's apprehensions better than her own words, written in 1759: 'If one could not believe that there is a God, who helps and saves from death, one had better let running away alone...The extreme probability that the Indians would pursue and recapture us, was two to one compared with the dim hope that, perhaps, we would get through...even if we did escape the Indians, how would we ever succeed in passing through the wilderness, unacquainted with a single path or trail..

{My Review}

Rating: 5 Stars!

Alone Yet Not Alone was a roller coaster ride of adventure and emotion. It tells the tale of the Leininger sisters and their capture and escape from the Allegheny Indian tribe. The Alleghany tribe storms through and a massacre ensues. People are killed and people are captured. Those who survive and are captured are taken back to Alleghany tribe settlement. Sisters, Regina and Barbara Leininger, unfortunately are seperated.

Alone Yet Not Alone is the perfect book for any history buff. It would also be perfect if you enjoy novelizations of true stories. Regina and Barbara Leininger's story would most definitely satisfy that craving.

GIVEAWAY

I am giving away 1 paperback copy of Alone Yet Not Alone on behalf of FlyBy Promotions.

All you have to do is comment with your favorite historical period and your email so I can get a hold of you! 

The winner will be drawn and emailed Thursday, April 17.

REVIEW: Kaleidoscope Me by Hillary K. Grigonis

Kaleidoscope Me by Hillary K. Grigonis




{About the Book}


Sometimes, my mind is a kaleidoscope. Somewhere, buried beneath a hundred different swirling colors, is the original image, but as the dial turns, the original meshes with colors and becomes something completely different. Like the letter in my hand. It reminds me of how my hand shook as I tried to read my own handwriting in front of a hundred people at Mom's funeral, which swirls into the time Mom told me to date my thoughts like a book (so I could choose only the 'book' I needed whenever it was hard to focus), which becomes the conversation I overheard when Dad decided Aunt Nadine would help look after me and my brother. And then the dial turns to the first time Aunt Nadine lost it.

Jadyn's world twirls out of control after her mother dies in a car accident and her forgetful Great-Aunt Nadine moves in. Her dad is never home and her best friend doesn't even know half of it. Jadyn is trying to keep it all together for her little brother, Trenton. But when Aunt Nadine disappears with Trenton in the middle of a snowstorm, Jadyn's unusual way of thinking may be the only way to find them.




{My Review}

Rating: 3.5

Kaleidescope Me was a very interesting read. A lot of the story was told through flashbacks, which kind of confused me at first. Then after a bit of reading it became easier to understand. In fact, in some parts I thing the flashbacks were unecessary. Jadyn was kind of hard to sympathize with. At times Jadyn seemed to be somewhat whiney and annoying. Kaleidescope Me also needed more developement. The plot seemed underdeveloped to me, along with the characters. 

The pacing is quite slow, which for me I don't like. I much prefer fast-paced, heart-pounding reads. Also some of the characters are hard to connect with. I loved the blossoming relationship of Jadyn and her Aunt Nadine. Just to let you know, Kaleidescope Me, is not by any means a light read. After all it is about a girl dealing with the death of her mother.

While there are some things I didn't particularly like, Kaleidescope Me, is an enjoyable read. However, not a book I would read again. Kaleidescope Me, is most definitely a one time read. At least for me anyway.

IMORTANT BLOG UPDATE!!!!!

              IMPORTANT BLOG UPDATE!!

UPDATE: I have removed the contact me form widget from the blog. I have instead added a new side tab (located to the right side of the blog) titled, Contact Me. In this page contains my brand new blog email. Please use this email for any and all requests you may have.

Thank You!!

REVIEW: Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer

 Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer

{About the Book}

Born to an unloving prostitute in a popular Chicago brothel, timid seventeen-year-old Dinah Hubley was raised amidst the secrets held in every dark, grimy room of her home. Anxious to escape, Dinah pursues her dream of becoming a Harvey Girl, waiting tables along the railroad in an upscale hotel. But when she finds out she isn't old enough, her only option is to accept a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel in Florence, Kansas. Eager to put everything behind her, Dinah feels more worthless than ever, based on a single horrible decision she made to survive.

{My Review}

5 Stars!!

Dinah Hubley, the seventeen year old daughter of a prostitute in Chicago, was raised in conditions no child should have to be involved in. Dinah escapes to fulfill her dreams of becoming a Harvey Girl. But when Dinah discovers she is too young to become a Harvey Girl, she accepts a job as a chambermaid at the Clifton Hotel. Dinah feels worthless, more so than she ever has before. However, she finds out in God's eyes she is a beautiful child of God.

Kim Vogel Sawyer has done it again. A novel full of redemption and letting go of your past to fulfill the future God has for you! This is not by any means a light read, or something to read in an afternoon and then put it down and never think about it again. This book and it's message will stay with you. Highly recommended!!!

COVER REVEAL: Resistance by Jaye L. Knight

Resistance by Jaye L. Knight

It's time for another cover reveal!! This cover is for Book #1 in the Illyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight, who has been previously published as Molly Evangeline. The Illyon Chronicles is a series of Christian New Adult Fantasy novels. I personally have not read any books by Jaye/Molly, but the have been on my to-read list for a long time. Jaye/Molly's books have been compared to J.R.R Tolkien's works. And I am a huge Tolkien fan so I can not wait to dive in to some of the author's previous works, along with Resistance.





{About the Book}

“Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”

Could God ever love a half-blood all of society looks upon with such fear and disdain? Jace once believed so, but when a tragic loss shatters the only peace he’s ever known, his faith crumbles as the nagging doubts he’s tried to put behind him descend on his grieving heart. With them come the haunting memories of the bloodstained past he longs to forget, but can never escape.

Taken from home at a young age and raised to serve the emperor, Kyrin Altair and her twin brother live every day under a dangerous pretense of loyalty. After her unique observation skills and perfect memory place her into direct service to the emperor, Kyrin finds herself in further jeopardy as it becomes increasingly difficult to hide her belief in Elôm, the one true God.

Following the emperor’s declaration to enforce the worship of false gods under the penalty of death, many lives are endangered. But there are those willing to risk everything to take a stand and offer aid to the persecuted. With their lives traveling paths they never could have imagined, Jace and Kyrin must fight to overcome their own fears and conflicts with society as they become part of the resistance.

Kindle release date: May 20, 2014

{About the Author}

JAYE L. KNIGHT is a 25-year-old independent author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean NA (New Adult) fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God's love shines as a light to offer hope.

Jaye is a homeschool graduate and has been penning stories since the age of eight. She was previously published as Molly Evangeline. You can learn about her latest writing projects at www.jayelknight.com.

DRUMROLL PLEASE..........

*FANGIRL* I LOVE this cover!!! I don't know about you, but this looks like this could be the cover for a J.R.R Tolkien novel! I can not wait to review this for the blog tour and then get my hands on a paperback copy for my personal bookshelf!

Blog Tour Announcement

Excited for this book’s release? Join us for the blog tour May 20-27, which will include reviews, interviews, a giveaway, and more! Mark your calendars, and check the blog tour page in May for more information. Hope to see you there!

Rafflecopter Giveaway Code

In celebration of the epic cover reveal for Resistance, Jaye L. Knight is giving away two handcrafted bookmarks with sword charms—one each to two different winners! The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, and you can enter via the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt from Resistance (©2014 Jaye L. Knight)

Just when he lowered his guard enough to relax, a grating voice sent tension knotting across his shoulders.

“Look what the excitement dragged into town.”

Jace ground his teeth together and turned. He should never have stopped watching his back. Wrong move on his part.

Flanked by two of his smug-faced friends, a red-haired young man smirked at him, his eyes harboring all sorts of ill will. Jace barely bit back a sharp retort, but the other man’s smirk only grew at his silence. He peered around Jace.

“Rebekah, what are you doing with this . . .” He glanced back to Jace and turned up his wide nose. “. . . half-blood?”

Jace balled his fists. Warmth seeped down his arms and into his muscles, pulsing with the preparation for a fight, but he fought to still it.

Rebekah came to his side, her face set in a frown that looked entirely out of place. “Stop it, Morden.”

He gave her a condescending little grin. “Why don’t you run along? We’ve got business here.” The grin stretched wider. “I’ll gladly come find you later.”

Rebekah put her hands on her hips, glaring at him, and opened her mouth to speak, but Jace beat her to it.

“A gentleman would treat a lady with more consideration.”

Morden snorted. “And what would you know about that?”

A blaze erupted inside that Jace struggled to contain. He breathed in hard, cursing the impulses he had to battle so often. He couldn’t let it take control of him. Not again.

“Come on, Jace, we still have to find something for Kalli.” Rebekah’s soft voice quieted his growing agitation, and she tugged lightly on his stiff arm.

His blood still burned hot in his veins, calling him to action, and was almost too strong to resist. He thought of Rayad who told him time and again to go to Elôm when he struggled like this. He forced himself to turn away from Morden and whispered silently, “Elôm, I need help.”

But Morden, who must have caught the movement of his lips just before he turned completely, let out an incredulous laugh. “Are you praying?”

Jace froze. His heart thundered.

“Who could you be praying to? Don’t you know? Animals like you have no soul.”

An evil pang of doubt knifed through Jace’s heart, colder and more painful than the steel of any dagger, and robbed the breath from his lungs. His eyes settled on Rebekah’s face, but it was her pitying expression that caused the weak grip on his emotions to fail. Heat flared in his muscles. He spun around and smashed his fist into the side of Morden’s jaw, sending the man reeling. Regret followed, but it was too late. Morden’s friends caught him by the arms and steadied him as he shook his head to clear his vision.

Jace dragged deep breaths into his tightened lungs and waited for Morden’s next move. Just walk away. The silent plea went out in desperation. If only it would just end here. But satisfaction lit Morden’s eyes, and his lip curled in a malicious sneer.

REVIEW: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus

{About the Book}

An Unexpected Journey from Islam to Christianity In Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, Nabeel Qureshi describes his dramatic journey from Islam to Christianity, complete with friendships, investigations, and supernatural dreams along the way. Providing an intimate window into a loving Muslim home, Qureshi shares how he developed a passion for Islam before discovering, almost against his will, evidence that Jesus rose from the dead and claimed to be God. Unable to deny the arguments but not wanting to deny his family, Qureshi's inner turmoil will challenge Christians and Muslims alike. Engaging and thought-provoking, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus tells a powerful story of the clash between Islam and Christianity in one man's heart---and of the peace he eventually found in Jesus. 'I have seldom seen such genuine intellect combined with passion to match ... truly a 'must-read' book.' --Ravi Zacharias

{My Review}

5 stars!!!!

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus was an incredible read. It is a memoir about how the author was trying to discover his Muslim Faith, but instead he discovered Jesus, the Christian God. The one true God. I haven't heard or read very many stories from those who left Islam and became Christian's. So I thought I'd give this memoir a shot, and it was INCREDIBLE!!! I highly recommend Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus! :)

REVIEW: The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees

The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees

Real Rating: 3.5 stars!!

The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees

{About the Book}

THE BATTLE BEGINS The year is 1524. William Tyndale makes the fateful decision to produce an English Testament without Church permission. He knows that a vernacular scripture will free the common people from spiritual domination by a corrupt and ignorant Church. If Tyndale is caught, he'll die at the stake. So will anyone found assisting him. Owen Alton, a London grocer's heir, catches Tyndale's vision. But if he helps Tyndale, he'll be disinherited and lose Jane Horne, the minor-knight's stepdaughter he loves. Jane has defied her family in her desire to wed Owen. If he now should leave her for Tyndale.... As if she didn't have enough troubles, Jane discovers the shocking secret behind her mother's ruby ring.

{My Review}

The Ruby Ring by Karen Rees retells the story of William Tyndale and when he made the decision to produce the English New Testament of the Holy Bible. An English version of the New Testament would give the people freedom to read the Scriptures for themselves and not have to depend on the Church priests and pastors to tell it for them. If Tyndale was caught he surely would be burned at the stake. Tyndale also has an assistant, Owen Alton, a grocer's heir. Owen is to be wed to Jane Horton, who has defied her family's wishes in wanting to marry Owen. So if Owen is caught, he will surely be burned at the stake along with William Tyndale and will not wed Jane.

The Ruby Ring was an interesting story. I very much enjoyed the story, it was full of adventure, intrigue, and romance. But the story did lack in some development. I wish the characters along with the plot had been developed more. If they had I probably would have enjoyed the story more. But other than that I enjoyed the story and will recommend to all my friends who enjoy historical fiction.