BLOG TOUR: The Crimson Cord by Jill Eileen Smith

BLOG TOUR: The Crimson Cord by Jill Eileen Smith

{About the Book}

Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution by Dabir, counselor to the Syrian king, Rahab despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime. In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love.

The Crimson Cord by Jill Eileen Smith

Revell Publishing

Released February 17, 2015

Genre: Historical Romance

Rating: 5 stars.

The Crimson Cord was a fantastic retelling of the biblical story of Rahab. Rahab is one of my favourite stories and women from the Bible. Rahab a woman who went from a prostitute to marrying one of the spies she helped get out of Jericho. Rahab's story proves God can use anybody, where ever they are in life for Kingdom's cause. It proves God changes hearts and broken people. The novel itself was wonderful. The writing flowed well and the descriptions were great. The characters were so great, flawed and imperfect people, which the Bible is chock full of. 

If you love Historical Romance or Biblical fiction this would be the novel for you. And I can't wait for the next book in this series and to find out which woman of the Bible Jill has chosen to do next.

BLOG TOUR: Fallen by Annie Lobert

BLOG TOUR: Fallen by Annie Lobert

{About the Book}

Annie Lobert was not so different from most girls, growing up in a small town and experiencing common struggles with friends, school, and boys. But her home was filled with turmoil, and at nine years old she was sexually abused by an older girl and as a teenager was assaulted numerous times by boys who said they loved her just to get what they wanted. Feeling unloved, used, and abused, she struggled to find self-worth.


Lured by the almighty dollar, and with a skewed fairytale view of love, she was drawn toward the seductive whispers and open arms of the sex industry. Greed consumed her, the money an easy remedy to numb her brokenness, so she began a new life with a new name--Fallen. Settling under the lights of glamorous Las Vegas, she became one of the most sought-after high-class escorts, fielding calls from celebrities, musicians, politicians, and other men with endless supplies of cash.


But the lights weren't that bright. All that glitters isn't gold. And it wasn't long before the dream of getting all she ever wanted became the nightmare that plunged her into the darkest time of her life.


In Fallen, Lobert writes about her sixteen-year journey being owned by a violent pimp who took every dollar and beat her multiple times within inches of her life. After more than a decade and a half of countless arrests, rapes, life-threatening calls, and utter loneliness, the freedom she had once sought became her prison. Then after being diagnosed with and treated for cancer, Annie eventually found herself at death's door from a drug overdose. That's when she finally surrendered to the love of a beckoning Savior.


Through Lobert's harrowing account in the clutches of the sex trafficking industry and the miraculous deliverance she experienced in the arms of Jesus, readers will be encouraged knowing this: No matter how far you have fallen, God loves you and wants to save you from the depths of any pain, trauma, addiction, or abuse. And He longs to give you a new life. Today, Annie is redeemed. Healed. Free. And rescuing other victims through her organization Hookers for Jesus.

Fallen by Annie Lobert

Worthy Publishing 

Released February 17, 2015

Rating: 5 stars.

{My Review}

Fallen was in a word.....INTENSE!!!! Fallen tells the story of the author, Annie's experience being in the commercial sex industry. It also tells us the stories of other young women who also were in the commercial sex industry. I will warn you that these stories are stomach turning, given the subject it's dealing with. But if you are not familiar with this subject I would recommend this book to you.

ARC REVIEW: The King's Scrolls by Jaye L. Knight

ARC REVIEW: The King's Scrolls by Jaye L. Knight

{About the Book}

Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.

Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.

When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?

Title: The King's Scrolls by Jaye L. Knight

Release Date: February 17, 2015

Publisher: Living Sword Publishing

Genre: New Adult/High Fantasy/Adventure

Rating: 5 STARS!

{My Review}

The King's Scrolls starts off where book #1, Resistance ended. And oh boy, what an EPIC continuation of the Illyon Chronicles. This series has quickly become some of my favourite fantasy books I have ever read. High Fantasy, epic adventures, themes of faith. This series is everything a Christian who loves fantasy would want in a series. The only other books I could say that about would be, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings, Tales of Goldstone Wood, and a few others I can't think of off the top of my head at this moment.

Can we just talk about the characters for a moment. I have not read such characters like them in a long time. The characters are so well-rounded, well-developed, and just down right fantastic. And I love, I love ALL of the characters. Jace, Kyrin, Kaden, and I especially loved getting to know Kyrin's brothers. It was nice to finally get to know them personally. There's cretes and dragons. The cretes were quite interesting as characters. But you guys the DRAGONS are of course by far my favourite creatures in, not only The King's Scrolls but in every fantasy novel ever!! One of my favourite dragon/villianous characters of all time is Smaug from The Hobbit, and Jaye's dragons are just as interesting, well written, and wonderful. I should move on or I'll keep on talking about dragons.

I also need to warn you all. The books in the Illyon Chronicles are not light reads. They deal with some heavier subjects and there is some violence. However, the violence isn't that graphic. The violence in this series reminds me of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, so it's not too violent. 

If you are a lover of fantasy like myself, I highly recommend you pick up Resistance (#1) and The King's Scrolls (#2). 

BOOK REVIEW: Whatever the Cost by David and Jason Benham

BOOK REVIEW: Whatever the Cost by David and Jason Benham

{About the Book}

"Two nationally-acclaimed real estate entrepreneurs share biblical principles to revolutionize your work and family life, and give you the courage to stand up for what is right." This book follows the story of highly motivated and entrepreneurial twin brothers, David and Jason Benham, from their formative years and ventures into professional baseball to their rise as owners of a multi-million dollar business empire and securing an HGTV reality series. It's a journey where the brothers learned how they must die to their dreams not just once, but twice as they walked away from baseball before being called up to the Big Show and later as their TV series was stripped away from them just before airing when the network succumbed to media pressures surrounding their faith. These experiences only helped them realize that the key to powerful living is found when you die to your dreams and face your fears, and choose to live powerfully through it all. The biblical principles they implemented to guide their work and families are revealed in practical terms to apply to our daily lives and give us courage to stand for what is right. The book will expand on principles such as: 
Show that You are Faithful in Little Be a Fountain to Others and not a Drain Produce More in Value than You Receive Work to Your Ability and not Your Pay Breathe Life into All Situations Remember that You are Human Beings, not Human Doings Hold to a Standard of Disciplined Living Don't Swing at Every Pitch Find Your Greatest Blessings on the Other Side of Your Greatest Fears.

Whatever the Cost by David and Jason Benham

Release Date: February 10, 2015

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre: Non-Fiction, Religion

Rating: 5 stars.

{My Review}

Everybody by now knows who David and Jason Benham are. They are the brothers who lost their new television show because of their religious beliefs. And even after losing the show they continue to stand with their convictions. Which is highly commendable. This book is an encouragement to other believers to stand up for what is right and to stand up for what you believe in. No matter what the world and people around you may say. The brothers lay out the biblical principles they have implemented in their lives that guide them and their families wherever they may go. If you need to be encouraged to stand up and speak out than this is a great book to do so. I recommend this book to every believer.

COVER REVEAL: Where Trains Collide by Amber Stokes

COVER REVEAL: Where Trains Collide by Amber Stokes

I'm back for another cover reveal for the lovely Amber Stokes. Her upcoming New Adult Contemporary Novella, Where Trains Collide, releases April 2015. I am so excited for this New Adult Novella and the cover, which ya'll are here to see, is so gorgeous!! And don't sneak a peek until I say so. 

{About the Author}

Amber Stokes works in marketing for a Christian publisher. On the side, she writes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. The next step in her career has her happily settled in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home. Learn more about her indie-author adventure at www.seasonsofastory.blogspot.com.

{About the Cover Designer}

Lena Goldfinch writes romance and fantasy for adults and teens. She’s a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she's writing historicals or something light and contemporary. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. Visit Lena at  www.LenaGoldfinch.blogspot.com.

And here we are, finally revealing the cover for Where Trains Collide. 

DRUMROLL PLEASE........

{About the Book}

New Adult Contemporary Romance Novella

Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.

Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure suddenly collapses into a nightmare when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.

All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul’s questions only complicate matters and spark a few of her own.

Questions that could change the course of her life.

Now I'm sure your reaction was the same as mine when I took a peek. Personally, I think this my favourite cover of all of Amber's works. With the coats and the leaves I can see that maybe it's set during the Fall, which happens to be my favourite season of the year. The cute couple exudes romance and I can't wait to read this story.

{GIVEAWAY}

In honor of this cover reveal Amber is giving away a pair of Fall themed earrings and $5 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW: Secrets of a Charmed Life (ARC)

REVIEW: Secrets of a Charmed Life (ARC)

{About the Book}

Publisher: NAL Trade

Publishing Date: February 3, 2015

Source: ARC provided by author

Genre: Fiction; Historical, Contemporary.

Rating: 5 stars.

She stood at a crossroads, half-aware that her choice would send her down a path from which there could be no turning back. But instead of two choices, she saw only one—because it was all she really wanted to see… 

Current day, Oxford, England. Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades...beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden--one that will test her convictions and her heart.

1940s, England. As Hitler wages an unprecedented war against London’s civilian population, one million children are evacuated to foster homes in the rural countryside. But even as fifteen-year-old Emmy Downtree and her much younger sister Julia find refuge in a charming Cotswold cottage, Emmy’s burning ambition to return to the city and apprentice with a fashion designer pits her against Julia’s profound need for her sister’s presence. Acting at cross purposes just as the Luftwaffe rains down its terrible destruction, the sisters are cruelly separated, and their lives are transformed…

{My Review}

Secrets of a Charmed Life is actually my first novel by Susan Meissner and by golly it was a good novel. It's a novel that switches from present-day England and historical England, specifically during WWII. WWII is a difficult time in history, for all parties involved. So in dealing with this subject of course I will be sad and upsetting, but there is a lot of hope to be found as well in this novel. I love when books make me think and dwell on the story even after I have finished it. The narrative was completely engaging and engrossing. The writing is stellar and top notch. Susan's writing and storytelling drew me in from the first page. After this fantastic story I will be sure to check out Susan's previous works and will be looking forward to all her upcoming novels as well.

[Note: If you enjoyed Secrets of a Charmed Life I highly recommend Kristy Cambron's novel The Butterfly and the Violin.

REVIEW: Beneath the Forsaken City by C.E. Laureano

REVIEW: 

Beneath the Forsaken City by C.E. Laureano

{About the Book}

Conor and Aine have barely escaped Seare with their lives. Conor knows he must return to find the harp that could end the Red Druid’s reign of terror, but in the midst of their escape, he and Aine are torn apart once more. Surrounded by despair and thrown into as much danger as they left behind, Conor and Aine must cling to the whispers of Comdiu’s plans for them and the homeland that depends on their survival. But at what cost? Will they learn to depend on Comdiu completely? Or will they give up hope?

{My Review}

Rating: 5 stars.

Beneath the Forsaken City continues right after Oath of the Brotherhood ends. And as the synopsis says they have barely escaped Seare alive. Book #2 is full of almost non-stop action, which is what I love about the second in a series, there's always a ton of stuff going on. The author's characters, setting, writing is utterly captivating and once I finished it did not want to let me go any time soon. Beneath the Forsaken City is a rich tale weaved with action, romance, and magic. I'm ready for Book #3!