Beneath a Crescent Shadow ~ Review

Beneath a Crescent Shadow

The Balkan Legends #1

A.L. Sowards

This is such a good book. I don't think I've ever read a book set in 14th Century Serbia before. Yes, I had World History in High School and it touched on the Ottoman Empire, but this book takes all those dry facts and dates giving it depth, making one care. Now don't misunderstand me, I loved history class but to make one care about the people involved and empathize with the trials they faced is special.

The story opens with Konstantin facing ruin. His lands have been attacked, famine seems almost certain, and paying the upcoming tribute impossible. His only hope is a bride with a rich dowry, which is arranged for him by his grandfather to a young woman named Suzana.

Suzana's life has been hard. Her father has made her feel worthless and unloved. Her only worth is in her dowry and whatever alliance she may bring to her father through it. And she carries the pain of her past and the abuse she suffered with her. What she never expected was to win her husband's love.

But happiness doesn't seem to be assured as war seperates Konstantin and Suzana. Both experience great tragedy that affects them deeply. So deeply that it could utterly destroy what they have if they can survive what is coming.

This is the first book in the Balkan Legends series and I confess, I'm eagerly awaiting what is to come next in the series. This is a well-written book with compelling characters. Highly recommend it to fans of Medieval Historical Fiction or Eastern European Historical Fiction,

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I share my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

After an arranged marriage, Konstantin and Suzana must find a way to meet 

the demands of a conquering Ottoman sultan amid a torrent of setbacks and 

dangers much closer to their Balkan home.

The Balkans, 1373

A devastating battle claimed the lives of Konstantin's father, uncle, and most of their Serb army, leaving him to rule as a vassal of the Ottoman sultan, a role he is wholly unprepared for. Between war, famine, and a persistent band of brigands, Konstantin is nearly bankrupt. He will need to find a wealthy bride to marry if he is to have any hope of saving his lands and securing his future.

A betrothal to Suzana, the daughter of a prosperous merchant, is soon arranged, and upon meeting her, Konstantin immediately feels hope that their marriage could someday grow into love. Yet, from the moment of Konstantin and Suzana's betrothal, enemies threaten their lives, outlaws prey on their lands, and the terrors of Suzana's abusive past haunt their fragile new relationship. As this onslaught of threats closes in, the two face challenges that will test their love, their faith, and their hope to save their people and win their freedom from the heavy weight of Ottoman oppression.

Unseen Danger ~ Review with Excerpt

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Unseen Danger by Jerusha Agen, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Unseen Danger
Guardians Unleashed #3
By Jerusha Agen

When Nevaeh Williams saves a man's life, her quick thinking puts her past and present on a collision course. Her actions catch the eye of not only Branson Aaberg, but his employer D-Chop. When the famous rapper hires the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency as additional security, her recurring PSTD is triggered leaving her wondering how long she can keep her attacks from affecting her work.

Branson Aaberg has been heading up D-Chop's security for a while, but the lifestyle of his employer has been eating him up. He needs the job and its pay, but its cost is high. When Nevaeh and Phoenix K-9 get the call to help beef up security, he is puzzled by her almost hostile attitude toward him.

Nevaeh's nightmares have come back. But what's real, and what is paranoia? Are her feelings of being watched just a symptom of her PSTD or because of D-Chop's overzealous fans? 

This is a fast-paced read that draws one in from the opening scene. It is interesting to finally get Nevaeh's backstory. Also, getting a small glimpse into her friendship with coworker Jazz provided an intriguing hint at Jazz and Nevaeh's pre-Phoenix friendship. 

Overall this was a very good read that dealt with several important issues facing many people. Staying true to your beliefs and the undermining power of fear. How many allow fear to control their lives? How does one recognize such damaging control? Unseen Danger is an excellent addition to the Elite Guardians series. I will say one could read this as a standalone title without reading the previous books, but it will read better after reading the series in order. Highly recommended; this would also make an excellent book club selection. And I have to say it, I love the dogs!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.    

Excerpt:

Nevaeh whirled to see the nanny dart into the building as Darren crashed to the blacktop. Shot.

Two men in ski masks rushed out from behind garbage bins, carrying guns. Kidnappers?

Alvarez barked and snarled.

“On it!” She dropped his leash, pulled Bear behind her legs, and gripped the boy’s arm

with her left hand as she drew her Sig. She didn’t want to shoot someone in front of Bear, but she’d do it to save his life.

Alvarez launched himself at the closest man, gripping his wrist in powerful jaws and

thrashing.

The man screamed, and his gun dropped.

The other one tried to aim at Alvarez, but he’d probably hit his pal with how much Al

was moving.

“Don’t try it.” She leveled her Sig at him. “Drop the weapon.”

Brakes screeching jerked her head to the right.

A black van pulled to a halt six feet from Sam and Destiny.

“Kids! Run to me!” She holstered her Sig, scooped Bear into her arms, and sprinted for

the other kids as they ran her way.                                   

About the Book

Title: Unseen Danger
Series: Guardians Unleashed #3
Author: Jerusha Agen
Publisher: SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: July 27, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

This woman and her K-9 protect others. Now who will protect them? 

After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble. 

Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team. 

Nevaeh is there to protect her friend, but what if she needs protection? What if the feeling she’s being watched isn’t the result of her traumatized imagination? If the danger is real, Nevaeh's only hope for survival may be the God powerful enough to defeat her worst enemy—the one she doesn't see before it's too late.  

Unseen Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)  

Praise for Jerusha Agen: 

"Jerusha Agen once again delivers top-level suspense and thrilling action. Fast-paced suspense at its best.”  

– DiAnn Mills, bestselling author of Concrete Evidence on Covert Danger 

"Fast-paced, explosive thriller. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough." 

 – Carrie Stuart Parks, award-winning, bestselling author of Relative Silence on Rising Danger

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in this Series

 

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About the Author

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies. 

Find more of Jerusha’s thrilling, fear-fighting stories at JerushaAgen.com.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting JerushaAgen.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

 

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card,

 signed copy of Unseen Danger, an Unseen Danger mug, Unseen Danger magnet,

plus more swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 7, 2023, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 14, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Unseen Danger ~ Review

Unseen Danger

Elite Guardians #3

By Jerusha Agen

Nevaeh Williams's past and present are about to collide with the newest client that Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency has taken on. Dealing with her recurring PSTD while providing security for D-Chop leaves her wondering how long she can keep the rest of her team and Phoenix in the dark and how long she can keep her attacks from affecting her work.

Branson Aaberg has been heading up D-Chop's security for a while, but the threats have become more personal and closer to D-Chop. When Nevaeh catches D-Chop's eye after an incident with equipment, Phoenix K-9 gets a call to help beef up security. Not only did Nevaeh catch D-Chop's eye, but she also caught Branson's with her quick thinking under pressure and her almost hostile attitude toward him.

Nevaeh's nightmares have come back. But what's real, and what is paranoia? Are her feelings of being watched just a symptom of her PSTD or some of D-Chop's overzealous fans?

This is a fast-paced read that draws one in from the opening scene. It is interesting to finally get Nevaeh's backstory. Also, getting a small glimpse into her friendship with coworker Jazz provided an intriguing hint at Jazz and Nevaeh's pre-Phoenix friendship. 

Overall this was a very good read that dealt with several important issues facing many people. Staying true to your beliefs and the undermining power of fear. How many allow fear to control their lives? How does one recognize such damaging control? Unseen Danger is an excellent addition to the Elite Guardians series. I will say one could read this as a standalone title without reading the previous books, but it will read better after reading the series in order. Highly recommended; this would also make an excellent book club selection. And I have to say it, I love the dogs!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                               

About the Book:

This woman and her K-9 protect others. 

Now who will protect them?

After a brutal attack, it took Nevaeh Williams six years to rebuild her life. Now a security specialist at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency, she faces danger nearly every day. But when an old friend is targeted, her fragile stability begins to crumble.

Celebrity bodyguard Branson Aaberg could lose more than his career if he fails to end the mysterious threat against his client. Soon he’s more concerned with rescuing the tough but vulnerable woman who joins his security team.

Nevaeh is there to protect her friend, but what if she needs protection? What if the feeling she’s being watched isn’t the result of her traumatized imagination? If the danger is real, Nevaeh's only hope for survival may be the God powerful enough to defeat her worst enemy—the one she doesn't see before it's too late.

Unseen Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency that began with Hidden Danger (Guardians Unleashed, #1). (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

Fire and Ice ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Fire and Ice by Carolyn Miller, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

Fire and Ice

Northwest Ice Division #1

By Carolyn Miller

Hannah Wade has always loved sports, especially hockey. With her dreams of professional playing shattered along with her ankle. But not wanting to leave her love of sports in the dust, Hannah has pursued the one option left to her - sports analyst. Unfortunately, such a career is believed to be better handled by men in the opinions of many. And Hannah's first live interview goes very wrong, seemingly proving the naysayers correct.  

Franklin James is Calgary's newest addition, who is glad to be returning to his home. When an interview goes wrong, he does what he can to help fix the situation. There is something about Hannah that he connects with, he just didn't realize that he had once met her years ago when she was a teenager.

Fire and Ice gives one a glimpse not only into the world of professional hockey but also the world of sports reporting. As Hannah finds her place in her chosen career, she faces public and private opinions that women don't belong in such a world. Her years of experience as an athlete aren't given the weight they deserve because she's just a woman. No matter that she has more playing experience than her coworkers.  

But Fire and Ice is more than a sports book that explores the world of hockey. No, this book also delves into matters of the heart. And no, I don't mean romance, though there is the possibility of that. No, I'm referring to the spiritual heart, the reawakening of her faith when she most needs it.

This is an enjoyable read, and I'll admit it I'm not a hockey fan, so I found this to be an informative read too. I've read a few of the author's works before, but most of them have been her historical offerings rather than contemporary ones. I found the characters to be relatable; most are likable, though there were a small handful that were just Ugh! But all came across as realistic and reminded me of people one would meet in one's own life. A well-written and engaging story that could make me watch, on occasion, a hockey game. Maybe from home.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

About the Book

Title: Fire and Ice

Series: Northwest Ice Division #1

Author: Carolyn Miller

Publisher: Independently Published

Release Date: July 10, 2023

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Hannah Wade loves sports, so when injury is swiftly followed by an opportunity to be one of Calgary's first female sports analysts, she jumps at the chance. Trouble is, some of the old dinosaurs she works with thinks she's nothing but a fluff-piece, there to add ratings and stir controversy among the fiercely loyal hockey fans. She longs for the chance to prove herself, so when an opportunity comes along to interview newly traded defenseman Franklin James, she meets him, with disastrous effect. 

Growing up with three sisters means Franklin thought he knew something about women, but nothing had ever prepared him for the sparkling firecracker that is Hannah. And yet her vibrant personality holds a sweetness and soft side, something that draws his interest and protectiveness when an interview goes south

Can these two overcome prejudice and see a way forward? And what has faith - or the lack of - got to do with anything? Fire and Ice is the first book in the new Northwest Ice hockey romance series, a sweet and swoony, slightly sporty, Christian contemporary romance series that continues the legacy of the Original Six, and is perfect for fans of Becky Wade, Courtney Walsh and Susan May Warren.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

Also Available

     

     

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About the Author

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, Carolyn loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her bestselling, award-winning Regency and contemporary novels are stories that offer hope, heart, and a twist of Aussie humour.

Connect with Carolyn by visiting carolynmillerauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

 

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight July 10, 2023,

 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 17, 2023. 

Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Rise Today ~ Review

Rise Today: Trusting God and His Promise

By Jason F. Wright

This book offers hope. The first page opens with three words, words of promise. What are those words, you ask? 

HE.

IS. 

RISEN.

Words that you can take inspiration from, Words that will inspire you to rise above the problems and doubts of today.

This small book looks like a perfect gift, but it is more as it offers the reader encouragement in the face of day-to-day struggles we all face. But we can overcome the mindset that we have allowed to control and dictate our daily path. According to the author, we have a choice to allow Christ more fully into our life or not. If we decide to align our lives with the risen Lord, we need to pray, read God's Word (the Bible), listen to sacred music, worship with others, and serve others.

This book is short, sweet, and to the point. The illustrations are mainly soft, soothing colors that complement the thoughts being portrayed. In my opinion, this book is appropriate for all ages because everyone needs encouragement at some point in life.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                         

About the Book:

Almost everyone gets the doldrums at some level, whether from heartache, despair, or simply feeling that life isn’t what they had planned. Author Jason F. Wright invites readers to rise above life’s challenges with a message of hope, offering specific counsel and advice he’s learned through personally striving to live a Christ-centered life and through worshipping with many different congregations across the United States.

About the Author:

Jason F. Wright is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of eighteen books. He lives with his wife, Kodi, and their children in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Other Books by Jason F. Wright:

The James Miracle                             Christmas Jars
Christmas Jars Reunion                     Christmas Jars Journey
Penny’s Christmas Jar Miracle          Recovering Charles
The Cross Gardener                           The Seventeen-Second Miracle
The 13th Day of Christmas                The Wednesday Letters
The Wedding Letters                           Picturing Christmas
The Christmas Jukebox                      Even the Dog Knows
Until You Find Strength

Available at these retailers (and more!)

     

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip ~ Review

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip
By Sara Brunsvold

Clara Kip is dying, but she's not about to do so lying down. Nope, she has an appointment that needs to be met before she's ready to do so. But first, she has to convince a young reporter that sometimes the most important story is one that you need to discover for yourself.

Aidyn Kelley is ready to break out of the shadows and become a feature reporter rather than one that goes uncredited. But rookie reports aren't made for features, and Aidyn is about to learn that the hard way when she makes a muddle of everything and gets an assignment that is surely the absolute worst. She is tasked with writing the obituary for a dying woman - worse, she has to go to the facility where the woman is waiting to die.

But Mrs. Kip proves to be something that Aidyn was not expecting. But she has questions to run through and no time to listen until she does. Clara Kip might declare that she was and is a person of no importance, but there is more to the story than anyone knows.

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip is both lovely and heartbreaking. The deaths in the title have two meanings - the deaths that Mrs. Kip experienced in her own life and the deaths that come out of Aidyn and Clara's conversations. Mrs. Kip's love and compassion make her both endearing and for those who weren't ready for her style of care an annoyance.  The present-day portion of this story is set in 2016, while Mrs. Kip's back story is told in key moments starting in 1969 until 1983.  This is the story of a woman who lived her life like a warrior, who fought for what she believed in until she could fight no more. Don't be surprised if you are moved to tears. as several of the scenes are so well-written that one can feel the character's pain and loss.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own

About the Book:

Frustrated reporter Aidyn Kelley begrudgingly agrees to help a hospice patient prepare her obituary. But old Clara Kip has some incredible stories—and some surprises up her sleeve—that promise to make this seemingly throwaway assignment a life-changing one.

Undistracted ~ Review

Undistracted
By Bob Goff
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 1, 2022)
Hardcover: 256 pages
Audiobook: 6 hours and 2 minutes

Undistracted is an interesting book. The author, Bob Goff, who is also the narrator takes the reader on a journey in which distraction sidelines us from what we are meant to do. Disappointment, various choices, and life, in general, can keep us from fulfilling the course our life is on. Distractions slow us down or even take us off course. 

Bob shows us just how easy it is to be distracted by using examples from his own life. Can we stop distractions from shifting our focus? Yes, we can and this book shows us how.  Distractions don't have to derail us and we can even use them to our own advantage. The important thing is being able to tell what is a true distraction and what is a necessary break from the every day that allows us to come back better. 

This is a perfect book to get for the person in your life (or yourself) who is always busy and on the move. We need to be aware that life is a balance and that yes, one's job, is important but not at the expense of family and friends. So determine what is the distraction or distractions of your life and get Undistracted with Bob Goff's help. I will admit for the audiobook I did listen to it at 1.2 times as it was a little slow at 1.0 times, I know details but I like my reading (or narration) a touch faster. But overall this was an interesting and insightful book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Through his pithy and inspiring storytelling that has endeared him to millions, New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff reassures readers that they can harness today’s distractions, follow Jesus’ example, and find focus, purpose, and joy.

You probably know what it’s like to be driving down the road when you suddenly feel the vibration and hear the guh-guh-guh–guh-guh of the rumble strips–those groves in the pavement–warning you that you’ve drifted out of your lane. You didn’t mean to get distracted. You only took your eyes off the road for a moment, but you drifted off course. And that’s a lot like life, isn’t it?

In Undistracted, Bob Goff lovingly yanks us back in our lane and helps us get back on track so we can live our lives with real purpose and joy. In his trademark storytelling style, Bob helps us

• learn the destruction of distraction and the benefits of living a life of undistracted love and authentic connection;

• identify the distractions in our lives and either eliminate them or route around them; and

• catch a vision of our future, undistracted selves where we can experience true happiness and joy.

Bob’s inspiring and entertaining stories in Undistracted show us what it looks like to live a beautiful and purposeful life rather than drifting aimlessly from one season to the next. He encourages us to fix our eyes on Jesus and harness life’s distractions so we can find joy despite our circumstances.Purchase Links:
Thomas Nelson |Amazon | Barnes & Noble
About the Author:
Bob Goff is the author of the New York Times bestselling Love Does; Everybody, Always; and Dream Big as well as the bestselling Love Does for Kids. He’s a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams. Bob’s greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria, and spend time with their amazing family. For more, check out BobGoff.com and LoveDoes.org.
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