Slothy Claus ~ Review

Slothy Claus

By Jodie Shepherd

Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley

Slothy Claus is based on Clement Clarke Moore's Night Before Christmas but Slothy Claus is nothing like Santa Claus. Slothy Claus has to take numerous breaks while loading gifts on his sleigh. Meanwhile cute little creatures all over the world are preparing for Slothy's Christmas Eve visit. But when Christmas morning comes disappointment covers the world - Slothy never made it. No presents were under the tree and the stockings were limp. 

But when faced with what they hadn't received, they instead focused on what they have - love, hope, kindness, and many other things, including one another. They discovered Christmas was something that could be celebrated all year long not just in December and with gifts.

The illustrations are colorful and cute - a sure attention holder for young listeners and a perfect match to the story. So gather your little ones close and snuggle into your favorite reading corner and enjoy.      

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

What will children do when a sluggish Slothy Claus doesn’t make it to their home in time for Christmas morning? This charming story helps kids learn that Christmas is about more than just presents under the tree.

Slothy Claus has lots of presents for good boys and girls this year, but how is this notoriously lethargic animal supposed to travel all around the world in just one night? You guessed it! Slothy takes his sweet time, and when kids wake up to empty stockings and bare trees, it feels like Christmas is ruined! How will they ever find happiness without their chocolates and toys?

Slothy Claus is equal parts humorous and heartwarming. Children ages 4 to 8 will

• learn that the joy of Christmas doesn’t come from material things but from the love between family and friends
• enjoy the delightfully funny one-of-a-kind artwork
• love the classic rhyme that will fill your own family’s Christmas with love, laughter, and a spirit of giving

Slothy Claus concludes with a summer scene complete with flip flops and a barbecue when Slothy Claus finally flies down in his sleigh to deliver gift after gift–for a special celebration of Christmas in July. With a bright, glittery cover, this fun picture book is the perfect gift for advent or Christmas.

Review tour for SLOTHY CLAUS and NIGHT NIGHT, ANGEL:

Monday, October 25th: @bookshelfmomma

Tuesday, October 26th: @literannie

Wednesday, October 27th: Stranded in Chaos and @sarastrand9438

Thursday, October 28th: @shobizreads

Friday, October 29th: Write Read Life

Monday, November 1st: @irishgirliereads

Wednesday, November 3rd: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, November 5th: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, November 5th: Books, Tea, Healthy Me

Monday, November 8th: Blooming with Books

Wednesday, November 10th: A Holland Reads

Friday, November 12th: @celiamcmahonreads

Monday, November 15th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Tuesday, November 16th: @bookscallmyheart

Wednesday, November 17th: Run Wright and @karen_runwrightreads

Thursday, November 18th: @parksidereads

Monday, November 22nd: Christian Chick’s Thoughts and @cctblog

Wednesday, November 24th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, November 29th: Bookworm for Kids

Night Night, Angel ~ Review

Night Night, Angel

By Amy Parker

Illustrated by Virginia Allyn

It's time to gather your little one's near and enjoy this delightful board book that celebrates the simple joys of the Christmas season. As the fox family comes together and prepares for Christmas delightful illustrations bring the story to life. Gifts and treats are made to give and share in preparation for the greatest gift of all - the gift of God's Son come that first Christmas night.

This book is for the youngest readers and listeners but older kids who enjoy animals and illustrated books should enjoy this as well. This is a lovely way to share the true joy of the season with the children in your life. Makes a perfect gift!

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.

‘Tis the season for joy! Celebrate the family fun and season’s blessings of Christmas with a young arctic fox as your family remembers that Jesus is the best gift of all. Amy Parker’s delightful rhymes and Virginia Allyn’s sweet illustrations make Night Night, Angel the perfect read-aloud for toddlers and preschoolers enjoying the Christmas season.

Little fox loves all the excitement that Christmas brings to the forest: making creative presents, placing the star on the tree, and making sure she is spotlight-ready for the big Christmas play. But soon she realizes that the perfect gift has already been given through the baby who arrived on the first Christmas night!

As the fourth seasonal title in the hugely successful Night Night bedtime storybook brand, this Christmas board book

• gives families a fun way to say goodnight during the Advent season
• celebrates the special moments of family holiday activities
• gently reminds children that Baby Jesus is the reason for the season

The Christmas theme and sparkling cover make Night Night, Angel perfect for an Advent gift, stocking stuffer, or Christmas morning surprise from parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, and friends. Your little angel will be ready to snuggle in for the night as together you celebrate the many blessings of Christmas!

Review tour for SLOTHY CLAUS and NIGHT NIGHT, ANGEL:

Monday, October 25th: @bookshelfmomma

Tuesday, October 26th: @literannie

Wednesday, October 27th: Stranded in Chaos and @sarastrand9438

Thursday, October 28th: @shobizreads

Friday, October 29th: Write Read Life

Monday, November 1st: @irishgirliereads

Wednesday, November 3rd: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Friday, November 5th: View from the Birdhouse

Friday, November 5th: Books, Tea, Healthy Me

Monday, November 8th: Blooming with Books

Wednesday, November 10th: A Holland Reads

Friday, November 12th: @celiamcmahonreads

Monday, November 15th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Tuesday, November 16th: @bookscallmyheart

Wednesday, November 17th: Run Wright and @karen_runwrightreads

Thursday, November 18th: @parksidereads

Monday, November 22nd: Christian Chick’s Thoughts and @cctblog

Wednesday, November 24th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, November 29th: Bookworm for Kids

Carved in Ebony ~ Review with Giveaway

Carved in Ebony
By Jasmine L. Holmes
from Bethany House

Their faith shaped their lives and the lives of those around them and we can still learn from their example.

Carved in Ebony takes the reader on a journey through history to examine the lives of ten extraordinary women of faith who also were women of color. See how today we are still seeing the impact that their faith had even though they themselves are not common-tip-of-the-tongue names. 

I will admit I had not previously heard or read about any of these ten women of faith. Women who lived their lives guided by this faith. Women, who were shaped by the world they lived in - a world of slavery and prejudice - but yet they were not stifled or silenced by it. But they took a stand and lived a life worthy of examination and of emulation. The type of life we should all strive for - one of making the world around us better.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3lXqt2E #ad

Through the lives of Elizabeth Freeman, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Amanda Berry Smith, Mamie Till, and others, author and speaker Jasmine Holmes shares the significant role that Black women have played in the formation of our faith–and are playing in our formation as modern-day women of faith.

As these historical figures take the stage with Holmes, you will be inspired by what the stories of these women can teach us about education, birth, privilege, and so much more. Carved in Ebony will take you past the predominately white, male contributions that seemingly dominate history books to discover how Black women have been some of the main figures in defining the landscape of American history and faith.

Come along on Jasmine’s journey and be encouraged by the powerful and persuasive Black women of our past so that you can help inspire a better, more inclusive future.

Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a print copy of The Happy Crab, Prepare Him Room, and Make Their Day. (print US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on November 8, 2021.)

⇒ To Enter, go to Instagram follow @jasminelholmes @bethany_house_nonfiction @justreadtours & Tag 2 friends in the same comment on this post or any other hosted post of this tour. Enter up to 3x per post. 

Tacos for Two ~ Review

Tacos for Two

By Betsy St. Amant

Rory Perez has a problem - she's taken over her late aunt's food truck and she couldn't cook the Mexican fare that Salsa Street is known for to provide her livelihood. Hence her problem - thankfully none of the regulars know that and she has handy help in Grady, who does all of the cooking that is edible. 

Jude Strong has a problem equal to Rory's - he is about to be trapped in the quagmire of his family's law firm, at least if he passes his bar exam. But law just isn't something Jude is passionate about. Rather his heart longs to call a kitchen home. But before he can make a life change and get cut out of Daddy's will and possibly the family forever Jude needs a plan in place. And what could be better than getting actual cooking experience and lessons from his favorite food truck vendor? 

Well, you can imagine how that goes with Rory giving cooking lessons - the blind leading the blind - not quite since Jude actually does know his way around a kitchen. But you now have the perfect setup for a RomCom movie as these two are anonymous dating app texting pals, yeah that is a thing in this book. (Might be something to check out if it actually worked but I'm skeptical.) Anyhow if you combined a Hallmark movie with Ratatouille (yes, the cooking rat cartoon) you just might get Tacos for Two. Overall this is a cute uncomplicated read that is just pure escape reading to get you out of your ordinary. 

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

About the Book:

Rory Perez, a food truck owner who can't cook, is struggling to keep the business she inherited from her aunt out of the red--and an upcoming contest during Modest's annual food truck festival seems the best way to do it. The prize money could finally give her a solid financial footing and keep her cousin with special needs paid up at her beloved assisted living home. Then maybe Rory will have enough time to meet the man she's been talking to via an anonymous online dating site.

Jude Strong is tired of being a puppet at his manipulative father's law firm, and the food truck festival seems like the perfect opportunity to dive into his passion for cooking and finally call his life his own. But if he loses the contest, he's back at the law firm for good. Failure is not an option.

Complications arise when Rory's chef gets mono and she realizes she has to cook after all. Then Jude discovers that his stiffest competition is the same woman he's been falling for online the past month.

Will these unlikely chefs sacrifice it all for the sake of love? Or will there only ever be tacos for one?

Release Party Tomorrow Night

 

Tomorrow is the day

Mark your calendar 

and get ready to have some bookish fun

Click here

The Gifted Trilogy ~ Spotlight with Excerpts

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Gifted Trilogy 

by Lisa T. Bergren, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Title: The Gifted Trilogy 

Author: Lisa T. Bergren 

Publisher: Stonewater Books 

Release Date: 2021 

Genre: Supernatural Suspense / Christian

An ancient, secret letter has long prophesied that the Gifted would gather. One with the ability to heal, another with the gift of wisdom. Others with the ability to see the future, discern truth, uncover evil intent, or exhibit miraculous powers. Together they are a force, born to change the world. But their gathering has drawn the attention of those who wield power…people determined to either control or destroy them.

“[A] classic battle between good and evil. Disregard Da Vinci Code comparisons, and think Lord of the Rings.” —Publishers Weekly

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | BookBub

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 60 books in a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to contemporary romance to supernatural suspense novels. She lives in Colorado Springs in a brand-new home she and her husband just finished building and intend to never leave because she’s discovered she loathes moving. 

You can find out more about her at LisaTBergren.com

CONNECT WITH LISA: Website | Facebook | Instagram

---

He watched as his master was tied to a stake and a great fire was set. Tears he thought spent rose in his eyes, yet he refused to look away as the flames licked upward, as the heat made him retreat, step by step. The bishop threw his master’s life’s work—the book, carefully wrapped in a burlap sack—into the fire at the priest’s feet. The burlap swiftly burned and curled, revealing the lambskin cover of the priceless book. It too began to burn.

The priest glanced over at the boy, a quiet question in his eyes.

The boy patted his shirt in response, reassuring his master, feeling the sacred pages next to his skin.

Go, child. Go! The boy shook his head in confusion; he could hear the priest, even though the old man’s parched lips moved not.

The boy glanced over at the bishop, his face and grand robe dancing eerily in the heat
waves between them. The bishop’s eyes narrowed, and he beckoned to the boy.

Run! Run, child!

Looking at his master one last time, the boy turned and fled into the night.

--an excerpt from BEGOTTEN, book one of The Gifted, by Lisa T. Bergren

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Nay,” she said, shaking her head, her eyes blurred with tears. “I shall never serve you. I belong to the light. I belong to the light. I belong to the light...”

He let her go, then, and she turned to face him, sobs wracking her body.

He gazed at her sadly. “You weaken, my love. Mayhap it will take the boy dying, then the artist. Finally the old woman. I will make them suffer every one of their last moments. I shall force you to watch. Or you will agree to my terms.”

“Away from me, Satan. Away from me.”

He smiled at her with a hollow look, sighed heavily, and then left.

Daria turned to the wall and bent her forehead to the cool stone, praying through her sobs. “Oh my God, my God. Come to us. Save us. Save us. Please, Lord Jesus. Please.” She sank to her knees, still weeping. “I beg you. Please Lord. I cannot watch my loved ones suffer. I cannot. Come to us. We are fragmented. We are weak. Fight for us. Free us. We need you. We need you.”

--an excerpt from BETRAYED, book two of The Gifted, by Lisa T. Bergren

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gianni moved forward and turned in a slow circle to look each of them in the eye. He understood the collective panic among them. “The Lord has seen this day. He has seen it. He knows what is to come, and none of it is a surprise to him. Should he allow it, we shall trust it, always praising his name. We do the greatest damage to our enemy by keeping to this path, always praising our God, no matter what we face—trial, trauma, or even death.”

“Dulcius post tribulations,” Piero said.

“‘Sweeter after difficulty,’” Daria translated.

“Sweeter after difficulty,” Gianni repeated. “The greater the trial, the more our Lord can triumph. No matter what is ahead of us, we shall not abandon our faith.”


--an excerpt from BLESSED, book three of The Gifted, by Lisa T. Bergren

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive a copy of The Gifted Trilogy and a Gifted candle.

 

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight November 1, 2021, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 8, 2021. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. The US only. (Winners outside the US will receive trilogy ebooks and $20 Amazon gift card) 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!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Texas Christmas Revenge ~ Review

Texas Christmas Revenge

by Connie Queen

Brandi Callahan's life was thrown into a big mess when her father was accused of stealing money and was later found dead. Then her little sister disappeared and was assumed dead. But now Brandi is convinced that Sadie is alive and is in trouble. But she has no one to turn to as the citizens of Mulberry Gap turned against her and her family when she most needed them. But when someone seems intent on ending her life she has no choice but to turn to the one man whose betrayal hurt the most, her ex-fiancé.

Texas Ranger Rhett Kincaid never meant to hurt Brandi, but he had to follow orders. Now the very thing that broke them up has brought them back together Could Brandi's long-missing sister truly be alive? And who is trying to kill Brandi? He'll do everything in his power to keep her safe. Could this threat have anything to do with the accusations leveled against her late father? And if so why did the killer wait so long to act?

Texas Christmas Revenge draws the reader into the action and danger from the opening scene and the suspense grows with each page. Join Brandi as she fights for the truth and tries to keep a little boy safe from the very people who want her dead. If she lives through this danger could she get a second chance at friendship and love? Or has the rift that has divided her from everyone caused too much damage?

If you are looking for clean reading suspense that offers unexpected twists and the promise of a romance look no further than this book. I will admit Brandi is an angry young woman who, though her anger is somewhat justified, seems too intent on holding onto it and her mistrust too tightly. But overall I would recommend this book for a weekend read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations - all thoughts expressed are my own.

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense Release Date: October 26, 2021 Genre: Christian romantic suspense

An abandoned little boy is the only clue

to a killer's dangerous holiday plot…

Certain a desperate 911 caller is her presumed-dead sister, emergency dispatcher Brandi Callahan follows the cryptic message to a terrified toddler…and an armed assailant. Now Brandi will do anything to protect the boy—even if it means asking her ex-fiancé, Texas Ranger Rhett Kincaid, for help. But can Brandi and Rhett stop this killer before he exacts his terrible Christmas vengeance?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Find the book online at Goodreads or purchase from Amazon