Facing the Enemy ~ Review

Facing the Enemy

Roxbury Heirs #1

By Paige Edwards

Years ago, Elise Henderson broke up with Harry Benson when her parents objected to him. No one expected the two of them to be partnered by MI6, but two years ago, Elise's life changed when an enemy attacked and she was left with a shattered body. With mere weeks left to fully regain what she has lost, Elise receives devastating news that has her returning to her childhood home. But she's not returning alone.

Harry never expected to have a second chance to win Elise's heart, but his newest assignment with MI6 leaves him in need of a childminder for his young son. Elise offers a temporary solution by offering her father's household staff until something more permanent can be arranged. But Sammy proves more than the staff can handle, forcing Elise to take a very active role in Sammy's life. As Sammy works his way into her life and her heart, Elise knows she will be heartbroken when she has to say goodbye to both Sammy and Harry. 

The enemy that destroyed her life has been searching for Elise, and he won't be satisfied until he breaks her further and then takes his revenge.

Facing the Enemy is a contemporary piece of romance and suspense that will find you rooting for Elise and Harry while at the same time breaking your own heart over Elise's secret pain. As danger moves closer, you will be drawn further into the book, unable to put it down. 

This is the first book in the Roxbury Heirs series, and Paige Edwards does a masterful job of creating a world that I can't wait to visit again. The characters are engaging and, for the most part, likable. But the enemy, that was, in the past, someone of power and influence, is truly an evil man who can give one the shivers when he takes center stage. If you are looking for a new and exciting read this is the book you want to move to your TBR list. You won't be sorry and you will want to reread it again.

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:

Lady Elise Henderson lives two separate lives. At home in Scotland, she’s the titled daughter of the Marquess of Roxbury, an heiress in her own right. However, in London, she’s Elise Taylor, a top MI6 operative for the “home office.” But when a devastating accident threatens to end her career, Elise is left with far too much time for self-reflection and regretting a decision made long ago that features one man: fellow MI6 agent Harry Benson.

Harry Benson, the son of servants, has loved Elise for the better part of a decade. But life took them on separate journeys until their worlds converged once more. An immediate assignment to the Scottish Borders leaves Harry little time to make provisions for his small, rambunctious son, Sammy. Harry knows only one person he can rely on for the boy’s care—Elise. When Elise brings Sammy to her ancestral estate, she never imagines that a nemesis from her past looms in the shadows, hungry for revenge. Stalked at every turn, Elise and Harry discover that fighting their feelings for one another is futile, but can they survive long enough to get another shot at true love?

Strength in the Storm ~ Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Audiobook Blog Tour for 

Strength in the Storm by Laurel Blount, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Strength in the Storm  

Johns Mill Amish Romance #2 

By Laurel Blount 

Read by Stina Nielsen 

Emma Hochstedler's life and world were destroyed when her parents were murdered. She has been living with her grief and guilt. Her younger sister was traumatized by the event and Emma's attempts to help have only hindered her sister's healing. But Emma needs to be useful and helping the Christner family with their aunt seems to be best for everyone involved.

For years, Emma has held a special place in Sam Christner's heart she's the only one he can see a future with even if Emma can't see it. With his sister needing time to heal from the loss of her husband, Sam agrees to have Emma nurse his Aunt Ruth. And as an added bonus he can see Emma more frequently when checking on Ruth.

As Emma appears to begin thinking of Sam as more than her childhood friend, Sam experiences hopes for the future. But once again tragedy befalls the small community of Johns Mill. As Emma, Sam and those closest to them try to sort out the latest life-changing events to impact them and their community they will have to learn to lean on the strength of one another to weather and survive the coming storm. Can healing come while staying strong just for the appearance or does it come when accepting help from those who offer it? Only time will tell (and reading the book).

The audio edition of this book is excellent. The narrator does a superb job in relating the story and giving voice to the various characters. I really appreciate the depths that each character reveals. I also like seeing how Sam adjusted to his circumstances allow other newfound strengths to surface when he most needed them.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Strength in the Storm audiobook 

Series: Johns Mill Amish Romance #2 

Author: Laurel Blount 

Narrator: Stina Nielsen 

Publisher: Books On Tape (audiobook) 

Release Date: February 22, 2022 (audiobook) 

Genre: Amish Romance / Christian 

In this touching Amish romance, a brokenhearted woman and a steadfast man discover that the safest place to weather tragedy is in each other’s arms. 

After the murder of both her parents, Emma Hochstedler returns to the small community of Johns Mill, hoping to resume her quiet existence. Reclaiming her place proves harder than expected—especially now that a movie is being made about her family’s loss. But then, an old friend offers her a lifeline that gives her new purpose. 

Amish builder Samuel Christner is the biggest—and the strongest—man in town. In fact, the gentle giant has only one weakness—Emma. Even though she broke his heart, he won’t let his childhood sweetheart face her troubles alone. He hires Emma as a nurse for his elderly aunt…and finds himself falling for her all over again. 

But while romance blooms, storm clouds gather. And when darkness falls, it will take all Sam’s strength—and all their love—to see them through. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Books On Tape | Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | BookBub

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals. Connect with her at www.laurelblountbooks.com

CONNECT WITH LAUREL: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight March 21, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 28, 2022. The 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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.
Instagram features:
Monday, February 28th: @mommaleighellensbooknook
Tuesday, March 1st: @girlsinbooks
Thursday, March 3rd: @nurse_bookie
Friday, March 4th: @itsbibliotherapy
Sunday, March 6th: @thebookend.diner
Sunday, March 6th: @wherethereadergrows
Monday, March 7th: @createexploreread
Monday, March 7th: @readresa
Tuesday, March 8th: @shobizreads
Wednesday, March 9th: @the.caffeinated.reader
Thursday, March 10th: @lovemybooks2020
Reviews:
Monday, March 14th: @travelerswife4life
Tuesday, March 15th: From the TBR Pile – spotlight
Wednesday, March 16th: Tabi Thoughts
Monday, March 21st: @theocbookgirl
Tuesday, March 22nd: Blooming with Books
Wednesday, March 23rd: @bookish801
Friday, March 25th: @everything.is.words
Saturday, March 26th: @kristens.reading.nook
Monday, March 28th: The Calico Books and @thecalicobooks
Tuesday, March 29th: @iowaamberreads
Thursday, March 31st: Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama and @musingsofasassybookishmama
Friday, April 1st: @wellreadtraveler
Monday, April 4th: @booksnbikram
Tuesday, April 5th: What is That Book About – spotlight
Wednesday, April 6th: @parksidereads
Thursday, April 7th: @webreakforbooks
Friday, March 18th: @what.ems.reading

Pangur Bán Celtic Fantasies Series ~ Spotlight

For St. Patrick's Day,

I'm featuring the Pangur Bán Celtic Fantasies Series

by Fay Sampson.

The books in this series include Pangur Bán the White Cat, Finnglas of the Horses, Finnglas and the Stones of Choosing, Shape-Shifter: The Naming of Pangur Bán (which is actually a prequel), The Serpent of Senargad, and The White Horse is Running.

Finnglas of the Horses was my introduction to this series and it was in one of those fun mystery boxes with 10-20 books in it. Well, I loved the book and had to track down the other 5 books which took more than 15 years, and a few purchases from used online books stores in England.

Shape-Shifter was my least favorite book in the series, but it was set in the time when the old ways were fighting against the new when Christians came to share the Good News with the Celtic people.

The rest of the books seem to flow together better from one story to the next. Princess Finnglas is in the five remaining books and her personality and determination along with her friends make this an excellent series to read and enjoy (if you can locate them).

Shape-Shifter: The Naming of Pangur Bán

Deep in a mountain cave a witch is plotting mischief: "We need something small, something sly, to carry a spell . . . and then we shall see who reigns on the Black Mountain!"  The kitten Shape-Shifter is her victim.

 

But before the charm is complete, the kitten escapes. He flees, in a terrifying chase, caught in a spell gone wrong and a shape that he cannot control. He brings disaster even to those who want to help him. Is there another power that can break the spell?

Pangur Bán the White Cat

“Now! Now you shall see what happens to those who would break the spell of mermaids!” 

Deep down in the underwater kingdom, Princess Finnglas is in the deadly grip of an evil sea monster, and the mermaids have bewitched Niall. Pangur Bán, the white cat, is desperate. He must rescue them—but how? Only Arthmael can do it. But who is Arthmael? And where is he? Can Pangur Bán find him in time?

Finnglas of the Horses

Princess Finnglas is on a quest to find her beloved lost horse, but this is only the beginning of a great adventure and a continuing struggle against dark forces.

Finnglas and the Stones of Choosing

"On, Cloud–Clearer, on!" screamed Princess Finnglas. But she knew her horse was already pouring out all his strength. And the rival black stallion was still ahead. 

Finnglas is riding for her life and the crown. If she loses, she will die and the Summer Land will fall into the grip of evil powers. But this race is only the first of the Seven Trials. There are more terrifying tests ahead.

The Serpent of Senargad

Under the spell of the evil Rhymester the once peaceful kingdom of Senargad has become a place of fear, death, and destruction, where the savage Wolf-Guard roam the country and prisoners are held captive in subterranean caverns by the terrible Serpent of Senargad.

The White Horse is Running

Princess Finnglas and the white cat Pangur Báan set out to recapture an unbroken white colt which, according to legend, may unwittingly force their people into battle.

Duncan decided to help me pose the books and in honor of the day wore a cute Shamrock vest and tie.

Enchanting the Heiress ~ Review

Enchanting the Heiress

Home on the Heath #3

By Kristi Ann Hunter

Miss Harriet Hancock may not be titled but she is an heiress. An heiress with a secret, a secret that is keeping her from living the life she truly wants.

Jonas Fitzroy is tired of Miss Hancock's meddling ways. She thinks nothing of implying a mistruth here or there to get the result she wants. He saw how she meddles in his sister Sophia's life and he doesn't want to be caught in any of her "plans". 

But Sophia hatches a plan to get Jonas out of his solitary existence she just needs Harriet's help to pull it off. Never one to deny Sophia, Jonas finds himself agreeing to speak about his art with Harriet but gets pulled into a scheme of helping her to write a book. Past experiences have made him wary of Harriet and her request.

As the two work together Jonas has moments when he wonders if he has misjudged Harriet. But when the truth that Harriet has guarded for years comes out, Jonas has to wonder if he truly ever knew the real Harriet. 

Enchanting the Heiress is the third and final book in the Home on the Heath series. This time we get to know Jonas and Harriet. Jonas has spent years avoiding any and all close relationships with everyone other than Sophia. Harriet has been living a lie, it was with the best intentions but she has trapped herself in it. Harriet and Jonas couldn't be a more unlikely couple but their friends see the potential. But the truth that Harriet has been concealing could destroy the fragile friendship that has been forming between them. 

I have to say I'm sorry that this series is ending. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the characters who graced these pages. The characters all have depth and there are layers that have to be peeled away to get to who they truly are at their core. Harriet was definitely more than what I was expecting, especially with what I saw of her in the two previous books. Now, I feel this book is best read after reading Vying for the Viscount and Winning the Gentleman but one could read this book as a standalone and not get lost, some reference to previous incidents wouldn't be as clear but not to the point of ruining the story. 

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:

Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can't resist.

Stablehand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don't go according to Harriet's plan, she's left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart?

Love's Fortress ~ Review with Spotlight and Giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for 

Love's Fortress by Jennifer Uhlarik, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Love's Fortress 

Doors to the Past 

By Jennifer Uhlarik 

Twenty-six years ago Dani Sango's father Franklin was convicted of art forgery. His conviction destroyed Dani's world and her family. But her father has died and she is left with questions that need answers.

Brad Osborn's brother has made a mess of his life and Brad has custody of his young niece Brynn. Juggling his work-life as curator of the Andrews Museum of Western Art with his home-life with a dropped in his lap four-year-old is about to get even crazier. 

In 1875, in St. Augustine, Indian prisoners are brought from all they know and settled in the fort. Sally Jo Harris has desired to be a missionary and given a chance to share the Good News with these beaten-down people. Sally Jo along with Luke Worthing and Sarah Mather accept the challenge to reach out with God's love and care.

It is interesting to see these two stories come together. The commonality that draws them together is ledger art - artwork, drawings created by the Indian prisoners. Having visited St. Augustine's fort several times as a child/teen when I lived just north of St. Augustine I always cringed when the tours went through the areas that the various Indians were housed. And I could totally relate to Brynn's dislike of the dark enclosed places within the fort. It's been years since I've seen the fort but this book most definitely described it well and I felt as if I was there again. 

The Doors to the Past series are all stand-alone stories so you can easily read this or any book with no worries about wondering what you may have missed. This is a split-time book that offers a story that progresses but alternates between the two times bringing one to the climax. I will say that if you are a reader who likes to skip ahead don't do it. You will miss too much by doing so.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Love's Fortress 

Series: Doors to the Past 

Author: Jennifer Uhlarik 

Publisher: Barbour Fiction 

Release Date: March 1, 2022 

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romance 

An Epic Love Story From the Past Brings Closure to Dani’s Fractured Family Roots 

Upon receiving word that her long-estranged father has passed away, Dani Sango inherits the former art forger’s entire estate. Among his many pieces of artwork are a series of obviously Native American drawings and paintings, which lead her to research St. Augustine of 1875. White Elk is transported to Florida to join other Cheyenne braves already being held in Fort Marion. Sally Jo Harris is at the fort teaching the Indians. When a friendship develops between them and false accusations fly, it could cost them their lives. Can Dani discover how their story ends and how it shaped her own father’s life? ​

Walk through Doors to the Past via a series of historical stories of romance and adventure. 

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

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a preteen, when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a BA in writing, she has won five writing competitions and was a finalist in two others. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and is a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, teenage son, and four fur children.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER: 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Love's Fortress and a $15 Amazon e-gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight on March 9, 2022, and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 16, 2022. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

What Happened at the Cross ~ Spotlight with Excerpt

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for 

What Happened at the Cross 

by Billy Graham, hosted by 

JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: What Happened at the Cross 

Author: Billy Graham 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson 

Release Date: November 23, 2021 

Genre: Christian, Spiritual Growth, Easter 

The cross of Christ towers over 2,000 years of history. What happened on that hill called Calvary? In this compilation of his life's work, Billy Graham explains what Jesus accomplished on the day of his death, the meaning of his sacrifice, where he is now, the price of victory, and how to live with hope. 

It’s almost impossible to find one of Billy Graham’s sermons that didn’t focus on the incredible events that happened over 2,000 years ago on Mount Calvary, and that’s because he centered his life and ministry around its message. In this special collection of the beloved evangelist's inspiring messages on the cross, discover simple yet profound truths that will change your life. 

This one-of-a-kind message includes: 

• An exclusive foreword from Franklin Graham and afterword by Will Graham 

• More than 40 bonus pages of Scripture references pointing readers to what God's Word says about the cross and salvation 

• The Steps of Peace salvation plan from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association 

• Seven chapters of rich content explaining what happened at the cross; the price of victory; the meaning of the cross; the king's eternity, and how to live life with hope 

Perfect for Christians seeking spiritual encouragement and a better understanding of the Gospel's message, What Happened at the Cross will help you better understand the meaning of the cross and equip you to proclaim the gospel in your Church, your community, and beyond.

Purchase Links*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub

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About the Author

Billy Graham, world-renowned preacher, evangelist, and author, delivered the gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and ministered on every continent of the world in more than 185 countries. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including Angels, Peace with God, The Holy Spirit, Hope for the Troubled Heart, How to Be Born Again, The Journey, Nearing Home, and The Reason for My Hope.

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Excerpt

The award-winning coach at the University of Alabama, Paul “Bear” Bryant, once said, “The price of
victory is high but so are the rewards.” Another Paul, the great apostle, declared that he would not
boast in anything except the cross of Jesus and said, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward
call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). Victory is something we all want to experience. In fact, I have
never met anyone who would choose defeat over victory. But through life we all experience both,
whether a competition, or battle between our will and God’s will. What is the greatest and most costly
battle ever to take place? Who was the victor, and what was the reward? The greatest battle ever
fought was between good and evil, and it took place at Golgotha, a rugged hill outside the walled city of
Jerusalem. Jesus Christ was Victory, paying the cost with His blood. The reward was the salvation of
human souls.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of What Happened at the Cross.

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway began at midnight March 8, 2022, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 15, 2022. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.