I Will Not Fear ~ Review

I Will Not Fear 

My Story of a Lifetime of Building Faith Under Fire
by Melba Pattillo Beals

Sometimes it is hard to realize just how short a time ago we had such a segregated country. When one doesn't live through an event it feels farther away than it truly is. But the hatred and tyranny that Melba had to face just to have a chance at equality is truly unimaginable to me. I went to a school that had a well-balanced mix of students of every color and color had no bearing on my choice of friends. But sixty years ago this was not an expectation one had in the segregated South. 

Melba's fight for equality and fair treatment though began before her birth as her Grandmother India fought through persistence to get her delivery to be allowed within the walls of a white hospital. But her fight didn't end with her graduation from high school but rather continued on to her higher educational endeavors and her fight for acceptance into the world of journalism as both a woman and a person of color.

There are moments of heartbreak and moments of joy and triumph that will touch the heart of the reader. And the sustaining force in Melba'a life was the faith that her grandmother shared with her. A faith that allowed her to go forth each day into what could be her last. A faith that sustained her as she raised her children and struggled to keep them safe in a world that was a dangerous as the one she negotiated as a teenager.

I highly recommend this book for those who want to see faith in action in the face of a fallen and hate-filled world. This is not light reading and each chapter should be taken in slowly and thoughtfully so as to have the greatest impact on the reader's own life. This would make an excellent book club choice and be a good addition to the shelf of any library - public, school or personal.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

In 1957, Melba Beals was one of the nine 

African American students chosen to integrate 

Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

But her story of overcoming didn't start--or end--there.

While her white schoolmates were planning their senior prom, Melba was facing the business end of a double-barreled shotgun, being threatened with lynching by rope-carrying tormentors, and learning how to outrun white supremacists who were ready to kill her rather than sit beside her in a classroom. Only her faith in God sustained her during her darkest days and helped her become a civil rights warrior, an NBC television news reporter, a magazine writer, a professor, a wife, and a mother.

In I Will Not Fear, Beals takes you on an unforgettable journey through terror, oppression, and persecution, highlighting the kind of faith we all need to survive in a world full of heartbreak and anger. She shows how the deep faith we develop during our most difficult moments is the kind of faith that can change our families, our communities, and even the world.

Encouraging and inspiring, her story offers hope that faith is the solution to the pervasive hopelessness of our current culture.

In Spite of Lions ~ Review

In Spite of Lions
By Scalette Pike

First off let me just say this is an absolutely gorgeous story that I highly recommend to any reader who wants to get lost within the pages of a fantastic story!

Anna is determined to leave the life she has known behind and if breaking with the protocols and expectations of society will aid her she will do it. Offering none her surname but rather her first name. By faith, Anna set out on her new life with her final destination unknown.  Boarding a ship to an unknown destination was not what was to be expected of a young lady of Anna's social standing but she was determined. 

And this journey led her to Mary Livingstone who with her two children was returning home and her husband David in the southern reaches of Africa.  Unfortunately, the captain of the ship she boards knows Anna from her former life and she knows Captain Dunna as well and the knowledge benefits neither in their estimation of the other.

But despite the hardships of weeks aboard ship Anna is not dissuaded from the path of faith that she is following. Attaching herself to Mary Livingstone Anna soon finds herself traveling into Africa to Kolobeng to aid Mary and lodge with the Livingstone family.

Anna's journey will change her as she leaves behind the pain that has shaped her but one can never run from the memories that one carries... Anna will discover who she truly is and just how far she will go for those she loves.

In Spite of Lions will introduce the reader to a world only briefly touched upon in history books. The harshness and isolation of Africa in the 1840s and 1850s is both daunting and beautiful as seen through the glimpses one is offered in this book. But be forewarned there will be a sequel that one will most eagerly be awaiting.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

How does a young lady of means escape her high society fate? By booking passage on the first ship to Africa and promptly tossing her petticoats overboard! Now Anna is trading London’s luxuries and restrictions for the wild unknown. Of course, shedding her old life would be much easier without the disapproving looks of a handsome sea captain and the demons in her past haunting her from worlds away.

About the author:

Scarlette Pike became a writer by being an avid reader of Georgette Heyer and many other Regency authors. She is a senior in UVU’s English program with an emphasis in Literature Studies. In Spite of Lions is her first finished novel inspired by her love for the Regency era. The story has been carefully researched in order to preserve and promote historical accuracy.

Excerpt:

“My future was vague and friendless. I had no indication of where I would sleep, who should help me, or how I could reach a new home. I had made no plans and knew little to nothing of how to fend for myself. I had never spent a single night away from my mother’s house. Yet faith, when used in proper context, dismisses anxiety with an iron hand. Carts and horses pushed along the street, trying, I believe, to make as much noise as they were capable of. Vendors cried out from their seats on the ground and little boys and girls ran down the center of the road. Yet from the mayhem I could discern the Thames rushing by, singing her methodical and lovely song. I was a quiet island in the midst of chaos. I realized now that I had always been so.”

Christ Chronological ~ Review

Christ Chronological
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

This is a unique and interesting way to present the four books of the Gospel. All four books are presented in a chronological format. The four Gospels are side-by-side when they are relating the same events. When all don't present the same event only the book or books that do are on the page. This is different from a Parallel Bible in which the same text is presented in various translations/versions.

Are you thinking "Oh, how will I be able to tell the books apart?" Don't worry each book is printed in a different color. Matthew is blue, Mark is green, Luke is red, and John is purple. There are notes throughout to guide the reader along and these are in black.

The entire Gospel message is presented from before the Birth of Christ opening with John's narrative on the beginning and concluding after the Ascension with John's testimony that the world could not contain all the books that could be written about Jesus.

The textual portions of this Bible go from page 5 to page 139 which is followed by 5 lined pages for notes. The book is hardcovered and is approximately 9" x 9-1/2". The cover has in the lower portion a thorn pattern with the upper portion showing rays spreading upward as from the rising sun.

I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
CSB Christ Chronological provides a unique way for readers to experience the life of Christ in chronological order with each Gospel writer’s account of events side-by-side. Featuring a parallel format, commentary notes for each section to provide background and context, and color-coded text to differentiate between the accounts in each Gospel, readers are able to gain a fresh perspective on the life and ministry of Christ. 

CSB Christ Chronological features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with others.

The Corrector ~ Review

The Corrector
A Javin Pierce Spy Thriller #1
By Ethan Jones

When a CIS covert operation goes wrong Javin Pierce is sent in to clean up the mess a Corrector for the Candian Intelligence Service. And he is good at what he does, leaving little trace of what went wrong behind.

This time a team has failed in recovering a damaging flash drive - one that could have international repercussions for anyone who has been fingered in these classified and encrypted files. Istanbul is about to be of great interest to more than one intelligence agency and the clock is ticking down in this race.

When complications arise Javin and his partner Claudia Aquarone find themselves crossing borders and dealing with a needed source of intelligence who may or may not be what he claims to be. With betrayal, a real possibility Javin's level of trust in those around him is about to take a hit. And with the operation, he is undertaking trust is a necessary key to success.

And a word of warning - never betray a Corrector - you may not live to regret it...

The Corrector is the first book in a new series by author Ethan Jones. For fans of his books starring Justin Hall and Carrie O'Connor you won't be disappointed in Javin Pierce. Javin has issues and is dealing with a recent loss that could possibly have an effect on how he handles his missions. Altogether an interesting and intense  new series launch.

About the Book:
When covert operations go wrong, the CIS sends in . . . The Corrector.

After a botched retrieval operation, Javin Pierce is sent in to complete the mission where others failed. But, before even getting started, Javin and his less-than-trusted partner, Claudia, must deal with a devious terrorist plot. Their search leads them to a flash drive containing scandals that could topple world governments and plunge Europe into absolute chaos if they do not retrieve it in time.

How will The Corrector fix this disastrous mission? Uncertain if they can even trust each other and unprepared for the shocking truth that could cost their lives, Javin and Claudia must stop the treasonous plot, retrieve the elusive drive, and save themselves and the entire European continent, all without leaving a trace . . .

The Corrector is the first in the brand-new adrenaline-drenched Javin Pierce spy thriller series. It is a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat adventure for fans of Brad Thor, David Baldacci, and Tom Clancy that guarantees Jones’s status as the next spymaster author.

Phoebe's Light ~ Review

Phoebe's Light
Nantucket Legacy #1
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Phoebe Starbuck has always known what she wants and no one can dissuade her once her mind is made up.  And Phoebe has decided that Captain Phineas Foulger is the man she is to marry. Though he is considerably older than her - she knows that he is perfect for her.

Phoebe's stubbornness just strikes Matthew Macy as wrong - she was once promised to him. But that was before he was put out of the church, before he lost his father, and before his family was in debt. Phoebe still has an effect on Matthew but her head and heart have seemingly been turned by the Captain's charm and perhaps his wealth.

When Phoebe gets her husband, she soon finds herself on an adventure like she always desired but following her own desires may not be just what she had always dreamed it being. Worse Matthew has been employed by Captain Foulger as the ship's cooper. But Matthew has made a promise to Phoebe's father to be there when she realizes the mistake she has made. Soon the sea has made its presence known to Phoebe and little gives her comfort aboard ship. Only the gift of Great Mary's journal from more than a century ago offers her distraction. And marriage to the Captain is not what she expected though her fragile health aboard the ship surely has some bearing upon his manner.

Phoebe's Light takes the reader on two different journeys Phoebe's and Mary Coffin's. Mary grew up in Puritan Massachusetts, a land where religious freedom is just a dream for the Quakers and Anabaptists who sought it within the colony. This intolerance led the Coffin family to settle on Nantucket. But Nantucket wasn't the easy life that Mary's father led them to believe rather it was one of hard work on a land not willing to be easily tamed. Together these two stories come together and offer a glimpse into the early days Nantucket Island while America was still a group of colonies under the rule of a distant monarch. 
 
This is the first book in a new series by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Nantucket Legacy if this book is but a taste of what is forthcoming is sure to delight fans of historical fiction. Focusing on Nantucket's Quaker roots one is struck by the intolerance of those seeking religious freedom for those seeking the same. This book is also an examination of how one goes about determining the path one's life should follow. Is there an inner urging? Is this self? Or is it God?  I highly recommend this book it is an interesting and enjoyable read that one will enjoy sharing with a friend or two and perfect for a book club discussion.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Macy, a man whom she loathes.

Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe's shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way--just in time.

In this brand-new series, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her signature twists and turns to bear on a fascinating new faith community: the Quakers of colonial-era Nantucket Island.

Twofer Murder ~ Review and Giveaway

Twoffer Murder
By Lauren Carr
Narrated by Anita Alger 
              and Mike Alger

It was supposed to be a simple guys-only fishing trip in the Appalachian Mountains. But nothing is ever so simple especially when murder is involved. But while Mac, Murphy, David, Tristan, JJ, Joshua, Gnarly (yup bad news for the food) and Storm are enjoying the joys of a murder mystery and fishing their better halves are having an experience of their own. And the fishing is good for some of them.

Archie, Jessica, Dallas, and Sarah are attending the Sherlock Mystery Writers Guild Conference where the late Robin Spencer is to be honored with a lifetime achievement award. What better place for a real murder to take place than in the midst of a mystery writers conference. And it is here that Dallas sees someone from the past who is about to give her a decided down and bring Cameron Gates into the mix - the Black Diamond, a notorious hitman.

Both cases have perplexities that keep the reader wondering what could possibly happen next. And when there are containers of cheese balls involved it can get down-right messy! And as to who in this wide and varying cast of suspects is the guilty party - get ready for twists that will turn you completely around. This is a one who-dun-it that will keep the suspense up while breaking up the couples into separate groups.

The story is narrated by Anita Alger and Mike Alger - and before you ask no they don't read by character gender rather the story is read by which portion of the story is unfolding. When its the guys fishing trip turned murder investigation it is read by Mike. When it is the women's writers conference it is Anita doing the reading. The book is broken into two parts for downloading so that it is quicker and doesn't take up all of your device's storage if it is limited.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Audiobook Details:

Book Title: Twofer Murder by Lauren Carr
Narrated by: Anita Alger / Mike Alger
Length: 13 hours 20 mins
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: Jan 2018
Tour dates: Feb 12 to 23, 2018
Content Rating: PG + M (Please be aware that TWOFER MURDER is a murder mystery. There are depictions of murder and some violence--though easy on the gore contents. No f-words but there may be some mild profanity, and mild religious expletives such as "damn", "hell" and "Oh God!". Some depictions of brief sexual content (kissing).

Book Description:

Twofer murder? What’s a twofer murder?

Twofer Murder is a treat for fans of best-selling author Lauren Carr’s fast-paced mysteries! Lauren’s latest novel contains the main characters from her three successful series: Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose mysteries. The guys go away for a fishing weekend only to get caught up in the murder of a journalist investigating fraud at a timber company. Meanwhile, the ladies are spending the weekend in the presidential suite at a posh resort where Jessica Faraday is to accept a lifetime achievement award for her late grandmother at a murder mystery writers conference. But before they have time to get their facials, they get wrapped up in their own real mystery when an up and coming author ends up dead!

Lauren Carr’s Twofer Murder is a 2-for-1—making it a must-read for any mystery fan!

To read more reviews, please visit Lauren Carr's page on iRead Book Tours.
​

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Audible

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: 

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends March 3, 2018

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Reclaiming Shilo Snow ~ Scavenger Hunt with Review and Giveaway

Welcome to the Scavenger Hunt Tour for 

Reclaiming Shilo Snow by Mary Weber, 

in collaboration with Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction 

and JustRead Publicity Tours!

Reclaiming Shilo Snow

Evaporation of Sofi Snow #2

By Mary Weber

The memories of that day came back - the day her world changed. The day her father died. The day her mother didn't come for them. The day they took them to the planet of Delon. 

Returning to Delon in search of her brother Shilo has reawakened the memories that threaten to undo Sofi. But with the unexpected help of Ambassador Miguel, she has made it this far. And if she can use her skills to access the Delonese system she just may make it out alive. There's just one problem she has to stay ahead of the Delonese long enough to find the brother they have stolen from her.

But returning to Earth could be a death sentence as Sofi has been labeled a terrorist by the very people who staged the attack that allowed Shilo to be taken. But Earth might be the only place that Sofi and Miguel can hope to stop the Delonese and their secret designs on Earth.   

So begins a game that will test Sofi on every level as she battles against her awakening memories, the Delonese, and the code. As the lines between reality and virtuality begin to merge Sofi will have to depend upon the skills that advanced her through the levels of the FanFights. 

Meanwhile on Earth Inola Snow is in a fight of her own - with her children gone and on the Delon planet she is determined to get them back. But her secret dealings with Delone could be a potential liability, destroying all she's worked for. And it could make her a potential target to those who view Delon and her inhabitants as a threat to both humanity and Earth. 

War could soon be upon their doorstep and the clock is Tick tick tick ticking down. Are the Delonese their salvation or their destruction? The answer lies within Sofi if she can only find it intime.

If you have not read the first book The Evaporation of Sofi Snow don't pick up this book until you do. The vast majority of both books takes place over a couple of days - so reading this book first will totally confuse you - it would be equivalent to picking up a book and starting in the middle. This two books together are the complete and total story. And what a story it is! Betrayal, devotion, the bond of family, a world in peril - fans of fantasy and sci-fi will love this series that is for the YA teen and up reader.

I was provided an Advanced Reader's Copy (uncorrected proof) of this book by the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title:  Reclaiming Shilo Snow

Series: Evaporation of Sofi Snow, Book 2

Author: Mary Weber

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction

Release Date:  March 6, 2018

Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy

She was far more capable than Earth’s leaders had accounted for—and they had no idea what she’d do next.

Known as a brilliant mind that could hack humanity’s darkest secrets, seventeen-year-old Sofi Snow is the most wanted teenager alive. She found her way to the icy, technologically brilliant planet of Delon to find Shilo, the brother everyone but Sofi believes is dead.

But as she and Ambassador Miguel partner to find her brother and warn those on Earth of Delon’s dark designs on humanity, Sofi’s memories threaten to overtake her, distorting everything she holds true. She knows the Delonese kept her in a dark, deceptive place . . . and destroyed a portion of her life. Now, the more they discover of Sofi’s past, the more Sofi feels herself unraveling—as each new revelation has her questioning the very existence of reality.

In this harrowing sequel to The Evaporation of Sofi Snow, Sofi and Miguel must trust each other and discover the secrets locked inside Sofi’s mind as the line between what’s real and what they imagine begins to slip away . . . threatening to take humanity with it.

PREORDER NOW!

AMAZON l GOODREADS l  BOOK DEPOSITORY l  CHRISTIANBOOK  l  ITUNES

ABOUT MARY WEBER

Mary Weber is the award-winning HarperCollins author of the bestselling young adult Storm Siren Trilogy, and The Evaporation of Sofi Snow series. An avid school and conference speaker, Mary's passion is helping others find their voice amid a world that often feels too loud. When she's not plotting adventures involving tough girls who frequently take over the world, Mary sings 80's hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands and the ocean. She gets nerdy at @maryweber.com, FACEBOOK @MaryWeberAuthor, INSTAGRAM @MaryWeberAuthor, and GOODREADS. 

CONNECT WITH MARY:  website │ facebook │ twitter │ instagram │ goodreads

Visit ALL the tour stops and the Tour Landing Page 

Before you go here's the Scavenger Hunt clue hidden here 

Tick,

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GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY 

One U.S. winner will win: 

(1) Hardcover Copy of Evaporation of Sofi Snow, 

(1) Signed ARC of Reclaiming Shilo Snow, 

(1)With Music the World Evaporates Drawstring Backpack, 

(1) The Evaporation of Sofi Snow Earbuds. 

Don't forget to collect your clue before you leave.

If you missed it go back and find it.

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1 eBook copy of Reclaiming Shilo Snow
Prize is courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction (TNZ Fiction).  TNZ Fiction and JustRead Publicity Tours reserves the rights to terminate this giveaway at any time, and are not responsible for lost prizes.
Winner must respond within 24 hours with their preferred email address or another winner will be chosen.
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