Refuge at Pine Lake ~ Book Blast with Giveaway

Title: Refuge at Pine Lake

Series: Pine Haven

Genre: Christian, Contemporary

Publisher: Chanson Books

Publication date: March 7, 2019

Robin Lancaster, a twenty-six-year-old former kindergarten teacher, has her summer and her life all figured out. She’s ready to be on her own, writing and illustrating her children’s stories at her family’s beloved lake house. Once there, she intends to rekindle a romance with Caleb Jackson, the area’s top hunting and fishing guide, and bag him for herself.

Complications arise from the start when Robin finds out her mother has rented the lake house to a man they know nothing about.

Matthew McLaughlin, forty-year-old widowed university professor and author from California, shows up at Pine Lake in crisis. A sabbatical might be his only hope to save much more than his career. He needs a place of refuge. Sharing the lake house with a lighthearted young woman and her dog is the last thing on his mind.

Caleb Jackson has his own plans. He’s used to things going his way, but a man staying in Robin’s house presents unforeseen challenges. When paths unavoidably entangle for these three, hearts are on the line.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author:

Rose Chandler Johnson is known for her heartwarming, inspirational writing. In addition to works of sweet contemporary, Christian fiction, Rose has written an award-winning devotional, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments.

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Space 2.0 ~ Review

Space 2.0
By Rod Pyle
with Foreword by Buzz Aldrin

How Private Spaceflight,

a Resurgent NASA,

and International Partners Are

Creating a New Space Age

Let me just start off by saying this book is worth it just for the pictures alone which are a mix of actual photos of events that have taken place with concept art of what is in the planning stage. We are given a history of humanity's space achieving efforts as well as a glimpse of where the future is and can lead. 

With more than 300 pages this book doesn't skimp on sharing knowledge about space. If you plan on doing research into the subject of space exploration this is one book that will be on your go-to resource list. Pages 266 -271 offer listings of organizations you as an individual can seek out memberships with. Pages 289 - 293 present a glossary of terms including ISRU, Low Earth Orbit, and Orion. 

I really enjoyed reading the foreword by Buzz Aldrin which offered his view on where we've been and the promise of a new Space Age just on the horizon. I admit it if it anything that has to do with space exploration in the real day-to-day life of people I'm more than willing to dive into it and this is one of the best I've read and it is perfect with the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing coming in just a few short months.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through Amazon's Vine Program with no expectation but that I offer my honest opinions about this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

We're on the cusp of new era in the great adventure of space exploration and development. 

More than a half-century ago, humanity first hurled objects into space, and almost 50 years ago, astronauts first walked on the moon. Since then, we have explored Earth's orbit with shuttles, capsules, and space stations; sent robots to Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus; sampled a comet; sent telescopes into orbit; and charted most of our own planet.

In Space 2.0, space historian Rod Pyle, in collaboration with the National Space Society, will give you an inside look at the next few decades of spaceflight and long-term plans for exploration, utilization, and settlement.

No longer the exclusive domain of government entities such as NASA and other national agencies, space exploration is rapidly becoming privatized, with entrepreneurial startups building huge rocket boosters, satellites, rocket engines, asteroid probes, prospecting craft, and even commercial lunar cargo landers to open this new frontier. Research into ever more sophisticated propulsion and life support systems will soon enable the journey to Mars and destinations deeper in our solar system. As these technologies continue to move forward, there are virtually no limits to human spaceflight and robotic exploration.
While the world has waited since the Apollo lunar program for the next "giant leap," these critical innovations, most of which are within our grasp with today's technology, will change the way we live, both in space and on Earth. A new space age--and with it, a new age of peace and prosperity on Earth, and settlement beyond our planet--can be ours.

Speaking with key leaders of the latest space programs and innovations, Pyle shares the excitement and promise of this new era of exploration and economic development. From NASA and the Russian space agency Roscosmos, to emerging leaders in the private sector such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Moon Express, Virgin Galactic, and many others, Space 2.0 examines the new partnerships that are revolutionizing spaceflight and changing the way we reach for the stars.

Space 2.0 is the definitive handbook for the new space age.

Reforesting Faith ~ Review

Reforesting Faith
By Matthew Sleeth, MD

What Trees 

Teach Us About the

Nature of God and His Love for Us

Trees are all around us both in the world and in the Scriptures. Trees are a common factor in teaching us about God and His love for us. The Bible begins and ends with references to trees. But how does this impact us in our lives today? Well, Doctor Matthew Sleeth is about to take us on the journey of discovery that impacted his life and brought him into faith and a relationship with God.

All too often we are too busy to see the trees but they are there. In fact, the very fall of humanity is linked to a tree - the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. And humanity's fall separated us from God and the Tree of Life. But though we cannot physically partake of the Tree of Life God has provided a spiritual substitute that will feed our soul His Word and the wisdom that it holds is referred to as the Tree of Life. I also find it interesting that a tree broke humanities connection to God and it was through a tree (the cross) that God offered a path of restoration to Him.

Trees have been with us since the beginning of time, in fact, God called trees into being before He created man. Take time to find a tree, sit beneath it and use this time of quiet to talk to God and listen for His voice. These tools that help God tell us His story are the perfect place to spend time with Him. We are to be like trees planted by streams of water and give our fruit when it is time to harvest it and what better way to do this than beneath the branches that we are to learn from while reading His Word.

This is a book that very interesting as the author takes much the reader through his own personal experiences and examples from the Bible. I wouldn't call this a devotional but it could certainly be added to one's daily devotional readings. It is an excellent resource to share with any who want materials to aid them in their daily Christian life. If you look you too will find God in all parts of His Creation. I also feel this would be a good choice for a study group - so if you are looking for a summer title I highly recommend this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through their book launch program.
About the Book:

The Bible talks about trees more than any living creation other than people. 

Perhaps you've missed the forest...and the trees.

In this groundbreaking walk through Scripture, former physician and carpenter Dr. Matthew Sleeth makes the convincing case why trees are essential to every Christian's understanding of God.

Yet we've mostly missed how God has chosen to tell His story--and ours--through the lens of trees. There's a tree on the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation. The Bible refers to its wisdom as a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:18). Every major Biblical character has a tree associated with them. Jesus himself says he is the true vine (John 15:1). A tree was used to kill Jesus--and a tree is the only thing the Messiah ever harmed.

This is no accident. When we subtract trees from Scripture, we miss lessons of faith necessary for our growth.

This is the rare book that connects those who love the Creator with creation, and those who love creation with the Creator. It offers inspirational yet practical ways to express our love for God--and our neighbors--by planting spiritual trees and physical trees in the world.

Join Dr. Sleeth as he navigates the Bible's trail of trees to explore the wonders of life, death, and rebirth. You'll be amazed at how science is just beginning to catch up to the truths described in Scripture thousands of years ago. Once you discover the hidden language of trees, your walk through the woods--and through Scripture--will never be the same.

Get a peek at Chapter One

A Cloud by Day, a Fire by Night ~ Review

A Cloud by Day, A Fire by Night
By A.W. Tozer
Compiled and Edited by James L. Snyder

This book is a collection of the sermons that Tozer gave to his Chicago congregation before he accepted a call to a church in Toronto - it focuses on how we can find and follow God's will for us. His message, though written quite a few years ago, is still relevant to today.

How can we know God's will for us? One of the first things to do is quiet our hearts - we are all too often caught up in the chaos and noise of what the world throws at us. Technology is always present and a distraction from hearing God's voice. We need to discipline ourselves daily to make time to listen to God. It is only by listening to God's voice that we can obey Him. And obedience gives us the promise of God being our strength and foundation in our battle against our enemies - Satan, sin, and the fallen world around us. And our obedience is a sign of our commitment to God a commitment that has eternal ramifications.

We need to be careful though and not romanticize the positives of following God. We need to be aware that there will be difficulties and trials that will test us. We need to remember that Jesus carried a cross and we are to take it up and follow Him. But it is through these times of obedience during trials that we find the "joy, privilege, and glory of God." And disobedience can have long term effects as we see through Israel's 40 years of wilderness wanderings. Even when it appears that blessings are not something that we're experiencing we have the promise of what is to come. Sometimes the blessing is delayed because we need to learn something from the wait. We must not be discouraged as that is what the enemy wants instead we need to see that we can lean on God to get us through this time of darkness - He is always present waiting for us to listen and take the hand that He is offering to us.

I found this to be an excellent book and one which I plan to read again as there is much to contemplate and to be learned. I liked that each chapter opened with a prayer and ended with a few lines from a hymn. Some of the hymns I was familiar while others were new to me but each was well suited to the chapter that had just concluded. This book is well suited to any Christian whether they be a new believer or one with years to their faith. One can always use encouragement along the journey.

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


About the Book:

Discover Where God is Leading You!

How can I know God's will for me, personally? It's a question that haunts us all at times--maybe when we're looking for the right job, thinking about moving to a new city, or deciding whether or not to get married. At every stage we have difficult decisions to make, and we long for God's direction and His warm reassurance that we're heading the right way.

A Cloud by Day, a Fire by Night captures A.W. Tozer's teaching on the will of God. Taken from sermons he preached just before he left his successful church in Chicago, the title comes from the story of God leading His people out of Egypt and into the promised land.

Tozer was no stranger to facing difficult decisions. His wisdom and biblical insight will help guide you in decisions of your own and reassure you of God's presence every step of the way.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A.W. Tozer (1897-1963) was a self-taught theologian, pastor, and writer whose powerful words continue to grip the intellect and stir the soul of today's believer. He authored more than forty books. The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy are considered modern devotional classics. Get Tozer information and quotes at www.twitter.com/TozerAW.

Reverend James L. Snyder (www.jamessnyderministries.com) is an award-winning author whose writings have appeared in more than 80 periodicals and 15 books. He is recognized as an authority on the life and ministry of A.W. Tozer. His first book, In Pursuit of God: The Life of A.W. Tozer, won the Reader's Choice Award in 1992 by Christianity Today. Because of his thorough knowledge of Tozer, James was given the rights from the A.W. Tozer estate to produce new books derived from over 400 never-before-published audio tapes. James and his wife live in Ocala, Florida.

Driftwood Bay ~ Review

Driftwood Bay
Hope Harbor #5
By Irene Hannon

Hope Harbor was the perfect place to start over. Noone knew her and she could keep any close relationships at bay. Never again would she experience the pain of loss. At least that was Jeannette Mason's plan until her new neighbors moved in.

Doctor Logan West never expected to take on the role of single dad to Molly his young niece but following the deaths of his bother and his mother he has a promise to keep. A promise that is harder than he ever imagined while trying to fill the hole in a hurting little girl's heart. And when you throw in a rambunctious somewhat naughty Beagle into the mix something is bound to happen. Unfortunately for his new neighbor, she's about to be the recipient of Toby's digging tendencies.

But Hope Harbor isn't the kind of place that lets you withdraw from life. And when the surviving members of a Syrian family are offered a home in Hope Harbor Jeannette finds herself once again having to put herself and her heart potentially in the path of danger. But how can she not meet a need when she can fill it? And when Logan has a need that this new family can fill well let's just say Jeannette's desire for isolation is about to take yet another hit.

If you've read Irene Hannon's previous books in the Hope Harbor series you already know what a caring community this is. And I have to be honest with each new book my most anticipated scenes take place with Charley - I'm not a fan of fish (in fact I don't eat them) but whenever a scene features his taco stand I really am tempted. And his friends Floyd and Gladys - I want to meet these two birds! I also love how little bits of information are slowly revealed throughout the series.

If you haven't read any of the previous books don't worry each can be read as a standalone and thoroughly enjoyed. This is a feel-good series that even though the pain of life can be seen in various lives one is left with a feeling of hope for what tomorrow will bring.

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


About the Book:
After tragedy upends her world, Jeannette Mason retreats to the tiny Oregon seaside town of Hope Harbor to create a new life. Vowing to avoid emotional attachments, she focuses on running her lavender farm and tea-room--until a new neighbor with a destructive dog and a forlorn little girl invades her turf. But she needn't worry. Dr. Logan West is too busy coping with an unexpected family, a radical lifestyle change, and an unruly pup to have any interest in his aloof and disagreeable neighbor.

Yet when both Jeanette and Logan find themselves pulled into the life of a tattered Christian family fleeing persecution in war-torn Syria, might they discover that love sometimes comes calling when it's least expected?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites readers back to the charming seaside town of Hope Harbor, where they are sure to find peace, healing, and a second chance at happiness.

The Edge of Over There ~ Review

The Edge of Over There
The Day the Angels Fell #2
By Shawn Smucker

When Abra Miller and Sam Chambers were present at the battle of the Tree of Life their lives changed and took different paths. Abra was left with a sword that she along could touch and with a dream. The dream of that night and a message that Mr. Tennin left with her before he was lost to this world.

And Abra on that night her friendship with Sam ended. Time has passed and Abra's life has come to an end and Sam is about to hear Abra's story. A story that a stranger is about to reveal to him. A story that took Abra on a mission to destroy a second Tree of Life. A Tree that is at the Edge of Over There and if any eat of its fruit all could be lost.

But to stop this threat Abra must travel to New Orleans where a Gateway that no living person should ever cross must be opened and entered. But Abra's journey is about to be joined by a young man who has been seeking this very Gateway since the night he lost his family to it.

But can she withstand this place of sorrow and pain? This place of temptations will be her battlefield and she is about to discover just how alone she truly is.

The Edge of Over There takes us to the point where The Day the Angels Fell left off. And we along with Sam are about to discover just what he abandoned Abra to face alone. Reading the first book is not a necessity as this story follows Abra more than Sam but it wouldn't hurt to have a greater backstory understanding before reading this book. Fans of Speculative Fiction will enjoy this book and series. I'd say if you like any of the following authors you'd want to give Shawn Smucker a try:
Robert Liparulo, Frank E. Peretti, James Rubart or Billy Coffey. There are some similarities to these authors work that if you are looking for someone new to read I can see this being a nice fit.

 And here's hoping that the hints of a third book are soon to come to fruition as I'm anxious to learn what is next to happen. Does it delve further into Abra's story or will we instead turn to Sam? Either possibility could happen and I really want to know.

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

About the Book:

Abra Miller carries a secret 

and a responsibility she never expected.

Before the Tree of Life, everything in Abra Miller's life had been predictable. Safe. Normal. But after the Tree, everything has felt fragile . . . like holding a soap bubble in the palm of her hand. After years of fruitless searching for the next Tree, she begins to wonder if it was nothing more than a vivid dream.

Now sixteen, Abra finds a clue to the whereabouts of the next Tree of Life when an ominous woman--who looks exactly like a ghost from her past--compels her to travel to New Orleans where she'll find one of seven gateways between this world and Over There. But she's not the only one interested in finding the gateway. There's also a young man searching for his father and sister, who escaped through it years before. As Abra enters the Edge of Over There and begins her pursuit of the Tree once more, she doesn't know whom to fear or whom to trust.

She's also starting to think that 

some doorways should never be opened.

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Doomsayer ~ Review and Author Interview with Giveaway

Doomsayer
Conquests of Brokk #3
By Thane Keller

This is the third book in the Conquests of Brokk series, that being said after the first few chapters one can easily get into the story even without reading the two previous books. But you'll be so intrigued by this book you'll want to go back a read them later (speaking from experience here).

But now to the story, the Galactic Order is teetering on the edge. War is on the horizon - the Jark Empire's rogue commander Brokk attacked the Tassi and now turns his sights on his own world. But his war on Tassi has earned he and his people the hate of Cale. Cale's revenge will leave Jark in shambles just as Tassi was.

But war isn't the only threat to the Galactic Order as a coming collision with a neighboring galaxy looms ever nearer. What lies beyond is a question no one can answer. Is someone waiting to claim their space as their own? Will the merging of the galaxies forever alter what they've known? Only time will tell that is assuming anyone will survive.

This is a most interesting book and well worth reading. It is a clean read as far as SciFi goes - there are deaths as there is a war taking place this should not come as a surprise but the language and morals get an A+ in my estimation. The characters are not flat they have a dimension with facets that depending on the angle you view them at gives one varying insight into them.

If you like Star Wars you should like this offering from Thane Keller - it has a similar feel in how it plays out. Perfect reading for teens and up! And the ending let's just say it will leave you wanting more.

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:
Brokk, Commander of the mighty Rogue Fleet, desires more than just his exile come to an end. His heart is set on revenge and his aim is to be the ruler of the Jark Empire. With his Armada resupplied and a powerful priestess at his side, Brokk intends to stop at nothing until his goals are achieved. Despite Brokk's plans, Cale has his own intentions for the Galaxy and his own desire for revenge. As conflict descends on the Jark Empire, a fog of war masks the plans of the remaining species in the Galaxy and a battle for positioning begins


About the Author:

Thane Keller is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute with a degree in psychology and a minor in English. Following college, Thane married his high school sweetheart, Sarah, and started his career as a cavalryman in the United States Army. Over the course of his career, he has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan where he was personally engaged in ground combat. He has earned two Bronze Stars and numerous other awards and decorations. Relying on his background in psychology, military experience, and Christian faith, Thane writes novels that seek to explore human nature under dire circumstances, the reality of pain and suffering, and the resilience of individuals to accomplish superhuman feats. He and his wife have four children. 

For more information, visit www.ThaneKeller.com. 


Author Interview:
1) What genre do you most like reading? 

~ I like reading science fiction the most, but as far as sub-genres I tend to read
space operas or technology-based thrillers. Anything that allows me to imagine
the fantastical with little care for present reality is fine by me! I also like a book
that keeps me moving. If the author lets me imagine the little details and keeps
the storyline pumping, I’m all in.

2) What one author past or present would you like to mentor you?

~ I would love to be mentored by Dean Koontz. There is a casualness in the way
that he writes and I appreciate the brief descriptions he gives in a setting that are
vivid and intense. Dean Koontz can tell a story with no more than three
characters and keep your interest throughout the novel. I love that about him.

3) How do develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)?

~ I’ve tried to give my reader a variety of unique settings that shaped the history
and evolution of the species they will encounter. In that sense, setting is almost
always developed by thinking through genetics first and struggle second. One
thing that I find fascinating about the science of our Earth is how fine-tuned it is to
life. But what if we find complex and sentient organisms on a planet that had
twice the gravity? What would they look like? How would their bodies form to
allow them to thrive on such a planet?

~ Another quality that captures my attention is how unbelievable space is and how
those qualities relate to space warfare. I try to build a space environment that is
harsh but still allows for a dynamic environment. In my Sci-Fi world, I want ships
hiding in nebulas and using stars and planets as terrain they can fight behind.

~ The final aspect of my settings are always emotional. Our emotions control how
we remember people and places far more than we ever realize. In Doomsayer
there is a scene where poor Sabik and his crew are being tortured and I describe
it as a fire that was always burning but never leaving him fully burned. It was all
consuming but never consumed him. It doesn’t end. Depression often feels that
way, doesn’t it? For me, these emotional settings are personal and I try to let
these emotions from periods in my past come out through my writing.

4) Do you have a favorite author that you would recommend?

~ Of course I love Dean Koontz but I already gushed on him enough. Recently, I’ve
really enjoyed reading James Maxwell and his book series “The Shifting Tides.”
The classics always capture my attention and books like “The Things They
Carried” and “Lord of the Flies” hold a special place in my heart because of the
psychological facet of the author’s writings.

5) What aspect did you most enjoy writing about in this series?

~ When I started this series, I wanted to write about space warfare, but the
character that stole my heart was Tamara and I loved writing about her from start
to finish. Tamara represents so many variables within the human experience: she
is a category, a stereotype, a victim, and a villain. She is desperate for
meaningful relationships but often develops a helpless love to those that abuse
her. She is idolized by followers and idolizes those in power. If Tamara was a
real person, the soldier in me would probably have fallen in love with her. Sadly,
the psychopath in her would likely find more joy in killing me than going to the
movies with me.

6) What one question do you wish you would be asked and how would you answer it?

~ Wow, what a hard question! If I have to choose just one, I wish someone would
ask me what relevancy this far out space conflict has on my job as a soldier. I
would tell them that the way we think about conflict, technology, and people must
continually be challenged. I would tell them that fiction can serve as an engine to
drive the way we think about the future and that the Army with the broadest
thinkers might be the Army that has the greatest ability to innovate and adapt.

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

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