Carved in Ebony ~ Blog Blitz with Excerpt

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for Carved in Ebony 

by Jasmine L. Holmes, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Carved in Ebony
Author: Jasmine L. Holmes
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: November 2, 2021
Genre: Christian History / Biography

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.

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Jasmine L. Holmes has written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Fathom Mag, Christianity Today, and The Witness. Jasmine is the author of Mother to Son: Letters to a Black Boy on Identity and Hope, and contributor for Identity Theft: Reclaiming the Truth of Our Identity in Christ, and His Testimony, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God. She teaches humanities in a classical Christian school in Jackson, Mississippi, where she and her husband, Phillip, are parenting three young sons.

CONNECT WITH JASMINE: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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EXCERPT

Chapter 8 – “A Refined Negro Woman: Lucy Craft Laney” from Carved in Ebony by Jasmine Holmes, pp. 135–136, 237 words (edited)

From the age of fourteen, Lucy Craft Laney knew what she wanted to be: a teacher. And she spent her entire life in dogged pursuit of this goal. Her focus was on the uplift of the Black youth of Augusta, Georgia, and she threw herself so completely into that focus that she lived on the campus where she taught. She operated within her small corner of the world with a faithfulness that we would do well to emulate, even if our different corners seem further reaching than hers.

Lucy is a testament to what it looks like to faithfully stick to a task. Although she was involved in activism as well as education, the bulk of her time was spent in the classroom and in facilitating the classroom experiences of other teachers. She does not have a host of speeches that I can pull from to illustrate her faith in Christ, but perhaps more than any other woman in this book, she has the testimony of the people who knew her and saw her service up close. 

What an incredible testimony of God’s faithfulness this woman was. From enslaved parentage to a thorough education lived out in quiet, humble intellect and service to others.

What a legacy she left, not only for her students, but for every person who picks up her story.

What a legacy she has left me.

What a legacy she has left you.

Excerpt from Carved in Ebony by Jasmine L. Holmes provided by Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Copyright Oct. 12, 2021. Used by permission.

http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of The Happy Crab by Layla & Kevin Palmer, Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson, and Make Their Day by Karen Ehman.

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 27, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2021. 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.

Hostile Intent ~ Review

Hostile Intent

Danger Never Sleeps #4
by Lynette Eason

Ava Jackson has spent most of her life living a lie - a lie meant to keep her and her family safe. But someone has seen through the lies and now they are coming after her. Worse, whoever is coming after her is killing those who get in his way.  

Special Agent Caden Denning is more than a little surprised his childhood friend is linked to several killings across the country. Determined to keep Ava safe, he never expected to be drawn to her. Can he keep her alive and give himself a chance to be a part of her future? Caden vows to bring the killer to justice.

If you are a fan of Lynette Eason or Romantic Suspense you will love this book, which though the fourth book in the series can be read as a standalone title. So settle into your favorite reading nook and get ready for some intense reading. A word of warning this book may keep you up reading late into the night.                                             

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

About the Book:

Ava Jackson entered the military shortly after high school, but her mother's illness has forced her to request an early discharge. She already lost her father while deployed, and there's no way she's going to let her mother die alone. But after a visit to the nursing facility where her mother lives, Ava is attacked walking back to her car. Fortunately, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning arrives in time to help fight off her attacker.

Caden reveals to Ava that she may hold the key to the murders of three families, and he needs her help before anyone else is harmed. The hits show a pattern, and clearly, the killer has an agenda. But if Caden and Ava can't discover what it is, Ava may be next on the hit list.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason concludes her latest suspense-filled series with a bang as secrets are revealed and the guilty are brought to justice.

Deadly Connection ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Deadly Connection by Kathy Harris, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Deadly Connection
The Deadly Secrets #2
Kathy Harris

Hannah Cassidy's day has just gotten so much worse. A  victim of an attack, a narrow escape from a kidnapper, and witnessing an attack on another young woman. Wrong place, wrong time? Or was she the intended target? TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson is going to find out. 

Having been on his way to meet someone Jack happens upon Hannah moments after her attack. Could the three women involved be related or connected somehow? Or was it a random attack in a popular location? Somehow Jack thinks that at least one of the three was the intended target and the intended victim most likely was going to be trafficked. 

When evidence and circumstances point to the potential of danger to Hannah, Jack, the Bureau, and Nashville Metro up their watch. But with few clues and a limited description finding their suspect just might prove more than a little challenging.

Deadly Connection is the second book in Kathy Harris's The Deadly Secrets series and it doesn't disappoint. The action begins from the opening line and mystery just seems to get deeper the further one gets into the book. There are reveals that let the reader into some of the background action but the question of why is not easily or quickly revealed. If you are a fan of contemporary Romantic Suspense with a not-in-your-face-Christian thread this is one you will want to check out. This is not a graphic suspense read but it doesn't shy away from topics that could easily lend themselves to such. Could be a good book for your next book club discussion.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Deadly Connection
Series: The Deadly Secrets #2
Author: Kathy Harris
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction
Release Date: October 12, 2021
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Christian

Will they uncover the secrets between them before it becomes deadly? 

After fending off a would-be abductor, 27-year-old singer-songwriter Hannah Cassidy hides behind a car in the half-empty parking lot behind Pancake Pantry in Nashville. From there, she watches in horror as her attacker grabs another woman and pushes her into a nearby car. Within seconds, the vehicle speeds away. 

TBI Special Agent Jake Matheson may have planned a quiet day off and a date with Shannon―the only name her online profile revealed―for an introductory lunch, but after pulling into a parking space on 21st Avenue South, he hears a scream. He races to the back of the building and finds a frightened young woman bent forward and gasping for breath. 

Thrown together by uncanny circumstances and driven by the whys and what-ifs of secrets yet to be revealed, Hannah and Jake set out to find the connection between them before it becomes deadly.

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Kathy Harris has worked as a marketing director in the Nashville music industry for more than 30 years. Her first professional writing job was freelancing entertainer biographies. Later she wrote and co-wrote news stories and columns for various music publications, eventually contributing to anthologies for Thomas Nelson, Tyndale House, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Kathy's debut novel, The Road to Mercy, was released in 2012 by Abingdon Press. Deadly Connection, her second book in The Deadly Secrets series, will release from Iron Stream Fiction on October 12, 2021. Kathy has regularly hosted music and literary guests on her Divine Detour blog since 2010.

CONNECT WITH KATHY: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $35 Amazon gift card and an autographed copy of Deadly Connection!

 

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 19, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 26, 2021. 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.

Heirs of Falcon Point ~ Review with Giveaway

Heirs of Falcon Point

By Traci Hunter Abramson,

    Sian Ann Bessey,

    Paige Edwards, and

    A.L. Sowards

First off, let me just say -"You have to read this book!" The story from start to finish is excellent. 

Eighty years ago the Lang family lost everything to the Nazis when Austria came under their control. The three Lang children managed to survive the violence that came to their home but it forever separated them in a world being torn apart by war.

Fast forward to today and we are introduced to the descendants of the Lang children and the descendant of the man responsible for forever altering their lives and their world. Now, these cousins have never met one another nor were they aware of the existence of each other. But somehow they are all finding their way to the truths of their grandparents' (or great-grandparents') pasts. Anna and Cole have been searching with little to no success while Tess and Lars had no idea of their family's past.

But someone is determined to keep the truth hidden and prevent the Lang children from claiming what is theirs by birth. And if necessary murder is an option that could be employed to silence them forever. And these heirs have no idea of the danger they are in.

I really enjoyed this book - it was one of those can't put it down books. Before this year all of these authors were new to me and before this book I had only read Paige Edwards. When you have four authors create a book one would expect some weak spots where their work comes together but this book was excellent and seamless throughout the story and during scene/character transitions. I, for one, would love a follow-up book staring all of these characters just to see what happens next in their lives. That being said the story does come to a satisfying conclusion, it's just that I really enjoyed getting to know these characters so much. 

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:

In the early days of World War II, the Lang family lost everything. 

Eighty years later, it's time to take it back.

The Nazis have taken control of Austria, and wealthy widower Leopold Lang faces a difficult decision: join the ranks of the foreign power that has taken over his homeland or flee with his children to safety. Leopold makes his choice--but too late. His family is ripped apart, never to be reunited. But decades later, fate brings together the descendants of this broken dynasty in the place where it all began--Falcon Point.

Anna, Cole, and Tess have never met, each relying on fractured pieces of information to understand their Austrian heritage. But when unforeseen opportunities draw these Lang cousins to to Falcon Point, they soon discover they are not alone in their quest to claim the coveted property and the fabled treasure hidden within. Unfortunately, another claimant, one with a much darker heritage, is determined to eliminate the Lang family once and for all.

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Enter to win a paperback copy of 

Heirs of Falcon Point

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Heirs of Falcon Point Blog Tour Stops

Monday, October 18

https://emilyflynncrc.wixsite.com/readingwithemily

https://hollysbookcorner.home.blog

www.myboodaday.com

Tuesday, October 19

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com

www.booksaresanity.blogspot.com

Literarytimeout.blogspot.com

Wednesday, October 20

http://BloomingwithBooks.blogspot.com

https://booklooksbylisa.blogspot.com

www.bookconfessionsblog.com

Thursday, October 21

www.booksandsockrock.com

http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 22

https://thereadingmamas.wixsite.com/website

https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

The Baker and the Wolf ~ Review

The Baker and the Wolf

A Villians Ever After #10

By J.M. Stengl

Cerise DuBois works in her family's bakery, there's some magic ~ magic of which she has no hand in. She can almost always be found out of doors in a distinctive scarlet red cloak that should draw attention to her but somehow hasn't. In fact, she's never gotten the attention of any man until a handsome stranger enters her bakery. A stranger shrouded in mystery and one whom her mother would most decidedly disapprove of.   

Soon everything Cerise thought she knew about herself is cast into doubt, especially when she meets her estranged grandmother who possesses magical abilities. Could the life she's always known be a lie? 

What follows is a story of romance, self-discovery, and a fight for the truth and survival. The Baker and the Wolf is a delightful fairytale-retelling told from the other side of the tale, offering hope for the villain and a second chance to get it right and be something more than they have been. A lovely short read at less than 200 pages, well maybe not that short, but it is an easy read and appropriate for readers in my opinion older tweens/young teens and up.

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:

A mysterious stranger, an enchantress grandmother, and an overprotective mother. 

Can Cerise trust any of them?

Cerise DuBois might as well be invisible. Not even her scarlet cloak attracts male interest, and her mother begins to despair of snaring a husband for a boring middle daughter with no magic ability. If not for her baking talents, Cerise would be a hopeless burden on the family.

Or so she believes until a dark man with eyes like gold appears in the family bakery to deliver an invitation from a grandmother she has never met . . . and the real trouble begins. What if everything Cerise believes about herself and her family is false?

Unlike other men, the stranger gives Cerise his undivided attention, yet he has a habit of vanishing when she needs him most—for example when a huge black dog (surely it can’t be a wolf) follows her through the city park.

Worst of all, he claims that if she follows the magical path to her enchantress grandmother’s cottage, her entire world will change. Should Cerise trust this fascinating foreign mage, or will he eat her alive?

The Baker and the Wolf is one of twelve short novels in A Villain's Ever After, a collection of standalone stories featuring villainous twists on some of your favorite classic fairytales. Read the series in any order for magical adventures . . . and fall in love with villains as you’ve never seen them before.

 Who said villains can’t have happily-ever-afters? 

Letters from the Dragon's Son ~ Review

Letters from the Dragon's Son

The White Wolf #2

By Tammy Lash

Jonathan Gudwyne has returned to the land of Izzy's birth but tragedy and heartbreak continue to dog his every step. What's worse his health is suffering - the sins of the past have destroyed it and his peace of mind. But for both Jonathan and Izzy they must face the pain and heartbreak of their pasts before they can find healing.

This book is really hard to describe without giving away key parts of the story and in my opinion ruining it for fellow readers. But I can say that this builds upon what came before, in the first book of the series - White Wolf and the Ash Princess. And I can't stress enough that you have to read the first book to truly appreciate and grasp what is happening in this book. I'd say what I took away from this book as the underlying thread/thought is that one must forgive. Holding onto hate, grief, fear, and disgust doesn't hurt the person you are holding it against as much as it hurts you. Even if you feel fully justified in these feelings they will destroy you - consuming you from within. That isn't to say that forgiveness is easy to bestow but it is necessary to move on and heal, to remove the restraints of the past upon your heart, mind, and soul. Forgiveness is a choice and one that often requires strength and bravery to complete.

There are several key emotional moments that will touch and move you so a box of tissues nearby might prove useful.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a read that is outside of the normal while offering outstanding characters, settings, and plotline. 

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

About the Book:

Series: The White Wolf #2 Publisher: White Wolf Publishing Release Date: October 14, 2020 Genre: Inspirational Fiction/General Fiction/Historical Fiction/Romance /Christian Fiction 2021 Selah Awards Finalist!

A father… 

A son… 

and the dragon they became.

One head: Malevolent, attired in barbs and spines, took pleasure in decimating the forested village. Avery, formerly White Boar, wanders the forests seeking forgiveness from the people he sold into slavery, but is repentance payment enough? Righteous, with two horns on each side, tried to calm the evil one’s violent ambition. More servant than son, Jonathan Gudwyne, had been powerless to stop his father from taking the Men of the Forest into captivity. As a man, White Wolf reverses the damage he and his father caused by returning the Natives home. Jonathan gains honor and worship, but what does he do with the remains of his past? Justice has yet to be served to the dragon. Should Jonathan be the one who administers the sentence to his wandering father? To himself? The two heads formed Brinsop, whose iron talons wrought chaos…. Can a man change? Can a broken family be made whole again? If one head is destroyed can the other survive?

Find Letters from the Dragon's Son on Goodreads | Amazon

Title Reveal Tuesday

 Today I'm thrilled to share with you the title 

for Nadine Brandes's upcoming 2022 book.

Don't you just love that title?

Wishtress

It makes me think of a dandelion that has gone to white,

blowing on it as a wish is made.

A magical being that ebbs and flows with time.

An enchantress that grants wishes.

A dweller in a wishing well.

The possibilities are endless,

but it is fun to try to imagine what the

story could maybe be about.

What does Wishtress bring to your mind?

Connect online with Nadine Facebook or Instagram

Title Reveal Graphic designed by Megan McCullough FB or Instagram

Music "The Ukulele Song" by Rafael Krux from Canva

Video reveal created by Meagan at Blooming with Books