Fire Storm by Nancy Mehl

Fire Storm 

(Kaely Quinn Profiler #2) 

Paperback – ebook, hardcover, audio

August 6, 2019

by Nancy Mehl (Author)

Paperback: 336 pages

• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
• ISBN-13: 978-0764231858

When FBI profiler Kaely Quinn's mother is diagnosed with cancer, Kaely takes time off work to go to Dark Water, Nebraska, to help her brother care for their mother. Upon her arrival, she learns of a series of fires in the small town, attributed by the fire chief to misuse of space heaters in the frigid winter. But Kaely is skeptical, and a search for a pattern in the locations of the fires bolsters her suspicions.

After yet another blaze devastates a local family, Kaely is certain a serial arsonist is on the loose. Calling upon her partner from St. Louis, Noah Hunter, and her brother's firefighter neighbor who backs Kaely's suspicions, Kaely and her team begin an investigation that swiftly leads them down a twisted path. When the truth is finally revealed, Kaely finds herself confronting a madman who is determined his last heinous act will be her death

My thoughts: FIRE STORM is book 2 in Ms. Mehl's Kaely Quinn Profiler series, and while it does stand alone, fans will want to read Mind Games for Kaely's history.

This romantic suspense definitely has the  creepy factor going as Kaely tries to get  into the head of an arsonist that doesn't fit normal profiles. Why not? What is his motivation?

While there are plenty of red herrings, to  me, it is  fairly obvious who is behind the crimes once the idea is  broached, but the writing is stellar, and the  path the characters must follow is  fascinating.  I didn't want to put this book down though I  had to limit bedtime reading!  

Grab your copy of FIRE STORM today!  A captivating romantic suspense  you won't want to put down.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

The Berenstain Bears The Trouble with Tryouts: An Early Reader Chapter Book / Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide (The Coin Slot Chronicles Book 2)

The Berenstain Bears The Trouble with Tryouts: An Early Reader Chapter Book 

(Berenstain Bears/Living Lights) 

Paperback – hardcover, ebook, audio & audio CD

July 23, 2019

by Stan Berenstain (Author), Jan Berenstain  (Author), Mike Berenstain (Author)

• Age Range: 6 - 10 years
• Grade Level: 1 - 5
• Series: Berenstain Bears/Living Lights
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz
• ISBN-13: 978-0310767831

Sister Bear is a super soccer player. She should be a shoo-in at soccer tryouts … except for one little problem. Sister Bear is too small. Find out if Sister makes the team despite her size in this engaging early reader chapter book featuring all your favorite Berenstain Bear family and friends.

Sister is fast on her feet. She kicks the ball with the power of a cub twice her size. Yet, even Mama, Papa, and Brother think she has set her sights too high because, compared to the other cubs, Sister Bear is too small to make the team … or is she?

Featuring all your favorite Berenstain Bear family and friends, this early reader chapter book helps kids connect plot to chapter structure, taking their love of books and reading to the next level. And, as part of the beloved Living Lights series, it’s the perfect segue for emerging readers and fans of the brand.

The Berenstain Bears Trouble with Tryouts:

• Helps early readers ages 6-10 graduate from following along with picture books to reading chapter books on their own
• Is the perfect steppingstone for readers who are ready to take the next important step in their reading comprehension
• Includes all the Berenstain Bears family and friends who have been beloved by parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren for decades
• Features kid-friendly text and easy-to-read, easy-to-remember Scripture verses
• Teaches valuable life lessons about always believing in yourself and never underestimating the power of an underdog
• Is a fun, new book in the popular Zonderkidz Living Lights series, which has sold over 8 million copies since 2008

My thoughts:  THE BERENSTAIN BEARS TROUBLE WITH TRYOUTS made my Berenstain Bears  fan daughter  squeal with delight when this arrived in the mail and she hurried to sit down and read it though she is beyond early reader chapter books.

The story is cute and we appreciated Papa Bear's wisdom (some books he seems rather stupid) as he tried to gently encourage Sister to do her job to the best of her ability and  to temper her hopes with reality. Because we don't always get everything we want.

What we hated was  Sister had  an extreme temper tantrum and  suddenly all her dreams come true. Admittedly she  had to kick the ball but she got that because  she was throwing a  major fit.  And what does that teach kids?

Overall, a good chapter book for new readers,  And for Berenstain Bear fans.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

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Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide (The Coin Slot Chronicles Book 2)

by 

Rashad Jennings

• Age Range: 8 and up 
• Grade Level: 3 - 4
• Series: The Coin Slot Chronicles (Book 2)
• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz 
• (September 10, 2019)
• ISBN-13: 978-0310767435

In Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide, Arcade, Zoe, and their new friend, Doug, travel from New York to Virginia to stay with cousins and best friends, Derek and Celeste. It’s a chance for Arcade to feel “normal” again and connect with people and places he’s loved all his life.  

But nothing is normal as long as the Triple T Token is hanging around his neck. Plus, Derek claims he’s stumbled upon some troubling information, and now a suspicious person is following him. Arcade wonders if the trouble is related to the token—after all, someone has already tried to take it from him once.

Where did this Triple T Token come from? And are all the adventures it provides worth all the trouble it brings?

A trip through the token’s fantastical doors reveals a clue—a hidden box of old notes. As Arcade, Zoe, and their friends start to put the pieces together, the value of the token becomes clear, and the stakes are higher than ever. Can Arcade keep the token for himself? Or will sinister forces steal it from his grasp?

Read as part of the series or as a stand-alone novel! Arcade and the Golden Travel Guide is the second book in the humorous and imaginative Coin Slot Chronicles series by New York Times bestselling author, former NFL running back, and Dancing with the Stars champion Rashad Jennings.

Great for reluctant readers Black and white illustrations included  

My thoughts:  Rashad Jennings' new book, ARCADE AND THE GOLDEN TRAVEL GUIDE is second in the  series and fans  will want to read the first book (Arcade  and the Triple T Token) first as this book refers back and I was a bit lost.

I'm not really sure how to write this review. I am not into  time travel or fantasy which this book is heavy on. The modern day teens talk in slang from a  previous  generation (which confused my fourteen year old) and the inner city setting was as  far as you could get from the rural area where we reside.

If inner city, black-fiction, fantasy with time travel is your thing, then definitely grab a copy of ARCADE AND THE  GOLDEN TRAVEL GUIDE. Available for preorder now. There  is  definitely suspense in this book for  tween reluctant readers.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible / Bible Gems to Remember Devotional for Kids

Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible: 52 Stories with Easy Bible Memory in 5 Words or Less

by 

Robin Schmitt,

 

Kris Aro McLeod (Illustrations)

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 3
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz; Illustrated edition 
• (August 6, 2019)
• ISBN-13: 978-0310746881

Enhanced with beautiful gemstone illustrations throughout, the Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible gives readers 52 powerful verses from Scripture—one for each week of the year—to read, reflect upon, and put into practice. By the end of the year, children will have learned more than 52 easy-to-memorize Scripture verses!

Scripture is filled with “gemstones”—concise statements of five words or less that hold great value, meaning, and power. Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible, written by Robin Schmitt and illustrated by Kris Aro McLeod, takes children through 52 stories from the Bible, each featuring a powerful gem from Scripture to memorize.

God can accomplish amazing things with just a few words. Imagine what he could do in the heart of a child who memorizes and meditates on these short “gems” of wisdom from the Bible.

Bible Gems to Remember Illustrated Bible:

> Offers 52 stories from the Bible, one for each week of the year, enhanced with beautiful gemstone photos that encourage children to memorize Scripture
> Includes more related gems to ponder at the end of each Bible story above and beyond the featured gemstone verse
> Is creatively based on Scripture “gemstones” that are concise statements of five words or less that hold great value, meaning, and power
> Features a gorgeous cover 

My thoughts:  BIBLE GEMS TO REMEMBER ILLUSTRATED BIBLE is  a Bible story book with memory verses!  I love  the idea behind this, but I  must say the "gemstones" make  me want jellybeans!

The verses are short, reworded or paraphrased, to make them easy for toddlers to learn. Such as "God created the world." or "Listen to his voice." Or "Seek  the Lord and  live."

I'd like it if they capitalized the pronoun referring to God.

There are 52 Bible stories included in this colorful book, one for each week  of the year, making it ideal for Sunday School  or children's church lessons.  And unlike some Bible story books, children shouldn't find the  pictures  scary. Recommended.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

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Bible Gems to Remember Devotions for Kids: 52 Devotions with Easy Bible Memory in 5 Words or Less

Paperback – ebook

August 6, 2019

by Robin Schmitt (Author)

• Age Range: 8 - 12 years
• Grade Level: 3 - 7
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz 
• ISBN-13: 978-0310746256

Enhanced with beautiful gemstone photographs throughout, Bible Gems to Remember Devotions for Kids gives readers 52 devotions—one for each week of the year—to read, reflect upon, and put into practice. By the end of the year, children will have learned more than 52 easy-to-memorize Scripture verses!

Bible Gems to Remember Devotions for Kids, written by Robin Schmitt, shows how God can accomplish amazing things with just a few words. Scripture is filled with “gemstones”—concise statements of five words or less that hold great value, meaning, and power. This photo-driven devotional includes 52 of these special Bible gems to memorize as well as additional gems to ponder at the end of the devotion.

Bible Gems to Remember Devotions for Kids:

• Includes 52 devotions, one for each week of the year, enhanced with beautiful gemstone photos that encourage children to memorize Scripture
• Is creatively based on Scripture “gemstones” that are concise statements of five words or less that hold great value, meaning, and power
• Features a gorgeous cover that sparkles and shines

My thoughts:  This BIBLE GEMS TO REMEMBER  DEVOTIONAL FOR KIDS is a lot deeper than I expected for a kids devotional. They are written simply, so even a younger child can understand, but yet they contain more meat than a lot of adult devotionals. I was pleasantly surprised!  

There are 52 devotions, if you want to do one a week (like for a short kid's lesson at a Christian club or backyard club) or you can use them for daily devotions. The verses are considerably edited, to make it simple memorization. Like "There is a God." "Trust God." They are designed for today's kids with short attention spans and no ability to memorize long passages.

However, I do not think the cover sparkles and shines.

I was  given  a copy free. All  opinions are my own.

Samson & Amish Delilah

Samson & Amish Delilah 

Paperback – ebook

August 19, 2019

Tom Nye (Author)

Paperback: 293 pages

Publisher: Crosslink Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1633571686

Everyone in America has fallen in love with Delilah, leading lady in a bestselling Amish novel. When media giants discover that Delilah is a real person, the pursuit is on. Dave joins the search not realizing that by finding her, he would fall into the story and become Samson.

My thoughts: (Reviewed by Marilyn):   

Thomas Nye has penned a phenomenal and poignant story that will be hard to put down once you start reading Samson and Amish Delilah. You don’t hear Delilah for a name, but within the Amish community there are girls named Delilah.

The story about Dave’s journey to find the American idol Delilah from a renowned novel gave his life a ride he didn’t anticipate. This book is filled with unexpected twists and turns, flashbacks to a particular summer, hidden secrets, God’s amazing love and forgiveness. The primary characters are three dimensional with their attributes and flaws, lack of faith then renewed faith, flexibility, and fortitude along with caring family members. A rush to get out of down to prevent being pursued by others brought intense moments with my heart pounding as what was going to happen next in their travels. Little Earl was a star with his spunk, brightness and love of horses. I chuckled with some of his remarks and imagination but what a delight to have him along. Samson and Amish Delilah just may be the book of the year with the dual time line of events. I would love to see a sequel to this book.

I look forward to reading more of Thomas Nye books filled with delightful characters, horses, action and God’s love and forgiveness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own sincere thoughts.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2941440224

https://www.bookbub.com/books/samson-and-amish-delilah-by-thomas-nye

Phenomenal Story to Captivate Readers

Interview with Jennifer Hallmark and #Giveaway!!!

Today we welcome Jennifer Hallmark to my blog. Glad to have you stop by Jennifer. Jennifer is giving away one #ebook copy of Jessie's Hope. To enter leave a comment, answer the  question in red, and include contact  information.  

Tell us about Jessie’s Hope – 

Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mother and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, her parents’ absence intensifies her worry that she cannot hold on to those she loves. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when additional obstacles—including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather—highjack Jessie’s dream wedding?

Is there one particular message or “moral of the story” you hope readers walk away with? 

We all need to give and receive forgiveness. Also, each character has a chance for a redemption. But will they choose it or walk away?

What one question would you like us to ask your readers?  

(giveaway, e-book of Jessie’s Hope) Do you like stories in small town or rural settings? Why or why not?

Tell us about the giveaway you’re offering.

 I’m offering one person who leaves a comment an e-book of Jessie’s Hope.

How did Jessie’s Hope get started?

 During a monthly meeting of a writer’s group I attend, I was given three prompts to use in a story: faded coveralls, dusty baseball cap, wedding dress designer. I wrote a short story which turned into a novella and then a novel.

Tell us about your research process. 

I research as I write to some extent, then dig into much deeper research as I edit. I travel to places sometimes but often use the internet to look up information or watch videos.

What impact did your research have on you personally? 

Even though my father was wheelchair bound much of his adult life, the research I did to make Jessie a well-rounded character really impacted my life. There are some amazing physically-challenged people in our world that are making a difference in their family and community.

How do you see yourself in your character’s story, if at all? 

I see a little bit of me in everyone. The grandfather, Homer has a melancholy personality like me and I relate to him too well, I’m afraid. 😊

While you were writing Jessie’s Hope, do you think it mattered where the book was set?

 Definitely. One reason I write Southern fiction is because I’ve lived in Alabama most of my life and have experienced Southern life firsthand. I think it makes my writing more authentic.

 Jennifer Hallmark writes Southern fiction and her website, Alabama-Inspired Fiction, and the group blog, Inspired Prompt, she co-founded, focus on her books, love of the South, and helping writers. Jennifer released her debut novel, Jessie’s Hope, with Firefly Southern fiction in June. You can visit her on Facebook, Facebook author page, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Social media and buying links

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

The Rescue by Tanya Eavenson

The Rescue

Blurb:

Sometimes the path to freedom is found in an unexpected future.

Upon the death of her mother, Rosalind Standford’s life shatters, the pieces scattering to the wind when she is forced into a betrothal to a cunning banker. But when a telegram arrives announcing the man who captured her heart is on a train to Boston, Rosalind must hide her true feelings before the thin cord of her existence unravels the deadly secrets she keeps.

Cowboy Trent Easton returns to his roots in Boston society to find his childhood friend, the love of his heart. Instead he finds a broken woman engaged to a man close to her father’s age. Though she once rejected him, when Trent learns she’s in danger, he determines to do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even taking her to the altar in the black of night. But will his name and the remote wilds of his Texas ranch be enough to protect her? Or will freedom cost them their lives?

 My thoughts: Ms. Eavenson has a voice that just reaches out and reels readers in. THE RESCUE is a historical romance but it is also filled with edge-of-your-seat suspense. I could hardly read the chapters fast enough and *had* to find out what was happening next.  

I enjoyed getting to know Rosalind and Trent and sympathized with both of them. My heart hurt for them and I wanted them to find happiness.

Ms. Eavenson writes a poignant tale filled with emotions. One can’t help but feel for the characters as they battle an evil man intent on getting his way. A genteel lady and a gentleman cowboy on the race for their lives. This is a historical not to be missed!

Purchase Link:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TTVKJVY/

Bio:

Tanya Eavenson is an international bestselling and award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/

Links:

Website: http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tanya-Eavenson/e/B00B2UO5TE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tanya-Eavenson-129609683872033/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6913760.Tanya_Eavenson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanyaeavenson/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tanya-eavenson-9d088e1d-ab19-49c0-a25a-72f623418d75?list=author_books

The Source of Confidence by Heidi Dru Kortman

Text: Philippians 3:3ff.

“For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—”

When we read Philippians 3:3, we have to smile—having no confidence in the flesh is a description any of us could have written. Sometimes we envy the athletic, graceful people and the speed with which they complete daily tasks. Our clumsy bodies grudgingly perform the movements we demand.

Although the rest of the world is confident in physical skills, we are compelled to seek other, inner reasons to face life confidently. Where do we find them, and what could they be? The apostle Paul knew the answers to these questions. Look at verses seven to eleven—the source is Christ. What does he give us?

First, we receive righteousness, which is a close relationship to God made obvious to the world by the qualities in our character. Righteousness rebuilds our attitudes and lives to make them useful to God. 

Then we get to know Jesus our Savior as a real person. We get glimpses in our lives of his experiences, and our personal witness to his power becomes more effective. Finally, we will receive resurrection and eternal life in an unhindered body.

Receiving these gifts and using them is a step-by-step process that takes our entire lifetime. See verses twelve to fourteen. The difficult part is in verse thirteen: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead….”

It is so easy to look back and recount the times we were humiliated. Even now, more than fifty years after the fact, I could easily tell stories about embarrassing moments in my childhood. But dwelling on these things warps my character away from the glimpses I have had of God’s ideal for me.

It is also very easy to sit back and wait for the promises of the future to be delivered in nicely wrapped packages. Growth doesn’t happen that way. Progress is gradual and much slower than we wish. Our daily task is to make our growing maturity evident to the world.

We remember this: “Our citizenship is in Heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21)

.Heidi Dru Kortman DTM

God's gifts and call are irrevocable.

heididrukortman.com.

Heidi Dru Kortman, a CWG Apprentice graduate, ACFW member since 2004, and Word Weaver member has published devotionals in various newsletters, and a collected volume of devotionals. Her poetry, flash fiction, and short stories have appeared in small magazines, and a website. She is applying herself to the task of writing smoothly polished fiction.