Monday, May 21, 2018

No Less Days by Amanda G. Stevens

No Less Days

David Galloway can’t die.How many lifetimes can God expect one man to live? Over a century old, David Galloway isolates himself from the mortal humans who die or desert him by making a quiet life as a used bookstore owner in Northern Michigan. But then he spots a news article about a man who, like him, should be dead.

Daredevil celebrity Zachary Wilson walked away unscathed from what should have been a deadly fall. David tracks the man down, needing answers. Soon David discovers a close-knit group of individuals as old as he is who offer the sort of kinship and community he hasn’t experienced for decades—but at what cost?

David finds himself keeping secrets other than his own. . .protecting more than himself alone. He’ll have to decide what’s worth the most to him—security or community. When crimes come to light that are older than any mortal, he fears the pressure is more than he can stand. What does God require of him, and is David strong enough to see it through?

My Thoughts:

No Less Days is unlike anything I thought it would be. First, I loved that the setting was Michigan. I am a proud Michigander. Second, this book is timeless and allures you into the pages unexpectantly. It's shocking, really. I was captured by from page one did not stop reading until the final page. This is a book that will have you ask questions of your faith, time, eternity and will have you quite speculative.

I love how in a fiction novel, an author weaves in deeper theological discussion and beliefs, especially in a way that is subtle, but one that allows us to dig deep within ourselves to discover how we think and believe about God, how we influence those around us with our beliefs and what do we actually do with our beliefs? This book was more than I thought it would be and better than I could hope for!

I give this book 4.5/5 stars. A favorable review was not required. This is my honest opinion for a complimentary copy.

About the Author:

As a child, Amanda G. Stevens disparaged Mary Poppins and Stuart Little because they could never happen. Now, she writes speculative fiction. She is the author of the Haven Seekers series, and her debut Seek and Hide was a 2015 INSPY Award finalist. She lives in Michigan and loves trade paperbacks, folk music, the Golden Era of Hollywood, and white cheddar popcorn.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Breasts: The Owner's Manual Every Woman's Guide to Reducing Cancer Risk, Making Treatment Choices, and Optimizing Outcomes By Kristi Funk, M.D.

Breasts: The Owner's ManualEvery Woman's Guide to Reducing Cancer Risk, Making Treatment Choices, and Optimizing Outcomes

By Kristi Funk, M.D.

About:

Most women don’t want to hear about breast cancer unless they have it and need to make some decisions, but these days news about breast cancer—the number one killer of women ages twenty to fifty-nine—is everywhere. Hope for a cure abounds. Celebrities have come forward to share their experiences and raise awareness. Chances are you know someone who has had it.

But did you know that you make choices every day that bring you closer to breast cancer—or move you farther away?That in the majority of cases, cancer isn’t up to fate, and there are ways to reduce your risk factors?That many of the things you’ve heard regarding the causes of breast cancer are flat-out false?

There have been few solid guidelines on how to improve your breast health, lower your risk of getting cancer, optimize your outcomes if you’re faced with a diagnosis, and make informed medical choices after treatment. Until now.

“Dr. Funk writes Breasts: The Owner’s Manualjust like she talks: with conviction, passion, and a laser focus on you.”

—DR. MEHMET OZ, Host of The Dr. Oz Show

“Breasts: The Owner’s Manualwill become an indispensable and valued guide for women looking to optimize health and minimize breast illness.”

My Thoughts:

This is my first book and read on the topic of breast cancer. I like the style of the author's writing with lots of information in a hard copy book. This book has a wealth of information and is a great resource for women wanting to understand good health care as it relates to breast health.

The book is broken into four parts: Breast Health Basics, Reducing Breast Cancer Risk, Learn Your Risk Factors and Control Medical Choices. This is again a great tool and full of information, but the author does a great job with clarification between statistics, tables and visuals throughout this book. I am using this book as a research tool, so I found it to be very helpful. I give this book 4/5 stars. A favorable review was not required for my honest review.

Friday, May 18, 2018

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Welcome to the blog tour and giveaway for The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Accidental Guardian Series: High Sierra Sweethearts, Book 1 Author: Mary Connealy Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Release Date: April 3, 2018 Genre: Historical Romance / Western +To Read: Goodreads She’s the Only Witness to a Wagon Train Attack. Keeping Her Safe, Though, Means His World Is about to be Turned Upside Down. When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he’s finally carved out a home and started a herd–while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He’d hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise. Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling–yet enticing.
Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter–but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.

PURCHASE A COPY: Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MaryConnealy by Ginger Murray Photography

Photo courtesy of Ginger Murray Photography

Mary Connealy writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. CONNECT WITH MARY:website, facebook, twitter, instagram

You can also find Mary at these sites: Seekerville and Petticoats & Pistols

GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will win:

The Cimarron Legacy by Mary Connealy (all 3 print books)
The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy (print)

(US/Canada Mailing Addresses Only) Full terms & conditions noted on Rafflecopter form. To Enter, use the Rafflecopter giveaway below (or click on the Giveaway banner above). Be sure to stop at every post on the tour for additional entries!

ENTER HERE

Review: The Accidental Guardian is the first book in the High Sierra Sweethearts series by Mary Connealy. Mary did a wonderful job writing this story with the way she captivated the reader through intense moments. A story of love, hope, pain and heartache is one that will have you curled up, reading the pages and looking forward to the next book in this series. I enjoyed every minutes of this book and felt like the story went by too fast. I received a complementary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required. I give this book 4.5/ 5 stars.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Character Spotlight - Carrie Pagels Heroine

Character Spotlight – Carrie Pagels’ Heroines

Capturing the past, while capture the attention of the reader immediately from the very start is something Carrie Fancett Pagels does remarkable. Each of her stories will tell the tale of romance, adventure and faith. Her style makes the characters come to life and theme of faith is very strong in her writing. Get ready as we head into an adventure of hearing from a character who comes from Mackinaw Island, Michigan in 1894.

I am honored to have Carrie here today interviewing Sadie Duvall as she talks about her infatuation with Robert Swaine, whose she had a long friendship with for many years. Let read their chat below!

Interview with Carrie & Sadie:

Carrie: Hello, Sadie, I hope you'd tell us about you first met Robert.

Sadie: Robert? Do you mean Captain Robert Swaine? (she sniffs)

Carrie: Yes, I do.

Sadie: (She averts her gaze.) I met him through my best friend, Maude Welling. She’s his niece.

Carrie: Wouldn’t that make him almost old enough to be your father?

Sadie: (Eyes wide) Oh, no, it wouldn’t! Robert was much younger than his sister, Maude’s mother, God rest her soul. He’s less than a decade older than me. About eight years difference. Not that it matters. Not really, since he’s only a friend.

Carrie: I see. But when you first met him, through your friend, what did you think of Robert?

Sadie: (Sighs, her eyes become dreamy.) I have to admit he was so very handsome. I was reaching my early teen years when we moved to the island. He was the nicest young man. So kind. Always ferrying me and Maude around places.

Carrie So you developed a crush on him?

Sadie: A crush?

Carrie: Yes, it’s a term meaning an infatuation.

Sadie: Oh, yes, I had many daydreams about Robert marrying me.

Carrie: Even though he was nigh unto his early twenties then?

Sadie: Yes. And even though he had a sweetheart. (Her face turns pensive and she chews her lip.)

Carrie: What happened?

Sadie: I had turned sixteen. A lot of girls at that age do marry, you know.

Carrie: Yes, at that time I believe it was common.

Sadie: Well, I thought Robert would ask me to marry him.

Carrie: Had he begun to court you?

Sadie: (Waves a hand dismissively) Oh heavens no! It was a girlish fantasy that’s all. He asked his sweetheart to marry him. (She frowns)

Carrie: But they didn’t?

Sadie: No, she ran off with another man. A soldier from the fort.

Carrie: Oh my.

Sadie: Yes, she crushed Robert. We didn’t see him much on the island for years after that.

Carrie: And what about yourself. What did you do?

Sadie: (Big sigh) I’m rather embarrassed about how silly I was, but I got it into my head that my way off the island and out of my difficult family situation was to find myself an officer at the fort to marry me.

Carrie: And how did that work out?

Sadie: Oh, I was “courted” by an officer for so long that I was sure I’d be married in 1894. But then Robert ruined everything.

Carrie: Robert?

Sadie: Yes, and just when I had everything sorted out in my head about how I’d like my officer’s family home to look.

Carrie: Back to Robert, what did he do?

Sadie: (Blows out a big breath, which stirs strands of her long blonde hair.) Robert interrupted things before they went any further.

Carrie: Further?

Sadie: You’ll have to read my story to learn more about what Robert did. But suffice it to say, I should be grateful to him. I really should. I am trying to be. But it’s hard. When your “crush” as you say, returns and he’s even more wonderful that you remembered – well, it’s hard to decide what to do. I won’t however, allow him to take any more of my dreams from me.

Carrie: Well, okay then! Thank you!

Thank you Carrie & Sadie for joining us today!

First Love Forever Romance Collection

His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels

1894 – Mackinac Island, Michigan: Robert Swaine, a ship captain, returns to Mackinac Island where his first love, Sadie Duvall struggles to support her siblings. Will she anchor him to the island he has vowed to leave behind?

My Thoughts:

If you enjoy a great novella, get ready to curl up not only with Sadie, but this entire collection. I loved His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels. The setting was perfect, especially on Mackinaw Island. This novella captivated my heart immediately and I could not put the story down. This story also takes place around the time of another book that Carrie wrote, "My Heart Belongs on Mackinaw Island." The writing and characters are fantastic. I give this story 5/5 stars.

Additionally, I recommend this entire novella collection of nine beautifully written stories. They will touch your heart with circumstances that separate love and also as you watch drama unfold. This is a great collection of clean, historical, love stories that I really enjoyed reading!

To purchase your copy head HERE!!!

About the Author:

Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the award-winning author of fifteen Christian historical romances, including ECPA bestsellers. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! A self-professed “history geek,” she resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia but grew up as a “Yooper,” in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time! You can connect with her at www.CarrieFancettPagels.com.

Website: www.carriefancettpagels.com

Blogs: Overcoming With God and Colonial Quills
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Monday, May 14, 2018

The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd

The Weaver's Daughter

by Sarah E. Ladd

Kate's loyalties bind her to the past. Henry's loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder --including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father's pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war seeking refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather's goals to modernize his family's wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family's livelihood and legacy.

Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry's side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village's future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls - even if it means risking their hearts in the process.

My Thoughts:

The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd is a page turning, intense plot with tight writing. This is a book that has mystery written all over it, with in depth characters and a very engaging plot. This book kept me on edge and had me until the last page.

I couldn't get enough of Kate Deaborne and Henry Stockton. The tension between both of these characters, the build up and the forbidden romance. Great book! Kate is a woman who has a mind of her own, but also believes in honoring, however she has been pushed and pulled by her father, friends and brother. Has she been been pulled apart?

Henry is a surprise to everyone when he comes back into town. However, when he arrives home, things aren't like they used to be and neither are the people. He has changed a lot too. Will he be the threat to the weavers success for his own families legacy?

The book transitions smoothly and will keep your attention. The setting is excellent with descriptions that will keep you wrapped up in the novel.

I thought Molly was an interesting character too and I will not mention or give spoilers on who she is, but you'll have to grab a copy to find out about her. Sin and judgement are definitely a theme in this book, but so is forgiveness and salvation, which makes this book a page turner. Overall, I give this book 4/5 stars and a favorable review was not required.

To Purchase A Copy:

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Sarah:

Website | Facebook | Twitter

About the Author:

I would love to connect with you on Facebook and talk about all things Regency! Be sure to like my page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/SarahLaddAuthor