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What’s Not Lost ~ A Book Review
Book Details:
Book Title: What’s Not Lost by Valerie Taylor
Category: Adult Fiction 18+
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Publisher: Aspetuck Publishing, 324 pages
Release date: February 7, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 + M. There is some bad language and references to sex scenes, but no explicit sex scenes.Book Description:
Through the eyes of an overachiever, the schemes of a homewrecker, the magic of a bottle of wine, and a CAT, award-winning author Valerie Taylor propels this captivating and heart-warming romance to an unpredictable and delightful conclusion.
Kassie O’Callaghan is searching … for herself and for answers. With her husband six feet under and an engagement ring on her finger, Kassie is convinced managing a company merger in Paris will complete her quest for recognition on her own terms. When she learns her fiancé’s ex-girlfriend is pregnant, Kassie’s dreams come tumbling down. At least for the moment.
Despite pleas from her younger fiancé to stay in Boston and a warning from her best friend forever of what’s at stake should she leave, Kassie heads to Paris with courage and perseverance. There, she stumbles into a world of wine and roses as she tries to put the wisdom of her experience to the ultimate test.
When a Greek businessman tries to rescue her, Kassie discovers-in life-it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s the way you love that counts.WHAT’S NOT LOST Book Tour
Meet the Author:
Six years retired, three years a published novelist, always a reader of good stories. Valerie Taylor was born and raised in Stamford, CT. She had a thirty-year career in the financial services industry as a marketer and writer. After her divorce, she spread her wings and relocated her career to Boston and then to Seattle. When she retired, she resettled in her home state to be near her two grown children and granddaughter. Taylor’s a member of the Westport Writer’s Workshop, the Independent Book Publisher’s Association, the CT Authors and Publishers Association, and the Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association. She’s a published book reviewer with BookTrib.com. She enjoys practicing tai chi and being an expert sports spectator. With the expected release in February 2023, What’s Not Lost is the final season in the What’s Not trilogy. Her debut, What’s Not Said, was published in 2020, with the sequel, What’s Not True, following closely in 2021. Taylor’s next journey will be into the world of cozy mysteries.
connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ bookbub ~ goodreadsMy Thoughts
This is the third and final installment of the What’s Not series. For some reason I glazed over that information when reading the book description. While I certainly wish I had read the first two books beforehand I will say that it didn’t make this book difficult to follow. There is obviously a backstory to this novel and just because I found the story interesting I wish I had them in hand to read. But hey, this gives me some books to put on my to read list.
A disclaimer to readers, this is an adult novel. There is some language and adult situations that are for mature readers. So take that into consideration before picking up the book.
The book follows closely the life of Kassie, who in this book is caught in a very interesting situation. Her ex-husband has just passed away and the man she is now engaged to who previously was thought to be Kassie’s stepson is now the expectant father of twins. Oh yes, it’s a lot of information packed into a few chapters. Just as all this information is being brought to light, Kassie is set to head to Paris for her job. This opportunity is her dream and something she has worked so hard to get.
Her soon-to-be husband is now finding himself needing to be by the side of a woman he doesn’t love. But now Kassie is faced with a big decision – to stay near her fiancé or go after her dream.
This book was very well written in my opinion. It kept my attention and I wanted to keep reading to find out the outcome. It is a romantic drama which is not typically a book I would read but I did enjoy it.
WHAT’S NOT LOST Book Tour Giveaway https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.jsDisclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
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Race Against Time ~ Book Review
Book Title: Race Against Time by Claire Eckard
Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 192 pages
Genre: Creative Non-Fiction
Publisher: Cedar Fort Press
Release date: Jan 10, 2023
Format available for review: print-softback (internationally), ebook (PDF)
Tour dates: Feb 20 to Mar 10, 2023
Content Rating: G for all readersBook Description:
Flash was a pony that had fallen between the cracks-too small for most to ride, even for a Hackney pony, and too feral to be shown. What he needed was a person as small as he was-who had the guts and the patience to give a wild pony a chance. Then along came a little girl with a sensitive soul and a big heart.
Kyla Law was just nine years old when she met Flash, and neither of them could have anticipated that their partnership would make history.
In an inspiring true story of family, faith, and perseverance, Kyla and Flash’s relationship mirrors the journey we must all take in life: one of highs and lows, successes and failures-theirs just happens to be along a hundred-mile historic trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains-the setting for the most famous endurance race in the world. From the moment they met, to the moment they crossed the finish line, their tenacity exhibits pure spirit: the human spirit, the Holy Spirit, and the fire-in-the-soul kind of spirit that helps us climb mountains and cross rivers, literally and figuratively.
This story is about a girl and her pony, and how in one amazing day they inspired an international community, as Flash became the smallest horse to ever finish the Western States One-Hundred-Mile, One-Day Ride-the Tevis Cup.BUY THE BOOK:
Claire Eckard
Amazon ~ Target
add to goodreads
Meet the Author:
Claire Eckard is an award-winning author and songwriter who lives in Arizona. Claire loves to write inspirational stories, both fiction and non-fiction that have an impact on the reader. Often her books revolve around the amazing bond between animals and humans. She grew up in England and is obsessed with clotted cream teas and the tranquil English countryside of her youth. Claire is a frequent speaker at schools, events, bookstores and on various podcasts. More information on Claire and links to her latest projects can be found at www.claireeckardauthor.com.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub
My Review
This book peaked my interest as I have a 12-year-old daughter who has loved horses since she was little. Her past birthday she began riding lessons, she began to show immense confidence. With each lesson she began to gain more confidence in other areas. My hope was that after I read this book, I would pass it along to my daughter.
This book is a quick read, I was able to read it in two days. The story of Kyla and Flash is very inspiring and encouraging. Flash is a pony who only stands 46 inches tall, but despite his small stature he has a spunky spirit. When he first meets Kyla he is fearful and timid. Kyla is a young girl who has been bullied and feels like an outsider. Together these two form a bond and trust that will be tested in an endurance race.
I had never heard of this type of horse racing. It sort of reminded me of the Iditarod but it involves horses and varying terrain. The Tevis Cup involves a 100 mile journey over rocky, mountainous terrain. This race will test the faith of Kyla and the endurance of Flash.
The relationship between Kyla and her mother, Natalie is beautiful. I love that they were able to share this wonderful experience together. The encouragement
Giveaway:
Enter to win a signed copy of RACE AGAINST TIME! (one winner/USA only) (ends Mar 17)
RACE AGAINST TIME Book Tour Giveaway https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.jsI received a complimentary copy of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Moms Raising Sons to be Men ~ Book Review
Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Moms Raising Sons to Be Men by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men
Author: Rhonda Stoppe
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Genre: Religion / Christian Living / Women’s Interests/ Parenting
Bringing up boys isn’t for the faint of heart, but bestselling author Rhonda Stoppe has been there before—and she’s here to help! Drawing on insights from fellow boy-moms and from Scripture, Rhonda reveals why walking with Christ is every mom’s key to parenting well.
You’ll discover how motherhood gives you unique opportunities to grow in faith as you draw nearer to God through prayer, Bible study, and mentorship from godly women. You’ll also find practical advice for shaping your son in character and faith as you encourage his passions, teach him biblical masculinity, and protect his spirit without smothering his individuality.
Your success as a mother doesn’t depend on what your son does with his life, but on how you obey God’s guidance on this mission of motherhood. Moms Raising Sons to Be Men provides the biblical hope, wisdom, and encouragement you need to help your son live a life without regrets!
“You will be encouraged, enlightened, and empowered to become the mom you’ve always wanted to be—and to guide your son into becoming the man God intended.”
—Cindi McMenamin, national speaker and author of When Women Walk AlonePURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub
Also Available
About the Author
Connect with Rhonda by visiting NoRegretsWoman.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
My Thoughts:
I can remember when we found out our second child was going to be a boy. While I was excited and joyful, there was also a sense of worry. I was confident with raising our daughter, now God was giving me a new path. Immediately, I began to doubt my skills as a parent. I take my role as mom pretty serious, while I am teaching my children everyday life skills, I also am teaching them how to walk with God. Raising a Godly woman is something I can do by example for my daughter, but how do I do this for my son?
Rhonda Stoppe shares personal stories of her parenting her sons. I enjoy reading books that share real life situations, it makes it more tangible. There is also a good amount shared from the Bible. For example, a story that really stuck out in my head was how God said He was going to bless Jacob. When it came time for Isaac to give his blessing to his children, Rachel stepped ahead of God and had Jacob steal Esau’s blessing. In doing so Rachel caused great discord between Jacob and Esau causing Jacob to flee.
While I know God has a plan for my son, I know there may be times I have to let go and let God. I am not saying this is going to be easy but after reading more about Rachel, you have to wonder if she just trusted God and His timing, how the story would be. I know that this is also important for my son to see, it is important for him to see my obedience to God.
We homeschool so I spend a lot of time with my children on a daily basis. They see a lot of my failures and successes, I pray that above all they see my love, trust, and obedience to God. So while this book focused more on raising sons, it was easy for me to also draw some of these principles for raising my daughter too.
Each chapter ends with a few questions to ponder and the website has video re-caps for each chapter. I thought those features were a nice bonus to the book. This is also a book that I would probably highlight and write in if I had a physical copy. I would read it a one or two chapters a day in order to fully take in the principles and messages shared.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card! (1) additional winner will receive a copy of Real Life Romance!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 8, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 15, 2023. 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 https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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The Adventures of Lefty and Righty The Windy City ~ Book Review and Giveaway
Book Details:
Book Title: The Adventures of Lefty & Righty: The Windy City by Lori Orlinksy
Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Children’s Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: Mar 7, 2023
Format available for review: print-hardback (USA), pdf
Tour dates: Mar 7 to Mar 27, 2023
Content Rating: G for everyone.Book Description:
Do you ever wonder what happens to socks that get lost in the dryer? Join Lefty and Righty for the adventure of a lifetime as they sneak out of the laundry room with a destination in mind: a White Sox game! But with so much to do in The Windy City, will they make it to the game in time? Through their fun-filled day, they’ll discover the sights, sounds—and even the tastes—of Chicago, all while encountering a few surprises along the way!
Pre-Order the Book:
(release date Mar 7)
Amazon ~ B&N ~ IndieBound
Mascot Books
add to goodreads
Meet the Author:
Award-winning children’s book author Lori Orlinsky lives in. . . you guessed it . . . Chicago! Lori is the mother of three little ladies, who are small but mighty. At 5’1”, she wishes her children’s picture book, Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All), was around when she was growing up. Lori also wrote The Tooth Fairy’s Tummy Ache and Balloons for Tiger. Her latest book, The Adventures of Lefty and Righty: The Windy City, was inspired by her daily struggle to find matching socks when they come out of the dryer.
connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ facebook ~ youtube ~ goodreadsMy Review
I am always on the hunt for a new children’s book that my 7-year-old son will enjoy. The Adventures of Lefty and Righty The Windy City did not disappoint. We enjoyed the rhyming text, which made the book fun and created a nice flow. While there are some words that I would need to assist my son with reading he was able to recognize many and could help with reading. This is great to help build the confidence of young readers.
The story is entertaining and fun for young readers (and old) as it follows the journey of a pair of socks. We’ve all wondered what happens to those missing socks from the laundry, right? What if they went on an amazing adventure?
A great feature of this book is the introduction to several notable places in Chicago. In the text these are printed in bold, red text and at first I just thought it was for fun. As we completed the book and turned the pages to the back, I realized that the bold, red text words were further described. This was great because it described the reflection in the Bean and I had no idea what that meant until I read the description at the end.
We really enjoyed this book and it will be read over and over at bedtime. The pictures are fun for young children and the rhyming text makes it fun too. Not to mention a little geography lesson thrown in too! Perfect for us as homeschoolers!
You can buy a copy of the book or enter the giveaway below for a change to win a copy!
Lori Orlinsky’s ADVENTURES OF LEFTY AND RIGHTY Book Tour Giveaway https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.jsYou can read more reviews here.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
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What I Would Tell You ~ A Book Review~
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am a big fan of historical fiction books. As heartbreaking as it is to read about I tend to read books based on the Holocaust. Even in the fiction books there are so many stories about bravery despite the horrific times. Recently, I have been taking interest in dual timeline books. Both of these reasons are exactly why I was so intrigued with the book What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma.
About the Book
Mathilda Nissam lives in Salonika, Greece during 1941, the year the Nazi’s began invading Greece. She lives in a community of Sephardic Jews who become the next target of the Nazis to send away to the concentration camps. One day, when the German army arrives she watched in horror as a family friend is beaten to death and no one comes to his aid. Mathilda decides she can not quietly watch her people be treated so badly. The stories about Jews in other countries has begun to circulate and she decides to write a resistance paper to the Jews in her town.
During this time Mathilda becomes pregnant, and even though she is joyful, she wonders how she will keep her baby safe. Her husband and friends tell her to trust in God. But Mathilda feels that God has abandoned her people. Through this time she keeps a diary of her days, documenting her thoughts and experiences. Will God help her keep her baby safe? Will Mathilda’s faith in God be restored?
In 2019 Tess is finishing up another year in college but her mind is very distracted. She and her cousin decided to take a DNA test to see their genealogy, only the results are shocking. The test revealed that the girls did not share common ancestors and that Tess is a Sephardic Jew, this is something she has never been told. She was raised as a Christian and learning this information she begins to question her faith. She decides to take a trip to Greece on her own, against her mother’s wishes.
When Tess arrives in Greece, she has very little information to begin her research. Unexpectedly, Tess’ story catches the interest of a museum guide who helps show her the lives of Jews in Greece during the 1940’s. Will Tess be able to find the link to her past or will she go home with still unanswered questions?
My Thoughts
I had a very hard time putting this book down to attend to household duties. I would carve out time during my day to sit for a long period of time to read. In the end, I was able to read this book in two days. While I was able to determine some answers to questions midway through the book, the how was what kept my interest. I really felt myself rooting for Tess to find the answers she was looking for in Greece. This book overall was a great read.
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Wordless Wednesday {February 15, 2023}
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Songs for a Sunday ~ Book Review and Giveaway
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Songs for a Sunday by Heather Norman Smith, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!About the Book
Title: Songs for a Sunday Author: Heather Norman Smith Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction Release Date: February 7, 2023 Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction/Southern Fiction/Split Time
Two sets of sisters, generations apart–can one big sister’s sacrifice teach the other about love and forgiveness?
1963: Twenty-year-old Annie dreams of managing the dance studio where she has trained since childhood and of marrying her high-society boyfriend. But when her younger sister with special needs gets pregnant, Annie is forced to set her dreams aside for the sake of family. Present Day: Missy Robbins has always lived in her younger sister’s shadow. When given the opportunity, Missy steps out of her comfort zone as stay-at-home mom of four to prove she’s as good a singer as Erica. Missy’s new pursuit puts her on a path to self-discovery and reclaiming her discarded faith. Until she discovers her grandmother has a sixty-year-old secret.Will Missy conceal Grandma Annie’s deception or will she be forced to reveal the hidden truth?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBubMy Review and Thoughts
This book had my attention from the moment I started reading. I love that it is set in two different times. It follows sisters Annie and Rose Claire in the mid 1960’s and Missy and Erica in present day. But these are not just random sisters, Annie is the grandmother of Missy and Erica, so you will get to follow the family life unfold. In my opinion this also makes the book an absolute page turner, I would often find it difficult to stop reading because I needed to see how a situation or event turned out.
Annie thought she had her life all planned out until she needed to put her own dreams aside to help her sister Rose Claire. During this time her life turned what seemed to her upside down, her career dream was lost and the man she planned to marry walked away from her. But even in these troubling times God found a way to show her He had a plan for her life.
Missy is a stay at home mom of four, who had her first child at 17. She felt abandoned by friends and those in her church. Over the course of her adulthood, she distanced herself from the church and watched her younger sister succeed in a singing career. Until one day a door opens for Missy, one at first she was not able to see as blessing but just another thing for her to take care of while her sister lives her dream. Within this story is a family secret that one day Missy finds out. She struggles with keeping the secret hidden and telling.
I absolutely enjoyed this book! Heather Norman Smith wrote a beautiful book about the bond between sisters and family. She makes is easy for you to feel the emotion of the characters and care about them. I would recommend this book to put on a to read list!
About the Author
Heather Norman Smith is a Christian fiction and devotions author. Her goal is to use the written word to entertain and encourage while illuminating the redemptive love of God. She also enjoys singing about Jesus. Heather is a proud life-long North Carolinian and aims to present the beauty of the Tar Heel State in her fiction. Her home is just outside Winston-Salem, N.C., where she lives with her husband and their four children, and several pets.
Connect with Heather by visiting heathernormansmith.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 6, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 13, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Enter Giveaway https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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Standing Strong ~ Book Review and Giveaway
Book Title: Standing Strong: The Real Life Story of Overcoming Adversity and Becoming Unstoppable in Life and Business by Tina Brandau
Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 154 pages Genre: Memoir / Self-Help / Inspirational
Publisher: Red Sky Publishing
Publication Date: May 3, 2022
Formats available for review: print-softback (USA only), ebook (EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Feb 6 to Feb 24Content Rating: G: no bad language no sex etc
Book Description:
Is it possible to stand strong regardless of what life throws at you?
Standing Strong is a vulnerable, candid, and dramatic look into a forty-year-old woman’s journey when she found herself in the midst of a long healing process after a sudden and unimaginable accident. The doctors said she would never again function beyond that of a young child. Tina shares the story, the steps she took, and the life lessons she learned, including the unique view of the world she experienced along the way. No one gets out of this life unscathed, everyone faces stresses, challenges, setbacks, and adversity. Can you stand strong regardless of what life throws at you? Yes! Let Tina Brandau share with you the system, principles, and practices she used to help you see that anything is possible.
Become unstoppable . . . and stand strong!BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon
add to goodreadsMeet the Author:
Tina Brandau is the premier life, leadership, and business “Success Coach.” She is an author, international speaker, coach, and founder of Success Coaching Solutions as well as a business executive of thirty years, wife, mom, lifelong learner, and serial entrepreneur. She believes the biggest challenge in life is to become all that you have the possibility of becoming.
For Free Tools visit www.livestandingstrong.com
connect with the author: website ~ goodreadsMy Review:
This book is divided into two parts; the first part is the story of Tina’s accident and recovery while the second part discusses 14 life lessons she learned along the way. The book is a fairly short read but it is inspiring and thought provoking. I was very excited to start reading this book because we all face adversity in life but I am just starting my own home business and was intrigued by the title. Reading about her accident and her recovery was very inspiring.
The Life Lessons Part of the book is really the meat the book. The lessons are designed to get you thinking about your approach to adversity. Tina explains how she learned these lessons during her recovery. They can help you adjust your focus is you are feeling stuck or being weighed down.
This book is a quick and easy read that designed to inspire those feeling overcome by life’s challenges.
Giveaway:
Win $20 Starbucks Gift Card courtesy of the author of Standing Strong: The Real Life Story of Overcoming Adversity and Becoming Unstoppable in Life and Business (one winner) (USA only) (ends Mar 3)
Enter Here https://gleam.io/6Dtcq/standing-strong-book-tour-giveaway
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, I was not compensated. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
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Wordless Wednesday {February 8, 2023}
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Five Minute Friday: Doubt
This post is part of the Five Minute Friday Link-Up
Today’s word prompt is Doubt.
Doubt it really is a thief of joy. To go beyond self-doubt can take some serious faith and leaning on God. That has been the case for me.
Two years ago, my husband was struggling to find happiness and joy in his job. For years we had lived through overnight shifts, long hours away, and limited family time. After a lot of prayer, I told my husband to pursue his love for photography and work at building his own business. I had been out of the workforce for five years but I was confident that God was directing back into work.
I started to apply for jobs and my husband was days away from his last day when I got a thanks but no thanks letter. At that moment my husband began to doubt the decision we had made but I was firm and believed that God wanted us to have faith and trust in Him. I polished my resume and sent it out again. Within a day I had a request for an interview, which later resulted in a job that would help my husband focus on building his business.
Satan wanted us to have doubt. Doubt takes our eyes off God. Doubt lessens our faith in God. I am so glad in that moment I did not doubt the direction God told us to go. Having faith and knowing that we were following God’s direction for our life has given us so many blessings.
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The Life We Build 