BLOG TOUR: Little Darlings by Melanie Golding

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Thriller

Hardcover: 304 pages

• Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (April 30, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683319974
• ISBN-13: 978-1683319979

Synopsis: “Mother knows best” takes on a sinister new meaning in this unsettling thriller perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman and Grimms’ Fairy Tales.

Everyone says Lauren Tranter is exhausted, that she needs rest. And they’re right; with newborn twins, Morgan and Riley, she’s never been more tired in her life. But she knows what she saw: that night, in her hospital room, a woman tried to take her babies and replace them with her own…creatures. Yet when the police arrived, they saw no one. Everyone, from her doctor to her husband, thinks she’s imagining things.

A month passes. And one bright summer morning, the babies disappear from Lauren’s side in a park. But when they’re found, something is different about them. The infants look like Morgan and Riley―to everyone else. But to Lauren, something is off. As everyone around her celebrates their return, Lauren begins to scream, These are not my babies.

Determined to bring her true infant sons home, Lauren will risk the unthinkable. But if she’s wrong about what she saw…she’ll be making the biggest mistake of her life.

Compulsive, creepy, and inspired by some our darkest fairy tales, Little Darlings will have you checking―and rechecking―your own little ones. Just to be sure. Just to be safe.

Review: This is one of the scariest books I've read in a long time. I didn't want to put it down once I started reading. If you are a fan of thrillers that are creepy with a touch of supernatural, this is definitely the book for you.
This book is going to be made into a motion picture, and I am already excited to see it.

Rating: Five stars

About the author

Melanie Golding is a graduate of the MA in creative writing program at Bath Spa University, with distinction. She has been employed in many occupations including farm hand, factory worker, childminder and music teacher. Throughout all this, because and in spite of it, there was always the writing. In recent years she has won and been shortlisted in several local and national short story competitions. Little Darlings is her first novel, and has been optioned for screen by Free Range Films, the team behind the adaptation of My Cousin Rachel.

BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: The Last Thing She Said by Rachel Walkley @rararesources @racheljwalkley

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Magical realism

Paperback: 282 pages

• Publisher: Spare Time Press (December 12, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1999630734
• ISBN-13: 978-1999630737
• 
  

Synopsis: "Beware of a man named Frederick and his offer of marriage."

Rose’s granddaughters, Rebecca, Leia, and Naomi, have never taken her prophecies seriously. But now that Rose is dead, and Naomi has a new man in her life, should they take heed of this mysterious warning?

Naomi needs to master the art of performing. Rebecca rarely ventures out of her house. She's afraid of what she might see. As for Rebecca’s twin, everyone admires Leia’s giant brain, but now the genius is on the verge of a breakdown.

Rebecca suspects Naomi’s new boyfriend is hiding something. She begs Leia, now living in the US, to investigate.

Leia’s search takes her to a remote farm in Ohio on the trail of the truth behind a tragic death.

Just who is Ethan? And what isn’t he telling Naomi?

In a story full of drama and mystery, the sisters discover there is more that connects them than they realize, and that only together can they discover exactly what’s behind Rose’s prophecy.

Purchase Links:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Thing-She-Said-ebook/dp/B07L2XFPPV

US - https://www.amazon.com/Last-Thing-She-Said-ebook/dp/B07L2XFPPV

Review: This is a family story, told from various points of view, including some chapters which are flashbacks/memories. The main focus is on the psychological makeup of each of the sisters. We first get to know each one from the point of view of her sisters, and later we get their own perspectives on themselves, which tends to be very different.

I was very taken with all of the sisters, as well as their grandmother Rose. The touch of supernatural is presented just right--it's not overly represented, but it does play a part in the plot. I think most people will enjoy the ending as much as I did.

I received a copy of this book to read with no expectation of a favorable review.

Rating: Four stars

About the author

Born in the East of England, Rachel has lived in big cities and small villages including London and Bristol, before settling in Cheshire.

For most of her working life, she's been a scientist and librarian, and her love of creative writing has never ceased even when surrounded by technical reports and impenetrable patents. Among moments of mummy taxi, delving into museum archives, drawing pictures and flute playing, Rachel finds a little time to pen her magical mysteries.

Social Media Links –

@racheljwalkley

Rachelwalkley.com

Instagram @ raejcreations

https://www.facebook.com/RachelJWalkley

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43019315-the-last-thing-she-said

https://forms.aweber.com/form/09/569468809.htm



GIVEAWAY

 
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Beck Valley Books Reviewers Choice Results

Our fantastic tour reviewers have been busy voting, from all our incredible reads of 2018 that we have had the pleasure of touring, for our Beck Valley Books Reviewers Choice 2018.  

Here are their Top 5 Favorite books!

Here we go.....

Beck Valley Books Reviewers Choice for 2018

1st PLACE

Driving Whiskey Wild (A sexy stand-alone contemporary romance) 

by Melissa Foster 

A captivating sexy standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. 

Special Forces veteran and Dark Knights Motorcycle Club member Bullet Whiskey lives to protect his family, their bar, and the residents of his small hometown. He’s rough, unapologetic, and haunted by a secret, painful past. He’s also a master at keeping people away, and when his sister hires gorgeous and sweet Finlay Wilson to help expand their biker bar, he knows just how to get rid of her.

After losing her boyfriend and her father, Finlay moves back to her hometown to be closer to the little family she has left. She needs her temporary job at Whiskey Bro’s to get her catering business off the ground, and she’s determined not to let the gruff, arrogant mountain of a man Bullet Whiskey scare her off.

Finlay is everything Bullet has never wanted. She’s afraid of his dog, afraid of motorcycles, and sweet enough to give him cavities, but as she weaves her way into the hearts of everyone around him, he’s powerless to resist her charms. Passion ignites, but trust doesn’t come easily, and when their pasts collide, Bullet finds out the true meaning of protecting those he loves.

Available to buy from...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    KOBO    iBooks   GPlay   Paperback  

See our book tour page, including review stops HERE

Joint 2nd PLACE

Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow (The Moonglow Series, Book 4)

by Deborah Garner 

The small Montana town of Timberton has a way of bringing magic to the holidays, especially for guests of the local hotel. Resident artist and chef Mist has a way of touching people's lives with exquisite cuisine, imaginative art, and her own ethereal nature. 

When a nearby theatre burns down just before Christmas, cast members of The Nutcracker arrive at the Timberton Hotel with only a sliver of holiday joy. Camaraderie, compassion, and shared inspiration combine to help at least one hidden dream come true. As with every Christmas season in Timberton, this year's guests will face the New Year with a renewed sense of hope. 

*Cookie and candy recipes included!

The Moonglow Series...
Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.
Mistletoe at Moonglow, Book 1
Silver Bells at Moonglow, Book 2
Gingerbread at Moonglow, Book 3
Nutcracker Sweets at Moonglow, Book 4

Available to buy from...... 

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk   Paperback

See our book tour page, including review stops HERE

Joint 2nd PLACE

Wicked Whiskey Love (A sexy stand-alone contemporary romance) 

by Melissa Foster 

An emotionally riveting, sexy standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. 

Fall in love with Bones Whiskey in WICKED WHISKEY LOVE, an emotionally riveting, sexy new standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. A magnificent love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, families, bikers, babies, and more!

In WICKED WHISKEY LOVE...
After escaping abusive parents and, later, an abusive relationship, Sarah Beckley has spent a lifetime watching snakes shed their skin. With two small children to care for and another on the way, she's finally found a home in Peaceful Harbor with the brother she hasn't seen in more than a decade. She's still searching for her sister, but life is good. If only she could stop thinking about the sinfully sexy doctor/biker who has taken to her children like a loving uncle--and to her like a hungry man.

Trust doesn't come easily for Sarah, but Bones Whiskey is patient and protective, amazing with her children, and he looks at her like she is the only woman he could ever want--and more. With two little ones underfoot, Sarah expects him to move on quickly, yet with every tender kiss and each trying moment with the children, Bones surprises her. But will the fiercely loyal biker stick around when Sarah's worst secret is revealed, or will he shed his skin, too?

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from ...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    KOBO    iBooks   GPlay   Paperback

See our book tour page, including review stops HERE

3rd PLACE
Bad Boys After Dark: Brett (Billionaires After Dark, Book 4) 
by Melissa Foster

Bad Billionaires After Dark are a series of stand-alone hot and sexy romances. 

Indulge your inner vixen...

Meet the Bad Boys... Four fiercely loyal, sinfully sexy, uber alpha brothers, about to fall head over heels for their leading ladies.

Everything's naughtier after dark...

Billionaire security expert Brett Bad has had his eye on his brother’s gorgeous legal assistant, Sophie Roberts, for years. He wants nothing more from her than a single night between the sheets to satisfy his desires. But Sophie is a white-picket-fence girl, and she’s turned him down more times than he cares to count. 

Sophie is all about forever kisses and happily ever afters. But she can’t deny her attraction to Brett, as enticed by his bad-boy behavior as she is by his devastating looks and his painful past, which she’d like to help heal. 

When Sophie’s friend urges her to throw caution to the wind, Sophie leaves the door to her heart ajar—and Brett charges in. But this Bad boy doesn’t know a thing about romance and has no interest in forever, forcing Sophie to make her toughest decision yet—follow her heart or protect it? 

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

BAD BOYS AFTER DARK 

Mick 

Dylan

Carson 

Brett

Available to buy from ...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble   KOBO   iBooks      Paperback

See our book tour page, including review stops HERE

4th PLACE
Psycho in Paradise (Paradise Series, Book 15) 
by Deborah Brown

In the Florida Keys, you have to take the shady with the sunny. And Tarpon Cove has more than fifty shades of shady going on.

Shady No. 1: When Brad is caught with the dead body of his crazy ex-girlfriend—a body he swears was planted—the Westin family gathers to plan a strategy. That family now including Fab, Didier, and Creole by default.

Shady No. 2: Fab is having a hard time keeping her promise to go legit. It’s not her fault she tends to attract clients who want their problems solved without getting the cops involved. Trying to keep her reined in is a full-time job, and a thankless one, since Madison keeps getting roped in on “easy” jobs that wind up getting the kind of messy that require specialized cleanup.

Shady No. 3: Ferreting out the info needed to save Brad means using sources so deep in the friend-of-a-friend network they’re anonymous.

The only thing not shady is Creole’s love. Madison’s kept her promise never to lie to him. Mostly. But when the killer wafts like smoke through the cracks in the investigation, it reminds her she should’ve eaten dessert first more often.

The Paradise series, are Florida Keys mysteries, “great as stand-alone reads, but they're like chips...you won't be able to devour just one!”

Available to buy from.....

Amazon.com    Amazon UK   Paperback   Barnes & Noble

See our book tour page, including review stops HERE

Check out all our incredible tour reads of 2018 HERE

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x

30 DAYS TO UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE (30th anniversary edition) by Max Anders #biblein30days #flyby

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Christian/Bible Study and Reference

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 23, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785216189
• ISBN-13: 978-0785216186

Synopsis: If you've ever confused the ark of the covenant with the ark of Noah, or Jericho with Jeroboam, Max Anders' classic book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, is for you. In just fifteen minutes a day, you'll learn the Bible's key people, events, and doctrines to get more out of God's Word. This simple-to-use, straightforward guide has been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for thirty years, and now it's available in an expanded thirtieth-anniversary edition—with the most requested topics from the original edition restored and updated for today's readers.

Features include:
The “Arc of Bible History” to help you visualize the Bible’s overarching themes
The “Story of the Bible” summarizing Genesis through Revelation in just a few pages
The core beliefs of the Christian faith, focusing on the teachings that have united Christians for the last 2,000 years
A 13-week plan that provides teacher’s every creative and effective tool for teaching the Bible in 30 days 
Fan-favorite bonus content, previously removed, now restored from the original edition

Find out more at the website: Bible In 30 Days

Review: While this book is designed so that it can be used by an individual over 30 days, taking only 15 minutes per day, there are other ways it can be used as well. For instance, I am using it with a Bible study group as an addition to our regular weekly study, covering one day per week. There are charts to fill out and questions to answer as you go along. That helps you to really take in the information. If you go to the website, there are also downloadable resources to use with a group.
The book is divided into multiple sections:
Section 1: The Story of the Old Testament
Section 2: The Story of the New Testament
Section 3: Ten Great Doctrines of the Bible
Section 4:  NanoSummary of the Bible
Section 5: How To Master the Bible So Well that the Bible Masters You
Section 6: Teaching Plan
Section 7: Bonus Chapters

This would be a wonderful book for any Christian to read/study, whether you are new to the faith or have been a believer for years. The language is simple, without being "dumbed down," and it answers many of the questions I've had for years.

Rating: Five stars

About the author

Dr. Max Anders is the author of over 25 books, including the bestselling 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, and is the creator and general editor of the 32-volume Holman Bible Commentary series. He has taught on the college and seminary level and is a veteran pastor.  Max provides resources and discipleship strategies at www.maxanders.com to help people grow spiritually.

BOOK TOUR: I've Got To Write! It's Like Fire Shut Up In My Bones! by Norma McLauchin (SPOTLIGHT)

BOOK INFORMATION

Book Title: I've Got To Write! It's Like Fire Shut Up In My Bones!

Genre: Inspirational    

• Paperback
• Publisher: Chosen Pen Publishing (February 15, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1732236623
• ISBN-13: 978-1732236622

     

About The Book 

Jeremiah 20:9 (NIV) But if I will not mention his word or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire shut up in my bones.

It’s Like Fire Shut Up in My Bones is a compilation of smoldering, heartfelt stories of love, compassion, forgiveness, and amazement inspired and told by members of the Chosen Pen Writers Group. For many of our authors, this is their first published work. Yet, the passion and resolve in bringing to light a story that was burning on their hearts can be found on the printed pages inside.

About the author

 Norma McLauchlin is your Spiritual Growth & Journaling Coach, Founder of New Life Ministries, Lady LifersTM Women’s Conferences, Chosen Pen Publishing, the Free to ChooseTM book series, co-pastor of New Life Bible Church and New Life Christian Academy. Norma McLauchlin, fondly known as “First Lady” in and around her community, inspires women to embrace spiritual change and live more fulfilling lives. Speaking from the heart of her own experiences as a wife, mother, co-pastor, and administrator.  First Lady has the unique ability to connect with women from all walks of life.It’s Like Fire Shut Up in My Bones is a compilation of smoldering, heartfelt stories of love, compassion, forgiveness, and amazement inspired and told by members of the Chosen Pen Writers Group. For many of our authors, this is their first published work. Yet, the passion and resolve in bringing to light a story that was burning on their hearts can be found on the printed pages inside.First Lady has accepted the call to help women develop their self-esteem and self-worth. Chosen Pen Publishing and Free to Choose books are just two of the vehicles she uses to encourage women to access the tools necessary to bring about the transformation that will help them realize their potential.                      

           Connect Socially

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Tour hosted by Write Now Literary www.wnlbooktours.com

THE DEVOTED LIFE CREATIVE JOURNAL

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Religion and Spirituality/Christian

Imitation Leather: 208 pages

• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press (December 1, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683226879
• ISBN-13: 978-1683226871

Synopsis: Come Experience It for Yourself. . . Life Is Good with a God Who Is Great!

This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it’s through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God who is absolutely great!  

Review: This journal is marketed as a 30-day journal for teen girls. However, as a 57 yr.-old woman, I found it inspirational and instructive...and I'm using each section as a five-day study.  The journal prompts are especially helpful in applying the scriptures to your daily life. Topics discussed include relationships (friendships, family), identity, God's authority, prayer, reading the Bible, etc.  At the end of the book, there are 9 pages with simple borders to “Create Your Own Hand-Lettered Scripture Art.” The book looks a little bland when you first look through it, but once the reader colors some of the pictures and writes about the journal prompts, there will be a lot of color, and each book will be unique.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Rating: Five stars

REAL CHANGE: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life by Andrew Nicholls and Helen Thorne

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Religion and Spirituality/Christian

Paperback: 32 pages

• Publisher: New Growth Press; 1 edition (October 22, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1948130033
• ISBN-13: 978-1948130035

Synopsis: Every honest Christian knows the need for change. But how to get there? How do you move forward from struggles both big and small? And how does our faith in God impact our everyday thoughts, feelings, and actions? This six-session small group resource gives participants an opportunity to reflect on one particular area in their lives and then to learn more about how God changes us to become more like Jesus. All of us struggle to love God and those around us, but God has promised to keep working on us. And God always keeps his promises. The change that his gospel produces will make your life and your relationships truly beautiful. This self-contained resource with Leaders Notes will encourage small group participants to understand and apply a biblical view of change to their lives and relationships. Real Change: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life is based on the CCEF model of change from David Powlisons course, Dynamics of Biblical Change. The easy-to-use six lesson format and included leaders guide, guides participant's toward an honest discussion of there own struggles while providing an understanding of how a relationship with Christ brings change. Topics addressed include understanding how we typically respond to trouble, how the cross of Christ brings comfort, help, and change, and how we can grow to be like Christ in the hardest circumstances.

Review: This is a study guide for a six-week course on how to change for real, with God's help. The six sessions are titled CHANGE, HEAT, THORNS, CROSS, FRUIT, and REAL CHANGE.  They discuss reflecting on the need for change, on ways your circumstances affect your heart, on ways which the desires of your heart drive your responses to the heat of life, on the ways Jesus' mercy impacts your past, present, and future, on the ways Jesus produces good fruit in your life, and how to persevere on a lifelong journey of change.

The course is designed to be used by two people, or a small group divided into groups of two. It goes deep into the subjects and provides a lot of food for thought in each session. There are discussions in each session, as well as homework assignments for the time between sessions. I intend to recommend this study to both of the small groups I am part of, as I think it could be very beneficial.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from through Audra Jennings PR for New Growth Press. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Rating: Four stars