Saturday, December 2, 2017

BOOK BLITZ: Beginnings (Same Face Different Place #1) by Helen J. Christmas




Beginnings Blitz Only Banner
  • BOOK INFORMATION
  • Genre: Romantic thriller
  • Series: Same Face Different Place
  • Paperback: 312 pages
  • Publisher: Chichester Publishing (September 24, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0992989957
  • ISBN-13: 978-0992989958

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SYNOPSIS: Beginnings is a romantic thriller set in the criminal underworld of 1970s London. Eleanor Chapman is 16. She has no idea her father is employed in a world of organized crime until the day he is forced to go on the run, leaving her at the mercy of dangerous people.
Her life is spiraling out of control yet on the night she plans to escape, she stumbles across a mysterious prisoner. His name is Jake, a rock musician from Holland and he has a contract on his life.
Their daring escape across London eventually draws them into a place of hiding before Jake’s chilling story begins to unfold. He was the one vital witness to a sinister scene leading up to the death of a British MP and now those responsible want him silenced. As two young people, thrown together by fate they develop intense feelings for each other. It does not take long for Eleanor to realize that she will do anything possible to keep Jake alive.
Their tender love bond keeps you turning the pages as they live on a knife edge, desperate to escape London. Will they outrun the deadly enemies who stalk them? Or are the people at the top more powerful than they think?
Purchase on Amazon - http://apn.to/prod/B0078L8858
helen j christmasABOUT THE AUTHOR
Helen J. Christmas lives on the south coast of Sussex with her husband. With a love of writing since childhood, she started her decade-spanning thriller series 'Same Face Different Place' in 2011. Her first book 'Beginnings,' set in 1970s London, combines romantic suspense with a hard-hitting conspiracy thriller. Writing is something she juggles around family and social life. Helen is self-employed and enjoys running the web design company, she and her husband set up from home. They have no children but enjoy the company of a faithful border collie and a fluffy white cat. Helen confesses to having got most of her ideas for writing, whilst walking Barney along the beach.
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Social Media Links –



Friday, December 1, 2017

2017 LITERARY ESCAPES CHALLENGE--November Update

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Challenge – Try to read 1 book set in each of the 50 states + the District of Columbia. (51 Points). If you complete the challenge you earn 50 Bonus Points. You also can earn Bonus Points for books set in Countries around the world. 1 Bonus Point for each country. (No repeats – only 1 point can be earned for each country.) Your books can be fiction or non-fiction and can be in any format, print, digital, audio. 


Alabama--To Kill A  Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Alaska--Finding Justice by Kathi Daley
Arizona--Sprinkle With Murder by Jenn McKinlay
Arkansas--Elizabeth and Hazel: Two Women Of Little Rock by David Margolick
California--Scheduled To Death by Mary Feliz
Colorado--Fatality By Firelight by Lynn Cahoon
Connecticut--Pick Your Potion by C.C. Dragon
Delaware--Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
District of Columbia--Curious Minds by Janet Evanovich
Florida--Child's Play by Merry Jones
Georgia--15 Minutes by Larissa Reinhart
Hawaii--Murder At Turtle Cove by Kathi Daley
Idaho--Blue Heaven by C.J. Box
Illinois--Life After by Katie Ganshert

Indiana--When The Grits Hit The Fan by Maddie Day
Iowa--Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched The World by Vicki Myron
Kansas--Brake Failure by Alison Brodie
Kentucky--A Ghostly Mortality by Tonya Kappes
Louisiana--A Fatal Romance by June Shaw
Maine--Telling Tails by Sofie Ryan
Maryland--Courtyard Corpse by Sherry Lodge
Massachusetts--The Witch And The Dead by Heather Blake
Michigan--My Perfect Imperfections by Jalpa Williby
Minnesota--(I Can See You by Karen Rose)
Mississippi--(Out Of Circulation by Miranda James)
Missouri--(30 Second Death by Laura Bradford)
Montana--Vangie Vale and the Murdered Macaron by R.L. Syme
Nebraska--(Composing Amelia by Alison Strobel)
Nevada--Vanilla Beaned by Jenn McKinlay
New Hampshire--It's Always The Husband by Michele Campbell
New Jersey--(The Plot Against America by Philip Roth)
New Mexico--The Night Journal by Elizabeth Crook
New York--(The Christie Curse, by Victoria Abbott)
North Carolina--Purr M For Murder by T.C. LoTempio
North Dakota--Badlands by C. J. Box
Ohio--Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda
Oklahoma--Gone With The Wings by Leena Clover
Oregon--The Shadow by Kathi Daley
Pennsylvania--(Never Buried by Edie Claire)
Rhode Island--Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult
South Carolina--What She Inherits by Diane V. Mulligan
South Dakota--These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Tennessee--The Big Overnight by Libby Kirsch
Texas--Say Goodbye For Now by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Utah--(Bookman Dead Style by Paige Shelton)
Vermont--The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian
Virginia--(The Diva Takes The Cake by Krista Davis)
Washington--A Winter's Tail by Kathi Daley
West Virginia--(Miranda Warning by Heather Day Gilbert)
Wisconsin--Avery: The Case Against Steven Avery and What "Making a Murderer" Gets Wrong by Ken Kratz
Wyoming--Open Season by C.J. Box


International Settings

Canada--Holiday Hangover by Kathi Daley
Italy--A Portrait of Emily Price by Katherine Reay
Greece--Evanthia's Gift by Effie Kammenou
France--Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
Egypt--Exodus 95 by Kfir Luzzatto
England--I Found You by Lisa Jewell
Australia--The Secret Daughter by Kelly Rimmer

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Let The Little Children Come Gospel Tracts and Evangelism Tools Sampler Pack #GospelTracts #FlyBy




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I'm not sure what I expected when I agreed to accept and review this sampler pack...but it certainly wasn't a packet of so many FUN things! Each item is incredibly COLORFUL, making it easy to ENGAGE youngsters.

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LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME

Let The Little Children Come aims to provide effective gospel tracts and evangelism tools and resources for children.
It is the hope that these tools and resources will help you in conveying the powerful gospel message to children.

The gospel tracts are all specially designed to capture and hold the attention of children, while not distracting them from the core message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Let's take a look at some of the items included in this pack so you can see just what I mean.

1) Animated Tracts
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I have never seen gospel tracts like these before. Each one comes with a small striped plastic sheet which you place over the images on the page, slowly sliding it from left to right. As you do so, the pictures appear to move! While some of the images were a bit difficult to comprehend, most of them were interesting and attention-getting. The Christmas one was my favorite of the three--Mary riding on the donkey, angels in the sky, a camel walking across the desert, and a baby crawling are some of the images we see.

2) Pop-up Tracts
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These tracts use pop-up illustrations, which make them appealing to young children. The Most Amazing House gives a basic discussion of the plan of salvation. It's rather simplistic, but it's a good introduction to the topic and can be a discussion starter. The Lost Easter Egg begins with a modern-day Easter egg hunt which leads into the telling of the parable of the lost sheep and the real meaning of Easter. Both of these were personal favorites of mine.

3) FlipAbouts

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These were probably my least favorite part of the sampler pack. They are small cards which are supposed to be flipped and folded different ways to reveal several different graphics. I felt they are too complicated for young children to figure out and too simplistic for older children, who could figure out how to fold and flip them, to have much interest.

4) Colors Of Salvation products
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These are the simplest, most colorful way to share the gospel with children. Each color has a meaning related to salvation, and wearing the bracelet or flipping through the wordless book is a way to bring those meanings to mind on a daily basis.

Yellow reminds us of heaven. God loves us and wants us all to be with Him in heaven.
Black reminds us of sin. Because we have all sinned, we cannot be with God.
Red reminds us of the blood of Jesus. Jesus took the punishment for our sins by dying on the cross.
White reminds us that when we believe in Jesus we will be made clean from sin. We now can have a relationship with God and will one day be with Him in heaven.
Green reminds us that it is important to grow in our relationship with Jesus.

I highly recommend these tools to parents, churches, children's ministries, etc.


Links for individual tracts inside the sampler pack:















Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Adored: 365 Devotions For Young Women from Zondervan #AdoredByGod #FlyBy




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BOOK INFORMATION
Genre: Teen Devotional and Prayer
Hardcover: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Zondervan (October 3, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0310762790
  • ISBN-13: 978-0310762799


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Description: In an ever-changing world, we can be certain of one thing: we are beloved by God. Adored: 365 Devotions for Young Women tackles tough topics girls face, from bullying and social media to friendships and dating, all the while showing readers how infinitely precious they are in God’s sight.

Each day features an easy-to-read, relevant devotion paired with a scripture verse and journaling space to help readers reflect on the day’s message. With honest, poignant, and sometimes humorous text, every page will speak to the pressures and changes girls face, giving them real-world applications to find God in their hearts and in their lives. Perfect for everyday use, Adored will resonate with girls searching for truth and guidance. Gift givers will love this highly designed book featuring a beautiful, foiled cover, and two-color interior pages.


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Review: While this book is marketed as being for teen girls, I am intending to use it as part of my own daily devotional time in 2018. I also think it would make a great graduation gift this spring, or if you're still looking for a Christmas gift for a teen/college girl, go pick up a copy now.

The illustrations and graphics included in this book are lovely yet subdued. There are a variety of topics covered in the devotions, including:
What does holiness mean?
Where does our value come from?
What does God say about modesty?
How should I respond to bullying?
Does my reputation matter?
Why does God allow suffering?
What are spiritual gifts?
How do I combat sadness?
What does a Christian look like?
What does generosity have to do with me?

Each entry has a devotion, a Scripture verse, and a space for journaling your thoughts about the devotion/Scripture and how it applies to you.

 I received a complimentary copy from Flyby Promotions on behalf of Zondervan Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and freely given.

Rating:  Five stars



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Buy Link: https://www.christianbook.com/adored-365-devotions-for-young-women/9780310762799/pd/762794?product_redirect=1&Ntt=762794&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Book landing page http://info.zondervan.com/adored-devotional/ By going to the book’s landing page readers can get a free 7-day download



BOOK TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: Her Christmas Chance (Christmas Creek Romance #2) by Rachelle Ayala

BOOK INFORMATION
Genre: Holiday Romance
  • Series: Christmas Creek Romance (Book 2)
  • Paperback: 208 pages
  • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 2, 2016)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1537287664
  • ISBN-13: 978-1537287669
























NEW RELEASE….
Will her cat ruin her Christmas chance for love?

Bella Tallahan has always hidden behind her twin sister, Tally. She was born with cerebral palsy and even though she has finished college, she lives vicariously through her sister’s adventures.

It worked, until her sister married writer Lucky Lenigan, and Bella developed a crush on Lucky’s brother—a bad boy with a shady past.

Chance Martin made one mistake growing up—one that landed him in prison. After his release, he spends his days restoring antique furniture and his nights alone.

When Mr. Klutz, Bella’s fat tabby cat, wreaks havoc in the furniture workshop, Chance confronts Bella and finds himself with a dilemma. He’s not the right kind of guy for a woman with disabilities, but at the same time, he can’t get her out of his mind.

Will the trail of destruction left by one naughty cat bring Bella her Christmas chance for love? Can Chance rise above his past and convince Bella that she is truly worth loving? Or will the secret he is keeping horrify Bella enough to send her back into hiding?

Author’s Note: Although part of the Christmas Creek Romance Series, Her Christmas Chance is a complete and standalone story. Bella Tallahan appears in a previous story, Lucky in Laguna, where her sister Tally Tallahan meets and falls in love with Lucky Lenigan.


A Christmas Creek Romance Series
Book 1: Holly & Gordon, Deck the Hearts
Book 2: Bella & Chance, Her Christmas Chance

Review: I'm not usually a big reader of romance novels, but this author has a knack for writing holiday stories which tug at my heart, so I was excited to read this one. Once again, she does not disappoint.

It's not often that a romance novel has a heroine like Bella. She was born with cerebral palsy and her family has always made her feel "less than" in most situations. When her twin sister got married, she met the groom's brother, Chance, who seemed to actually enjoy spending time with her, and she definitely enjoyed spending time with him. When they all started living near one another, however, things got complicated. Chance spent years in prison for something no one in his family wants to talk about, and Bella's cat seems to have a vendetta against Chance and the furniture he is restoring. 

When Chance and Bella begin a relationship, her family is determined to keep her "safe," which is more smothering her. Will secrets and overprotection--and a nasty cat--come between the couple, or will they find their happy ending?

I love that this story makes the reader think, and perhaps confront some of our own presumptions about people with disabilities. It has some intense emotional moments, plenty of humor, and even a bit of "magic"---in other words, something for everyone.

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.


Rating: Four stars

Audiobook also available
 

Available to buy from...... 

"I loved this story! Rachelle Ayala is a powerful writer" - Francis Cristina

"WOW!!!! I absolutely fell in love with this story. This book is emotionaly heartfelt." - Bookworm K

"A perfect heart warming christmas story to read & cherish. I recommend reading this sweet christmas story as you will not be disappointed." - Sophie Koufes
Above reviews from Amazon.com


Also available in A Christmas Creek Romance
Each book may be read as a stand-alone novel, or as part of the series.
Deck the Hearts (A Christmas Creek Romance Book 1) by [Ayala, Rachelle]
Deck the Hearts (A Christmas Creek Romance Book 1) 

Opposites attract and sparks fly in the delightful small town of Christmas Creek.

Holly Jolly lives for Christmas. It’s the only time of the year, as far as she’s concerned. 

Gordon Gills doesn’t need a reason to hate the holiday season. He doesn’t see the point. 

Gordon returns to the mansion he inherited and finds Holly making a mess with her Christmas decorations. Unfortunately, his great-aunt’s will stipulates that he must make merry every Christmas if he wants to keep his inheritance. 

Holly is determined to infect the grouchy Gordon with every dose of Christmas cheer she can muster and show him what Christmas is really about. 

Will Gordon prevail and turn Holly into a Grinch, or will a sprinkling of Christmas magic show Gordon that there’s no fighting love, especially when it’s wrapped up in a gorgeous redheaded package of jolly holly?

Available to buy from ...

About the author
Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous, sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope. 

Rachelle is an active member of the California Writer's Club, Fremont Chapter, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.

Sign up for her NEWSLETTER to get a FREE surprise ebook (or two), and her latest book news HERE!

Visit her Reader's Guide HERE

Find the author on the following sites...

Follow the Book Tour
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NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!
2 WINNERS!!
Win $25 Paypal or Amazon Giftcard 
(winners choice) 
Open WW
2nd prize - 1 SIGNED paperback 
(US only otherwise ebook)
Ending on Sunday 3 November at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below & Good Luck !!
Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x
Current book tours open for sign ups HERE




COVER REVEAL: Hummus And Homicide (A Kebab Kitchen Mystery) by Tina Kashian


When Lucy Berberian quits her Philadelphia law firm and heads home to Ocean Crest, she knows what she’s getting—the scent of funnel cake, the sight of the wooden roller coaster, and the tastes of her family’s Mediterranean restaurant. But murder wasn’t on the menu . . .   Things are slow in the off-season in this Jersey Shore town, but Lucy doesn’t mind. She doesn’t even mind waitressing at the Kebab Kitchen. Her parents have put in a new hummus bar, with every flavor from lemon to roasted red pepper. It’s fun to see their calico cat again, and to catch up with her old BFF, who’s married to a cop now.
She could do without Heather Banks, though. The Gucci-toting ex-cheerleader is still as nasty as she was back in high school . . . and unfortunately, she’s just taken over as the local health inspector. Just minutes after eating at the Kebab Kitchen—where she’s tallied up a whole list of bogus violations—she falls down dead in the street. Word on the grapevine is it’s homicide, and Lucy’s the number one suspect . . .
Recipes included!

Ready…..

                     

Set…..

                       

Reveal!!

                     

Coming February 27, 2018 from Kensington Books!!

You can pre-order your copy today!!

Amazon 

B&N kobo 

Google Play 

INDIEBOUND

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

The Cat Of Christmas Future (Whales And Tales #14) by Kathi Daley




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Book Information
Genre: Cozy Mystery


  • Series: Whales and Tails Mystery

    • Paperback: 210 pages
    • Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 21, 2017)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 1976095042
    • ISBN-13: 978-1976095047

    Synopsis: As with The Cat of Christmas Past and The Cat of Christmas Present, while this holiday cozy features a mystery, it does not feature a murder. 

    It is Christmas on Madrona Island and the spirit of Christmas is out in full force. A cat who looks a lot like a cat from Cait's past comes to visit just as Cait and Cody are getting ready for a full lineup of holiday events. When Cait learns of the cat's true purpose for coming into her life she realizes she will need to set some of her usual routines aside in order to prevent a tragedy from occurring in the future. 

    Meanwhile the entire Hart Family is gathering at Maggie's as a series of personal events causes each of member of the family to seek temporary refuge in the large house.


    Review: This is a great series, and I always look forward to reading the newest release. This is the fourteenth book in the series, and also the end of a trilogy of sorts: The Cat Of Christmas Past, The Cat of Christmas Present, and The Cat Of Christmas Future. In those three books, there is a holiday themed mystery, but no murder.

    I think this is the first time I have read a mystery where a person's future is at stake, based on the decisions made by others in the present. The Hart family is very much present throughout the story, as are the usual supporting characters. I love the way relationships grow and change in this series...it makes them that much more realistic. And, as usual in this series, there is a cat that plays a major part in drawing the right people together and finding the clues to solve the mystery.


    Rating: Five stars

    About the author
    91 DWAjd WBj L SY200Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
    Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

    Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).