Sunday, August 18, 2019

GRAND FINALE BLITZ + GIVEAWAY: Falling for Her Bodyguard by Amy Vastine


On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Falling for Her Bodyguard
By Amy Vastine

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Note from the Author

. . . Falling for Her Bodyguard is a story about opening your heart even when your head has been telling you to keep the walls up. Enjoy the excerpts and reviews - I hope you fall in love with the newest members of the Grace Note family as much as I did!

 xoxo,
Amy Vastine
Remembrancy - Review

 "But what tipped the scales for me in this book were the characters. . . . Then add in Donovan’s troubled nephew and adorable, energetic niece, and Falling for Her Bodyguard becomes that much sweeter. I didn’t even mind that I had figured out who the stalker was fairly early on. Getting to spend time with Kelly, Donovan, Graham, Avery, and several of the radio crew more than made up for it."
"I love Falling for Her Bodyguard. I am giving it four and a half stars. I highly recommend this fun, clean, heartwarming and sweet book. I would be interested in reading more books by Amy Vastine in the future."
A woman on her phone pushed open the door. “I understand you’re trying to protect me, but this is a little extreme don’t you think?” she said as she jogged down the steps and onto the sidewalk. Ending her call, she turned around and glanced up at Donovan. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail and her eyes were covered by aviator sunglasses. “Well, come on. He’s going to send you to the station regardless of what I have to say about it.”

 This must be the niece. Dressed in jeans and a black T-shirt knotted at her hip, she didn’t give him many clues as to what she might have to do today. Donovan could see why Dillon told him Captain was protective. She was attractive, albeit a tad rude. She stormed ahead before coming to an abrupt stop.
"This is a new to me author and already I'm in love!!

 The author has done a wonderful job in mixing this story with the right amount of mystery . . . . I really liked the story.

 It kept me occupied until I realized what time it was!! I didn't even noticed the sun had begun to set tonight!!

 I will be looking for more from this author!!!"
Pause for Tales - Review

 "What a fun read this one was. I really enjoyed the give and take between the two leads, Kelly and Donovan. This being a stalker story the tension was always in the background giving a more forceful push for their relationship. . . . This was one story that was hard to put down for real life."
"I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance with a strong family foundation, lots of emotion and a hint of intrigue. The characters were very well developed, the story line was endearing and the overall outcome very satisfying. Really enjoyed watching this happily ever after evolve!"
He scooted his chair closer to Kelly’s and reached for her hand. “What do you want to do today? I was thinking we could do a little self-defense training.”

 “I need to find a new place to live.” She held his hand in both of hers.

 “You’re serious about that?”

 “I can’t go back there. My lease is almost up. I was thinking about actually buying a place once I signed my new contract at work. When you’re in radio, you run the risk of having to move from town to town. A new contract at K104 means I can put down some roots finally.”
Onemused - Review

 "FALLING FOR HER BODYGUARD is a fantastic character-driven romantic suspense that I would highly recommend for anyone looking for something deeper yet still fun. I absolutely loved this read from the beginning that hooks you all the way to the satisfying conclusion."
"I always loved books with kids in it. . . . I loved reading about the different activities they had. Loved the family environment that Donovan’s had with his niece and nephew."
Donovan’s head hurt from trying to make sense of clues that added up to practically nothing. He only saw one solution to their problem. “I think we need to set a trap. I’ll have to coordinate with the other detectives, but I think we have you say something on the radio and you invite him somewhere to make amends. If he thinks you want to apologize, he could come into it without any thoughts of doing harm.”

 Kelly cringed. “I don’t like that idea. Lying to trap this guy? I feel like that could backfire. What if he finds out I’m lying?”
"The novel was a fun and interesting read. The "stalker portion" of the story wasn't the main pull of the novel but, it was a surprise at the end. Surprisingly, I didn't mind that the romance took center stage because both characters were lovable and realistic. I thought the novel was a cute and romantic read."
EmpowerMoms - Review

 "This was a really sweet story! Romance…drama…whats not to like?! . . . I haven’t read any of the other books in the “Grace Note Records” series-they can be read as stand alone novels. This story kept my interest from beginning to end. I highly recommend this easy, heartwarming, fun book!"
“I don’t believe you aren’t good at everything and you don’t believe I’m as bad as I claim. That’s funny.” Kelly’s cheeks were hurting from smiling so much. “Maybe you can show me how to make something I can’t mess up. If I manage to make something edible on my own, it will prove I’m right about you and you’re right about me. We would both have to admit that you are good at everything and I am not as bad as I think I am. If I bomb, then you are right about you and I am right about me.”

The space between his brows wrinkled. “The way your mind works both fascinates and scares me at the same time.”

“I think that’s the perfect way to find out who’s right about who.”


"There was something wholesome and sweet about how this story resolves itself; as Vastine lets you take the adventure with Donovan and Kelly. In many instances, they were more caught inside the hours they spent with Avery and Graham; where they were laying down the foundation of a relationship but moreso to that, they were setting down a foundation for a family. Those hours were the most special of the story, as it is where you saw the barriers of grief and anguish starting to tumble down and where true healing could emerge. The kids needed someone as a mediator between themselves and their Uncle Donovan whereas where Kelly excelled at understanding what it was like to have a cop in the family, she also softened Donovan's heart to accept that sometimes life brings unexpected circumstances that are good for the soul."
Hallie Reads - Review

 "I so enjoyed my time with these characters. Kelly and Donovan—plus the kids and the Nashville community—made reading Falling for Her Bodyguard such a delight. Any reader in need of a feel-good contemporary romance cannot go wrong with this book."
"These are such well-developed characters that I feel many will be able to relate to. Also, the plot just flows beautifully and one can't help but feel a part of the community and world that Vastine creates. Impeccable writing and a very new-to-me author and one I will enjoy reading more from! If you love a sweet romance with a handsome yet deeply romantic and caring Hero, then this is the book for you!"
Harlie's Books - Excerpt & Review

 “I’m going to kiss you to prove there’s nothing going on,” he warned her, waiting for her to protest. She didn’t. Her lips slightly parted and she stared deep into his eyes, making it hard to breathe.

 He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Softly, gently. Convincing himself that this made him feel nothing was hard to do when it made him feel so much. His whole body felt like it was on fire and she was both the flame and the balm that would take away all the pain. His hand cupped her cheek and he tilted her face upward so he could deepen the kiss just a bit. Her arms snaked around his neck and held him in place.

 The whole world dropped away and there was nothing but Kelly and this feeling—this feeling he couldn’t begin to label. All he knew was he loved it and hated it at the same time. He wanted to push her away and pull her closer. Nothing made sense. Instead of giving him clarity, he felt more confused than ever.

 "Buy the book. Read the book. Fall in love with Donovan and Kelly like I did. I dare you and come back to tell how much I was right. I can wait. Ms. Vastine has written another wonderful story about learning to trust, fall in love and believe in yourself."
"I loved this story. It was a hard one to put down to get a little bit of sleep. So don't start reading it right before bed. It's a great addition to the Harlequin Heartwarming Series. And like I said, I'm going to have to find more from this author and the Grace Note Records series now."
"Falling for Her Bodyguard is swoony and sweet with just enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat and riveted to the story. Each of the primary characters (Kelly, Donovan, Avery and Graham) are solidly drawn and multi-dimensional, and you’ll fall in love with each one. This story is delightful from beginning to end – a must-read for fans of sweet contemporary romance!"

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...


Falling for Her Bodyguard
(Grace Note Records #4)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

 She needs his protection…

 But can he protect his heart?

 Radio personality Kelly Bonner isn’t convinced she needs a bodyguard, especially one as intensely good-looking as Detective Donovan Walsh. Yet beneath Donovan’s tough-guy facade is a man struggling to raise his sister’s children. A man Kelly could care about…if he’d let her. Now she’ll have to find a way to convince her big, bad bodyguard that his family—and his heart—are safe in her hands.



Other Books in the Series

Catch a Fallen Star


About the Author


Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.



Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a Reading is my Superpower custom-made sign, an autographed copy of The Girl He Used to Love and a bookmark (if winner is outside US then they would receive an ebook and egift card only)

Ends August 21, 2019

Grab Our Button!


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Thursday, August 15, 2019

Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Full Circle by Athena Dean Holtz




Welcome to Celebrate Lit’s tour of Full Circle, a personal testimony of God’s faith by Athena Dean Holtz.

About the Book

Book: Full Circle
Author: Athena Dean Holtz
Genre: Memoir
Release Date: February 11, 2017

Athena’s driving desire for affirmation and attention pulled her away from her family, husband, and children into what she thought would bring happiness. Deceived by Scientology, forays into mysticism, and twelve years in a restrictive and legalistic cult, she lost everything—her marriage, relationships, home, business, money, and reputation.

This is the candid and inspirational story of how her eyes were opened, how God restored what had been lost, and gave her the desires of her heart, including a new love.

 Click here to get your copy.


About the Authors



Athena Dean Holtz has been at the forefront of Christian custom publishing for the last 30 years. The co-founder of WinePress Publishing, she now leads Redemption Press. Author of three previous books, and a highly-rated personal blog, she serves as president of the Northwest Christian Writer’s Association, is a president’s club member of the Christian Women in Media Association, and a member of Advanced Writer & Speaker Association. She recently retired as host and interviewer on “Always Faithful Radio,” KCIS, Seattle. Married to Ross Holtz, pastor of The Summit, Athena enjoys her grandchildren and time spent sailing. The couple makes their home in Enumclaw, Wash.

Inger J. Logelin is a freelance writer, author, and senior editor of Redemption Press. Ministry experience includes pioneer church planting among the Inuit, and a wilderness camp for First Nations youth of Canada, as well as short-term missions around the world. She and her husband make their home on Whidbey Island, Wash.

 

More from Athena

When people hear about my Job-like experience with the modern-day Cinderella story ending, I often hear remarks like “WOW, that should be a movie!” It has been six and a half years of full-on redemption and restoration and, honestly, I still pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming this! 

After 12 years of spiritual abuse that left me a shell of a person, devastated and distraught, I began a breathtaking journey of healing for all the loss I’d endured. The loss of my 18 year marriage, destroyed relationships with my adult children, the death of my well known publishing company and destruction of my career, along with the fatality of my credit score as I lost my home, my income, and all material things that meant anything to me. Those 12 years of deception cost me big time, but we serve a Romans 8:28 God who uses all things, even that, for good. 

 I’m on the other side now, healed and restored, proclaiming the faithfulness of a God who used what the enemy meant for evil … for good! I love the creativity He uses in the redemption process … to think He would allow me to be a pastor’s wife now … hand-picked by my pastor-hubby’s late wife of 49 years … with restored relationships with my adult children and grandchildren … to be a radio show host interviewing authors whose stories ring of the faithfulness of God … to steward well another publishing endeavor called Redemption Press … so many full circles where God’s sovereignly connects the dots and brings insight that mends my soul. 

 I’m excited to share my story with you, to be authentic and transparent, and to reflect the glory of God. I pray that you’re encouraged by all that God has done, and that you’re left with a healthy dose of hope in His faithfulness and His ability to bring good out of bad, every time. 

 And now, I’ll leave you with an inviting peek into some trivia about my life… 

 My Uncle Skeeter is a famous actor, James B. Sikking. Known for his part as Howard Hunter on Hill Street Blues and Doogie Howser’s Dad. 

 When I was 14 years old, I owned 7 horses and showed most of them in horse shows across the country, with my last official show being Madison Square Gardens. 

 I absolutely LOVE Vizslas…also known as Hungarian Pointers…I’ve had 2 of them over the last 14 years and am addicted. They are THE COOLEST dogs! 

 I used to work for Helen Reddy, as an administrative assistant to her manager/husband, and before that, for the manager of Rufus & Chaka Khan when they recorded their first hit, Tell Me Somethin’ Good. 

 My Grandma’s house overlooked the Santa Monica beach and originally belonged to the silent movie star, Mary Pickford. 

 When I was five years old, my grandma, Dr. Sue Sikking, was the honored guest on the popular TV show “This is Your Life” with host Ralph Edwards. I was part of the cast when our family surprised her with our attendance, and fervently tugged on Mr. Edwards suit jacket to try to get his attention!


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Athena is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card and  signed copy of her book!!

 Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.


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Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: Jewel's Gold by Caryl McAdoo




About the Book

Book: Jewel’s Gold
Author: Caryl McAdoo
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: July 20, 2019

 Can a tangled web snare two hearts and point them true north? 

 A Papa’s girl from the start, Jewel Jones remembers all the things he told her. Wealthy, but far from being a snob, she finds Boaz Branson both irritating and intriguing. How can she know if the handsome confidence man truly turns from his wicked ways, or if his interest only in her gold? Papa said let God’s peace lead her. 

 Only by God’s grace can Boaz escape the deceptions he plans to perpetrate on the beautiful heiress. While his head wants to flee the entanglement, his heart bids him stay. 

 Are Jewel and Boaz building on sinking sand, or have they found the golden nugget they seek?

 Click here to grab your copy.



About the Author



      Award-winning, hybrid author Caryl McAdoo prays her story gives God glory! That is why she writes, why she breathes. Her forty-fourth novel has just launched, joining her best-selling title list! 
      Besides writing, she loves singing the new songs the Lord gives her. (Listen to a few at YouTube.) Ron, her husband of 50+ years shares four children and eighteen grandsugars—life’s best blessings, Caryl says. 
      The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.


More from Caryl

Jewel’s Gold, my July release and book four in the Gold Diggers Collection, begins in San Francisco in 1895 and moves quickly north to Alaska on Troublesome Creek where Jewel’s papa has a gold mine. My husband Ron was on Troublesome Creek in 1993 seeking the Lord. While there, he also did a little prospecting. 

 To mention gold is to speak of wealth as gold is the most sought-after metal in the world. It’s found on every continent, and I’ve discovered it can be located our bodies as well! Mostly in our blood! Small traces have also been extracted from eucalyptus leaves, a favorite snack of Koala bears! 

 Jewel Jones is the daughter of Joshua Jones, son of Moses and Lanell introduced in SINS OF THE MOTHERS, book three in the Texas Romance Family Saga. Truth be known, little Joshua was in fact a Wheeler, not as Jones, though Moses reared him as his own son. 

 His real father was Caleb who married Mary Rachael Buckmeyer and talked her into running off to California. So, this book may also be classified as a ‘Companion Book’ to that highly acclaimed historical romance series. 

 Ron has always wanted to go back and show me Alaska, and one day we most likely will go north . . . but only in the summer! Who doesn’t love leaving Texas for northern, cooler temperatures in the summer? This story has a little mystery along with the romance and history. When we drove the Oregon/California Trail last December, we visited the site of Sutter’s Mill where the gold rush of 1849 was born. That last place we went before turning south and east back to Texas was an unexpected stop. 

 On the American River, the park and museum offered an amazing place to visit, and knowing this book was on the schedule made it all the more interesting! I also believe that place will add to the genuine feel of Jewel’s Gold.



Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

 Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter the giveaway.

Blog Stops


Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 13
Power of Words, August 14 (Spotlight)
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 15
Emily Yager, August 16
For Him and My Family, August 17
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, August 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19
Simple Harvest Reads, August 20 (Spotlight)
Blossoms and Blessings, August 21
Texas Book-aholic, August 22
janicesbookreviews, August 23
Artistic Nobody, August 24 (Spotlight)
A Reader’s Brain, August 25

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Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Book Spotlight: Apples and Alibis by Gayle Leeson




Welcome to the release day celebration for Apples & Alibis by Gayle Leeson. I enjoy this cozy mystery series and am more than ready for this newest story.



Apples and Alibis
By Gayle Leeson
A Down South Café Mystery #4
Grace Abraham Publishing, 2019
Summary

 That’s the last time Amy agrees to do a favor for a stranger…

 Down South Cafe owner, Amy Flowers is in over her head. Operating a cafe while hosting the first Farmers’ Market in Winter Garden has her swimming in apples. And when an elderly woman calls the cafe, pleading for a delivery for her upcoming party, Amy relents, feeling compelled to help the desperate customer.

 But when she arrives, the woman is slumped over her kitchen table, and Amy is catapulted into the middle of a small town crime. Guilt-ridden for not arriving earlier to save the woman, she sets out to unravel the mystery surrounding the woman. Now, between running the cafe and dealing with the chaos of the farmers’ market, Amy is squeezing in a murder investigation, a run-in with her boyfriend’s mom, and her own mother’s quirky life decisions. Life can’t get any worse…or can it? This cafe owner needs a break–in the case.

 Amazon    B&N  Kobo
_________________________

Gayle Leeson is a pseudonym for Gayle Trent. Gayle has also written as Amanda Lee. She is currently writing the Kinsey Falls chick-lit/women’s fiction series, the Down South Cafe cozy mystery series, and the Ghostly Fashionista cozy mystery series. Her book KILLER WEDDING CAKE won the Bronze Medal in the 20th Anniversary IPPY Awards. Gayle lives in Southwest Virginia with her family and enjoys hearing from readers.

 Says Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author, “One day I found myself happily reading . . . mysteries by Gayle Trent. If she can win me over . . . she’s got a great future.”



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Friday, August 9, 2019

Review: The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden


 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Enlightenment of Bees by Rachel Linden, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


 
Title: The Enlightenment of Bees 
Author: Rachel Linden  
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
Release Date: July 9, 2019  
Genre: Women's Fiction

Sometimes a shattered dream leads to an amazing journey.

At twenty-six, apprentice baker Mia West has her entire life planned out: a Craftsman cottage in Seattle, a job baking at The Butter Emporium, and her first love—her boyfriend, Ethan—by her side. But when Ethan declares he “needs some space,” Mia’s carefully planned future crumbles.

 Feeling adrift, Mia joins her vivacious housemate Rosie on a humanitarian trip around the world funded by a reclusive billionaire. Along with a famous grunge rock star, a Rwandan immigrant, and an unsettlingly attractive Hawaiian urban farmer named Kai, Mia and Rosie embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

 From the slums of Mumbai to a Hungarian border camp during the refugee crisis, Mia’s heart is challenged and changed in astonishing ways—ways she never could have imagined. As she grapples with how to make a difference in a complicated world, Mia realizes she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the life unfolding before her.

 In a romantic adventure across the globe, The Enlightenment of Bees beautifully explores what it means to find the sweet spot in life where our greatest passions meet the world’s greatest need.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook


MY THOUGHTS

The Enlightenment of Bees is different from anything I’ve ever read and I enjoyed it. I loved seeing various parts of the world through Rachel Linden’s eyes and journeying along with Mia in her search for purpose in life. It's not all light and fluffy, however, as Linden delves into some serious and relevant issues. The writing flows easily across the page and a whimsical touch adds enchantment.

 Many readers will be able to connect with a character who thinks she has a comfortable life planned out and slowly unfolding for her, when suddenly the very framework of that life is torn away – from future marriage to career, and even complications from an illness affecting her beloved Nana Alice. These drastic changes allow Mia’s dreams to resurface and when an opportunity to join a humanitarian team opens up, she jumps at the chance.

 Some very interesting characters populate this story. The team itself is an eclectic mixture of nationalities and purposes for joining. I was intrigued by the mission’s wealthy and reclusive benefactor, Lars … “Another man with baggage, a man who looks good on the surface but is hiding some flaw beneath” according to Mia. Jazz singer Rosie, Mia’s housemate, and the Hawaiian Kai, with a passion for sustainable urban farming, are appealing characters. I also loved Mia’s relationship with Nana Alice.

 From the beautiful lavender farms of Washington State, to the slums of Mumbai and a Hungarian refugee camp, the scenes are so vivid that they can almost literally be experienced with the senses. I wished for more character depth from some of the team members, but the refugee stories were very well done and heart stirring.

 Mia’s emotional coming-of-age journey is eye opening, giving much cause for personal reflection. The Enlightenment of Bees feels more like a general market story rather than Christian fiction, but it helps if you imagine that God is behind Mia’s desire to change people’s lives, guiding and orchestrating the events in her life. That is never explicitly stated, however, and a spiritual connection would have made Mia’s quest much more meaningful and enjoyable for me personally. Still, if you take the book for what it is, The Enlightenment of Bees is a moving, entertaining story. I look forward to more of Rachel Linden’s writing.

 I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


 

Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in over fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of Ascension of Larks, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and The Enlightenment of Bees. Currently, Rachel lives with her family in Seattle, Washington, where she enjoys creating stories about hope, courage, and connection with a hint of romance and a touch of whimsy.

 CONNECT WITH RACHEL: Website | Facebook | Instagram  


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Thursday, August 8, 2019

Spotlight + GIVEAWAY: The David Years by Lillian Duncan




About the Book

Book: The David Years  
Author: Lillian Duncan  
Genre: Woman’s Lit  
Release Date: August 2, 2019

      Nia looked at her aunt and asked, “So what am I ‘spose to do now?” 
      “Have you ever heard of King David from the Bible?” 
      “I guess.” 
      “There were a lot of years between the time David was anointed as the king and he actually became the king. It’s a time for you to grow in your relationship with God.” 
      “And then later I get to be king?” Nia giggled. 
      “I meant that figuratively not literally but these are your learning years–your David Years.”’ 
      “My David Years. I like that.” 

 Nia Johnson has spent the past four years developing a closer relationship to God. She wants to believe she’s still anointed to become a healer at Puzzle House but as each year passes, she has more and more doubts. 

 Now that she’s graduated from high school and is an adult she is sure it’s time to take the mantle of healing Rachel passed to her so many years before. But the harder she tries, the more it eludes her. 

Click here to grab your copy!




About the Author









      Lillian lives in a small town in Ohio with her husband. She writes the types of books she loves to read. Even though her books cross genres, they have one thing in common, faith-based stories that demonstrate God’s love—and lots of action. OK—that’s two things. 

      She was a school speech pathologist for over 30 years but retired in 2012 after being diagnosed with bilateral brain tumors due to Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), a rare genetic disease.

Whether as an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word. 

      To learn more about Lillian and her books, visit: https://lillian-duncan.com/







More from Lillian

The David Years is the second novel in the Puzzle House series. In Puzzle House, Nia was anointed to become a healer. The David Years starts out where Puzzle House stopped. 



      Nia looked at her aunt and asked, “So what am I ‘spose to do now?” 

      “Have you ever heard of King David from the Bible? There were a lot of years between the time David was anointed as the king and he actually became the king. David was tested many times during those years. Those years were very important to David’s growth as a man so that he would be the king God wanted him to be when the time was right.” 

      “So what are you saying, Auntie?” 

      “I’m saying these are your David years.” 



And so the story begins. Most of the book takes place after Nia’s high school graduation during her first year in college. She’s impatient to begin her time as healer and tries to make that happen in her timing—not God’s. 



But God will not be rushed and whether Nia likes it or not, she’s still in her David Years—her learning years. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, ‘we learn from our mistakes.’ Well, Nia learns a lot that year. In other words, she makes a lot of mistakes. 



My college years are long, long past so I thought it might be hard to get into the mindset of a college student, but it really wasn’t. I thought back to all the mistakes I made during my college years and the story took off from there! 



Even though Nia is a college student, her story will resonate for anybody who’s facing changes in their life, no matter the age. We all have learning years throughout our lifetime—our very own David Years. 



Life changes whether we want it to or not. A new marriage. A baby. A divorce. A new job. Retirement. No matter what age we are, we all struggle with finding our place in the world, especially when life changes. The good news is that as Christians, we may not have all the answers, but we know where to find them.










Giveaway























To celebrate her tour, Lillian is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and the choice of one of her eBooks!!





Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.












Blog Stops







CarpeDIem, August 3



Book Love, August 4 (guest
post from Donna Cline)



Artistic Nobody,
August 5 (Spotlight)



Truth and Grace
Homeschool Academy, August 6



Stephanie’s Life of
Determination, August 7



Power of Words, August 8
(Spotlight)



Just the Write Escape, August 9



Simple Harvest Reads, August 10
(Spotlight)



Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations,
August 11



Texas Book-aholic, August 12



Bigreadersite , August 13



janicesbookreviews, August 14



A Reader’s Brain, August 15



















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Thursday, August 1, 2019


          

        










Review + GIVEAWAY:  Knot on Her Life by Mary Marks
























Knot
on Her Life

By Mary Marks

A Quilting Mystery #7

Kensington, 2019





Summary



While
quilter Martha Rose awaits the birth of her granddaughter, a neighborhood girl
appears at her door with a mystery that can’t be pinned down . .



Martha’s
eager to finish the baby quilt she’s making for her new granddaughter, but she
scraps those plans when a young girl rings her doorbell begging for help. Poppy
Halaby, the foster child of Martha’s neighbor, is an orphan whose parents were
murdered by a killer who was never caught. 



When Poppy’s doting foster mom falls
suspiciously ill, Martha is determined to keep the child safe. But she’ll have
to unravel more about Poppy’s parents to stitch a broken family back together
again—and prevent another crime cut from the same cloth . . .



Amazon – B&N   Google Play     kobo





My
thoughts



The Quilting Mysteries by Mary Marks center around the
thoroughly likeable quilter Martha Rose, who is much more than a lady who
quilts. She’s a thoughtful, intelligent, and talented middle-aged lady who cares
about her family and sometimes quirky friends – and when murder touches any of their
lives, that protectiveness and intuitiveness kicks into overdrive. The characters
are richly developed, there’s lots of family drama, and the mystery is complex.
Every book I’ve read in this series is very good, but Knot on Her Life
just might be my favorite so far. It can definitely stand alone, but I
recommended reading the stories in order for their character development.



The suspense begins when Poppy (Marigold Poppy Sarah
Halaby), the foster child of Martha Rose’s neighbor, comes seeking help after
finding Sonia in a diabetic coma, which might not be as straightforward as it
seems at first. Poppy is the daughter of a Muslim father and Jewish mother, and
it is soon discovered that she possibly witnessed her parents’ murder. With
Poppy and Sonia whisked off into witness protection, Martha Rose begins to seek
answers from relatives on both sides of Poppy’s family, as well as through the
law enforcement connections of her fiancé, ATF agent and “gentle giant” Yossi, and
son-in-law, Noah. I loved the growing relationship between Martha Rose and
Yossi, and am crazy about her half-sister, Giselle, who has no filter when it
comes to speaking her mind.



One of my comments about a previous book was that,
although Martha Rose was Jewish, nothing was shown of her faith or lifestyle,
and I loved how that was fleshed out in this book. We learn a lot about Jewish
culture and religious rituals – especially the Shabbat, or Sabbath dinner – and
some Muslim traditions also, all seamlessly woven into the texture of the story.
The theme of being respectful of other people’s religious beliefs is
something I appreciated. The only thing I didn’t understand is, with Martha
Rose and Yossi being devout in their faith, why they live together without
marriage, but that’s just me.



I also loved how the fellowship of quilting – “Women
helping women. A sisterhood as old as the species” – is such an integral part
of the story, especially the way Poppy opened up and came to trust Martha Rose
through the sharing of this art.



Another strong theme is that of legalism vs. grace, and
I loved these words spoken by Martha Rose to Rabbi Katzenozen: “You may be the
world’s greatest authority on Jewish law … but from what I’ve seen, you don’t
know the first thing about the spirit of the law, which is compassion and the
preservation of life. For all living things. Including your own flesh and
blood.”



The mystery itself is well crafted, the final
revelation logical but unsuspected by me. I welcomed the surprise twists and
could never figure out if the murder of Poppy’s parents was religious driven or
related to her dad’s undercover work with the FBI. And then there’s the
question of Poppy’s future, as adoption is sought by three different families. While
the solution might not have been what my heart wanted, it was a wise and legally
ethical decision, and she will be loved. I don’t know if we’ll see more of Poppy
in future stories, but I certainly hope so. Meanwhile, the ending sets the
stage for another child in need to enter the lives of the delightful Sonia and her
new intriguing husband, Malo.



I highly recommend Knot on Her Life, as well as
the whole Quilting Mysteries series.



I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes
Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.







_________________________















      Born
and raised in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, Mary Marks earned a
B.A. in Anthropology from UCLA and an M.A. in Public Administration from the
American Jewish University in Los Angeles. In 2004 she enrolled in the UCLA
Extension Writers Program.

      Her
first novel, Forget Me Knot, was a finalist in a national writing
competition in 2011. She is currently a reviewer of cozy mysteries for The
New York Journal of Books at www.nyjournalofbooks.com.















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