BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 22 January 2020 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK– BREATHING ON HER OWN by REBECCA WATERS

WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK – BREATHING ON HER OWN by REBECCA WATERS

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Breathing on Her Own by Rebecca Waters, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Breathing on Her Own
Author: Rebecca Waters
Publisher: Ambassador International
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Release Date: November 5, 2019

THE BLURB

An icy road and a sharp turn leave one woman dead, another clinging to life.

Molly Tipton looks forward to a peaceful retirement, but her life suddenly spirals out of control when her oldest daughter is involved in a terrible accident.

While two families grieve, details emerge that shake Molly to her core. As she prepares her daughter for what lies ahead, Molly discovers her oldest child is not the only one injured and forced to deal with past mistakes.

If it’s true that time heals all wounds, what are we to do with our scars?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

 

THE AUTHOR

 

Rebecca Waters has been a writer most of her life. Her first published work was a story in the school newspaper she wrote in second grade. For many years Rebecca used her stories as illustrations in church settings and to entertain her own three daughters. Her professional writing included educational articles and research. Following her retirement as a professor of education from Cincinnati Christian University, Rebecca turned her pen to the world of fiction. She has also published several articles in Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Lookout Magazine, and Home Health Aide Digest.

CONNECT WITH REBECCA: Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

 

 

MY REVIEW (from June 2015)

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2015/06/09/review-blitz-week-breathing-on-her-own/

 

Sometimes life events converge to challenge our faith. Or is God testing us to draw us closer to Himself?

In this compelling story, such events converge. Molly Tipton’s life is cruising comfortably along, she is faithful in her church attendance and Bible study. Two beautiful daughters, Laney and Lissa. Laney is happily married with two young children. Her husband, Travis, faithful and loving, God fearing man. How could this not be the picture of the perfect life?

But when Molly’s oldest daughter, Laney, is left critically injured from a wreck, one in which Laney was driving, Molly’s faith is put to the test.

Sure at first that she’s doing what is required of her, Molly maintains her confidence in the status quo. But as every piece of her life comes under assault, she is forced to evaluate it all, including her faith. Can she let go and trust, as she has professed for so many years? Can Molly learn to truly “be still and know” that He is God?

Mrs. Waters has set forth a story of triumph in the midst of trial. One that could, with a few details shifted, be any one of our lives. From the opening lines to the final words, the reader is drawn in to the story, immersed in the drama and heartache of the characters. Mrs. Waters is a gifted storyteller and I hope to see many more by her.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

 

 

I purchased this book, and offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

EXCERPT

Molly ran a hot tub of water, rummaged through the assortment of hair products, lotions, and supplies she had shoved into the small cabinet under the sink. Finally, she found a half used bottle of bath salts one of the girls had given her. She poured the entire contents of the bottle into the running water. The lilac smell was almost overpowering, but soon she was covered with the hot scented water. She closed her eyes and tried to relax.

The water cooled, but Molly’s disposition didn’t. She fed the pain, reliving every comment Laney, Travis, and Lissa had made. The people closest to her seemed to be the least understanding. She pulled on her nightgown. She didn’t say goodnight to Travis. She climbed into bed, pulled the comforter and a heavy layer of self-pity over her and cried herself to sleep.

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $10 Dunkin’ Donuts eGift Card and signed print copy of Breathing on Her Own (US only) OR a digital copy of the book and $10 gift card (outside the US).

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 21, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on January 28, 2020. Print copy US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

 

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Breathing on Her Own, Rebecca Waters, JustRead Publicity

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 21 January 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – LEGION by SHADIA HRICHI

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – LEGION by SHADIA HRICHI

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: Legion

Author: Shadia Hrichi

Genre: Bible Study

Release Date: Oct 8, 2019

 

THE BLURB

How far will Jesus go to rescue one lost soul?

Tormented, chained, and living in a graveyard, the man known only by the name of the demons that tormented him had no one to help him–no one to intercede for him. No one but Jesus. Climb into the boat with Jesus as He heads into enemy territory. Witness Jesus’s power and passion as He battles violent storms and armies of demons in order to rescue . . . one . . . lost . . . soul.

Through this six-week, action-packed Bible study, you will experience God’s relentless love as you celebrate the impassioned Savior Who moved heaven and earth to rescue you.

 

Click here for your copy!

 

THE AUTHOR

 

SHADIA HRICHI is a passionate Bible teacher, author, and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She has received a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary as well as master’s in criminal justice from the State University of New York. In addition to LEGION, Shadia is the author of several Bible studies, including HAGAR and Worthy of Love. Shadia is often invited to speak at churches, conferences, and other events. Her insightful, witty, yet vulnerable teaching style reveals a compassion for the hurting, love for Jesus, and uncompromising commitment to the truth of God’s Word. Visit shadiahrichi.com.

 

 

MORE FROM SHADIA

If there is one universal truth, it is that every human heart longs for paradise. A perfect world without death, pain, or sorrow. A world at peace, where each of us is secure, treasured, and loved. But the reality is that the world as we know it will never deliver; it cannot. Scripture tells us that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).

As a result, you and I live in a broken world. A world that has been drifting off course ever since that slippery serpent enticed our first parents to reject God’s authority in that garden paradise so long ago. In that moment, they unwittingly handed over dominion of the earth to Satan on a silver platter. But this then begs the question. Why was God willing to risk rebellion in the Garden? And why would God allow His perfect creation to fall victim to the enemy’s schemes? And if God is good, why does He allow evil to exist?

Through this six-week study, you and I will explore the answers to these questions and more as we step into the fascinating story of the man known only by the name of the demons that tormented him. To be honest, I don’t know why I am attracted to the hard stories in the Bible. The messy stories. I suspect it stems, in part, from my own broken past. I can relate much easier to the broken people. The ones who experienced times when they felt unseen, or unloved, or unwanted. At the same time, their stories captivate my heart because when God reveals what He is doing behind the seen, His power and glory are displayed in ways that make my spirit soar!

So I invite you to come with me as we climb into the boat with Jesus and head into enemy territory. We will witness Jesus’s power and passion as He battles violent storms and armies of demons in order to rescue . . . one . . . lost . . . soul. Tormented, chained, and living in a graveyard, the man had no one to help him. No one to intercede for him. No one but Jesus. As a result:

• A demoniac becomes a disciple.
• A house of demons becomes a dwelling for the Living God.
• The chained becomes a champion of good news.

You and I live in a world crying out for rescue. And just as Jesus was willing to cross the sea and rescue one man from the enemy’s chains, He crossed the heavens to rescue you and me from a fate even worse: eternal chains. But praise God that through His sacrifice for sin, Jesus conquered all the forces of evil and opened up the gates of paradise to all who embrace His mercy. So come with me. Let’s rediscover the God Who Rescues Me!

“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” —Colossians 1:13 NASB

 

MY REVIEW

Like good Biblical fiction, Ms. Hrichi brings Scripture to life. The difference is in making it personal, applying Biblical Truth in our day to day life. Her knowledge of history and culture applicable in Bible times is evident on every page.

As with her earlier book, Hagar, Ms. Hrichi “begs the reader to “Pause to Ponder,” asking deep and probing questions, and offers a “Your Turn” section to integrate the study with our own lives.” (excerpted from my prior review)

This reviewer shares with Ms. Hrichi her passion for the “hard stories in the Bible—the messy stories..” I, too, can relate to “the ones who … felt unseen, or unloved, or unwanted.” I therefore, deeply appreciate her probing studies of God’s Word.

The journey of this book is “Rediscovering the God Who Rescues Me.”  Ms. Hrichi asks and then answers such questions as, “Why was God willing to risk rebellion in the Garden?” Have you ever wondered that? I know I have. “And why would God allow His perfect creation to fall victim to the enemy’s schemes?” And one I’ve heard so many times, “… if God is so good, why does He allow evil to exist?”

Hard questions with hard answers. But when Ms. Hrichi explores God’s Word, the answers seem so simple and obvious. Truly, as He has told us, “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Colossians 1:13 (NASB)

I so appreciate the author’s heart for and knowledge of God’s Word, and her willingness and ability to craft this study. Once again, “she shares Bible passages with relevant questions. She links seeming unconnected Scripture, bringing to light revelations of Who Father God is, and who we are in Him.”

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

BLOG TOUR STOPS

The Power of Words, January 21

Robin’s Nest, January 21

Genesis 5020, January 22

Older & Smarter?, January 23

For the Love of Books, January 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 24

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 26

janicesbookreviews, January 27

Quiet Workings, January 27

Inklings and notions, January 28

Aryn the Libraryan 📚, January 29

Godly Book Reviews, January 29

Through the Lens of Scripture, January 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

Lights in a Dark World, February 1

D’S QUILTS AND BOOKS, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

Emily Yager, February 3

TOUR GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Shadia is giving away the grand prize package of 1 book of Legion, 1 book of Hagar and a $50 gift certificate to two winners each!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f4a5/legion-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Legion, Shadia Hrichi, Hagar, Celebrate Lit

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 18 January 2020 – WREADING WEDNESDAY-on-SATURDAY – FEATURED BOOK– THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR by SARAH LADD

WREADING WEDNESDAY-on-SATURDAY – FEATURED BOOK – THE THIEF OF LANWYN MANOR by SARAH LADD

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: The Thief of Lanwyn Manor

Author: Sarah E. Ladd

Genre: Regency Romance

Release Date: January 7, 2020

 

THE BLURB

In this sweet Regency romance, Julia knows Matthew Blake, copper mine owner and very eligible bachelor, is the gentleman she should set her eyes upon. But why can’t she steal her gaze away from his younger brother, Isaac?

Cornwall, England 1818—Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. Lanwyn Manor is at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks in the home’s ancient halls.

As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and the livelihood of those around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made his intentions to court the lovely guest clear. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and items go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their own best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.

 

Click here to buy your copy.

 

THE AUTHOR

 

Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.

 

 

 

 

 

EXCERPT

Click here to read an excerpt from the book.

 

Review to follow.

 

BLOG STOPS

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 13

Genesis 5020, January 13

A Baker’s Perspective, January 13

For Him and My Family, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 14

Inklings and notions, January 14

Bigreadersite, January 15

For the Love of Literature, January 15

Texas Book-aholic, January 15

Through the Fire Blogs, January 16

Pause for Tales, January 16

Wishful Endings, January 16

deb’s Book Review, January 16

Betti Mace, January 17

KarenSueHadley, January 17

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, January 17

Robin’s Nest, January 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 18

The Christian Fiction Girl, January 19

Remembrancy, January 19

Books, Life, and Christ, January 19

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, January 20

My Devotional Thoughts, January 20

Hallie Reads, January 20

Blogging With Carol, January 20

Kat’s Corner Books, January 21

Life of Literature, January 21

Danielle Lozada, January 21

She Lives to Read, January 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 22

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 22

By The Book, January 23

Blossoms and Blessings, January 23

SPLASHES of Joy, January 23

My Precious Bits and Musings, January 24

Mary Hake, January 24

Back Porch Reads, January 24

Daysong Reflections, January 24

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 25

Mamma Loves Books, January 25

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 25

Hookmeinabook, January 26

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 26

Simple Harvest Reads, January 26 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday-on-Saturday, Featured Book, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, Sarah Ladd, Celebrate Lit

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 14 January 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ABOVE THE FOLD by RACHEL SCOTT McDANIEL

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ABOVE THE FOLD by RACHEL SCOTT McDANIEL

                                                                             

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book:  Above the Fold

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: December 3, 2019

 

THE BLURB

After losing the love of her life to a big city journalism job, Elissa Tillman pours herself into the suffragette movement and her secretarial work helping keep her father’s Pittsburgh newspaper afloat.
Cole Parker returns to the steel city with the phantom failures of his past nipping his heels. All he asks of the future is a second chance with the woman he once spurned.
The murder of a millionaire offers the perfect chance for Elissa to prove to her father and the world that she’s a serious journalist. But there’s a catch—she has to compete for the story. Against none other than Cole Parker, the very man who shattered her heart.

 

THE AUTHOR

 

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Rachel can be found online at http://www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

MORE FROM RACHEL

What does the classic movie His Girl Friday, famous mystery writer Agatha Christie, and my husband’s grandfather all have in common? They were all used as inspiration for my debut novel Above the Fold.

His Girl Friday is one of my favorite stories. This movie captures the thrill of the newspaper world—that drive within the reporter’s heart to get the scoop, that hum of activity from the newsroom to the firing of the presses, and that inescapable pursuit to beat out the opposing paper. But what I loved most about this movie was the chemistry between the two main characters. They share a romantic history. In turn, there is major tension, but man oh man is there spark! So this triggered my creative mind. What would happen if I switched the roles and had the heroine be the one that gets jilted? What if I set this story in the 1920s when the profession of journalism was male-dominated? What if I add some more mystery? Cue Agatha Christie.

My husband and I love Christie’s Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple series. Did you know that she wrote over 74 books? That’s staggering to me. My mind reels at how intricate and varied all her plots are. My husband and I would try to guess who the murderer was at the beginning of a story and more often than not, we were wrong! On one particular night we were watching a PBS version of Miss Marple and an idea struck me. What if I changed my story to go this route? What if I made this person the villain instead of that one? The idea that came to me had nothing to do with the story we’d been watching, but one thing that’d been said flickered a light in me. I love it when that happens! And I also love it when I can incorporate pieces of my personal life into the book. This brings me to the biggest inspiration of the story—my husband’s grandpa.

Grandpa Jay Lewis had two loves in his life—his wife and the newspaper press. He’d started working for the local newspaper during his early teens and made his way up the ranks until he became the press foreman. Here’s a picture of Jay when he was in his early 20s. The hat shown was made of folded newsprint paper and worn to keep the ink from dripping on his head. But the expression in this picture says it all—the press was his happy place. He’d worked with the presses for over five decades, until he no longer had the strength. In 2004, he passed away, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of many. So in tribute to Jay and his great passion for the newspaper world, I included him in the cast of characters. I only hope I was able to capture his zeal.

So there you have it. Inspiration came to me in a myriad of ways, but they all worked together to bring you a story that I pray delights your heart.

 

 

 

MY REVIEW

Perfectionism. Not [good] enough. Such a miserable way to live. But in 1922, the struggle was tenfold for a woman seeking a career.

Elissa Tillman knew that fight. But her spunk and tenacity wouldn’t let her quit.

Cole Parker fought a silent battle of his own. [NO SPOILER] And when they worked together, they uncovered more than headline news.

Ms. McDaniel gives a fantastic debut novel. Her style is charming and engaging, her imagery vivid and colorful. She paints a brilliant picture with her clever turns of phrase.

I did wonder a few times at dialogue or tidbits not in keeping with the era, but not that interfered with the flow of the story.

The friction between Elissa and Cole was palpable, the attraction even more so. Ms. McDaniel balanced just the right tension between the two, keeping the reader guessing—and turning the page. This reader loves a good plot twist, and Ms. McDaniel sure tucked a doozy into her story! Well, done, Ms. McDaniel. Well done!

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

BLOG STOPS

April Hayman, Author , January 14

Robin’s Nest, January 14

Godly Book Reviews, January 15

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 15

Just the Write Escape, January 16

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections, January 16

Through the Fire Blogs, January 17

mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 17

Betti Mace, January 18

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 18

Texas Book-aholic, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19

janicesbookreviews, January 20

Emily Yager, January 20

She Lives to Read, January 21

For the Love of Literature, January 21

Inklings and notions, January 22

Life of Literature, January 22

Daysong Reflections, January 23

For Him and My Family, January 23

Stories By Gina, January 24

Jacquelyn Lynn, January 24

Hallie Reads, January 25

Beauty in the Binding, January 25

Back Porch Reads, January 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Batya’s Bits, January 27

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her giveaway, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of an Autographed Paperback copy of Above the Fold, A Custom Newspaper-Themed Book Cozy, An Above the Fold vintage-style bookmark!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f46d/above-the-fold-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Above the Fold, Rachel Scott McDaniel, Celebrate Lit

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 11 January 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – UNCHARTED PROMISED by KEELY BROOKE KEITH

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – UNCHARTED PROMISED by KEELY BROOKE KEITH

 

THE BLURB

Sybil Roberts uses the warmth of delicious meals to lift the spirits of road-weary travelers at The Inn at Falls Creek. Her life at the inn would be perfect if she could just get her brothers and mother to move back home.
And if she could see Isaac Owens again.
He visited the inn once when he interviewed for the farm manager job, and she’s dreamed of his return to Falls Creek ever since.
Isaac Owens knows how to run a farm. His family might not have faith in him, but if he succeeds at Falls Creek, he’ll prove them wrong. He arrives at the inn thinking the job is his, but the inn’s senile owner offered the position to another man too. Isaac must spend the winter competing if he wants to win the job… and Sybil’s heart.
It will take more than warm meals on cold nights for Sybil and Isaac to find love while working at the isolated inn.
Uncharted Promises weaves past and future in a faith-filled story of life in a hidden land. If you enjoy the rural setting and wholesomeness of frontier romance and Amish fiction, you’ll adore Uncharted Promises.

 

THE AUTHOR

 

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely Brooke Keith was a tree-climbing, baseball-loving 80s kid. She grew up in a family who moved often, which fueled her dreams of faraway lands. When she isn’t writing, Keely enjoys teaching home school lessons and playing bass guitar. Keely, her husband, and their daughter live on a hilltop south of Nashville, Tennessee.

Website           Facebook         BookBub

 

 

 

 

MY REVIEW

I just want to go to the Land myself and meet all these wonderful people! Er, uh, characters! I feel like an honorary family member.

We’ve met Sybil Roberts in a previous story, and now we get to know her. Kind of like “always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” Sybil is always the cook, happily tucked away in the kitchen, doing what she loves best—cooking and creating exquisite meals for guests at the inn. But Sybil clutches tight to a dream is more fantasy than hope. A dream that wanes more with each passing day.

Like a fish swimming upstream, Isaac Owens fights against voices from the past that taunt him; proving himself is the only time to silence them. And winning Sybil in the bargain only sweetens the deal.

Ms. Keith poses deep heart issues with finesse, balancing the truth they’ve always known to the reality they’re learning. The hope, the resistance, the struggle to unlearn and relearn. She paints a true and poignant picture. Bonus—Ms. Keith throws a twist in that caught this reader totally off guard!

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Uncharted Promised, Keely Brooke Keith

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 11 January 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – LOVE YOU, TRULY by SUSAN L. TUTTLE

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – LOVE YOU, TRULY by SUSAN L. TUTTLE

 

THE BLURB

Blake Carlton, the camera-shy son of Hollywood’s Darling, dodges the invasive limelight and scripted relationships that so often accompany fame. But when his mother’s popularity declines and she falls into a depression, he offers himself up as the next bachelor on a reality show, hoping to reignite interest in her career while creating a way for them to finally connect.
After her fiancé dumps her for her best friend, aspiring photographer Harlow Tucker is done with romance—until her beloved, disabled sister requests her aid to start a nonprofit. Harlow agrees to do whatever is needed to raise funds, even reluctantly costarring on a dating show with a notorious womanizer who distrusts anyone behind a lens.
As Blake and Harlow navigate the superficiality of a reality show, their preconceived notions of love are challenged. Deciding to trust each other feels like the ultimate risk, but taking that chance could lead to a love truly picture-perfect, worth both of their hearts.

 

THE AUTHOR

 

Susan L. Tuttle was born and raised in the Mitten State where she met and married her best friend. A homeschooling mom of three, somewhere along the way she blinked and those three littles aren’t so little anymore. Now she balances their teenage years with directing the women’s ministry at her church and writing new stories. She fully believes that God is the biggest romancer in the world and that he loves each one of us lavishly even in all our imperfections—a belief tried and tested by her own misses at perfection. Never having met a cookie she didn’t like, most days you’ll find her enjoying one for a treat between chauffeuring her kiddos around, attempting housework, contemplating exercise, or coaxing her current characters to talk.

 

 

 

 

MY REVIEW

So many things I loved about this story I hardly know where to begin!!!

Ms. Tuttle takes the reader inside the not-so-real world of reality TV. Blake and Harlow are about as opposite as two people can be. The kind of opposite that gets under the other’s skin.

Both dealing—or not dealing, as the case may be—with deep-seated issues. And in a particular twist for this reader, those particular issues are ones too familiar to this reader. Both feeling unappreciated and the need to prove their worth to those closest to them.

I appreciated the honesty in how Ms. Tuttle portrayed both Blake and Harlow juggling their teeter-tottering emotions against the ever growing mutual attraction. Her writing drew me into the story, brought it alive with each page. I wasn’t just reading characters, I was meeting people, making friends. (and enemies!)

I adore scenes in which a character comes face to face with God, the unasked questions answered, the unheard voice suddenly “heard.” And when [NAME] faced [HIS/HER] encounter, the truth in the moments gave me chills. [HIS/HER] life changed in the depth of [HIS/HER] most private moments, and most familiar and favorite surroundings. Just like God will do with any one of us when we’re seeking—or resisting Him.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Love You Truly, Susan L. Tuttle, JustRead Tours

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 7 January 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – TOUCHED BY FATE by PRESLAYSA WILLIAMS

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – TOUCHED BY FATE by PRESLAYSA WILLIAMS

 

THE BLURB

Analyn Richards likes life the way she likes her wedding planning business—orderly and predictable. All doubts aside, getting engaged to the successful man she’s been dating is the natural next step, right?
But on her wedding day uncertainty makes an unscheduled appearance. She finds herself deciding whether to go along with her wedding as planned or whether to make another choice.
Will this perfectionist find the courage to take a chance on the unpredictable?

 

THE AUTHOR

 

Preslaysa Williams is an award-winning author who writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction with an Afro-Filipina twist. Proud of her heritage, she loves sharing her culture with her readers. She is currently earning her second graduate degree, a MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Spanish Language & Literature from Columbia University.

Preslaysa is also a professional actress, a planner nerd, an avid bookworm, and a homeschool mom who often wears mismatched socks. You can visit her online at www.preslaysa.com where you can sign up for her newsletter community.

 

 

 

 

MY REVIEW

As a former perfectionist, this reviewer related all too well to Analyn’s need to control every detail of her wedding. I found it baffling and out of character, though, that just days before the event she was still wrangling details. The intrusion of her grandmothers was weird and off-putting; another thing this reader knows too well, though—overbearing-but-well-meaning family members.

It felt like I was outside the story looking in, rather than being part of the action; it was lacking depth and detail. And I would have liked to meet the groom, Corey, beyond just the mention of his name.

It was clear that Analyn’s perfectionist tendencies and her anxiety about embarking on a second marriage drove her every thought and action. Ms. Williams’ message was loosely embedded in the story—perfectionism and OCD tendencies are cruel taskmasters, and not at all God’s best for us. Ms. Williams illustrated this truth for Analyn and for the reader in her final scene.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

THREE FEATHERS

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

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