Book Review - Plunge into Darkness by Kristin N. Spencer + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

A small farming village has a deep dark secret.

When Ever Morena befriends her neighbor, Dawn, her life changed forever. Together the pair builds a close bond like sisters. When Dawn suddenly disappears, Ever becomes desperate and heartsick over her friend. Ever tries to move on and becomes the village healer but she still questions what happened to her best friend. Until Dawn reappears and is unable to speak. Ever is willing to risk everything to be able to cure Dawn. She takes her into the Concealed Forest and prays for Dawn. Will Dawn be able to regain her voice? What happened to Dawn?

The book was an interesting read about friendship and darkness. I found the book a bit hard to get into at first but I am glad I read it through. I wish the book had a bit more detail about the people and their culture. For example, I wish I knew more about pikiro root and the disease, affectation. However, it was an interesting beginning to the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Title: Plunge into Darkness
Author: Kristen N. Spencer
Release Date: February 27, 2018
Genre: Fantasy

Two girls.

A village with a dark secret.

Their only hope is a mythical figure Ever Morena has only read about in her father’s lone book.

Ten years ago Ever’s best friend disappeared without a trace. Though the loss of her friend only came close to killing her then, the truth of what happened might finish the job now—just when her future as the village healer is looking bright. Ever must risk everything she loves in order to plunge into darkness on an impossible journey in the middle of the Concealed Forest.Never before has redemption been so costly.Please note: This book contains subject matter which some may find troubling as it spotlights helping those who have experienced abuse. I tried to handle this topic as delicately as I could, keeping the reader’s experience in mind.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

 

Kristin N. Spencer spends part of each day imagining up new worlds and beings when she isn’t busy taking care of her three children and writing partner husband T. E. Spencer. When she’s not writing you can find her working in full time ministry, sewing cosplay costumes, or watching geekesque movies. She writes whatever genre she wants including but not limited to Non-Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Sci-Fi, Space Fantasy, and traditional Fantasy. Kristin studied Comparative World Literature at California State University, Long Beach and received a Bachelors, which she fondly calls a degree in reading. Her favorite movie is Sabrina (the Julia Ormond version) and her favorite person is Jesus.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristin is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card, ‘Plunge Into Darkness’ Paperback, Minimalism Art Classic Notebook Journal, and Huhuhero Fineliner Color Pen Set (10 Pack)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/d070/plunge-into-darkness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Julep Nail Polish - Tanya

The carbon matte (reminds me of graphite from pencil lead) nail polish provided a full coverage after two coats. The carbon matte shimmer was a pretty effect. I found that the polish lasted 2 - 3 days before chipping. However, the polish was a bit thicker than other colors.

Book Review - Curse of the Ancients by Hawk MacKinney + Giveaway

Craige Ingram and Grayson MacGerald are a part of special elite SpecOps SEAL team. The duo is used to the sight and smells of a dead body. However, when Grayson and Craige are called into a police investigation with a victim found dead, something doesn't quite smell right. When Mihály Keaulescu invites Craige to once in a life search for ancient artifact, things might end up deadly. Will Craige be able to escape?

The book had an interesting premise but I found it very hard to get into. I felt like it had too much military lingo to be enjoyable. I also felt like I didn't understand how some of the scenes changed. The book is about an interesting topic but the writing style made it hard for me.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Details:

Book Title: Curse of the Ancients by Hawk MacKinney
Series: The Moccasin Hollow Series Book 3
Category: Adult Fiction, 278 pages
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: Sage Words Publishing
Release date: April 2018

Content Rating: R (This book is rated R for explicit murder scenes.)

Book Description:

As Craige Ingram climbed the stairs of the derelict building, that peculiar stench of a dead body hit him. It was the same smell no matter where—SpecOps SEAL encounter gone sour, or in a vacant, roach-infested apartment. Inside, his SEAL buddy-turned head of Buckingham Parish Homicide’s Investigative Support Division, Grayson MacGerald, was huddled with the coroner next to a swollen decaying corpse that was days old and hardly more than oozing dead meat.

The PI inside Craige had a gut feeling that there was more to this than a dead body, and Craige’s Grannie always told him, “Trust your feelin’s.” But that was before Mihály Keaulescu set down two of his Black Falcon choppers on Craige’s Moccasin Hollow private airstrip in an uninvited stopover. It got worse. From his airstrip to Israel, to Turkey and a nightmare-dream of one-of-a-kind ancient artifacts that not only threatened the serene life Craige knew and loved at Moccasin Hollow, it would destroy the world.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

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Meet the Author:

With postgraduate degrees and faculty positions at several medical universities, Hawk MacKinney has taught graduate courses in both the United States and Jerusalem. In addition to his work in classrooms and laboratories, he has written numerous professional articles on chordate neuroembryology and authored several novels that reflect his southwest upbringing in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Moccasin Trace, a historical novel nominated for both the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award, details the family bloodlines of his protagonist in the Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series. Hidden Vault of Secrets and Westobou Gold, Books 1 and 2 in the series, have received national and international attention. Hawk is also writing a science fiction series, The Cairns of Sainctuarie.

Connect with the author: Website

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends on June 23, 2018

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Book Review - This Wilderness Journey by Misty M. Beller + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Joseph Malcom likes to spend his time protecting those in need. His sister has safely settled down with her husband and young daughter in the Rockies. Since, she no longer needs his help, Joseph feels lost without a sense of purpose. When a neighboring priest requested Joseph to help guide his cousin to his cabin, Joseph jumps at the chance of adventure. However, his passenger isn't who he expects and catches him completely off guard.

Monti Bergeron's mother just passed away and with nothing keeping her in Montreal, she decides to go live with her cousin. She is both excited and nervous about mission work with the Indians. The life of a nun is simple and perfect for Monti since it will help her heal from her grief. As Monti settle down in the Indian camp, Joseph finds himself drawn to Monti. However, she made it very clear she isn't interested in a husband. Will Monti and Joseph be able to let go of the past and love each other unconditionally? Will they both find their purpose?

I found the book to a fun and interesting read. I like how both Joseph and Monti like each other but are afraid to tell each other their feelings. Overall, a fun and interesting book.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

About the Book

Title: The Wilderness Journey
Author: Misty M. Beller
Release Date: April 24, 2018
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

He’s been sent to retrieve the new missionary… But she’s not at all who he expects to find.
Joseph Malcom has spent his life protecting those in need, but now that his sister is safely settled with her new family in the Canadian Rockies, his help is no longer required. That is, until he’s asked to safely retrieve the priest’s cousin to help minister to the local Indian tribe. But his passenger is not at all who he expects.

After the death of her mother, Monti Bergeron has nothing to keep her in Montreal. While the prospect of ministering to the Indians out West is daunting, she looks forward to assisting her beloved cousin in his mission work. The life of a nun may be just what she needs to heal her grief, serving her Heavenly Father and fellow mankind, especially if no more pesky suitors are around to ask for her hand in marriage. But the man who’s been sent to guide her through the mountains might make her second-guess her plans before she even begins.

As Monti settles into her ministry, Joseph finds his wandering feet drawn back to the Indian camp. Monti’s focus on God is more unsettling than he’d like to admit. Add to that her beauty which tests his willpower at every turn, and she’s made it crystal clear she doesn’t want a husband. But when his determination to keep distance between them puts Monti in danger, protecting her might require something Joseph might not be able to give.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

 

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy. God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cd16/this-wilderness-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word by Sarah Jane Marsh + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Thomas Paine was born a corset maker's son. He was expected to follow his father's footsteps. However, when Thomas was given the opportunity to attend school, his entire world opened up.  His destiny changed when he befriends Benjamin Franklin. Thomas traveled to America in 1774 and right into the cusp of the American Revolution. Using his talent for the written word, he penned a pamphlet to help persuade the American people to rally for Independence against the British.

The book had a beautiful artwork along with artfully done prose. The biography of Thomas Paine was engaging and fun to read. It was in an easy to understand and digestible format. I only wished all my history books were done in this format! A great book for any reader who loves American History or has an interest in the American Revolution.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Title: THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD

Author: Sarah Jane Marsh

Pub. Date: May 29, 2018

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 80

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD

"The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark."

As an English corset-maker's son, Thomas Paine was expected to spend his life sewing women's underwear. But as a teenager, Thomas dared to change his destiny, enduring years of struggle until a meeting with Benjamin Franklin brought Thomas to America in 1774-and into the American Revolution. 

Within fourteen months, Thomas would unleash the persuasive power of the written word in Common Sense-a brash wake-up call that rallied the American people to declare independence against the mightiest empire in the world. 

This fascinating and extensively researched biography, based on numerous primary sources, will immerse readers in Thomas Paine's inspiring journey of courage, failure, and resilience that led a penniless immigrant to change the world with his words.

About Sarah:

Sarah Jane Marsh is a writer of children's narrative nonfiction and author of THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD (Disney-Hyperion, May 2018) and MOST WANTED: JOHN HANCOCK AND SAMUEL ADAMS (Disney-Hyperion, 2020).

Sarah has taught American Revolution history in elementary and middle school. Like Thomas Paine, Sarah attempted several adventurous careers (zookeeping, dolphin training, firefighting), before earning an MBA from the University of Vermont where she studied organizational change. 

Also like Paine, Sarah believes in lifelong learning and speaking out for social action.  She works with her community on youth suicide prevention, Adverse Childhood Experiences education, and meeting basic student needs.

Sarah lives with her family outside of Seattle. THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD is her first book.

Representation: Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THOMAS PAINE AND THE DANGEROUS WORD, US Only.

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Rafflecopter Link:

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Tour Schedule:

Week Two:

6/4/2018- Savings in Seconds- Review

6/5/2018- Bri's Book Nook- Review

6/6/2018- A Gingerly Review- Review

6/7/2018- For the Love of KidLit- Interview

6/8/2018- Two Points of Interest- Review

Book Review - Red Sky Over America by Tamera Lynn Kraft + Giveaway

 Photo Source - Amazon

In 1857, slavery is still common and accepted practice in the South. However, William and America are abolitionists and want to confront and end the evil practice. America is the daughter of a prominent slave owner. She believes owning slaves is immoral and want to become a missionary to spread her faith in China. William travels around the country preaching the evils of slavery. Together William and America find themselves struggling to spread the abolitionist idea. Will she be able to help slaves escape if it means going against her father? Will William and America be able to put their differences aside and work together to spread the message?

The novel portrayed a vivid experience of two different people with the same ideals. America's family has owned slaves her entire life. She is torn between the life she knew from birth and the ideals she wants. William's family has always followed the path of abolition. It was interesting to see two people who like each other try to accept each other different point of views while trying to compromise their own beliefs. While the book was an enjoyable read, I found it to be a bit of a slower cozy read than I normally read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Title: Red Sky over America
Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 11, 2018

In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves.

America’s classmate, William, goes to Kentucky to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation and may not make it home to Ohio or live through the struggle.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2^nd place in the NOCW contest, 3^rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 39 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren.

Tamera has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a themed basket with autographed books of Resurrection of Hope, Alice’s Notions, Red Sky Over America, a copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin (the book is mentioned in the novel) and a copy of Then Sings My Soul (stories about the hymns), plus a $10 Amazon Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cebb/red-sky-over-america-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - Widows by Lynda La Plante

Photo Credit - Amazon

 After receiving news that their husbands have perished in a fire, Dolly Rawlins, Linda Pirelli, and Shirley Miller must face life alone. The widows decided to work together and complete the heist that killed their husbands after Dolly discovers her husband's robbery plans. The widows train to pull off the perfect heist given this would be their first brush with breaking the law. During their preparation, they realize they need a fourth person to pull of their plan perfectly. They recruit a fourth person for their heist while trying to figure out who the fourth man  who abandoned their husbands. Who was the fourth man that left their husbands for death? Will the widows be able to pull off the heist?

The novel was a fun to read and interesting that the four lead criminals were all females. I like that each of the characters had a strong personality. And how they tried to overcome their husband's death while pulling a heist that none of them has experience with. I found the book to be a bit slow at times but I look forward to reading more books from the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion**