Sunday, September 29, 2024

CelebrateLit Tour: Ignite by Kara Swanson

About the Book

Book: Ignite

Author: Kara Swanson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: August 20, 2024

Can Mara survive in a world where the fire in her veins is worth killing for?

In a frozen wasteland suffocating beneath a dying sun, Mara is a young phoenix raised by her father to explode at his command. He’s the only one who can help her control her fire, and Mara desperately follows his orders to protect their phoenix family find them. Along the way, she unravels a devastating truth: her people may not be the innocent victims she’s been taught to believe.

When she comes face-to-face with the kindhearted Eli, she begins to wonder if the humans aren’t the monsters she’s always feared. What if the greatest danger doesn’t lie in the icy world outside—but in the truth of who Mara really is?

Fire and ice collide in this thrilling tale of a phoenix girl born with the power of a dying sun.

I love Kara Swanson’s Dust, so I knew immediately that I had to read Ignite. The thought of the phoenix rising was so intriguing to me! From the very first chapter, I was hooked! Learning all about the world that Mara lives in and how the phoenix people function was so captivating. I love a good fantasy with world building and high stakes, and that’s what we’ve got here! I’ll share more/an updated version later, but for now, I’ll keep it short and sweet because I accidentally forgot my laptop at work and I’m working on mobile for the post… oops! Anyway, read the book! You won’t regret it if you love fantasy!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kara Swanson writes stories about fairy tales and fiery souls. She spent her childhood a little like a Lost Girl, running barefoot through lush green jungles which inspired her award-winning Peter Pan retellings, Dust and Shadow.

She is also the cofounder of the Author Conservatory (authorconservatory.com) where she has the honor of teaching young writers to craft sustainable author careers.

You’ll find Kara with her toes in California sand as a SoCal resident, belting Broadway show tunes on weekend drives to Disneyland with her delightfully nerdy husband, or chatting about magic and mayhem on Instagram.

More from Kara

This story is one that has lived a hundred lives, a little like the phoenix it’s about —dozens of iterations and nearly eight years discovering Mara’s story. In this icy world beneath a dying sun, I was able to craft a story of a young phoenix girl who was more terrified of her own fire than the dangers of the frozen wasteland outside her underground hideaway. Who has been convinced by the father she loves that her flame is only capable of pain and damage — until suddenly, he disappears. And for the first time, she ventures out of her hideaway to discover that the frozen world outside is actually dying for her flame. And that the parts of herself that she has feared and run from…that there may be beauty, even there. That she can choose to rise from the ash of a world that doesn’t understand her, and use the fire in her veins to bring warmth and healing.

I hope you enjoy the adventure!

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kara is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5450/

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

By the Book , September 27

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Live.Love.Read., September 29 (you are here!)

Inspired by Fiction, September 30

The Lofty Pages, September 30

Hannahbandanarama, October 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 1

Faery Tales Are Real, October 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 3

Min Reads and Reviews, October 3

Wishful Endings, October 4

Book Zone Reviews, October 5

Simple Harvest Reads, October 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 6

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 8

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 8

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, October 9

Blogging With Carol, October 10

Thursday, August 8, 2024

CelebrateLit Tour: Review: The Nightmare Virus by Nadine Brandes

About the Book

Book: The Nightmare Virus

Author: Nadine Brandes

Genre: YA Science Fantasy

Release date: July 16, 2024

Some viruses go after the body. But the Nightmare Virus goes after the mind.

When dream technology goes wrong, a virus spreads across the globe,trapping people in a universal dreamscape. They call it the Nightmare Virus.Cain Cross is determined to find a cure . . . if he can decipher his brother’s chicken-scratch formula notes. But when he gets infected, he has only 22 days until he’s trapped in the mental prison forever. Now, every time he falls asleep, he must fight in a Nightmare Arena until he earns his freedom to live in the “new world” that exists only in the mind.

Then he finds a way to manipulate the Nightmare—to change it by mere thought.

Forced to navigate a world of nightbeasts, mistblades, and half-truths, Cain turns his focus to survival. When the Emperor offers him a LifeSuPod—and access to a cure—in exchange for a dangerous favor, Cain thinks he’s found a way out. But Cain’s new power threatens to take him on paths that jeopardize his very soul.

Will he continue searching for a cure, or will he swear allegiance to the Nightmare? And the bigger question might be . . . will he even have a choice?

I have loved Nadine Brandes for years. Every book of hers I've read has drawn me in from the start, and this was no exception. While I'm not usually a science fiction girly, I trust Nadine with my life at this point, lol. From the first chapter there was a sense of intrigue and urgency. (Even in the first chapter I was having to remind myself "It's not real. It can't hurt you. You're not going to die from this mysterious illness.") The characters reach out to you from their brokenness and that's something that really makes a book great. The concept is so different from the average story and I just want to know how she comes up with gold like this. While her historical fantasy will always be my favorite, The Nightmare Virus is going to rank at the top of my YA books this year, I can tell. And as always, Nadine seamlessly incorporates her love of Jesus into every word, which makes me so happy. I will never be able to recommend her writing enough.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Nadine Brandes has been known to do wild things (like ride a sleeper train across Russia) in the name of book research. She’s the four-time Carol Award–winning author of seven young adult books and has been a professional fiction editor for over a decade. She is passionate about Jesus, motherhood, and creating with the Creator. When she’s not busy inventing worlds and magic systems, she’s adventuring through Middle Earth with her Auror husband and their four Halfling children.

More from Nadine

“Really, God? Now?” That was my reaction when He told me it was time to sign a contract for The Nightmare Virus less than two years after a global pandemic. “No one wants a book with the word “virus” in its title.”

That was the first of many moments that revealed this book was not my choice to write or publish or even title, but was instead the Lord’s. I’d had the idea for over a decade. And while it had nothing to do with the 2020 pandemic it arose from the concept that this world is not our home. This world is temporary and yet, during our time in it, we—as Believers—know the path to freedom out of darkness.

It was a story I was waiting and waiting to write and share with the world and yet when God said “Go” I argued with Him. I was convinced this was the worst time to try and publish this book. I told Him I’d have no time to write it (as a mama of 3 children in 3 years with another one on the way at the time.) Yet God said, “I’ll make the time.” And He did. He paved the way for this book—both in my imagination and in my practical life—and that’s the best road an author can walk, one where her King has gone before her.

This book is unlike anything I’ve ever written and I know that can be either a very good thing or a very bad thing, haha. But God has made it evident that He has a purpose for this story, not the least of which was to draw me closer to Him while writing it.

As I prepared this blog post I thought I could talk about the characters or themes or plot…but you’ll encounter all of those things when you read it. Instead I chose to share the heart journey behind it. Readers may pick it up because of the title or perhaps they’ll pick it up in spite of the title. No matter how the story finds its way into their hands, I know that it is the Lord who got it there. And I can’t wait to see what sort of sparks come from it.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nadine is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/2d08f/the-nightmare-virus-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 31

The Lofty Pages, August 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 2

Through the Fire Blogs, August 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 3

Blogging With Carol, August 4

Blossoms and Blessings, August 5 (Author Interview)

Inspired by fiction, August 6

Guild Master, August 7 (Author Interview)

Faery Tales Are Real, August 7

Live.Love.Read., August 8 (YOU ARE HERE)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 9

Fiction Book Lover, August 10 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, August 11 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 12

Denise L. Barela, August 13

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Review: Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary. As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai's father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages.
War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance.

Afraid he's losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness?

This new to me author stunned me with this latest work. After seeing some of my favorite authors rave about the book, I decided to try it for myself. I was immediately swept into the world of Kai and her family in the jungles of Burma. I usually prefer WWI settings over WWII, but this novel was such a fresh take on such an overlooked battle front. I was stunned. Anytime my eyes broke from the page, I was disoriented trying to readjust myself to my plain old living room. The story of a missionary's daughter who had to fight through her pain and anger at God, couped with a young missionary who didn't know what he believed either, created a beautiful journey that showed God's unwillingness to let people slip away from Him. I will say, this is a much darker story than I usually read, and that may be an issue for some readers, but for me, I'm so glad that I took a chance on a new author and went on this incredible journey with Kailyn and her Bear of Burma.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

CelebrateLit Tour: Review: The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep

About the Book

Book: The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: April, 2024

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.

Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

I've been in love with this series since book one (which admittedly I did chuck across the room as soon as I finished reading it... I had big feelings on that one, lol). Book three was absolutely lovely. The humor I've come to expect, the danger to give me a thrill, and the sweetest romance ever. Not to mention the addition of some new characters that I actually adore, such as Bella and Harvey and Catchpole. And while of course, Jackson and Kit are the main attraction, let's not forget Charles and Martha, Kit and Greybone, Frankie and literally everyone, Greybone and Bella, Kit and Brooks, Jackson and Harvey, Catchpole and Jackson... literally just everyone with everyone, tbh. I laughed out loud, I screeched in horror, and felt all the feels. Definitely recommend this one, and don't forget... #respectthearmadillo

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.

More from Michelle

Oh Inspiration…Wherefore Art Thou?

There are several questions I am asked frequently as an author.

“Hey, how much money do you make?”

“Can you help me get my book published?”

“How come it takes you so long to finish a story?”

But probably the most common query is this: what sorts of things inspire you? Now that is a question I can go on and on about! Don’t panic, though. I’ll be brief.

Story ideas come from every place imaginable. I’ve had plot thoughts from watching kids’ movies or even from eavesdropping at a coffee shop (note: beware what you say in public). TV series are also a favorite of mine, so much so that my latest release, The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, is loosely based on one of my all-time favorite PBS series.

Have you seen this show? If not, do yourself a favor and ride that pony. If you have, then you know what I’m talking about. Either way, you should know that, the main character, is a detective in Victorian London—a very sassy yet classy lady. And that’s what struck me light a lightning bolt.

This woman is Kit, the heroine in my Blackfriars series, like right there on the big screen.

So, for book III, I decided I’d let ol’ Kit open her own private investigation agency with the help of her father, a recently retired police sergeant. Of course much intrigue and chaos ensues, just like in my all-time favorite PBS series, bringing the Blackfriars series to a satisfying end.

Inspiration honestly comes from anywhere, so next time you’re rubbing elbows with an author, beware. You just might end up as a character in their next book.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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/2b146/the-sleuth-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 26

Book Looks by Lisa, April 26

Live. Love. Read., April 27 (YOU ARE HERE!)

Vicky Sluiter, April 27

She Lives To Read, April 27

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 28

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 29

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Sylvan Reads, April 30

Pause for Tales, April 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 1

Blogging With Carol, May 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 2

For Him and My Family, May 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 2

Betti Mace, May 3

Wishful Endings, May 3

Bizwings Book Blog, May 4

Daysong Reflections, May 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 5 (Author Interview)

Kristina Hall, May 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 6

The Lofty Pages, May 6

Cover Lover Book Review, May 7

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 7

Blossoms and Blessings, May 7

Holly’s Book Corner, May 8

Back Porch Reads, May 8

Lily’s Corner, May 9

Life of Literature, May 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 9

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Review: Set in Stone by Kimberley Woodhouse

A dangerous scheme could bury their long-held dreams forever. . . .

From the time she was little, Martha Jankowski has been digging in the dirt, much to the dismay of her mother. Now she dreams of being a paleontologist and is determined to make her parents proud by uncovering the next big discovery. When Martha finds what she hopes to be a fully intact dinosaur skeleton--one that could win her an acclaimed exhibit--she learns another team is competing against her and could steal her chance at being recognized for this momentous discovery.

Paleontology student Jacob Duncan has fulfilled his dream of digging for dinosaur bones at last. In a race against time, he and his team are bent on unearthing a complete skeleton to claim a museum exhibit with their names on it. But when Jacob meets their charming competitor Martha and uncovers foul play within his team, love and danger grow hand in hand until a menacing ruse threatens to destroy it all.

I'm sorry, but what just happened to me! I have never been more flabbergasted and shook by a book and it's twisty turn-y ending than I am by Set in Stone. It's been half an hour and I am still physically shaking. The suspense throughout the entire book was so good. I have not the words to explain it. Chef's kiss, okay? Also, the romance, super cute. The dinosaur dig, sort of makes me want to go dig up one for myself, to be honest. The faith element- beautiful. But I keep coming back to the plot overall. 10/10 masterful work. The way the characters grow, the setting, the tension that builds, the bread crumbs along the way to solving the mystery... I always love Kimberley Woodhouse's books, but this- this just takes the cake. I saw someone else's review say this was her best book yet, and pre-having-read-it me was skeptical, because some of her books are nearly impossible to top. Not skeptical anymore. If you love history, faith and science complementing each other, and a dastardly villain, look no further. (Plus, each book in this series is a standalone, so you technically don't have to read book one first. Although... I do recommend that one as well.) There's so much else I could say, but I am not here for spoilers, okay? Just buy the book. I'll make it easy and leave a link below the photo for you, okay?

Link to purchase

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

CelebrateLit Tour: Review: Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by Jaime Jo Wright

About the Book

Book: Night Falls on Predicament Avenue

Author: Jaime Jo Wright

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Release Date: April 9, 2024

In 1910, Effie James is living a dream for two. Her younger sister is harboring a secret that has left timid Effie determined to fulfill her daring sister’s grand plan of seeking out adventure in their small Iowa town. When a British gentleman arrives, disrupting their peace with efforts to find the wife many claim lived her final days at the now abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue, Effie is thrust into intrigue she couldn’t have prepared for. But what she finds inside will forever link her to the scandal staining the house’s walls and to a woman whose secrets promise a curse.

A century later, Norah Richman is living out her late-twin’s dream of running their great aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue–a place Norah believes nothing good can come out of after her sister’s abduction and murder thirteen years ago. Her first guest is a crime historian and podcaster, and Norah resolves to stay far away from the charming and enigmatic man–until another guest is found dead. As they dig deeper, something sinister unfurls that will reveal an ominous unknown far greater than the possibility of death itself.

Click here to get your copy!

I am absolutely in love with this book! It was so good that I even braved reading after nightfall to keep getting the story. (If you've ever read any of her books, you know why that was a very brave thing I did!) This book was the fastest I have ever fallen in love with the present day timeline in one of Jaime's books. I always do eventually, but Sebastian sold me from the beginning. I think I finally realize what other people mean when they say that their books have "swoon-worthy heroes." Also, I think my type now is just... Sebastian. Anyway... moving on... the tension in this book was real! And, for maybe the first time ever, I solved a Jaime Jo Wright mystery before the end. I was so excited about that! Although, I will say that the anticipation of getting there nearly had me throwing the book while I made unearthly squealing sounds! Definitely one of my favorites of Jaime's so far. Top four. Or... maybe top three tied with Lost Boys. Long story short, if you're a mystery fan or like a spooky vibe that gets settled with very real humans at the end, buy the book. (In case you're wondering, they sent me a free e-book for this review and I bought myself the paperback too, because it's just that good!)

About the Author

Jaime Jo, the coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire, has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin’s rural woodlands.

Her literary vocation involves penning Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe.

More from Jaime Jo

True crime did NOT just become popular in this century! Scour the old newspapers for a full and detailed telling of the latest crime. That’s how I got the idea for Night Falls on Predicament Avenue! Yes! I read an old newspaper article from the late 1800’s in which they described in quite delectable detail, the crime scene of a murder in a house with questionable history. That being said, it’s also important to note, that forensics DID just recently become popular in the last 50-100 years. In the 1800’s, if you were murdered, it was common for your neighbor to tour and trample over your crime scene out of curiosity and/or the hope they might be of service in solving the crime. More likely than not, they were merely wanna-be podcast listeners of true crime shows simply born too early for that technological advancement.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jaime Jo is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card to Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, MI and an autographed copy of the book!!

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/2af9e/night-falls-on-predicament-avenue-celebration-tour-giveaway