Home Is Right Where You Are By Ruth Chou Simons

Home is Right Where You Are

by Ruth Chou Simons

Publisher: Tommy Nelson

ISBN: 978-1400244393

I had wanted to get my hands on this children's book as soon as I heard about it. When I saw it online, I knew it would be in my home eventually. When FrontGate offered the book for review, I didn't hesitate to request it! They sent me the book for review.

Summary:

Bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons shares a message of comfort and peace inspired by Psalm 23: when you are with God, home is always right where you are.

Ruth shares from her heart the words she's spoken over her own six children, from their very young days into adulthood. Ruth's lyrical text and whimsical art take children and families on a journey that reminds all of us that no matter where we go, no matter what comes our way in life, the Lord keeps us close to Him.

This book is perfect for parents and families who want to:

• reassure their children with the comforting truth that God is always with them, that He will guide them, and that He will provide for all their needs;
• teach their children that God is the source of joy, overflowing blessings, and wonderful adventure;
• be delighted with captivating illustrations and beautiful art; and
• soothe anxious minds with the comfort of God's provision and presence.

My Review:

When I saw glimpses of Home is Right Where You Are on social media, I knew it was going to be added to my bookshelves. Having stories for my grandchildren that point them back to the Savior is incredibly important to me!

Ruth's artwork is so stunning, that was a huge draw to this book in particular. You can see and hear Ruth's heart for her boys when she talks about them, but more than that, her passion for the Lord is palpable. There was no doubt in my mind that story would be precious to me and my grands.

I couldn't help but think of the Simons family as I write this post. How timely these words are that Ruth penned reminding readers that God's love has no end. "Look up, my darling, in the dark of the night. The Lord guides your steps -- and keeps you in sight." With their son in a mountain bike accident right before the release of this new book, it was such an important reminder that God is walking through this with them. "The Lord is your keeper wherever you go."

HAVE I cried each time I've read through the story? Yep. Remember when Karen Kingsbury's book Let Me Hold You Longer came out? Cried like a baby. Home is Right Where You Are hits along the same note, but in a very different way. This story is all about how no matter what our children are going through, God is with them! A truth they need to have tucked into their hearts.

So thankful for this sweet book that I get to share with my grand babies for years to come!

About the Author:

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to sow the Word of God into people's hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God's grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

The Christmas Catch By Toni Shiloh

The Christmas Catch

by Toni Shiloh

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764244698

'Tis the season... or almost! Toni writes such fun, poignant Christmas novellas. I HAD to sign up to be on her launch team for her newest release (Sept 24, 2024). She sent me her book for my review.

Summary:

When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?

Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille "Bebe" Gordon.

Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns--for the first time in eight years--all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won't risk him leaving her again. As their hometown's Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he's only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year.

My Review:

Kudos to the author for getting me into the Christmas spirit when it's only September with The Christmas Catch. While I like Christmas stories, it's not very often I feel like decorating and listening to Christmas music in Sept. In fact, I typically refuse to acknowledge it... but Toni!

She's so great at full length novels as well as novellas! They can pack a punch in a short amount of time.

We start off meeting Jahleel when he gets injured during an NFL game. He ends up back at his parents home to recuperate, but it's the last place he wants to be. Let me tell you, his dad will have you wanting to try some illegal tackles!

Then we meet his high school girlfriend, Bebe. Just so happens to be neighbors with his parents. Bebe is just living life with her sweet daughter, Hope. Then Jahleel shows up. Unfortunately, her history with Jay causes her heart to betray her while her head tries to keep her in check.

I really enjoyed how they struggled with their pasts while trying to find footing as friends. Their past helps them to have the strong base of already knowing each other, while trying to learn who they are now as adults. There are so many facets to the story. Some that warmed my cookie loving heart and others that made me want to reach into the story and wring some necks!

I appreciated how the author wove the thread of faith into the story (the good and the hard). She gave us hope, forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust. It was all such an integral part of the story.

Now, we also meet May and Ryan, and y'all, we need to bombard Toni with wanting their story! Read this book and tell me you don't agree! hahaha

About the Author:

Toni Shiloh is a wife, a mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Prince won the first ever Christy Amplify Award. It has also been praised by Oprah Daily, POPSUGAR, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a Parable bestseller. A Run at Love was included in Booklist's Top 10 Romance Fiction of 2024. Her books have won the Selah Award and have been finalists for the Carol Award and the HOLT Medallion. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Toni loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. Learn more at ToniShiloh.com.

What's the Story, Morning Glory? By Julie Lessen + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for What's the Story, Morning Glory? by Julie Lessman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! So fun to have this new book from Julie! I'm sure it'll be as delightful as she is since it's a memoir devotional!

About the Book

Title: What's the Story, Morning Glory?
Author: Julie Lessman
Publisher: Julie Lessman LLC
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Memoir Devotional (half fiction/half nonfiction)

“DEAR LORD, JULIE ... OUR WHOLE LIFE IS IN THIS BOOK!" 

My heart went out to my sweet husband as he walked into our kitchen one day with a noticeable gulp, ashen-faced after reading my latest novel.“Yes, I know, babe,” I said with a repentant smile and a conciliatory hug, “but nobody really knows that.” 
Ahem. Until now ... 

Trust me, "What’s the Story, Morning Glory? A Memoir Devotional with a 'Novel' Approach to Practical Christianity" is not a book I wanted to write. As a novelist, I have never been partial to nonfiction, either reading it or writing it, but I had little choice when God convinced me otherwise through a number of point-blank arm-twistings I couldn’t deny and not-so-gentle proddings from family and friends. 

Despite all the encouragement, I wasn’t really sure where to begin. “It will be fiction and nonfiction combined,” the Holy Spirit whispered within, and just like that, the idea for this book took flight. First, I would tell my “real” and very personal story behind the life-lesson stories in my novels, then I would follow it up with the excerpt from my books where I teach that same life lesson to my characters, finally culminating in corresponding Scriptures, a bulleted “Takeaway” list, and a related prayer. 

Thus, What’s the Story, Morning Glory: A Memoir Devotional with a “Novel” Approach to Practical Christianity was born. A memoir devotional that when combined with scenes from my novels, becomes a “novotional” where I relate the life lessons God personally taught me through His Word. I am simply a child of God who applied these lessons and Biblical precepts to every situation in my life and consequently, saw nonstop answers to prayer and blessings galore. It is my profound hope and prayer that through my own very simple and personal stories and examples, I can do the same for others. Therefore, the format for each chapter of this book will be as

1. The Real Story (How I learned and applied the spiritual lesson in my own life)
2. The Novel Story (The scene where I teach the spiritual lesson to my characters)
3. The Scripture Story (Scriptures applicable to the spiritual lesson)
4. The Takeaway Story (Bulletized points for spiritual lesson in easy-to-read/apply format)
5. The Prayer Story (Specific prayer related to the spiritual lesson)

I pray this bottom-line, albeit somewhat quirky, 1-2-3 devotional blesses you as much as God's spiritual life lessons have blessed me! 

Hugs,
Julie Lessman  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Also Available

     

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Book Excerpt

“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,

but who can stand before jealousy?”

Proverbs 27:4 NIV

Chapter Fourteen

My Career: Slaying the Dragons of Rejection,

Bitterness, Jealousy, and Idol Worship in Our Dreams and Desires

1.) The Real Story:

“Come in and make yourself comfortable.”

I blinked. Comfortable? With sweat on my palms and an eye twitching to the beat of my

pulse?? Dear God, why had I switched deodorants???

She closed the door with an ominous click and extended her hand. “I’m Zsa Zsa Gabor (name changed to protect the innocent), Acquisitions Editor for Steeple Mountain. And you are …”

A basket case … on her first conference pitch ever. I swallowed hard. “Lessman, Julie Lessman.

She nodded and settled in on a worn paisley couch with all the grace and dignity of a queen on her throne. “Tell me about your manuscript,” she said.

I sucked in a deep breath, genuflected in my mind, and let it fly … “Well, you see, it’s a story about an Irish-Catholic family in pre-World War I—”

She extended her hand in the air, palm facing me, and for a moment I thought she was going to do the princess wave. The air fused in my throat when I realized she was halting my spiel. “I’m sorry, but we can’t have stories with specified denominations …”

And there you have it. My maiden pitch to an editor … a glorious seven seconds long! I went back to my hotel room and did what I’d been doing all conference long—cried my heart out and wanted to quit. God help me, the room maid had to think I was pilfering Kleenex!

Nobody ever told me what a bumpy ride it would be on the road to publication. No one ever mentioned that it’s truly an exercise in humility and perseverance that few have the stomach for. That it takes a unique individual to even try.

All you know at the time is that you have this story burning a hole in your heart and you want to get it out. You want to pour your passion—for God and for writing—onto paper and … well, yeah, get paid for it.

So you buckle up and grit your teeth, and keep your eyes riveted to the road as you embark on a journey that has more pit stops (as in “in the pits”) than the Indy 500. And, regrettably, the bumpy ride doesn’t end when you are finally published, at least not for me.

But with God’s voice on my GPS (“Turn right at the next 1-star review and pray till you get to Forgiveness Lane …”), you plot out a route for publication that hopefully won’t have you driving in circles.

About the Author

Julie Lessman is an award-winning author whose tagline of “Passion With a Purpose” underscores her intense passion for both God and romance. A lover of all things Irish, she enjoys writing close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, Silver Lining Ranch, and The Cousins O’Connor series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Readers Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2014, Best of 2015, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-20, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction. Her independent novel A Light in the Window was an International Digital Awards winner, a 2013 Readers' Crown Award winner, and a 2013 Book Buyers Best Award winner. 

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets.

Connect with Julie by visiting julielessman.com to follow her on social media, read both romantic and spiritual excerpts from her books, or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a character named after you in Julie's next book & a signed paperback copy of that book, plus a signed paperback copy of What's the Story, Morning Glory!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 24, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 1, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print copies. Gift card open to all locales. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Love In The Wild By Mandi Blake

Love in the Wild

by Mandi Blake

Publisher: Independent

Series: Love in Blackwater

ISBN: 978-1953372543

I have loved the entire Love in Blackwater series! When the author asked me if I'd read book three, I couldn't say no because I'm loving this series. She sent me her book for review.

Summary:

It’s all fun and games until the fake relationship puts their lives on the line.

Gage Howard’s last name is a legacy, and not a good one. The Howards and the Pattons have been rivals for half a century, but his sister's actions have branded her a traitor. Now, his own loyalty is divided.

Hadley Morgan has no clue how bloody the family feud between the Howards and the Pattons is when she volunteers to help her new roommate get information to Gage. A fake relationship with her roommate’s brother is a simple solution to stay below the radar.

Gage is guarded and stoic, while Hadley is full of hope. As they carefully navigate their arrangement, they find unexpected connection in the tragedies of their past.

Hadley is determined to show Gage a God of forgiveness as he is constantly reminded of his dark past. Alliances are drawn, and betrayals can put a target on anyone’s back. Together, they’ll have to strive to keep the Howards and Pattons from destroying each other while fighting for the new love that could be the way to healing for both of them.

If you loved the Blackwater Ranch series and the Wolf Creek Ranch series, get ready to fall in love all over again in Blackwater, Wyoming.

My Review:

One of the things I enjoy about Mandi's stories is getting to visit with old friends in them! Reading stories set in Blackwater feels like going home.

We meet Gage in the previous story so I was wondering what it was going to be like getting to know him. He wasn't very likable in the beginning, and it took a while to to feel empathy for him. What do you do when you grow up in a family who has zero issues with crime? You either join them or ... actually, I don't think there was an "or" option.

Then there's sweet, kind Hadley! She's had a rough life, but her faith in God has transformed her. When she's thrown into Gage & his sister's (Thea) lives, she immediately wants to help and as time goes by, she wants to see Gage's life transformed as well. You can't help but like her and not surprisingly, Gage does as well.

Unfortunately, Gage's family and Thea's old boyfriend's family are basically like the Hatfield & McCoys. You're either running for your life or you're fighting others for it. Hadley willingly goes along with helping the siblings, but nothing about helping out is easy. There are lots of nail-biting moments and it's hard to know who to trust (aside from Hadley).

My favorite part of the author's stories is that she infuses them with incredible faith, wonderful examples of a mentor, and shows how even the toughest of characters are worthy and able to be redeemed.

I have to admit, I was very confused in the first few chapters. Who was dead? Who was killed? Which person(s) did those things? I was also confused by some of the secondary characters' names because of a lot of similarities. This time it felt like a 3.5 star read, but giving it a 3 felt too low (although I feel like 3 star reviews get a bad rap)! I've given all of her other books 4 starts so this fits right along with those! I can't wait for book four! I need Travis' story asap!

About the Author:

Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.

The Christy Award Finalists 2024 Gala + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2024, organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to the 2024 Finalists! This will be my first time attending in person and I just know I'm going to be starstruck! Here's to hoping I act "normal"!

About the Gala

The Christy Award Gala will be held on Thursday, November 14 at 7 pm central in Downers Grove, Illinois, at the DoubleTree Conference Center, just outside Chicago. Winners from each category, plus the Christy Book of the Year and Amplify Award, will be announced during the celebration.

Hosted by award-winning novelist and radio host Chris Fabry, the Gala will feature the induction of award-winning speculative author Sharon Hinck into the Christy Hall of Fame with remarks from inaugural Hall of Fame novelist Lynn Austin. The evening will also include a keynote from Amanda Barratt, author of 2023 Christy Book of the Year Within These Walls of Sorrow and the presentation of this year’s awards by last year’s winning authors: Sharon Hinck, Amanda Barratt, Sara Brunsvold, Laura Frantz, Elizabeth Goddard, Kristi Ann Hunter, Anna Rose Johnson, Linda MacKillop, Katie Powner, and Sara Watterson. 

In addition, the literary imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien will be honored throughout the evening by poet, scholar, and Anglican priest Malcolm Guite; accomplished agent of many of the industry’s award-winning speculative titles Steve Laube; and WaterBrook editor, who is the founder of the International Inklings Day Substack, Jamie Lapeyrolerie.

Learn more about The Christy Award Gala 2024

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The Christy Award Finalists 2024

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - tie

Her Only Wish, Shelley Shepard Gray (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) Indigo Isle, T.I. Lowe (Tyndale House Publishers) The Rhythm of Fractured Grace, Amanda Wen (Kregel Publications) The Thing About Home, Rhonda McKnight (Thomas Nelson)

FIRST NOVEL

A Fifth of the Story, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson Hayes (End Game Press) An American Immigrant, Johanna Rojas Vann (WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House) On Moonberry Lake, Holly Varni (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

GENERAL FICTION - tie

He Should Have Told the Bees, Amanda Cox (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group) The Last Exchange, Charles Martin (Thomas Nelson) The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass, Katie Powner (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Year of Jubilee, Cindy Morgan (Tyndale House Publishers)

HISTORICAL

Appalachian Song, Michelle Shocklee (Tyndale House Publishers) The Foxhole Victory Tour, Amy Lynn Green (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Warsaw Sisters, Amanda Barratt (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

A Winter by the Sea, Julie Klassen (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Of Love and Treason, Jamie Ogle (Tyndale House Publishers) The Seamstress of Acadie, Laura Frantz (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

8 Down, Kimberley Woodhouse (Kregel Publications) The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater, Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) The Vanishing at Castle Moreau, Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

SHORT FORM - tie

Beauty Bright (within We Three Kings), Cara Putman (Kregel Publications) The Poppy (within Dancing in the Rain), Sara Davison (Sara Davison) The Shifting Current, Dani Pettrey (Dani Pettrey) Star of Wonder (within We Three Kings), Crystal Caudill (Kregel Publications) You Make It Feel Like Christmas, Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

SPECULATIVE - tie

Estuary, Lisa T. Bergren (Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media) In This Moment, Gabrielle Meyer (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) Lumen, J.J. Fischer (Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media) Shadowcast, Crystal D. Grant (Quill & Flame Publishing House)

YOUNG ADULT - tie

The Looking-Glass Illusion, Sara Ella (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media) Offsides, Lori Z. Scott (End Game Press) Once a Queen, Sarah Arthur (WaterBrook, an imprint of Penguin Random House) Sky of Seven Colors, Rachelle Nelson (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 20, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Register for The Christy Award 2024 Events

Leading up to the Gala, an afternoon of seminars will be presented as the Art of Writing conference, which will bring together writers, creatives, and publishing curators for training and connection around Christian fiction writing.  Sessions will be led by publishers Karen Watson and Andrea Martin (Tyndale House); agents Danielle Egan-Miller and Cynthia Ruchti; and authors Amanda Cox, Kelly Flanagan, Chris Fabry, Robin W. Pearson, Dani Pettrey, and others.

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

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Author and Reader Event

Join fellow readers and forty authors (and counting!) at the JustRead Rendezvous to celebrate Christian fiction and sweet reads. This event will be held on the day after The Christy Award events at the same location. Rendezvous, modeled after the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat, aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Activities will include corporate worship, speaker sessions, author panels, small group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up book shop, and author signings.

Learn more about the 2024 JustRead Rendezvous

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

Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers by Michelle Medlock Adams & Wendy Hinote Lanier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! If you've seen any of my social media, you know I have a dog, 2 cats, and grandchildren. How could I NOT want to have this devotion in my library?

About the Book

,

Title: Paws-itive Inspirations: 90 Devotions for Kids and Dog Lovers
Authors: Michelle Medlock Adams, Wendy Hinote Lanier
Publisher: Iron Stream Media
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Genre: Juvenile Christian Non-Fiction/Devotional

Can Dogs Really Teach Us More About God? 

Award-winning authors Michelle Medlock Adams and Wendy Hinote Lanier say yes! That’s why they’ve teamed up to offer Paws-itive Inspirations—a great way to help dog lovers connect with God and learn more about their favorite breeds.  

Paws-itive Inspirations will have kids and adults alike digging up treasures about their favorite pups, as well as discovering new breeds and learning important biblical truths in every devotion. Each Fido-themed entry encourages readers to dig deeper into God’s Word as they uncover fascinating facts about our canine friends. The 90 devotions cover different dog breeds and include: 

Unleashing the Truth (key Bible verses)
Digging Deeper (self-reflection questions)
Fido 411 (interesting tidbits about the breed)
Weekly Tail-Waggers (activities to reinforce each lesson)  

Paws-itive Inspirations blends faith, fun, and canine facts to give readers a deeper understanding of God’s Word. The interactive format makes for a meaningful and memorable faith journey!  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop

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Book Excerpt

It’s a sad fact: people can sometimes hurt us or let us down. That’s just part of being human.

Everybody makes mistakes. The great thing is that God never makes a mistake. He never hurts us,

and He never lets us down. He always keeps His promises. We can trust Him. He loves us with an

everlasting love. And He is always there for us. His faithfulness never ends.

Unleash the Truth: “Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Psalm

36:5)

Digging Deeper: Have you ever felt like someone let you down?

Fido 411: In 1937 Helen Keller learned the story of the famous Hachiko. She was so impressed she

brought the first Akita to the United States.5

Weekly Tail-Waggers: Take time this week to look up the following scriptures: Psalm 57:10; Psalm

86:15; Psalm 91:4; Psalm 100:5; Psalm 119:30; Isaiah 25:1; and Lamentations 3:23. Read them and think

about what they mean. God is faithful!

About the Authors

 

Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning author of over 100 books with close to four million books sold, including her best-selling What Is . . .? board book series. Michelle has written countless articles, helped pen a New York Times bestseller, hosted TBN’s Joy in Our Town TV program, and taught at more than one hundred writers conferences. Michelle is married to her high-school sweetheart, Jeff. They have two married daughters, two grandsons, and two granddaughters.

Connect with Michelle by visiting michellemedlockadams.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Wendy Hinote Lanier is a Texan, dog lover, and only child who always wanted a puppy rather than a brother or sister. She is a former elementary teacher who writes and speaks for children and adults on a variety of topics and is an award-winning author of more than 50 books for children.

Connect with Wendy by visiting wendyhinotelanier.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Paws-itive Inspirations and a $25 Visa gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 24, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

The Christy Award 2024 Finalists

Today was so fun watching and listening to ECPA President and CEO, Jeff Crosby, and author, Chris Fabry list The Christy Award finalists! I've been blessed to have read quite a few of these books over the past year! We've even had several of these authors join our monthly online Inspired Readers Book Club! Their names are in bold, two of them this year (Toni Shiloh and Amanda Wen).

Books with an asterisk * are ones I've read. Books with two asterisks ** means I have the book, but haven't read it yet. Many of the books have come from authors, publishers, and book tours. Some I've listened to via audiobook or purchased myself. Any of the book titles that have links with them are ones I've reviewed either on my website or on Goodreads. Click through if any interest you to learn more about the stories and read my review.

If you're interested in checking out any of these books, head to my Amazon Storefront where I'm an Amazon Associate, which means I might earn a few pennies (I have yet to earn anything) if you make a purchase through my link! Here you go: Mimi's Storefront.

Young Adult (tie):

The Looking Glass Illusion - Sara Ella*

Offsides - Lori Z. Scott

Once a Queen - Sarah Arthur

Sky of Seven Colors - Rachelle Nelson*

Contemporary Romance (tie):

Her Only Wish - Shelley Shepard Gray

Indigo Isle - T.I. Lowe

The Rhythm of Fractured Grace - Amanda Wen**

The Thing About Home - Rhonda McKnight

First Novel:

A Fifth of the Story - Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes

An American Immigrant - Johanna Rojas Vann

On Moonberry Lake - Holly Varni**

General Fiction (tie):

He Should've Told the Bees - Amanda Cox*

The Last Exchange - Charles Martin

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass - Katie Powner

The Year of Jubilee - Cindy Morgan

Historical:

Appalachian Song - Michelle Shocklee*

The Foxhole Victory Tour - Amy Lynn Green*

The Warsaw Sisters - Amanda Barrett*

Historical Romance:

A Winter by the Sea - Julie Klassen*

Of Love and Treason - Jamie Ogle**

The Seamstress by Acadie - Laura Frantz**

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:

8 Down - Kimberley Woodhouse**

The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater - Jaime Jo Wright*

The Vanishing at Castle Moreau - Jaime Jo Wright*

Short Form (2 ties):

Beauty Bright - Cara Putman

The Poppy - Sara Davison

The Shifting Current - Dani Pettrey*

Star of Wonders - Crystal Caudill

You Make it Feel Like Christmas - Toni Shiloh*

Speculative:

Estuary - Lisa T. Bergren*

In This Moment - Gabrielle Meyer*

Lumen - J.J. Fischer*

Shadowcast - Crystal D. Grant*

A Token Of Love By Carrie Turansky

A Token of Love

by Carrie Turansky

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764241062

I have read all but one of Carrie's books and have loved all of them. I like that she's found her niche and creates unique stories. I am on her launch team and the publisher sent me her book for review.

Summary:

Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister's plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice's disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum's history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum's reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.

My Review:

Another terrific book by Carrie Turansky! She does such a great job with time split stories. Typically my favorite timeline is historical, and that was true for this story as well. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed both of them, but I always have a propensity to lean toward loving the historical one more.

I think we as a society tend to forget there's nothing new under the sun. That includes how terribly people can treat one another. That's evidenced in this story in both 1885 and current day, but obviously in different ways. We also see that there are those who will champion a worthy cause!

First we meet Lillian, a widow, who is reunited with her estranged sister, and finds out her niece was left at the Foundling Hospital as a baby. What she learns from her first visit to the hospital takes her on a journey to unravel the mystery of her missing niece along with a handful of other young girls. She's joined (begrudgingly) by Matthew who is a reporter for a well-known newspaper. Together, they seek to find out what's happened to the girls!

While it was clear what direction this was going to take, I thought it was an interesting take on human trafficking, but not shocking because people were targeting the most vulnerable even then. I thought this time period was well written and I really loved Lillian's tenacity.

In the current day, Janelle is the acting director of the Foundling Museum. She finds out rather quickly that filmmaker, Jonas Conrad, wants to do a documentary about the museum in time for the museum's fundraising gala. What they find along the way about the Hospital's past leads them on a search for the truth! I really enjoyed following along as Janelle and Jonas learned more about the orphans, the families, and the hospital's history. It's a reminder of how difficult it can be to track down information from so long ago, but how well a puzzle can come together when you have all of the right pieces.

There was a lovely thread of faith woven through both timelines, which I always appreciate.

About the Author:

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too Far, No Ocean Too Wide, Across the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal. Learn more at carrieturansky.com.