Discover Holman Bible Publishers' Old Testment Hanbook, an elegant resource to begin to dive deeper into God's Word and enter to win a $10 gift card!

About the Book:

"Immerse yourself in The Old Testament Handbook, an elegant, full-color Bible handbook that includes robust summary content, charts, maps, word studies, illustrations, and more for every Old Testament book of the Bible. Constructed with high-quality cloth cover materials and a sewn binding, The Old Testament Handbook is designed to last a lifetime as a valuable companion resource for Bible study, teaching, and ongoing discipleship. 

FEATURES: 

• High-quality, foil-stamped cloth cover materials and Smyth-sewn binding meant to last a lifetime
• Elegant full-color interior design, including maps, charts, illustrations, and other visual helps for every book of the Old Testament 
• More than 75 in-depth word studies of key words found in each Old Testament book 
• Ribbon marker for easy referencing between pages during study, teaching, or sharing

The Old Testament Handbook features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB captures the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others."

In 2012, Ronie Kendig released Trinity, the first novel in her A Breed Apart Trilogy and began her reign as the paramilitary romantic suspense genre queen of Christian Fiction. Her latest release, Havoc, is a spin off of that beloved series. Read on for the full review and enter to win a copy for yourself!

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Havoc by Ronie Kendig, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

© 2023 Sunrise Publishing

About the Book: 

"A soldier, a Malinois, and a stuntwoman walk onto a TV set ... 

Former Special Forces operator Sergeant Crew Gatlin takes everything in stride, even the career-ending incident that separated him from the Army, half a leg, and his beloved working dog, Havoc K027. Putting his life back together and lying low, he takes a job with A Breed Apart and is unexpectedly reunited with Havoc. It’s too good to be true—and the proof is in their first assignment: to work as a K-9 team for a television drama in Los Angeles. Miffed at being relegated to TV fodder, he’s willing to pay the price when he sees the stuntwoman. 

Being a stunt double allows Vienna Foxcroft to fulfill her acting dream—with a side of MMA—and stay out of the limelight. The same one that plagued her childhood and put her through a nightmare scenario. Now, her tight-knit stunt team are the only ones she trusts. Then in walks Mr. Mountain-of-Muscle and his tough-as-nails dog, and Vienna has a bad feeling her life is about to turn upside down. 

Ticked as they head overseas for a location shoot in Turkey, Crew guts it up—after all, he has Havoc again. Okay, and yeah—Vienna is going, too. When an attack sends the cast fleeing into the streets of Turkey, Vienna must face the demons of her past or be devoured by them. And Crew and Havoc are tested like never before. 

Experience the high-octane thrill ride that is the first book in the A Breed Apart: Legacy series."

The Artist Librarian Review:
Though I haven't gotten around to reading Ronie Kendig's A Breed Apart Trilogy yet, I had no trouble following along since other than some possible cameos, the characters in Havoc seem to be all new. Kendig's experience and extensive research into the lives of "MWDs" (military working dogs) and their handlers shines through from every page. From the first prologue with Crew to descriptions of Vienna's life as a stunt double, there is a grounded authenticity in the worldbuilding and portrayals that kept me reading until the end! One thing I've always enjoyed in Kendig's novels is that she seems to have found the delicate balance of intense-yet-not-gratuitously-graphic in regards to action, romance, and language.  Whether readers have been following Ronie Kendig from the very start or are just discovering her books for the first time, both will enjoy Havoc's journey and the humans by his side. 

[Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes via JustRead Tours.]

About the Author:

"Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty-five books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share—sometimes—with Benning the Stealth Golden and AAndromeda the MWD Washout. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters. 

Connect with Ronie by visiting roniekendig.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates."

Tour Giveaway:

One (1) winner will win a paperback copy of Havoc and a $10 gift card to the Sunrise Shop!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 16, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 23, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Title: Creed [The Minnesota Marshalls #5]  

© 2023 SDG Publishing

"He’s a criminal—who must become a prince to save the princess he loves. But will she have to become a criminal to save him? 

In the heart-pounding conclusion to the epic Minnesota Marshalls series, Princess Imani finds herself once again in peril as she becomes the target of a deadly plot. She needs Creed – only problem is, he’s facing charges in Lauchtenland. But he’s not going to let that stop him from protecting her…even if he has to become a fugitive. But who is trying to kill her? Together, they race against time to unravel a web of deceit and conspiracy that seems to entrap the entire family. As their journey takes them from the palace to the high mountains, and finally back to Minnesota, Imani and Creed must discover the truth before tragedy destroys everything—and everyone—they love.

Read the thrilling finale of the Minnesota Marshalls series, where the fate of a family and destiny of a kingdom hang in the balance."

The Minnesota Marshalls series by Susan May Warren is gearing up for an explosive finale, but first up is Iris' long awaited story!

About the Book: 

"Iris Marshall never wanted to be anything more than what she is—an official for the European League of (American) Football. So, why she said yes to being a courier for the CIA? She’s not sure, especially when it lands her in an international thriller that has her on the run from a killer. And worse, the person she’s on the run with? Arrogant, bossy, playboy Hudson Bly football player and the last person on earth she wants to go into hiding with. 

Hudson knows his days as a wide-receiver are numbered. Too many head injuries, starting with a violent TBI in college have caught up with him. So yes, he agreed to be a patriot, do his bit for the USA and courier a message between agents. He never expected for that simple act to ignite an international man-hunt for the official who wrecked his life, Iris Marshall. But what’s a guy to do—let her get killed? But spending time with Iris has ignited a desire in him that takes him by surprise, and for Iris, maybe Hudson is more than she thought. 

But who is after Iris? When one of her fellow officials is murdered, maybe the killer is after more than just her—maybe she’s found herself in the middle of an international plot to take down a country. 

It’ll take the help of the entire family to keep Iris safe…but at what cost when they have to choose between their careers…and their country?"

Can you think of a favorite fictional quartet of sisters? Read on to learn more about the Collins sisters featured in the latest release from Misty M. Beller!

© 2023 Bethany House Publishers

About the Book:

"In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's deathbed request for them to return a special set of beads to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels West. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley. 

Riley Turner came West to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known. 

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return East or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn?"

The Artists Librarian Review:
No quartet of literary sisters have captured my attention since the March sisters in Little Women! Juniper, the second oldest of the Collins family, along with eldest sister Rosemary, and younger sisters Lorelai and Faith, have come to the Rockies determined to honor their father's dying wish to return a keepsake to the Native American woman who saved his life years ago. Unchaperoned, the young ladies are resolute to stick together, complete their quest, and return to Virginia and restart their family's horse ranch. Trapper Riley Turner falls in with the women and becomes one of their protectors and guides, but who will protect his heart? 

Misty M. Beller crafts a satisfying start to the Sisters of the Rockies series in Rocky Mountain Rendezvous, setting the stage for future stories (each I assume will follow one sister, so either a quartet or at least a trilogy of novels).  Growing up in a place where I was highly sensitive to the concern of indigenous representation, I was initially slightly worried about how the Native American characters would be portrayed, but there were no huge gaffs that I detected and there was an even-handedness compared to other older western-set novels I've read (though for full disclosure, I am not indigenous myself). I appreciated that Beller didn't refer to the Blackfoot tribes as a monolith, but specified the Piegan and other tribes as well. A believable romance with likable characters, along with a side mystery of stolen horses, will keep readers turning the pages to the end. I look forward to the rest of the Sisters of the Rockies series and recommend it for any western or prairie romance fans!

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via JustRead Tours.]

About the Author:
"USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories set on the 1800s frontier and woven through with the truth of God's love. Her Southern roots run deep, and she lives in South Carolina with her husband and children. Learn more at mistymbeller.com."

Susan May Warren continues her Minnesota Marshalls series by featuring Navy SEAL Ned Marshall in a race across Europe to rescue his ex-fiancé. 

Title: Ned [Minnesota Marshalls #3]

"After four years of training to become a Navy SEAL, Ned Marshall is finally ready to marry the woman of his dreams, Shae Johnson. And Shae’s been uber patient, waiting, building a life as a free-lance graphic artist, moving around the globe to be with him. So, when she said yes to his proposal in Geneva, he fully expected to live happily-ever-after. 

At the very least, he expected her to be waiting at the hotel for him three days after an emergency call-out. And maybe it was unreasonable to expect her to be sitting in the hotel, working on her watercolors—Shae, after all grew up in Montana, and she has adventure in her blood. So of course she’s going to go climb the beautiful Swiss mountains. Even make a friend. But Ned isn’t thrilled with her new friend, and something about him doesn’t feel safe… 

So she’s made some friends while waiting for Ned to return? Shae can’t believe that after years of sacrifice, Ned is actually angry at her—what did he expect, that she’d sit by the window? Dana and his friends are harmless, right? Not so much. Because when Shae finds herself kidnapped, and brought to Russia, she fears the worst—she’s been swept up in a human trafficking ring. And when she’s sent to, of all places, Siberia how will Ned ever find her? But Ned isn’t going to lose her—not after everything they’ve been through, and he’ll stop at nothing to rescue her. But when he discovers the real reason she’s been taken, he will have to become a traitor to his country if he wants her back. 

Join the epic race to rescue Shae in the high-adrenaline book three in the Minnesota Marshalls series."

If I Were a Tiger is a charming picture book about a young boy attempting to hide his fears by imagining he is a tiger, but is reminded he has someone bigger to help him through it.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for If I Were a Tiger by Caroline Coleman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: If I Were a Tiger
Author: Caroline Coleman
Published: 2022 by WaterBrook Press

About the Book: 

"A whimsical and playful rhyming picture book about a young boy who imagines himself as a tiger to overcome his fears — only to realize that he can trust in God. 

Meet Tim Bone. He has a big imagination, and when it roams wild, he’s afraid of a lot of things. He's scared of the moon and the wailing typhoon, and he won't wear his sneakers because he fears hidden creatures. Tim's nervous at home, at school, and at play! 

Fed up with being frightened, Tim comes up with a bold solution: He’s going to become a tiger so he can be fiercer than his fears! There’s just one problem: If he’s a tiger, he can’t be Tim. Could there be a better solution? What if Tim puts his trust in God—who made both boys and tigers—instead?  

If I Were a Tiger invites kids of all ages to live in the comforting truth that no one has to carry their fears alone, and offers the reminder that God is only a prayer away."

The Artist Librarian Review:
If I Were a Tiger, written by Caroline Coleman and art by Dutch illustrator Nadya Bonten-Slenders is an adorable picture book about child-specific anxieties and fears that can seem huge to young ones, but points to God as the One who can help them get through it. Picture books are a wonderful way to introduce children to new concepts and ideas. They can aid in preparing them by exploring these feelings or situations before they happen (e.g. think of how many picture books there are about moving to a new place, getting a baby sibling, visiting the doctor, or going to school for the first time). Likewise, there are countless general market picture books about dealing with fears and even introduce helpful coping methods, but not many will talk about turning to God in the midst of fear. The protagonist in this story, Tim Bone, is a young school aged child whose imagination leads him to worry over many things: Are there wild animals in the shadows? Will he look dumb to the cool older kids? Will people accidentally drown him in the crowded swimming pool? At first, Tim decides he must become the most bravest, fiercest animal he knows: a tiger! But after realizing a tiger could not live like a human in society, he gains courage by remembering that he is loved by God and is His creation. With an 8.75"x8.75" trim size, I think this book would work best for one-on-one sharing or a family read aloud rather than a classroom or church library storytime. I look forward to sharing it with the little ones in my life!

What was your favorite animal as a child?

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes via JustRead Tours.]

"Caroline Coleman's debut picture book, IF I WERE A TIGER, was recently released by Waterbrook Press, a Christian imprint of Penguin Random House. Her novel, LOVING SOREN (B&H 2005), tells the true story of the woman who loved the Danish Christian philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard. She has an English degree from Princeton University, a fiction MFA from Brooklyn College and law degrees from Columbia Law School and Christ Church, Oxford University. She used to be a lawyer and now teaches English literature as an adjunct to the English department at Hunter College in New York City, where she lives with her family.

Connect with Caroline by visiting carolinecolemanbooks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for blog updates."

Tour Giveaway:

Two (2) winners will receive a Stuffed Tiger Nightlight, a print copy of If I Were a Tiger, and a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 5, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 12, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Historical, fantasy, and mystery are my top three favorite genres, so a steampunk mystery should be right up my alley! Read on for my full review ...

© 2023 Moonshell Books

About the Book:

"A painting holiday in steampunk Venice. A villa on the canal. A body in the water? 

Lady Georgia Brunel, widowed a year, has been looking forward to her holiday in the Duchy of Venice with her companion, Millicent Brunel. The clockwork city's annual art exhibition is in full swing, and old friends and new acquaintances make for an exciting social whirl. The married Sir Francis Thorne would pursue her if he dared. Several members of the nobility, including those with connections to Lord and Lady Dunsmuir, make entertaining companions. And Georgia will never admit that Dustin Seacombe, the disheveled and irritating Texican Ranger who steps on one's gown and will not confide his business in Venice, is the most interesting of all. 

And then early one morning, the body of Sir Francis washes up on the water stairs at the Brunel villa. An empty gondola floats nearby. Many assume it is an accident. The Duchy police assume a lover's quarrel, with Georgia as their suspect. For there are powerful factions in the city who want this case solved and submerged as soon as possible. Georgia and Millie must act quickly to clear her name and discover the real murderer, before Georgia finds herself dancing with death instead."

The Artist Librarian Review:
I'm a longtime fan of steampunk costuming and cosplay, but I haven't read many steampunk novels. Though The Clockwork City was my first steampunk mystery, it definitely won't be my last! Thrust into the amateur detective role to clear her name when she falls under the polizia's suspicions, Lady Georgia is a plucky protagonist, in a similar vein of Nancy Drew or Miss Marple. Shelley Adina also shines in establishing her fantastical steampunk re-imagining of Venice as a clockwork city with gondola filled waterways. I don't want to spoil any of the plot, but fans of the golden age of detective fiction or cozy mysteries looking to expand their horizons might enjoy this fantasy tinged, yet historically-inspired, steampunk novel!

[Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for review purposes via Just Read Tours.]

About the Author:

"Shelley Adina is the author of more than 50 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, Hachette, and Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk adventure and mystery as Shelley Adina; as Charlotte Henry, writes classic Regency romance; and as Adina Senft, is the USA Today bestselling author of Amish women's fiction. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in the UK. She won RWA's RITA Award(R) in 2005, and was a finalist in 2006. She appeared in the 2016 documentary film Love Between the Covers, is a popular speaker and convention panelist, and has been a guest on many podcasts, including Worldshapers and Realm of Books. When she's not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens."

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey, organized by JustRead Tours!
Read on for my review of this satisfying novella and for a chance to win a copy, along with the other books in the series!

"An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent Logan Perry’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, Emmy Thorton, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart. 

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him. 

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other? 

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line."

If you're like me, you may have a love/hate relationship with faith-based or Christian films due to "preachiness" or low production values. In the last two decades, we've seen a new generation of Christian film makers strive to break those stereotypes and it's wonderful to see those succeed. Check out my review of the Erwin Brothers' Kingdom Story Company's latest film, Jesus Revolution below and find out how you can win a $10 Amazon giftcard (USA only)! 

Title: Jesus Revolution 

About the Movie: 

"In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) is searching for all the right things in all the wrong places: until he meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher. Together with Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer), they open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival of radical and newfound love, leading to what TIME Magazine dubbed a JESUS REVOLUTION."

The Artist Librarian Review: 
Directed by Jon Erwin and Brent McCorkle, I had high expectations for Jesus Revolution since Erwin has directed other faith-based biopics I've enjoyed (the latest being American Underdog, about NFL quarterback Kurt Warner). Inspired by the 2018 book of the same name by Greg Laurie and Ellen Vaughn, Jesus Revolution is a reminder of how the Gospel is for everyone and how Christ can work through us no matter what our background. Everything was on point in this historical: the soundtrack, the costumes, the acting ... it made me curious to dig deeper and learn more from Laurie's book and other resources. I attended a Calvary Chapel church growing up so I've always heard bits about their origins, so it was neat to see onscreen. I'm also a big fan of the 1960s-1970s so it was a "must watch" film for me. 

Content wise, families with young children should be aware that the film is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for “strong drug content involving teens and some thematic elements” --you can find detailed content reviews at Plugged In or Common Sense Media. I would say it's on the lower end of PG-13 and though it covers what you'd expect from the "hippie" era, it's not gratuitous or overly graphic, just enough to set the scene of the 1970s. Overall, it was one of the best, if not the best "historical era" Christian/faith-based films I've seen in recent years and I look forward to purchasing a copy of the bluRay to explore any extras and bonus features about the making of the film!

[Disclosure: I received temporary digital access to this film from Kingdom Story Company for review purposes, but opinions are 100% my own.]

Giveaway! Enter to win a $10 Amazon giftcard code via the Rafflecopter entry form:

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Why did you want to check out Jesus Revolution? 

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2022 - Bethany House

About the Book: 

"A lively competition draws her into her rival’s blueprints–and maybe even his heart.

Olive Kentworth has spent her life hiding her interest in architecture, even though she pores over architectural books and sketches buildings. When she accepts a job on a home expansion, it’s only because her cousin Amos agrees to pose as the builder. To further hide her involvement, Olive takes a position as a nanny–not knowing that she’ll be working for her idol, Joplin’s leading architect, widower Maxfield Scott.

Maxfield is intrigued by his new nanny–she makes his home and his life bearable again. His work, on the other hand, is a disaster. An untrained builder is remodeling a completed project of his. What’s worse, Maxfield’s current client wants changes to his plans because of that builder’s work.

As the architectural one-upmanship heats up, Olive’s involvement becomes harder to hide. Will the relationship between her and Maxfield survive, or will they both miss out on building something for their future?"

The Artist Librarian Review:
A decade after her author debut, Regina Jennings' twelfth novel, Engaging Deception is a lighthearted historical romance perfect for fans and new readers alike. Though the final book in "The Joplin Chronicles", Engaging Deception can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel as well. Olive Kentworth and Maxfield Scott were likable protagonists and easy to root for. Though preferring to stay at home with her comfortable routine, Olive has a compassionate heart and wants to help others. Meanwhile, Maxfield is a conscientious and involved father who is still recovering from the loss of his wife. Seeing their growth over the course of the story was very satisfying. The side characters were also well done. Ruby Dennis was also likeable and could be appreciated beyond being "just a rival" and Olive's family were-well meaning meddlers (also Amos was a riot whenever he showed up).

Based on the existence of the Joplin Public Library, it can be surmised the story takes place in the early 20th century, but I don't recall the specific year explicitly mentioned or listed in the book, which I felt was a bit unusual for a historical. But other than that hiccup, I'd recommend Engaging Deception to any Christian historical romance fan who is looking for a unique story premise. As someone who's followed her career from the beginning, I look forward to seeing what Regina Jennings dreams up next!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via Just Read Tours]

What are some of your favorite historical fiction reads from 2022?

About the Author:  

"Regina Jennings (www.reginajennings.com) is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She's the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children."