"Heart of the Country" by Rene Gutteridge

A singer, a businessman, and a Ponzi scheme! What will happen to this couple? Can their life together survive the lies, arrest, emotions, and mistrust?

Faith and Luke are a couple who seemingly have everything they want in life. Faith is settling into her marriage and enjoying the life her husband is providing. Luke is a businessman who took his inheritance and invested it. All seems well until Luke is arrested and accused of breaking the law with a Ponzi scheme. Faith runs to her childhood home, a place she ran from in her past, not even stopping to find out if Luke is guilty or not. Luke is determined to clear his name and get out from under his mistakes. He too runs home to his family. Will either family be able to help them? Will Luke and Faith find their way back together? What of the Ponzi scheme? 

I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who loves a good story dealing with faith, redemption, and love. It is well written with characters I would love to meet. I received my review copy from Tyndale PR in exchange for an honest review.

"The Redcoats are Coming!" by Marianne Hering, Nancy Sanders

This is the first book in a three book series about the American Revolution. It was an exciting and frightening time in history, and the authors treat readers to a view from two young people. Come along with Patrick and Beth to Concord, MA, and meet some of the people who stood on the front lines of the landing of the British soldiers.

Patrick and Beth were two unsuspecting children who find an envelope addressed to Paul Revere in a very old Bible. Through the Imagination Station, they are transported back in time to the American Revolution where they meet many famous people from history (like Paul Revere and John Hancock). They meet a girl named Sybil and learn first hand what it means to help in the war effort. This book enables children aged six to nine to see the war through the eyes of other children.

I really enjoyed this book and found myself thinking about the children I will buy copies for. There are fifteen chapters (like: A Mysterious Letter, Dangerous Spies, Alone in the Dark, and Willing to Die) that will capture the attention of young readers encouraging them to read on. The Secret Word Puzzle at the end was also a treat. I recommend this book to parents and grandparents. I received my review copy from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

"Merlin's Blade" by Robert Treskillard

King Uther, Merlin, and a powerful meteorite come together iin this story that predates the reign of King Arthur. What kind of power does the meteorite hold, and who will gain control?

Merilin is the son of a swordsmith. His partial blindness has led him to be shy, and all he wants is to find a happy life with the woman he loves. A discovery in the forest changes things, however. He and Garth find a strange, protected stone. He doesn't know about its powers until the visions he sees threaten everything he loves. Will Merlin conquer his fears, gather his courage, and end the power of the stone? Can he save his country, family, and friends from it's power? Will the monks be able to stop Merlin?

I love the tales of Merlin and King Arthur, so was intrigued by this new book by Robert Treskillard. It engaged me and transported me to these magical times. It is well written, and the characters are fun to follow. If you enjoy tales of Merlin, and would like a glimpse of what it may have been like at the beginning of his story, this book is for you. I received my review copy from the Book Sneeze program in exchange for an honest review.

"Martyr's Fire" by Sigmund Brower

In Book 3 of his "Merlin's Immortals"series, Sigmund Brower takes us on a dangerous quest with Thomas that will severely test his beliefs and ability to stay hidden. These were dangerous times for Thomas. Fifteen men claiming to be Priests of the Holy Grail with power that sways the people of the castle have taken over. Who are they and how will they affect Thomas' quest?

Thomas must escape Magnus, and quickly. These new "Priests of the Holy Grail" are doing wonders and miracles, but Thomas doesn't trust what is going on, and his distrust leads to his discovery of their real identity. They have taken over the castle, which has put Thomas in danger and he must leave quickly. He dressed as a beggar to find the truth, and again to leave, assisted by Gervaise in that escape. His journey to find the truth brings him to the possibility of great power, something many others are searching for. Will the others find Thomas and stop him from finishing his journey? Will good or evil gain control of this mysterious power?

I love series books, and book 3 in this YA series did not disappoint me. I wanted to know what would happen to Thomas and his friends. The Medieval time period of the setting makes it easy to imagine dungeons, secret powers, and dark secrets. If you enjoy fantasy stories set in Medieval times, this book is for you. I received my review copy from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

"The War on Christmas" by Bodie Hodge

Christmas - a time for spreading good-will, for celebrating the birth of Christ, and for sharing the gifts we have been given. But, that isn't what it seems like today. In his new book, Bodie Hodge shares the ways in which Christmas has been systematically taken apart, and how the parts that are left are being attacked. 

The Christmas season happens in late December, with Christmas Day falling on Dec. 25th. But how many signs do you see that say Christmas? The first change was to "XMas" and now it is
"Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings." Taking Christ out of Christmas has allowed so many other changes to be made and for commercialism to take over. Too many people are fighting the words, music, traditions, etc. of the season in the name of being more "PC."  Through his book sections: "What About Christmas?" "Confusion and Misconceptions," "It's All Baby Jesus," "How Christmas Came to Be," and "The War on Christmas," Mr. Hodge explores the history of this wonderful season and the fight to take it down.

I loved this book. The information and photographs brought out so much of the things I think of as Christmas. I can remember when we could purchase Christmas trees and no one raised a fuss. Now, it is hard to find a sign that says Christmas or someone willing to say Merry Christmas. This book will help you understand what is at stake and why we should stand up for what we believe. This is a great book for everyone to read. I received my review copy from Handlebar Marketing in exchange for an honest review.

"Shadowed by Grace" $2.99 for a limited time only

For a limited time only, Cara Putman's new book, Shadowed by Grace, is only $2.99 for your Kindle (or you can order the paperback from CBD.com and get it as a Christmas gift before its release date in January)!

 

More about Shadowed by Grace: She found peace in a time of war.

Desperate to save her dying mother, an American woman accepts her newspaper's assignment to travel to Italy where she takes photographs dangerously close to the front lines during World War II. But Rachel's real motive in this journey is to find the father she never knew, an artist she hopes can offer the comfort and support both she and her mother need to survive at such a desperate time.

In her quest, Rachel becomes involved with what will become the Monuments Men effort to save great monuments and works of art from the Third Reich. Soon enough she will find more than she ever imagined-in war, in love, and in God.

Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men by Cara Putman

Fact vs Fiction by Cara Putman- Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men

The Camera featured in Shadowed by Grace: A Story of Monuments Men by Cara Putman

"The God Puzzle" by Valerie Ackermann

Puzzles have many pieces that fit together to make one big picture.  In her new book, Valerie Ackermann helps children ages 7 - 12, see how the Bible "pieces" fit together to become the full picture, with meaning for them.

A workbook for the Bible? Don't kids have enough to do for school? That might be your first thought when you see "The God Puzzle," but you really need to look further. It shouldn't be a chore to learn about the Bible, it should be a delight! Inside these pages are colorful illustrations, Bible verses to read, puzzles, things to talk and pray about, "prayer letters to God," and so much more. This book offers the opportunity for children to really begin to enjoy learning about Bible doctrines, drr how the Bible works and fits, and helps create habits that will last a lifetime.

This is such a fun, wonderful way to learn about the Bible. Questions like, "Who is God?" "What was the Tabernacle?" and "How do I study the Bible?" offer children, and their parents, the opportunity to see God's Word can have special meaning for each of us. I really enjoyed studying along with the book's characters, and will purchase copies to give as gifts. It will make a wonderful tool to have in your library, or to give to the youngsters in your life. I received my review copy from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for participation in the blog tour.

Book Info

About the book: The God Puzzle is a colorful, easy to use tool to help you communicate to your child the rich truths about God, His ways, His will and His love. The God Puzzle will help you address doctrinal themes of the Christian faith in a kid friendly way, present Bible lessons in an interactive way that will hold the child's attention and deliver quality teaching with no preparation needed. 75% of children leave the church when they leave home. Something isn't working. Sunday School isn't doing it all. Kids need answers, good ones. And they need them from you, the parent. This book enables you to give them simple, clear answers. What makes The God Puzzle unique? - ready made discussion questions for parent to ask their child in each lesson - can be done at any pace that works with your  family . . . every night, once a week, 10 minutes here, 30 minutes there . . . it fits into realistic family life - puts the pieces together for a child to understand God, the Bible, and the Christian faith - in each lesson the responds to the truth so they understand their relationship to God is personal and life transforming - any parent, whether they know nothing, or a lot about God can start teaching their child today with no prep - deep theology put into language a child can understand - deeply Biblical, each lesson points to Christ - put in an order that starts with creation, and teaches the Bible as one story that all points to Christ - child stays engaged by filling in blanks, crosswords, drawing, matching and using their Bibles as they learn Purchase your copy: http://ow.ly/r7gQh About the Author: Valerie Ackermann has a BA in Theology and has been a full time Children's Ministry Director at Parkwood Community Church in California for over 10 years. She is also a weekly Sunday school teacher, wife, and busy mom of two boys ages 9 and 11. She has hands-on experience as a children's ministry professional, teaching and leading children of all ages. Growing up in a Christian family in the small town of Saskatchewan Canada, she has wonderful memories of knowing God from an early age. She has a passion for kids to know the deep truths of God. Find out more at LeadMeToGod.com.

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Landing page:   http://litfusegroup.com/author/vackermann

"Critical Reaction" by Todd M. Johnson

The Hanford Nuclear Facility had been known for its production of plutonium during the Cold War. When that ended, so did the large demand for the plutonium and the facility shut down. But what of the residue left inside? Could it be dangerous? Then there was an explosion.....

Kieran was not killed in that explosion, but he was road blocked as he tried to find out what happened. A night guard named Poppy has a story that doesn't match the official account. Someone isn't telling the truth, someone is covering up the truth, and people are coming up missing. So, what is Kieran's next step? It is a legal one and involves an old friend, Emily Hart, who is a lawyer, and her father, Ryan. Can they uncover the truth about the Hanford Facility, or will they never learn what happened? This story will keep readers interested from beginning to end wondering what happened at Hanford and how it will be resolved.

Mr. Johnson can certainly tell a story well. His characters and story line are realistic and compelling. I found myself drawn into the story from the beginning and really wanted to know how it would all be resolved. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good legal thriller. You won't be disappointed. I received my review copy from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

"The Hardest Thing in This World" by Nicole Eva Fraser

Families have secrets and they have ghosts. Struggles with mental illness and drug abuse can tear them apart. In her new book, Nora Fraser takes her readers into the lives ot the three Sawyer women, exploring multiple topics that will keep her readers reading and thinking.

Melody Sawyer just lost her daughter, Renee, while her other daughter, Kayla, while married, is having an affair with a very public athlete. Dealing with the death of a child is difficult enough, but when her ghost keeps popping in at different times, she also thinks she is losing her mind. But then, Renee isn't the first ghost she has seen. How are the ghosts related to Melody's ability to deal with death? Will Kayla be of any help at all? Can love and forgiveness heal this dysfunctional family?

This book is well written with characters and a storyline that hooked me right away. It is a book that will make you think and feel and perhaps to know more. It is a book that is worth reading and its topics worth understanding. I received my review copy from PR by the Book in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Set in the suburbs of Cleveland, the story is told in a nonlinear narrative through the eyes of the three Sawyer women. Smart-mouthed Melody is an underachiever, a home health care nurse with good intentions and a chip on her shoulder. Her married daughter Kayla has been deep in a clandestine affair with pro baseball player Baron Lee Presley since she was 16. After her death, Renee’s ghost keeps popping in on the family, invited and uninvited, much like the ghost of Uncle Jamie used to visit the girls.

Revolving around family and the issues that come with living in a family with mental illness, the story follows the Sawyer women through birth, coming-of-age and dealing with the death—and ghosts—of loved ones.

By day, Nicole Eva Fraser writes for a major greeting card company in the Midwest; by night, she plunges into the darker world of writing fiction. The Hardest Thing in This World is her first novel about family, mental illness and the search for hope and meaning in the things that hurt.