Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are--to disappear--when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he's not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.

 My Thoughts:

 Another fast-paced adventure from author Elizabeth Goddard. This is book one in the series, “Missing in Alaska”. The series starts out intriguing and keeps you engrossed in the story. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough in this gripping tale.

 

In the small town of Shadow Gap, Alaska everyone knows everyone, and there aren’t many secrets that aren’t known. Police Chief Autumn Long, dad was the former police chief along with other members of her family being in law enforcement.

 

A new resident, Grier Brenner whom everyone likes but, they don’t really know anything about him. He’s handsome and he has his own secrets that he’d like to keep a secret. He is trying to stay low while his name is being cleared.

 

The main characters are well-developed and relatable. The locals you can’t help but not get invested in their characters. Then you have Alaska, with all the intrigue to it. The book makes you want to take a trip there. This book has a movie in the making that I’d like to watch!

 

Things start happening and a series of unexplained crimes and murders have been happening.  This peaceful town has had an onslaught of activity that brings Grier and Autumn together to find the one responsible for the murders, kidnapping, and other unexpected criminal activity. The book has several plot twists throughout and a few surprises.

 

I received this complimentary product through Revell in exchange for my honest thoughts.  

 

About the Book

 

Book: Be Held by Him and Companion Guidebook

Author: Karen Brough

Genre: Christian Inspirational

Release date: October, 2021

Seeking light amid a hard journey? Learn ways to take God’s hand and be

Encouraged. Are you weighed down by physical or emotional pain? Trying to survive tough times with no end in sight? Told to “walk with God” but don’t know how?

Living with various medical issues for over a decade, author and blogger Karen Brough has

triumphed despite debilitating challenges by learning to listen to the heart of the Almighty. As if inviting you into her lounge room, Karen, passes you a hot drink, welcoming you into her personal, authentic and vulnerable places. You will be encouraged and have hope seeds planted by experiencing along with her, all that He has done! In the conversations, the events and miracles, you’ll find yourself-finding yourself in her stories.

Be Held By Him – Finding God When Life Knocks You Off Your Feet is an inspiring

exploration of the reassurance that can be found in the hardest of places by turning to our

Creator. Through Brough’s own accounts, the Lord’s love letters, and prayers, you’ll feel

unending comfort. And when you learn to hear our Father’s voice for yourself, you will build

a deeper, more satisfying faith to help you persevere.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

What a beautifully written book that encourages us and shows that the Maker of the universe cares for us in all things and when we need Him the most.

Each chapter has a scripture and then it goes into the author sharing a personal story about her life after a serious illness developed. Her writing style is connectable and personable to the reader in a gentle style. Then the next part of the chapter gives encouragement from the scriptures and the personal story. Each chapter has several scripture passages and quotes. Other things like Questions to Ponder, recommended playlists, and more. The chapter ends with a prayer.

The Companion workbook mirrors the book but goes into a workbook style to answer the questions. A great tool for journaling with the book.

The book is encouraging and someone who is struggling with pain or being overwhelmed. I don’t usually read this style of book. This was a good encourager. I wouldn’t call it a study book.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Companion Guidebook

Looking for action steps to help you connect with God? Learn how to build a loving

relationship with Him and get through the hard times with joy.

Are you struggling to find hope through personal challenges? Longing to hear our Heavenly

Father’s voice but don’t know how? Need a guiding hand to show ways you can lean on Him? Feeling dry in your faith and need a fresh injection of LIFE?

In Be Held By Him Companion Guidebook, you’ll discover:

- Applications based on Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences to provide a learning style that caters to you

- Through inspirational love letters from Father’s heart to you

- Bite-sized wisdom and meditative thought, so you’ll always be encouraged

- Reflective questions that will inspire, encourage and develop healthy life thoughts

- Playlists for each chapter, so you can soak in songs of worship and inspiration that will fill your soul

- Personal blessings, God’s tender care, how He communicates, and much, much more!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Karen Brough is an Australian wife, mother, and former Primary School Teacher & has always had a passion for writing. She is the author of ‘Be Held by Him’ Finding God when life knocks you off your feet.

Ten years ago, when hit by a mystery illness, Karen began sharing the encouragement God gave to her, with others. Her heart loves nothing better than to demystifying how and who God is in the everyday and the miraculous.

She loves spending time with her husband and children. In Summer, you’ll find her enjoying the water and offering gelato to anyone who might drop by. In Winter, she makes soups, breads, and muffins. Often hiding vegetables in sweet recipes, much to her children’s dismay (secretly they love it though).

 

More from Karen

I wrote this book because I was given a dream to do it. I’d had my life turned upside down through medical mystery, and yet in it, God revealed His heart of love for me; and for those who are walking through the tough of life.

At every point, God unveiled every detail of the book, through dreams, verses, songs, life events and so much more. This book series is a testament to His miraculous, hope filled and loving hand, which is ready to pick us up, hold us tenderly and show us the next step. He speaks in ways each one of us understands, and I LOVE this about Him.

Download free art declaration cards based on the chapter themes – 16 ways we hear from God. www.karenbrough.com

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 4

Texas Book-aholic, February 5

Naked and Unashamed, February 5

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, February 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 11

Mary Hake, February 11

deb’s Book Review, February 12

Cover Lover Book Review, February 13

Splashes of Joy, February 14

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 15

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 16

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the Be Held By Him books!!

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/23d5e/be-held-by-him-and-companion-guidebook-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

]

Book:What I Would Tell You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release date: January 1, 2023

DNA Test Unlocks a Family Mystery

Sephardic Jew Mathilda Nissim watches in horror as the Germans invade her beloved city of Salonika, Greece. What angers her most is the lack of resistance her people put up to their captors. In secret and at great risk to her life, she continues to publish her newspaper, calling her people to action. She doesn’t trust God to help them. When she and her husband find out they are expecting a child, Mathilda may have to resort to desperate measures to ensure her daughter’s survival.

Three generations later, college student Riley Payson and her cousin take a popular DNA test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In fact, the test shows Riley is a Sephardic Jew from Greece. This revelation shakes Riley’s tenuous faith and sends her on a journey to discover what happened to her great-grandmother and how all this relates to her faith and her life today.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

A heartfelt and riveting story during WWII. We must never forget what happened during that war with the Holocaust. Many Jewish people were lost during the war. This story focuses on the Sephardic Jews in Greece.

This store is a dual-time line that weaves through history and the modern day. A young woman Tessa, in modern-day has her DNA tested and is surprised by the results as she thought her history was different. She goes to Greece to discover the truth.

During WWII we meet Mathilda and Asher. They bring the people together to fight back. A story that covers a dark part of our history but you will find hope and faith in God.

Liz Tolsma never disappoints. This is a powerful story that will leave a lasting impression on you. You may need a box of tissues. The characters are well-written. The story has faith and a lot of thought-provoking moments throughout.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

 

More from Liz

Take a Trip to Greece with Me

I was privileged to travel to Greece last year to research my upcoming WWII novel, What I Would Tell You. God orchestrated it so beautifully. Because of Covid, we weren’t sure my daughter would be able to travel there for the summer internship she had applied for. Eight weeks before her scheduled departure, Greece reopened to foreign visitors. Around that same time, I sold What I Would Tell You, which is set in Thessaloniki, Greece, to Barbour Publishing. I had to go and visit!

Greece is a beautiful country. The pictures you see don’t do it justice. And to someone like me, the history is one of the best parts. My daughter and I explored the old city wall, built in the 1400s, many churches that predated the Ottoman Empire, and many excavated Roman ruins that have been dug up in the city’s process of putting in a subway system.

Because this is a WWII book, we also spent a great deal of time learning about the history of the Jews in the city. The Kapani Market, just down the street from our apartment, was a vibrant mix of colorful fruits, fragrant spices, and a cacophony of languages. I could well imagine what this old Jewish market was like prior to the war with people hawking olives, fish, and oregano.

We wasted no time in visiting the Jewish museum. I was shocked by the heavy security presence with armed guards outside of the building. Once inside, we had to show our IDs and were required to turn in our phones. Antisemitism is alive and well in Greece. But what a place. There were displays after displays tracing the history of the Jewish people in Thessaloniki from 1492 until WWII. The most breathtaking was the room with stone-covered walls, the names of all 48,000 Salonikan Jews killed in the Holocaust carved into the marble. There’s an entire scene in the book that deals with this room.

What saddened me most was what we saw when we visited the trainyard where the Jews were herded into cattle cars and shipped to Auschwitz. Before we got to where the station once stood, there was a wall on which someone had pained a mural covered with black-and-white figures in their striped uniforms, their eyes and mouths wide in horror. As if that weren’t difficult enough to view, what sickened me was the blue swastikas someone had painted over them.

We also trekked to the other side of the city to visit what had once been the Jewish cemetery, now the grounds of Aristotle University. All that remains to testify that half a million people were once buried here is a small, ill-kept memorial. There were two dead Christmas wreaths placed there. We visited in August.

In addition to a moving and thought-provoking story, I hope to also introduce you to the amazing city of Thessaloniki and give you a peek into the people and the culture of this amazing place. If you ever find yourself in Greece, plan some time in Thessaloniki. Many Americans miss this gem, but it’s packed with charm and history.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Blogging With Carol, January 29

Genesis 5020, January 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 31

For Him and My Family, January 31

Cover Lover Book Review, February 1

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 2

deb’s Book Review, February 2

Betti Mace, February 3

Connie’s History Classroom, February 3

Paula’s Pad of Inspriation, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 6

Holly’s Book Corner, February 6

Bigreadersite, February 7

Blossoms and Blessings, February 7

Mary Hake, February 7

Labor Not in Vain, February 8

Pause for Tales, February 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 9

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 10

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 10

Lights in a Dark World, February 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and 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/23ccb/what-i-would-tell-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre:Christian Fiction / Mystery / Romance

Release date: January 1, 2023

Inquisitive, detail-oriented, Veterinarian Kristin Keller prides herself on winning over any dog. But has this self-proclaimed dog whisperer finally met her match in a Sheltie named Remington who has just won the Texas state agility course competition? The champion pooch is acting out of sorts—almost as if he is not the same dog. Has he, by chance, been switched out with another dog just before the next big competition? Kristin and the other Lone Star employees will do anything to help the Atkinson family figure out this mystery surrounding their beloved Remington.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

 A delightful tail-wagging mystery with a lot of humor and fun. This series is centered around a veterinary clinic the Lone Star Vet Clinic and those that work at it. Each book is a standalone story. This book focuses on Kristen. Let’s just say that she is in love with Tyler who happens to be her boss.

A champion Shelty, Remington is not acting like himself. The family is alarmed by his behavior and takes him to the vet. Then the unthinkable is discovered Remington is actually not their Remington and someone has dognapped him and put in place another dog! They have a dog that has been dognapped and an imposter dog that is sick.

The Lone Star Vet is determined to figure out who has done this. There are a few suspects that could be responsible for Remington’s disappearance. As they begin to look into this mystery Kristen and Tylor find themselves getting closer. All the characters are wonderful and realistic. 

I have enjoyed reading the books in this series.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

 

More from Janice

Barking up the Tree is book three in the Gone to the Dog series. Kathleen Y’Barbo and I are writing six books, in total, and we’re very excited about this series. I happen to be in the dog rescue business. I’ve worked with multiple Houston-based dog rescues over the past five years and have been blessed to care for over fifty dogs in nearly every shape, size, and breed. I am always interested in dog-themed stories.

As a Texan I wanted to place this series in my neck of the woods. Kathleen and I settled on Brenham, Texas, a town not far from where we both live. It’s the home of Blue Bell ice cream (yum!) a favorite here in the Lone Star state. We created a large fictional cast of characters and placed them in a town we know and love.

Along with writing books I’m also a baker and run a baking blog (www.outoftheboxbaking.com). With that in mind I would love to share a recipe from the book. Enjoy!

Nanny’s Coconut Pecan Cake (aka Italian Cream Cake)

Ingredients

FOR THE CAKE:

• 1 white cake mix
• 1 yellow cake mix
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup sweetened coconut (flakes)
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 small box instant vanilla pudding (powder)

 

FOR THE FILLING/TOPPING:

• Toasted coconut
• Toasted chopped pecans

 

FOR THE FROSTING:

• 1 cup (two sticks) salted butter (softened)
• 1 block cream cheese (softened)
• 1 rectangle Crisco (can omit if you prefer traditional cream cheese frosting)
• 1 bag (7-8 cups) powdered sugar
• Clear vanilla extract

 

Instructions

MAKING THE CAKE:

• Combine all ingredients except nuts and coconut. Mix well.
• Work in the nuts and coconut.
• Grease and flour three 9” pans.
• Divide batter between the three pans and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (approximately) until cake springs back to the touch.

MAKING THE ICING:

• Bring ingredients to room temperature.
• Mix butter and cream cheese until soft and creamy.
• Add Crisco and continue to beat until incorporated. (You can leave out the Crisco if you prefer traditional cream cheese frosting.)
• Add extract and then lower the speed of your mixer to add powdered sugar (more or less to desired consistency).

 

FILLING AND ICING THE CAKE

• Level all three cakes.
• Put one cake on your cake board and add a layer of cream cheese frosting.
• Pipe a ring around the edge of the cake and add some toasted pecans and coconut.
• Continue to stack and fill.
• Turn the top cake upside down, so that it’s bottom up.
• Ice the cake with a crumb coat and chill.
• Once chilled, ice liberally with frosting.
• Add chopped (toasted) pecans and coconut to the sides and top then pipe trim or rosettes to add further décor.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 26

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 27

Remembrancy, January 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28

For Him and My Family, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 29

deb’s Book Review, January 30

Mary Hake, January 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Cover Lover Book Review, February 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 4

The Book Club Network, February 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 5

Blogging With Carol, February 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 7

Labor Not in Vain, February 8

Divine Perspective, February 8

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/23cc8/barking-up-the-wrong-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: The Two-Cent Piece

Author: Dennis Conrad (Illustrated by Courtney Smith)

Genre: Children’s Picture Book (Fiction)

Release date: September 3, 2022

Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she gives them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’”

Out of a heart of love, Anne gives six of her special coins away hoping the message on the two-cent pieces will strengthen each person’s faith.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

Seven-year-old Anne is at the general store buying her brother a birthday present. When she goes to pay the store clerk with two dimes and a two-cent piece. The kind shopkeeper notices the two-cent piece and tells her that it’s a brand-new coin type. He also shares with her that the coin is the very first one to have the inscription “In God We Trust”. Little Anne collected coins but didn’t know any of that. After purchasing her brother's gift the shopkeeper takes her remaining coins, and he trades them for five two-cent coins. He mentions a Bible passage from Acts 20:35. Her two-cent coins will have even more special meanings in the lives of others.

In this charming historical fiction picture book, you will see the faith of a child praying for her brothers and a stranger she gifted her two-cent pieces to as they go off to fight in the Civil War. She shares with them Psalms 91:2 as a reminder that God is our refuge and fortress when we put our faith in Him.

This is the first of a 7-part “In God We Trust” series for children. I was delighted to see a book that has a historical flare along with a message of our Savior and praying for others.

The book is appropriate for young elementary ages. The illustrations are done by Courtney Smith. The illustrations are lovely and eye-catching. The colors remind me of watercolor painting. There is a lot to explore on each page. Dennis Conrad also includes links at the back of the book on coin collecting.

The book was a huge hit for my 20-year-old special needs daughter who we graduated from homeschool recently. She has always collected state and national park coins. With her disability, she is limited in so many areas, but her mind is a steel trap with certain topics. In the last 6 months, she has really gotten into coin collecting. She loves sharing with me the facts and history of coins. Not to mention how many coins were minted within certain years much to my dismay. She has taught me a lot about coins, and I have enjoyed learning with her. She’s been enjoying learning and filling up her wheat penny, mercury dimes, and a lot of other coin folders. Not long ago she picked up a two-cent coin piece which made this book for her even more special. This was an enjoyable book for her, and she is hoping that the other books in the series include coins.

This a good book for a child who is a coin collector. Great book for homeschoolers who want to go deeper into the book. There are a lot of rabbit trails you can explore in this book.

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Celebrate Lit Bloggers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

About the Author

A former coin collector for over fifty years, Dennis combines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.

He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.

He retired as a professor of Speech Communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.

The Two-Cent Piece is Dennis’s first of seven books in the In God We Trust Series from Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

More from Dennis

HOMESCHOOLERS, TEACHERS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS –

Coin collecting brings together history, art, and the thrill of discovery.

Children who collect coins will LOOK at coins differently. They can…

Look for people. For example, who is on the nickel? (Hint: Thomas Jefferson)

The new quarters featuring women include coins with Anna May Wong, the first Chinese-American movie star; Nina Otero-Warren, who advocated for women’s suffrage and was a government official in New Mexico; and Wilma Mankiller, the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Look for places. The state quarter series includes all of the states like California with Yosemite Valley.

Look for dates. Connect coins to historical events. For example, coins minted in 2001 were minted the same year as the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11, 2001.

Look at coins as art. The people who design coins are artists.

Look for and find coins in change. Let the great adventure begin.

Look and learn why some coins are more valuable than other coins. There is a difference between the face value of a coin (a dime is worth ten cents), and its value to collectors.

Are you a homeschooler, a teacher, or a family member who wants to help children start their first coin collection?

Get Free Resources about coin collecting by conveniently subscribing to Dennis Conrad’s newsletter.

You will receive a link to my resource page, where you will find two free resources. One for ages 5-6 year olds, and another for ages 7 and up. Or you can choose both. Let the fun begin! https://dennisconradauthor.com/coincollecting5/

Blog Stops

Lots of Helpers, January 18

Girls in White Dresses, January 18

Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

For Him and My Family, January 20

Cover Lover Book Review, January 21

A Reader’s Brain, January 22

Mary Hake, January 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 23

Texas Book-aholic, January 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 25

deb’s Book Review, January 26

Pause for Tales, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 28

Labor Not in Vain, January 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

Lights in a Dark World, January 30

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, January 31

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Dennis is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a hardcover copy of The Two-Cent Piece!!

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/23bc2/the-two-cent-piece-celebration-tour-giveaway