About the Book

 

Book: Redemption in the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Two sisters alone on the Kentucky frontier…love is the last thing they expect to find.

After the death of their parents during the Hard Winter, Margaret and her sister have struggled to survive. Between her mother’s dying wish that Margaret protect her sister, and the nagging sensation that they are not alone, guilt and worry are her constant companions. And if someone is following them, is their watcher friend or foe?

Iain Donegal can’t afford roots, not with the pain and guilt of the life he’s left behind, or the memory of the drink that once threatened to consume him. But his solitary life as a long hunter in the wilds of Kentucky finds a new path when he happens upon a young woman digging a grave for her own mother. Unable to pull himself away when he realizes that she and her sister are on their own, he begins to provide anonymous aid. But when the women truly need him, can he risk leaving his solitary life behind to step in and fill the void?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review: 

This is the second book in the Frontier Hearts series. It is a stand-alone book. This is the first book I have read by Andrea Byrd. This won’t be my last book of hers. She captivated me in this 163-page book. What a heartfelt story. It felt like I had read a whole series in this compact book. She took a short book and made it come alive and complete.

What a beautifully written story of two sisters Margaret and Muireall. They struggle to survive after the death of their parents. God showed up for them despite all the bad things that had happened.

This historical setting is 1780 in Kentucky. All around them is danger from the wilderness, sickness, and dangers of men in the area. Little do they know that an unlikely hero Iain Donegal steps up to help the sisters. The sisters don’t know who is helping them at first. They are grateful for the help. Ian is running from his past, but in reality, he has already had his redemption. When the sisters are attacked, he is there to save them. The local pastor feels that it is inappropriate for him to stay at their cabin. Iain and Margaret agree to a marriage of convenience.

The story isn’t predictable and I enjoyed the journey in this book.

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

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

 

More from Andrea

One of my favorite aspects of being a historical fiction author is learning new tidbits of information with each novel I pen.

Not only have I always loved learning, but I also harbor a deep passion for novels that incorporate real places and events. In Redemption in the Wilderness, I was blessed with the opportunity to research the beginnings of Harrodsburg, KY. This town was founded in 1774 as Harrodstown by James Harrod. What began mainly as a civilian fort with the building of Fort Harrod has endured more than 200 years of Kentucky’s rich history. Tourists and locals alike can still visit a replica of Fort Harrod today. And, you, yourself, can visit the original fort in Redemption in the Wilderness.

Beyond historical places and events, I also always find myself on a search engine with the strangest little inquisitions. Such as… What plants are native to Kentucky? When do said plants bloom? And which can be used as a natural remedy for this particular ailment? With this novel, I found that feverfew, a native Kentucky wildflower, was so aptly named because early settlers used this native plant to reduce fever. I cannot wait for you to see what role it played for the characters in Redemption in the Wilderness.

Blog Stops

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 19

Holly’s Book Corner, September 19

Alena Mentink, September 20

Pause for Tales, September 20

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 21 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22

For Him and My Family, September 22

Texas Book-aholic, September 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 25

lakesidelivingsite, September 26

Karen Baney Reviews, September 26

Bigreadersite, September 27

Connie’s History Classroom, September 28

Cover Lover Book Review, September 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, September 29

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 30 (Author Interview)

Avid Reader Nurse, September 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 2

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/2813b/redemption-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Preacher on the Run: The Truth Will Hold Its Own

Author: Jayna Baas

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: April 12, 2020

STANDING FOR TRUTH COULD COST HIM HIS FREEDOM. FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM COULD COST HIM HIS LIFE.

It’s 1771, and North Carolina is at war. On one side stands the power of the Crown. On the other side stands a dangerous freedom of conscience.

Former circuit rider Robert Boothe has spent the last four years leading the tyrant-hating Regulators against North Carolina’s corrupt British government. All he wants is a safe place for his little Baptist church to worship God.

But when Colonel Charles Drake arrives in town, Robert becomes a target. The Church of England wants him to shut up. The governor wants him dead.

Now Robert’s church and family are caught in the crossfire. And that safe place is farther and farther away.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 My Review:

Considering everything going on in our country today, this book is a reminder of how fragile our freedom is. It begs to question what we will do if we are faced with standing up for freedom and our faith.

The main character Robert Boothe is realistic and very relatable. He wasn’t perfect and had flaws. Yet, he recognized them and worked on them. He is a pastor with a family. His mission is to save his family, friends, congregation, and country from tyranny. There are many characters that make this a great story. The story is a beautifully woven faith throughout the book. It may not be your denomination but the author got it right as the Baptist was very prevalent in those parts of North Carolina. Regardless of your denomination I think we can all appreciate religious freedom because if one is attacked then all will be attacked. It doesn’t matter what you call yourself!

The plot and characters are well developed which makes this a delightful and heartfelt book. I could close my eyes and see the scenery of my home state. Even the villain was amazing!  The story wasn’t predictable and that was a breath of fresh air. I had forgotten all about the Regulators and their influence in the rebellion against the British in the years leading up to the War of Independence. I remember reading about it after seeing something in a museum in North Carolina. I don’t recall any other book coming at it from this plot of the Regulators.

Honestly, another great book that has been a favorite read this year. Overall, Preacher on the Run was an interesting, action-packed book filled with strong morals and good characters. This is the first book that I have read from this author. I look forward to more of her books in the future. I hope she continues to write historical fiction because she did an amazing job making history come alive, 

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

About the Author

Jayna Baas, pronounced as in “baa, baa, black sheep,” is the author of Preacher on the Run and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network. She lives in northern Michigan with a great family of real people and the family of pretend people who live in her head. (Yes, she does know her characters are not real. No, she does not want you to tell them she said so.) Although she enjoys multiple genres, her favorite story is this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Learn more and sign up for a free short story at www.booksbyjayna.com.

 

More from Jayna

Freedom is risky. If people are free to make up their own minds, they might discover they’ve been lied to. They might discover the truth and then act on it, and they just might turn the world upside down.

That’s a story that’s been happening ever since Christ freed his first followers from the law of sin and death. They shared that freedom all over their world, and the hierarchy didn’t like it, from the Pharisees on up to Nero. It’s a story that happens over and over again. And it happened in eighteenth-century North Carolina.

Almost all of the Thirteen Colonies had an official state-sanctioned church that could banish, imprison, or even execute those who did not conform. The most common “state church” in the southern colonies was the Church of England, and that’s what we find in North Carolina at the time of Preacher on the Run.

Imagine you’re a dissenter preacher in this time and place. Up the street is the local vestry, which you’re taxed to support, while you’ve been threatened with jail for preaching without a license. One of your church members is about to be dispossessed for not paying taxes—taxes he can’t afford and has probably already paid once. No one dares go to court; everyone knows the courts are nests of extortion, and you could be charged with felony if you stay at a meeting after an official deems it seditious.

Now the governor’s new agent comes to town—a man who is hungry for power, a man who knows you’re a leader not only in your congregation but also in the grassroots resistance that is rising against the government’s corruption. To him, your belief that people can go to God directly through faith in Christ without the state church is blasphemous. And your belief that all men are on equal footing before God and the law is unthinkably dangerous.

What would you do?

This is a scenario that set my story-loving imagination on fire. This is the story of Preacher on the Run. It’s the story of a spark that ignited and spread throughout the colonies until it was a blaze of revolution—not the rejection of authority but the restoration of rightful authority. It’s the story of countless men and women who faced persecution on American soil for the sake of truth and freedom. Truth never needs to be forced on others, because it can never truly be defeated. And only where there is freedom can truth flourish and spread and turn the world upside down. Because, as Robert Boothe says in Preacher on the Run, the truth will hold its own.

This is his story, and ours.

Blog Stops

Alena Mentink, September 14

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15

Texas Book-aholic, September 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 17

Connie’s History Classroom, September 18

The Book Club Network, September 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 21

Books I’ve Read, September 21

Cover Lover Book Review, September 22

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 23

Simple Harvest Reads, September 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, September 25

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, September 26

Holly’s Book Corner, September 27

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jayna is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed paperback copy of Preacher on the Run!!

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/27de4/preacher-on-the-run-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business--one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her in the position to lose everything they built together.

When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she's never heard of, she's not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie's financial situation rather . . . precarious. She's sure she has no right to someone else's farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she's always craved.

As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets--and the potential for a brighter future for both of them

My Thoughts:

What a delightful and heartfelt story. Having kept bees for many years I really enjoyed the contrast of the bees and the characters in the story. It made me feel like I was back in the hives. This story covers some hard topics like mental illness, anxiety, substance abuse, and other difficult topics.

Beckett “Beck” Walsh is grieving after her father’s death. She is taking care of the family apiary. She quickly finds out that her father kept a secret from her. He didn’t even tell the bees. Thus, the name of the book. The practice of “telling the bees” Was recently witnessed after Queen Elizabeth died. The royal beekeeper informed the queen bee of her passing, and that the new person in control is now King Charles. This is an old superstition that the bees are to be told if anything major has changed.

After her father's will is settled Becket finds out that her father left part of aPeary apiary ownership to a complete stranger. She didn’t know anything about this “business partner” that was named. Callie Peterson is just as perplexed not knowing anything about this man or his daughter. Little did they know that they do have something in common and a reason behind the will.

Beck wants to see the family apiary be successful. Callie has a different motive that involves selling it. They both have many challenges and life is just about to get more interesting as they discover secrets as this story weaves itself together

There are other characters like little Fern and her uncle. I loved both of these characters. Beck was an amazing and heartfelt character. I had a harder time at first connecting to Callie’s character.

This is a memorable story that won’t be forgotten. It’s just a beautiful story in so many ways. I really enjoyed this story.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Ex-FBI profiler River Ryland still suffers from PTSD after a case went horribly wrong. Needing a fresh start, she moves to St. Louis to be near her ailing mother and opens a private investigation firm with her friend and former FBI partner, Tony St. Clair. They're soon approached by a grieving mother who wants them to find out what happened to her teenaged son, who disappeared four years ago. River knows there's almost no hope the boy is still alive, but his mother needs closure, and River and Tony need a case, no matter how cold it might be.

But as they follow the boy's trail, which gets more complicated at every turn, they find themselves in the path of a murderer determined to punish anyone who gets in his way. As River and Tony race to stop him before he kills again, an even more dangerous threat emerges, stirring up the past that haunts River and plotting an end to her future.

My Thoughts:

Nancy Mehl hasn’t penned a novel that I haven’t enjoyed to date.  Cold Pursuit is captivating. The plot, suspense, and the characters are amazing. The story is clean, a tad of romance, and a lot of suspense.

The opening pages are from a past event when River is an FBI profiler and she is in a life-and-death situation at the hands of a cold-blooded killer. The event was so dramatic that she suffers from PTSD and decided to start a new career to be close to her ailing mother. Her former FBI partner Tony St. Clair and she opened a private investigation firm together. Tony has strong faith and his belief has helped him through that horrible event. River doesn’t believe and struggles with the event.

Their first case is a mother looking for answers and closure to the disappearance of her son four years ago. Tony and River know that the chances of finding his body are slim. They feel that this may help the grieving mother with closure and maybe find a body to bury.

Little do they know that this case is more than what they expected. A deranged individual who is trying to live a somewhat normal life is about to become even more unhinged. The story has some slow parts as they are investigating the case. The end took me by complete surprise. The ending also left me not knowing something that will surly be discovered in the next book in the series.

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

 

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Sheltered yet adventurous, Betsy Detweiler is on a mission to get out of Kentucky and experience new things in life. She's got a list--a life list. What better place to start than with her friends in beautiful Pinecraft, Florida?

From the moment Betsy walks into the Snow Bird Golf Course to sign up for lessons, August Troyer is mesmerized. Betsy is a mass of contradictions--beautiful yet awkward, outgoing yet unsure, joyful yet hesitant. She's like no one he's ever met before, and as the only child of missionary parents, he's met a lot of people.

As Betsy and August embark on a month of enjoying life to the fullest, they'll encounter several reasons to back off and play it safe. But playing it safe has its own consequences. This tender romance reminds us that life--and love--requires a fair amount of risk.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the series, “Her Only Wish.” I have always enjoyed Shelley Shepard Gray’s books. I have been enjoying the different scenery of Pinecraft, Florida. This is the place where the Amish relax and leave life back in their Amish community.

Betsy Detweiler has been sheltered her whole life. She has created a ‘life list” of things she wants to do. You may remember Betsy from book one. Betsy has always been sheltered due to her asthma. She is determined to find her own way and an adventure. She wants to learn golf, swimming, and so many other things her parents wouldn’t let her do because of her asthma and the fear of losing her.

Betsy has an affectionate personality and a zeal for life. She signs up for golf lessons and her instructor is August Troyer. August grew up with his family as missionaries. Both end up spending more time together.

Betsy ends up having a severe asthma attack and ends up in the hospital. Her parents end up rushing to Pinecraft. August has a complicated relationship with his parents. His father is hurt while in the mission fields, they want him to fly to Africa. They both take risks that they hope will in the end lead to each other.

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

 

The visually engaging NLT Student Life Application Study Bible brings learning to life for those who want to get serious about their study of Scripture. It invites readers into an ever-deeper knowledge of God and his work in the world. It features a beautiful, four-color interior that appeals to younger readers as well as adults of any age. This Bible features the New Living Translation and is equipped with the Filament Bible app. It’s perfect for those looking for an innovative New Living Translation study Bible.

Features of the NLT Student LASB include:

·         27,000+ in-print and in-app study notes;

·         a reading guide that traces the Bible’s big story;

·         81 biographical summaries of the lives of important people in the Bible;

·         137 pictures illustrating objects and places;

·         answers to 59 vital questions about the basics of Christian belief and what it means to live as a Christian;

·         316 maps, charts, and infographics;

·         the Filament Bible app; and

·         the clear and accurate New Living Translation.

·          

Enhance your Bible study with the free Filament Bible app.

The Filament Bible app is a powerful Bible-study tool featuring commentary and thousands of study notes, devotionals, videos, reading plans, and more resources that are curated for each page and are displayed when you scan the page number in your Bible. The content you have available at your fingertips pertains specifically to the passage you are reading.

Features of the Filament Bible app include

·         350+ videos,

·         40+ interactive maps and infographics,

·         400+ profiles and articles, and

·         1,500 devotionals.

·          

About the New Living Translation

The New Living Translation is a clear and accurate English translation of the Bible. It conveys the precise meaning of the original languages in a flowing, effortless writing style that promotes comfortable and meaningful reading of God’s Word.

My Thoughts:

This is the NLT which is the New Living Translation. @TyndaleBibles  @NLTBible

It is available as a softcover, hardcover, and Leatherlike cover. You can get a charcoal gray striped or a teal striped with index tabs or without. I have the teal striped without the index tabs. It’s very appealing in color and size.

Another feature is the Filament Bible app which includes over 350 videos, interactive maps, articles, profiles, and devotionals.  The Bible itself has several notes, reading guides, charts, and other neat features. I love the maps that are included throughout the Bible. Each book has an introduction page that gives you an overview of the book and highlights key events. It also has a timeline of the events in the book of important events. Big Story Notes that ask questions to connect lessons and personality. There are also several illustrations of places, items, and other relevant features of the verses.

Like so many modern Bibles they seem to be doing things differently than what I grew up with. Just like other translations, there are several verses that are completely omitted: Matthew 17:21, Matthew 18:11, Matthew 23:14, Acts 8: 37. Other situations are that sentences or half of the verse is omitted completely or changed: Matthew 19:9, Luke 4:8 – “get thee behind me Satan” is omitted, Matthew 19:9, Mark 6:11, Acts 17: 29 & Romans 1:20 removes in my opinion important words. I have just listed a few things. The Bible still has the word of God throughout it just some featured scriptures are different or just missing. How do you really review the Word of God! 

I’m not a scholar of the Bible but, it doesn’t sit well with me with so many verses being omitted or words being changed from what has been the standard for many years. It also seems to be more gender-neutral than other versions that I have read. This isn’t a Bible that I prefer with the translation. It’s something that I suggest you pray about and research yourself. Don’t just take my word of the NLT Bible.

 

You can purchase your own copy at this link https://bit.ly/NLTStudentLifeFilament or you can enter a giveaway to win one for yourself https://www.blessedfreebies.com/student-life-application-study-bible-giveaway.html

@frontgatem #NLTBible #TyndaleBibles #LifeApplicationStudyBible #BibleForStudents #SeriousStudyComesToLife

Disclosure:  I received this complimentary product through Front Gate Blogger Network in exchange for my honest thoughts.

 

A convenient compact edition--with an imitation leather cover, inviting two-color interior design, and ribbon marker

Have you ever closed your Bible and thought, What did I just read?

Whether you're brand-new to the Bible or you grew up in the second pew, reading Scripture can feel confusing or boring at times. Understanding it well seems to require reading it thoroughly (and even repeatedly), but who wants to read something they don't understand?

If you've ever wanted to read through the Bible or even just wanted to want to read it, The Bible Recap is here to help. Following a chronological Bible reading plan, the recaps explain and connect the story of Scripture, section by section. And this personal size edition, which features the same content as the original book, is ideal for reading in any setting.

You don't have to go to seminary. You don't need a special Bible. Just start reading this book alongside your Bible and see what God has to say about Himself in the story He's telling.

My Thoughts:

A 365 Daily Devotion for someone who is wanting to go through the Bible in a year. Everything is laid out in a way that will help you achieve reading the Bible in a year. It has some insights on different aspects on historical events and places.

 

The Day is clearly marked on the top left corner with a two-page devotion. It has the scripture address front and center on the page. You will read the scripture verses. Then it gives an overview/ commentary of the scriptures that are going to be read. Another feature is that the devotion is set up as a chronological plan. It isn’t recommended you go out and buy a chronological Bible either. After, you have read the Bible and your devotional you take notes in a journal. There is a link to look at more resource links.

 

Each devotional ends with “God Shots”, This is meant to convey God’s Character. It has a lot of encouraging words based of the scriptures.

 

A nice book to enhance your daily Bible Studies.

 

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest thoughts.