Thursday, May 31, 2018

Together Forever Review and Giveaway!



Title: Together Forever, Orphan Train Book 2  
Author: Jody Hedlund  
Genre: Inspirational historical romance  
Release Date: May, 2018

 Determined to find her lost younger sister, Marianne Neumann takes a job as a placing agent with the Children’s Aid Society in 1858 New York. She not only hopes to offer children a better life, but prays she’ll be able to discover whether Sophie ended up leaving the city on an orphan train so they can finally be reunited. Andrew Brady, her fellow agent on her first placing-out trip, is a former schoolteacher who has an easy way with the children, firm but tender and friendly. Underneath his charm and handsome looks, though, seems to linger a grief that won’t go away–and a secret from his past that he keeps hidden. As the two team up, placing orphans in the small railroad towns of Illinois, they find themselves growing ever closer . . . until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend all their work and change one of their lives forever.

 
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author


 Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher’s Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance. She received a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. She lives in Michigan with her husband and five children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog at www.jodyhedlund.com.

Guest Post from Jody Hedlund

30,000 Abandoned Children By Jody Hedlund Imagine a city where 30,000 abandoned and homeless children live on the streets. Sounds like something from a futuristic dystopian novel, doesn’t it? Or something that might happen after a war or apocalypse or major disaster, right? This exact thing actually happened in the 1850’s. And the city was New York City. It’s hard to believe, but an estimated 30,000 homeless children roamed the dirty city streets and alleys of New York City. 30,000. Children. Let that sink in for a minute. That’s the size of a town. Historians look back on that time and try to make sense what led to such horrific conditions for children. Of course, the influx of immigrants was at an all time high. Jobs and housing were scarce. Diseases were rampant. Hunger and poverty became a norm. (Orphan Train Depot)  




As more and more people became aware of the enormous problem within the crowded slums, courageous heroes rose up and attempted to do their part to make a difference. While we may not always agree with the methods that were used to save the thousands of homeless children, we can admire the men and women who could no longer sit idly by. The Children’s Aid Society was started by Charles Loring Brace as one such attempt to help the hordes of homeless children. His “Emigration Plan” is better known today by the term “Orphan Trains.”  
  
My latest series tackles various elements of the orphan train movement. Together Forever, releasing in May, highlights the placing agents, those devoted people who rode the trains with the orphans. The agents spent weeks and months on the road caring for the children, all the while trying to place them in loving homes. (If you’d like to try out the series, start with my FREE novella, An Awakened Heart.) Like the brave men and women who came before us, may we always strive to do our part to make a difference!


My Thoughts:

 This is definitely a book that you will not put down!   The author has done her extensive research and has brought fiction and history together in an incredible novel.  Jody Hedlund has a knack for developing the characters so that you can truly interact with them and feel the emotions and the empathy, that these agents must have felt.  As the reader, I felt that I really bonded with the characters,  I felt love for little Jethro and wanted to ease the fear of the other children.  The author makes the reader feel as if they are a part of the story.   This  storyline also has a theme of love, forgiveness , restoration and letting the past go and being free to move on to the future.  A truly enjoyable book!

 This story was full of laughter, fun, romance, anticipation and mystery.  It's a novel that everyone will enjoy.

 I rate this one 5 stars.

  I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Blog Stops
By The Book, May 22
Genesis 5020, May 23
Radiant Light, May 26
Mary Hake, May 27
Carpe Diem, May 27
Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Bigreadersite, May 30
Vicky Sluiter, June 2

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter: Enter Here for Giveaway!


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Monday, May 21, 2018

An Unexpected Role



It's hard being a teenager, but when your mother is an author and uses your life as inspiration it can make living difficult.  That was life for Josie DelRio.  When her mother's newest book comes out, it sends Josie's classmates into a frenzy of malicious teasing, so Josie heads to North Carolina to spend the summer with her aunt.

Josie plans on spending her summer on the beach, taking it easy and trusting that she can find a place to fit in and have a summer on anonymity.

This was a delightful story, everyone can relate to being a teenager and what high school can be like.  It is full of mystery, suspense, and some romance.

I enjoyed this book, it was a fast easy read.   I do like that the author was able to insert Bible verses to help encourage the main character.   What I saw in the book is that sometimes you just have to let go of things, don't carry your problems... let God take control and see what He can do!



 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Thursday, May 17, 2018

Unimaginable



What would our world be like without Christianity?  Jeremiah J. Johnston has taken time to write his thoughts about this.   A world without Christianity would be a very dark place to be. 

In  his book, he looks at how Christianity has stood against the wrongs of slavery, racism, eugenics, and injustices toward women and children. How democracy, freedom and a whole value, and modern education and the legal systems all owe a lot to Christianity.

In his research, Mr. Johnston takes us back through church history and we explore what was and if we aren't careful what can be again.

This is a very thoroughly researched book, full of insight and leaves the reader thankful for Christianity.

I would recommend this book to read.  It is informative and eye-opening.

 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Wednesday, May 16, 2018

The Worldview Study Bible

The CSB Worldview Study Bible features extensive worldview study notes and articles by notable Christian scholars to help Christians better understand the grand narrative and flow of Scripture within the biblical framework from which we are called to view reality and make sense of life and the world. Guided by general editors David S. Dockery and Trevin K. Wax, this Bible is an invaluable resource and study tool that will help you to discuss, defend, and clearly share with others the truth, hope, and practical compatibility of Christianity in everyday life.
Features include:
  • Extensive worldview study notes
  • Over 130 articles by notable Christian scholars
  • Center-column references
  • Smyth-sewn binding
  • Presentation page
  • Two ribbon markers
  • Two-piece gift box, and more
General Editors: David S. Dockery and Trevin Wax
Associate Editors: Constantine R. Campbell, E. Ray Clendenen, Eric J. Tully
Contributors include: David S. Dockery, Trevin K. Wax, Ray Van Neste, John Stonestreet, Ted Cabal, Darrell L. Bock, Mary J. Sharp, Carl R. Trueman, Bruce Riley Ashford, R. Albert Mohler Jr., William A. Dembski, Preben Vang, David K. Naugle, Jennifer A. Marshall, Aida Besancon Spencer, Paul Copan, Robert Smith Jr., Douglas Groothuis, Russell D. Moore, Mark A. Noll, Timothy George, Carla D. Sanderson, Kevin Smith, Gregory B. Forster, Choon Sam Fong, and more.
The CSB Worldview Study Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to 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.

This is a wonderful Bible that not only gives us God's word but teaches through credible editors about the Christians view of the world.  There are articles that show us the Biblical view of that issue;  such a: the Biblical view of music, Personal Finances.  Ther is an article on how Christians should relate to the government along with various other interesting articles.

This is a great study Bible for new believers, for discipling, for those interested in how  God's word relates to issues around us today.  How we as Christians should respond to a world that is turning against Christians.

This is a beautiful Bible, that is easy to read and has full-color maps.   This will be a great addition to anyone's library.


 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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The Study Bible for Women




This is an amazing Bible.   I have to say it is my Favorite Bible.   Ms. Patterson and her team have done an excellent job of putting this Bible together.   It is theologically and doctrinal sound.   I love the Christian Standard translation, it is easy and clear to read.   The print size is excellent.    The text is easy to read and clear translation.

The hardcover is very lovely and feminine.  It has full-color maps and splashes of color throughout the Bible.    This would make a lovely gift, or just for your own resource.

Ms. Patterson is a wonderful woman, I have heard her speak and I truly do recommend this Bible for any age woman.   The Study Bible for Women equips you to reach deep into God’s Word. Perhaps the single most powerful aspect of this Bible are the "threads" of specialized study thoughtfully woven throughout, pointing you to God’s larger story and allowing the Holy Spirit to write His revealed truths on your heart.


In The Study Bible for Women, you’ll join a host of other women, all academically trained in the original languages of the Bible and passionate about God’s Word, for an intimately deep dive into Scripture that will equip you to unlock the riches and majesty of His Word, and ignite a passion to mentor others in your life to do the same.


Features

·         Extensive commentary notes

·         Word studies

·         Answers to hard questions

·         Doctrinal notes
·         Biblical womanhood articles
·         Character profiles
·         "Written on My Heart" applications
http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/
·         Extensive book introductions
·         In-text maps, charts & timelines
·         Full-color maps section
·         Concordance
·         Presentation page
·         Family record pages

 The Study Bible for Women Video


 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


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Tuesday, May 8, 2018

The Theory of Happily Ever After



Scientist, Dr. Maggie Magguire's life has been turned upside down.  Recently dumped by her fiancee, the author of a book on happiness.  Maggie spends her days sitting on her sofa eating gelato and watching romance movies until her friends come to the rescue and book her as a guest speaker on a "New Year, New You" cruise to Mexico. 

Maggie fears she is unqualified because she can't find happiness herself.  Then she runs into a handsome stranger who insists that smart women can't be happy, this makes Maggie determined to prove him wrong.

I enjoyed this book, it was fun, witty and full of suspense.  The characters were believable and interesting.

The writer proves that if we listen to God and follow our hearts, happiness will follow.

This is a wonderful book  that is hard to put down.


 I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Love Found in Sherwood Forest Promotional Blast





Book Synopsis: Award-winning Broadway actress Leighanne Webster has it all until an on-stage panic attack brings her career crashing to the ground. Returning to England to help produce the annual Robin Hood Festival play could be the diversion Leighanne needs. But with ex-fiance, Jamison Blake, as the play’s director, focusing on her new job won’t be easy.

Breaking his engagement with Leighanne so she could pursue her dream of being a Broadway star was the hardest thing Jamison Blake ever did. When she returns to Nottingham, his heart insists he made a mistake. Can he convince her to give their relationship another try, or will he have to let her go again? This time forever.

This is a wonderful book, that really hits home, that we really do need to put or faith In God.  It's a story about love and letting God lead in their lives, instead of taking everything into their own hands.   A wonderful read with some suspense.  It is easy to connect to the characcters and follow the story plot.

Purchase Link: http://amzn.to/2ou0Urs




Author Information:  Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, blogger, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone's throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places most of her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and SinC. She volunteers as a docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and is a trustee for her local public library. She currently lives in New Hampshire's Lakes Region.

Follow Linda :Follow me on http://www.facebook.com/authorlindamatchett, https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorlindamatchett, http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett 
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