Dare to Begin Again

About the Book

  

Book Title: Dare to Begin Again  
Author: Rosalinda Rivera  
Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Life, Woman’s Issue  
Release date: September 4, 2018

We all have struggles and challenges in life. Whether they are of our own making or not, things don’t always work out. Sometimes, we just give up on our dreams and goals. But it doesn’t have to be that way! God is a God of new beginnings, and throughout the entire Bible, we read about people who were stuck, disappointed, and faced impossible situations—people God freed. Rosalinda Torres Rivera challenges us to Dare to Begin Again. Using stories from her own life, other people, and biblical times, Rosalinda offers inspirational, down-to-earth advice on beginning again. Each chapter tackles a different issue where you may be “stuck”—such as an inability to forgive, trust, or hope—and examples of people who overcame similar challenges. Practical tasks at the end of each chapter walk you through a DARE challenge (Decide, Allow, Rise, Enjoy) to help you move closer to a fresh start. Rosalinda is the daughter of Victor Torres, an ex-gang member from Brooklyn, New York, and his wife, Carmen, founders of the New Life For Youth ministry. She has seen more than twenty thousand people get out of tough situations and turn their lives around. “They’re people whose tales of transformation prove God is still at work,” she says. “He’s written and re-written their life’s chapters—and He’s willing to do the same for you.” It takes a commitment, but with the help of God, inspiring, true stories, and practical applications, you can Dare to Begin Again.

My Thoughts:  Everyone struggles with life.  It doesn't matter if you're coming out of addiction, a bad marriage, or just coping with change.  Maybe you are having difficulty making a dream come alive; stuck in a rut.  This book is full of encouragement!  The author Rosalinda Torres Rivera, takes a real-life example and then examines a similar situation through the Bible, on topics such as hope, forgiveness, sacrifice to name a few.   The reader learns to let go and to rely on God to help them through the struggle.

Such a well written and useful book, that I think every reader could use at some point in their lives or know someone who does.  



 Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Rosalinda Torres Rivera is the executive director of New Life For Youth, one of Virginia’s largest residential facilities helping to rehabilitate people from a life of addiction. She has been reaching out to families in crisis, poverty, and hopelessness for over twenty-five years. Using her business skills, Rosalinda developed a model of social enterprise to sustain the non-profit New Life For Youth by creating businesses that train thousands of young people in job skills and leadership. She is also the president of New Life Enterprises, the founder of Mercy Moms Home, a place for single mothers to find hope and healing, and the founder of Bella Women’s Ministry in Richmond, Virginia, which hosts annual conferences for over five hundred women. Each year, Rosalinda is a featured presenter at various events nationwide. She has ministered throughout the world and has traveled to over twenty-two countries. From the White House to the local community, she has been nationally recognized for her impact in bringing hope to the hopeless. Rosalinda was appointed to the Board of Governors of the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives, headquartered in Washington, DC. Style Magazine selected her as a “Top 40 under 40” leader for her impact in Richmond, Virginia. In 2018, the Valentine Museum in Richmond will feature the work of her family as one of the city’s first Hispanic families to impact Richmond in the non-profit sector. Rosalinda is the daughter of Victor Torres, an ex-gang member from the streets of New York, and his wife, Carmen, the founders of New Life For Youth and pastors of New Life Outreach International Church. She served as an associate producer on Victor, a movie about her father’s journey from drugs and gangs to Jesus and redemption. Rosalinda and her husband, Carlos, have three children: Alana, Gabriel, and Victor.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 25

Inklings and notions, September 26

All-of-a-kind Mom, September 27

More Of Him, September 28

Godly Book Reviews, September 29

Mary Hake, September 29

Carpe Diem, September 30

Janices book reviews, October 1

Creating Romance, October 2

proud to be an autism mom, October 2

A Baker’s Perspective, October 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 5

Bigreadersite, October 5

Just the Write Escape, October 6

Bibliophile Reviews, October 7

Texas Book-aholic, October 8

 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.”

Imperfect Promises ~Giveaway~

About the Book

Book Title: Imperfect Promises  
Author: Elizabeth Noyes  
Genre: Action, Suspense, Romance  
Release date: August, 2018

Award-winning romantic suspense author, Elizabeth Noyes raises the bar in this stunning conclusion of The Imperfect Series! Former Special Forces operative, Jonas Cameron, traded his past and his service for his family back in Idaho and the ranch he loves. But ghosts have a disturbing way of not staying where you leave them. Shea Townsend is on her way to becoming a chef extraordinaire until her father’s illness pulls her from culinary school and back to Montana to care for him. After his death, disinherited and alone, she sets out to make a new life for herself, one which may or may not include the too-alpha, too-sexy Jonas Cameron. Jonas learns of a homegrown terrorist threat against him and his family at the same time a mysterious stalker sets his sights on Shea. Determined to neutralize both dangers, Jonas calls on old friends for help and draws upon his own very specialized skill set to end the menaces to Shea and himself. As the danger escalates, secrets are revealed and the truth emerges in a deadly cat and mouse game with Shea caught in the middle. Fast-paced action. Heart-pounding adventure. This is not your ordinary romantic suspense story!

My Thoughts: This is book 5 in the series, I haven't read the first four, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this exciting novel.  

Jonas Cameron, home permanently from deployment finds himself thrust into a drama that includes his family and the girl he loves.  This is an action-packed book, with twists and turns that will keep the readers on their toes.  It's not a book you can just lay down, it's one that you want to read until the end.

The author has done an excellent job portraying the character of Jonas.  Being a combat veteran he has seen more trauma than the average everyday civilian.  The author shows that in her characterization of Jonas; his wanting time to himself, wanting to protect those he cares about.  

Then there is Shea, who can't understand why Jonas left so suddenly without saying where he was going or when he would return.  Will she let him back into her life again?

I truly enjoyed this story-line, who can't resist a handsome soldier and a cowboy?

A great book I am sure anyone who loves action and suspense, mixed with a little romance will surely love this book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
 

click here to purchase your copy 

About the Author

Elizabeth Noyes—professional writer, aspiring author, dedicated dreamer—lives in the suburbs of Atlanta with her husband and best friend, Paul, who listens tirelessly while she regales him with all the tales in her head of damaged, but very human characters clamoring to be heard. A native of the Deep South, she claims to still “speak the language,” even after traveling around the world for most of her adult life. Recently retired from a career as a professional business writer and editor, she now fills her days editing, critiquing, reading, playing with the grandkids, learning more about Social Media than she ever wanted, and putting her stories into words to share with others.

Guest Post from Elizabeth Noyes

The Imperfect Tie Between Characters, Themes, and Titles

I love reading across all genres. If it’s well- written, I’m an easy catch. What I don’t like is when fictional characters are portrayed as model-worthy with perfect looks, perfect physiques, and perfect personalities. Yuk! I’ve never met a perfect person. To quote Mark Twain, “The only difference between reality and fiction is that fiction needs to be credible.” I want characters with the same flaws as you and me—judgmental, short-tempered, guilt-ridden, egotistical, defiant, withdrawn, too-skinny, compassionate, couch potatoes, foolish, silly, serious, low self-esteem, arrogant, hurt, guilty, deceiving, generous… in other words, real people. These are character traits I relate to, and they come alive on the pages, giving hope that we can also learn from our mistakes and grow into something better. The characters in the Imperfect Series let themselves and others down. They struggle with life issues, make poor decisions, grieve over mistakes, and then pick themselves up and go on. In Imperfect Wings, guilt and low self esteem plague TJ, while her male counterpart, Garrett, struggles with anger issues. In Imperfect Trust, yeah, trust was a problem for both Lucy and Wade. With Imperfect Bonds, Cassidy fights for her sister’s forgiveness as she deals with feelings of inadequacy … both of which carry over into her relationship with Derek. In Imperfect Lies—yep, another obvious theme. Lies from the past come back to haunt Mallory and James. In the final book of the series, Imperfect Promises, the main male character, Jonas, is by a nature a control freak. He suffers from guilt over a perceived failure when at his deepest core he is a protector and perfectionist. Shea, the female protagonist, rose from the ashes of a devastating childhood to forge a new life for herself. Both discover that promises made to themselves and to others can’t always be kept. Despite best intentions, life sometimes gets in the way.

Blog Stops

Godly Book Reviews, September 27

Bigreadersite, September 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 28

A Baker’s Perspective, September 28

Multifarious, September 29

Real World Bible Study, September 29

Because I said so – adventures in Parenting, September 30

Simple Harvest Reads, October 1

Kat’s Corner Books, October 2

Carpe Diem, October 2

Maureen’s Musings, October 3

Margaret Kazmierczak, October 3

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis & Christ Collide, October 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 5

Blogging With Carol, October 6

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 7

proud to be an autism mom, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Bibliophile Reviews, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Janices book reviews, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elizabeth is giving away a 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.

  Click Here to Enter!

 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.”

Shadows From the Past

Synopsis:   ..."It is the price you pay for choosing to be a cop.  Your brother's life..." Those words haunt her dreams and her waking moments.  LAPD  officer,  Aurora Kavvan cannot rest until she finds her brothers killer.  Digging into the past always brings back unpleasant things:  memories,  guilt...the hitman.  Now she is in a race against time to find the murderer before he finds her.  ͞Kill  her.  I  don͛t care how,  and  I  don͛t care where,  but  I want her dead now!  Someone was trying to kill his dead partner͛s  sister.  FBI  agent,  Jordan  Reiley will stop at nothing to protect the woman he loves.  Even if it means going against her wishes; putting himself between her and the man who murdered her brother.    Will  God keep them alive long enough for them to find the truth? 

My Thoughts:  This is an action-packed thriller!  This is the story of Aurora,  has some issues from her past that keep coming back in her dreams, but she won't stop looking for the man who killed her brother.

This book has a clear message that God is there for you, especially in the hard times. That we can't do everything on our own, that we do need to give our troubles to God.  It's a book about forgiveness, and not rushing into judgments of other people.

I enjoyed this novel, it was full of adventure, romance, and mystery.   It was easy to follow along and the characters were wonderful.  Some people may not notice quickly, but the main character Aurora suffers from PTSD; the nightmares, pushing people away all are part of it, and I believe that the author did a wonderful job bringing this forward.  I  did enjoy that she began to trust again, both in her friends and in God.

This was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next books in the series... so look for the upcoming reviews of the shadow series.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Click Here to Purchase Your Copy

About The Author:  Ashley Dawn was born and raised in rural Arkansas where she developed her love for writing while helping in her parent's office.  She graduated with an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas but is currently working as  a legal assistant.    Ashley has been writing professionally for the past twelve years and has three published books.  Her  Shadows Series include Shadows  From  The  Past, Shadows of Suspicion, Shadows of Pain,  and Shadows of Deception.  She is currently working on multiple projects including the fifth in her ͚Shadows͛ series entitled ͞Shadows  in Black and White͟ and also a standalone suspense titled  ͚One  of  Their  Own͛.  She and her family make their home in Texas.

 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.”

Gone To Texas (Giveaway)

About the Book

 Gone to Texas Author: Caryl McAdoo Genre: Historical Romance Release date: September 6, 2018 Can beauty truly come from ashes? Deception drives seventeen souls to hard choices. Either stay on the land they thought they’d bought or heed the lure of free land in the faraway wilderness of a new Republic. Rife with peril and hardship, three families knit together by blood and friendship head out with a widowed man, daughter, and his slave, gambling everything they own on the prospect of land ownership and working it together. Does friendship pave a way to marriage? Can puppy-love survive through a harrowing journey to blossom into a forever lover? With duress at every turn, can the clan stay together all the way to Texas and accomplish their goals?


My Thoughts:

This is an interesting story about a homesteading for seventeen people to find new land.  As with many who ventured out on these journeys there were many hardships, but some blessings.  It took courage and trust to make these treks.

I believe that Caryl McAdoo has caught all this in her newest novel "Gone to Texas".  In this story, you find a lot of hard work, some deception, love and one close-knit clan of people.

This is a story of trust, of forgiveness and love.  We learn that we must trust God's timing in everything, as we see with Alicia and Flynn.  Alicia learns that forgiveness and mercy goes a long way in friendship.  This was a good story with many good issues covered.

I do believe that readers will enjoy Caryl McAdoo's newest series.

⭐⭐⭐

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Top priority is God’s glory, and that’s exactly what Caryl McAdoo prays her stories will bring. To entertain and draw readers into a closer walk with Him is next. A quick check of stars and reviews attest to the success of this award-winning, best-selling author—all by the Father’s faithfulness. Besides writing, she loves singing praises, including the new songs He gives her! Visit her YouTube channel. Ron, her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-two years ago, and they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live on thirty-four acres ‘The Peaceable’ in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas and wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

Guest Post from Caryl

As much as I hated leaving the Buckmeyers, Baylors, and Nightingales and the Red River Valley, I loved starting this fresh Family Saga series with all new characters! GONE TO TEXAS is Book One of the Cross Timber Romances and features three families—the O’Neals, Van Zandts, and Worleys—joined by blood and friendship through Liberty O’Neal. Laud Worley is her little brother and Mallory Van Zandt, her best friend since school days. Together, they’d traveled south to settle in Tennessee and were about to harvest their first cotton crop that fall in 1840 when they discovered the deed to their land—the land they’d spent all their pooled savings on—was forged and no-good. The legal owner graciously allows them to stay through harvest, taking his portion of their labor and cottonseed. At the gin, Seve Van Zandt hears rumors of Texas, a new Rebublic out west, offering free land to pioneers willing to tame its wildlands. This first story—book one—is all about their journey to the new country filled with hope and dreams. A hired widower who with his daughter and slave helped harvest the clan’s cotton asked to join them on their journey, and so, on that faithful September morn, seventeen souls set out after they hung a hand painted sign on one of the cabins they left behind. “Gone to Texas”! Another very special thing about this novel, one hundred twelve thousand words—about three hundred fifty pages, is that it is also book one in a brand new collection! The Thanksgiving Books and Blessings Collection that includes stories from eight other authors besides me: Lena Nelson Dooly, Heather Blanton, Kristin Holt, Kit Morgan, Suzette Williams, Pauline Creeden, George McVey, and Lynette Sowell! All nine books will have Thanksgiving Dinner with family around the table, giving thanks to God for all his blessings. I’ve noticed many series launched in December, but Thanksgiving is my favorite. I love giving thanks to the Lord! And as always, I pray my story gives God glory, and that its readers will be drawn closer to Him through it. He blesses and highly favors me daily. I cannot thank or praise Him enough! Thank you, too, for reading my stories, reviewing my stories, and participating in the most AWESOME CELEBRATE LIT‘s Blog Tour!!

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, September 11

Captive Dreams Window, September 12

proud to be an autism mom, September 12

Inklings and notions, September 13

Luv’N Lambert Life, September 13

cherylbbookblog, September 14

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, September 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15

Janices book reviews, September 16

Abba’s prayer warrior princess, September 17

Carpe Diem, September 17

Creating Romance, September 18

Madeline Clark, September 18

Margaret Kazmierczak, September 19

The Mimosa Blossom, September 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 20

Back Porch Reads, September 21

Bibliophile Reviews, September 22

Texas Book-aholic, September 23

Godly Book Reviews, September 24

Bigreadersite, September 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away

GRAND PRIZE: $50 Amazon Gift Card

1st Prize: THREE Choice-of-Caryl’s Titles (print–US only or eBook) 2nd-4th: ebook of JOHN DAVID’S CALLING 5th-7th: print copy VOW UNBROKEN 8th-10th: $5 Amazon gift cards!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops to earn nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Click here to enter!

 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.”

A Girl on the Tombstone

Synopsis: Wilhelmina Sukovich is curious and determined to have her own By Line in the  Sacramento  Bee.  Aged out at the Children’s  Home Society orphanage, she attends night school and works herself up in the newspaper hierarchy.  Her first big break comes as an assignment takes her to the small mountain town of  San Andreas in the  Gold Country of the  Sierra  Nevada  Mountains.  She searches out her father’s gravesite only to mysteriously be drawn to the artistry of an ancient tombstone nearby,  Eliza  Osbourne,  1868.  Formidable ranchers and a widow befriend her in her quest to fulfill her assignment for school children and search for Eliza ’s roots.  World  War  II  veteran,  Charles,  rescues Will from her misadventures.  Who is he and why is he such a  recluse?  Why has he taken it upon himself to see she is safe?  

My Thoughts: This was an interesting and entertaining read. This is a story about a young woman trying to find herself and her purpose in life.

 The reader instantly falls in love with the main character Wilhelmina Suckovich.   She's had a lonely life without family living in an orphanage.   Now that she has come of age, she is on her own searching to see where life is going to take her.

In this story-line "Will" meets some interesting supporting characters that take the reader on adventures .  There are twists and surprises in the plot, which keeps the readers' interest.

The characters in this story were real to life, You had the small town gossipers, as well as veterans dealing with PTSD, or shell-shock they called it back then.   I could imagine each character in my mind.  



Anyone who enjoys a mystery with a little romance and humor this book is for you!


 Rating: ✩✩✩✩

Click Here to Get Your Copy:

About  The Author:

    Miss Weatherby holds a  BA  from  California  State  University,  Stanislaus.  She earned her teacher’s credentials from Chapman  University, as well as a cross-cultural language and academic development certificate from Sacramento  State  University.  She  is an active member of Sierra  Baptist  Church,  in  Pioneer, California and travels extensively.  Betty  Ruth Weatherby currently lives with her dog,  Buttons,  in the foothills of the Sierra  Nevada  Mountains. 

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.”

Unbound By Grace ~ Giveaway~

About the book:

Book Title: Unbound by Grace  
Author: Michelle Massaro  
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance  
Release date: July 21, 2018  

When the past holds the future captive, there is only ONE chain breaker… Tori Bishop has carved out a safe circle of friends who know nothing of her privileged status. But when she’s roped into attending a glitzy fundraiser, she brings along strong and steadfast Derek for support. As long as her secret stays safe, she never has to question his motives. Derek Miller wants his life to count for something, to make a difference—especially in the life of Tori Bishop, the spunky smart-mouth who loves razzing him. But if his prison record comes to light, she’s sure to take off running. When Tori and Derek get involved in building a local women’s shelter, the extra time together stirs more than an ember of attraction. Haunted by the fear of exposure, each must wrestle with the chains of their pasts to experience freedom, love, and the full depths of God’s grace.

My Thoughts: This is another book I truly enjoyed.  The reader can identify with the characters in the book.  A wonderful book on breaking down walls, letting go of our fears, taking chances and of course grace.  

A Story of two people trying to escape their position in life, one a privileged one and the other a life of poverty.

I love how author Michelle Massaro develops the story-line that shows us no matter what has happened in our lives, our past is our past, God loves us and we can be used by Him.  
There is one line in the book that still sits with me " I can see Jesus in his eyes".  This is what Tori says about Derek  This is what I want people to see in me.  

It's also a reminder that once we accept Christ, we all have a new beginning.

This book was a wonderful read, that was hard to put down.  I look forward to reading more from Michelle Massaro.

I give this one :

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

MICHELLE MASSARO writes contemporary fiction soaked in grace. She makes her home in Southern California with her husband of over two decades and their four children. She’s dabbled in homeschooling, teaching Creation Science, and leading worship. When she isn’t tinkering with words, Michelle enjoys old Rogers and Hammerstein movies, making kefir, and Sudoku. A new lipstick and a good French roast always make her happy.

Guest Post from Michelle

When I sit down to write a new story, I tend to gravitate toward some pretty deep emotions. The raw kind we all have known at one point or another. It’s what connects us all as human beings, no matter how different we are on the outside. If we can learn to see ourselves in others I believe that’s where compassion is born, as well as some self-revelation. Like King David hearing the story of the rich man stealing the poor man’s lamb and realizing he was that man! In Unbound by Grace, I was approaching the story of two super fun characters I had introduced in my first novel, Grace in the Flames. In that book, they sided characters. But I always adored writing their scenes. They were both so entertaining! And the chance to put these two together and give them their own book was just too delicious an idea to pass up. I got to put them into some interesting surroundings (anyone been to watch a horse race lately?) and take them to some very exposed, vulnerable places as well. Through them I was challenged to get inside someone else’s skin, and understand. Plus, they kept me smiling as well! This story was a blast to write, and I hope you enjoy these fictional friends of mine as much as I do. It’s such a pleasure to meet new readers. I hope to hear from you soon!

Blog Stops

Real World Bible Study, September 20

Godly Book Reviews, September 20

Among the Reads, September 21

The Power of Words, September 21

Bibliophile Reviews, September 22

A Baker’s Perspective, September 23

Fiction Aficionado, September 24

Faithfully Bookish, September 25

Reading Is My SuperPower, September 26

Carpe Diem, September 27

Lis Loves Reading, September 28

proud to be an autism mom, September 28

Simple Harvest Reads, September 29 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Janices book reviews, September 30

The Mimosa Blossom, October 1

Books, Books, and More Books., October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 3

Bigreadersite, October 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize package that includes a notebook, a mug, a bookmark, a pen, a signed copy of Grace in the Flames, and an Amazon Gift Card ($40)!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries! Click the link below to enter.


Click Here to Enter!

 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.”