Sunday, January 31, 2021

The Thief of Blackfriar's Lane Celebration Tour

About the Book

Book: The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian historical

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

My Thoughts: Another winner for Michelle Griep. The author has spun a wonderful historical mystery that takes the reader to London in the year 1885. Full of humor and action, this novel will keep the reader on edge until the very end. A constable and a thief, can the two mix at all? The reader will enjoy the camaraderie of Kit and Jackson as they search for the missing cab driver. Well written and easy to follow this will be a great read for those who like historical fiction.

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Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

More from Michelle

Zootopia in Victorian London

I admit it. I like kid’s movies. You know, the animated sort that entertain both young and old alike. One of my favorites is Zootopia, a rollicking adventure about a bunny whose dream it is to be a police officer and make the streets of the big city safe for all animals. In fact, I loved it so much that I thought why not set it in Victorian London?

So I did.

And that’s what The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is all about, but that meant I had to do a little digging into the history of police force of the late 1800’s. Here’s what I learned…

The Metropolitan Police (founded in 1829 by Robert Peel) was composed mostly of young men, many of whom were recruited from rural areas. Few were from London, the philosophy being that they would thus be free from local patronage and influence.

It is a bit of an anomaly that hero Jackson Forge and his friend, Officer Baggett, carry a sidearm. Some did, but most relied on truncheons. It was up to the officer. Revolvers were usually only supplied after the death of a police officer by an armed criminal, at the discretion of the Divisional Officer, or if a constable requested to use one during night duty. In 1884, after the deaths of several police officers, the Home Office ordered nearly a thousand revolvers from Webley & Scott to be issued to branches of the London police. . .which is where I got the idea of a shipment of guns for the villain to attempt to steal.

Police detectives were recruited from within the ranks of existing uniformed officers. There were actually women on the force at the time, employed as police matrons. But these were behind-the-scenes workers, tasked with guarding women and children. If my heroine, Kit, were to be out in public, serving as Jackson’s assistant, she’d have to keep her job secret. The first female police officer wasn’t seen on the streets until 1919.

And so, armed with that information, I wrote the adventures of not a police bunny and a con artist fox, but of Jackson Forge, a fresh-faced constable, and his thorn in the side, swindler Kit Turner. Snatch up your own copy and enjoy a visit to Victorian London!

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, January 23

Bigreadersite, January 23

Inklings and notions, January 23

Bizwings Blog, January 23

Remembrancy, January 24

Connect in Fiction, January 24

deb’s Book Review, January 24

Blogging With Carol, January 24

She Lives To Read, January 25

Blessed & Bookish, January 25

Genesis 5020, January 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 25

Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 26

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 26

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 27

CarpeDiem, January 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 28

For the Love of Literature, January 28

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 28

Connie’s History Classroom, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 29

Life of Literature, January 29

Betti Mace, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

HookMeInABook, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 31

Mia Reads, January 31

Godly Book Reviews, January 31

Through the Fire Blogs, February 1

KarenSueHadley, February 1

The Book Chic Blog, February 1

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, February 1

Artistic Nobody, February 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Mamma Loves Books, February 2

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

Splashes of Joy, February 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3

Vicky Sluiter, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 3

The Write Escape, February 4

Wishful Endings, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 4

Hallie Reads, February 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 5

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 5

To Everything There Is A Season, February 5

Daysong Reflections, February 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card

and a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

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.”

Saturday, January 30, 2021

Of Ink and Sea Celebration Tour

About the Book

Book: Of Ink and Sea

Author: Clarissa Kae

Genre: Romance with historical and paranormal elements

The Bristol Sea divides Cornwall and Wales—and sings an enticing tale to Sienna Rothesay, an English born, American raised photographer. Since childhood, she’s fought the temptation to listen to its siren song.

When Ioan Waif, an enigmatic neighbor from her Welsh days calls her home to care for her ailing grandfather, Sienna is faced with an old myth that hints at a nefarious secret, linking her ancestors with Ioan’s.

To uncover the truth, she must walk the blurry path between legend and reality but with more questions than answers, she fears giving in to her heart will cost Sienna her head.

My Thoughts: This was an intriguing story that takes the reader to England. Sienna's family has a secret, one that will keep the readers' interest until the very end. This novel was a great read, the characters were easy to identify with, and actually some they will come to love. This is a story about righting wrongs and setting people free. This is a story that takes the reader from the present to the past to help them understand the legend. Well written and I look for more books from Clarissa Kae in the future.

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Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.

Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.

Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.

She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.

More from Clarissa

I was supposed to go to Wales for my 40th birthday which is this month January 2021. But COVID happened. Instead, I delved into Wales for a setting and never looked back.

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, January 18

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 18

Texas Book-aholic, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

Inklings and notions, January 21

Wishful Endings, January 21

For Him and My Family, January 22

deb’s Book Review, January 23

Blogging With Carol, January 23

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 25

Heidi and Books, January 25

Artistic Nobody, January 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Connie’s History Classroom, January 27

Holly Jo Morris, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

The Write Escape, January 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 29

Godly Book Reviews, January 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31

Mia Reads, January 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon,

$50 Barnes And Noble and $50 Target!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

Click Here to Enter!

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Unlocking the Code of the Supernatural Celebration Tour

About the Book

Book: Unlocking the Code of the Supernatural

Author: Dr. Kynan T. Bridges

Genre: RELIGION / Christianity/Pentecostal & Charismatic

Release Date: January 12, 2021

The Mystery of Being a Christian

It can be hard for us to admit we are dissatisfied with our spiritual life. That we are in a place where going to church is not yielding the victory we desire. A place where we pray things like, “God, I will never do that again,” yet find ourselves doing it again and again.

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are in fact a new creation. How would you like to start really experiencing that new life? Once you do, you will discover a world of unlimited spiritual possibilities.

Being a Christian is a mystery in which Christ lives in us through a radical transformation of our spiritual DNA. We have a relationship with the living Jesus that changes every dynamic of our life. And we are given our own access code, which is the Word of God. This is how we enter into the benefits and features of our new life.

What you need in order to overcome sin, sickness, poverty, and defeatism is to become conscious of, and intimate with, the indwelling Christ. Once you do, you will never again be manipulated by fear and insecurity. You won’t be caught in a vicious cycle of striving for God’s love and acceptance. You will be confident in your new identity, which will empower you to live the supernatural life God intends for you. You will operate in revelation knowledge, wisdom, spiritual understanding, and miracles. The bondage of sin, shame, and condemnation will be released by the power of the Holy Spirit. Demons won’t be able to oppress you because you will have an overwhelming consciousness of God’s love.

Whether you are a new Christian or a long-time believer who has never been able to fully apply Christ’s victory to your life, Unlocking the Code of the Supernatural will help you become all God created you to be. You will no longer be a victim, defeated, or broken. God wants to use you for His glory! From this day forward, there are no more limitations on your life.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts: This was an interesting book that will help those who are new believers and help those who just want some clarification of who they are in Christ. I would like to call this a study because the questions at the end of each chapter will help the reader grow in the word and establish a further understanding of the Word. All in all the author does a wonderful job of explaining questions that Christians may have about the topics he discusses. There will be controversial topics addressed, such as speaking in tongues. That is an individual choice to agree or not to agree with. Other than that, I think that this is a good book and a good read.

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About the Author

Dr. Kynan T. Bridges is the senior pastor of Grace & Peace Global Fellowship in Tampa, Florida. With a profound revelation of the Word of God and a dynamic teaching ministry, Dr. Bridges has revolutionized the lives of many in the body of Christ. Through his practical approach to applying the deep truths of the Word of God, he reveals the authority and identity of the new covenant believer. A highly sought speaker and published author of several books, including School of the Miraculous, The Power of Prophetic Prayer, Invading the Heavens, Unmasking the Accuser, and Kingdom Authority. Dr. Bridges is also a committed husband to Gloria and father of five beautiful children: Ella, Naomi, Isaac, Israel, and Anna.

Read an Excerpt

From the Preface

God wants us to live a supernatural lifestyle, full of His grace and power! He wants us to be free of problems that hinder us from moving forward in life, such as fear, guilt, and depression. He desires that we move in miracles, signs, and wonders as we expand His kingdom on earth.

However, many believers never enter into a supernatural lifestyle because they are held back by false ideas of what it means to be a Christian, how they should relate to their heavenly Father, and how to be led by the Spirit—misconceptions that have been entrenched in their minds for years.

What will unlock the code of the supernatural in our lives, enabling us to live a dynamic, Spirit-filled life?

Through my study of God’s Word, personal experiences, and ministry to thousands of Christians, I have found that when we don’t have a clear understanding of what it means to be brand-new in Christ, we block the flow of God’s Spirit within us. Unless we truly know who we are in Jesus, we will lack confidence in His ability to work miracles through us. If we rely on our own efforts rather than the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we will constantly be frustrated. If we feel trapped and condemned by our past, believing God would never be able to use us because of our bad choices or failures—or what others have done to us—we will be hindered from walking in the supernatural.

I have designed this book to unveil the various facets of what it means to be a new creation in Christ and live according to the Spirit. We will look at a number of key Scriptures, especially from the Gospels and the Epistles, that relate to this theme. These Scriptures, reviewed in sequence, will strengthen our understanding of our life in Christ, reinforcing vital biblical truths until we gain a full picture of our spiritual newness. In this way, with each chapter, we will progressively renew our minds to unlock the code of the supernatural and find the secret to God’s power in us.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Texas Book-aholic, January 16

Inklings and notions, January 17

Simple Harvest Reads, January 18 (Spotlight)

deb’s Book Review, January 18

For Him and My Family, January 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 20

Artistic Nobody, January 21 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, January 22

Splashes of Joy, January 23 (Spotlight)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 24

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 26

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 27 (Spotlight)

Mary Hake, January 27

Godly Book Reviews, January 28

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Kynan is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card

and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

Click Here to Enter!

Restoring Fairhaven Celebration Tour

About the Book

Book: Restoring Fairhaven

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Love hurts, or so the songs say, so who wants it?

Taking on her ailing father’s gardening business on Merriweather Island, Samantha Green only wants to escape her ex and to make her father proud.

But Sam gets more than she bargained for when Greener Gardens accepts the job of restoring the gardens of a reclusive writer, Max Fairhaven, whose historical novels about romance and unrequited love litter bookstore shelves and movie marquees all over the world.

Max much prefers the fictional world to the real, and the gardening girl’s interruptions means he’s driven from his writing cave far too often for his liking.

How’s he supposed to craft stories with her distracting him all the time?

Things change when he learns something of Sam’s family challenges, and his admiration slowly kindles. With his secretary’s goading, he’s forced to confront the past, while facing the fact that he needs to change in order to avoid a lonely future.

Gentle pruning and a whole lot of banter forges a friendship between this not-so-Southern belle landscaper and the half-British author. But is their budding attraction enough to grow into a flourishing happily-ever-after?

Restoring Fairhaven is the final “Merriweather book,” but don’t forget to embark on a tour of the next island in this series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

My Thoughts: This I believe was my favorite of the series, it was such a delight to read. This was the story of beginning again, starting over, and letting God take control. It's also a story about trust. Both Samantha and Max had a past that was hard to let go of and with the help of God, we see how two wounded people come together. This is a short read and hard to put down, the reader will certainly identify with the characters. The author has done a great job of bringing the characters, the storyline ad the readers together. This is certainly worth the read.

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Don't forget to read the others in the series as well!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, Underestimating Miss Cecilia, and Misleading Miss Verity, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc Her contemporary novels include Restoring Fairhaven and Regaining Mercy, as part of the Independence Islands series.

More from Carolyn

I’m a long time lover of gardens, plants, flowers and trees! I’m married to a horticulturalist, who once upon a time worked at Lyme Park, the site of Mr. Darcy’s magnificent Pemberley from the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice, and who has also worked at Kew Gardens in England.

Some of my garden and plant highlights include visiting Blarney Castle’s Poison Garden in Ireland, New Zealand’s Hamilton Gardens, Dunrobin Castle in Scotland, Frederik Meijer Gardens in Michigan, the redwoods of Yosemite, California, Butchart Gardens in Victoria Island, Canada, and Jardin Botanique in Montreal, Canada.

I love to post pictures of flowers and trees on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/carolynmillerauthor/) and have included pictures of some of these places at my website (www.carolynmillerauthor.com) I have incorporated some of the gardens and plants in a number of my historical novels, including the gorgeous gardens at a castle in Scotland where I set Misleading Miss Verity.

I’m so excited to be introducing readers to my new contemporary books, where I can bring some of my love of gardens (& my hubby’s expertise!) to a new audience. Restoring Fairhaven sees readers introduced to a range of gardening experts who together will bring the gardens of the Independence Islands back to life.

If you’re someone who has enjoyed The Secret Garden, or Becky Wade’s My Stubborn Heart, you’ll be sure to enjoy this story of a reclusive writer and the gardening guru sent to restore his gardens – and his heart.

Happy reading!

Carolyn