Friday, September 29, 2017

Write Now Literary Presents: Sons of Ismael Reintroduction Tour: The Danjuma Brothers

Hello. I’m Excited. This is one of my stops during the one month tour for Sons of Ishmael Reintroduction Tour: The Danjuma Brothers by  Unoma Nwankwor.  This virtual book tour is organized by Write Now Literary Book Tours. This tour runs September 11 – October 5, 2017.  Follow the tour here.  Book your own tour here WNL      
 
Genre: Christian Fiction/Romance

About the book


A SCOOP OF LOVE~ SONS OF ISHMAEL BOOK I 


The oldest of the Danjuma brothers, Rasheed was a self-made man. He’d learned at an early age that love and commitment brought with it complications he didn’t want to deal with. His single-minded focus had paid off. He was able to step into the shoes of his absentee father by taking care of his mother and twin brothers. But just when he thought he could stop carrying the weight of his family on his shoulders, he gets a call that could change the trajectory of Rasheed’s life. Ibiso Jaja, a professional caterer, had gambled on the love of a man and lost. Through the redeeming love of God, she had picked herself up and was now living her dream as the owner of Bisso Bites, a bistro in the heart of Abuja. However circumstances conspire to threaten the bistro and bring her face to face with the type of man she has vowed to avoid. The attraction is instant. Once again, Rasheed is forced to do something he has done all his life – put the needs of his family ahead of his own. This time however, he crosses path with the sassy, independent, Jesus-loving caterer who is bent on making him see the power of forgiveness and God’s love. Just when Rasheed lets his guard down, a deadly sabotage causes old demons to rise. Will Rasheed continue to pursue power and success or surrender to the light of God’s love?




Rasheed Danjuma sighed aloud at the sight of another unwanted email from the law
offices of Ezekiel and Stanley. These lawyers were beginning to work his last nerve. He placed his finger over the touchpad of his laptop, directed the cursor to the delete icon and pressed it.It had been six months since Zayd Danjuma, the man that contributed to his genetic makeup had passed away. And his lawyers were still hounding him. Rasheed had thought his non-attendance of the funeral service was a clear indication of his disinterest in anything they had to say about his so-called father.
Determined not to let the email ruin his day, he picked up the receiver and dialed his
assistant’s extension. She picked up at the first ring.
“Yes, Rasheed?”
“Have you heard anything back from those clients in the United States?”
“No, I didn’t,” she said. “But while you were on your conference call, your mother
called.”
Rasheed felt a strange rise in his stomach. His mother almost never called him on his office phone unless she wanted to reach him in a hurry. “Did she leave a message?”
“No, she just said to let you know she called.”
“Okay, thank you.” He disconnected the call.
Rasheed walked over to his jacket and pulled out his cell phone. Looking out of the large window of his Hyde Park office, his sense of unease grew. He checked, and there were three missed called from his mother. His voice mail was empty. What was going on? He dialed his mother. She answered on the third ring.
“Mama, you tried to reach me. Is everything okay?”
“Nna, I really don’t know how to answer that.”
His mother used her term of endearment, Nna, for her sons when she wanted to ask for something she knew they didn’t want to give.“What is it?”
“Those lawyers from your father’s estate came to see me today,” she said. “Rasheed, I don’t want those men in my shop or house. I’m asking you again to come home and see what they want.”
Rasheed’s jaw set. How dare those lawyers hound his mother? Why was it so important that he and his brothers attend the stupid will reading? Even though it had been twenty-five years since their father had walked out of their lives, the memory of that morning was still vivid. Their father didn’t care about them in life, so why was he so concerned about their well-being in death? Squaring up against those lawyers himself was one thing, but when they involved his mother, it was totally different. He wouldn’t have it.
“You mean they came to your shop?” Rasheed asked as though he didn’t hear her the first time. Anger shot through his feet as he began to pace the length of his office.
“Yes.” His mother’s voice sounded shaky. “It’s one thing for them to call but to show up,I don’t appreciate it. They almost scared my customers away.”
After his mother had retired as a school administrator, she had decided she couldn’t sit idle. Her love of fashion led to the opening of a boutique in the heart of Abuja’s business district. Within months, the business had flourished. Rasheed had supported her because whatever made his mother happy made him happy, too. After many years of living in pain, she deserved to live her life in peace. They all did.
Rasheed’s mind went back to the email he’d received earlier in the day. Since these
lawyers were playing hardball, it was clear he had no choice but to travel to Nigeria. “If those lawyers call you again, tell them I’ll be there soon.”
His mother’s sigh expressed her relief. “God bless you, my son.”
“It’s okay, Mama. They better make it worth my while. If not, I won’t be held responsible for my actions.”



 ANCHORED BY LOVE~ SONS OF ISHMAEL SERIES BOOK II



When cardiac surgeon, Jabir Danjuma met Damisi Odinga at the University of Michigan seven years ago, it wasn’t necessarily love at first sight. With love comes commitment and he knows that’s not a promise he could keep, after all he is his father’s son. However, their attraction can’t be denied. Their ensuing one year romance is passionate and intense, and he begins to feel the forbidden emotion—love. Just as he starts to let his guard down, Damisi breaks up with him and moves half way around the world to Lagos, Nigeria. He knows immediately that the demise of their relationship has something to do with that church she joined. She becomes unrecognizable and wants to change him into something he is not. His studies are the most important thing to him, so he did what any sane man would do, let her go. Popular television personality Damisi Odinga, needs to end the fourth season of her show Becoming Ruth, with a bang. The trending topic in the country is the fairy-tale wedding of the heir to the Danjuma empire. The family has been shrouded in secrecy ever since the unknown sons resurfaced in the country last year. Coverage of the wedding weekend will give her show the boost it needs and seal its number one rating. No one can get an interview with the couple but she had a way in, her ex man, Jabir Danjuma. So what if he broke her heart and she hasn’t been able to get over him? This was kingdom business, right? Years ago, Damisi left him without an explanation and now Jabir has her just where he wants her. Their encounter sets off a series of events that leave them both with fresh pain and hurt. Angry, they leave Abuja to their destinations. If they didn’t set eyes on each other again it would be too soon. But little did they know that fate has another thing planned. Will they stick it out long enough for the Potter to perfect their scars and pain for His purpose or will distance and time steal the day.




Thirty minutes later, Jabir was in the KTN lobby waiting for Damisi. He got curious stares from the receptionist and guard. He didn’t know whether it was because he looked like Kamal—someone they’d recognize—or because Damisi never received male visitors. He hoped it was the latter.
The space was decorated in light colors, and the walls were decorated with paintings or pictures of guests of their shows. He walked to the one the one that had Damisi in it. She was on the set of her show and looked beautiful. She had a microphone in her hand and was smiling. From the picture, he could see she loved what she did. His eyes saddened at what the scandal would do to her career. If they acted fast, she might have a chance of salvaging it, but she was too stubborn, and his approach wasn’t helping either. He had to get her to see reason.
“What are you doing here?” she whispered behind him.
Jabir turned around and marveled at how gorgeous she looked. He smiled inwardly.
“I figured you could use breakfast.” He handed her the smoothie and the box of pastries.
She took it from him slowly, her eyes softening with gratitude. “Thank you, but you shouldn’t be here.”
Jabir frowned. “Why? Expecting someone?”
She grabbed his wrist and tried to pull him to the corner. He resisted at first, but caved when he saw the plea in her eyes. “I really appreciate the breakfast, but I thought you were supposed to be on your way to Badagry. I really don’t need any rumors started.”
He lifted his brow. “Rumors? I’m not doing anything but making sure you’re fed. The baby needs to eat.”
She looked around in shocked horror. “Shhhh. Do you want to say it a little louder?” She rolled her eyes at him and he chuckled. “Jabir, please you can’t be here. In case you forgot, you look like one of the most recognizable Nigerian soccer players. I can’t do the rumor mill now.”
He wanted to dismiss her argument, but he was running late, and she was right. But then he had another idea. “Okay, I’ll leave on one condition.”
“Really?”
“Really.” He smirked.
Some people walked past them and did a double take. Damisi panicked. “What is it?”
“Have dinner with me when I get back.”
Damisi hesitated, then someone she knew walked over to say hello to them. By now, he could see the fury in her eyes. The daggers in them were aimed at him. He raised his eyebrow.
“I can’t believe you. Okay. Go,” she said hurriedly and turned away. He watched her go, but smiled when she walked back his way. “Thank you, and please drive safe.”
Yep. This new approach just might work. There was hope.

photo

Born in Akron, Ohio to Nigerian parents, Unoma Nwankwor is a multi-published author and 2015 winner of the Nigerian Writers’ Award for Best Faith Based Fiction. Her readers are in love with her unique story telling that fuses faith, romance and African spice, capturing the essence of her present home base; Atlanta and her Nigerian culture. She is also the COO ofKevStel Group LLC and resides in Atlanta with her husband and two kids.
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Tour hosted by Write Now Literary

Thursday, September 28, 2017

The Amish Christmas Candle by Kelly Long , Jennifer Beckstrand, Lisa Jones Baker






SNOW SHINE ON ICE MOUNTAIN
Kelly Long
When staid Naomi Gish's mischievous father hires strapping Gray Fisher at their candle shop for the season, she's positive the old man has an ulterior motive. She doesn't need help--but as Gray learns the craft of candle making, Naomi learns that love is not only possible, but God's most precious gift.

A HONEYBEE CHRISTMAS
Jennifer Beckstrand
Of all the sacrifices Bitsy Kiem made to raise her three nieces Amish, giving up her Englisch life was the only thing she missed. With the girls married now, she has a chance to kick up her heels this Christmas--unless widowed Yost Weaver can convince her that Plain love is a flame that will never go out.

THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE
Lisa Jones Baker
Blessing those in need at Christmastime is one of Lydia's favorite traditions. But without her newly married sister's help this year, the task seems daunting--until handsome Mennonite John King shows her that hands joined to do good may unite hearts, as well.




About The Authors




Kelly Long was born and raised in North Central Pennsylvania. There was an Amish hitching post at the small grocery store in her town. She loves to write Amish romance and is the author of novel, Sarah's Garden, the novella Amish Christmas Expanded Edition with some other great Amish authors, Amish Love with Beth Wiseman and Kathy Fuller, and Lilly's Wedding Quilt--the sequel to Sarah's Garden. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and children. 



I have always been fascinated by the Amish way of life and now write Inspirational Amish Romance. I am drawn to the strong faith of the Plain people and admire the importance they put on enduring family ties. I have visited and studied Amish communities in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin where I met with a bishop and a minister as well as several Amish mamms, dats, and children. It has always impressed me at what salt-of-the-earth people they are. My interactions with these kind people have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have a dear Amish friend with whom I correspond in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She helps me keep my facts straight and gives me inspiration for my stories.
My goal is to write uplifting, inspiring stories with happy endings and hopeful messages. If my books make readers want to give themselves a big hug or jump up and down for joy, I’ve done my job. I am a member of Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers and am represented by Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency.

Website 



Lisa Jones Baker grew up near a small Amish town in Illinois that she frequented with her family on weekends. She's also a dog lover and a fan of Scottsdale, Arizona, where she spent nearly two decades. Lisa graduated from Illinois State University with a French major, has been on 5 out of 7 continents, and considers her parents the best in the world. Raised in a Christian home, Lisa has always been blessed with love and support. 

Website 


My Review





Three stories that have a candle involved in the telling, and end up with a bit of romance and a life lesson too.
The first surprised me because I don’t think of the Amish and bullying, but that is what happens to the main character, both as a youth and as an adult. You are in for quite a surprise as to how things turn out here.
The second story will be a reminder if you have read Jennifer’s previous books about Betsy Kiem’s nieces, and if you remember, she kept telling them not to feed the young men, or they won’t be able to get rid of them. Well the girls are back and we are updated on their lives, but there is more, and heartwarming, along with a few chuckles, life happenings for Betsy.
The third and final novella shows the pressure of falling in love with someone outside of your plain faith; yes we have Mennonite and Amish. Each of our characters seems to have deep problems, but will the love of others bring these two together.
I received this book through Net Galley and the publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.





Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: The Bell Tolls by R. Franklin James & Review


The Bell Tolls (A Hollis Morgan Mystery) by R. Franklin James

 


Traditional Mystery 5th in Series Camel Press (June 1, 2017) 
Paperback: 256 pages ISBN-13: 978-1603812177 
E-BOOK ASIN: B071Z883NN 



 

Hollis Morgan has survived imprisonment, received a pardon and persevered to finally become a probate attorney. Tough as she is, her newest case will further test her mettle. She discovers her client, Matthias Bell, is a deceased blackmailer whose last wish was to return the damaging documents letting his victims off the hook. It falls to Hollis to give them the good news. But it becomes apparent that Bell was murdered, and the victims of “Bell’s tolls” are now suspects.
Hollis’ white-collar criminal past has left her with keen survival instincts. A gifted liar, she knows a liar when she sees one. A lot of people in this case are lying and one is a killer.
On top of that, she’s also representing a dying stripper, a wealthy widow whose estranged daughter spurns her attempts at reconciliation, but whose husband sees the potential inheritance as mending all wounds.
Clients aside, Hollis is defensive and wary. Her mother, who hasn’t spoken to her for years, needs a kidney, and Hollis is a match, but neither are ready to put away the past. With Hollis’ fiancé and emotional support off on an undercover mission for Homeland Security, she must count on her own survival instincts. She is swept along on an emotional roller coaster as her absent love and her family’s coldness take their own toll.
Work is her salvation. The specter of a killer keeps her focused. Hollis has always had to rely on her wits, but now she finds that others who don’t have her well-being in mind are relying on them as well.

Book 5 in the Hollis Morgan Mystery series, which began with The Fallen Angels Book Club.



 

 

 

About The Author

R. Franklin James grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. From there she cultivated a different type of writing—legislation and public policy. After serving as Deputy Mayor for the City of Los Angeles, under millionaire Richard Riordan, she went back to her first love—writing, and in 2013 her debut novel, THE FALLEN ANGELS BOOK CLUB was published by Camel Press. Her second book in The Hollis Morgan Mystery Series, STICKS & STONES, was followed by THE RETURN OF THE FALLEN ANGELS BOOK CLUB, and THE TRADE LIST. THE BELL TOLLS, book five was released in June 2017. R. Franklin James lives in Northern California with her husband.  


Author Links
 Webpage: www.rfranklinjames.com  
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34518818-the-bell-tolls?from_search=true Twitter: @RFJBooks  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RFranklinJames  

Purchase Links Amazon B&N kobo


 Books in This Series



 


Tour Participants
  
September 20 – Varietats2010 – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY   
September 20 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT  
September 21 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT  
September 21 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW  
September 22 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW  
September 23 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! - REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
September 23 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST  
September 24 – The Editing Pen – GUEST POST  
September 25 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW  
September 26 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW
September 27 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY  
September 28 – Maureen's Musings – REVIEW  
September 29 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST  


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My Review





 This book continued to pull me in right up to the very last sentence, and now I need to read the next book in this series.
Yes a little bit of everything here for you, with blackmail, murder, romance, relationships, and when you wonder what one part of the book has to do with the other, they meld.
The author has us walking in the shoes of a young woman who has literally pulled herself up by the bootstraps, and yet whenever she falls down, she gets up and brushes herself off and continues.
From her rocky relationship with her family, to the love of her life, to her job as a lawyer, we continue on with her, she is one remarkable person. A murder mystery that is really going to make you think and boy was I surprised at the ending.
I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.





 

Monday, September 25, 2017

Liar's Winter: An Appalachian Novel by Cindy K. Sproles






The choices you make determine who you are. No no mark." Lochiel Ogle was born with a red-wine birthmark--and it put her life in jeopardy from the moment she entered the world. Mountain folks called it "the mark of the devil," and for all the evil that has plagued her nineteen-year existence, Lochiel is ready to believe that is true. And the evil surely took control of the mind of the boy who stole her as an infant, bringing her home for his mother to raise.

Abused and abandoned by the only people she knows as family, Lochiel is rescued by a peddler and given the first glimpse of love she has ever known. The truth of her past is gradually revealed as is the fact that she is still hunted by a brother driven to see her dead. Unsure if there's anyone she can truly trust, Lochiel is faced with a series of choices: Will she continue to run for escape or will she face her past and accept the heartbreaking secrets it reveals? Which will truly free her?

Set in the wild and beautiful Appalachian Mountains of nineteenth-century East Tennessee, Liar's Winter is an unflinching yet inspirational exploration of prejudice and choice.



About The Auhor






Cindy K. Sproles is an author and a speaker, whose dream is to do nothing more than craft words that speak from the heart. God's plan seems to be for her to write and teach the craft.  With God’s guidance, Cindy is expanding her horizons. We'll see how He uses her.
Cindy is a mountain gal. Proud of her heritage, she was born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains where life is simple, words have a deep southern drawl, and colloquialisms like, "well slap my knee and call me corn pone" seem to take precedence over proper speech. Apple Butter, coal mining, the river, pink sunrises and golden sunsets help you settle into a porch swing and relax. Family, the love of God and strong morals are embedded into her life in the mountains. Teaching writers, spinning fiction tales about life in the mountains, history and down home ideas find their way into all she does. “I love to write devotions, to seek after the deeper side of Christ and to share the lessons He teaches me from life in the hills of East Tennessee. I am a writer. A speaker. A lover of God's Word and friend to all.” This is Cindy Sproles.


My Review


Liar’s Winter is a book that will warm your heart and bring tears to your eyes. A baby snatched from those who loved her and taken to be raised as more or less a slave with no comfort from other humans, ah but that is just the beginning.
The author makes you think about the injustice of all that happens to Lochiel, and we wonder with all that transpires to her if she will survive until the end of the story. A powerful read if there ever was one, and you will not want to put it down, and then you will want it to continue once you get to the end.
Superstition plays a part in a lot of cultures, and these mountain folks are ripe for it, when it is spread that this innocent young woman has the “mark of the devil”, but you can see the hand of the Lord in her rescue and surprises abound as you peruse the pages of this novel. We find friends and family, but also those who believe the lies and take it out on a defenseless girl, and yet she has the power of God on her side, will it be enough, or will those who believe in evil prevail?
Don’t miss this one; it will linger with you for a long time.
I received this book through Kregel Blogging Program, and was not required to give a positive review.


Friday, September 22, 2017

The Proving by Beverly Lewis





Having left the Amish life for the English world, Amanda Dienner is shocked when she learns that her mother has passed and left her Lancaster County's most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. The catch is she has to run it herself for one year, acting as hostess. Amanda accepts the terms, but coming home to people she left behind won't be easy.

Amazon



About The Author





Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher's Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado."

Website  

My Review






Beverly Lewis has given us another page turning read, and heart-warming visit in Lancaster with an Amish family, and their forgiving love for one another.
Yes the main theme of this book is forgiveness, an easy thing to say, but hard to do, and yet a corner stone of faith. We also have a twin that ends up back in her home, and has to face her past, and those she feels wounded her. I found myself quickly lost in this story, and hoping what my mind was wishing would happen, and in most cases it did.
We know when we begin that it is a death that brings Mandy home, but will life and family get her to stay; she sure has to work cut out for her.
I would love to go and stay at this B & B, and see the butterflies!
I received this book through Bethany House Publisher’s Reviewer Program, and was not required to give a positive review.





Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Passport to Murder by Mary Angela & Giveaway


Passport to Murder (Professor Prather Mystery) by Mary Angela

 

 

 



Passport to Murder (Professor Prather Mystery) Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Camel Press (September 15, 2017) Paperback: 272 pages ISBN-13: 978-1603816533 



 



Start with an unlucky number. Throw in a romantic location. Include a dashing Frenchman and an uncompromising professor. And you have all the ingredients for a passport to murder. This semester, it seems that Professor Prather's dreams are about to come true. Ever since she was a young girl, she's imagined going to France, and her French colleague, André Duman, has finally made that trip possible. Over spring break, she and André are to lead a group of students and faculty to Paris to explore the City of Light. But before she can utter her first bonjour, a professor dies, and they are stuck in Minneapolis. She returns to Copper Bluff with an unstamped passport and a mystery to solve. When André becomes the prime suspect, Emmeline puts her research skills to good use, determined to find out who really killed the professor and spoiled their spring break plans. With thirteen travelers assembled, the possibilities are varied and villainous. Luckily, her dear friend and sidekick, Lenny Jenkins, is close by. Together, they will sort through the conflicting clues even if it costs them time, trouble, or tenure.  

 

About The Author

 

 

 

Like her protagonist in the Professor Prather mystery series, Mary Angela lives on the Great Plains and teaches college writing and literature. When she’s not grading papers (when is she not grading papers?), she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She and her husband have two amazing daughters, one adorable dog, and a cat who would rather not be limited by an adjective. For more information, go to www.maryangelabooks.com.  


Author Links Webpage Blog GoodReads Facebook Twitter  


Purchase Links Amazon B&N


a Rafflecopter giveaway  


TOUR PARTICIPANTS  

September 13 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
September 14 – StoreyBook Reviews - CHARACTER GUEST POST  
September 15 – The Self-Rescue Princess - CHARACTER INTERVIEW  
September 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT  
September 17 – Island Confidential - SPOTLIGHT  
September 18 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST  
September 19 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW *  
September 20 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW *  
September 20 – Maureen's Musings - SPOTLIGHT  
September 21 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW  
September 22 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW  
September 23 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW *  
September 24 – Varietats2010 – REVIEW  
September 24 – Brooke Blogs - SPOTLIGHT
September 25 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW *  
September 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy - INTERVIEW  

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Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Present: Mrs. Odboddy and the Conniving Candidate: A WWII Tale of Political Shenanigans and Snookery (Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries) by Elaine Faber

  Mrs. Odboddy and the Conniving Candidate: A WWII Tale of Political Shenanigans and Snookery (Mrs. Odboddy Mysteries) by ...