Celebrate Lit Presents: Gift From Above by Rachel J Good Promo Blast

Sarah Esh’s peaceful life turns upside down one afternoon when a parachutist crash-lands on her family’s farm. The stranger insists his life is in danger and begs her to keep his presence secret. Sarah’s promise tangles her in a web of deceit that endangers innocent people, ruins her best friend’s reputation, and tears apart the Amish community. After she discovers the man’s true purpose, Sarah must confess her mistake and repair the damage she’s done. But how can she admit the truth to Jacob Zook knowing it will end their relationship?

Although he was jilted by Sarah’s older sister, Jakob finds himself attracted to Sarah’s kindness and honesty. Her innocence and gentle spirit encourage him to open his heart. Then he discovers the deep secrets Sarah’s been hiding—secrets that destroyed his family and now threaten their love.

 Amazon 

About The Author

USA Today bestselling author RACHEL J. GOOD writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – the bestselling Love & Promises, Sisters & Friends, Unexpected Amish Blessings, Surprised by Love (2021), and two books in Hearts of Amish Country – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books. In addition, she has stories in many anthologies, including Love’s Thankful Heart, Love’s Christmas Blessings, Plain Everyday Heroes, Love’s Truest Hope, and the forthcoming Amish Christmas Twins (September 2020) with Shelley Shepard Gray and Loree Lough. She is also the coauthor of the Prayerful Author Journey: Inspirational Yearly Planner.

Connect with Rachel:

Website: www.racheljgood.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels

Twitter: https://twitter.com/racheljgood1

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/racheljgood1/

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Rachel-J-Good/e/B019DWF4FG

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/rachel-j-good

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelj.good

Newsletter sign-up: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

Hitching Post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/196506777789849/

My Review

Can you imagine seeing a man parachute out of a plane and onto your property? Then when you reach him he is hurt? Also he says someone wants to hurt him, so Sarah Esh, with her kind heart gives him shelter. What is more amazing is that this is an Amish family.
With her Grandmother involved, using the Dawdi House, how can this secret be kept from her family and community, and should it? Be ready. for a lot of laughs here, Grandma sure puts him in his place, and maybe it is God working!
Sometimes we don't see what is in front of our eyes, or appreciate what we have, also making something into what it is not, especially when the heart is involved.
We get to read the third book in this series, and lots of info is offered, so you will not be lost, and you're in for a great read.
I received this book through the Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review. 

Celebrate Lit Presents: Woman of the Bible Speak Out by Marlo Schalesky

About the Book

Book:  Women of the Bible Speak Out
Author: Marlo Schalesky
Genre:  RELIGION/Christian Living/Women’s Interests
Release Date: June 2, 2020

With the recent headlines about gender-based abuse, power, harassment, and assault, it seems as if everyone is searching for answers. Marlo Schalesky provides a biblical response to the tough questions raised by these issues. She explores the stories of twenty women in Scripture, including Eve, Sarah, and Bathsheba—women who were betrayed, abused, endangered, blamed, and shamed. As she leads us in studying the biblical text, she draws our eye to God’s responses to these women and their situations:  Eve: The Way It Was Supposed to Be

Sarai: Betrayed

Hagar: – Used

Lot’s Daughters & A Levite’s Concubine: Abused

Two Tamars: Rejected

Hannah: Devalued

Abigail: Endangered

Bathsheba: Sexualized

Esther: Dominated

Mary & Martha: Oppressed

A Samaritan Woman: Shamed

A Sinful Woman: Scorned

A Woman Caught in Adultery: Blamed

Women at the Tomb: Disbelieved

She points out a way to healing, wholeness, and freedom. In the midst of today’s #MeToo conversations, this book will give new voice to the remarkable women of Scripture—and new hope to many, many women today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marlo Schalesky is the founder and president of Wonder Wood Ranch, a California charitable organization that brings hope through horses to hurting kids. She’s had over one thousand articles published in various Christian magazines, is a regular columnist for Power for Living, and is an award-winning author of twelve books. Schalesky has a master’s in theology with an emphasis in biblical studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. She lives with her husband and six children in a log home on California’s central coast.

More from Marlo

1) Why did you write this book?

When I was first asked to consider writing a book about women in the Bible who experienced abuse, oppression, gender-based bias and discrimination, sexualization, and more, I didn’t know how their stories would intersect with mine and the experiences of women today. I thought I would find only horror, but beyond that I found a surprising hope; a God who is always seeking to redeem, to heal, and to make right where mankind has broken and betrayed.

This book is for others like me, for women who have been hurt, whose wounds sometimes seem too deep to heal. I wrote it for those who know that while justice is necessary, it is not enough. We need to see God. We need Him to see us. We need an experience with the God of Scripture whose fierce love is the only thing that can heal those hurts that lie deep within.

2) What do you hope your readers will take away from reading your book?

I hope they experience a renewed hope. And a deeper understanding of the God who loves them. I want readers to know that God sees them, and He sees what they’ve suffered, and He does not look away. He does not make excuses.

After reading Women of the Bible Speak Out, I hope readers will see that instead of winking at the repression of women, the Bible exposes it. And the Bible reveals a God who not only shares in our suffering but seeks to redeem it.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 10

Spoken from the Heart, June 10

For the Love of Literature, June 11

deb’s Book Review, June 11

Emily Yager, June 12

Older & Smarter, June 12

Book of Ruth Ann, June 13

A Reader’s Brain, June 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 15

Rebecca Tews, June 15

Texas Book-aholic, June 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 16

Godly Book Reviews, June 17

Writing from the Heart Land, June 17

Inklings and notions, June 18

Holly Jo Morris, June 18

For Him and My Family, June 19

Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 19 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Just the Write Escape, June 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21

Hallie Reads, June 21

Splashes of Joy, June 22

Artistic Nobody, June 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marlo is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book plus a $10 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/fc1e/women-of-the-bible-speak-out-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Presents: A River To Cross by C. L. Smith

About the Book

Book:  A River to Cross
Author: C.L. Smith
Genre:  Biblical Fiction
Release Date: November, 2017

Although human eyes see only a river separating Israel from the Promised Land, primordial powers of darkness are determined to prevent a crossing that will change the world.
In the thrilling sequel to Balaam’s Curse, Acsah, Othniel, Jonathan and their friends sort through the rubble of the Midianite war for pieces of the simple and innocent life they’ve lost. But there is no going back. While nearly drowning in personal rivers of disappointment, grief, and fear, they hardly notice the Jordan River slowly rising to an impassable, raging torrent. By the time they do, Moses is dead. Yahweh has made it clear that Joshua is his chosen replacement, but the people have little faith that this hesitant man can lead them into Canaan.
To bolster confidence, Joshua sends Salmon and another young spy across the river in a reconnaissance mission that plunges them into a world where evil prowls in broad daylight and death waits in the darkness. They escape the depraved city of Jericho only by the quick thinking of a Canaanite girl who risks her life in exchange for a promise of rescue. Now her life and the future of the world depend on crossing that river.


Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

C.L. SMITH, former missionary and junior high English/history teacher, has been captivating audiences around the world for years with the timeless thrill of biblical tales. Now in her retirement years she is writing The Stones of Gilgal biblical novels. The books weave her lifetime love of learning and people into the fabric of obscure ancient texts, creating an unforgettable tapestry of rich scenes and colorful characters.
The narrative unfolds from the viewpoint of six minor biblical characters who experienced the miracles and mayhem of the era of Joshua (stories recounted in the last half of Numbers through parts of Judges) bringing this ancient world to life. This deeply-researched telling, of old stories makes them new again and relevant to our world today. She has completed three of six books in the series. The books are chronological, each adding layers to our understanding of the characters and their life situations, but each book can be enjoyed as a story complete within itself.
Learn more at www.stonesofgilgal.com

More from C.L. Smith

HAVE YOU EVER?

• tried reading Old Testament stories and wondered why such violence is found in the Good Book?
• heard anyone say, “I like Jesus, but the God of the Old Testament seems so blood-thirsty and vengeful”?
• wondered how Joshua’s army—slaughtering whole towns because God told them to—was different from ISIS and other militant religious armies today?

Have you ever wished you had good answers for people who ask those questions?

Imagine a story that deals with those questions and reads like the high adventure of an epic fantasy novel. Well, you don’t have to imagine. The Stones of Gilgal novels tackle those tough questions.

 A River to Cross is the second book of The Stones of Gilgal series––but plunge right in! Each book can be read as a story complete within itself.

Background from book one: The children of Israel celebrate their arrival at the border of Canaan, their long-awaited Promised Land. But the evil prophet Balaam has been hired to stop them. His plot turns their joyful celebration into a nightmare. Balaam’s Curse threatens the very existence of God’s people on earth, leads to the death of the last of the Exodus generation, and leaves their children reeling.

Setting for book two: The crisis is past. Acsah, Othniel and friends begin picking up the pieces of their shattered lives. Their parent’s generation is gone, but against all odds, they survived the rebellion, plague, and war initiated by Balaam’s Curse. Like a loving grandfather, Moses gathers his people together for his final words. He reviews the covenant law and appoints Joshua as their new leader. The people grieve the loss of their mountain of strength. But inspired by the passion of his farewell speeches, the people look to the future with fiercely bright hope. They will cross the Jordan and claim their inheritance. What could possibly go wrong?

The Characters
Six of the major characters in this series are minor but real people found in scripture. They all came of age during the era of Joshua, experiencing the transition from the Wilderness Wanderings to finding a home in the Promised Land. They all crossed the Jordan, witnessed the fall of Jericho and the sun standing still at a word from Joshua—life-changing events shaping them for leadership roles as mature adults in the book of Judges.

• Othniel, who becomes the first hero-Judge of Israel––Judges 3:7-11
• Acsah, only daughter of the heroic Caleb––Judges 1:12-15
• Rahab, the courageous Canaanite harlot not only saved by faith but honored with a place in the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ. Joshua 2
• Salmon, prince of the tribe of Judah, future husband of Rahab––only found in genealogies: Ruth 4:18-22, Matthew 1:5
• Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, warrior of righteousness and future high priest––Numbers 25, 30, Joshua 22, and Judges 20,
• Jonathan, grandson of Moses––Judges 17-18
• Plus Abihail, fictionalized daughter-in-law of the biblical Achan, Joshua 7

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, June 16

Blossoms and Blessings, June 17 (Author Interview)

Batya’s Bits, June 17

For the Love of Literature, June 18

Emily Yager, June 19

Betti Mace, June 20

Older & Smarter?, June 21

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 22

Artistic Nobody, June 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 23

Texas Book-aholic, June 24

Through the Fire Blogs, June 25 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, June 26

deb’s Book Review, June 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 27

A Baker’s Perspective , June 28 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, June 29

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/fc82/a-river-to-cross-celebration-tour-giveaway

An Amish Mother's Secret Past (Green Mountain Blessings #3) by Jo Ann Brown

Every woman deserves a fresh start…

Can an Amish widow’s past

cost her a future filled with love?
Widow Rachel Yoder has a secret: she’s a military veteran trying to give her children a new life among the Amish. Though she’s drawn to bachelor Isaac Kauffman, she knows she can’t tell him the truth—or give him her heart. With her forbidden past, Rachel can never be the perfect Plain wife he’s looking for.

Amazon


About The Author

Jo Ann Brown has been creating characters and stories for as long as she can remember. Her first stories were populated with her friends and sisters. She wrote her first novel in high school, and it happily resides in the forgotten depths of her file cabinet. Fast forward through college, serving in the US Army as a quartermaster officer, getting married, and increasing her blessings with three children...and Jo Ann sold her first book in 1987. Since it was published in 1988, she has sold over 100 titles and has become a best-selling and award-winning author. Romantic Times called her “a truly talented author.” She writes romance, mystery, and YA under a variety of pen names. Now she is writing Amish romances for Love Inspired and Annie’s Fiction as Jo Ann Brown.
Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages and are sold on every continent except Antarctica. A sought-after speaker, she has been teaching creative writing for over 20 years, and she established several popular fiction courses at Brown University. She resides in Florida with her husband and about a zillion little lizards in her yard.

Website


My Review

This is the third book that I have read in this series, so it was nice to meet up with some of the past characters, who do play a role in this book.
This time it is Isaac who has his heart turned with the arrival of an Amish widow with two sweet little girls, and they meet in rather upsetting way, at least for his shoes!
We journey as this community is attempting to get back on its feet after a devastating flood, and they are almost finished with the rebuilding, hoping to be done by Christmas.
Widow Rachel Yoder is hiding a big secret, especially for an Amish woman, and as it unfolds we don’t know if she can stay in the safety of his world she want to be apart of.
This story has a little of many things, jealousy, Faith, forgiveness, and hope for the future!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harlequin, and was not required to give a positive review.

Read With Audra Blog Tours Presents: Cross Shadow (Shepherd Suspense #2) by Andrew Huff

All journalist Christine Lewis wants is the truth. All pastor John Cross wants is to avoid it.

Former CIA agent turned evangelical pastor John Cross is busy caring for the small community of believers he ministers to in Virginia. Journalist Christine Lewis is busy with the demand for her talents from top news agencies in New York City. Neither has any time left for their relationship, which began eight months before when they paired up to prevent the detonation of a chemical bomb in the nation's capital.

But when Christine hears that her stepbrother has been arrested for murder in Texas, they team up again to discover the truth about the crime. Untangling a web of conspiracy, the couple finds themselves in the center of another dangerous situation-and in trouble far deeper than they expected.

With an assassin on the loose, a trusted colleague acting as a double agent, and unreliable artificial intelligence connected to mercenaries who have Cross on their hit list, these two may not get out of the Lone Star State alive.

Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway


About The Author

Huff spent ten years in local church ministry as a youth pastor and creative arts pastor before pursuing God’s calling into creative storytelling and media production as the product director at Igniter Media, a church media company (ignitermedia.com).

He is a two-time finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Genesis Contest for unpublished authors (2014, 2017) and also won the best screenplay award at the 2015 48 Hour Film Festival in Richmond, VA. A Cross to Kill and Cross Shadow in the Shepherd Suspense series are his first releases.

Huff holds a bachelor of science in religion degree from Liberty University and a master of arts in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary. He resides in Plano, TX, with his beautiful wife, Jae, and their two boys.

Learn more Andrew Huff and the Shepherd Suspense novels at www.andrewhuffbooks.com. He can also be found on Facebook (@huffwrites), Twitter (@andrewjohnhuff) and Instagram (@andyhuff). 


 



What Others Are Saying

“In the tradition of Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti, Cross Shadow is a strong, taut thriller that retains a Christian sense of optimism and hope while acknowledging the existence of great evil in the world. Huff raises the stakes on every page all the way through the white-knuckle finale—like watching an action movie through the written word.”

~ Kyle Mann, editor in chief of The Babylon Bee and author of How to Be a Perfect Christian

“Andrew Huff’s writing is as fast-paced and tight as his enticing story lines. Masterfully balancing a well-developed plot with a cast of characters you feel like you’ve known forever, Huff creates one page-turner after another in his Shepherd Suspense trilogy. He may be a new author, but his talented word-spinning is anything but novice and will linger long in the reader’s subconscious.”

~ Betsy St. Amant Haddox, author of All’s Fair in Love and Cupcakes

My Review

This is the second book in this Christian fiction series, and you can read this one alone, there are references to what happened, but you will miss the action of how the two main characters meet.
This book starts with Christine Lewis on a subway in NY City, and this is where the action begins, and beware it doesn't let up. How these two individuals survive, but for the "Grace of God".
John Cross follows Christine to Texas, and yes, this is where the action escalates and you wonder how they are able to move on? From a Christian Conference to a State of High Tech Company, you never see where the bullets may start flying or where or when the danger is going to stop!
There is also a teaser at the end or the third installment in this series!
I received this book through I Read With Audra Blog Tour, and was not required to give a positive review. 

Closer Than She Knows by Kelly Irvin

A serial killer bent on revenge . . . and striking too close to home.

Teagan O’Rourke has always loved murder mysteries. In her job as a court reporter, she has written official records for dozens of real-life murders. She’s slapped evidence stickers on crime scene photos. She’s listened to hours of chilling testimony. But she’s never known the smell of death. And she never thought she might be a victim.

Until now.

A young police officer is murdered just inches away from her, and then a man calling himself a serial killer starts leaving Teagan notes, signing each with the name of a different murderer from her favorite mystery novels.

Panicked, Teagan turns to her friend Max Kennedy. Max longs for more than friendship with Teagan, but he fears she’ll never trust someone with a past like his. He wonders how much of God’s “tough love” he can take before he gives up on love completely. And he wonders if he’ll be able to keep Teagan alive long enough to find out.

As Teagan, Max, and Teagan’s police officer father race to track down the elusive killer, they each know they could be the next victim. Desperate to save those she loves, Teagan battles fears that once haunted her in childhood. Nothing seems to stop this obsessed murderer. No matter what she does, he seems to be getting closer

Amazon


About The Author

Kelly Irvin is the author of more than a dozen Amish books. Her latest series I Every Amish Season, featuring recently released Through the Autumn Air as well as Beneath the Summer Sun. The first book in the series, Upon a Spring Breeze, won the 2018 Readers Choice Award from the Faith, Hope, and Love Chapter of Romance Writers of America in the long contemporary romance category. The series is published by Zondervan/HarperCollins Christian Publishing.
She is also the author of the Amish of Bee County series that includes The Saddle Maker’s Son,  The Bishop’s Son and The Beekeeper’s Son. This last novel received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, calling it “a delicately woven masterpiece.” The Beekeeper’s Son was a finalist in the national 2016 ACFW Carol Awards Contest in the romance category.  Kelly is also the author of the Bliss Creek Amish series and the New Hope Amish series, both from Harvest House. She has also penned two romantic suspense novels, A Deadly Wilderness and No Child of Mine.
Among her other works are novellas in four collections, including  An Amish Christmas Gift (Snow Angels),  An Amish Market (Sweeter than Honey), An Amish Heirloom (The Midwife’s Dream), and An Amish Summer (One Sweet Kiss)
Kelly’s novel, Love Redeemed, was a 2015 finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Carol Awards contest.
Kelly is also the author of Tell Her No Lies, a romantic suspense novel that releases in November from Thomas Nelson Publishing. Publishers Weekly called her first romantic suspense novel, A Deadly Wilderness, “a solid romantic suspense debut.” She followed up with No Child of Mind. She worked as a newspaper reporter for six years writing stories on the Texas-Mexico border. Those experiences fuel her romantic suspense novels set in Texas.
The Kansas native is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Journalism. She has been writing nonfiction professionally for more than thirty years, including ten years as a newspaper reporter. She retired in 2016 after working 22 years in public relations for the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. She is a member of ACFW and Alamo City Christian Fiction Writers. In her spare time, she blogs, reads fiction, and loves her family.

Website


My Review

I've read many of this author's books, mostly Amish, this one is so different, and wow, most I didn't see coming.
Evil, but who is this horrible individual, I was sure guessing, but I was fooled all the way to the end. Got part of it right, but I really didn't know.
Kelly Irvin has given us a Suspense Novel that will have you looking over your shoulder, you will never see or know whom the next victim is. The big question is why? There are hints as to who, but then that becomes impossible, a copy cat, or more.
We are given a young court reporter, along with a young man who is crazy about her, and her wonderful family that surround her with love.
Don't get to comfortable here the killer has no regard for life, sadly!
I received this book through Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

You Can't Catch Me by Catherine McKenzie

When the game is deception, nothing is as it seems in this novel of cunning psychological suspense by the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of I’ll Never Tell.

Do you want to play a game?

Twelve years ago Jessica Williams escaped a cult. Thanks to the private detective who rescued her, she reintegrated into society, endured an uncomfortable notoriety, and tried to put it all behind her. Then, at an airport bar, Jessica meets a woman with an identical name and birth date. It appears to be just an odd coincidence—until a week later, when Jessica finds her bank account drained and her personal information stolen.

Following a trail of the grifter’s victims, each with the same name, Jessica gathers players—one by one—for her own game. According to her plan, they’ll set a trap and wait for the impostor to strike again. But plans can go awry, and trust can fray, and as Jessica tries to escape the shadows of her childhood, the risks are greater than she imagined. Now, confronting the casualties of her past, Jessica can’t help but wonder.

Amazon


About The Author

Catherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. A graduate of McGill in History and Law, Catherine practices law in Montreal. An avid runner and skier, she's the author of numerous bestsellers including HIDDEN, FRACTURED, THE GOOD LIAR and I'LL NEVER TELL. Her works have been translated into multiple languages.

In 2019, I'LL NEVER TELL was a #1 Amazon Bestseller, a Globe & Mail and Toronto Star Bestseller, was shortlisted for the Hugh McLennan Prize for Fiction and was optioned for a television series by Paramount TV.

YOU CAN'T CATCH ME releases June 9, 2020.
Visit her online at www.catherinemckenzie.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/catherinemckenzieauthor, and on Twitter and Instagram at @CEMckenzie1


My Review

This story grabbed me from the first page, and didn't let go. Now I'm familiar with this author's work, which is how I chose this book, and yet, she still was able to surprise me all the way to the end.
Jessica Williams, yup, a name you will be very familiar with as you read, but there is depth here, and most you will never expect.
A little bit of Cults and Grifters here, and how they meld together is quite mind blowing, and con upon con. '
I love how the mind of this author works, and she keeps me guessing with bombshells and twist that I never saw coming, a book that will keep you page-turning and gasping!

I received this book through Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.