Tour Giveaway

Title: Of Fire and Lions
Author: Mesu Andrews
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780735291867
Publication Date: March 5th, 2019

About the Book: 

The Old Testament book of Daniel comes to life in this novel for readers of Lynn Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series or Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series.

Survival. A Hebrew girl first tasted it when she escaped death nearly seventy years ago as the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem and took their finest as captives. She thought she'd perfected in the many years amongst the Magoi and the idol worshippers, pretending with all the others in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. Now, as Daniel's wife and a septuagenarian matriarch, Belili thinks she's safe and she can live out her days in Babylon without fear--until the night Daniel is escorted to Belshazzar's palace to interpret mysterious handwriting on a wall. The Persian Army invades, and Bellili's tightly-wound secrets unfurl with the arrival of the conquering army. What will the reign of Darius mean for Daniel, a man who prays to Yahweh alone?

Ultimately, Yahweh's sovereign hand guides Jerusalem's captives, and the frightened Hebrew girl is transformed into a confident woman, who realizes her need of the God who conquers both fire and lions.

My Thoughts:
Oh, my goodness.
Where do I begin with this book!

Of Fire and Lions covers a large area of time, but it is done so smoothly, the book flows and moves quickly, that it felt like it flew by. I wish I had more! I know it was 400 pages, but it didn't feel long enough.

Mesu Andrews is one of my all time favorite Biblical fiction authors. She is able to take such well known stories of the Bible and bring them to life with her characters woven in seamlessly to the story, without taking away from the the actual Biblical story and message.

Daniel. He is such a pivotal man of the Old Testament. He was thrown in to the lions, he was friends with Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the furnace, and he had so many visions, could explain dreams, and read the writing on the wall. There is so much that went on during his life. He was the first generation in Babylon. He experienced so much in his life.

All of these things mentioned above, Mesu was able to leap off of the pages. Daniel, is a man of God. he had a strong faith. He served faithfully. Belili was a young girl when Jerusalem was sacked.She also witnessed some miracles. However, her life was hard. She experienced so many losses and emotional hurts. She had to survive.

This story was fabulous in so many ways, but it was also touching. Everyone has a past, whether good or bad. Some memories and hurts linger. This story touches on it and it weaves a wonderful story of forgiveness, not from others exactly, although it is touched on, but of forgiveness with yourself and with God and changing how you see yourself.

The was such a vivid story.

I also downloaded this story as an audiobook. The narrator told the story well. Her voice was relaxing to listen to, I have to admit. It was a story that just carried me away.

This was a great story and I can't wait to see what story she will share with us next!

5 out of 5

About the Author:
MESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter and numerous other novels, including The Pharaoh's Daughter, Miriam, Of Fire and Lions and Love Amid the Ashes. Her deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Mesu lives in North Carolina with her husband, Roy, and enjoys spending time with her growing tribe of grandchildren






Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah Launch Team, I received a copy of this book for free, in exchange for and honest review. 

Title: Where We Belong
Author: Lynn Austin
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 480
ISBN: 972-0-7642-1762-3
Publication Date: October 3rd, 2017

Synopsis:

Join Two Incomparable Sisters on Adventures That Span the Decades And Cross the Globe
In the city of Chicago in 1892, the rules and expectations for Victorian women are strict, their roles in life limited. But sisters Rebecca and Flora Hawes are not typical Victorian ladies. Their love of adventure and their desire to use their God-given talents have taken them out of society ballrooms and delivered them to the Sinai Desert--and into the teeth of a sandstorm.

Accompanied by Soren Petersen, their somber young butler, and Kate Rafferty, a plucky street urchin learning to be their ladies' maid, the two women are on a quest across the desert chasing rumors of an important biblical manuscript.

As the expedition becomes ever more dangerous and uncertain, all four travelers sift through memories and adventures of their past, recalling the events that shaped them and the journeys and providence that brought them to this very time and place.

Review:
Oh, goodness...Lynn Austin is an amazing storyteller! Historical fiction, Biblical fiction, contemporary, it doesn't matter what the setting of the story is, you know that when you read a book by her, it will transport you to somewhere new.

Where We Belong is an interesting story that takes place in several eras in time through Rebecca and Flora's lives. We are introduced to them when they are older and they are looking back on their lives and decisions on life. In the process of looking back, we are waiting also to see what decision Rebecca will make that will affect her future.

Along with Flora and Rebecca, we are introduced and surrounded to an amazing cast of secondary characters. They are able to add so many different layers and enhance the story.

Lynn Austin was able to weave this story flawless though the time jumps and was able to show the maturity of the characters as they learned from life and the experiences they lived. Rebecca and Flora were women ahead of their time with their desire to travel and see the world. The descriptions in the writing were fantastic and transported me as I read. 

I started to read this story, but with work, it was hard to sit continuously to read, so I bought an audiobook. The narrator was fantastic at reading this story. She was able to add another depth to it and bring it to life.

This was a great historical fiction book.

Too Read 
4 out of 5

About the Author:
Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and make their home in western Michigan.

Learn more at www.lynnaustin.org.



Thank you to the publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: A Light on the Hill
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1986-3
Publication Date: February 6th, 2018

Synopsis:

 Though Israel has found relative peace, Moriyah has yet to find her own. Attempting to avoid the scorn of her community, she's spent the last seven years hiding behind the veil she wears. Underneath her covering, her face is branded with the mark of the Canaanite gods, a shameful reminder of her past captivity in Jericho and an assurance that no man will ever want to marry her.
 When her father finds a widower who needs a mother for his two sons, her hopes rise. But when their introduction goes horribly wrong, Moriyah is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the newly established Levitical cities of refuge, she is wildly unprepared for the dangers she will face and the enemies--and unexpected allies--she will encounter on her way.

Oh, my goodness! Where do I begin with this story?

Connilyn Cossette is an author I watch new releases for. Each story grows on the next and the world just blossom.

A Light on a Hill is the first of this new series, Cities of Refuge. It is a bit of spin off from her previous series, but still stands alone. If you haven't read any of the previous books, it's ok, but, you will want to read her other books.

This story follows Moriyah. She is a young woman who has a very nerve racking experience as a teenager. The experienced changed her and made her want to be reclusive, however, her father wants her to be looked after. She wants to be an obidiant daughter, but with her life, she is hesitant. You can feel what she feels as you read this story. There is so much newness she has to go through. In all of it, her faith grows and her passion for those she cares about remains strong. Following Moriyah through it all was a great journey.

With the incidences that occur in this story, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Following Moriyah through these new lands of Israel was very interesting. We know about the walls of Jericho that fell down, but what happened after that? Connilyn Cossette took the information that the Bible provided and the research she did shines through. Her characters jump off the page. You want to route for certain ones, and then hope for others to do something else.

The character introduced into this story were great! It offered new eyes to known Biblical stories.

I honestly can't wait for the next book in this series to come out! If you are a fan of Biblical fiction, this is a book you can't miss.

On a side note, I bought, in addition to the review copy I was given, the audio book. The narrator was phenomenal and kept the story moving with a wonderful reading.

Too Read!
5 out of 5

About the Author:
When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), bestselling author Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus. Her novel Counted With the Starswon the 2013 Frasier Contest and was a semifinalist in the 2013 ACFW Genesis Contest. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives near Dallas, Texas. 

Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com.


Thank you to the Author, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Shadow of the Storm
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-0-7642-1821-7
Publication Date: October 18th, 2016

Synopsis: 

In the darkness of the storm's shadow, only truth can light her way.
Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mount Sinai. When the people rebel by worshiping a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to assist a midwife. When the experience awakens a new desire in her, she defies her mother's wish for her to continue in the family weaving trade and pursues her heart's calling as an apprentice midwife.

But when a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself in an impossible situation and bound to a man who betrayed her. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira comes face to face with the long-hidden pain of her past. Can she let go of all that has defined her to embrace who she truly is and believe in a hopeful future?

Review:
I have been anxiously awaiting this book. I fell in love with the first book in this series, Counted with the Stars. It was a fresh perspective on the story of Moses. I enjoyed the idea and thought. Book two in the Out of Egypt series, Shadow of the Storm, picks up right where book one ended, which I was thankful for. 

Shadow of the Storm follows Shira, a young Jewish woman we met in book one. She was a wonderful character in Counted, and I was very happy to have this book expand into her story. Shira is a strong woman. She lived as a slave in Egypt, now she is free and traveling in the dessert with her family, and the rest of the Jewish people who escaped. 

We open this book at the base of Mt. Sinai. Shira and her family are hiding in their tent as the revelry at the base of the mount grows, as the people celebrate the golden calf. Shira and her family await Moses' return. When he does, the people who participated are dealt with and the community moves on. However, some people haven't moved on from the night that they loss parts of their family. 

We follow Shira as the time moves on. Shira was raised  knowing her moms talent, but since coming out of Egypt, Shira was introduced to her aunt's profession and she knew that was her calling. Following her through her training and watching her grow in many ways was a fantastic journey. 

I can not wait to see how this series wraps up with book three. 

Too Read
4 out of 5
 
About the Author:
When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), Connilyn Cossette is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus. Her novel Counted With the Stars won the 2013 Frasier Contest and was a semifinalist in the 2013 ACFW Genesis Contest. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives near Dallas, Texas.

Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com.


Thank you to the Publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Title: The Promise
Author: Beth Wiseman
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 306
ISBN: 978-1-4016-8595-9
Publication Date: September 30th, 2014

Synopsis:

Mallory’s search for happiness leads her to a faraway place. There she finds heartache, betrayal—and danger.

Mallory Hammond is determined that no one will stand in the way of her goal—to save a life. She had that chance years ago, and she failed to take it, leaving her adrift and in search of the real meaning of her life. Finally, she meets a man online from a volatile corner of the world who offers her the chance to find that purpose. But she will have to leave everyone she loves behind in order to take it.

Tate Webber has loved Mallory for many years. He understands that Mallory will never be happy with him until her deepest heart’s desire is satisfied. When Mallory decides to travel across the world to fulfill her dreams, Tate begs her not to go but tries to give her the space she needs. Mallory embarks on her dangerous journey only to discover how swiftly and easily promises can be broken. And Mallory can only pray that she will make it out alive.

Inspired by actual events, The Promise is a riveting love story that asks the question: how far will we go for love?

Review:
The fact that this story is inspired by actual events amazes me! My goodness. This story had me hooked from the prologue. You start the story off with such hope as Mallory has wonderful news for her cousin, but we come to find out years later, her hope was crushed and a new desire has come in to play.

Mallory is a girl who has a deep passion to help someone. She suffered a trauma when she was younger and it has haunted her ever since. As I progressed into the story, Mallory came off as a girl who was a very innocent and naive girl. Her desire to help someone overcame who she is and kept her from seeing the things around her. I thought it was an admirable trait to have in wanting to help, but she tended to take it to the extreme and it left her vulnerable.

Beth Wiseman has realness to her writing. That is what hooked me. Her characters are flawed, there are many good qualities, but they aren't perfect. It's like life. I love that in stories. Mallory is determined to follow her desire to finish her quest, her boyfriend Tate is a good guy. He is a guy who has faith and has grown up in the church, but he doesn't live it all the time.

I was also impressed with how Beth wove in the struggle that people face when it comes to religion. Tate has a solid background and wants Mallory to join him when he does go to church, but because of a good friend and her fiancee's background in Islam, Mallory starts to pursue it and in doing so, she jumbles things up and she suffers a major misunderstanding. With the things that is fed to Mallory, it is easy to see why there is confusion. Mallory never had a background in church and only goes on what she think she knows or the brief snippets she's heard in her life. She has no foundation.

Mallory's story is a bit rough. The idea of flying to a war zone is staggering, but she does and when she is there she sees and experiences things she never could have imagined. You just hurt for her and hope she can find an escape. I honestly could not put this story down. The last hundred pages had me turning pages as quickly as I could to see what was going to happen. It was a thrilling read as you followed Mallory through everything.

This story not only was thrilling, but it was also a good reminder....what you see on the internet is not always the case. Tread carefully. So many people have been hurt because of this. Sociopaths know the ins and outs. Mallory's story shows that so clearly.

I could not put this one down. I look forward to reading more by Beth Wiseman!

Too Read!
5 out of 5

About the Author:
Beth Wiseman is the best-selling author of the Daughters of the Promise series and the Land of Canaan series. Having sold over 1.3 million books, her novels have held spots on multiple Bestseller lists. She was the recipient of the prestigious Carol Award in 2011 and 2013. In 2013 she took home the coveted Holt Medallion. Her first book in the Land of Canaan series--"Seek Me With All Your Heart"--was selected as the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. Beth lives in Texas with her family.





Giveaway:
In a daring new novel, Beth Wiseman jumps way outside the box. The Promise will take readers far away from Amish country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by actual events, this is the book Beth has been working toward for a long time.

Curious? Click here to read the reviews, and be sure to enter Beth's Kindle HDX giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Promise by Beth Wiseman

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 9th. Winner will be announced November 10th here.



Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.