Saturday, June 29, 2019

Superstar by Christopher Long

About the Book:

He is the worshiped frontman for Cherry Hill, the hottest act in country music. Trent Davis is a superstar. And he's about to blow his brains out.

We each have our own story – the personal path that led us to salvation. But for country music sensation, Trent Davis, his journey just might kill him first – too much success, too young, too soon.

At age 22, Trent no longer is the naive Midwestern church boy who wrote songs in science class to his high school sweetheart, Tracy. Adored by legions of fans worldwide, he now has become a delusional, greed-driven, drug-addicted alcoholic with a raging ego.

Trent's life spirals further out of control after he is exposed in a torrid affair with the wife of powerful and vengeful businessman, Richard Moore. He's soon forced from his world of sold-out concert appearances, backstage pampering and luxury tour buses, and into a desperate life on the run – an unfamiliar place where his fame and fortune are of no value.

Embracing the drug-hazed perception that is his own marriage and career have been irreparably destroyed, and fearing the certainty of Richard's fatal wrath, Trent attempts to seal his own fate by “finishing the job” himself. But just as he cocks the trigger of the loaded .44 magnum revolver buried in his mouth, Trent's phone rings suddenly. Could his guardian angel be on the line?

You can find out more about the book and read reviews here.

My Review:

Long's experience in the music entertainment industry is evident as he takes us through the world of the music superstar. It is not a pretty world. I had no idea about the sacrifices one has to make to be a success and the pressures that come along with that success. Remaining a moral person must be nearly impossible. Seeing Trent spiral down was heartbreaking but very realistic.

Long has included a secondary issue of fatherhood. Trent's father was an absent one. Trent resented it fiercely but then became an absent father himself.

This is a good novel for readers who dream of being successful in the music industry. It is also a good one for readers in general as Long gives us an inside view of a superstar musician and then the amazing restoration that comes through the grace of Jesus Christ.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Christopher Long is an author, show biz analyst, award-winning musician, entertainment personality, radio host and missionary. Known for his conversational, common sense writing style, Long is passionate about sharing the “Good News” of Jesus Christ through his unique and compelling stories. He is the author of three non-fiction titles. He also contributes lively content to such entertainment news outlets as MuenMagazine.net, Ink19.com and PureGrainAudio.com. As a popular special events DJ, Long often can be found in an array of party settings throughout Florida's east coast, and on various concert stages rocking out with his wild, award-winning hard band, Dead Serios and his country combo, The Blue Diamond Band. When not writing or performing, Long also enjoys an active role in missions work and youth ministry. His new classic rock radio show, Power Rock 2.0 is expected to launch in 2019. Raised in Missouri's rugged Ozark Mountains and on Florida's sunny Space Coast, Long currently lives near Cocoa Beach. You can find out more at https://christopherlongshowbizguru.blogspot.com/.

Moonshine Cove Publishing, 254 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by the author.

Friday, June 28, 2019

Here I Am by Brittany Rust

We want to respond when God calls but may not be confident we are hearing His voice. Rust helps us in this area by first identifying external and internal distractions. After that she has practical suggestions to help us step out when we think we have heard God's voice.

I like how Rust uses stories from the Bible as the base for her teaching. From Moses, for example, we learn how to overcome insecurity and doubt. We realize that recognizing God's voice takes time from Samuel. From Ananias we see how one “yes” to God can change the lives of so many. She retells the Bible stories so this would be a good book for readers who might not be very familiar with the Bible.

This is a very encouraging book. Rust does a good job of giving encouragement for when it seems like God is doing nothing (Joseph). She reminds us that God will still use us even if we have made mistakes in the past (David).

This is a good book for readers who want to learn how to hear God's voice and receive encouragement to act when we think God is calling us. There are no particular bullet points of strategy but the book is well written and full of general instruction and encouragement.

You can download an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Brittany Rust is a writer, speaker and podcaster. She is the author of Untouchable: Unraveling the Myth That You're Too Faithful to Fall. She is the founder of For the Mama Heart and host of the Epic Fails podcast. Brittany lives with her husband and son in Castle Rock, Colorado. You can find out more at www.brittanyrust.com.

Chosen, 192 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Thursday, June 27, 2019

The Cabin by Erin Unger Blog Tour


About the Book



Book: The Cabin  
Author: Erin Unger  
Genre: Romantic suspense  
Release date: June 14, 2019

Leah Kettridge’s writing career is over before the first book lands on the shelf, when a famous author has claimed she’s stolen his work. If it wasn’t for a story brainstorming luncheon with her sister, he’d have never overheard her conversation about the novel she was writing. Who will she ever trust again if not her most favorite writer? And what about the one fabulous date they had before she knew what a traitor he was? Keenan Brinner has it all. He’s a best-selling author who’s only headed toward more greatness. And he must be the most gorgeous guy Leah’s ever seen. But he’s also a liar and a cheat. When they end up at the same cabin to write, emotions explode. But an unexpected snowstorm traps them deep in the mountains. Is he bent on destroying her in more ways than one? How will love find them amidst all their anger and distrust?

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Review

I enjoyed this short romantic suspense. The action takes place over just a few days but I did not feel the action was rushed at all. It was a bit odd that the two ended up at the same cabin, that Keenan thought he could be there any time he wanted. The characters might have been a bit over done. I did get weary of Leah's klutzy behavior. The character transformation in both Keenan and Leah was huge in just a few days. Unger set the stage for that, however, with their similar writing so it did not feel forced.

This is a nice novella to read in an evening.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author


Erin Unger was raised in the hills of Virginia, exploring abandoned houses and reading the scariest books she could find. After marrying so young it would make a great romance novel, she has enjoyed an exciting life with her hubby. But her fast-paced life sometimes rivals the suspense in her books thanks to all her mostly grown children and a couple grandkids. Her next novel, Fateful Fall, releases August 9, 2019.

More from Erin


Glittery snow. The perfect cabin in the mountains. And sworn enemies trapped together. How could anything go wrong? Welcome to the cabin where writers like to go to get away from the noise and bother of life to write. I hope you don’t mind the two guests already here. They’re stuck together after one stole the other’s novel. But the famous one has firsts rights to the work. Who’d dare believe he’d be the perpetrator of the crime? Or is it the newbie writer who longed to be known for more than her graphic designs who plagiarized? Stay and enjoy a mug of instant coffee and some potted meat. And make sure to bring in your warmest blanket, since this eclectic home has lost power in the storm. You’ll also find a complementary cordless phone with no connection for your accommodations. Enjoy your stay! And take a moment to check out our amenities folder laden with an expert below.

Read an excerpt from The Cabin


Betrayal is such a benign looking word on paper. In real life it could kill a person. Like me. I was dying on the inside as I flipped from one page to the next of the bestselling novel in my hands. And all because of Keenan Brennan—the hottest bestselling author I knew and dated some time ago. Yet some part of me kept praying it wasn’t true as I pressed into the sofa cushion and continued to read. It just couldn’t be. But the book with the startlingly dark cover said it all. “No, no, no.” Hot tears stung my cheeks as I ripped the well-designed cover off the book and then launched it across the living room. It smashed against the refurbished brick wall and landed with its pages bent. Good. It deserved a worse fate than just bent pages. How? When had he stolen my book idea? I face-planted my palm against my forehead. “At the restaurant.” Why didn’t I keep my big fat mouth shut and tell my sister Aeris the storyline in the privacy of my home? Tears stung my eyes. Who’d have guessed my lowdown almost boyfriend would stoop so low. He didn’t need my work. I stared across the room, not focusing on the heap of a good—terrible—book. Well it was on the NYT bestselling list. Not bad for a nobody writer like myself. And since it was my story—not his—then I allowed myself a moment of self-satisfaction. My gaze dropped to the torn book. I had to take another look. Couldn’t it be a coincidence? Maybe the rest of it was different. In a scramble, I grabbed it up and found the page I last read. By chapter forty there was no doubt.

Blog Stops


I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Biblical Spirituality

This is an informative book about what Scripture, major authors and several Christian traditions teach about the pursuit of holiness. (3723/4980) The first several contributors generally review portions of Scripture, Old Testament, writings of Paul, etc. Next, the writings of major theologians such as Luther and Calvin are explored. Then the writings of many, such as John Owen and Charles Wesley, are covered. Lastly the movements of the last century, such as the Charismatic and spiritual formation movements, are reviewed.

There is a wealth of information included in the book and this would make a fine textbook for a Bible college class or something similar. Readers would become aware of important Bible passages and theologians who have written on the subject. They would also receive a good overview of what various traditions of Christianity have taught over the centuries. The footnotes would give readers lots of resources to consult to study further.

I was disappointed the emphasis of the book was knowledge and not implementing the truths given. There is no practical strategy provided by the contributors. The spiritual disciplines are mentioned, following the works of Richard Foster. There is also a foot note to encourage readers to consult Donald S. Whitey's books to learn how to engage in some of the spiritual practices. (4286/4980) Interestingly, the only specific strategy given is on good nutrition, proper rest, sleep, lust, gluttony, and sloth. Principles are also given for integrating spirituality and work.

This book would be a good resource for pastors and teachers but is not so practical for the general layperson.

You can see the Table of Contents and download an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Contributors include Christopher W. Morgan (series editor), Gregg R. Allison, Anthony L. Chute, Gregory C. Cochran, Nathan A. Finn, George H. Guthrie, Paul R. House, Justin L. McLendon, Charles L. Quarles, Benjamin M. Skaug.

Crossway, 304 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Danger on the Ranch by Dana Mentink Blog Tour


About the Book


Book: Danger on the Ranch  
Author: Dana Mentink  
Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense  
Release date: June 1, 2019

After putting his serial killer brother in prison, former US marshal Mitch Whitehorse chooses a solitary country life—until his brother escapes. Now Mitch’s former sister-in-law, Jane Reyes, needs protection…for herself and the toddler she’s kept a secret. Mitch still isn’t sure of Jane’s innocence in his brother’s crimes, but to keep his nephew out of a killer’s grasp, trusting her is his only option.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Review

This novel is a quick read with lots of suspense. The strength of the novel, I think, is in the many character red herrings. Mentink developed them so that I was wrongly convinced one was aiding the bad guy and another who I thought was certainly an innocent character turned out to be anything but. I would have liked a better developed back story as I felt I had missed a previous novel in this series, even though this is the first one. How a wife could be clueless about her husband kidnapping, holding and killing women on their property needed to have a better foundation to be believable.

This is a quick story with action moving it right along. As is often the case with romantic suspense novels, the romance is so quick it is almost unbelievable. Obstacles to the romance suddenly disappear without a more developed struggle. Romance readers, especially those who love a good contemporary cowboy setting, will enjoy this novel.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author


Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming, Harvest House and Woman’s World Magazine. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)


More from Dana


We’re kicking off a new cowboy series, but this one is going to take you for a wild ride! Set on a ranch that’s sandwiched between the sea and the hills required me to do some on site research of course! I spent quite a while in this gorgeous area of California, looking for cattle. (You can see the zany results in my video.) I found the cattle, and also the perfect setting for this first book. It’s a creepy one, I’ll warn you, as hero Mitch Whitehorse comes face to face with the serial killer brother he sent to prison….and his desperate ex sister in law. Saddle up and enjoy the story! God bless!



 

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, June 26
Quiet Quilter, June 26
Vicky Sluiter, June 27
Wishful Endings, June 28
Hallie Reads, June 30
Pause for Tales, June 30
Remembrancy, July 2
Moments, July 3
Genesis 5020, July 4
Emily Yager, July 5
Carpe Diem, July 5
Bigreadersite, July 6
EmpowerMoms, July 8

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review. The rest of the copy of this post was provided by Celebrate Lit.

Monday, June 24, 2019

Love Lock by Rich Rollins and Marty Trammell

Is it possible that certain actions and behaviors could actually increase love between spouses? The authors, after years of counseling marriage partners, are convinced we love for reasons. We can provide those reasons to be loved. In fact, we should not expect unconditional love without providing the appropriate reasons to be loved in such a way. (110/1865) We can strengthen the love in a marriage and this book provides the knowledge to do so.

This is a very encouraging and practical book. The authors cover a number of topics such as, conflict, personality differences, listening, and demonstrating affection. The topics are ones spouses face in the course of marriage in general and ones that come up when there has been a break in trust. I was especially pleased that the authors wrote about elements of Christian faith and practice that strengthen marriages.

The authors include lots of practical exercises dealing with how to grow in loving another as well as how to grow in being lovable. Often the exercises include writing thoughts down and then discussing them. I think the strength of the book is the practical exercises and steps given at the end of each chapter. They are exercises the authors have seen work in their marriage counseling.

This is a powerful little book. It contains a wealth of information for couples wanting to lock in the love they have for each other.

You can find out more about the book and read an excerpt here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Rich Rollins, D.Min. Co-author of Redeeming Relationships and Spiritual Fitness, served as Executive Pastor at Valley Bible Church for over two decades, has appeared on Family Life Today with Dennis Rainey and served as a healthcare professional, college Vice-President and church consultant. For more than forty years, Rich’s work on relational conflict and spiritual growth has made him a sought-after counselor and conference speaker. Rich has also served as director and announcer for Truth for Today, a radio program featuring Valley Bible Church. He has written articles for Focus on the Family’s online magazine. Dr. Rollins has also been the key note speaker at over twenty Family and Marriage conferences.
Rich and his wife, LouAnna, live in Southern California. They have been married for over fifty-four years. They have two daughters and sons-in-law, three grand-children, and two foster daughters.
Marty Trammell, Ph.D., is the author of Communication Matters and co-author of Redeeming Relationships and Spiritual Fitness. He serves as Worship and Family Pastor at Valley Baptist and as a professor of Communication at Corban University where students call him “Dr. Love.” With his wife and best friend, Linda, Marty has ministered for over 30 years to hundreds of couples in conferences, retreats and pre-marital counseling sessions. He has written for Zondervan, Tyndale, Moody and others and writes regularly for redeemingrelationships.com and startmarriageright.com. Marty and Linda have three sons and two daughters-in-law who encourage their pursuit of the Father and help them enjoy sports, camping and family road trips.

CrossLink Publishing, 159 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Book Publicity Services. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Sunday, June 23, 2019

The Five-Minute Writing Prompt Journal by Kate Motaung

I know writing every day is good for one's mental health and general well being. I've even managed to write Morning Pages from time to time. Often I lack inspiration as I stare at the blank page.

Inspiration is exactly what Motaung's book provides. I like how she sets the stage with quotes about writing, about just getting in there and writing. And then she provides the springboard. One word and the space to write about it. Fifty-two words in all.

I have been using her book daily and it has really helped me get into the habit of writing regularly. Motaung suggests five minutes. No editing, no checking for spelling, just write. And it's working.

If you are looking for inspiration and prompts for free writing, this book is a good resource.

You can find out more about Motaung and her program at https://fiveminutefriday.com/ .

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Kate Motaung grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan before spending ten years living in Cape Town, South Africa. She married a South African man and they have three children. She is the author of several books. You can find out more about her and follow her blog at https://katemotaung.com/ .

Kate Motaung, 161 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Saturday, June 22, 2019

My Dearest Dietrich by Amanda Barratt

I have mixed feelings about this book. It is very well written and very well researched. The characters were developed well. Barratt really gave a sense of the dilemma Christians felt when the leader of their country went horribly wrong. Some felt it was their duty to serve their country, such as in the military. Others felt they needed to stop Hitler, as did Bonhoefffer. I also got a very good sense of the pain and agony Christians experienced at the loss of their loved ones.

Part of the character development included dialogue and actions. Barratt notes at the end of the book that almost all of the events she portrayed actually happened. She said she did create a German military officer who tried to force Maria into a relationship.

And that bothers me a bit. Authors of historical fiction must imagine the thoughts, words and actions of real people, such as Barratt did with Bonhoeffer. As I read the book, I kept wondering if Bonhoeffer would really think that or say that or do that. It was a distraction for me.

Something else I found distracting was the odd use of a few German words in dialogue when nearly all of it was in English. I know they spoke German and the book is in English. When I read something like, “...vater and brother,” I wonder why Barratt would use the one German word yet not the one for brother. (2430/6248)

I do recommend this book as it portrays the dilemma Christians experience when the leader of the country goes wrong. One could have some good discussions around that issue. Just remember this is a novel.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Amanda Barratt is the ECPA best-selling author of several novels and novellas. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a two-time FHL Reader's Choice Award finalist. She and her family life in northern Michigan. You can find out more at www.amandabarratt.net.

Kregel Publications, 352 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.