Lavender Tears By Sondra Cunningham

Lavender Tears

by Sondra Cunningham

Publisher: Bowker

ISBN: 978-1736187807

I love Biblical fiction so I was thankful to Sondra for reaching out to me to review her book! She sent it to me for today's post.

Summary:

The strength to rise again and again is not for the faint of heart.

Like each new sunrise, Mary of Bethany’s journey required an inner strength and faith that would permeate through the darkness of life’s unexpected tragedies. When her hopes and dreams came crashing down around her, Mary’s life began to spin, seemingly, out of control. What she couldn’t see, was that God, the faithful potter, was shaping her life into a valuable vessel. One mended and filled with the pure gold of the Father’s love and destined for a unique purpose. Held together by the sweet and calming scent of lavender and the memories of her mother’s garden, Mary journeys on, learning how to defeat the night and radiate like the noon day sun. ~Join Sondra on her debut novel’s heart felt journey alongside the woman with the alabaster jar, as she grows from soil to Savior!

My Review:

You know, one minute you're sitting there, reading Lavender Tears, thinking just how sweet this book is, and then boom, things take a turn! I was "concerned" to start with because I couldn't figure out any word to use to describe the book as other than, "sweet".  And honestly, I would've been ok reading a book that was 100% sweet all the way through. Life isn't like that though, right?

I thoroughly enjoy stories set in Biblical times and it was so fascinating considering the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Sondra's take on what life might've been like for them growing up in the time of Jesus. I really enjoyed how she infused Jesus' ministry into the story. Of course, with any Biblical fiction, the author does take license with anything not directly pulled from Scripture. I think we always need to keep that in mind as we read this genre.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the fact that the family worked so well together in all they did. So many stories I read pits family members against each other. Not only that, but we know that men ruled everything back then, but in this story, we see men treating the women kindly and as though they were worth something. I appreciate that!

This story took several turns that were very unexpected. I think all of us who know the story of Mary and Martha wonder how they came to that situation. That's what everything leads up to. How Mary ends up at the feet of Jesus while Martha is keeping busy. You can see how their personalities and "life experiences" brings them to being in such different places. I have to admit, there were a couple of spots that I had tears in my eyes. I certainly got emotional towards the end when Jesus was once again in the story.

Being a gardener, I loved how Mary and her mom tended the garden together. Also that her mother saw her gift with herbs and made sure she had something of her own that she could nurture. Of course, the name of the book fits in with their garden.

As I got further into the story more people from the Bible are involved and that really made me curious about how they're connected in Scripture just from what the writers of the Book wrote. I appreciate that with Sondra's book because I learned much more about them than I expected!

About the Author:

Sondra Cunningham is a wife and mother who has served in full time ministry since her teenage salvation. Sondra has flowed in the gift of worship, and worship leadership from those early years and continues today. Sondra ministers from her home and out in her local community, winning the lost, reaching out to pray, and teaching women how to grow deeper and more intimate relationships with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Sondra makes her debut into the Christian Author's world with her new novel, "Lavender Tears." A biblical fiction story following the life of Mary of Bethany, the woman with the alabaster jar. Her words are eloquently written with sincere pathos and personal understanding of life's hardships. Sondra's desire is to use her voice in both song and written word, to sing healing over others and inspire the fallen to get back up. Through many difficulties within her years, Sondra has learned the precious truth of overcoming. Her ministry radiates hope for all those who have struggled to truly receive the love of God and find the confidence to leave the past behind. Sondra lives and works out of her home in upstate New York with her family. She spends her time passionately seeking Jesus, homeschooling her two children, leading worship, interpreting dreams, painting, and writing.

Is It Any Wonder By Courtney Walsh

Is It Any Wonder

by Courtney Walsh

Publisher: Tyndale

ISBN: 978-1-4964-3443-2

It was an incredible surprise when Courtney asked me to read and review her book. Last year I read If For Any Reason (which I loved) so I knew I absolutely HAD to say, "Yes," to the offer! She sent me my copy for review.

Summary:

Can a promise made as kids bring them back together as adults? In this Nantucket-set beach read, “master of the genre” (Midwest Book Review) Courtney Walsh delivers a sparkling inspirational romance about first love and second chances. Twelve years ago, Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers made a pact that no matter where their lives took them, they’d return to Nantucket Island’s Brant Point Lighthouse on July 30, their shared golden birthday, and continue their tradition of exchanging birthday wishes. But that was before a tragic accident upended both of their lives, irrevocably pulling them apart.

Their worlds collide just months before that particular day when Louisa’s fledgling event planning company is hired by the local Coast Guard station, where she discovers Cody has recently returned to the island as the second in command. As they plan a regatta fundraiser, hoping to promote positive PR in the community, neither can deny the fireworks each encounter ignites. But working together also brings up memories of the day Cody’s father died, revealing secrets that have Cody and Louisa questioning everything they thought they knew and felt about their families and each other.

My Review:

Let me just say from the gate, if you're looking for a fantastic Christian Romance read, look no further than Is It Any Wonder! I know you don't see a heck of a lot of contemporary romance in my posts, so when I share them and love them, you know I'm not joking!

I enjoyed so many spots in this book I have a ton of sticky tabs on the pages! I got so involved in the story during the second half I forgot to put the tabs on the pages!

Let's talk about Nantucket. Can anyone make you want to visit there more than Courtney Walsh? She paints this vacation town in such a way that it makes you feel like you could be a part of it.

Cody is the hero of the story literally and figuratively. He comes onto the scene in a whirlwind and his life collides with Louisa's once again. You could've cut the tension with a knife with them together for the first time in so many years. I love when you can "feel" the emotions of the characters through an author's writing. He's the brooding sort and she's all warm fuzzies. A perfect combination if there ever were one. lol

Louisa is wonderful! She is a fixer and sakes alive she's surrounded by people who need fixing and her business The Good Life is such a great funnel for her care of others. When she ends up working with Cody because of the Coast Guard trying to repair all I could do was sit on pins and needles along with Louisa while she hoped for the rift to be fixed.

Louisa's co-worker, Ally, cracked me up. She just said whatever came to mind, especially about Cody, and made even better when done with Louisa in the vicinity. Her parents and her ex-boyfriend all wanted to make me lose my mind. How they treated her had me rooting for Cody even more. He could see in her what others couldn't.

The faith thread in this story was so sweet, especially with their mutual friend, Maggie. She really tried to get them to see how important forgiveness is and that sometimes wrongs couldn't be righted, but you could move on. Maggie was definitely the bright spot in this story. Through Cody's dad, the reader is able to understand how you can show Jesus to others through your actions. I loved that about this story.

I think for me, when I read Christian Romance, it has to be REALLY good for me to want to give it more than 3 stars. I've got to REALLY love it, and this one knocked it out of the ballpark for me. I don't know if I've rooted for another contemporary couple more! Life has taken a toll on both Cody and Lou, but God!

About the Author:

Courtney Walsh is the author of Just Look Up, Just Let Go, Paper Hearts, Change of Heart, and the Sweethaven series. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, was a New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller and a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. In addition, she has written two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives with her husband and three children in Illinois, where she is also an artist, theater director, and playwright.Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.

No Unturned Stone By David James Warren

No Unturned Stone

by David James Warren

Publisher: TriStone Media

Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone

ASIN: B08PTSR2KD

Being on a launch team for a book/series that is phenomenal is one of the best opportunities I've had as a book reviewer! It's been amazing being able to read No Unturned Stone as an ebook thanks to the publisher!

Summary:

"The One Rule Is, Don’t Mess With The Past”

But he did, and now ex-detective Rembrandt Stone is reaping the devastation of ignoring those words when he traveled back in time to solve the one case that had haunted his dreams.

Yes, he solved the crime. Yes, he saved lives. But Rembrandt returns to find the unthinkable has happened and his life has shattered.

There’s only one answer: break the rule again. Go back in time once more, fix what went wrong, save what went right, and yeah, in his spare time solve another brutal crime.

But it’s not so easy to change time, especially when time turns you into a target. And of course there’s the strong possibility if he goes again, he’ll never get back.

Get ready for your mind to be blown in Book 2 of the time-travel suspense series, The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone.

The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing as DAVID JAMES WARREN.

My Review:

Oh my word! Where do I even begin? Love suspense? Read No Unturned Stone. Love time travel? Read this book. Love to have the unexpected happen? Read this book. Love going through the ups and downs with the characters? You know what I'm going to say, right? 

I like to take my time reading stories. Take them at a decent pace. Not possible with Rem's story. I had no choice but to swipe furiously through it because I HAD to know what was going to happen! I felt like every page held a piece of Rembrandt's disintegrating reality. I didn't expect to finish it in a day. The writing was just so good. It hooked me, reeled me in, and didn't release me until... well, I was going to say the last page, but that only propelled me into book three because I wasn't released! Gah! So good! 

Rem, sakes alive, he's still a favorite of mine. He's a deep character who knows his own flaws and wants to fix the ones he sees in his younger self. Once again he's trying to right his world, he's so desperate for it, it's palpable, but we know there's a ripple effect when things are changed during time travel. We saw it happen in book one, and all we can do is anticipate what might happen this time. 

I forgot that in book one we get "young Eve's" perspective of the past. I think I like this part the best because it gives a sense of normalcy in the insanity that is Rembrandt Stone's life. I love Eve because she sees Rem. Truly sees him and doesn't care what others think. I also love their interactions.

The case this time is gut wrenching and time is limited. So much for Rem to figure out and cases to solve. It's just impossible to predict what lies on the next page. There wasn't even time to wonder what might be happening. You're just right there in the thick of things with him.

Of course I still love Burke. Oftentimes I feel like he's Rem's plumb line. There's a steadiness to him. He's a rock and he's dependable. He was kind of my favorite last time (I no kinda about it) and I loved him this time, too!

I just know this series is going to do me in. I should probably get an ekg fine before I read book three. Ha ha ha I'm not sure if my heart can take it!

About The Author:

James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man's body. He's the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they'll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He's dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at www.jameslrubart.com

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves travelling and telling stories about life, adventure and faith. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com.

David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he's never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He's grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process.

Operation Grendel By Daniel Schwabauer & Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Operation Grendel

Author: Daniel Shwabauer

Genre: Christian Fiction, Futuristic Action & Adventure

It’s the war story he’s dreamed of. But the battle may cost him his mind.

Military journalist Raymin Dahl thinks he’s finally getting the story of a lifetime. Secret peace talks on a remote tropical moon are about to surrender five colonized worlds—and six hundred million civilians—to a ruthless enemy.

But when his commanding officer, Captain Ansell Sterling, is fatally wounded before the negotiations can begin, Dahl can no longer just report on the mission. He’s ordered to complete it. With help from the AI embedded in Sterling’s comms bracelet, Dahl must impersonate his commander—a Marine Corps hero and psychological operations expert.

However, Sterling’s AI may be luring him to surrender more than he realizes. And the mission Corporal Dahl thinks he’s running isn’t the only operation underway.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Are you a sci-fi fan? If you are, then you'll probably thoroughly enjoy the world Daniel Schwabauer has created in Operation Grendel. Now, I try to watch shows like Star Trek and old Battlestar Galactica. I'm usually asking my husband to explain things to me along the way.

I didn't have that this time with Operation Grendel. There is a lot to grasp pretty much from the get-go of the story. This is one of those stories where my sons and husband would have all of the pieces fitting together immediately, while I was still trying to understand who was against who and why for quite a while. hahaha For someone like me, I'd probably need a diagram of the worlds and how they were all connected.

It was really interesting how the AI worked in this story. I think it would be profoundly hard to keep certain thoughts and ideas in the background and away from an AI. The author must've put so much time and thought into how the AI would and wouldn't work to be able to build part of a plot around it.

There's quite a twist that comes in this book that was completely unexpected. Although I wonder if the guys in my family would've seen it coming. Maybe not though because there aren't any "tells" in the story. Well, maybe. 😉 

I know that there's a label of "Christian Fiction" with the story, but I didn't actually see any element of faith in it. Maybe simply for the fact that it was published by a Christian publisher? Not that it's a bad thing, as I've been reading clean fiction lately. I just wanted to point that out.

I'll be interested to see what else this author writes. I'm sure my youngest son would be a fan!

About the Author

Daniel Schwabauer, M.A., is a lifelong reader of speculative fiction. He studied the genre under science fiction great James Gunn before graduating with honors from Kansas University’s Masters program in Creative Writing in 1995. Winner of the Eric Hoffer and Ben Franklin awards for his middle grade fantasy series, The Legends of Tira-Nor, Daniel enjoys riding his motorcycle on country roads and pondering other worlds. He lives in Kansas City with his wife and dog.

More from Daniel

The Operation Grendel Origin Story

 

I’ve always been fascinated by the power of storytelling, especially as a lever for moving culture.  For several years I studied the development of modern propaganda, the rise and fall of yellow journalism, and the relationship of these to psychological warfare. This culminated in 2017 with a brief investigation into quantum computing and the rising popularity of trans-humanism. Sometimes the best story ideas are combinations of things that have rattled around in the back of your mind for years.

 

Operation Grendel is a keyhole glimpse of a future in which every person in the galaxy is bonded to an artificial intelligence. Some AIs are embedded in the brain, and some are snapped onto the wrist as a wearable device. I didn’t realize when I started writing the book that Elon Musk had already launched Neuralink to create this technology in real life. I discovered the corporation after finishing my fourth draft.

 

The use of this technology probably means a lack of autonomy. How can you think for yourself, or even know what you think, if your thoughts are constantly being shaped and influenced by a quantum computer wirelessly connected to your brain?

 

Then again, is that all we really are as humans—biological computers? I don’t think so. But if not, then there will surely be resistance to the trans-humanist movement. Which means, in a work of fiction, clearly opposing sides. One empire supports this integration of man and machine; the other places limits on AI technology.

 

But “warring empires” was not a story I felt capable of telling. I wanted something closer to home, something smaller and more accessible, something more human. I wanted to show what a life spent entirely under the influence of an inner nanny—a substitute Holy Spirit—might look like.

 

Well, who better to tell that story than a man who has, in his own way, been manipulating others through storytelling? In other words, a journalist.

 

This fit my desire to write the story as military science fiction. Since I never had the honor of serving in the armed forces, I needed a way to give my narrator a believable voice. Corporal Raymin Dahl, a military reporter who barely scraped his way through reservist boot camp, fit the bill.

 

Before long the story seemed to take on a life of its own.

 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 30

Mia Reads, March 30

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 31

Wishful Endings, April 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 3

Woven by Words, April 3

Through the Fire Blogs, April 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 5

Adventures Of A Travelers Wife, April 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 6

Texas Book-aholic, April 7

April Hayman, Author, April 7

Inklings and notions, April 8

Rebecca Tews, April 9

For Him and My Family, April 10

deb’s Book Review, April 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 12

Labor Not in Vain, April 12

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon card, a signed copy of the hardcover first edition, and 2 laptop stickers!! (photo attached)

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/109d7/operation-grendel-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Tapestry Of Light By Kimberly Duffy

A Tapestry of Light

by Kimberly Duffy

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764235641

I am incredibly grateful to Kimberly Duffy for reaching out to me, asking me to review her book. Her debut novel, A Mosaic of Wings was excellent, and there was no way I was going to say, "No," to that request!

Summary:

In 1886 Calcutta, Ottilie Russell is adrift between two cultures, British and Indian, belonging to both and neither. In order to support her little brother, Thaddeus, and her grandmother, she relies upon the skills in beetle-wing embroidery that have been passed down to her through generations of Indian women.

When a stranger named Everett Scott appears with the news that Thaddeus is now Baron Sunderson and must travel to England to take his place as a nobleman, Ottilie is shattered by the secrets that come to light. Despite her growing friendship with Everett, friend to Ottilie's English grandmother and aunt, she refuses to give up her brother. Then tragedy strikes, and she is forced to make a decision that will take Thaddeus far from death and herself far from home.

But betrayal and loss lurk in England too, and soon Ottilie must fight to ensure Thaddeus doesn't forget who he is, as well as find a way to stitch a place for herself in a cold, foreign land.

My Review:

I was absolutely blown away by A Tapestry of Light. As I was reading through it, I was trying to think of whose writing Kimberly's reminded me of in this story. The angst of it put me in mind of Jane Austen. About 3/4 of the way through I thought of the book of Job from the Bible! Let me just say, the story took me on an emotional, vivid roller coaster ride.

Kimberly's writing in this story has depth and beauty from start to finish. She paints a picture of India in such tangible detail, that when I was creating the photo for my Instagram to go along with this book review, I used some curry and I think I'll forever associate curry with Ottilie's story.

I'll admit I was completely clueless of life in India during the Victorian age. I had no idea of the Eurasian population and what they had to endure socially. It was fascinating and heartbreaking at the same time. It was also mind boggling that so many people were dying of cholera. And I had no idea that beetle wing casings were used for fashion! The things people think of. I also loved the use of terms like "didi" for sister, maji for mama, and Nānī for grandmother. And yes, those are explained smoothly in the story.

So, let's talk about the characters. And just now, my review is NOT going to do this story justice. It just isn't. AND, I "tabbed" so many pages in this book... we need to discuss people! Ottilie. She's such an incredible character. While she's already lost so much (hello, Job) she is grasping on to what & who is left. When she meets Everett, my heart absolutely sank. His purpose for being there - to take one more person away - nearly did me in. And I loved how she gave him a run for his money.

But, Everett. I liked him and didn't like him. hahahaha He was just so "British". That was one of the pieces of this story that really was profound. How different Brits and Indians saw the world. I "understood" him, didn't like it, but I did. I also thought he was quite selfish in some instances. Read the book, you'll see what I mean. He's a super likable guy, just not a fan of his "purpose".

One of my favorite characters is Damaris, and Puh-LEASE, Kimberly Duffy, give her a story!!! Oh my gosh, seriously, we all need a Damaris in our lives. She is feisty and British, and doesn't give one whit about status and propriety. She's Ottilie's champion and I'm here for it!

And then, of course, there's the deep faith that is entwined in the story. A heritage of faith is passed down from Ottilie's Nānī on her Maji's side. It's rather a funny scenario with how she and her sister come to learn about Christianity and how significant it becomes in Ottilie's life.

When Ottilie, Thaddeus, and Everett arrive in England, just as I expected, things go just like they did back in India. And it makes me want to shake everyone who treats her poorly! Ok, maybe more than shake them. Everett is focused fully on society's expectations and I want to shake him, too.

I was so emotional from probably the halfway point and it just ramped up until the very end. Welling up with tears is a good sign, right? hahaha Please don't miss out on this beautiful work of art that Kimberly has created in Ottilie's story. This book will never leave my bookshelves!

About the Author:

Kimberly Duffy (www.kimberlyduffy.com) is a Long Island native currently living in Southwest Ohio, via six months in India. When she's not homeschooling her four kids, she writes historical fiction that takes her readers back in time and across oceans. She loves trips that require a passport, recipe books, and practicing kissing scenes with her husband of twenty years. He doesn't mind.