A Journey to Unshakable Faith by Sydney Witbeck ~ Book Review

December 19, 2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Journey to Unshakable Faith by Sydney Witbeck, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Journey to Unshakable Faith
Series: Journeys of Faith #1
Author: Sydney Witbeck
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: July 2021
Genre: Christian Medieval Action/Adventure Fantasy

Left with no other option, fourteen-year-old Esther is forced to leave the castle for her own safety, not knowing if she will ever see her mother and father again. With only a pack of food and her faithful horse Onyx, Esther sets off on an adventure to find her mother’s people. But the enemy is never far behind, closing in on the princess who eludes them. Will she be able to make it to safety? And will she ever see her parents again?

When all hope seems lost, Esther soon finds that God never leaves His children on their own. At every turn, Esther meets friendly faces willing to help her as she strives to find a way to get back to her parents. With only her faith in God as her weapon, Esther turns back to home, determined to have the victory once and for all. But will that be enough? It seems that Esther will never see her parents in this world again. And all hope seems lost when Esther is finally captured and hidden away. It’s time for the villagers to take up arms and fight for their freedom. Will they prevail? Or will evil finally win? The true victory lies in finding a faith that is unshakable.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy Directly From the Author

More Books in This Series

My Thoughts

If you have a middle schooler or high schooler in your life that enjoys fantasy fiction then this is the book for them. It is filled with faith, family and Godly love. There is adventure and suspense but the author does these topics in such a way that it is suitable for those middle schoolers in your life. Like the title states the character is on a journey but not just a physical journey but a spiritual one as well.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of in this story, and at times its hard to figure out who is who, but the main character truly shines. There is a light romance thread but honestly it wasn't the focus and although predictable you may not even notice its there.

This was my first book from this author and she did a great job with the story. The way she describes things makes you think you are truly in that world. At times it is reminiscent to the story of Esther in the bible which is one of my favorite books.

Overall I thought it was a great YA Fantasy book. If you need books for your middle grade books this is an author to keep in mind!

About the Author

Sydney Witbeck is a Christian self-published author. She has a strong love for the Lord, her family, church, and friends. She has been blessed with supportive parents and two sisters and often helps out at the family business, Learning Cycle Homeschool Store. An avid bookworm, Sydney is happiest curled up with a good book. She has always enjoyed reading and rereading her favorite stories – a passion that soon transferred to writing books of her own. Her writing journey began when she heard how many moms were looking for fiction novels for girls that were both clean and Christian. In her free time, she likes drawing, spending time with her dog, and caring for her miniature horse and her three goats.

Connect with Sydney by visiting storiesoffaithfulness.com.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and signed paperback copies of A Journey to Unshakable Faith and the sequel, A Journey to Abiding Forgiveness.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 17, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 24, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Line of Fire by Taylor S Newport ~ Book Spotlight

December 17, 2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Line of Fire by Taylor S. Newport, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Line of Fire
Series: Dauntless Defenders #1
Author: Taylor S Newport
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: November 7, 2024
Genre: Christian Action Thriller

The enemy is relentless, but they made one fatal mistake: they underestimated him.

Australian mercenary Tyler Reid, known as "The Ghost of OZ," has a talent for evading detection, a skill that has caught the eye of multiple government agencies. When a shadowy group targets a CIA asset and her revolutionary drug ND1, the Deputy Director calls in Tyler. Eager for action, Tyler takes the job. He soon realizes that the enemy is not only after the drug, but also out for his blood. Then the mission goes south, and he is forced to seek an unlikely ally.

For covert foreign operative Alexandra Romanova, freedom is a distant dream. Escaping one prison only led her to a more dangerous one. Her deadly skills are at her boss's disposal, but she’ll use them only to escape. Her final chance hinges on retrieving ND1, but the elusive Ghost of Oz complicates things. Tyler Reid isn’t an easy mark, and the better she gets to know him, the more she questions the mission she's tasked with. Soon she faces a dire choice: kill a man she is convinced is good, or pay with her own life.

As Tyler and Alex venture beyond their orders, the line between enemy and ally blurs. On the edge of failure, trust becomes a dangerous gamble with every decision dragging them deeper into the line of fire. As enemies close in and alliances shift, they are ensnared in a ruthless battle where survival depends on split-second choices. In this high-stakes fight, time is running out, and the margin for error is zero.

Line of Fire is the first book in the Christian thriller series Dauntless Defenders. It is NOT a standalone novel.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | From the Author | Amazon | BookBub

My Thoughts

“I heard about what you did in the Congo. I was impressed by your ability to rescue the
journalist while being hunted by terrorists. I was even more surprised that you managed
to get out of the country without leaving any records.” Rawlings glanced around the room for a moment.

Tyler met his gaze. The only way to avoid being tracked was to stay under the radar. That was exactly what he’d done. Despite having a passport, he chose to take a less obvious route back to Oz. “I took a cargo plane.”

Rawlings frowned. “So, you paid the pilot to smuggle you into the country?” He crossed
his arms.

“He never knew I was on the plane.”

Was Rawlings…smiling? The expression was foreign on the Deputy Director’s face. “Ghost of OZ is right.”

About the Author

Taylor S Newport is an up and coming Christian author. Four years of research has brought her to release her first high-octane novel to the world. In 2024, she placed as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. Currently, she travels the United States with her family and GSD mix, Bella, probably writing her next novel.

Connect with Taylor by visiting taylorsnewport.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive an ebook copy of Line of Fire and a $15 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 16, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 23, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Once Upon a Hourse by Helena Smrcek ~ Book Review

December 10, 2024

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Once Upon a Horse by Helena Smrcek, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Once Upon a Horse
Series: The Vets of Heavenbrooke County #1
Author: Helena Smrcek
Publisher: EverWind Press
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

In the charming Heavenbrooke county, where country life meets big-city dreams, 28-year-old accountant Stella Barkley is about to discover that sometimes love arrives when you least expect it.

After a flat tire leaves her stranded on the side of the road, a handsome stranger comes to her rescue—Dr. Jason Alba, a dedicated veterinarian with a heart as big as his ambitions. Their initial encounter sparks an undeniable connection, aided by Stella's spirited Jack Russell Terrier, Milkbone, who takes an immediate liking to Jason thanks to his pocket full of treats.

As their paths intertwine, Stella finds herself drawn to Jason, despite their differing views on farm life and future aspirations. Their budding romance takes unexpected turns, especially when a mysterious missing horse from a local breeder, Enrique Rodriguez, complicates matters.

When Thanksgiving arrives, Jason becomes Stella's unexpected hero, saving her from a culinary disaster and charming her city friends with his warm spirit. But just as their relationship begins to flourish, a crisis emerges in the barn: the missing mare, Starling, is discovered in distress, leading Jason to perform a life-saving surgery that brings them even closer.

However, secrets and misunderstandings threaten to tear them apart. Stella’s desperate attempt to protect a champion mare sends her on a collision course with both Jason and Enrique, forcing her to confront her choices and the future she thought she wanted.

When Stella realizes that her life in Heavenbrooke may be over, she pens a heartfelt goodbye letter to Jason, leaving it at the church where their story began. Alone on Christmas morning, she grapples with loneliness and regret, only to be surprised by the appearance of the man who stole her heart.

Can a simple letter and the magic of Christmas lead them to a second chance? Will they find a way to bridge the divide between city and country, love and loyalty?

Join Stella and Jason on a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and the enduring power of second chances in Once Upon a Horse. Perfect for fans of contemporary romance, this tale of unexpected connections and the bonds we forge will leave you believing in the wonder of love.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Also Available

My Thoughts

If you love animals being involved in your stories then this is the book for you! I absolutely loved the addition of Milkbone and adorable Jack Russell Terrier that is really a great character in the story despite his lack of talking and being a furry friend! The story is revolves around a rescued horse as well so if you love horses in your stories then this one is definitely for you!

This was my first book by this author and I thought it was a sweet story. Definitely gave you all the feels of a Christmas cozy story filled with romance. The small town feels were great and Jason and Stella's attraction to each other was very well done. I love that Stella has a big heart and she truly wants to help others. She is getting used to being away from the city and leaving everything that she has ever known behind. Jason is a busy vet who also has a big heart but has a secret that could be detrimental to their blossoming relationship.

Overall I really enjoyed this story and recommend if you are looking for a cozy read this holiday season!

About the Author

Helena Smrcek is an award-winning author, screenwriter, public speaker and writing coach. From her romantic suspense series to women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and humor, and her latest favorite, dual timeline historicals—like a box of chocolate truffles—she loves them all. With a passion for storytelling sparked by her grandparents, Helena Smrcek weaves heartfelt tales that explore themes of faith, love, and redemption.

Connect with Helena by visiting helenasmrcek.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of all 3 books in the Alicia Yu FBI series plus Once Upon a Horse!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 9, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 16, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Winner location limited to where Amazon will ship. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar ~ Book Review

November 20, 2024

About the Book

Book: The Queen's Cook

Author: Tessa Afshar

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Series: Queen Esther's Court, Book 1

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: November 2024

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of a once-privileged but now impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news. Her father sees this edict as a stroke of good fortune, an opportunity to settle his mounting debts by killing the Jewish physician, Adin, and seizing his belongings, but instead he meets his own untimely end, leaving Roxannah destitute and adrift. Desperate and determined to support her mother while settling the debt, Roxannah approaches Adin--the man whose kind eyes still haunt her--to help her find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah strives to overcome prejudice and adversity as she ascends through the ranks in the royal kitchen. Her culinary talent earns her the trust and mentorship of Queen Esther herself, a woman of grace and wisdom, who is navigating treacherous palace politics and whispers of her inability to produce an heir after six years of marriage. Amid this unfolding connection, Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Amestris and Esther's reign hang in the balance.

My Thoughts

This story immediately grabs you and doesn't let go. Tessa Afshar does such an incredible job at truly capturing the opulence of ancient Persia. I always say that Biblical Fiction gives us the "what-if's" of what we are already reading in the Word. The author takes a story from the Bible and with their extensive research comes up with a story that is not only interesting but also filled with faith and lets you wonder if these scenarios could've really happened.

In this story we meet Roxhanna, a Persian woman, who is a noblewoman is impoverished by actions her father has taken. She is caring and has learned cooking skills from her grandmother. She wants to help her Jewish friends as an edict has been served by the King. I won't tell you too much of the story but her transformation and growth in the story is amazing. We also meet Adin, the royal physician, who also helps not only Roxhanna with different things in her life, especially getting a position in the Queens kitchen. But let us not discount Adin so hastily, he may be considered the love interest for Roxhanna but he is so much more. He truly guides Roxhanna to see who God wants her to be and the path she should follow. He helps her be strong and rely on the one who gives strength.

Did I mention this book is also about Queen Esther ? She is one of my favorite women in the Bible so it was neat to see another side of her (again another what-if) We see her as more than a queen but also a sister in Christ. Although her scenes were brief, they were powerful. We continue to see Esther just like we see her in the Bible, fighting for her people and we continue seeing her trust in God deepen.

I really enjoyed the story and I cannot wait to see how the next book unfolds. If you enjoy biblical fiction and stories that are filled with faith then you need to add this to your list.

I received a copy of this book for review. All views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Tessa Afshar’s books have been translated into 11 languages, and been on Publishers Weekly and CBA bestseller lists. Her novel, Pearl in the Sand is the recipient of ECPA’s Bronze Milestone Sales Award. Tessa’s novels have won a number of awards including the Christy and INSPY, and been finalists for the Carol and the ECPA Christian Book Awards. Land of Silence was chosen as one of top five Christian fiction titles of the year by Library Journal. The Way Home, God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, is the winner of the Christian Book Award in the Bible Study category.

Tessa was born in the Middle East and lived there the first fourteen years of her life before attending boarding school for girls in England. She fell in love with Jesus after moving to the United States. Tessa and her husband live in New England where they tend their mediocre garden.

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Sally's First Christmas ~ Spotlight

November 13, 2024

Personalized First Christmas Story Book JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the First Christmas Personalized Story Book by StoryBug, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: First Christmas Personalized Story Book
Publisher: Storybug
Release Date: August 1, 2024
Genre: Children's Christmas Gift Book

Immerse your little one in the joy of their first Christmas with the 'First Christmas Personalized Story Book,' where the magic of the holiday season comes alive through a story tailored just for them. Though they may not yet read, the sound of a loved one narrating a tale that features them will fill their world with wonder and make this personalized storybook a memorable part of their early Christmases.

PURCHASE LINKS: StoryBug

About the Publisher

StoryBug

Story Bug is inspiring kids to read more through the use of fully personalized children's storybooks.

Visit storybug.com to follow them on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(5) winners will each receive a hardcover book from StoryBug!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 13, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 20, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep ~ Book Review

November 12, 2024

About the Book

Book: Of Gold and Shadows

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Time's Lost Treasures, Book 1

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: September 2024

In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for rescuing black-market artifacts, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker. After eight years in India, Oxford's most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor's determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin--rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk--surfaces and they're left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . . Award-winning author Michelle Griep weaves a tale of love, mystery, and intrigue set against the backdrop of the gaslit streets of Oxford, England.

My Thoughts

If you are looking for a Victorian mystery with Gothic elements then this is the book to add to those TBR lists! I really enjoyed the leading female character being an Egyptologist. Ami truly captures the quirkiness of the character and she is truly full of charm although utterly bright and extremely passionate in everything that she does. She just really wants to be seen for more than just a the daughter of an Egyptologist and professor and we see that develop throughout the story.

The male lead character is also quite charming. Edmund is not your typical socialite. He wants to sell these artifacts to help out a friend. He falls for Ami and their relationship blossoms throughout the story. I love how he is with her and truly sees her for who she is and dreams to be. He doesn't want to take away those dreams from her but rather see them to fruition.

Besides the romance which was super sweet and swoony at times, there is a bit of mystery that needs to be solved. Honestly I did not figure out the way the culprit came about until much later in the book. Which is good because it definitely kept the pages turning.

Overall I really enjoyed the story and can't wait to see if we see these characters once more in the second book of this duology. If you enjoy romance, mystery and faith threads then this is the book for you!

I received a copy of this book for review. All views expressed are my own.

About the Author

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I chose the latter. Way cheaper. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write...except for that graffiti phase I went through as a teenager. Oops. Did I say that out loud?

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The Color of Home by Kit Cosello ~ Book Review

November 5, 2024

About the Book

Book: The Color of Home

Author: Kit Cosello

Genre: Contemporary Christian

Publisher: Revell

Release Date: September 2024

Audrey Needham, Bay Area interior designer to the rich and pretentious, is down to her last nerve. Her boss is impossible to please, her future is in jeopardy, and her great-aunt Daisy needs support as her husband descends into Alzheimer's. When Daisy enlists Audrey's help preparing for a move to assisted living, Audrey risks her career to return to the idyllic small town of Charity Falls, Oregon, the summer stomping grounds of her childhood. But Charity Falls was also the place that broke her heart when her father was killed in a tragic fire at the Sugar Pine Inn thirteen years ago. Despite Audrey's intent to avoid emotional entanglement, the pull of home is hard to resist. Something should be done about the deteriorating inn. A local girl with an incarcerated father needs a friend. And handsome local do-gooder Cade Carter is coloring Audrey all shades of uncertain.Join award-winning writer and debut novelist Kit Tosello in this lyrical and often humorous exploration of how God redeems brokenness and draws us to the life we're meant to find.

My Thoughts

A good debut from Kit Tosello! This story was full of depth and definitely tugged at you heartstrings as you experience grief with Audrey who is still reeling from the death of his father and you also experience grief from aunt Daisy although hers is in the form of her husband having Alzheimer's and she is seeing the person she fell in love with disappear before her eyes. This is told in two different point of views as the story is of both Audrey and Daisy.

The story does start a bit slow so it took me a while to get into it but I am glad I stuck with it. I thought that the growth that Audrey experiences throughout the story was great and all the little details were needed to see her come full circle. The author did great at keeping the faith themes throughout the story and makes you really think what home truly is for you? It means something different for every one.

Overall I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait to see what else this author writes in the future!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. All views expressed are my own.

About the Book

Kit Tosello is an award-winning writer of contemporary fiction that feels like coming home. About her debut novel, The Color of Home (September 2024, Revell), bestselling author Robin Jones Gunn said, “Kit has a winsome way of using words to paint heart-touching images." Kit's inspirational essays and devotionals appear in a number of anthologies, including Publishers Weekly and Wall Street Journal bestseller So God Made a Mother. When not writing, Kit can be found in the loose-tea shop she operates with her husband, exploring the great PNW, or enjoying the "great indoors"—bookstores and libraries. Most likely with a matcha latte in hand. Learn more at KitTosello.com.

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