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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Weekly Giveaway Link-up #61

Welcome to Weekly Giveaway Link-up hosted by Crystal @ Just Another Book Lovin' Girl and me. This is a linky where you can submit your blog's Christian book and book-related giveaways and find other giveaways. A new link-up will be posted every Monday.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Review: Sabotaged (Alaskan Courage) by Dani Pettrey


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/076421196X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=076421196X&linkCode=as2&tag=chrisbooksrev-20&linkId=MVWWTE4OUHAZGHH6
About the book:
Pettrey's Bestselling Series Races to a Riveting Conclusion

Growing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now paired together on Yancey's search-and-rescue canine unit, they begin to put aside old arguments as they come to see each other in a different light. Then a call comes in from the Iditarod that will push them to their limits.

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing. Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. In order to save her, the man must use his knowledge as a mechanical engineer to do the kidnapper's bidding or she will die. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life, but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen.

My rating:
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Monday, March 23, 2015

Weekly Giveaway Link-up #60

Welcome to Weekly Giveaway Link-up hosted by Crystal @ Just Another Book Lovin' Girl and me. This is a linky where you can submit your blog's Christian book and book-related giveaways and find other giveaways. A new link-up will be posted every Monday.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Guest Post + Book & Gift Card Giveaway: Everything Is A Choice by Ashley Townsend


Everyone wants to be the next Tennyson, Hemingway, Stoker, or Austen of the modern world. I’ve been enamored with words and storytelling since I was a little tyke and planned on growing up and joining the ranks of these great minds of literature. That was it—no backup plan. I would become a writer and that. Was. That. But eight-year-old me making plans for the future never once considered that there might be a few bumps along my path towards greatness.
I published my first book “Rising Shadows” rather easily when I was twenty and assumed that with the sequel, “Chasing Shadows,” it would be just as simple. But I’m going to be honest and admit that I had no idea how to market a book and quickly realized I wouldn’t have a lucrative career in fiction if I kept at the quiet pace I was going. So I picked up the pace and put in an incredible amount of effort and time into finding someone who believed in this project as much as I did (and do!). I spent most of my free time pouring over list after list of literary agents and publishing companies to get “Chasing Shadows” picked up by a physical publisher. But none of the Christian literary agents were looking for the element of fantasy, and the agents interested in time travel did not have an interest in promoting Christian fiction. So it put me in a teensy bit of a bind, and I would find busy work just so I didn’t have to make a choice between believing all the other rejections and rising above it. But no matter how hard I tried to block it out, there would be these brief moments where God’s Voice snuck in and reminded me that this situation was a choice. Then I realized that the entire Rising Shadows Trilogy is based off of this principle: “Everything is a choice.” I’ve written about it for years but never fully understood until that moment when I realized I was choosing to wallow and stop trying. To tell you the truth, that scared the stuffing out of me, so I played a little Russian roulette with my Bible (it’s a highly scientific process), but the verse it flopped open to was completely non-applicable (I have no need to trade in goats OR sandals, dangit!!!). I was going to give up when I begrudgingly flipped to the next page, and a small, random, un-highlighted verse caught my eye:
“He will not fear evil tidings. His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” Psalm 112:7
…….. Oh. That was a tad spot-on. And this simple, random thing made me realize that so many times the answer is as simple as us being willing to turn the page or round the corner, to not give up when the answer doesn’t readily present itself. I decided then that I didn’t want to live life as a victim anymore and chose to have a better attitude, to not give in to despair and give up on Hope, much like Sarah and Will in “Chasing Shadows.” Yes, there are still times when my friends are talking about graduating and boyfriends and careers and traveling the world, and I’m just sitting here like, “Oh, yeah, I love rocks and reading, and this college gal is totally going to have a best seller before 2090.” But I’m choosing not to believe the Devil’s lies when he says God made me the way I am with no purpose in mind. Even when I don’t know what that purpose is, God knows exactly where He’s directing me. And where He’s directing you, too.
So why am I admitting all of this? Because I want you to know how low I fell and how high and gently God was able to pick me up. . . . I didn’t realize until I typed those words just now that “Chasing Shadows” is all about falling but not letting your circumstances keep you down. And that is what I decided to do—to rise above. I’m happy to say that after months of searching and rejection, God literally dropped Ink Smith Publishing in my lap. They are passionate about the story, which was released October of 2014, and the publication of “Chasing Shadows” had led to so many opportunities to minister to and inspire youths and adults alike (like San Diego Comic Con 2015—woot woot! I’ll be the one with the professional badge, so shoot me a “hello” if you’ll be there). I was recently asked to speak at a high school English class about the publishing process, and I was amazed at how receptive and interested these kids were; I had no idea how many people could be inspired by not just the characters in my books but also the tale of how I decided to pursue my dreams and never gave up on them. This was incredible to me, but it also became my “aha!” moment; I suddenly realized that God didn’t help me through this process just for me, but I feel that it gave me the ability to broaden my ministry and to encourage kids and teens, who are my passion.
So I guess you could say that I have a pretty good idea of where He’s leading my “reading ministry.” Of course, I still love the writing process, and I want to create the type of book that is intriguing and fun, serious and clever, full of incredibly realistic and relatable characters, and also one that readers can learn from and that has God’s heart at the center of the story. And all of these characteristics make up “Chasing Shadows.” Oh, yes, and also drama, court intrigue, romance, masquerade balls, medieval castles, sword fighting, archery, handsome blacksmiths/Spaniards, love triangles, mystery, time travel, and pretty much whatever else you might like to find in a story. *wink wink*
I always wanted to follow in the footsteps of my mom and grandma, who both love and loved to write (my first book is dedicated to my grandma Ruth, who passed away just months before my first book was picked up). And Jesus was the ultimate storyteller—why wouldn’t I want to be like Him? So I know He has a plan for my wandering thoughts and inner story-maker to uplift and inspire, but as of right now, I’m still working on understanding exactly what He has in store. But as I write each day and get inspired to craft new tales, I no longer ask myself if there is any point to all of this, but I’m trusting that God has a plan. And whatever spiritual journey you’re on, He has a plan for you, too, and it will be one of Victory. Our job is to not lose our enthusiasm for our passions along the way as we enjoy the ride.

Stop by my website to check out character interviews for the trilogy, playlists, and whatever other shenanigans I have going on. Also be sure to follow the links to my Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest pages when you’re there to keep up-to-date on the series. http://ashley-townsend.com/

Join in the adventure! You can purchase your own copy of “Chasing Shadows” from Amazon and B&N:




About Chasing Shadows:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O6VCZVQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00O6VCZVQ&linkCode=as2&tag=chrisbooksrev-20&linkId=TY4F6D25CKQBV2RA


Would you choose to entwine your fate with a hero of the past, even if it meant altering the future? The murder of an ancient king spurs Sarah Matthews to travel back in time, putting her life in jeopardy as she races against the clock to solve a thousand-year-old mystery and pick up the pieces of her star-crossed romance. Her return to Serimone reveals that the kingdom is in upheaval under the new regime, and unable to right the empire alone, Sarah seeks out the help of Will, the town's blacksmith and secret vigilante. But her hopes of rekindling their fairy tale romance are dashed when a discovery about his past severs their fragile relationship. Confused and alone, Sarah throws herself into her mission at the castle, though the fearsome solitude of the stonework prison causes her to seek out an unlikely ally. Damien Lisandro is a dashing Spaniard who brightens her dull world with his kindness and disarming charm. But as Sarah draws closer to him and to the faceless killer in their midst, she realizes that the severed threads of time and the mystery surrounding Serimone Castle are unraveling rapidly, weaving new tapestries of devastation. When a counterfeit Shadow tragically claims the life of someone Sarah cares for, and with Damien running from a dark past and secrets of his own, she wonders whom she can trust. Knowing the murders are connected, Sarah scrambles to uncover the identity of the impostor on her own. But as more lives are lost in her personal crusade, she questions how far she is willing to go to bring the guilty party to justice. Sarah is forced into harm's way countless times as she races to solve the puzzle before it is too late and Serimone becomes nothing more than a faded memory of the past. . . And before Sarah herself becomes a permanent fixture in history.





Enter for a chance to win a paperback copy of Chasing Shadows by Ashley Townsend AND a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Giveaway is open to the US and ends 4/3.

How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!



Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Giveaway Tools and announced here as well as emailed and will have up to one week to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Giveaway Tools or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Review: NASB Note-Taker's Bible


About the book:
Finally, a Bible that has plenty of room for taking notes during public or private worship, small-group fellowships, or any other time or place you feel the need to make comments on the Bible. No more cramped writing in tiny margins—the NASB Note-Taker’s Bible makes it easy to stay organized and neat. Personalize the text of God's Word to your life as never before, and treasure this record of your spiritual journey.  Includes the complete text of the popular New American Standard translation.

Features:
Deluxe wide margins for note takers
Complete NASB text
Double-column text for easy reading
Words of Christ in red letter
My rating:
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My thoughts:

Monday, March 16, 2015

Weekly Giveaway Link-up #59

Welcome to Weekly Giveaway Link-up hosted by Crystal @ Just Another Book Lovin' Girl and me. This is a linky where you can submit your blog's Christian book and book-related giveaways and find other giveaways. A new link-up will be posted every Monday.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Review: The World of Jesus by Dr. William H. Marty

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764210831/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0764210831&linkCode=as2&tag=chrisbooksrev-20&linkId=XZ7ZHJBWM5Z72YAAAbout the book:
Know Jesus Better by Understanding What Shaped His World

Sometimes it's hard to find your bearings in the New Testament, as you enter the time and place of Jesus and His disciples. There are confusing practices, new people groups, and even unexplained religious conflicts. How did it all come about?

Dr. William Marty walks you through the history leading up to the arrival of Jesus in order to help you better understand His life and teachings. He answers such questions as:

• Why did "Israelites" start being called "Jews"?

• What's a "synagogue" and what happened to worshiping in the temple?

• Who were the Pharisees and why was Jesus so upset with them?

• Why didn't anyone like the Samaritans?

Get to know the times in which Jesus lived, so you'll better understand His teaching and ministry. And along the way, discover how God prepared the world for the One who would turn it upside down.
My rating:
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Thursday, March 5, 2015

Review & Giveaway: An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310749190/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310749190&linkCode=as2&tag=chrisbooksrev-20&linkId=HCYWOSMYVUGWVSGK
About the book:
Due to her parents' promise at her birth, Lady Rosemarie has been prepared to become a nun on the day she turns eighteen. Then, a month before her birthday, a friend of her father's enters the kingdom and proclaims her parents' will left a second choice--if Rosemarie can marry before the eve of her eighteenth year, she will be exempt from the ancient vow.

Before long, Rosemarie is presented with the three most handsome and brave knights in the land. But when the competition for her heart seemingly results in a knight playing foul, she begins to wonder if the convent is the best place after all. If only one of the knights--the one who appears the most guilty--had not already captured her heart.


My rating:
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Monday, March 2, 2015

Monthly Reflections (#38) ~ February | Random Reads (March)

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Monthly Reflections, where we take the time to reflect on the previous month.

My February Goals...

Read 12 books
Finish 2 "Random Reads" books
Finish another book from my "2015 TBR Pile Challenge Reading List!"

Books read:

Weekly Giveaway Link-up #58

Welcome to Weekly Giveaway Link-up hosted by Crystal @ Just Another Book Lovin' Girl and me. This is a linky where you can submit your blog's Christian book and book-related giveaways and find other giveaways. A new link-up will be posted every Monday.

Some of the links in my blog posts, tweets, social media posts, etc. contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
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