Book Review: Invasion

                                                                             Book Info:                                                                           

Kurt, vampire Master of Seattle, Garrett Larkin, mage of Balthus Coven and Parker Berenson, alpha of the city’s werewolf pack, are in a world of trouble. Already divided by love and jealousy, the three discover their auras are inextricably bound, the result of a spellcasting gone terribly wrong.

Each one’s aura has been invaded by the auras of the others, and the consequences are both frightening and deadly. Worse yet, Shen’zae Melera, interstellar assassin and Parker’s love, has returned to Earth with dire news: she didn’t return alone. 

She’d been followed by her nemesis, Mag Beloc, and his fleet of warships. Even if Beloc recaptures her, Melera knows that Earth will suit his purposes, and that his presence may well become permanent. Drawn together by choice and fate while doing what they had to do, can Kurt, Garrett, and Parker now find a way to undo the magick that binds them, and with Melera, stop an alien invasion before it begins?

Check it out on Amazon


                                                                My Thoughts on This Book:                                                                          

Invasion was such a fun book for me to read! It is a book that is set in a fun world. We  follow quite a diverse group of characters.  The underground which is located in Seattle is where we meet our cast of characters. Peter who is the alpha leader of the werewolves. There is also the master of the vampires, Kurt. As well as Garrett, who is the Mage of the witches. If that doesn't get you excited about this book, then I don't know what will! 

They are all really struggling with the same thing: which is keeping their individual pack or groups together. There is so much animosity and hostility between the group. They are growing frustrated, and it is ripping them apart. There is a significant movement against the humans. For better or worse they are trying to stay together and keep things as normal as they can be. 

This book had a fascinating overall theme. This theme was power and its positive and negative effects. It shows that the choices that leaders make really affect people in their groups or people under their control. It reminds us that leadership is challenging role and not one to be taken lightly. 

Overall this book is super unique and different than what is out their right now in the market. I am unsure that there is a category or genre of this individual book. The writer is witty and has a way with words that really impressed me. There is also a crazy vivid imagination which is needed in this world of over saturation of books. I believe this is the type of book you really need to enjoy organically without a ton of information or spoilers. I really hope you will check out this fun and quirky book! 

Book Tour: The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible

                                                                     About The Book:                                                              

How do you explain the gospel to toddlers and preschoolers?

Often adults are stumped, but Jared Kennedy's focus on the promises of God makes the gospel come alive to the littlest hearts. Through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible highlights God's perfect promises. Every page pops with bright colors, playful illustrations, fun learning opportunities, and, best of all each story points children to Jesus.

Kids know the value of a promise. Through the gospel, our good and all-powerful God keeps his word and fulfills his promises to us better than we could have ever thought or imagined!

In The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible, author Jared Kennedy traces God's perfect promises through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, retold in simple and compelling ways with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. Each gospel-centered story highlights God's tale of redemption through Jesus and the unexpected and surprising ways that God's grace and mercy are revealed throughout the Bible. Children will hear the good news of God's love for them clearly expressed in ways that will speak to their young hearts. Brightly colored illustrations highlight the stories and add fun teaching elements of counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition to keep even the youngest child's attention. Every story also ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to further reinforce the message.

Through reading this book one chapter at a time to your children-or letting them read it to you!-even the youngest kids will come to know that God's promises are especially for them, and that God always keeps his promises.

Learn more, read a sample, and purchase a copy.

                                                       My Thoughts On The Book                                             

One of my favorite things about this book is that it isn't your typical book for kids. It has some not so familiar bible stories, along side really traditional ones. This book highlights 52 various stories. From God's promises, to his redemption, and everything in between. 

I loved the fact that each story has such a good discussion and reading involved. It is done at a level a child would understand, but also well teach them, strengthen their faith, and open a disucsion about faith. The book contains scripture passages at the begining of each story. A large color print expresses the major point. The gospal of salvation is presented at several places in this book. There is a collection of both Old and New Testament stories. Which is really neat. 

As a picture book is larger and bulkier than your average one. There are many stories so you could do one a day, or a few before bedtime. Whatever your family choses. I also feel like this would be a great addition to a Christian homeschool program. 

The artwork is cute and charming for the age. They are pretty much consitant with primary color range. The artwork is crated by Trish Mahoney, and it is very well done. 

The target age range is about 3 to around 8 years old. You could adapt it to a younger audiance but I am unsure that older kids wouldn't see this as "too" babyish for them. This book will allow you to read to your child and will follow. them to a point were they can read the stories on their own. 

This is overall a wonderful resource for young children. This would be a great gift for children! 

Disclaimer: I recieved this from the publisher and Litfuse for free in exchange of an unbiased and honest review 

                                                                     About The Author:                                                              

Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the husband to Megan and the father of three girls-Rachael, Lucy, and Elisabeth. He serves as Pastor of Families at Sojourn Community Church-Midtown in Louisville, KY and as children's ministry strategist for Sojourn Network. He blogs regularly at gospelcenteredfamily.com and is also the coauthor of "Leadership Mosaic" and two VBS programs, "Proof Pirates" and "Clap Your Hands," "Stomp Your Feet."

Find out more about Jared at http://www.gospelcenteredfamily.com.

Book Tour: Ordinary Graces

                                                                Book Information:                                                                   

Everyone loves to receive a gift.

And God has given us many, such as his grace-the gift we don't deserve and can never earn. Promises from the One who declares we are already loved, already accepted, already created in his image. The question becomes, will we truly receive that gift? Will the reality of it actually change the way we think and notice and reach out?

God's Word will stand forever, in any season of life. These truths prompt us to respond with compassion and courage.

Through inspiring devotions, Lucinda Secrest McDowell reveals biblical blessings that remind us that: God's promises give us strength, God's grace can be most evident at our weakest points, a proper response to our abundance of blessings is simply gratitude, and the "more" we are all looking for is the same abundant life that Jesus came to give us.

Would you like to receive these gifts of ordinary grace? Join Lucinda in focusing on one word a day through devotional readings and short benedictions for any and every season to explore the many facets of Grace, Strength, Gratitude, and Life

Learn more and purchase a copy.

                                                         My Thoughts On The Book:                                                           

"My child, a peaceful night of rest is My gift to you at the end of another hard day. One in which you tried to be salt and light in the world ... And now, I bring you to a quiet moment to simply give thanks. You did love well today. And tomorrow will be another fresh opportunity."  

I love a good devotion and Lucinda Secret McDowell's new book is so perfect. The author shares inspiration with Gods believers. Ordinary Grace speaks to our individual hearts. We desire to have strength and grace. We find peace when we practice gratitude. 

The author shares personal stories that make the book feel so personal. It feels like you are joining a friend for coffee. She shares information about the lives of others as well, in a conversational style. She conveys theology in away that makes perfect sense. She explains the orginal language of the scripture. She clarfies all the key terms. 

I loved how it seemed all seasons are represented. There are many different messages in Ordinary Graces. I loved how enriching this book was to my soul. I liked how the book explains the various gifts that we have through God's word. 

Disclaimer: I recieved this book from the publisher and Litfuse in exchange for my honest and unbaised review. All thoughts are my own. 

                                                                Author  Information:                                                                

Lucinda Secrest McDowell is passionate about embracing life - both through deep soul care from drawing closer to God, as well as living courageously in order to touch a needy world. 

A storyteller who engages both heart and mind, she offers "Encouraging Words" to all on the journey.

 A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, Cindy is the author of 13 books, including "Ordinary Graces," "Dwelling Places," "Live These Words," "Refresh!," "Quilts from Heaven" and "Role of a Lifetime." 

Whether co-directing the "reNEW - retreat for New England Writing," mentoring young moms, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages.

Find out more about Lucinda at http://EncouragingWords.net

                                                                           Giveaway Information:                                                         

Are you ready to receive gifts of ordinary grace and abundant life from God and His Word? Join Lucinda in focusing on one word a day through devotional readings and short benedictions in her new book, Ordinary Graces. God has given us many gifts, such as his grace-the gift we don't deserve and can never earn. Promises from the One who declares we are already loved, already accepted, already created in his image. The question becomes, will we truly receive that gift? Will the reality of it actually change the way we think and notice and reach out?

Celebrate the release of Lucinda's new book and grace your holiday season with a $75 Etsy gift card giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Ordinary Graces
• A $75 Etsy gift card
• A grace bracelet
• A set of Ordinary Graces greeting cards

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on November 17. The winner will be announced November 20 on the Litfuse blog.

Book Tour: The Gift

                                                                          Book Info                                                                    

New York Times Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray gifts us with a special Christmas story about love and blessings in this next book in her Amish of Hart County series.

The Schwartz family is happy to be spending Christmas on their new farm in Hart County. But when Susanna Schwartz hears gunshots that causes her buggy to overturn, and then her little sister falls through a wooden bridge into the icy creek, it becomes clear from these dangerous “accidents” that someone wants them gone.

Neil Vance has been heartbroken ever since his parents lost their family farm. He knows it’s not the Schwartz family’s fault, but he can’t help but be resentful. Until he meets Susanna. She is kind-hearted and bold, and Neil can’t stop thinking about her pretty green eyes.

Neil thinks the accidents are just that, but Susanna’s father is convinced the Vance family is responsible. Susanna refuses to believe Neil would do anything to harm her. She’s fallen in love with him and knows he is a good man. But her family is ready to pack up and move, and time is running out to uncover the truth before someone gets hurt…or worse. 

Learn more and purchase a copy.

                                                                          My Thoughts on the Book:                                           

I was pleasantly surprised by this little book. I am usually don't like Amish style novels, but this was good. The Gift is the third book in the Amish of Hart County series. With that being said, this book can be a stand-alone. You can read this without the first too and understand everything.

The author created a story so fascinating the book became a page turner for me. I couldn't put it down. I was so involved and invested in the story and the characters. I wanted to find out who was committing the evil acts. 

The Gift is a holiday book centered around Christmas, so it is perfect for this up and coming season. It is filled with mystery, love, family, faith, and Amish living. It is the best of all those various worlds. 

In this book, there are two romances and four points of views. The points of view were the characters who were involved in these relationships, which made the characters feel more real and rounded. The main characters are  Susanna and Neil. They get off to a rocky start. They were They were complex and exciting. Their struggles were similar to ones that everyone has. 

I truly believe fans of Shelley Shepard Gray and Amish fiction will want to read this book. I recommend this book to everyone.

Disclaimer: I recieved this book from the publisher and Litfuse for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. 

                                                                          Author Information:                                                                    

Shelley Shepard Gray is a "New York Times" and "USA Today" bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.