Finding Hope by Delena Stuart-Watson Book Review

About the Book:

What would you do if your expectation of life changed in an instant?

Finding Hope is a memoir that chronicles the journey one woman faced when she gave birth to a critically ill baby. This inspirational book begins in the hospital delivery room, then NICU, where the most fragile babies are treated and brought back to life. In the years to come, more struggles emerged.

How do you find hope in adversity? Faith is the only way.

My Review:

This is a powerful memoir. Watson shares her story of birthing a child with unexpected medical issues, being not fully developed. She shares of the unknown future and the strain on the marriage. She is quite honest about her questioning God as she was faced with an overwhelming situation. She also tells of finding support in others. Then, facing additional tragedy.

The strength of this memoir is the encouraging spiritual reflections Watson gives after each section of memoir. The encouragement relates directly to the personal experiences it follows. She adds practical suggestions for action and a thoughtful prayer. There is also abundant room for journaling.

In her closing words, she reminds readers that not knowing what the future holds we can still be confident God is in control. This is a touching memoir of difficulty and trusting God.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author:

Delena Stuart-Watson is a gifted author, inspirational speaker, dedicated minister, nonprofit founder, and corporate professional. Her debut novel, Finding Hope During Uncertainty, emerged after years of trusting God's perfect timing and reflects her heartfelt mission to inspire and uplift women through life’s challenges.

Delena Stuart Watson has an online television show you can watch at https://winwinwomen.tv/show/heart-of-strength.

Carpenter's Son Publishing, 192 pages.

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

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.) 

Murder on the Mississippi by Erik Meyers Releasing Today

Erik S Meyers' second novel in the Sally Witherspoon series releases today. 

I've read the first one, Death in the Ozarks, and liked it. (You can see my review of it here.) Sally Witherspoon is a feisty amateur sleuth.

I will be reviewing this book in early May, courtesy of Partners in Crime Tours. There will be a giveaway with this tour and you can enter it here.

You can check out the author:

www.ErikMey.com
Medium – @erikmey
Goodreads – @erikmey
Instagram – @erikmeyauthor
Facebook – @ErikSMeyersAuthor

Promotional material provided by Partners in Crime Book Tours.

The Ride by Kostya Kennedy Book Review

About the Book:

On April 18, 1775, a Boston-based silversmith, engraver, and anti-British political operative named Paul Revere set out on a borrowed horse to fulfill a dangerous but crucial mission: to alert American colonists of advancing British troops, which would seek to crush their nascent revolt.

Revere was not the only rider that night, and indeed, he had completed at least 18 previous rides across New England and other colonies, disseminating intelligence about British movements. But this ride was like no other, and its consequences in the months and years to come—as the American Revolution morphed from isolated skirmishes to a full-fledged war—became one of our founding legends.

In The Ride, Kostya Kennedy presents a dramatic new narrative of the events of April 18 and 19, 1775, informed by fresh primary and secondary source research into archives, family letters and diaries, contemporary accounts, and more. Kennedy reveals Revere’s ride to be more complex than it is usually portrayed—a loosely coordinated series of rides by numerous men, near-disaster, capture by British forces, and finally success. While Revere was central to the ride and its plotting, Kennedy reveals the other men (and, perhaps, a woman with information about the movement of British forces) who helped to set in motion the events that would lead to America’s independence.

Thrillingly written in a dramatic, unstoppable narrative, The Ride re-tells an essential American story for a new generation of readers.

My Review:

It's been a long time since I learned about Paul Revere's ride in my American History class. Reading Kennedy's book I find that there is much more to the story. We are nearing the 250^th anniversary of that ride (April 18) and this would be a good time to read more about Revere. Kennedy gives a very readable account of Revere's childhood, family, and career. I had no idea he had been a bell wringer when younger. I did not know he was a self taught dentist. I did not know of the many rides he had made previously to this famous one and the fees he charged. Kennedy includes the involvement of others as he takes us through the actions leading up to the Revolutionary War. This is a good book for anyone who wants to know more about the time in American history and those involved. It is very informative, bringing the events to life. It is well written and very readable.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author:

KOSTYA KENNEDY is the Editor in Chief of Premium Publishing at Dotdash Meredith. A former Senior Writer and Editor at Sports Illustrated, he is the author of True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson as well as the New York Times bestsellers 56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number in Sports and Pete Rose: An American Dilemma. All three books won the CASEY Award for Best Baseball Book of the Year. He has taught at Columbia and New York University, and he lives in Westchester County, New York. Photo credit: Amy Levine-Kennedy

St Martin's Press, 304 pages.

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

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

It's Fight Night by Todd Woodfill Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book

Book: It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men On Samson’s Fight

Author: Todd Woodfill

Genre: Men’s Bible Study

Release date: October, 2024

It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men on Samson’s Fight uses the story of Samson to challenge men to examine their lives through the lens of strength and weakness. Designed for personal or group study, this Bible study delves into the complexities of Samson’s journey, asking men to reflect on their God-given strengths and areas of vulnerability. By exploring themes of divine purpose, failure, and redemption, this study invites men to seek guidance from God as they grow in faith and understand their true potential. Become a warrior, step into the ring and discover timeless lessons on strength, weakness, and grace.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Men like tales of strength and resilience. Woodfill takes us through the story of Samson, showing his strengths, weaknesses and spiritual struggles. He draws many insights from Samson and illustrates them with examples from other people. Some of the lessons include God has a purpose for each of us, the importance of knowing your enemy as well as the importance of knowing our own weaknesses. Woodfill has included thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter as well as an application and practical suggestions for growth.

This is a good study on the lessons we can learn from Samson's life. It would make a good study for a men's group or personal use.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Todd Woodfill is a modern-day Renaissance man whose life could be inspirational if it didn’t so closely resemble a comedy sketch. Married to his absolutely amazing, beautiful, intelligent, and talented wife Holly for a whirlwind 30 years so far, he couldn’t imagine doing life without her support.  With four incredible children and one extraordinary grandchild, who refer to Todd as Dad, Papa, dork, old timer, and weirdo, Todd has been blessed far more than he deserves.

Passionate about mental health and suicide prevention, men’s ministries, Legos, boxing, and pursuing God, Todd is a man of many talents and clearly a master of none.  But who else can seamlessly switch from being a Jordan sneaker connoisseur to a boxing enthusiast, all while building men’s ministries and helping those with mental health challenges.  Heck, this guy can be found passionately discussing the virtues of mental wellness, only to break into a joyful song from a Disney classic, spreading cheer like a modern-day Mary Poppins with a passion for Christ. His life is a whirlwind of laughter, love, and an unshakable faith, making him the ultimate blend of humor and heart in a world that often takes itself too seriously.

More from Todd

Men, it’s time to step into the ring! Todd Woodfill’s new book, It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men On Samson’s Fight, is officially here-and it’s not just a book; it’s a challenge to reclaim your strength, confront your weaknesses, and discover the warrior God created you to be.

Using the story of Samson as a backdrop, this study invites you to explore themes of strength, weakness, purpose, and redemption. Whether you’re diving in solo or in a small group with you brothers in Christ, this book is designed to help you reflect deeply on your journey as a man of faith. You’ll be encouraged to embrace your God-given potential, find hope in the face of failure, and live boldly for Christ.

What to Expect:

• Discover the divine purpose in your strengths AND your struggles.
• Learn how to fight like Samson-but live with the grace of Christ.
• Build up your faith and deepen your connection to God alongside other men.

Are You Ready for the Fight?

This more than just a book launch-this is the kickoff to an incredible journey! Todd is hitting the road for the Fight Night Book Tour, bringing these lessons to life through interactive discussions, powerful testimonies, and real talk about what it means to walk boldly as a man of God today.

About the Author:

Todd Woodfill is a man blessed beyond measure and proof that God has a sense of humor. From being a husband to his incredible wife, Holly, for 30+ years, to raising for amazing kids and a grandchild who alternately call him “Papa” and “that old weirdo,” he’s been living a wild, grace-filled adventure.

Todd is passionate about men’s ministries, mental health advocacy, Legos, and boxing-yes, he is a man of layers like Shrek.  You might catch Todd talking about Jordan sneakers one moment, throwing a jab at the heavy bag the next, or surprisingly belting out a Disney tune with unapologetic joy. But his heart is always centered on helping men find God’s purpose in their lives.

Join the Fight!

Follow the tour schedule, grab a copy of the book, and let’s get ready to rumble-with faith as our foundation. God has incredible things in store, and Todd can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Stay tuned for book tour dates near you!

Let’s grow together, brothers. The bell’s ringing-are you ready to step into the ring?

#ItsFightNight #ChristianMen #MensMinistry #BibleStudy #SamsonLessons #WarriorsForHisGlory #StrengthInFaith

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 14

Vicky Sluiter, April 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 16

For the Love of Literature, April 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 19 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 20

Blossoms and Blessings, April 21 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 22

Stories By Gina, April 23 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, April 23

Artistic Nobody, April 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 25 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 25

Guild Master, April 26

A Reader’s Brain, April 27 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Todd is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54200

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.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Trespassers and Other Stories by Aine Greaney Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book:

From coastal Massachusetts to rural Ireland, the characters in Trespassers struggle to reconcile past and present, place and displacement, loss and hope.

A woman travels from her Massachusetts home to her native Irish village to care for her estranged and sick father. Back in her childhood home, she comes face-to-face with previously unspoken losses.

A wealthy couple travels to Cape Cod to spend their 52nd summer on the wife's ancestral estate. On their private beach above Nantucket Sound, the husband must confront the realities of their long marriage and its social-class tensions.

An Irish immigrant takes her American-born teen to a raucous Boston house party. At that party, the teenager discovers that her mother had lied about her child's birth father—a lie that will permanently divide the mother and daughter.

PUBLISHER: Sea Crow Press

ISBN-10: 1961864207

ISBN-13  978-1961864207

Print Length: 130 pages

Purchase Links:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Goodreads.

My Review:

Sometimes we get into a situation where we feel really uncomfortable. We might think we are a misfit. We might think we could never be our true self in the situation.

Greaney has brought together a collection of previously published shorts highlighting such situations. Some are quite short and more like just a scene. A few might be considered a true short story. All of them relate to an uncomfortable situation. Some times a life changing decision has to be made. Some times the future is unknown and open. Many of the shorts deal with a sexual situation. I felt uncomfortable after reading some of them, not really understanding the stories. They would make for a lively discussion in a women's group.

My rating: 4/5 stars

About the Author:

An Irish native, Áine Greaney now lives and writes in the Boston area. In addition to her five published books, her short works have appeared in Creative Nonfiction, Salon, Another Chicago Magazine, The Boston Globe Magazine, The New York Times, Books Ireland, NPR/WBUR and other publications.  

As well as being an author, Greaney is a trained teacher who has designed and led fiction and non-fiction workshops, presentations and keynotes for regional, national and international organizations. 

Her work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, cited in Best American Essays and named a ‘Great Group Read’ by the Women’s National Book Association. 

You can find her online at:

Website: https://www.ainegreaney.com

Instagram: ainegreaney

Bluesky: ainegreaney.bsky

Facebook: Aine Greaney, Writer

Threads: ainegreaney 

Sea Crow Press, 130 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through WOW Women on Writing. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Smoochin' the Right Twin by Madison Love Book Review

About the Book:

Wearing a leather jacket and snakeskin boots in a vegan restaurant wasn’t my finest moment, but I never thought it would end up in a pair of lawsuits.

Merdy

I was an influencer who lost her influence, but now I’m back! This time, instead of advertising clothing lines and current trends, I endorse worthy causes and charities.

When Hunter asks me to take and post videos of him Bronc riding, showcasing his new equine therapy center, I’m hesitant—not because I don’t want to, but because I can’t stand by and watch him risk his life for a thrill.

I’ve pushed him away to protect him from my downfall as I’m about to lose everything. But none of that matters if I lose him in the end.

Hunter

Merdy has been rejecting all of my attempts to earn another kiss like the one she gave me on New Year’s Eve—a kiss she called a mistake and said couldn’t happen again.

I disagree. I may have been the wrong twin for her best friend, but I know I’m the right twin for her.

In a last-ditch effort to show her how great we could be together, I hired Merdy to promote Triple H Ranch on her internet channel.

But when there's an accident, and things take a turn for the worse, I'll find out if we make a good team after all.

My Review:

This is a novel that leaves you feeling good when you finish it. It explores how friends help one another and how sometimes it is hard to admit need and accept help from others. It also shows how God works situations out for the best for believers. The character development is done well and the main characters are likable and engaging. There are also a few quirky characters, like the colorful wig wearing Biddies. The faith message is strong and well crafted into the characters and their actions. They learn spiritual lessons as the story progresses and we do too. One of those lessons is the tough one of trusting God for the safety of a loved one.

I liked learning a little about horse therapy. Some troubled children will respond better to animals than they do to people. Having a therapy aspect to the ranch is just one way these loving people give to others.

I liked this sweet romance. It is part of a series but reads well on its own. Reading the earlier books in the series will help better understand all the action and emotions in this one, however. You can read my review of the novel previous to this one: Smoochin' the Surly CEO.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Madison Love is an Amazon Best-selling, clean, and Christian romance writer who loves to intertwine humor and suspense while adding a touch of sweetness. She has spent most of her life traveling abroad, discovering new places, and meeting wonderful people. She spent twenty years in the military before settling in a rural town outside of Buffalo, New York, where she now lives on a forty-acre farm with her husband, son, and two dogs. Having been afforded the time and opportunity to bring her ideas and stories to life, she seeks to give her readers the ‘happy ever after’ they seek, but with a dash of intrigue.

Independently published, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through BookSirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Our Trustworthy God by Sarah K Howley Blog Tour Book Review

About the Book

Book: Our Trustworthy God: How Much God Loves You, Joyfully Engages with You, and Trusts You

Author: Sarah K. Howley

Genre: Bible Study

Release date: March 28, 2025

Have you ever felt like in life’s most challenging moments, trusting God can be a struggle—even impossible? What if you knew that God not only invites you to trust him but is trustworthy himself and trusts you in return? Our Trustworthy God warmly welcomes you into a deeper understanding of the mutual relationship he longs to have with you, one built on love, trust, and active engagement.

With your guide, Sarah K. Howley—founder of InspiritEncourage, author, and speaker—you will walk through those difficult moments when trust feels scary, discovering how God’s faithfulness shines brightest in your darkest times. Through rich, Scripture-based insights, Sarah unpacks why God is always trustworthy and how his boundless love continually works for your good.

Through this study, you’ll find:

• A deeper awareness of God’s active love and trust in your everyday life
• Confidence in God’s unwavering faithfulness, even when challenges arise
• Practical steps to strengthen your relationship with God, built on mutual trust
• Encouragement to openly confront doubts and questions about your faith
• Guidance on how to live as a trustworthy person, reflecting God’s faithfulness in your life

Our Trustworthy God explores the incredible truth that God trusts you, reminding you that your relationship with him is neither one-sided nor blind but vibrant and deeply mutual. You’ll be invited to reflect on what it truly means to live in faithful connection with your loving God despite the pains of life and evils of the world.

Approachable yet deeply rooted in Scripture, this study is perfect for individuals or groups seeking to strengthen their faith and experience the joy of walking in a two-way relationship with the God who loves and trusts you.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Howley has written a short book full of thought provoking ideas. I like her emphasis on the time it takes to develop a trust relationship. I like her example of Abraham (Abram), that God was faithful even when Abraham was not. A turning point came when Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac.

Howley tackles that age old question when it comes to trusting God: why do tragedies happen? She reminds readers that she is sharing her personal ideas. (614/802) She argues against God's omnipotence and sovereignty. “He doesn't hold all power.” (645/802) “...God cannot control others nor can he control evil in the world.” (645/802) I find her ideas troubling. Would I trust the captain of a ship who does not have control of it? How could he possibly guarantee we would get to our destination? And there is the whole concept of prophecy. How could OT prophets predict the future if God was not in control of history? Thick books have been written on this theological issue so it is important for us to remember Howley is sharing her personal ideas.

This is a thought provoking little book on trusting God. It would certainly be one to provide a good discussion among friends.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

 

About the Author

Sarah K. Howley is the founder of InspiritEncourage and author of several Bible studies. She is a certified counselor by the Chiesa Apostolica in Italia and holds a master’s degree in education. Sarah often travels the world, usually with espresso in hand. Follow her at inspiritencourage.com to keep in touch.

  

More from Sarah

Our Trustworthy God is the result of years of seeking. I knew I was supposed to trust God… but. I struggled with the buts of trusting God. There are too many to name, and they usually start with “why?” Some examples are when good people have bad things happen to them, why? When someone we love has died too soon, when our best friend gets cancer, when a hurricane strikes and whole towns are lost. For me, it was cancer in the family and even starting my own business. I couldn’t really understand, or “feel” that everything was working out for my good. Trusting God wasn’t exactly an on-command reflex when I thought of these things. It was easier to wonder where God was rather than trust that he IS and will always be here.

But I wanted more than to believe he was here, I wanted to know deeply that God was working for my good, even when all I saw was destruction and evil. So, I spent a year dedicated to digging in and seeking to understand what trusting God really means. I wanted to know how trustworthy God is, all the time. I didn’t want that knowledge to remain in my head, but I wanted it in my heart. I wanted it to be the automatic reflex when bad things happen that I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was in that situation and working for my good.

What I found surprised me. Don’t misunderstand, more than ever before, I know God IS with me in every circumstance and he IS working for my well-being. He loves me deeply. What surprised me was that God trusts me as well and his power is unlike anything I could imagine.

A deep discussion of relationship and trusting God is what came out of that search to understand how I could trust the unseen God in an evil world, and I had to share it. Because I know my God is good and he is trustworthy. He is working for your good. He loves you, joyfully engages with you, and he trusts you.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, April 11 (Author Interview)

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 11

Texas Book-aholic, April 12

Simple Harvest Reads, April 13 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 14

For the Love of Literature, April 15 (Author Interview)

She Lives To Read, April 16

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 17 (Author Interview)

The Sacred Line, April 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18

Blossoms and Blessings, April 19 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 20

Artistic Nobody, April 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 22

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 23 (Author Interview)

EmpowerMoms, April 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54197

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

A Lesson in Dying by Ann Cleeves Book Review

About the Book:

Before Shetland and Vera, Ann Cleeves wrote the Inspector Ramsay series featuring a talented, brilliant detective—now in print for the first time in the US.

Who hung the headmaster in the playground on the night of the school Halloween Party?

Almost everyone in Heppleburn either hated or feared the viper-tongued Harold Medburn. Inspector Ramsay is convinced it was the headmaster’s enigmatic wife but Jack Robson, school governor and caretaker, is determined to prove her innocence.

With the help of his restless daughter Patty, Jack digs into the secrets of Heppleburn, and uncovers a cesspit of lies, adultery, blackmail and madness . . .

My Review:

While Cleeves has been writing for decades, I think this is the first book I've read by her. This mystery was published in 1990 and is the first in the Inspector Ramsay series. Always available in England, it has now been published in the U.S. I like the British flavor of extensive development of characters and the setting descriptions, like the fog.

I was a bit surprised that Inspector Ramsay has a somewhat minor role in the book. He is convinced he has the murderer right away and does not pursue any other suspects. It is not until Jack gets involved that we see how many possible suspects there are. I would not have thought this novel would lead to a series featuring Ramsay. He seemed rather inept to me.

I do like Cleeves' writing style. Having grown up on Agatha Christie, I felt right at home reading this mystery.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

ANN CLEEVES is the multi-million copy bestselling author behind three hit television series—Shetland, starring Douglas Henshall, Vera, starring Academy Award Nominee Brenda Blethyn, and The Long Call, starring Ben Aldridge—all of which are watched and loved in the United States. All three are available on BritBox.

The first Shetland novel, Raven Black, won the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger for best crime novel, and Ann was awarded the CWA Diamond Dagger in 2017. She was awarded the OBE in 2022 for services to reading and libraries. Ann lives in the United Kingdom. Photo credit: David Hirst

Minotaur Books, 240 pages.

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

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)