Monday, February 24, 2025

Book Review: Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp

About the Book:



After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Imperial Japan devours the southern portion of Burma, intent on taking over mainland Asia. Unaware of the coming darkness, Kailyn Moran drifts in her role as the only daughter of a widowed missionary.

As whispers of war snake through the Kachin mountains, Kai's father is convinced God will protect the mission. He entrusts the village to her and the kind yet inexperienced new missionary, Ryan McDonough, while he makes routine visits to neighboring villages.

War descends like a tempest upon the mountain peaks, and an unbreakable bond forms between Kailyn and Ryan as they unite to provide solace to both villagers and the flood of refugees. Despite their tireless efforts, a brutal enemy shatters almost everything they love, pushing Kailyn to embark on a path of unrestrained vengeance.

Afraid he's losing the woman he loves, Ryan fights to protect Kai from the deadly consequences of her choices. But in the face of destruction, can he convince her of the power and freedom of forgiveness?

Read an excerpt on Kregel Publishers' website.


My Thoughts:

Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp gave me a book hangover, and I had to put fiction aside for about two weeks afterward. This novel gripped my attention and my emotions as I connected on a gut-deep level with Kai. I have known that deep pain, so searing that it can overtake and lead to reckless behavior. Kai’s motives and journey of female rage and revenge (which rarely appears in the Christian fiction market) felt understandable and authentic.

Although I plowed quickly through Darkness Calls the Tiger, it was not an easy read. Terrible things happened as the realities of war unfolded. The story may be too dark for some readers, particularly if self-harm, violence, and sexual assault are triggers. Still, the story holds redeeming elements that elevate it beyond a tragic tale of loss and war. Ryan’s devotion to Kai was perfection, even when she didn’t think so. Bits of forgiveness and sacrificial love emerge throughout the story until they culminate near the end as powerful themes in the novel.

Darkness Calls the Tiger by Janyre Tromp will be on my list of top 2025 reads. Tromp is a seasoned editor who has written a potent story with flowing prose, a fresh setting (the jungles of Burma during WW2), and a daring heroine. Five stars!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Friday, February 21, 2025

Movie Review: The Unbreakable Boy (In Theaters Now)

About the Movie:




From Kingdom Story Company, the team behind JESUS REVOLUTION and THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, and Lionsgate, the studio behind WONDER, comes THE UNBREAKABLE BOY.

When his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), learn that Austin is both autistic and has brittle bone disease, they initially worry for their son’s future. But with Scott’s growing faith and Austin’s incredible spirit, they become “unbreakable,” finding joy, gratitude, and courage even in the most trying times — an extraordinary true story about a father and son learning together that every day can be the best day of your life!

👉 Watch this moving family film in theaters starting February 21! 👈

Movie Trailer:




My Thoughts:

I enjoyed watching The Unbreakable Boy, and I would watch it again. The movie presented good messages about persevering through hard times and choosing to love those around us well. The story wrapped these themes in a narrative that held humor while dealing with serious issues and heavy moments. Austin’s relentless joy and embracing of life made the movie hopeful. The autism representation was well done, and I think this could be a good movie to introduce autism awareness, particularly for those who do not have any personal experience with autistic individuals.

The Unbreakable Boy is a movie about family, but it is not necessarily suitable for all ages. My personal parenting style would put this as appropriate for tweens and older due to intense moments and poor behaviors. Topics such as unplanned pregnancy, alcohol addiction, medical issues, and bullying appear. For those wondering about faith elements in The Unbreakable Boy, some church attendance was shown, but it was not an overtly faith-based movie. Four stars!

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Ticket Information:

Buy tickets today to see The Unbreakable Boy in theaters starting February 21! Purchase at: https://theunbreakableboy.movie/

Giveaway:



Enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card and one Fandango code to use toward seeing THE UNBREAKABLE BOY in theaters. Limited to US residents only. Enter by leaving your full name and email address in a comment on this post. Giveaway ends 02/23/2025.



Thursday, February 20, 2025

Author Interview: Duets by Jordan Saez

Duets JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Duets by Jordan Saez, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Duets

Title: Duets
Series: Honeybrook High (prequel novella)
Author:
Jordan Saez
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date:
February 2025
Genre:
Christian YA Fiction

No one gets me at all, except for Hester. And she’s not even real. She’s a woman from the 1800s, but she totally understands what it’s like to hide love. So, she’d understand why hiding text messages is super important. But, since my dad became a Christian and all, I have to be super careful. But my parents are hiding things too, like why my mom is riding the struggle bus while she’s expecting my baby brother or why dad is talking to the other woman at the office.  


GET A COPY OF THIS FREE NOVELLA: sign up for the author's newsletter  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Everand | Amazon | AppleBooks


More Books In This Series


Excerpt


I was working diligently on my history homework that afternoon, when a new young guy walked past my window. I nearly dropped my book. Woah. The office got a huge update. A tall, dark haired college guy walked into Mom’s office wearing a blazer, slacks, and the biggest smile I’d ever seen. If I could see that from my school room, I knew he had to be amazing up close. I stood from my chair to get a better look, but tried to think of a reason to be in Mom’s office. Not that I was officially crushing or anything, I just needed to, well, at least see him up close. (Candy)

About the Author

Jordan Saez

Jordan Saez is a God-lover, author, and avid reader. She thinks that chocolate should totally be considered healthy! When she's not writing stories, you can find her watching movies with her family (and eating chocolate) or baking homemade goodies (with chocolate!)

Connect with Jordan by signing up for her newsletter or following her on Instagram or TikTok.


Author Interview


Q: What inspired you to write Duets?

Jordan: I always believe that Jesus inspires my writing and in writing Duets, I was blessed with the opportunity to really get to know my characters before the actual novel.


Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Jordan: It took me about one month to write Duets.


Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Jordan: I learned a lot about my characters in Duets. I learned about how deeply Rob cares for Leslie and how Candy really loves her family and music. I had to do a lot of research around Leslie and her pregnancy since her pregnancy is challenging.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Duets?

Jordan: “A tiny, excited wave flew across my heart. Someday I would. I knew it. And the two of us would make our own duet someday, because that was love, right? Two people that love each other for real, no matter what, no secrets.”


Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Jordan: I’ve wanted to be an author ever since I was about eight!


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Jordan: I’m a musician like Candy! I play the piano and violin.


Q: What are you currently reading?

Jordan: I’m really enjoying my current read Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado.


Q:What is your favorite genre to read?

Jordan: Even though I like Christian self-help, my favorite is always Christian fiction.


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Jordan: Hobby? What are those? I like to collect signed editions of books from other Christian authors, like Robin Jones Gunn, Karen Kingsbury, and the like.


Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Jordan: I like the fall, mostly because it’s my birthday season, but also because it’s not too freezing and not too hot.

Tour Giveaway

(5) winners will receive a $10 gift card to their choice of either Amazon or Spotify!

Duets blog tour giveaway JustRead Tours

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 18, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 25, 2025. 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.


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Book Spotlight: The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L. Tuttle

The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L. Tuttle hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry 

Title: The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry 
Series: Treasures of Halstead Manor 
Author: Susan L. Tuttle 
Publisher: Kregel Publications 
Release Date: March 18, 2025 
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Adventure 

In pursuit of a rare book, will Natalie and Mason find each other again? 

With her twenty-plus-year marriage on the brink of collapse, bookish Natalie Daughtry immerses herself in her new bookstore job. When the mysterious Caspar gathers Natalie and her friends Everleigh and Brooke for the second time, she's ready for an adventure to disperse the turmoil clouding her marriage. Caspar enlists their help in searching for a rumored copy of Lewis Carroll's handwritten and illustrated manuscript of Alice's Adventures Under Ground. Natalie is immediately enticed--this is the perfect distraction. 

But then Mason joins the team, and suddenly Natalie and her husband are side-by-side on the search for this elusive treasure. Being forced to work together has them tumbling deep into their past, seeking answers to old misunderstandings. When they emerge from the rabbit hole, things aren't the same. Will they rediscover the love that once held the pages of their life together?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & NobleChristianbook


Excerpt


She’d been lied to.

Absence did not, in fact, make the heart grow fonder. In Natalie Daughtry’s experience, it only made it cooler and more detached. At least that was what seemed to be occurring between her and her husband of almost twenty-three years.

Natalie sighed as she slowed for a stop sign. After she’d left two voicemails on this sunny Friday morning, Mason had finally called while she was on her way to her new job. “It’s fine, Mason. There’s no sense driving home if you’d simply have to head back there Sunday for another game should you win tonight.” Though most of the boys on his high school team and their families planned to make the two-hour return drive from Peoria.

“If gas prices weren’t so high . . .”

Natalie’s mind drifted while Mason offered his excuses. There’d been a time when he’d been a broke college student who’d scrounge up change to drive three hours to see her. True, their bank account now wasn’t plump by any means—thanks to two sons in college and their move back to Kenton Corners, Illinois, which had required giving up her dream career—but they certainly weren’t hurting so badly that they couldn’t afford a tank of gas.

Seemed what Mason couldn’t afford was to spend time with her. Though he had no problem investing oodles of it with his teams. Ironic, since he used to call her his number one teammate.

More Books from this Series

The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton


About the Author

Susan L. Tuttle

Susan L. Tuttle is a pastor's wife, mom, and the director of women's ministry at her church near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her previous work includes the Along Came Love series, and the Carol Award finalist Love You, Truly.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry and a $25 Amazon gift card!

The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 19, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 26, 2025. Winner 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 the policies found here.


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Friday, February 14, 2025

Book Spotlight: Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals by Sharon Mondragon

Grandma Ruth Doesn't Go to Funerals JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals by Sharon Mondragon hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book


Title: Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals
Author: Sharon Mondragon
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Something is brewing in Raeburne's Ferry, Georgia--and it's not sweet tea.

In a small town where gossip flows, bedridden Mary Ruth McCready reigns supreme, doling out wisdom and meddling in everyone's business with a fervor that would make a matchmaker blush. When her best friend has her world rocked by a scandalous revelation from her dying husband, Mary Ruth kicks into high gear, commandeering the help of her favorite granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth, in tracking down the truth. Finding clues in funeral condolence cards and decades-old gossip dredged up at the Blue Moon Beauty Emporium, the two stir up trouble faster than you can say "pecan pie." 

But just when things are starting to look up, a blast from the past waltzes in with an outrageous claim. But as Grandma Ruth always says when things get tough, "God is too big." With him, nothing is impossible--even bringing long-held secrets to light. Grandma Ruth and Sarah just might have to ruffle a whole mess of feathers to do it.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & NobleChristianbook


Excerpt


Grandma Ruth doesn’t go to funerals.

It’s not that she gets squeamish or weak-kneed at the sight of a friend or relative laid out. She takes an avid interest in every detail of the deceased, from the tie they put on third cousin twice removed Billy Ray to how Harriet Tilson’s hair turned out. Nor is it that she lacks respect for those who have gone on to glory before her. Grandma Ruth is the kind of person to whom you do not criticize your mother. And it’s not that she prefers to stay at home and watch Jeopardy! Instead. Grandma Ruth is bedridden—has been for the past three years. Much as she would like to, Grandma Ruth isn’t going anywhere.

I am Sarah Elizabeth, Grandma Ruth’s favorite granddaughter. Being her favorite is a dubious honor. It means I’m her favorite to go to the store and buy birthday cards, visit her shut-in friends, and, you guessed it, attend funerals in her place.

Looking back, I realize I’ve been training for funeral duty for quite a while. When I was ten, she taught me how to make macaroni and cheese from scratch to take by the home of the bereaved for the reception. By the time I was eleven, I had learned to write a tasteful and heartfelt condolence note. I attended my first funeral at twelve. (Grandma Ruth wanted to take me sooner, but Mama put her foot down and prevailed for once.) Now that I’m twenty-four, Grandma Ruth considers me not only fully qualified but socially obligated to take her place since she can’t get out anymore. I don’t think I’ve missed a single funeral in Raeburne’s Ferry, Georgia, since she took to her bed.

About the Author

Sharon Mondragon

Sharon J. Mondragón is a Southern girl at heart, having spent most of her adult life where tea is sweet and mac and cheese is a vegetable. Settled in Midlothian, Texas, she writes, facilitates the prayer shawl ministry at her church, and teaches at the local yarn shop. She's the author of the Purls and Prayers series, and her work has earned recognition from The Saturday Evening Post, ACFW, Foreword INDIES, and the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Grandma Ruth Doesn’t Go To Funerals and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Grandma Ruth Doesn't Go to Funerals JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 19, 2025. Winner 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 the policies found here.


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Author Interview: Right Before Their Eyes by Carrie Walker

Right Before Their Eyes JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Right Before Their Eyes by Carrie Walker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Right Before Their Eyes

Title: Right Before Their Eyes
Series:
Faith Endures #2
Author:
Carrie Walker
Publisher:
Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: February 5, 2025
Genre: Romantic Women's Fiction

Sometimes the love you need most looks different than you imagined. 

Clare Martin thought nothing of agreeing to live with her dementia-ridden grandmother when her parents left on mission. Balancing that with her job as a social worker and the expectations of her career-driven boyfriend proved doable—until Grandma started a house fire. 

Mason Hughes has loved Clare for years, but the time was never right to tell her and now she’s dating someone else, fixing Mason firmly in the friend zone. He’s working to be a pediatric neurologist, a dream inspired by a special boy with a terminal brain condition and must choose a medical school. Finances are so tight he’s forced to consider a program across the country, a troubling fact he’s kept secret. 

Lucia Roberts, a seventeen-year-old on Clare’s caseload, loses her foster home and is placed in an unwelcoming group home. At every turn she’s met with rejection and becomes desperate for any proof she has value—enough to make choices that could affect the rest of her life. 

When Grandma Dottie and Lucia's paths take a dangerous turn, Clare frantically tries to save them. As their lives knit together, will they find the love that’s right before their eyes?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub


More Books In This Series


Excerpt


Tightness stretched across Mason’s chest. Time for the serious talk. He lifted Theo onto his lap, and they cuddled on the hammock. With his arms wrapped around the boy’s slender body, Mason held his small hands and played with his fingers. Theo’s warmth washed over him as his chest rose and fell.

Mason took in a long, shaky breath and released it. “Theo, buddy . . . you know I never want to leave you, right?”

Silence.

“Thing is, I’ve been working hard to be a doctor, so I can help kids like you. You inspired me to do that.” He pursed his lips, and his vision blurred. “Well, I’ve applied to medical school. That’s doctor school. I’m kinda scared where it’ll lead.”

He rotated Theo so he could see his face. He had to see his eyes. So trusting, so peaceful. “I applied to the University of Minnesota’s Medical School, and I hope it works out because I could still live at home and see you all the time. Nothing would change.” He studied the boy and his quiet way.

“But doctor school is super expensive. Way more than college. I already sold my car and took another job to help pay for tuition.” Mason swallowed. “Most of my friends graduated last year, because I took classes at the rate I could afford them.”

The next words stuck in his throat. He hadn’t spoken them to anyone who might offer an opinion—that would make them real.

“I also applied to a school in . . . New York. My counselor pushed me to apply in case the University of Minnesota doesn’t work out. They have a pilot program for full-paid tuition, but it's far away. Our park days probably wouldn’t happen very often if I go there.”

There. He’d said it.

About the Author

Carrie Walker

Carrie Walker is an award-winning author who lives in Michigan with her husband and seven children. As an avid reader, she pens what she loves to read, stories that bring hope to a hurting world. Besides writing, Carrie enjoys board games, time with family and counting down the days ’til Christmas.

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


Author Interview


Q: 
What inspired you to write Right Before Their Eyes?

Carrie: I always envisioned Emma’s Hero to be the first book in a three-book series. I wanted to show the growth of Mason’s character from a troubled teen into adulthood, and the underscore of how this baby counted out by doctors changed the world . . . even years later. For this story specifically, Mason and Clare walked on the page from Emma’s Hero and told me their story. The part that came as inspiration was Lucia’s storyline. With Clare working as a social worker I felt it was important to dive into the story of teens in the foster care system, and I really wanted to show Lucia’s character from her point of view, to walk through her struggles with her and learn. To see how sometimes the lowest points in our lives can lead to such transformation and even saving times in other’s lives.


Q: How long did it take to write this book?

Carrie: I drafted the book in a few months, but it took some editing after beta readers to polish it. I’d say about six months in all–much faster than my first novel!


Q: What surprised you while researching/writing this novel?

Carrie: I was lucky enough to have a friend who worked as a social worker in the foster care system. She was so generous with her time answering my many questions. I learned so many surprising things from her. For example, that most kids don’t have working cell phones. They may have an unactivated one, but it would only function in WiFi areas. Also, that children in group homes are not necessarily forced to go to school. There is a policy that they will go to school, but if they do not there is often not enforcement of it. So many of the stories she would share with me were surprising as well, but those would fill a page.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from Right Before Their Eyes?

Carrie: “One moment can change the entire trajectory of your life.” This is shared in a conversation at a point in time where Lucia questions if she should invest her heart in a family that may not last long. And I think it's so important, because sometimes we wonder if something is worth the effort if it’s only going to be a short-term thing. We can’t discount what God can do with a few weeks or months when sometimes a single moment can change your life forever.


Q: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Carrie: I’ve been a reader all my life, and as a reader I think there’s probably always that tickling in the back of your mind “maybe I could write a book.” But seeking to be an author wasn’t something I set out to do. God gave me the story idea for my debut, Emma’s Hero, and it absolutely wouldn’t leave me alone. In drafting that story, I realized I loved to write and here we are :)


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers wouldn’t know?

Carrie: At one point in time I had 3 huskies and 3 children under two and a half years old :).


Q: What are you currently reading?

Carrie: I’m almost done with Loyally Luke by Pepper Basham. It’s such a fun and easy read.


Q: What is your favorite genre to read?

Carrie: My favorite are books that kinda ride the line between Women’s Fiction and Romance. I enjoy a strong thread of romance, but love some extra depth to the storyline.


Q: What is your favorite hobby?

Carrie: I really enjoy playing board games (we have two closets filled!) and my husband and I recently started playing pickleball and it’s quickly becoming a favorite passtime.


Q: What is your favorite season and why?

Carrie: Fall. I love the cooler weather, the changing color of the leaves, bonfires and football and the approaching holidays.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a print copy of Right Before Their Eyes as well as a $20 Amazon gift card!

Right Before Their Eyes JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 11, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 18, 2025. 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.


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours