Thursday, February 20, 2025

Movie Review and Giveaway: The Unbreakable Boy


Buy tickets today to see The Unbreakable Boy in theaters starting February 21!

When the odds are unbelievable, show the world you're unbreakable.

Together, we are unbreakable. Don't miss THE UNBREAKABLE BOY,
starring Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy, and Patricia Heaton!

Watch this moving family film in theaters starting February 21!


Synopsis: 

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 “un breakable,”
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!



Buy tickets today to see The Unbreakable Boy in theaters starting February 21!



My Review:

I can not say how much I adored the movie The Unbreakable Boy. I thought it was so good. I loved the message of unconditional love, healing, persevering, overcoming brokenness. and seeing the beauty of everyone's differences. I have to admit there were a few scenes that made tear up and needed a box of tissues handy. I have no doubt those families who have had personal experiences with special needs children will relate to this film. Austin made me smile and reminded me of a close friend of my own family. He is such a joy. 

I am going to give The Unbreakable Boy five plus stars. I highly recommend it for families of all ages. It would make a perfect outing for the whole family to enjoy. 

I received an early screener link to view The Unbreakable Boy film from Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.  


Disclosure:

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


Giveaway: 

$10 Amazon Gift Card

Leave a more than a three word completed sentence telling me who you will be watching The Unbreakable Boy film with. Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. Winner’s name will be drawn on February 26, 2025.



Giveaway Rules:   

Giveaway is limited to US winners only.        

Three or less word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.

Chosen winner/s will be contacted by email to verify information needed to give to the appropriate channels to get the prize to you. 

Winner/s MUST reply to this email within 24 hours

If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.

Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible for lack of response from the chosen winner. 

Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days will be disqualified. 

Please note: Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible in sending the prize.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Love and Chocolate by Linda Shenton Matchett



About the Book



Book: Love and Chocolate

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: September 13, 2024

She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love?

Ilsa Krause and her siblings are stunned to discover their father left massive debt behind upon his death. To help pay off their creditors and save the farm, she takes a job at Beck’s Chocolates, the company her father despised and refused to supply with milk. Then she discovers her boss is Ernst Webber, her high school love who unceremoniously dumped her via letter from college. Could life get any more difficult?

A freshly-minted university diploma in his hand, Ernst Webber lands his dream job at Beck’s Chocolates. His plans to work his way up the ladder don’t include romantic entanglements, then Ilsa Krause walks back into his life resurrecting feelings he thought long dead. However, her animosity makes it clear she has no interest in giving him a second chance. Can he get her to change her mind? Does he want to?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 




More from Linda

A couple of years ago while I was planning my upcoming writing projects, I knew I wanted to write a series of books about siblings but couldn’t decide where or went to set the stories. Lots of research later, I discovered the 1898 Columbian Exposition here in the United States and the various inventions associated with that event. Further study led me to Milton Hershey who attended that World’s Fair and was so enamored with the concept of chocolate production for the masses that he sold his caramel company to enter the chocolate business – a risky proposition at that time. As I read more about Milton and his wife Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney-Hershey, I knew I had the beginnings of a story.

The owner of Beck’s Chocolates in my latest release Love and Chocolate is inspired by Milton Hershey, and I enjoyed creating my own “company town,” Cocoaville in which to set the story. Taking place in 1914 prior to the beginning of World War I, the story explores the mixed feelings about German Americans that were prevalent at the time as well as themes of second chances and forgiveness.

In the early days of my career, I worked in a printed circuit board factory, but I knew nothing about chocolate or how to manufacture it. Research for Love and Chocolate included interviewing a close friend who is a chocolatier and trying various brands of chocolate to understand the difference in flavor and texture. Here are a few fun facts I learned about chocolate along the way:

  • The Aztecs and the Mayans were the first to realize the benefits of cacao beans, ground and soaked in water approximately 5,000 years ago.
  • Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption.
  • The smell of chocolate can help relax and reduce stress.
  • It takes two to four days to produce a single serving chocolate bar.
  • Cote d’Ivoire is the single largest producer of cocoa, providing roughly 40 percent of the world’s supply.
  • The world’s largest chocolate bar weighed over 12,000 pounds.
  • It takes about 400 cacao beans to make a pound of chocolate.
  • Cacao trees can live up to 100 years.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, February 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

lakesidelivingsite, February 16

Book Looks by Lisa, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

She Lives To Read, February 18

Pause for Tales, February 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 19

Devoted To Hope, February 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Sylvan Musings, February 23

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 24

Connie’s History Classroom, February 25

For Him and My Family, February 26

Holly’s Book Corner, February 27

Mary Hake, February 27

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Visa Gift Card and a signed 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/00adcf54156


My Review

Love and Chocolate is another wonderful heartwarming story from Linda Shenton Matchett. I loved getting to know the main character, Ilsa. I adored her scenes with Ernst. I thought they made a wonderful duo and I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen in the end with the two. Going back in time to a chocolate factory in the early 1900s Wyoming was a bonus. I thought it was a sweet and entertaining tale to read.

I am going to give Love and Chocolate five stars. I highly recommend it for reading who love to read clean and Christian Historical Romance.  As always, I look forward to more releases from Linda Shenton Matchett in the future. 

I received a copy of Linda Shenton Matchett's Love and Chocolate from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Book Tour and Review: The Breaks: A Novel by Ellen Barker


 


Book Details:

​Book Title:  The Breaks (a Novel) by Ellen Barker
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  310 pages
Genre: Literary Novel
PublisherShe Writes Press
Release date:  February 2025
Content Rating:   PG-13 +M:  I'm not sure if this book should be PG-13 or PG-13+M. The book contains little profanity, no sex or violence, and no abortion, suicide, adultery, sexual or physical abuse. It does deal with wrongful conviction and women leaving prison, which may be unsuitable for under 13. ​
Book Description:

​Waking up in the emergency room with a broken arm was not one of the ways Marianne imagined her first date with Carl, if it is a date, ending up. Nor was driving up to the entrance of a women’s prison a few weeks later anywhere on her radar. But here she is. At least I’m on this side of the gate. She picks up newly released Stephanie, as a favor to a nun she barely knows, returns to her East of Troost home, and finds herself immersed in a whole new drama.

East of Troost is Marianne’s childhood neighborhood, downtrodden by decades of redlining and a wide swath of destruction to make way for an expressway. Marianne moved back there after a reversal of fortune limited her options. She’s had to repair the house and deal with a couple of “incidents” – hence her acquaintance with Officer Carl. 

Meanwhile, Sister Colette has bought the house behind her and is taking in women who, in her words, need to learn to “just live.” As Stephanie helps Marianne cope with her broken arm, she gradually comes out of her shell and teaches Marianne a thing or two about "just living."
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM
Bookbub
​add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Ellen Barker grew up in Kansas City during a period of demographic upheaval, and she returns there in her novels. She has a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Washington University in Saint Louis, where she developed a passion for how cities work, and don’t. She began her career as an urban planner, then spent many years working for large consulting firms, first as a writer-editor and later managing large data systems. Her volunteer work involves years of pet-assisted therapy with children in “the system,” both foster care and prison. She is the author of East of Troost, which introduced readers to the neighborhood where The Breaks takes place, and Still Needs Work, which takes place in the same area. She now lives in Los Altos, California, with her husband and their German shepherd, Boris, who is the inspiration for the dog in this novel.

connect with the author: website facebook instagram ~  bookbub ~  goodreads

My Review:

The Breaks: A Novel is another wonderful novel by Ellen Barker. I can say enough at how much I loved meeting and getting to know the main character, Marianne. She is learning to navigate a "new life" after being dealt with some hardships on the past. As I read on, I was introduced to new friends and neighbors that I felt like I was, also, part of their world. This story was heartwarming to read that made me laugh out loud at times. I loved learning along the way with Marianne of how being resilient, being true to herself, living life to the fullest, and embracing friendships. It was uplifting and inspiring to me and good reminder for myself. I admired her strength and courage as a single woman. I loved every single page of her story and had no problem reading it cover to cover in one sitting. I thought it was an overall fun and entertaining tale. 

The Breaks: A Novel will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read Women's Literary Fiction. I would love, love, love to read more by the talented author, Ellen Barker, in the near future. This one is most definitely not one to be missed. 

I received a paperback copy of Ellen Barker's The Breaks: A Novel from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 



Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Debutante's Second Chancy by Lisa M Prysock



About the Book



Book: The Debutante’s Second Chance

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 28, 2025

As the horseracing world teeters on the brink of collapse, she fights to save her family’s stables.
The return of the man who once shattered her heart is the last thing she needs—or is it?

Miss Gladdie Lyndon’s world is turned upside down when her father’s stroke leaves her in charge of Velvet Brooks Horse Farm. With the horseracing industry in decline and the 1908 Kentucky Derby on the brink of cancellation, Gladdie faces an uphill battle to save her family’s legacy. The pressure mounts as clients abandon the farm, leaving her to pin all hopes on a mysterious new horse champion.

As she grapples with these challenges, Gladdie is blindsided by the return of Clay Grinstead—the man who left her heartbroken on the eve of their wedding. Now a widowed father, Clay has come back to Lexington with dreams of a fresh start and a determination to win back Gladdie’s love. He sees an opportunity to help her save Velvet Brooks and the Derby, but Gladdie must decide if she can trust him.

As they navigate financial peril and emotional wounds, Clay works to tear down the walls around Gladdie’s heart. Together, they must confront their shared history and forge a path forward. Can they rescue the farm and revive the Derby, or will their past heartbreak thwart their future happiness?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

 


More from Lisa

I wrote this book because I firmly believe in second chances. In fact, I believe in third, fourth, and fifth chances too. I’m a recipient of God’s grace and He’s been so good to me, giving me many second chances when I didn’t always deserve it, and sometimes, just because it was needed. He also knows when something hasn’t necessarily been fair in our lives. He is the God who sees, and many times I’ve seen Him step forward to grant me an opportunity or a second chance in my life because something happened that wasn’t my fault, didn’t go in my favor, and actually made things harder for me, but He wanted to make it right and gave me something extra to work all things together for my good. I’m sure many of you can relate. Isn’t this a marvelous thing when it happens?

Our heroine, the main character, Gladdie—a family name for my maternal great aunt and my maternal grandmother—is given a second chance at romance after being jilted by the hero, Clay. But can Gladdie forgive him after he jilted her? Clay has reasons for what happened, but Gladdie has no idea what his reasons are. Will she ever give him a chance to explain? As you can see, it’s all about second chances, all the way around.

I also wrote this book because one of the secondary characters in the story reminds me of someone dear to my heart who went through tremendously difficult things. Unspeakable things I can’t write. Maybe it was therapeutic for me to write that character’s story somehow. Sometimes people we love experience hardship and there isn’t anything we can do about it except pray after we’ve done everything else we can do. I can’t wait to bring a beautiful ending for that particular character in a sequel.

There is a third and fourth reason I wrote this story. Thirdly, I wanted to give readers a glimpse of Gilded Age Europe and the horseracing world of England and France. I plan to write more of this in a sequel as well. It was so much fun to share more about the Gilded Age history of racing from a European perspective by taking readers to Ascot and Longchamps.

Fourthly, my research led me to understand more about the reality of the decline in horseracing in America that began around the time of the Gilded Age. Tracks were closing all around the nation. We’d gone from having more than three-hundred racecourses to fewer than fifty. New York had introduced legislation that could alter the course of racing in that state too, and many feared other states would soon follow.

I was fascinated to read about how Colonel Matt Winn, the President of Churchill Downs, helped to save the Kentucky Derby of 1908 as I read more about the opposition they faced. The changes in the industry brought about machine betting, or what is commonly known as pari-mutuel betting. It was so interesting that it didn’t take me long to begin to see my characters involved with saving the Derby of 1908 too. While most of my story is fictionalized, I think readers will find it a fascinating read as I’ve included the nuts and bolts from my research about this situation. In any case, I hope readers will immensely enjoy The Debutante’s Second Chance. It comes directly from my heart.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 13

Labor Not in Vain, February 14

Devoted To Hope, February 14

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 16

lakesidelivingsite, February 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 20

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 21

Simple Harvest Reads, February 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, February 23

Holly’s Book Corner, February 24

Pause for Tales, February 25

Stories By Gina, February 26 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 26

Giveaway





To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card!!

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/00adcf54155


My Review

The Debutante's Second Chance is the third installment from the Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age series by Lisa M Prysock. I have enjoyed the previous two books of the series, but I believe this one is my favorite of the three. I loved getting to know the main characters, Gladdie and Clay. I thought they had great chemistry and had to keep reading to find out how it would all end for them. A wonderful story of faith with the power of forgiveness. 

I going to give The Debutante's Second Chance a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical fiction. I am eager for more releases to come from Lisa M Prysock. 

I received a paperback copy of Lisa M Prysock's The Debutante's Second Chance from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Monday, February 17, 2025

Book Tour and Giveaway: Mit Out Sound by Rick Lenz


 


Book Details:

Book Title:  MIT OUT SOUND by Rick Lenz
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 378 pages 
Genre: Hollywood Tie-in Literary Fiction
Publisher:  Chromodroid Press
Release date:   February 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 +M. My book is rated PG-13 + M for swear words, one non-explicit sex scene, adultery and references to abuse and one on page murder.
Book Description:

​"It's time to make a mess," said Emily.

Would-be movie producer Emily Bennett didn't believe the legend of a lost movie, starring James Dean and John Wayne. But when she meets two uncannily talented celebrity impersonators-Jimmy Riley and Tom "Duke" Manfredo, and stumbles upon the elusive film editor who stole the master negative of Showdown, it dispels her doubts, fills her with a courage she didn't know she had, and she sets out to complete the movie.

But as Emily and her stars prepare for day one of shooting, they find themselves entangled in a complex love triangle with Oedipal undertones, mirroring their own past lives and off-screen dynamics. As doubts about their ruthless director, Solange Borugian, surface, Jimmy's and Duke's friendship is turned upside down, while Emily and her brother Ben, struggle with their own unresolved issues and are forced to confront their dying father.

On location in Arizona, amidst Apache holy grounds and the magic of day-for-night shooting, the lines between past and present blur and the flawed characters' backstories intertwine into a tumultuous finale that exposes their hidden animosities, demons, and loves.
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM
Bookshop.org
BookBub
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

When Rick Lenz retired as a stage and film actor (playing opposite Ingrid Bergman, John
Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Walter Matthau, Peter Sellers, etc.), his passion for drama refused to retire with him. Although he was an actor most of his life, he is also a seasoned writer.

His plays have been produced Off-Broadway, on PBS television, and in regional theatres across the country. Rick’s memoir North of Hollywood was called “masterful” by Writer’s
Digest. His first novel, The Alexandrite was named “one of the best books of the year” by Kirkus Reviews. Bret Easton Ellis called it “almost impossible to put down.” Booklife calls A Town Called Why, “An absorbing tale of mystery and revenge… nuanced … powerful.” Rick’s books have won several awards, including, Readers Views (first place), the Chanticleer Somerset Grand Prize for Literary, Contemporary and Mainstream Fiction, an IPPY Award, and a Foreword Book of the Year. Most recently, his time-travel love story Hello, Rest of My Life was a 2022 Silver Nautilus Book Award winner (fiction), and Eric Hoffer Award finalist (fiction).

He lives in Los Angeles with his wife Linda and an ever-shifting array of animals.

connect with the author:  website  ~  x/twitter  ~  facebook instagram goodreads bookbub

Enter the Giveaway:


My Review:

I found Rick Lenz's Mit Out Sound to be an entertaining story of Hollywood, film making, conflicts, and aspirations. This is my first introduction to this author and thought his writing style to be unique. I enjoyed getting the characters, particularly Emily Bennett. She was one that could be relatable and easy to connect with. I could understand her feelings when it came to strained personal relationships. Meanwhile, while trying to shoot a movie, she is faced with more complications with the directors and actors. It was an interesting tale that shows the complexities of life and having to deal with bitterness, flaws, secrets, and emotions. I was mostly intrigued with how the author showed a glimpse of how the behind the scenes of movie producing are like. It was a great way for me to spend the last few days while the snow fell outside. Overall, it was a really good read. 

I am going to give Mit Out Sound four and a half stars. I have no doubt that fans of fiction and enjoy learning about Hollywood will want to pick it up for themselves. I would be interested in reading more like this by Rick Lenz in the near future. I thought this one is a novel that should not be missed and definitely worth reading.

I received a paperback copy of Rick Lenz's Mit Out Sound from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 
Enter Competition



Saturday, February 15, 2025

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Necessity of Kindness (The Rose Collection Book 7) by Marbeth Skwarczynski



About the Book



Book: The Necessity of Kindness (The Rose Collection Book 7. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 21, 2024

“Be ye kind” is a simple command, so why is it so hard for people to follow?

When the Lord opened the door for Denise’s husband, Topher, to Pastor the beleaguered Rhodes Baptist Church, she agreed to return to their hometown. Opening a bakery, supporting Topher in his ministry, and volunteering at Sylvie’s school aren’t nearly as challenging as trying to dismantle the harmful teachings that have taken over the church. Ideas masquerading as ‘biblical truth’ and ‘traditional Christianity’ resulted in spiritual bullying and a dwindling congregation. Denise is determined to help Topher guide the church toward the love and kindness of Christ.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie is angry at being ripped away from the only home she’s known—and from her church, friends, and boyfriend, Owen. She pretends that moving to Rhodes is an adventure and admits she’s looking forward to attending a “real” school and making new friends. She’ll help her parents with their church and work at her mom’s bakery, but this isn’t the life Sylvie wants. Everything is different now, and it isn’t fair.

Sometimes, it feels like the bullies are winning.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Though born on the east coast, I spent most of my life in the American Southwest, eventually settling in California where my husband and I raised two sons. Later we welcomed two fantastic daughters-in-law and four grandchildren into our family. After teaching history and literature for eighteen years, I resigned to write full-time. That new career move was paired with a physical move to beautiful Nevada, where I continue to write happily.

My preferred genre is Christian contemporary fiction. I keep my characters grounded in the real world and the real problems that Bible believers face today. While they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, my characters must also deal with the detritus of the past. Living well today doesn’t mean that yesterday is erased. I write what I know, either first-hand or through close observation, injecting the joy, happiness, and humor that comes with spiritual freedom and love.

More from Marbeth

No one warns you that some bullies grow up to be—bullies.

But some people go from victim to victorious. They stand up for others, leading them away from preferences used to bully others into submission and toward the freedom of God’s love.




Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 7

Vicky Sluiter, February 8 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Simple Harvest Reads, February 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

For the Love of Literature, February 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 18 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 20 (Author Interview)


 Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Marbeth 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/00adcf54153


My Review

The Necessity of Kindness is the seventh installment from The Rose Collection by Marbeth Skwarczynski. It is my first experience with this author's work and it will not be the last. Since I have not read the previous books from the collection, I believe this one can easily read as a stand alone. I love this story of faith, love, grace, perception, and kindness. I thought the main characters were true to life and relatable. 

I am going to give The Necessity of Kindness five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading Contemporary Christian Fiction. I would love to go back and read the first six books from The Rose Collection. 

I received a paperback copy of Marbeth Skwarczynski's The Necessity of Kindness from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Covenant: Book One the Messiah Brigade by Terry Overton



About the Book



Book: The Covenant: Book One the Messiah Brigade

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle Grade Reader

Release date: November 12, 2024

Middle schooler Zeke just wants to survive school unnoticed, but his intelligence and small stature make him the target of a gang of bullies. One afternoon, he stumbles upon a mysterious old box hidden in a pile of trash. Inside are trinkets, notes, and a Bible he’s never read, all hinting at life-changing truths if he can solve the clues. With the help of new friends in the “Messiah Brigade,” Zeke embarks on a journey of faith, courage, and discovery. Together, they hope to use what they uncover to bring positive change to their school and stop the bullies.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

My love of history, especially the WW II era, inspired me to write this book. It was an effort to combine the history of the world, specifically the cruelty of the Nazis to the Jewish people, and how bullying can result in kids taking over the culture of a school if not stopped. The three main characters decide to try to change the culture and make it a safe place from bullies. The discovery of a mysterious box of memorabilia of the WW II era sets the curious kids on their way. They find out there were three good friends who went off to fight in WW II to stop the Nazi movement in Europe. They see the parallels between their school, taken over by bullies, and Europe when Nazi forces were running over it. They soon figure out the meaning of trinkets, scribbled notes, and Scripture and use these to steer their middle school in a better direction.

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, February 12 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, February 12

For Him and My Family, February 13

Guild Master, February 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 18

Back Porch Reads, February 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 22

Lights in a Dark World, February 23

Fiction Book Lover, February 24 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 25

Giveaway



To  celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/00adcf54154


My Review

The Covenant is the first book from Terry Overton's juvenile series called The Messiah Brigade. I enjoyed diving into this quick little tale of mystery and friendship. It was fun getting to know Zeke and his friends. I loved how the author was able to add the element of faith and truth within the pages. A wonderful story of doing what is right and fight for it.

I am going to give The Covenant five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of eight and twelve years old who enjoy reading detective like mysteries. I hope to have the chance to read the next installment from The Messiah Brigade series and see what happens with Zeke and his friends.

I received a paperback copy of The Covenant from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.