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Sunday, April 20, 2025


About the Book

Book: Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me

Author: Allen Brokken, Illustrated by Reace Erbe

Genre: Christian Fable

Release date: March 15, 2025

When disaster strikes the family farm, Lauren gets a big job.  She has to milk their cow, Clarabelle, all by herself!  Her only help might come from her new feline friend Meow Meow, but how can such a little kitten help with such a big job?

This read-aloud will help you the timeless truth from the Bible that God can use the least of us to solve big problems.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media and through his blog.

More from Allen

Sometimes, a story just HAS to be told.  When I first wrote the book that became Light of Mine, book 1 of the Towers of Light series, there was a scene in which the main character, Lauren, and her newly found kitten are trying to milk the cow.  It was a sweet moment in a chaotic story, and I had fun writing it as an homage to my kitten squeaker, who made trying to work around home very challenging at times.  However, my editor was pretty clear that as cute as the story was, Meow Meow’s interlude with the milk cow Clarabelle just didn’t fit the story’s action.  So, unfortunately, that scene found its way to the cutting room floor.

After a few years, I started having mothers of children who loved the Towers of Light Series ask the same question over and over….”But what about my littles?”  Do you have a story for me to read to my younger children?  After thinking about it, I realized Meow Meow’s adventure might be a perfect read-aloud.  So I reached out to a fellow Realm Maker, Pam Halter, who has a really fun series of books with Willougby the Dragon, to see if she could help me turn my 2500-word novel scene into an 800-word picture book…and she did a fantastic job! So now we have Meow Meow Milks the Cow.

Another fun fact is that the character Ethan in this book is all grown up now and engaged to be married to Reace Erbe, and this is her first illustrated work in print.  So we all hope you enjoy this Tower of Light read to me.

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 9

For the Love of Literature, April 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 10

By the Book, April 11

For Him and My Family, April 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 13 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, April 14

Hannahbandanarama, April 15

Blossoms and Blessings, April 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 18

Labor Not in Vain , April 19

Texas Book-aholic, April 20

Pause for Tales, April 21

A Reader’s Brain, April 22 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, April 22

Giveaway


To celebrate his tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift 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/00adcf54199







Friday, April 18, 2025


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!

 

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

MY REVIEW

Good book to encourage men as they study Sampson. The book helps readers identify their purpose with passion. I like how the author uses several well known public figures to show how these men make a difference by sharing their faith. “It is the strength of character that withstands the tests of time and adversity.” 

The author does talk about anxiety and depression and shares his struggle with it. As a man he hid it from everyone because he didn’t want to show weakness. Men tend to think that if they share that they are struggling they will look weak. Sampson illustrates how he faced emotional and mental struggle by crying out to God. In our weakest moments there we will find strength from God. 

The book is a great tool for men to study as they see how Sampson disobeyed God. When we choose to not follow God it can impact us in many ways. The good news is that God gives us grace, forgives us and helps us to find restoration. The book has questions to study along with scriptures to help you to strengthen your walk with God. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

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


Monday, April 14, 2025


About the Book

Book: Land of Dreams (Home to Green Creek Series Book One)

Authors: Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Historical

Release date: April 1, 2025

From Norway to America, they must strive for resilience amid unpromising new beginnings.

On the ship to America, Norwegian immigrant Amalia Gunderson makes a solemn promise to a dying mother, vowing to watch over her five-year-old daughter, Ruth. Together, Amalia and Ruth trek to Iowa to claim the farm and former boardinghouse that Ruth has inherited, despite opposition from a difficult cousin. Struggling with an empty house and scarce resources, Amalia resolves to return the boardinghouse to its former purpose, aided by the kindness of strangers and the resilient spirit of her young charge.


As Amalia and Ruth fight for their new home, a trail of orphans shows up on their doorstep, and Amalia makes a promising friend in Absalom Karlsson, the magistrate’s son. With each challenge they face, Amalia and Ruth find hope in believing that faith and determination can overcome even the most daunting of trials.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of more than one hundred books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She makes her home in Tehachapi, California.





More from Lauraine

Different stories come about different ways.  One of the things I’ve learned through these years of writing is the value of slowly waking up and paying attention to what was going on in my mind. I saw a young woman standing at the railing of a ship tossing on rough seas. A gray day. And I heard the splash as her father’s body sank into the waves. I sniffed, mopped my eyes and settled back, hopefully to sleep awhile longer. But the dream, if that was what it was, continued. A little girl named Rut, or Ruthie, joined Amalia at the rail, slipped her hand into the young woman’s and asked if she could please come, her mother wanted to see her. And my internal game of what if continued for these people on a cholera attacked ship from Norway to Amerika.

I knew a new story had begun but had no idea where it was going. As I said, I treasure that time between sleeping and waking when I can part the curtains to my subconscious mind and see what it has been playing with. What a gift God has created in us.

Around about the same time, something brought a story that one of my aunts on my father’s side told me when I asked her what she remembered of her growing up years. Auntie Harriet chuckled and asked, “Have you heard of the rutabaga years?” I shook my head and settled in to listen. They were a family of eleven children, my dad being the eldest, they lived in a big two story house with a huge garden, a flock of chickens and bad weather. Late spring freeze, early fall freeze and much of the produce killed off. All but the root crops, and rows of rutabagas. Many were dug and stored in the cellar, lots left in the ground, to be dug up later. Rutabagas can be fried, boiled, mashed, grated, turned into soup and stew, mixed with other vegetables, added to pancakes, even turned into pie. Ah, yes, the rutabaga years, Auntie Harriet said she didn’t particularly care for rutabagas for a long time after that. But in the mean time, they became part of Amalia and Ruthie’s new life at a big house Ruthie inherited in Green Creek. North and West of Decorah Iowa in 1819. Come join a delightful cast of characters in Land of Dreams.

MY REVIEW 

What an amazing story of hope and trust in God. Right away  I knew that Amalia was going to be my favorite character. Traveling from Norway to America she hopes to find a new beginning. I can’t imagine how hard it was to be on the ship for a long time. Helping with the sick on  the ship with cholera was a testimony to her strength. She never thought she would be a guardian to sweet Ruth until  a tragedy strikes.  I couldn’t wait to see if Amalia would be able to keep her promise to Ruth’s mother. 

When they arrive at their destination trouble starts. Someone is not happy that Amalia has showed up with documentation giving her rights to the boardinghouse. Well Ruth is the owner but until she is older Amalia is in charge. The friction can be felt as the battle begins. Harsh words are spoken that shows Amalia must trust God in this situation. The grace that Amalia shows to Miss Zelda is a great illustration to others. We are to love our enemies and Amalia does this without question. 

I loved following the characters and watching their spiritual growth. I love how the author illustrates how God is with Amalia throughout the story as she overcomes the many trials she faces. Let’s not forget about Absalom. He is such a great character who begins a sweet relationship with Amalia that shows grace and patience. I thought he was a good shoulder to lean on as so many roadblocks came.

I liked how Amalia’s neighbor was so kind. He has been taking care of the livestock and offered to help with getting the barn and land back in shape. Looks like things are going well. Or is it? Don’t miss this wonderful story that is faith filled and shows how God always show up when you need Him. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 12

Devoted To Hope, April 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 13

Texas Book-aholic, April 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 15

lakesidelivingsite, April 15

The Avid Reader, April 16

Girls in White Dresses, April 16

Pens Pages & Pulses, April 17

Bizwings Book Blog, April 18

Leslie’s Library Escape, April 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 19

Stories By Gina, April 20 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 20

Betti Mace, April 21

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 23

For Him and My Family, April 23

Cover Lover Book Review, April 24

Holly’s Book Corner, April 25

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauraine is giving away the grand prize of a $25 gift card to the Baker Book House website and 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/00adcf54198


 

 



Saturday, April 12, 2025


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!

 

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.

MY REVIEW

I have read several books by this author and always find them inspiring and helpful. Today has been one of those challenging days for me. Everytime I think I’m moving forward in a particular struggle, roadblocks come up. I had to take a deep breath and remember everything this book talked about. Learning to trust God with  everything can be hard if you still have doubt. 

The book gives us scriptures to help understand our relationship with Him better. Stories that inspire and illustrate God’s love is powerful in this book. I appreciate the author’s desire to help readers build trust and understand His Word  better. We must remember that we have  free will. We must choose if we are going to trust God with everything or allow the enemy to fill us with doubt.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

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



Thursday, April 10, 2025


About the Book

Book: Reunion Crossing: The Underground Book Readers (Book Seven)

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Release date: January 7, 2025

Leena, Kahn, Casey, and the other Underground Book Readers continue their journey to the free land. They encounter strangers in the forest, discover new mysterious towns, and face new challenges for their safety. Their travels lead them across treacherous landscapes and through enemy territory, where danger hides deep in the forest and valleys. Weathering harsh conditions, encountering unexpected allies, and enduring long, perilous paths, the Underground Book Readers rely on their faith and each other to persevere. Their goal is to reach parts of the United States not under the control of the World Force. They long to find a place to live in peace and see their families. But as they approach the mysterious Reunion Crossing, one question remains: will they finally reach the free land—and what will be waiting for them when they arrive?

 

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, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

More from Terry

This book is book seven of The Underground Book Readers series. The series was inspired by talking with librarians about the concept of book banning and how Christian books are no longer predominantly displayed in school or community libraries. The series is designed to place kids in a different world where many things we take for granted or no longer available: books, schools, churches, freedom, and even parents. The book series stresses Christian family values and weaves Scripture in with the dystopian action-adventure series.

This book is being used in homeschool classrooms and church schools. A learning guide and free worksheets will soon be available to guide parents and teachers through the series.

MY REVIEW

I have really enjoyed this series. It has been so interesting to follow this group on their journey. The author gives us a bit of history along the way such as pony express and telegraph machines. Their first encounter with the Cherokee brought them to sleep in teepees. The food was nutritious and filled them up. 

I felt like I was along with them as they encountered challenges on their way to their destination. Wanting to reconnect with family members this story is filled with emotion, turning to God for help and learning how strong they are. I would recommend that these books be read in order so you will be  able to follow the storyline effectively. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, April 5

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 6

Artistic Nobody, April 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 9

Texas Book-aholic, April 10

Guild Master, April 11 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 12

Fiction Book Lover, April 13 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 14

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 15 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, April 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 16

Simple Harvest Reads, April 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For the Love of Literature, April 18 (Author Interview)

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/00adcf54193



Wednesday, April 9, 2025


About the Book

Book: Embergold

Author: Rachelle Nelson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: March 18, 2025

Fire dreamed of water, but the first sip would be its last.

Gilde has spent her life isolated in the wild marshlands, a place too wet for the dragon to go. She’s safe there, according to her father. So why is he asking her to leave with him now that she has come of age? There is more to Gilde’s family than she knows, and debts need to be paid.

Betrayed and shattered, she wakes in a crumbling mountain castle with the beast of her nightmares. Except this dragon speaks like a man and reads books. His kindness confuses her and opens a forgotten longing in her heart, all while Gilde plans her escape from a mountain full of secrets.

This place can unveil her past and why she was sacrificed to the beast —truths that may put both their lives in danger if they can’t learn to trust each other. But how can Gilde ever trust again? Especially after she discovers what dragons truly are.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Rachelle Nelson grew up reading fantasy novels and getting her clothes muddy in the pine forests of Idaho. These days, she still loves hiking through forests and libraries, though she’s a bit less fond of mud. Her debut novel, Sky of Seven Colors, released through Enclave Publishing, and won both the Carol Award and Christy Award. Rachelle doesn’t write true stories, but she does write about truth. When she’s not doing that, she sings in a band with her husband who makes her happier than should be legal. If you like good food and honest conversations, you’re her favorite kind of person.

 

 

More from Rachelle

For the past decade or so, I have been a volunteer youth leader for teen groups. Some of my favorite memories have come from that position. Camp pranks, hilarious games involving edible mealworms, scavenger hunts, singing together at the top of our lungs, and speaking life into the lives of young women. When a girl sees herself through the eyes of Jesus, everything changes.

Some of my hardest moments have come from being a youth leader, too. There’s a kind of hurt that happens when we watch someone suffer, and we cannot take the suffering away. I have cried tears with teens who have been wounded by betrayal, carelessness, and abandonment. Those wounds go deeper when they come from a parent.

The truth is, God is the only perfect father, and we’re meant to be parented by Him. Learning to trust Him is a process, even if we had a pretty great (if imperfect) example of an earthly dad. But we live in a fatherless generation, when so many have experienced separation and pain in their family from divorce, or addiction, or generational cycles of pain. I’ve seen what that kind of pain can do to a heart, and how trusting others becomes almost impossible.

Almost.

Embergold is a story about betrayal and abandonment. It’s about two young people who never expected to find kindness in a harsh world. It’s about the healing of hearts.

I wrote it for myself, to remember what is possible. I wrote it for the young people I have loved. And for the parents who are still recovering from their childhoods.

Sin and brokenness happen in community. But, the amazing thing is, God designed the healing to happen in community too, among people. We need each other.

MY REVIEW

I have always been fascinated by dragons. They are powerful looking and command attention. I couldn’t wait to see how this story would incorporate faith and fantasy. Glide has lived a life of isolation and has been protected by her father. I did not like Isa  at all. She was so mean to Glide which caused Glide to lose her tempter often. What will she do when she doesn’t  feel safe any longer? 

Her father has always made sure that Glide is protected. I liked how he put her safety first and reminded her that he would keep the dragon away from her. Something has changed though. Her father tells her that she is leaving the safety of the marsh. He believes that they must deal with the dragon now. My heart started pounding a little faster as I knew this was not going to be an easy journey. 

This place that Glide is going to is where people go to hide from things they did. We try to hide our sins from God, but He already knows. Will Glide feel safe there? The author does  a great job of giving us characters such as Glide that learn about how brave they are, learn to trust and overcome their past. Great references of faith bring  this story to help young people understand that there is hope. As a precaution there are some sensitive subjects that may not be suited for  everyone. I found that the story had so much depth  and  illustrates that trust can happen. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Fiction Book Lover, April 8 (Author Interview)

CeCe Reads and Sings, April 8

Texas Book-aholic, April 9

MinReads and Reviews, April 9

Wishful Endings, April 10

The Lofty Pages, April 11

Blossoms and Blessings, April 12

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 13

Blogging With Carol, April 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 15

Devoted Steps, April 16

Madi’s Musings, April 17

Labor Not in Vain, April 18

Guild Master, April 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 20

Simple Harvest Reads, April 21 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Rachelle is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a hardcover copy of the book,and an envelope of fun goodies, including a signed bookplate and a pewter dragon bookmark!!

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/00adcf54195