Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Clash of the Titles: End of the Year Line Up

Clash of the Titles


It's the end of our CLASH year, and we've lined up some awesome holiday reading (and gift ideas!) for this month's Clash of the Titles.
Vote for your Ideal curl up in front of a fire read!





Scroll through these releases and cast your vote for your perfect idea of a next read.

It's a tough choice, but it's up to you to determine our Clash Champion!




30901142

Risking Love
Brenda S. Anderson

A play-it-safe bank employee falls for a down-on-his-luck, risk-taking widower.

Can she risk loving a man whose home she may have to take away?




Monday, November 28, 2016

Review: Ordinary Snowflakes by Jennifer Rodewald

~Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below!~


Genre: Adult, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Novella
Publisher: Rooted Publishing
Publication date: November 7, 2016
Number of pages: 118

Someone has noticed me. A secret admirer? A man with a good heart, who sees how much I actually need help, even though I never admit it? Maybe this is the beginning of a beautiful story—a romance full of hope and second chances and love. 

Maybe…

A secret Santa gift left on Kale Brennan’s front porch opens up a fresh view of her ordinary life, and perhaps of God. Maybe she does matter. Maybe God sees her—as does a new-to-town music teacher who has her seven-year-old daughter gushing and her own knees buckling with his killer smile. But as Kale embraces new possibilities, a staple in her life—a man who is kind and steady, not to mention necessary for her injured daughter’s recovery—also snatches her attention in an unexpected way. Will the one pursuing her with his secret gift and kind gestures be the one her heart longs for in the end?






Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. The draw to fiction has tugged hard on her heart since childhood, and when she began pursuing writing she set on stories that reveal the grace of God.
Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.
She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at https://www.authorjenrodewald.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald or email her at write2edify@gmail.com.



1. What inspired the idea for the novella Ordinary Snowflakes?  What do you want readers to take away from reading your novella?
Honestly, after I finished writing Red Rose Bouquet, which was a heavier book, I needed a break. I prayed for something lighter, fun, and something that would remind me of the joy of writing (not that RRB wasn’t a joy, but like I said, it was heavy, and it was a hard book to write). Ordinary Snowflakes was God’s answer to that prayer. I didn’t expect to be served a lesson in it, but God did, and I am so delighted. I hope my readers find what I found—that God sees. He loves. He smiles down on us, even though our lives may seem painfully ordinary. We are crafted and loved by an extraordinary God.

Swagbucks: Cyber Monday





Looking for the best deals on holiday shopping during Cyber Monday? Swagbucks is offering increased cash back from stores like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, or Target and get cash back or gift cards to your favorite stores! Swagbucks will also offer amazing one-day deals to try out new products and services, earning you even more free gift cards.

This page has everything you need to take advantage of some great "shopportunities" for Cyber Monday! 

If you haven't heard of them, Swagbucks.com is an easy, quick way to earn cash back and gift cards by shopping online or doing other everyday activities like taking surveys or watching videos. When you do those things, you earn points (called SB) that you redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, and more!

Just for signing up through me, you can earn a $3 (300 SB) bonus if you earn 300 SB before December 1st - if you spend at least $25 shopping through Swagbucks during that time, you'll get another $2 (200 SB) bonus!

Take advantage of these great deals - sign up now.


New to Swagbucks?

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Review & Giveaway: Finding Margo by Jen Turano

~Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below!~


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Click here to purchase your copy.


Off the charts and on the run.

International pop star Margo Hartman could use a night off. A grueling tour and overbearing entourage have sent her over the edge. It’s time for this diva to disappear. And who would think to look for the superstar in a small town in Ohio?

Sheriff’s deputy Brock Moore is undercover as well. He knows Margo isn’t who she appears to be, but her uncanny resemblance to a local Amish woman is raising all sorts of questions . . . the kinds that make her a target for a killer.

Both are determined to find answers, but their mutual attraction stands in the way of either of them doing it alone. Is finding Margo the solution to Brock’s problems or the just the beginning . . . ?



Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Swagbucks: Black Friday Deals Week - Day Three

Black Friday Deals Week


Looking for the best deals on holiday shopping, especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up? Swagbucks is offering increased cash back from stores like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, or Target and get cash back or gift cards to your favorite stores! Swagbucks will also offer amazing one-day deals to try out new products and services, earning you even more free gift cards.

This page has everything you need to take advantage of some great "shopportunities" for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and the entire week leading up to them! The page will be updated each day with new deals and opportunities to get free gift cards.

If you haven't heard of them, Swagbucks.com is an easy, quick way to earn cash back and gift cards by shopping online or doing other everyday activities like taking surveys or watching videos. When you do those things, you earn points (called SB) that you redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, and more!

Just for signing up through me, you can earn a $3 (300 SB) bonus if you earn 300 SB before December 1st - if you spend at least $25 shopping through Swagbucks during that time, you'll get another $2 (200 SB) bonus!

Take advantage of these great deals - sign up now.


New to Swagbucks?

Monday, November 21, 2016

Swagbucks: Black Friday Deals Week

Black Friday Deals Week


Looking for the best deals on holiday shopping, especially with Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up? Swagbucks is offering increased cash back from stores like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, or Target and get cash back or gift cards to your favorite stores! Swagbucks will also offer amazing one-day deals to try out new products and services, earning you even more free gift cards.

This page has everything you need to take advantage of some great "shopportunities" for Black Friday and Cyber Monday and the entire week leading up to them! The page will be updated each day with new deals and opportunities to get free gift cards.

If you haven't heard of them, Swagbucks.com is an easy, quick way to earn cash back and gift cards by shopping online or doing other everyday activities like taking surveys or watching videos. When you do those things, you earn points (called SB) that you redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, and more!

Just for signing up through me, you can earn a $3 (300 SB) bonus if you earn 300 SB before December 1st - if you spend at least $25 shopping through Swagbucks during that time, you'll get another $2 (200 SB) bonus!

Take advantage of these great deals - sign up now.


New to Swagbucks?

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Review: Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette


My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In the Depth of the Storm's Shadow, Only Truth Can Light Her Way

Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.

When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira's people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she's denied herself and embrace who she truly is?


I was really excited to get the opportunity to continue following the Hebrews journey out of captivity and this book didn't disappoint.  The thing that makes this story so interesting (besides the fact that Connilynn Cossette is such an awesome writer!)  is that it brings to life the possibilities of what life was like after the Hebrews left Egypt.  The fact that it wasn't just Hebrews was also interesting to me.  It wasn't an easy journey and there were no perfect people.  But where there is sin and corruption and abuse, there is also redemption, repentance, and healing.

In this book we get to read Shira's story.  With an outward strength and compassion for others, Shira has come through slavery and an attack that stole her innocence and her future.  But inwardly she still struggles and mourns the things that cannot be.  Her struggle with the calling of being a midwife brings to life the heartbreak of her past as well the hope of a future that she wasn't sure was possible.  It also brings her into direct contact with a woman who will do anything to avenge the death of her husband at the hands of Shira's people, the Levites.  Good and bad, life and death, hope and despair - what will win in the lives of these two women and their families?

As for the hero, I was a little conflicted about him.   His actions cause grief for Shira that follow them for a while including affecting the way his family treats Shira.  Nevertheless, once he seeks forgiveness, he becomes the man of God that Shira needs.  Will she open her heart to him after his betrayal?

It was good to read more about Kiya, Eben, and Jumo.  Jumo's miraculous healing continues to be a source of wonder and joy for their families and Kiya and Eben are happily married even though Kiya still faces some prejudice from some of the Hebrews.  Kiya and Shira continue to grow closer and Kiya is a source of strength for Shira in the tumultuous days to come.

With great depth and dramatic twists, the author tells the hopeful story of a journey to freedom, the lessons learned along the way, and the turning of a nation to the one true God who delivered them.  You won't want to miss this 2nd book in the Out From Egypt series!

*Thanks to the author & Bethany House Publishers for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

View all my reviews on Goodreads.



Connilyn Cossette is a homeschooling mother of two with a passion for writing stories of timeless grace. She hopes to draw readers into a personal encounter with the rich ancient world of the Bible and spark curiosity that will lead to digging deeper into the truth of the Word. Her novel Counted With the Stars won the 2013 Frasier Contest and was a semi-finalist in the 2013 ACFW Genesis Contest. She lives near Dallas, Texas. Connect with her at www.connilyncossette.com and on






What inspired Shadow of the Storm?
SOTS was actually the third book that I wrote in this series. The concept for Book 3, Wings of the Wind, came to me first. But as soon as Shira appeared in Counted with the Stars I knew I wanted to find out more about her and her perspective on God and the Exodus. Of course, there were no plagues to work with this time, so I dealt more directly with Shira’s personal struggles and her misconceptions of her own identity. During this time there was a lot of doubt, rebellion, confusion and a fair amount of questioning God among the Hebrews and foreigners, so I used Shira’s slow path toward healing to depict some of these struggles. Our hero too, struggles with consequences of poor decisions and his own failings but comes to realize that even his messy past and broken pieces can be made into something beautiful, just like Shira, and the nation of Israel.

What was your favorite part about writing this story?
The research for this story was really enjoyable. Since I am an adoptive mom, never having given birth and certainly not familiar with midwifery, I spent lots of time reading, watching videos and documentaries, consulting with a midwife, and talking with friends who experienced midwife-attended births. I learned so much about the birthing process and came to deeply appreciate the heart of those who pour their lives into the support of pregnant women, in any capacity.

What aspects of yourself did you write into Shira’s story?
Although Shira has endured a horrific act of violence that I have not, she and I share a commonality—our children entered our lives by adoption, not biologically. Writing from the perspective of a woman whose body was barren and yet her heart full of maternal yearnings was in some ways easy, since it my own experience, and in some ways difficult, in that I had to dig back into some of those feelings of grief, pain, and even jealousy that I struggled with in my seven years of waiting to be a mother. Shira is also a bit like me in that we both tend to bury our hurts and put on a happy face, either from fear of rejection or to not “bother” others with our problems. Like Shira, I’ve been learning to let down my walls and be vulnerable and also to see my own storms as blessings that make my roots grow deeper and stronger.

SOTS deals with some difficult subject matter, why did you chose to delve into these topics?
As I was studying Exodus, something that repeatedly came floating to the top was the women at heart of the story—their suffering, their wounds, and their courage. From Shifra and Puah, the midwives who stood against Pharaoh’s edict, to Miryam who watched her brother’s long, curvy journey towards his ultimate calling, to the myriad nameless women who served as slaves beneath the harsh and evil hand of Pharaoh and the Egyptians who oppressed them, murdered their children, and treated them as property. We know from history and even from current events, evil men who seek to dominate and oppress others are the most ruthless and disrespectful to women and children. Shira’s experience in Egypt was no doubt quite common among the Hebrews. I hope to show that women who have endured even the most brutal treatment can experience healing in God’s love, can be used to bless and heal others, and are precious in the sight of our heavenly Father. Broken pieces can be made into something beautiful.

What spiritual themes do you want readers to take away from SOTS?
Above all my desire is for readers, especially women, to dig into the Word of God. My imaginings about the Exodus journey are just that, creations from my mind, and not in away way meant to replace the truth of Scripture. Whenever a reader reviews one of my books and says it made them go back and read the story again with a fresh perspective, I rejoice. But with regards to SOTS, my hope is that Shira’s story will inspire readers to remember how precious they are to Yahweh, how trials and tribulations are ultimately for our good; they cause us to run to our Abba, make us dig deeper into the foundation of the Word, and reveal strength and endurance that we did not know we possess. The overall spiritual theme though, is that God can take your broken pieces—those wounded, ragged, messy parts of us—and turn them into something beautiful.

What is Shadow of the Storm about?
Shadow of the Storm is the story of Shira, Kiya’s Hebrew friend from Counted with the Stars. Shira is living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai among the other Hebrews and foreigners but is still struggling with the wounds of her past in Egypt. When the chaos during the terrible Golden Calf incident provides her with a chance to assist a midwife she becomes fascinated by the process and hopes to become a midwife herself. However, her mother, who was also wounded in Egypt and very protective of her daughter, has other opinions. Shira uncharacteristically bucks against her mother’s tight grip and steps out to explore midwifery. But when a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira blames herself and gives in to fear and doubt to walk away from the path she had felt so called to follow. She finds herself caring for three motherless children, bound to a man who betrayed her and the target of a women who will do anything to fill the hole in her own heart. Just as the nation of Israel is struggling to break free from a past of slavery and false identity, Shira will be forced to decide who she is and who God is making her to be.

How does the Out from Egypt series continue after Shadow of the Storm?
I am very excited about the third book in this series, Wings of the Wind. It takes place nearly forty years after Shadow of the Storm, near the end of the wilderness wanderings. Although most people, as I did, tend to fast forward from the Golden Calf to the walls of Jericho falling, there was actually quite a bit of information about what happened in the months leading up to the Hebrew’s first step into the Promised Land. Wings of the Wind is the story of Alanah, a Canaanite woman whose family has been killed during a battle with the approaching Hebrews. Desperate, alone, and with a heart full of vengeance Alanah disguises herself as a man to go out and fight the Hebrews. But she never expected that she would survive the battle. Wounded, she is found by Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior who has just lost his closest friend in battle, and taken back to camp. To protect her, Tobiah must obey the laws put forth in Deuteronomy 21 that give Hebrew men the right to take a Canaanite wife, if she submits to certain stipulations, like shaving her head and mourning her family for 30 days before the marriage is make complete. When events from her past rush into focus, fragile trust and newfound faith in Yahweh will be put to the test and will set off a chain of events that places Alanah at the center of one of the most iconic battles in history. Alanah is very different from Kiya and Shira in many ways, but I think readers will see early on why she was so much fun to write. And Tobiah, ah….well, you’ll just have to wait and see why he’s my favorite hero so far.


Great Q&A!  Thanks, Connilyn!! :)




Coming in Spring 2017:

Wings of the Wind (Out from Egypt #3)



Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting and survival. When her family is killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one thing she never counted on was surviving.


Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, is shocked to find an unconscious, wounded woman among the Canaanite casualties. Compelled to bring her to a Hebrew healer back at their camp, he is soon confronted with a truth he can’t ignore: the only way to protect this enemy is to marry her.

Unused to being weak and vulnerable, Alanah submits to the marriage—for now. As she comes to know and respect Tobiah and his people, however, she begins to second-guess her plans of escape. But when her past has painfully unanticipated consequences, the tentative peace she’s found with Tobiah, the Hebrews, and Yahweh is shaken to the core. Can Alanah’s fierce heart and strength withstand the ensuing threats to her life and all she’s come to love?

Monday, November 14, 2016

Swagbucks: SWAGO Thanksgiving!

Swagbucks SWAGO

It's time for you to stuff yourself with your next SB Bonus with Swago: Thanksgiving! This month's Thanksgiving themed board offers a possible 400 SB ($4) Bonus!
What is SWAGO you ask? It's a bingo-inspired promotion run by Swagbucks, a website that rewards you with points (called SB) for completing everyday online activities. When you complete a task, watch that square change colors like the leaves of Fall. You can redeem those SB for free gift cards. If you've never used Swagbucks, participating in SWAGO is a great way to learn how to use the site, and it's a lot of fun!
Here’s what you need to know to get your 400 SB Bonus:
  • Swago will begin on Monday, November 14th at 12pm PDT/3pm EDT, make sure you hit “Join” otherwise you won’t get credit for completing the action items. Each square on your Swago Board will contain an action item to complete.
  • Once you complete the action item in a particular square the square will change color signifying the action item is complete.
  • You have a limited amount of time to mark off as many squares as possible so use your time wisely.
  • Be mindful of the patterns and their corresponding bonuses located on the right of your Swago Board. The patterns will vary in difficulty and bonus value.
  • Once you’ve achieved a pattern the corresponding “Submit” button will light up. You can have multiple patterns available for submission, however, you can only submit ONE pattern so choose wisely.
  • The game ends Monday, November 21st at 12pm PDT/3pm EDT. So make sure to hit “Submit” on the pattern you wish to submit. If you don’t hit “Submit” before the game ends you won’t receive your SB bonus.


New to Swagbucks?

Friday, November 11, 2016

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Trust My Heart by Carol J. Post

~Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below!~


My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Trust My Heart (Waterfall Press, October 2016)

Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible.

The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore---much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant's fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there's healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what's needed to finally guide him home...

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2fg7WKG



Thursday, November 10, 2016

Review: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: A Countdown to Christmas by Ace Collins

~Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below!~


My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Abingdon, October 2016)

Celebrate 31 days of a Christ-filled Christmas season.

For Christians worldwide, the month of December is filled with joy and wonder as we anticipate the celebration of Christ's birth. There is no other time of the year that can compare to the Christmas season for both the young and young at heart.

From December to New Year's Eve, reawaken the wonder, joy, and magic that is Christmas with daily scripture and inspirational readings of stories behind popular Christmas traditions, carols and movies. Enjoy a wealth of fun activities to help make the most of the season, including heartwarming holiday recipes and homemade gift ideas.

With this soon-to-be-cherished holiday devotional, best-selling author Ace Collins will capture your imagination and help to make each day of December more memorable and meaningful to you, and those you love, by shining a light on the real spirit of the season.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2frWQG8




Swagbucks: World Book



World Book and Swagbucks have the perfect gift for the little reader in your life - a free book that makes history come alive! World book has a great assortment of vibrant, fun, and informative books about a variety of different historical events, people, and legends that are perfect for grades 6-8. This offer gets you a free book (you pay $1 in shipping) AND you get $5 (paid in Swagbucks' SB Points) for doing it, plus a bonus $3 (300SB) for signing up for Swagbucks through me first. Here's how you can get your free book and $8:

1. Click here to get to the offer. When you get there, if you're not already a member you'll be prompted to create your Swagbucks account - it takes less than 30 seconds.
2. Click the blue "Continue" button
3. Order your free book - that's it! The 500 SB will credit immediately, and if you're a new member signing up for Swagbucks through the above link, you'll get another 300 SB in the first week of December.

So, what's this Swagbucks I'm talking about? It's the site where you earn points (called SB) for things you're already doing online, like shopping, watching videos, discovering deals (like this one!), taking surveys, or even searching the web! Then you take your points and redeem them for PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, and more! In fact, for signing up through me, you can actually get ANOTHER bonus $2 if you spend $25 or more on holiday shopping through Swagbucks this month!

Swagbucks: Mt. Swagmore Collector's Bills



Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Review: Say & Pray Devotions by Diane Stortz

~Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY below!~




SAY & PRAY DEVOTIONS First Words, Stories, and Prayers by Diane Stortz

Bestselling children’s author Diane Stortz has sold nearly 300,000 books—Bible storybooks, devotionals for children, and more. This brand-new title, Say & Pray Devotions, is the perfect beginner devotional for little ones.

Parents who already know and love the Say & Pray Bible will love Say & Pray Devotions as it helps their youngsters continue to engage their faith in a personal way. Featuring the same fun style of artwork and the educational elements as Say & Pray Bible, this devotional for little ones will teach the basics of identification and comprehension while sharing biblical principles for life. Each devotion offers a topical message to help little ones learn and follow biblical principles.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO PURCHASE: http://store.faithgateway.com/say-pray-devotions

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