EmpowerMoms

“Hunted at Christmas” by Dana R. Lynn

Posted on September 27, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

Hunted at Christmas JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Hunted at Christmas by Dana R. Lynn, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Hunted at Christmas

Series: Amish Country Justice

Author: Dana R. Lynn

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: September 26, 2023

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Wanted by a bounty hunter.

Chased by a killer.

When single mother Addison Johnson is attacked by a hit man, she learns there’s a price on her head. And Isaiah Bender—the bounty hunter hired to track her down for crimes she didn’t commit—is her only hope for survival. Protecting Addison and her young son from armed assailants means seeking refuge in Amish country. But when their holiday hideout is discovered, can he clear an innocent woman’s name and keep her alive?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

More in This Series

more Amish Country Justice series titles

MY REVIEW

I have read most, if not all of the Amish Country Justice series by this author and I love her books!!
They have great action and suspense with likable characters and interesting storylines that keep my interest from beginning to end. I liked getting to know the main characters, Addie and her son Oliver, along with bounty hunter Isaiah.
Isaiah‘s extended family members mentioned in this book are characters from other books, so that was fun to make that connection. Although this is a series, they can all be read as stand alone books.
“Hunted at Christmas” had plenty of action as Addie, Oliver, and Isaiah are all running for their lives against contracted killers as they try to figure out who wants to kill Addie and why. Twists and turns, clean Amish fiction with light romance. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend this book and any books in this series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Dana R. Lynn

Dana R. Lynn is an award winning author of romantic suspense and Amish romance who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. Although she grew up in Illinois, she met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray with the Steve Laube Agency. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group.

Connect with Dana by visiting danarlynn.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will win a $10 Amazon gift card, a pen and a mug!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 27, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 4, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for pen & mug. Egift card only in case of CAN winner. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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

Posted in Book Reviews | 7 Comments

“Revelation Is My Flashlight” by Sierra Wilson

Posted on September 20, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

“Revelation Is My Flashlight” by Sierra Wilson (Author), Danika Runyan (Illustrator)

This poetic kids book about revelation is easy to understand with beautiful pictures. My 13 year old son and I really enjoyed reading it together. He said he liked that it was “to the point” and he also enjoyed the pictures.

One of our favorite pages said this:
“reading from the scriptures
helps my flashlight glow.
The words of Christ teach me
the things I need to know.”

At the end of the book are learning resources for families which are awesome for family home evening lessons, primary lessons or just further discussion with the kids.

It includes: What is revelation? How does revelation come? What can we do to prepare to receive revelation? Also includes a list of scriptures about revelation, general authority quotes, discussion questions, and an activity idea.

This hardback book would be perfect for any family of any age! We really enjoyed reading it together. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this ebook. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Sometimes life feels like the night. I can’t see where to go. But God gave me a special tool to help me see and know. The tool is revelation. It’s like a shining light. The Holy Ghost points the way, showing me what’s right. Equip children of all ages with the knowledge that no matter how dark life might seem, all they need to do is follow the guiding light of the Holy Ghost and the revelation that can be found in Christ’s teachings. This inspiring poem together with engaging illustrations are accompanied by question prompts, learning activities, and words from General Authorities to guide further discussion of the blessings of revelation.

About the Author:
Sierra started talking early and has been a storyteller ever since. She loves to teach and work with children, and this love has shaped her life from working as a high school English and history teacher and children’s art teacher to serving as a church children’s leader and a mother. Sierra is passionate about writing, art, hiking, family, and eating entirely too much chocolate. She currently lives with her husband, four kids, two cats, two fish, and a bearded dragon in Alberta, Canada.

Keep in touch and learn more at http://www.sierrawilsonauthor.com/ or on social media.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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“Expired Vows” by Laura Conaway and Lisa Phillips

Posted on September 14, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

Expired Vows JustRead Blog + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Expired Vows by Laura Conaway and Lisa Phillips, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Expired Vows

Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #4

Author: Laura Conaway & Lisa Phillips

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Fire. Family. Faith.

Last Chance Fire and Rescue

She sees the promise of freedom. He vowed to always be the hero.

EMT Trace Bently came back to Last Chance County to escape his past. After the loss of his wife, he gave up a promising career as a police officer for the chance to save lives every day as part of the Fire Department. When a hostage situation demands the help of a local counselor, Trace realizes the past he left behind has found him. He’s being given a second chance to save the life of someone he cares about.

If he can face the grief he buried.

Family Counselor Kelsey Scott has to secure this grant or admit failure. She can’t afford to lose any more pieces of the life she wants because of her own choices. When Kelsey becomes the target of a series of dangerous attacks, Trace steps in determined to protect his wife’s best friend. This hero breaks down all her resistance, but Kelsey can’t risk her own heart.

Even if it’s what will set them both free.

Another thrilling installment in the Last Chance Fire and Rescue series.

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

MY REVIEW

Expired Vows is book 4 and the final book in the Last Chance Fire and Rescue series. I have read all of them and have really enjoyed them!

I like that the other characters from previous books are still a big part of this story as well. This book and series has nonstop action, clean suspense and romance. There are twists and turns, danger and lots of emotions.

The main characters Trace and Kelsey are reunited after both being called into a hostage situation case. Trace has previous heartache to work through and Kelsey has health problems which sometimes get in the way of her life and work. I liked seeing them work together and protect each other.

Once you start reading, you won’t want to put this book down! Highly recommend!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

About the Author

Lisa Phillips Laura Conaway

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. Discover the world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com.

Laura Conaway grew up in the suburbs of Pennsylvania as an avid reader and writer while making every adventure a mystery to solve like Nancy Drew. As a former school librarian, she’s always on the hunt for the next best read but now spends her time creating stories that leave readers on the edge of their seat with a healthy dose of suspense and happily ever afters. When she’s not typing away or inhaling sweet potato fries to motivate writing, Laura spends her time playing violin and guitar and sharing about the Greatest Story ever written.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will a print copy of Expired Vows and a $10 gift card to the Sunrise Shop

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 13, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 20, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Posted in Book Reviews | 3 Comments

2023 Fall 100 day walk challenge FAQ and calendar #walkchallenge #100daychallenge

Posted on September 2, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

Last week I announced our new Fall fitness challenge and it starts very SOON!! This Monday, Sept 4, 2023!!

We have done The Great Walk Challenge with Leslie Sansone/Walk at Home as a group MANY times over the summers, but this year I have made it a little different.

We are doing a FALL 100 day walk challenge starting Labor Day Monday all the way thru mid December. I know its going to be harder because it will get darker and colder… but its meant to be a challenge so WE CAN DO IT! It’s all about INTENTIONAL walking to get our health benefits and not just about logging specific number of steps by the end of the day.

Print your 3 page pdf walk calendar here:
2023 fall 100 day walk challenge calendar

Questions about this challenge? See below!

1. Do I really have to walk 100 days in a row? What about REST DAYS?
**The goal is to do at least 1 mile or 15 mins of walking every day for 100 days in a row. But not all days have to be intense fast walking. On rest days you should do a 15 min light walk/stroll to allow your body to rest. As always, listen to your body and even if you can’t walk 100 days in a row, just do the best you can!

2. What am I tracking on my calendar? Miles, steps or minutes?
**You will be recording your MILES on your calendar.
2,000 steps = 1 mile
15 minutes of brisk walking that raises your heart rate or 20 mins of a gentle walk = 1 mile

*Walk at Home DVDs or Walk15® Classes will figure out the mile system for you in 15 min/1 mile sections.

3. What if I don’t have a fitness tracker like a Fitbit or Garmin to count my miles or steps?
**No problem! Just set your watch for 15 minutes and go walking!

4. What does “intentional exercise” mean?
**Intentional exercise means you have planned ahead with what you are going to do for your exercise that day. You will only count the miles of exercise that you actually do, NOT your end of the day total miles or steps according to your Fitbit or Garmin tracker. For example: If I do a 2 mile Leslie Sansone dvd, than I will put (2) miles on my tracker for that day, even though at the end of the day my Fitbit may say I walked 4 miles by bedtime. Walking around at work or around my house does not count as “intentional exercise” since its necessary daily movement.

5. What exercises and activities count towards this 100 day challenge?
**Since this is a walking challenge; indoor and outdoor walking, chair walking, aqua walking, using the treadmill, indoor track, and specific fitness walking based dvds (ME, Leslie Sansone, Jessica Smith, etc. ) count towards this challenge.
**Gym classes, workouts and other forms of movement are GREAT to do, but please do not include them with your daily walking miles count.

6. What if I don’t have any indoor walking dvds?
**No problem! If you have access to a computer, you can watch FREE workout videos by ME, Leslie Sansone and Jessica Smith.
You can find our videos here:

https://www.youtube.com/@RachelDeVaughn/videos

and
https://www.youtube.com/user/walkathomemedia/videos
and
https://www.youtube.com/user/jessicasmithtv/videos

7. Who is going to monitor our miles for this challenge?
**YOU ARE! I am not going to be the mile tracker police. 😉 If you think the activity that you are doing counts as your mile, than go ahead and write it down!
The purpose of this challenge is to stay accountable as a group and to have fun and STAY WALKING AND MOVING this fall!

8. Where can I find additional accountability for this challenge?
I have a private Facebook group that is FREE if you want to post your walks and meet new friends! Accountability is KEY when participating in a challenge, especially since its a longer challenge. You can join here: (dont forget to answer the questions) https://www.facebook.com/groups/290296024792860

9. What happens if I miss a day?
Nothing! I still want you to keep working on your 100 day walk calendar even if you miss some days! Of course our goal is 100 days in a row, but life happens and injuries happen so its important to listen to your body (and doctor) FIRST and do the BEST YOU CAN!!

This challenge is meant to be difficult BUT DOABLE! It will take planning and dedication on your part to intentionally walk for 100 days in a row, or as much as you can. Staying consistent with walking and your exercising is one of the best things you can do for your body to lose fat and extra weight.

So what are you waiting for? Lets WALK STRONG this fall and walk towards better health!! COMMENT BELOW IF YOU’RE READY TO JOIN ME AND DON’T FORGET TO INVITE A FRIEND!!

Print off your miles tracker or use your own calendar or tracking system and get ready to start on MONDAY!

Print your 3 page pdf walk calendar here:
2023 fall 100 day walk challenge calendar

Posted in Fitness, Walk Strong Roanoke Fitness, Walk15: walk aerobics class | Comments Off

“Unseen” by Traci Hunter Abramson

Posted on August 31, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

Unseen JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Unseen by Traci Hunter Abramson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Unseen

Series: Guardian #7

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Release Date: August 15, 2023

Genre: Clean Romantic Suspense

Laura’s work as a nurse practitioner has pushed her to her breaking point. A trip abroad to visit her grandmother in Honduras promises a few days of relief, but when her abuela falls ill, Laura finds herself walking the halls of a hospital once more. Still wearing her scrubs, she could easily be confused for a local healthcare worker―and it’s a mistake that happens almost immediately. After a recent shootout, the local gang needs a doctor, and they don’t ask for what they want―they take it. In a split second, Laura is captured in a deadly case of mistaken identity. The outlook is dire until a mysterious rescuer appears, launching the pair on a desperate flight to freedom.

As a member of the ultraclassified guardian program, Manuel is responsible for protecting US assets in Central America. But when a job in Honduras goes terribly wrong, his skills are pushed to the limit as he races to get Laura out of the country alive. What begins as a connection forged in a shared ordeal quickly deepens, and Manuel and Laura must learn to trust their instincts―and their hearts―if they hope to survive.

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

MY REVIEW:

Another amazing Guardian novel and I’ve read them all! The “Guardians” are elite individuals who are dead to everyone in the world except their small group. They travel around the world helping to keep peace and rescue those in danger. If you’ve read other Guardian novels, you will recognize some of them mentioned throughout this story, but if not, they can be read as stand alone books and you won’t feel lost.

This story had lots of clean suspense and action that kept my interest from beginning to end. Manual or Ghost is on a job when he gets paired up with Laura, an innocent bystander who happens to be at the wrong place and time. I liked hearing Manual’s beginning story with how he became a Guardian and then how he and Laura seemed to connect even in the most stressful of times.

If you like reading clean, amazing, on the edge of you seat suspense than I highly recommend this book or any of the Guardian books!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

More Books In This Series

About the Author

Traci Hunter Abramson

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She loves to travel and recently retired after twenty-six years coaching her local high school swim team. She has written forty-five best-selling novels and is an eight-time Whitney Award winner, including 2017 and 2019 Best Novel of the Year.

Connect with Traci by visiting traciabramson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a $20 Amazon gift card, a print copy of Unseen, and a swag pack!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 30, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 6, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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