Daughter of Eden: Eve’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith

Posted on March 10, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

Daughter of Eden: Eve’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith

I have read several books by this author and I absolutely love her biblical fiction books! This was such an engaging, descriptive story about Adam and Eve, their children, and their life after being sent out of The Garden of Eden. This story was written mostly in Eve’s perspective and obviously some of it is fictional since there isn’t alot of scripture references about Eve and her life.

I love how this author brings the scripture stories to life! The chapters fast forward through their life-sometimes months later, sometimes years later. I felt alot of emotions during the course of reading this book. I really enjoyed it! Highly recommend if you enjoy biblical fiction stories!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
When the greatest joys she has ever known are stripped away, the first woman must find the courage to face an unknown future.

The first time she opens her eyes, Eve gazes on One whose beauty nearly blinds her, whose breath is in her lungs. Her Creator takes her hand and gives her to one like her and yet different. Together, she and Adam experience pure joy as they explore Eden. But her favorite moments are when the Creator comes to walk with them, day after day.

Until everything changes. With one act of disobedience, Eve finds that her world is no longer a friendly place. With remorse in her heart, she must face the unknown future–the births, the deaths, the sacrifices, the loss of the one home she has ever known. Perhaps worst of all is the loss of trust, not only with her Creator but with the man who shares her life. How will they ever survive out of Eden?

Bestselling biblical fiction author Jill Eileen Smith imagines the life of the first woman to ever live, unspooling a story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.

About the Author
Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King, Star of Persia: Esther’s Story, Miriam’s Song, The Prince and the Prodigal,and Daughter of Eden. She is also the author of the nonfiction books When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams and She Walked Before Us. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in biblical times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

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“Moms Raising Sons to Be Men” by Rhonda Stoppe

Posted on March 8, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

Moms Raising Sons to Be Men JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Moms Raising Sons to Be Men by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men

Author: Rhonda Stoppe

Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

Release Date: March 7, 2023

Genre: Religion / Christian Living / Women’s Interests/ Parenting

Bringing up boys isn’t for the faint of heart, but bestselling author Rhonda Stoppe has been there before—and she’s here to help! Drawing on insights from fellow boy-moms and from Scripture, Rhonda reveals why walking with Christ is every mom’s key to parenting well.

You’ll discover how motherhood gives you unique opportunities to grow in faith as you draw nearer to God through prayer, Bible study, and mentorship from godly women. You’ll also find practical advice for shaping your son in character and faith as you encourage his passions, teach him biblical masculinity, and protect his spirit without smothering his individuality.

Your success as a mother doesn’t depend on what your son does with his life, but on how you obey God’s guidance on this mission of motherhood. Moms Raising Sons to Be Men provides the biblical hope, wisdom, and encouragement you need to help your son live a life without regrets!

“You will be encouraged, enlightened, and empowered to become the mom you’ve always wanted to be—and to guide your son into becoming the man God intended.”

—Cindi McMenamin, national speaker and author of When Women Walk Alone

MY REVIEW

I had previously listened to this book 2 years ago on audio book. This book is the 10th anniversary updated edition. I am the mother of 2 older boys so I was very excited to re-read this book.

One thing that really stuck out to me in chapter one was “your success as a mother does not depend on what your son chooses to do with his life. Rather, according to Scripture, success lies in your obedience to God-in what you choose to do with your life.”

The author goes on to say that we are called to the ministry of motherhood and that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide you. I fully believe this and can witness that God has helped me raise my two boys as a single mother and as a married mother; and that God has never failed me. Has life been easy? No. Do I sometimes feel like a failure as a mom and wish I had more kindness and patience? Absolutely.

I liked all the practical advice and scripture references. At the end of each chapter she includes some thought provoking questions and a weekly video which can be used for book clubs or for further discussion or reflection. I did alot of journaling and highlighting in my book!

I also liked that she emphasized the importance of being a godly mother and using the Bible and older women as an example and for help. I have always used my own mother as an example and for guidance which has helped me tremendously. I think we can learn alot from previous generations and that we shouldn’t be too prideful or scared to ask for help and guidance.

I have read books by this author and have really enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed this one. I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

Also Available

About the Author

Rhonda Stoppe

Rhonda Stoppe is a transparent, humorous, and biblically sound speaker and podcast host of: “Old Ladies Know Stuff”. She is the bestselling author of 7 books and a frequent guest on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk. Her boy-mom interviews on Focus on the Family were named in their ‘Best of 2021’ episodes. Rhonda has been joyfully married to her pastor-husband, Steve, for 41 years. Their 4 happily married children have blessed them with 15 grandchildren.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!
(1) additional winner will receive a copy of Real Life Romance!

Moms Raising Sons to be Men JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 8, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 15, 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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

Posted in Book Reviews | 6 Comments

“Love’s New Beginnings” by Penny Zeller

Posted on March 7, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

About the Book

Book: Love’s New Beginnings

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: December 13, 2022

Where it all began…

Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason?

Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly.

When Lydie’s and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher?

Take a glimpse into where it all began with Lydie and Solomon’s story in this tender tale that reminds us that God can and does use willing hearts for His purposes.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed reading this sweet, historical fiction romance involving main characters Lydie and Rev Solomon. I liked getting to know them along with the towns people and their daily interactions with each other.

This faith filled story kept my interest from beginning to end with lots of laughs. I also enjoyed the setting of the book and time period. This story is the prequel to the “Wyoming Sunrise” series. I really enjoyed it and recommend this sweet historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is the author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, bicycling/cycling, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, blog, and on Facebook.

More from Penny

Stagecoach etiquette, a casket for sale in the mercantile, and mock turtle soup were just a few of the items included in Love’s New Beginnings. Research is always fun for historical novels, and I even discovered that some people ate skunks back in the “olden days.” Not a regular delicatessen, but they did eat them on occasion. After reading about the ingredients for mock turtle soup and discovering about skunks for dinner (aka supper), I’m even more grateful for enchiladas and regular plain ol’ hamburgers. Historical romance novels are a delight to read, but is Love’s New Beginnings the book for you?

If you love…

To read love stories

Stories set in the late 1800s

Settings in the Wild West in small western towns

Sweet romance and tender love stories

Plentiful humor

Character-driven plots

Faith element organically interwoven into the story

Scenes that tug at the heartstrings

Hilarious antidotes tucked within the pages of a novel

To curl up and escape into the lives of book characters

Realistic plot lines

Close-knit families

Clean and wholesome reads

Memorable characters who stay with you long after the last page

Then Love’s New Beginnings is indeed the book for you!

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 3

Vicky Sluiter, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 4

deb’s Book Review, March 5

Cover Lover Book Review, March 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 7

EmpowerMoms, March 7

Connie’s History Classroom, March 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 11

Splashes of Joy, March 12

For Him and My Family, March 12

Holly’s Book Corner, March 13

lakesidelivingsite, March 14

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 14

Pause for Tales, March 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24949/love-s-new-beginnings-celebration-tour-giveaway

Posted in Book Reviews | 3 Comments

Under Fire (Defend and Protect Book #3) by Lynn H. Blackburn

Posted on March 6, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

Under Fire (Defend and Protect Book #3) by Lynn H. Blackburn
Wow! What an amazing series and story! The characters and story line kept my interest and engaged from beginning to end with lots of action and drama!

Special Agents Zane and Tessa, along with her team, are assigned to protect the President and eliminating any potential threats before his arrival to their area Raleigh NC. I liked that the other characters from the previous 2 books in this series were also included in this story. I liked the teams energy, integrity, faith and family focus. What an amazing bond they shared!

I highly recommend this Christian fiction, clean romantic suspense series! I can’t wait to see what this author is going to write next. She is one of my favorite authors to read.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker has landed his dream assignment protecting the president of the United States. When the president plans a fundraiser at the exclusive estate of a political supporter in Raleigh, Zane is thrilled to be working again with Special Agent Tessa Reed, his best friend–and the woman he desperately wishes could be more.

Though Tessa almost lost everything, she battled her demons and came out on the other side healthy and healed. But when her role as the liaison between the Raleigh office and the president’s protective detail wrenches her past back into the present, her greatest failure threatens to come to light.

Zane refuses to let Tessa go through this alone. But can he stand by the woman he loves and protect the president from a mounting threat at the same time?

Sparks fly as award-winning romantic suspense writer Lynn H. Blackburn closes out her Defend and Protect series with this explosive tale of secrets kept, lies exposed, and relationships restored.

About the Author
Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat and Malicious Intent, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. Blackburn is passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at www.lynnhblackburn.com.

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“Rescuing Her Ranch” by Lisa Jordan

Posted on March 3, 2023 by EmpowerMoms

Rescuing Her Ranch JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Rescuing Her Ranch by Lisa Jordan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Rescuing Her Ranch

Series: Stone River Ranch #1

Author: Lisa Jordan

Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

A fight for her future…

Might not be the one she thinks.

Returning home after losing her job, Macey Stone agrees to care for the daughter of old friend Cole Crawford. Then she discovers that Cole’s uncle’s company wants to bulldoze her family’s land. Seeing the devoted dad with his child soon has her falling for the enemy. But can she choose between saving Stone River Ranch…and helping the man who’s stolen her heart?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Also Available

MY REVIEW

Rescuing Her Ranch is book one in the Stone River Ranch series. This clean, uplifting romance was about forgiveness, love, second chances, family and faith.

This small town inspirational story had great characters, close knit family, nice story setting, and tough real life situations; but unfortunately it wasn’t for me. I don’t really enjoy stories whose characters focus on the past and harbor ill will for years and can’t move on.

I still enjoyed getting to know the Stone family and Macey, Cole and Lexi.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Lisa Jordan

Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. Happily married for over 30 years to her real-life hero, she and her husband have two grown sons. Lisa enjoys family time, good books, and creative time with friends.

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

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Rescuing Her Ranch, a set of handmade cards, and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 28, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 7, 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!