“The Danger with Diamonds” by Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Posted on October 20, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

The Danger With Diamonds JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Danger with Diamonds by Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Danger with Diamonds

Series: Falcon Point Suspense #1

Authors: Traci Hunter Abramson & Sian Ann Bessey

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Release Date: October 10, 2022

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romantic Suspense

Some secrets are worth keeping. Others are not.

When Lars Hendriks arranges to meet Marit Jansen in Vienna, he is hoping their friendship will blossom into romance. What he doesn’t expect is a surprise visit from his cousin Cole or the loose diamonds he brings with him.

As a CIA operative, Cole Bridger is used to uncertainty, but when his work takes him back to Vienna, he looks forward to reconnecting with Isabelle Roberts, the fellow agent he dated briefly before duty took him away from Austria. Unfortunately, his silence over the last few months has created a chasm that he can’t cross without help. He barely takes a step toward repairing the damaged relationship when a brazen jewel heist seemingly links Cole, Lars, Marit, and Isabelle to the crime. The group is drawn into a deadly mystery, and once again, the treasures of Falcon Point are threatened. It doesn’t take long for them to realize they have stumbled upon something far bigger and more dangerous than a simple robbery. And someone on the inside knows it.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

MY REVIEW

The Danger with Diamonds is a companion novel to Heirs of Falcon Point which unfortunately I haven’t read yet, even though I’ve read many books by these authors. I did feel a little lost at first without reading the other book previously because I wasn’t familiar with the characters.

This fascinating spy story was sent in Europe and I liked the imagery used through out the book. I felt like I was there aboard with them! Lots of suspense, twists, and clean romance.

I really enjoyed it and highly recommend any books by Traci Hunter Abramson!! The plot was engaging and suspenseful, and the characters were interesting and unique.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Traci Hunter Abramson Sian Bessy

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 for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas for suspense novels as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. She considers shoes an optional accessory which became evident when she won her first three Whitney Awards in 2013 (Code Word), 2014 (Deep Cover), and 2016 (Failsafe.) Safe House won Whitney Awards for both the mystery/suspense category as well as 2017 Adult Novel of the Year. She added two additional awards in 2019 (Mistaken Reality – best mystery/suspense and Sanctuary – Adult Novel of the Year.) She currently lives in Virginia with her family where she enjoys sports, travel, writing, and recently retired from coaching high school swimming.

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

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the U.S. and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in English.
She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children’s books. She is a USA Today best selling author, a Foreward Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn’t have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, “Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.” She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she’s home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

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

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, a signed copy of The Danger of Diamonds, and book-themed swag (including stickers, bookmark, and postcard).

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 17, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 24, 2022. 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 HERE

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

Posted in Book Reviews | 5 Comments

“Range” by Ronie Kendig REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Posted on October 18, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

Range JustRead Blog + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Range by Ronie Kendig, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Range

Series: The Metcalfes #3

Author: Ronie Kendig

Publisher: Task Force Press

Release Date: September 30, 2022

Genre: Clean with faith elements, Romantic Suspense

He’s back and he’s out for blood

Fed up with living in the shadow of his brothers, Range Metcalfe struck out to carve a name for himself—one written in the blood of many a terrorist. Now, he’s targeting the notorious Madam of Kandahar, who has trafficked children and women. Finally given the green light, he captures her and quickly finds himself entrenched up in a deadly encounter that forces him into the Afghan wilderness—with the madam.

Ten years trapped in human trafficking and five of those spent overseeing a compound, Kasra Jazani has little left of her soul. No longer able to live with herself, she takes matters into her own hands and coordinates an escape, a massive coup against the man who has kept her and so many others captive. They flee into the night—right into the fierce and capable hands of American operators, who ruin everything and put lives at risk. Livid, she knows death is coming for them, because she also holds a very dangerous, very powerful secret: the name of the man at the top of the trafficking ring. Now that monster wants her—and her American protector—dead.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

MY REVIEW

This was a very interesting, emotional read. I am very glad and appreciate that the author gave a “warning” about the books content at the very beginning of the book. I am also glad that even with the content, nothing was graphic.

Range is finally able to break into a foreign trafficking ring and capture the main woman in charge and rescue other women and children. Except things don’t go by the plan and aren’t as they seem. Nothing is black and white, right or wrong in this story.

Range is left to protect and guard Kasra as they flee for their lives traveling the globe trying to get answers. I liked how they fought but then worked together to take down the most powerful person of all. Range had alot of anger towards Kasra without knowing her life story and how the past 10 years in prostitution had been for her.

Lots of drama, suspense, heartache, unspeakable horror and even some family drama towards the end. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and later the Metcalfe family. I definitely plan on reading more in this series!

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share–sometimes–with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

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

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Range and an Operation Underground t-shirt.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 18, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 25, 2022. 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 HERE

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

Posted in Book Reviews | 2 Comments

“Anything But Plain” by Suzanne Woods Fisher REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Posted on October 17, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

About the Book

Book: Anything But Plain

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Amish fiction

Release date: October 4, 2022

It’s not easy being the bishop’s daughter, especially for Lydie Stoltzfus. She’s not like other Amish girls, as much as she wishes she were. The only thing she does well is disappoint others. Leaving her family and church seems unbearable, but staying might be worse.

Knowing Lydie is “between” jobs, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. To Lydie, this is a boon. It gives her time to figure out how she’s going to say goodbye to her neighbor, Nathan Yoder–the main reason she needs to leave Stoney Ridge. Nathan claims he’s in love with her, but she knows she’s not good enough for him. If in doubt, Nathan’s father reminds her frequently.

As Dok spends time with Lydie, she recognizes symptoms of an uncommon disorder among the Amish. She offers treatment for Lydie. But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I don’t read alot of Amish fiction books any more, but I always read books by this author. I like that she writes Amish fiction and that the Amish characters are relatable and have real struggles-just like Englishers. Yes Amish life is very different and can be more simple; but they also struggle with alot of things that other people do- like estranged kids or family members, divorce, addictions, crime, abuse, etc.

I enjoyed reading this book and especially loved the character Lydie! Poor girl! She loved her amish family and community and tried so hard to fit in but never felt “normal” and was constantly frustrated and ridiculed. I liked that her Aunt took the time to look deeper and help her with her frustrations and root of the problem. There were other mini stories and characters throughout the book even though it focused on Lydie, her family and friend Nathan.

I enjoyed reading this heartwarming story and hope there will be other stories involving the Amish characters in this town. I really enjoyed it!

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

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol Award winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and the Publishers Weekly, ECPA, CBA, bestselling author of more than thirty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California, where everyone knows everyone else, knows what they are doing and why. Most folks act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young. Visit Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

More from Suzanne

Easily Distracted? 8 Strategies to Help Stay Focused

Anything but Plain is a story about a young Amish woman with undiagnosed ADHD. Lydie Stoltzfus feels like a square peg in a round hole. She just doesn’t fit in and, to make matters worse, she’s the bishop’s daughter. At this point, the only path forward she can see is to leave Stoney Ridge. Leave her church, her friends, her family, her neighbor Nathan Yoder. It’s better to leave, Lydie decides, than to keep disappointing everyone she cares about. I won’t say anymore so that I don’t spoil the story for you.

ADHD is not a common diagnosis among the Amish and many might assume it’s not a real thing. Of course, they’re mistaken. ADHD is a real thing. While I don’t have ADHD, I do have many friends and family members who have been diagnosed. It’s challenging! And something we should all take seriously. Here’s why:

Evidence is mounting that a growing dependence on digital devices could be giving all of us some ADHD-like symptoms. Have you wondered if distractibility is becoming a problem for you? Or has a spouse or child or friend remarked on how often you pick up your phone to check a text message or scroll Instagram? You might remain physically present but your mind has wandered away. For me, the answer is, regrettably, yes.

There’s a recurring phrase in Anything but Plain that comes from an old-fashioned farming term: Walking the beans. Literally, it means weeding by hand. Figuratively, it means paying attention to our priorities. To pull the weeds before they take root.

One of the takeaway lessons of this book is to “walk the beans” of technology’s role in my life. So…I’ve been working on a few strategies. When I practice, I see a difference. Life is calmer. More manageable.

So…I wanted to pass these tips along to you. (If you have little children, these might not work for you. Not when your little ones are awake, anyway.) Hopefully, you’ll find them to be useful, and maybe spark some strategies of your own.

Make a plan. I start the day with an index card and write down the day’s priorities. And I check off tasks as I finish them!
Go off-line. Create an environment that helps you stay focused. Turn your cell phone to silent. If working on the computer, close your email app. Put yourself in distraction-free mode until you’re accomplished what you need to do
Finish one task before moving on to the next. Even little tasks.
Distractibility is at its peak during transitions. Build in margin. For example, arrive a few minutes early instead of rushing in a few minutes late.
When distractions are high, make tasks smaller and break down your large projects into smaller tasks to help you concentrate and give you a sense of accomplishment and progress.
When I’m facing a big task, I’ll break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Set a deadline for a task. Beat the clock! Use a timer.
Rewards! When I beat the clock, I’ll take a break from computer work and pop up to the garden, text a friend, walk the dog. Something that feels good.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, October 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 7

She Lives To Read, October 8

The Write Escape, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 9

Vicky Sluiter, October 9

lakesidelivingsite, October 10

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Lighthouse-Academy, October 11

Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 12

Inklings and notions, October 12

Southern Gal Loves to Read, October 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 14

Blogging With Carol, October 14

Elly Gilbert, October 14

deb’s Book Review, October 15

For Him and My Family, October 15

Holly’s Book Corner, October 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 16

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 16

Splashes of Joy, October 16

Empowermoms, October 17

SusanLovesBooks, October 17

Mary Hake, October 17

Bigreadersite, October 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 18

Blossoms and Blessings, October 18

Cats in the Cradle Blog, October 19

Pause for Tales, October 19

Spoken from the Heart, October 19

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, October 20

Cover Lover Book Review, October 20

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne 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 nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/21e05/anything-but-plain-celebration-tour-giveaway

Posted in Book Reviews | Comments Off

“The Dark Guest” by Sarah Hamaker REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Posted on October 12, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Dark Guest by Sarah Hamaker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Dark Guest

Series: The Cold War Legacy #1

Author: Sarah Hamaker

Publisher: Seshva Press LLC

Release Date: May 15, 2022

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

The Cold War is over, but The Wolf is still at the door.

When Violet Lundy isn’t cleaning rooms at Happy Hills Assisted Living Facility, she loves spending her free time with resident Rainer Kopecek. Hearing his stories of the dangerous life he led behind the Iron Curtain in East Berlin makes her own life seem more tolerable. But when Rainer is found dead and his room in disarray, Violet suspects foul play.

Dr. Henry Silverton lives among his books, teaching and writing about the Cold War. A letter about an East German traitor known only as “The Wolf” propels Henry out of academia and into Violet’s life. Together, they embark on a perilous quest to uncover the truth about Rainer’s death and the traitor’s identity.

Can Violet and Henry uncover the secrets of the past before one of them ends up as The Wolf’s next victim?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed reading this cold war suspense with a mix of clean light romance. I haven’t read anything by this author before and I was intrigued by the book description so decided to give it a try. I’m assuming there will be other books in this series since its labeled as book 1 in The Cold War Legacy.

The main characters Violet and Dr Henry were interesting characters to get to know, especially some of their background that helped shape who they were in the present day. I felt so bad for Violet and her childhood but she didn’t allow it to change her beliefs or change what kind of person she was. I enjoyed reading about Dr Henry’s growing interest and tenderness towards her and watching their friendship develop.

Lots of twists and turns with trying to figure out who “The Wolf” was and why they were trying to eliminate past acquaintances after many years.

I know very little about the Cold War so it was interesting to get a little information about events and characters, along with a cat and mouse game of suspense and intrigue. I really enjoyed reading this and had a hard time putting it down.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, as well as the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats.

Connect with Sarah by visiting sarahhamakerfiction.comto follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of The Dark Guest (print or ebook, winner’s choice), a 20 oz Wolf Tumbler-Stainless Steel Travel Mug With Lid And Straw, a Wolf Wristlet Keychain, an assortment of specialty teas, a The Dark Guest tote, and The Dark Guest notebook.

(1) additional winner will receive an ebook copy of The Dark Guest, a Wolf Wristlet Keychain, an

assortment of specialty teas, and The Dark Guest notebook.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 11, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 18, 2022. 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 HERE

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

Posted in Book Reviews | 6 Comments

I am now a certified Nutrition coach plus FREE macro guide!

Posted on October 3, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

I HAVE SOME EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE!!!

I am so excited to announce that I am a *NEW* FASTer Way to Fat Loss Nutrition Coach!

Nutrition coaching is something that I’ve been wanting to do for a LONG time but I’ve been searching for years for a good program that I liked and for when the time was right. FASTer Way to Fat Loss is an accredited, certified program that has been in business for YEARS. I personally have been a client for over 1.5 years so I know how the program works and I believe in the principles and science behind it. Now that I am no longer working full time, I finally have the time to invest in studying and coaching like I’ve always wanted!

I have invested ALOT of money and time (more than I’ve ever paid for any certification!) in this program to get the education and help that I need, to then HELP YOU with your nutrition along with fitness! As you know, I’ve been a certified group fitness instructor since 2015 so Nutrition is another service I can now offer you! When you become a client of mine, you would only be dealing with ME and Corporate-thats it! I will be taking clients starting OCT 31st and I will be starting off small so that I’m not overwhelmed and so YOU can have a good experience also!

Please join my client waiting list here so I can contact you in a couple weeks for a FREE CONSULTATION: https://forms.gle/1HejxGQhZ6mSdfSc8

In the FASTer Way program we count MACROS instead of calories. Are you curious about the difference? Grab your FREE macro cheat and Fall guide here:
https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/fallguide#RachelDeVaughn

Before I go, I wanted to share my favorite recipe of NO BAKE ENERGY BALLS that my son and I LOVE to make from my favorite website! These are quick to make and great for Regular Macro day. We love them!
https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/no-bake-energy-balls/

If you decide to make them, let me know what you think in the comments below.