EmpowerMoms

“The Prince and the Prodigal” by Jill Eileen Smith

Posted on March 11, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

What an amazing biblical fiction story about Jacob and his son Joseph! This story mostly follows Joseph (prince) and Judah his stepbrother (the prodigal). I was saddened by the rift caused between brothers which ultimately was caused because of jealousy between Jacobs two wives Leah and Rachel.

I absolutely love reading biblical fiction. It was interesting to read about the different beliefs that the Hebrews, Egyptian and other groups had regarding God‘s, sacrifices and beliefs. This was such a riveting story from beginning to end with engaging characters and storylines. I absolutely loved it!!! highly recommend!!

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

About the book:
Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.

While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

Bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith brings her considerable research and imaginative skills to bear in this vivid retelling of one of the most popular stories found in Scripture–a story of jealousy, betrayal, and a reconciliation that only God could bring about.

Purchase your copy here:

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, and Miriam’s Song. She is also the author of the nonfiction books When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams and She Walked Before Us. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

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“The Sugarcreek Surprise” by Wanda E. Brunstetter GIVEAWAY

Posted on March 2, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

The Sugarcreek Surprise JustRead Takeover Tour

Welcome to the Takeover Tour for The Sugarcreek Surprise by Wanda E. Brunstetter, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Sugarcreek Surprise

Series: Creektown Discoveries #2

Author: Wanda E. Brunstetter

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Release Date: March 1, 2022

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romance

Antique Store Owners Offer Romance Advice to a Smitten Carpenter

Welcome to Sugarcreek, Ohio, where the Amish schoolteacher has a determined admirer. Tragically losing her parents as a child, Lisa Miller has grown up being afraid of loving and losing. She dedicates herself to teaching at an Amish schoolhouse and helping the grandparents who raised her, all the while avoiding the advances of newcomer Paul Herchberger. Paul enjoys antiques and meets Orley Troyer while looking for unique old milk bottles at yard sales. Orley and his wife offer prayers and advice as Paul tries to reach Lisa’s closed heart. But when secrets are revealed, will Lisa use them as an excuse to close herself off again?

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wanda Brunstetter

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 11 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.

CONNECT WITH WANDA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Sugarcreek Surprise and a $15 Amazon egift card!

The Sugarcreek Surprise 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 2, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 9, 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!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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“Defending David” by Barbara M. Britton REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

Posted on February 28, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

Defending David JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Defending David by Barbara M. Britton, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Defending David

Series: Tribes of Israel

Author: Barbara M. Britton

Publisher: Pelican Book Group (Harbourlight Books)

Release Date: February 25, 2022

Genre: Christian Historical Biblical Fiction

When a quiet journey to Jerusalem turns tragic, newly orphaned Rimona must flee a kinsman set on selling her as a slave. Racing into the rocky hills outside of Hebron, Rimona is rescued by a Philistine commander journeying to Jerusalem with six-hundred warriors.

Exiled commander, Ittai the Gittite, is seeking refuge in the City of David. Protecting a frantic Hebrew woman is not in his leadership plan. Although, having a nobleman’s niece in his caravan might prove useful for finding shelter in a foreign land.

Rimona and Ittai arrive in Jerusalem on the eve of a rebellion. In the chaos of an heir’s betrayal, will they be separated forever, or can they defend King David and help the aging monarch control his rebellious son?

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara M. Britton

Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. Barb writes romantic adventures from Ancient Israel to Modern Day USA and especially enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. You can visit Barb online at www. barbarambritton.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

CONNECT WITH BARBARA: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

MY REVIEW

This author was new to me but since I love biblical fiction, I was excited to read this book. Although it is book 4 of the Tribes of Israel series; they can be read as stand alone books. I plan on going back and reading the other ones now that I finished reading Defending David.

This story follows Ittai the Gittite -a Philistine warrior and commander who met Kind David when he was a boy, and Rimona, an orphaned Hebrew woman seeking shelter with her Uncle in King David’s palace. King David’s son, Absalom takes over the kingdom and King David is forced to flea.

I thought I knew my bible pretty well, but I didn’t remember anyone named Ittai so this story was intriguing to me. At times I was a little confused with all the characters mentioned but I figured them all out after a while.

I enjoyed the authors way of writing and the imagery and biblical facts in this book. Highly recommend this book if you enjoy reading biblical fiction! This story kept my interest from beginning to end. I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Defending David Book Box with an autographed copy of Defending David, a CD of harp music, a historic-looking journal, colorful pens, a copy of “Lioness,” and a $25 Amazon gift card, swag!

Defending David 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 February 28, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 7, 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. (international winner prize: ebook copies of Defending David and Lioness) 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!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Hot chocolate 5K virtual race

Posted on February 21, 2022 by EmpowerMoms

Ever since I participated in person at my first hot chocolate 5K race in North Carolina 2 years ago, I have been participating virtual ever since. I absolutely love the swag!

This past week my son and I picked a new trail to walk on after school and completed our 5K walk, plus a little more. It was the warmest day out of the entire week even though the sun wasn’t shining… but at least the rain held off!

The race medal I got was awesome (my son got a medal that I had extra from last year) and I liked the jacket but it was pretty snug this year. I always order a size XL even though I wear a Large so the jackets fit comfortable. https://hotchocolate15k.com/