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A Change of Scenery: The Canon City Chronicles
![A Change of Scenery: The Canon City Chronicles - Book 4 Sweet Historical Western Romance (The Cañon City Chronicles) by [Davalynn Spencer]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51lU+bGxoCL.jpg)
Change of Scenery by Davalynn Spencer follows the life of Ella as she tries to reclaim her life by moving to Colorado. And while she has made peace with the fact that her love for riding and romance had been permanently taken away from her by a tragic accident, a chance meeting with Cale changes everything.
Throughout the story, we get insight into both Cale and Ella’s lives and the tragic events that have shaped who they are. Although the story is based in the 1900s, many of their problems are quite relatable, especially their grief.
The main themes of this emotionally-charged novel are; love, family, healing and second chances. And the author does a splendid job at bringing them to life. Davalynn Spencer brings us into Ella’s pain, making it relatable and easy to empathize with. We are also given details into the life of Cale’s grief-stricken brother, Hugh as he struggles to move on in the wake of his wife’s death.
Another important character is Hellen, a mother figure to both Cale and Hugh who takes up the care of the latter’s young children, eventually filling a big hole in their family. Ultimately, this story is as tender as it is personal. The plot is solid though somewhat predictable and the characters are well developed. The author has really excelled in bringing the 1900s to life, successfully building a narrative that combines both the age of horses and that of the automobile.
The one thing that I did not expect was how Cale behaves towards Ella – he pushes her to be better and not settle for less. Otherwise, most of the narrative tallies with what I expect from a western romance novel. The writing style used matches the typical style of historical fiction, perfect for fans of the genre looking to be immersed. When it comes to catering to historical romance audience, the author has truly excelled.
If you love elegant and heartfelt historical romances, filled with intriguing characters, and set in the western frontier, then Change of Scenery by Davalynn Spencer is the book for you. This was a western that was hard for me to put down, and stayed with me long after the last page.
Pages: 254 | ASIN: B08RWJBTWG
Praying Wife Healed Husband – Book Trailer
Praying Wife, Healed Husband is a riveting account of Marcy Myles-Clark’s spiritual fight on behalf of her husband, Theirrien “Tee” Clark, as the clock was ticking on his life. His was one of the worst COVID-19 cases known to one of America’s top hospitals in the early stages of the 2020 Pandemic. Hear how Marcy’s remarkable and relentless faith stirred up a bounty of prayer warriors to breathe hope into a hopeless situation. As the entire world has been challenged by varying degrees of virus upheaval and panic, resulting in ever-increasing death toll statistics, this book reminds us that there is a human element to this crisis that supersedes numbers. It reminds us to take inventory of our spiritual life while we still can. It reminds us that with every trial in life, we have the opportunity to respond with faith or with fear. When Marcy chose faith, miracles happened. Before March of 2020, Tee & Marcy were your typical, fun loving, empty-nester couple, living their lives to the fullest. Then, in the blink of an eye, life as they knew it drastically changed. During March 2020, COVID-19 struck their household forcing them to endure the ultimate test of faith to not only sustain their marriage and finances but life itself! Tee spent 46 days isolated, for the most part, from his beloved wife and family as Johns Hopkins Hospital’s worst COVID-19 case at that point in time. With 28 of those 46 days in a medically induced coma, it wasn’t looking good for Tee from a physical and medical standpoint. This book will have you devouring every page consisting of Marcy’s journal entries, progress notes from Tee’s medical team, and inspiring text messages to and from her friends, family, and spiritual leaders. You’ll be intrigued by Tee’s personal account of matters as he fought to defy death several times while intubated. Fortunately for Tee & Marcy, they had excellent health insurance and other affairs in place to overcome this major curveball life threw their way. As a bonus, enjoy their self-help section full of expert advice and resources to assist you in getting your own house in order regarding your health, wealth, and relationship wellbeing. Now, more than ever, you must protect yourself in these times of crisis.
Indelibly Inscribed: Collected Musings on Christian Spirituality
Indelibly Inscribed: Collected Musings on Christian Spirituality explains and expounds on both simple and deep subjects in religion. Reading this book gets one to understand not just where the author comes from, but also why many believers choose religion and salvation. Readers learn about the love of God and how faithful he has been to his servants. Anthony Maranise explores various religious topics and even goes the extra mile to discuss what many call earthly matters. I like Anthony Maranise as an author because he does not force one to subscribe to his beliefs. All he does is write about God, the Holy Spirit and religion as he understands them, and leaves the reader to make a decision on what to believe. Not many authors in this genre can write like Anthony Maranise. The author starts from the basics and progresses to weighty subjects that require both attention and assessment.
One of the best things about this book was the historical tales that the author squeezed in between chapters. The addition of the stories breaks up the monotony of explanation about God and spirituality. Anthony Maranise takes the reader back in the day, narrating accounts of religious icons and historical figures that young readers may not have known of. I also enjoyed reading about the author’s personal stories. Anthony Maranise’s life has been nothing short of a miracle. Not many people get to experience the grace of God the way the author did. By telling his story, the author gave many Christians hope of emerging triumphant in whatever battles they are fighting.
Indelibly Inscribed gives hope gets one to have a different perspective about religion and about spirituality, and life in general. Anthony Maranise also gets the reader to reflect on their loves. The text causes you to reflect on your actions, responsibilities and how you lead your life. When talking about an event, activity, idea or the word of god, Anthony Maranise looks for the most relatable things that the reader can find practical.
There are several topics in the book that spoke to me on a personal level. Some of them include the chapters on Supernatural CPR, sacramentality and sport, and tattoos and the transmission of faith. In all my favorite topics, the author uses familiar wording and uses relevant examples in his descriptions. By the end of the reading, the reader gets to be more enlightened on spirituality, the bible, denominations like Catholicism, living righteously and being a wholesome and kind human being.
Pages: 138 | ISBN: 0578843757
Her to Journey Through Healing
Devyn’s Dilemma follows a young woman trying to escape her past and finds much more than a job at The Towers castle on Dark Island. How did the idea for this novel start and change as you wrote?
I took three trips to Singer Castle (The Towers) with the docent of the island. What a joy it was to envision Devyn walking and working there! Her story developed deeper with each trip to the island, and so did her backstory as her brother got meaner and meaner.
Devyn is a charming character that I loved following. What were some sources that informed her character development?
I love interweaving the real characters (the Bournes) and imaginary characters like Devyn and Brice, though sometimes it’s challenging. As Devyn’s relationship grows with the other characters, she developed quite naturally. But, I must admit, there were times when she decided to do something unusual and I had to question her motives. Smiles.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Hope is a theme woven throughout all of my books because it’s so needed in this day and age. But with Devyn, I wanted her to journey through healing from family abuse and a low self-esteem—and she did.
This is book two in your Thousand Islands Gilded Age Series. What can readers expect in book three?
I’m writing chapter twenty at present, and it’s contracted to release Spring 2022. I must admit, I’m having a blast with this one.
It’s called Peyton’s Promise, and here’s the idea: It’s the summer of 1902. Peyton Quinn is tasked to prepare the grand Calumet Castle ballroom for a spectacular 200-guest summer gala. But when her pyrotechnics father becomes ill, she takes over the plans for the fireworks display despite being socially ostracized.
Patrick Quinn, Calumet’s carpenter and Peyton’s childhood chum, hopes to win her heart, but her unconventional undertakings cause a rift. Peyton must ignore prejudices and persevere, or she could lose her cool, lose Patrick’s love and respect, and forever become the talk of local gossip if she fails.
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books.
Her first two books of The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, Devyn’s Dilemma, and Katelyn’s Choice are available now, and book three, Peyton’s Promise, comes out Spring 2022. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise, and her newest, Reagan’s Reward, are also available. Susan’s books have won numerous awards, including two Illumination Book Awards, the American Fiction Award, the Indie Excellence Book Award, and two Literary Titan Book Award. Reagan’s Reward is also a finalist in the Selah Awards. Visit http://www.SusanGMathis.com for more.
Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | GoodReads | Amazon
1910, Thousand Islands, New York. Others may consider The Towers castle on Dark Island an enchanting summer retreat, but to Devyn McKenna, it’s a prison. Yet as she works as a maid for Frederick Bourne, former president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, her life blossoms under the kindness of his family and fascinating entrepreneurs such as J.P. Morgan, Thomas Lipton, and Captain Vanderbilt. But more than anything, the growing friendship of Mr. Bourne’s valet, Brice McBride, begins to pry away the painful layers that conceal Devyn’s heart.
Brice is drawn to the mysterious Devyn even though he’s certain she’s hiding a secret, one far more dangerous than the clues they find in The Towers that hint of a treasure on the island. When Devyn is accused of stealing Bourne’s investment in Vanderbilt’s New York City subway expansion, he might not be able to protect her.
Trials and Tribulations Being Born Again
Trials and Tribulations of Being Born Again, documents the journey of being a born again Christian and finding a true relationship with God. I found this to be a very truthful and relatable account of one’s relationship with God but also with the church. I think something this story does successfully is warn others about pastors that might not actually have other’s best interest at heart. The author details how at a low point in his marriage with his wife, they went to their pastor but found the pastor to be unhelpful and rather contradicting the word of God. These few chapters in which he discusses how his pastor was trying to tear him down and how it made the situation with his wife worse, really broke my heart. In my experience, and personal belief, pastors are meant to guide the congregation closer to God and provide help and wisdom. That being said, they themselves are not above any other human because of their status within the church. Reading Brown’s experience with his pastor really brought to light how not every person in that position means well, but rather they see it as a position where one can take advantage.
I really appreciated the honesty that Dionne Brown provided with this heartfelt memoir as I think others would shy from the truth. Our faith isn’t always linear but we must always trust the direction He is taking us in, and I think Brown perfectly exemplifies that in his memoir. I really enjoyed reading Dionne Brown’s own experience with becoming a born-again Christian but also his insights on how he views a relationship between a person and the Lord. I definitely think that Brown provided some useful tips on what to be aware of when talking to those in the congregation.
I would recommend Trials and Tribulations of Being Born Again to anyone who enjoys reading about a motivational journey into becoming a born-again Christian but especially to readers who are looking for an inspirational story that follows an uplifting spiritual journey.
Pages: 68 | ISBN: 1977227937
Seven Principles for Super-Effective Leadership
![Seven Principles for Super-Effective Leadership : Creative Strategies and Tactics to become the best Christian Boss (The Diamond Soul Character Book 2) by [George Vasilca]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41zqDSkkDWL.jpg)
Few things get my attention like the subject of leadership. Being a professional soldier for over twenty years so much of my career was based on acquiring a leadership foundation and developing it throughout the years. The Army prides itself on creating leaders of quality, whether they end their service in retirement or go on to attain the highest office in the land. So when I had the opportunity to read Seven Principles for Super-Effective Leadership I got a little tingly.
The author presents his case with clarity and a well developed thought process, making it easy for those who have had no prior training in the matter. Then he goes an extra step and ties in basic Christian principles for good measure, thus ensuring a leader of moral and spiritual quality if you choose to follow this discipline.
The religious aspect was new for me, but it read well. He flows from one subject to the next, laying out a plan of action while introducing the most important tenets of leadership on a basic level. It might be easy to dismiss the book entirely, as a hefty portion of the population does not consider itself religious, but the strength of his conviction shines through the book with the strength to at least open minds.
Seven Principles for Super-Effective Leadership is also part of George Vasilca’s Diamond Character series that is intended to produce well balanced people of character. This was a great book and a great starting point for anyone willing to become more than what they are.
I recommend Seven Principles for Super-Effective Leadership to novice AND experienced leaders. As everyone who has ever been successful in being in charge of others knows, you can never stop learning, adapting, and adjusting your delivery.
Pages: 302 | ASIN: B08MDMD3NB
Your Costly Blood Covenant
Joel Cupps will get every reader to critically and deeply think about the blood covenant between believers and their creator. In his book, Joel Cupps gives readers a chance to reflect on the covenants they have made, whether with God or other men. The author provides examples of covenants that have been made in history, highlighting their significance and how impactful they were to the people who made them. Blood covenants are grave affairs. They carry weight and are crucial to the people involved, in that if one person that was part of a blood covenant breaks any agreement made, they get to be excluded from any further activity. Reading about holy covenants made me realize just how great it is to associate with people that have the same mindset as you.
Your Costly Blood Covenant is an amazing read as it teaches you more about the bible and early believers. I enjoyed reading about the Old Testament and the references Joel Cupps made. The author does not just define what blood covenant is, he goes further and explains different covenants to the understanding of the reader. Anyone who wants to have a clear understanding of the covenant between God and Israel in the Old Testament should read this book. Reading about the comparisons between the blood covenants of the Old Testament versus that of the New Testament was eye-opening. The author writes in detail, demonstrates the advantages and downside of each side.
After reading Joel Cupps’s thoughts, the reader gets a chance to decide for themselves which blood covenant is better than the other. I like how engaging the author is. His writing style is straightforward and the words used easily are comprehensible. Covenants are not the only subject covered in the book. Joel Cupps also writes about other religious themes like how to be a good Christian, the love of God, living righteously, how to deal with worldly challenges and why Christians should not give up. Reading this book gives one a sense of fulfillment. The author’s words offer one hope and make the reader feel good about being a believer. Joel Cupps’s words have the power to change your perspective on many things and not just how you view God and religion.
Your Costly Blood Covenant is a thought-provoking and enlightening read that Christians and non-Christians will appreciate for it’s depth of knowledge and clarity of ideas. This is an inspirational book that I found to be educational as well as uplifting.
Pages: 294 | ISBN: 1647733243
To Build a Strong Family
Family Leadership in Times of Crisis provides readers with the skills and tools they will need to build a strong family foundation. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration to begin the process of writing this book was unique. I did not plan to write and publish a book in 2020 until something special happened. Christian Family in Action, a group that is dedicated to equipping families with skills to build and maintain loving relationships, refused to bow down before the fear of COVID-19. Under the leadership of Venet Smith, the president of the group, CFA bravely decided to organize a much-needed family retreat with seventy-seven loving people at a beautiful resort in Orlando, Florida, from June 26–30. They graciously chose me to be their guest speaker. We spent time together bonding and reflecting on family leadership in times of crisis. God moved greatly and touched our hearts to become better husbands/fathers and wives/mothers using the new skills learned to foster a loving environment for our children to become responsible adults.
It was during this special moment that Venet Smith felt prompted by God to encourage me to write this book. His encouragement was like a drop of blood into the veins of my body. My mind began to conceptualize the contents of the book immediately. I took his remarks to heart and asked God to help me get the job done. Fast forward three weeks later, and the book was written. This book was meant to be.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about building a strong family?
In my practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a pastor, a common misconception that I notice some people have about building a strong family is the disbelief that building a strong family is not possible because of current sociocultural norms about marriage and family. They look at how society defines family, its structure, and functioning and they feel disempowered. They think that the negative influences of culture and social media make it hard to build a strong family. As a result, they become discouraged to even try to build a strong family. However, once they turn to the biblical pattern of marriage and family as revealed in Genesis 1-2 by God at creation, this instills hope in them believing that they can build a strong family with God on their side. Consequently, they begin to have a strong desire to learn and apply biblical principles and counseling skills to build and maintain a resilient, spiritual, and loving family.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Some of the themes that were important for me to explore and develop in my book were establishing the right family structure, family identity, family leadership hierarchy, family crisis interventions skills, and Jesus Christ.
What is the first step someone can take to start developing their family leadership skills?
The first step someone can take to start developing their family leadership skills is to know and acknowledge their spiritual identity. This is fundamental because someone’s spiritual identity shapes their beliefs and values. Then, their belief system and value determine how they think, feel, and behave. For example, God wants me to form my beliefs and values based on who Jesus Christ is and his teachings. Jesus is the perfect example to model one’s family leadership skills. Jesus commended his followers to follow him (Matthew 16:24). Jesus’ style of leadership has at least five components: believing in people, providing positive and corrective feedback to people, motivating people, modeling for people to know the” How to” of leadership, and empowering people to lead.
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LITERARY TITAN 