RRBC "TREAT" READS BLOG HOP # 13 - VICTORIA SACCENTI

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, for stop #13 I have the pleasure of introducing

Author, Victoria Saccenti

A native of Cuba, Victoria grew up in the nucleus of the prestigious Alonso family, founders of the National Cuban Ballet. The artistic environment fostered her writing spirit and an insatiable curiosity to explore the world and meet different cultures. She writes romance and family sagas with complex emotional content, as the human condition in all its forms is her favorite theme.

Victoria is the author of Destiny’s Plan, Destiny’s Choice, and Destiny’s Way, and a contributor to The Ultimate Guide to Dorothy Dunnett’s THE GAME OF KINGS, by Laura Caine Ramsey. Central Florida is home, but if she could convince her husband, she would pack her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores.

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/VictoriaSAuthor

Book: DESTINY'S PLAN

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010361G4O/

Book Blurb: One empty bus seat. Two aching hearts. A future written by Fate…When Raquelita Muro’s overbearing mother rips her and her little sister away from their beloved Papa, one tiny, rebellious corner of Raquelita’s heart is grateful that the bus is crowded, and the only seat left is out of Mama’s sight. Next to a handsome young man.

Matthew Buchanan’s beautiful traveling companion is more than something pretty to look at before he ships out for Viet Nam. Deep in her sad, whisky-colored eyes he glimpses a new dream to replace the ones he’s leaving behind. It breaks his heart to leave Raquelita in her tyrannical mother’s hands, but she gifts him with a token of love and a tender promise to exchange letters in secret.

But their first, shy “hello” has reached the ears of Fate. Fate is in the mood to see how far it can push two lonely hearts—to the brink of temptation, desperation, and despair—before they break. Perhaps beyond any hope of healing…

TRACKING DOWN THE REASON FOR MY HAVING BECOME ENTHRALLED BY CHRISTIAN BOOKS

SORRY FOR THE LENGTHY POST

Back on September 13, 2018 I did a post which dealt with my becoming enthralled with books of Christian nature. There I gave a listing of the last 10 books I had reviewed at that, indicating which ones in BOLD they were.

In the past week since that post I’ve read/reviewed 12 books [some of which were quite short and got read in about 2 hours] and of those 7 had been of the genre I’ve become enthralled, presenting about 60% of the total books I’ve reviewed during this time period.

Below is a listing of those reviews with the number representing the total of books I’ve read prior to the ones I’ve mentioned in the above mentioned post, which I’d love for everyone to check out:

935

Magnetic Identity
David Ramos
https://www.amazon.com/review/RI7JDQMZC0CDP

934

Parables and Ponderings
Lia London
https://www.amazon.com/review/R298IZEMD6NAST

933

Fix It Jesus! For Single Moms Only

Dr. Sophia Reed
https://www.amazon.com/review/RU26ZQG7ID8BA

931

I’m Okay
Faithaline Hippolyte

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2Q6ASA9UBRJM       

927

Too True to Tell

Linda F. Williams
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2LNXA5KUP3963

[where the author left a comment]

926

Illustrated Bible Verses–Vol.10

Andrea Faith Martin
https://www.amazon.com/R1HWEHD10KR0JF

924

Just for Girlfriends!!

Angie Dent
https://www.amazon.com/R2BJNRCDU1OVGU

This sudden change in my reading/reviewing habits in somewhat puzzling as I’m not really a religious individual; which is why I’d done back through all the reviews I’ve ever posted on Amazon, via a spreadsheet listing I maintain, and I believe I found the probable starting point for the reviewing transformation occurring in my life which began on August 8^th; which represent 7 out of 33 books.

911

Rediscovering Your New Life
E. Jinor
https://www.amazon.com/RBV3BVRYB31QR

908

I Don’t Have Time – My Journey to Finding God
I M. Free
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1QJO7ZPUKONZ8

907

21 Days of Fasting – God’s Way
Israel Hernandez
https://www.amazon.com/review/R16INS6H2Y42SQ

902

Gospel Truth Devotional – Revelations of Jesus Christ
Ryan David Rangel
https://www.amazon.com/review/R33H8BA2YG93XP

895

Bible Chicks – Book 2
Lakisha Johnson
https://www.amazon.com/review/R18GN7840VZASR

892

Winslow Farm
Charlotte S. Snead
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2EF7KA2M2ETIB

882

The Power of a Pulled-Out Soul
Megan Dent Nagel
https://www.amazon.com/review/R18HTNXFU47OTD

With the holiday season fast approaching perhaps one of the above books might serve as a wonderful gift for yourself or someone else.

If possible, I’d love for those reading this to repost it on your blog/website, and my THANKS for your kind support if do.

Have a BLESSED WEEK with whatever you’re going to do !!!  😊 😊 😊.

RRBC "TREAT' READS BLOG HOP # 12 - NIA MARKOS

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, for stop #12 I have the pleasure of introducing Nia Markos.

Author, Nia Markos

Nia Markos, born in Montreal, Canada to Greek parents who loved to indulge her with tales of mythology and history, draws inspiration from their stories and combines them with her love of the paranormal. 

For over thirty years she worked in the financial sector. An avid, ferocious reader of practically anything written, be it historical, fantasy, thrillers or spy novels, her preferred reading has been in the young adult paranormal genre. Writing is a passion, one which she discovered later in life. 

Her first book release, Elements (The Crystal Series Book One), has garnered great reviews. Three books later, the complete trilogy is available. The final installment of The Crystal Series, released in late 2017, brings a conclusion to that part of the story. Her new continuing series, The Elleanor Stone Collection, builds on that world, adding new characters and taking them on to greater adventures.

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NiaMarkos

Book: ELEMENTS

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDK1PLW/

Book Blurb: For eighteen-year-old Alexa finding a place to put down roots after being forced into a nomadic life by her paranoid mother was not as simple as she had believed. Her attempt to settle down in the coastal town of Beverly comes to an abrupt halt. Within months an explosion levels her apartment building, and all her preconceived ideas of her world come to an end.

Now on the run, Alexa can only follow Bet, her roommate, into the unknown, where the worlds of the Sidhe race of faeries, warlocks, daemons, and shadows, threaten her very existence. Pulled into a prophecy that she together with Aidan, the Sidhe Prince, would right their worlds, Alexa finds herself fighting against the prophecy’s telling of her being bound to Aidan. What makes it worse is her increasing attachment to his brother Liam.

With her destiny set centuries ago, can she save their worlds in time, does she have a choice in whom to love, or will choosing her own path lead to their destruction?

RRBC "TREAT" READS BLOG HOP # 11 - AMY REECE

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, for stop #11. I have the pleasure of introducing Amy Reece.

Author, Amy Reece

Amy Reece lives in Albuquerque, NM, with her husband and family. She loves to read and travel and has an unhealthy addiction to dogs. 

She believes red wine, coffee, and chocolate are the elixirs of life and lead to great inspiration or possible great delusion. She is the author of The Seeker Series and The Way to Her Heart.

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AReeceAuthor

Book: THE WAY TO HER HEART
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D5FJ41M

Book Blurb: No amount of counseling can bring Josh Harris back to his old self. After a tragedy that changed his life forever, eighteen-year-old Josh has lived in a year-long fog of medication and confusion. It’s all he can do to not think about his dad—a culinary genius who raised him in the kitchen. Thankfully, Josh inherited his golden palate and sixth sense for cooking, which is the only thing that makes sense anymore.

For a seventeen-year-old girl, life can’t get much worse… Bernie Abeyta is a senior in high school and lives with her drug-addicted mother, but has managed to keep her grades up so she can get into college. With her father in prison and her mom’s sleazy boyfriend getting too close for comfort, Bernie turns to her best friend Gabby Rodriguez for help, but discovers Gabby has gone missing. Distressed over her friend’s sudden disappearance, Bernie resorts to living out of her car while she looks for answers and tries to avoid foster care.

Part love, part mystery, part cookbook—and all heart.

RRBC "TREAT" READS BLOG HOP # 10 - WENDY SCOTT

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, and today [Day 10] I had got the pleasure of introducing Wendy Scott.

Author, Wendy Scott

Wendy Scott has a New Zealand Certificate in Science (Chemistry), which allows her to dabble with fuming potions and strange substances, satisfying her inner witch. Wendy writes fantasy, children's and romance novels. One of the creeds she lives by is to always - Live a life less ordinary!  

Gold Medal Winner The Wishing Shelf Book Awards UK 2015.

Silver Medal Winner Readers' Favorite Book Awards 2016.

Blue Treat Award Rave Reviews Book Club 2017.

Gold Quality Marks BooksGoSocial 2017.

Finalist UK Wishing Shelf Awards 2016 & 2017.

Finalist International Book Excellence Awards 2018.

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WendyJayneScott

Book: HIEROGLYPH

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016IZYDE4/

Book Blurb: 13 year old TC has a secret. No one knows she possesses a supernatural power.

Can TC help her Uncle Max, an archaeologist; to unearth enough evidence to prove Ancient Egyptians visited Australia, before he’s discredited in the media by those that want the past to stay buried?

“Some would say that I have a gift, but to me it’s always been a curse. Before I changed my mind, I tugged off my gloves and whipped my head left and right, checking to see that no one was watching. I sucked in breath and steadied my nerves then thrust my hands against the stones and touched one of the cartouches. Time and place ripped away.”

An enthralling archaeological mystery, mixing the supernatural with humour and suspense.

RRBC "TREAT" READS BLOG HOP # 9 - BETTE STEVENS

“TREAT” READS BLOG HOP #9

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, and yesterday [Day 9] I had got the pleasure of introducing Bette Stevens.

Author, Bette Stevens

Inspired by nature and human nature, author Bette A. Stevens is a retired elementary and middle school teacher, a wife, mother of two and grandmother of five. Stevens lives in Central Maine with her husband on their 37-acre farmstead where she enjoys writing, gardening, walking and reveling in the beauty of nature. She advocates for children and families, for childhood literacy and for the conservation of monarch butterflies (milkweed is the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat).

Bette A. Stevens is the author of award-winning picture book AMAZING MATILDA; home/school resource, The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too!; and PURE TRASH, the short story prequel to her debut novel, DOG BONE SOUP. 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BetteAStevens

Book: DOG BONE SOUP

Amazon Link; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S5RMUDK

Book Blurb: 

Whether or not You Grew Up in the 1950s and 60s, you'll find DOG BONE SOUP (Historical Fiction) to be soup for the soul.

In this coming-of-age novel, Shawn Daniels’s father is the town drunk. Shawn and his brother Willie are in charge of handling everything that needs to be done around the ramshackle place they call home—lugging in water for cooking and cleaning, splitting and stacking firewood…But when chores are done, these resourceful kids strike out on boundless adventures that don’t cost a dime. DOG BONE SOUP is the poignant tale of a dysfunctional family struggling to survive in America in the 50s and 60s, when others were living The American Dream.

RRBC "TREAT" READS BLOG HOP # 8 - BERNARD FOONG [aka Young]

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, and today [Day 8] I’ve got the pleasure of introducing Karen Ingalls.

Author, Bernard Foong

By Christine Maynard (screenwriter and novelist).
[from Amazon Profile

"Young alias Bernard Foong is, first and foremost, a sensitivist. He finds nuance in everything. To experience the world, he inhabits is an adventure which is mystical, childlike and refreshing. He has a rare ability to create beauty in a unique fashion. His palettes have been material, paint, words and human experiences.

While attending an elite private school in England, some 40 years ago, he was swore into a clandestine sexual society that soon spirited him away to the Middle East to serve in several wealthy and aristocratic harems. He never thought he would be telling his story, but he believes now is the correct time to share his unique experiences.

Although his story is a titillating and an evocative account of the author's adolescent life. It is also a love story between he and his chaperone, Andy, a few years his senior. He was allocated by the School to be the boy's mentor. Both were born into wealthy and privileged families.

He had taken the liberty to change the names of the secret society, people, and places to protect their identities, but had given a truthful and positive chronicle of his harem experiences."

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bernardfoong

Book: TURPITUDE

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LQYPU30/

Book Blurb: Turpitude is the fourth book to A Harem Boy’s Saga, a provocative story about a young man who was initiated into a clandestine sexual society through his UK boarding school. From there, he was spirited to the Middle East to attend the Bahriji (Oasis) School in The United Arab Emirates in preparation for Harem services for the wealthy elite. It is also a love story between the young man, his ‘Big Brother,’ and his ‘Valet,’ who served as his chaperones and mentors.

This book follows the teenagers’ erotic and exotic adventures and experiences at their fourth Arabian Household, the Assalamu Alaikum (Peace Be with You) Harem. There, they became confidants to a sheik, assistants to his numerous international ventures, especially that of a film production: “Kāmasūtra - Lover’s Tale.” The teenagers continue to apprentice and model in a controversial photography project, “Sacred Sex in Sacred Places.”

This story is an account of the author’s experiences. Through these truths, often demonized by contemporary societies that deem such behaviors inappropriate, the author hopes to dispel condemnation and negativity related to sexuality, love, and personal freedom. 

RRBC "TREAT" READS BLOG HOP # 7 - KAREN INGALLS

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, and today [Day 7] I’ve got the pleasure of introducing Karen Ingalls.

Author, Karen Ingalls

Karen Ingalls is the author of two novels and an award winning non-fiction book. She enjoys writing from her home office overlooking a lake in Florida.

Ms. Ingalls's non-fiction book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir, won first place at the 2012 Indie Excellence Book Awards in the the category of women's health. It was a top three finalist for the Independent Publisher Book Award of 2012 in the two categories of health and self-help.

The purpose of the book is to provide information about this too often deadly disease, and offer hope and inspiration to women and their families. All proceeds go to ovarian cancer research.

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/KIngallsAuthor

Book: OUTSHINE: AN OVARIAN CANCER MEMOIR

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KI1HGZI

Book Blurb: When Karen Ingalls was diagnosed with Stage IIC ovarian cancer, she realized ho little she knew about what is called "the silent killer." As Ingalls began to educate herself she felt overwhelmed by the prevalent negativity of cancer. Lost in the information about drugs, side effects, and statistics, she redirected her energy to focus on the equally overwhelming blessings of life, learning to rejoice in each day and find peace in spirituality.

In this memoir, Karen is a calming presence and positive companion, offering a refreshing perspective of hope with the knowledge that "the beauty of the soul, the real me and the real you, outshines the effects of cancer, chemotherapy, and radian. It is a story of survival and reminds readers that disease is not an absolute, but a challenge to recover.

RRBC "TREAT" READS BLOG HOP # 6 - RHANI D'CHAE

“TREAT” READS BLOG HOP #5

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, and today [Day 6] I’ve got the pleasure of introducing author Rhani D'Chae.

AUTHOR, RHANI D'CHAE

TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/rhanidchae

Book: ONE DYKE COZY

AMAZON LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0713TQFCF

Book Blurb: People come into our lives for a day, a season, or a reason...

"Shy taught me to fight like a champion, love like a poet, & live like it was my last day on earth."

One Dyke Cozy touches on the lives of two girls, Gabby and Shy, from their first meeting as children to Shy's untimely death.

This novel contains profanity and adult situations.

BECOMING ENTHRALLED WITH BOOKS OF A CHRISTIAN NATURE

Those of you who know me, know that besides being a Romance author I’m also a rather voracious Book Reviewer who enjoys reading a very broad spectrum of genres, from early reader picture books for children all the way to hot, steamy, erotic stories for adults. But lately, as can be seen from the listing of my last 10 books that I’ve reviewed that 5 of them have something to do with The Good Book aka The Bible with some way or another.

The bold entries in the below listing are 5 The Bible related books I’ve reviewed. Right now, about 50%, if not more, of the books on my TBReviewed pile are for books of a Christian nature.

914

The Life Your Spirit Craves
https://www.amazon.com/review/RGCAMKK1O2YNM

915

Save Your Life with the Power of pH Balance:…

916

Sex in the Name of God
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2S3CBAKU8W2EB
[a plausible satirical interpretation]

917

Crossroads (Revving It Up Book 3)

918
A Christian Woman's Guide to Finding Prince Charming and Keeping the Toads away!

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1KXHGKJQ5134L

919

Erotic Short Story Anthology: Adult Bedtime Stories 

920

Is It Just Me or Is Dating Again Completely F*cked?

921

Injustice for Gold in Africa

922

MisBelieving: Unmasking 'Fake Truths' in the Church
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1ZPJ59259BVO9

923

God's Light of Grace: A Dear Gentle Reader Series
https://www.amazon.com/review/RZF6OZI6ZK7ZZ

RRBC "TREAT" READS BLOG HOP #5 - ROBERT FEAR

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, and today [Day 5] I’ve got the pleasure of introducing Robert Fear

About Robert Fear

Born in Leicester in 1955, Robert's family moved to Surrey when he was 11. He was educated at Reigate Grammar School. After this he worked in a bank in the city for several years before getting the travel bug. Fred, a nickname he got at school, stuck throughout his travels and has remained with him to this day. His travels took him to Ibitha for the summer of 1977, hitch-hiking around Europe in 1978 and the USA and Canada in 1979. During this time he also settled and worked in Germany. Fred's Diary 1981 was written during the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. 

These days Robert is happily settled in Eastbourne, East Sussex where he lives with his wife and three cats. He works as a software consultant and has been able to combine work with some travel during the past fifteen years, having visited countries as far apart as Australia, Singapore, Ghana and Suriname.

TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/fredsdiary1981

Book: EXCLUSIVE PEDIGREE

AMAZON LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HDWF1CY

Book Blurb: John Fear was born into a religious sect known as the Exclusive Brethren. This sheltered him from the outside world as he grew up, but could not hide him from its influences. A struggle began in his mind that led him to leave the Brethren, along with his young family. Rather than reacting as many do and totally abandoning any belief system, John remained true to his convictions and continued a strongly religious way of life. Still serving God he worked in many places throughout the world, rubbing shoulders with famous people such as Billy Graham, Mother Teresa and Cliff Richard.

The writing style of this book is dynamic and engaging. John’s personality shines through and he paints an insightful account of his personal life and surrounding historical events. This account is not a sensationalised expose of the Exclusive Brethren. Instead, it follows one man’s life journey and is brought to life through his diary entries and family letters. This beautifully edited book is more than a memoir. It is a delightful mix of history, social customs, travel and belief. An honest, personal and emotive account of how religion can touch and shape a person's life - forever.

RRBC "TREAT" READS BLOG HOP #4 - PEGGY HATTENDORF

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, and today [Day 4] I’ve got the pleasure of introducing Peggy Hattendorf

About Peggy Hattendorf 

Peggy Hattendorf spent most of her life in Southern California where she met her husband in college and raised their family. With a Master's Degree in Human Services, she served as a senior executive in a number of name recognized non-profit organizations where she composed and created technical and operational handbooks for staff and volunteers before applying the same skill set to the travel and leisure industry.

The venture in the travel industry spanned more than twenty years and encompassed owning a number of travel management companies. This led to the co-founding of a marketing consortium for small full service and cruise travel agencies as well as independent contractors - with annual sales over $180 million. She negotiated the travel product contracts with the major suppliers for the nationwide network of more than 5000 sellers of travel. In addition, she wrote daily travel advisories and supplier updates. Her bi-weekly e-news column called Peggy's own perspectives (POP) encompassed general travel information, personal travel choices and news on the industry.

She has lived in New York, Austin, San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles.

"Son of My Father - A Family Dynasty" is her first novel. Currently she is working on the sequel.

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/PeggyHattendorf

Book: SON OF MY FATHER

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DIKH570/

Book Blurb: It was always "Father" never "Dad." The love and respect was manifest so was the distance - the distance not as evident. Christiana Lynn Barrington's life was a carefully constructed world built, presented and controlled by her billionaire father, Jonathan Robert Barrington. She never knew anything else.

Frequently, she wondered if her father had wished to have had a son instead of a daughter but never posed the question. Maybe she was afraid of the answer.

As the only child of Jonathan and Elizabeth Matthews Barrington, she was the heir apparent to the behemoth Barrington Holdings International. But a threat to her hard-earned succession waits in the shadows ready to take everything she's worked for away from her.

RRBC "TREAT" READS BLOG HOP #3 - GWENDOLYN M. PLANO

I’m a stop on this year’s RRBC “TREAT” Reads Blog Hop, and today [Day 3] I’ve got the pleasure of introducing Gwendolyn M. Plano.

About Gwendolyn M. Plano

Gwendolyn M. Plano, aka Gwen M. Plano, grew up in Southern California and spent most of her professional life in higher education. She taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. Gwen's academic background is in theology and counseling. Recently retired, she now lives in the Midwest with her husband and enjoys writing and travel. 

Gwen's first book is an acclaimed memoir. In Letting Go into Perfect Love: Discovering the Extraordinary After Abuse, Gwen bravely recounts a violent marriage and the faith that opened her heart to hope, to trust, and to awe. Alternately heart-wrenching and joyful, Letting Go into Perfect Love is a powerful story of triumph over adversity--one woman's inspiring account of learning how to forgive the unforgivable, recover her sense of self, open her heart, and honor the journey home.

Gwen's second book, written under the name Gwen M. Plano, The Contract between Heaven and Earth, is a thriller fiction novel co-authored by John W. Howell. It will be available June 1, 2018. A pre-publication reviewer, author Jan Sikes, wrote that "The Contract is the perfect blending between the physical and unseen world with unbreakable bonds between human and spirit."

TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/gmplano

Book: LETTING GO INTO PERFECT LOVE

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7WYTW6/

Book Blurb: Inspiring and unforgettable, Letting Go into Perfect Love is a riveting account of a journey through the terror of domestic violence to a faith that transforms all. As a college administrator, Gwendolyn M. Plano lived her professional life in a highly visible and accountable space--but as a wife and mother, behind closed doors, she and her family experienced unpredictable threat. The statistics are staggering--every 9 seconds in the United States, a woman is assaulted or beaten--but to Gwen, this was her secret; it was her shame. When her husband eventually turned his brutality on her son, she knew she could no longer remain silent.

Alternately heart-wrenching and joyful, this is a story of triumph over adversity--one woman's uplifting account of learning how to forgive the unforgiveable, recover her sense of self, bring healing into her family, and honor the journey home. Accompanied by glimpses of celestial beings, Gwen charts a path through sorrow to joy--and ultimately, writes of the one perfect love we all seek

REVIEW:

Back on July 13, 2015 I had the pleasure of reviewing this book by Ms. Plano and here is the link to my review. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1LP7X476Y6F48