Blog Tour: Frowns and Gowns by Amanda M. Thrasher
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from Lone Star Literary in exchange for my honest review.
Frowns and Gowns by Amanda Thrasher is an adorable and whimsical tale about young fairies. The reader takes a journey with the main characters Lilly, Boris, Jack, Ivy, and Pearle. The adventurous group works together to prepare for their annual fairy ball. The girls are excited, while the boys aim to play hide and seek until the event has concluded. Decorations, a long to-do list, committees, volunteering, and so much more must be done before the big day. We journey through as the characters cooperate to accomplish all their tasks. We learn that fun and friendship should be a part of all tasks.
Overall, Frowns and Gowns is a well-written, captivating, and creative children’s book. Though it’s the fifth in the series, this book can be read as a standalone. As a former children’s librarian and school teacher, I love to see books like these on the shelves. The author takes the time to make the book engaging by using descriptive wording to ensure the reader feels transported into the story. Amanda Thrasher has a way with words and storytelling. Any young reader will be quickly engaged in this story and anticipatory of the next books in the series. Thrasher creates a beautiful fairy world that leads the reader to want to explore.
I highly recommend this story for any young reader interested in fairy tales and fantasy. This is a great beginner novel as it is easy quick read.
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Blog Tour: To Rescue a Witch by Lisa A. Traugott
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from Lone Star Literary in exchange for my honest review.
To Rescue a Witch by Lisa A. Traugott is a compelling historical fiction novel. The book is based in the Virginia Colony in the 1700s. The book takes us on the journey through the life of a barrister, William MacLeod, as he sets out on a voyage to retrieve Annaliese, the daughter of an aristocrat in London. During his travels, William encounters fights, a choppy sea, a rambunctious nine-year-old, and pushback from members on the voyage with him. In London, secrets start to unravel as the wife of the aristocrat starts digging for information and Fiona, William’s wife, awaits her husband’s return. You can’t trust everyone. Will William make it home to his wife and family, or die trying to deliver the girl?
Lisa A Traugott did a fantastic job with the writing of To Rescue a Witch. The book starts with the perspective of Annaliese at her current home with her Pa and brother. The book then transitions to William serving justice on a ship practicing illegal activities. We then see Lord Hallewell ask William to retrieve his daughter Annaliese and former mistress Eleanor and bring them to London. William agrees and starts work to begin his long journey. The chapters alternate between the perspectives of William, Annaliese, Lady Margaret, Lord Percy, and Fiona. Each chapter allows the reader to view each character’s story told from their perspective. The author does a phenomenal job with the language, character development, research, and building of the plot. To Rescue a Witch is filled with drama, action, secrets, family, relationships, and a lot of shocking twists. There was a point in this novel my jaw was dropped open in shock because of the plot turns. The emotional connection, and the reactions I felt to each character enhanced my reading experiences as the plot thickened and the story continued to develop.
Overall, this is one of the best historical fictions I have read. As a history major, I loved the details and the time the author spent researching to ensure accuracy. I also loved the variety of the text styles between different narrators, perspectives, and the journal entries. I read this book in one sitting because it was so captivating, I could not put it down.
I recommend this book for adults who are interested in a thoroughly-researched and well-developed historical fiction novel.
Blog Tour: Reap the Wind by Joel Burcat
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book from Lone Star Literary in exchange for my honest review.
“Reap the Wind” by Joel Burcat is a suspenseful and thrilling action novel with a touch of romance. The story follows Joel Goldberg, a Philadelphia native who finds himself in Houston for a legal conference organized by his boss, Diane, to enhance their business reach. While attending the seminars, Joel struggles to concentrate as his pregnant fiancé, Kiesha, flies back home alone. Unfortunately, a tropical storm hits their paths, causing delays and complications. Kiesha encounters an unexpected person from her past while waiting in a hospital room, far from home. Meanwhile, Joel embarks on a perilous journey to make it to Kiesha before she gives birth.
The book starts with a gripping prologue that introduces the storm discussed throughout the story. The first chapter starts with Joel at the conference, pondering over his relationship with Kiesha. The chapters alternate between Joel’s and Kiesha’s perspectives. The author skillfully describes the various storms and weather variations Joel encounters with his team, making the journey adventurous with unexpected twists and turns. Kiesha faces her challenges as she waits anxious and alone. The aftermath of the storm affects the areas it hits, as well as Kiesha and Joel’s relationship.
Overall, “Reap the Wind” is an engaging, well-written, and captivating novel that keeps readers on edge from beginning to end. This quick read captured my attention from the start, and I was drawn to the prologue and the epilogue. Joel Burcat does a great job writing a book that has descriptive and inviting language. The plot was well-developed with planted moments in the novel that kept me turning pages. The ending wasn’t what I expected, which I enjoyed, and I enjoyed the backstory of the relationship between Kiesha and Joel and the supporting character roles. I could tell the author took time to ensure this was a well-rounded novel and ensured the information presented about storms was accurate.
Of course, when the dust settles and the rain stops, the sun will shine again. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in an environmental thriller.
The Knotted Ring by Myra Hargrave Mcilvain
Blog Tour: Magic Machine Series – Devotionals from a Soulless Machine
With the release of OpenAI making ChatGPT available to the public in 2022, the authors wondered how a soulless machine would interpret biblical verses. Would the results from a godless computer be derogatory or supportive of their Christian beliefs? Using some of the most beloved verses as well as several of the more disturbing passages from the Bible, Preston and Harriet Lewis began a faith journey through artificial intelligence that provided surprising results.
Devotionals from a Soulless Machine: A Journey of Faith through Artificial Intelligence takes the reader along as these two laypersons explore how A.I. interprets God’s message and the basic tenets of Christianity. The co-authors prompted ChatGPT to develop a devotional of 500 words or less along with a related prayer on more than a hundred biblical verses, including some of the most-recognized verses as well as some of the most obscure or vile passages never covered in Sunday school lessons.
In the end the exercise provided the authors with some reassurances about how artificial intelligence can support religious growth as well as raising questions about the technology’s long-term implications for the religious experience. Devotionals from a Soulless Machine: A Journey of Faith through Artificial Intelligence provides an eye-opening look into the majesty of Christian convictions, even in the age of algorithms and chatbots.
Preston Lewis is the award-winning author of more than 50 novels and nonfiction books as well as numerous articles, short stories and book reviews. He began his career working at four Texas newspapers before moving into higher education communications and marketing at Texas Tech University and Angelo State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University plus master’s degrees from Ohio State University in journalism and Angelo State in history. Lewis’s honors include two Spur Awards for western novels and articles from Western Writers of America as well as nine Will Rogers Medallion Awards for western humor, novels, short stories and articles. Harriet Kocher Lewis is a retired physical therapist and academician at Angelo State University, where she co-authored or edited numerous scientific articles or professional presentations. Her other writings include several published meditations for her church. As a member of an American Physical Therapy Association work group, she helped write the advanced level clinical education curriculum for therapists nationally. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology/PT at Baylor University as well as a PT certificate from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Lewis also has a master’s degree from Texas Tech University in health, physical education and recreation with an industrial engineering minor. She is the wife of Preston Lewis, the mother of two and the grandmother of five.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Lone Star Literary.
Devotions from a Soulless Machine, A Journey of Faith through Artificial Intelligence, is a vastly unique novel that dives into Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT. In recent years, ChatGPT has been at the forefront of many conversations as people use technology to shorten their time on tasks. (I interacted with an Electrical Engineer who uses AI at home to help streamline processes for his kids. The authors take a unique approach to dive into whether AI can be used to generate devotionals. The authors do extensive research, using comparative analysis to give the reader full perspective. I commend the authors for taking on such a daunting topic. Preston Lewis and Harriet Kocher Lewis do a wonderful job creating such a thought-provoking book that encourages readers to think outside the box regarding Artificial Intelligence and its impact on religion.
It is interesting to see how ChatGPT generates responses based on the loaded knowledge of the Bible. Numerous factors go into each response and adjustments can be made to tailor the response. A scripture was typed into ChatGPT and a devotional was generated. Each chapter was catered to a different topic with subtopics throughout.
For example:
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God.”
AI-generated devotional example:
In a world often driven by striving and merit, the words of Ephesians 2:8 serves as a refreshing oasis of divine truth. This verse encapsulates the heart of the gospel message–a message of grace,
redemption, and transformation.
The above is a small excerpt from the book. In the end, the authors emphasize that religion is a personal matter between us and God. Machines cannot replace divine intervention and guidance by the Holy Spirit. As a believer, for me, AI is missing the personal connection that comes from someone led by Christ. The overall consensus is that AI can only do so much and will lack emotional intelligence when generating devotionals. AI will continue to adapt to the different variants but some topics may sound similar and wording may be reused.
Devotionals from a Soulless Machine was an overall interesting read and very engaging throughout. The authors did a great job with the open dialogue back and forth with the AI. I studied how to communicate better with search engines to generate desired results, and this reminded me a lot of that.
The devotional is a great read for anyone interested in seeing a different side of AI and its potential impact on religion.
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BONUS Stop |
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Review Jokes |
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12/15/23 |
Review Devotionals |
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12/16/23 |
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12/17/23 |
Review Devotionals |
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12/18/23 |
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12/19/23 |
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12/20/23 |
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12/21/23 |
Review Devotionals |
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12/21/23 |
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Blog Tour : Conquergood & the Center of the Intelligible Mystery of Being by CG Fewston
Photo credit: Thor |
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Lone Star Literary.
Conquergood begins with Jerome Conquergood reflecting on pieces of his past in Old York City. He remembers moments with his brother and mother, the past of a once thriving city now overrun with the Korporation. He either joins the Korporation or starves. Jerome accepted a job in the Turnkey Department of the authoritative Korporation. He must navigate his new normal even though he hates the Korporation and what it has done to the world he once knew. Jerome must put his best foot forward to unpack his own forgotten past, the secrets surrounding his brother Vincent, and the leveled secrets of the Korporation. Will he figure everything out or die trying?
Conquergood and the Center of the Intelligible Mystery of Being is a captivating novel that grabs the attention of the reader right from the beginning. The author uses a variety of descriptive words throughout the text, creating a novel with multiple levels. The book is something you start and finish in one sitting. The author does a great job with his writing style, making it readable for all. I am typically interested in historical fiction, and this book captivates me with in-depth world-building and references to present-day people and events. The text reflects that author C.G. Fewston took his time developing every aspect of this novel to make it inviting to all readers.
Jerome is a character that is developed with depth, integrity, strength, and his personality unfolds as he becomes a part of the Korporation in an attempt to locate his brother. Jerome is faced with many challenges throughout the novel, forcing him to challenge his own moral compass to achieve his goal of solving the mysteries of his lost brother Vincent. The author allows the reader to be transported into the story, interacting with the different levels of the Korporation, discovering the past and the goals of the Korporation, and deciphering between truth and lies. The ending had me yelling at the screen in shock.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in thought-provoking science fiction. This book encourages the reader to think critically and challenge themselves while reading.
Blog Tour: The Edge of Too Late by Jan Sikes
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Lone Star Literary.
Book 5 of the Harbor Pointe series starts with a warm-into before you dive-into rollercoaster of emotions. Brandon Miller is our main character, successful and in love with his partner, Angela, who is still dealing with the aftermath of her divorce and is still hesitant about her commitment to Brandon. A vacation is just what the two needed. What is supposed to be a relaxing vacation turns into a nightmare that both are fighting to wake up from. Will both Angela and Brandon get their versions of a happy ending?
The Edge of Too Late can be read as standalone. I have not read any of the other novels in the series, but I hope to read them after diving into this one. Overall the author does a fantastic job with her style of writing, generating warm feelings and emotions for the readers. This book is a perfect balance of suspense, relationships, family, love, danger, and paranormal activity.
Brandon is developed as a man set on marrying his dream girl and protecting her at any cost. Angela is a woman with a scarred past that has left her with a heart hard to trust others. Both are looking for an opportunity to relax when they arrive at the inn. They soon come to realize that the inn has many dark secrets that have them both trying to decipher if what they are seeing is real. Both characters must trust their instincts as they navigate an unfamiliar territory.
Author Jan Sikes does a great job intertwining the various levels of the story and provides good depth. This isn’t some happy-go-lucky romance novel that sails to a happy ending. The Edge of Too Late is a well-written work of art that has you on the edge of your seat not knowing what the next chapter will hold but excited to see how everything unfolds.
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Blog Tour: The Third Dawn
Thomas J. (Tom) Nichols’s law enforcement career ranged from patrol, detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, and Chief of Police. spanning the era of the growth of the Mexican drug cartels and war on drugs. He has written seven novels and three short stories with themes of the border wars, espionage, international intrigue, and the supernatural.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Lone Star Literary.
The Third Dawn is a reprint of the novel with additional dialogue and descriptive text. The Third Dawn, published originally in 2011, is Thomas Nichols’s greatest mystery and a career change. Nichols has written an additional seven novels and three short stories.
The book focuses on the addition of a new character, Nur, to the biblical story of Jesus, the Messiah. Nur is introduced in the first couple of chapters as an orphaned young boy who traveled with merchants. Nur is directed to head to the home of Anne and Joachim for shelter and work. The city members described Anne and Joachim as generous and faithful followers of God. Upon the arrival at the home of Anne and Joachim, Nur is examined and welcomed with open arms. Anne, Joachim, and Nur make the journey to visit Anne’s daughter Mary. Mary is close to the birth of her son.
Throughout the story, Nur is influenced by his new family, and his faith and belief grow exponentially. Nur meets Mary and Joseph and is welcomed into their family as a son. The story continues and we get a new perspective of a pivotal moment in biblical history. Guided by unwavering faith, we see moments of pain, suffering, love, hardships, family, relationships, healing, and loss. The book gives a new perspective on the life of Jesus and his brother Nur. Nur serves as an essential character, helping his mother in her final days as Jesus goes out to fulfill his life purpose.
I appreciate that the author has spent time traveling to holy and biblical places. Nichols’s travels add an extra genuineness to the novel and show the commitment of the retelling. The author does a wonderful job with the descriptive, diverse, and challenging text when writing this novel. The added special touches make the novel well-rounded and engaging. The beautiful moments of this historical moment are described wonderfully throughout this book. Rewriting the story of Jesus is such a daunting task in ensuring accurate description and representation. This book is great for both readers of the bible and non-readers. Readers will get a different perspective and non-readers will get an easy-to-read G-rated version of a pivotal moment for believers. I commend the author for this book and hope others will enjoy it as well.
Overall, I recommend this book to all readers.
Blog Tour: The Brotherhood of Pandora
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