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Path of Lucas Book Review

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Path of Lucas follows Lucas Clarkson who is a simple man, a family man, and a hard working farmer’s son.

Path of Lucas Book Review

About the Path of Lucas

Path of Lucas follows Lucas Clarkson who is a simple man, a family man, and a hard-working farmer’s son. From a small town in Eastern Ontario, the author, Susanne Bellefeuille, brings us on Lucas’s journey through the trials and tribulations of his life.

Lucas’s path is not as simple as the man he’s portrayed to be. From the days spent working on his dad’s farm to becoming a successful mechanic, with a genuine heart and his incredible strength, Lucas faces many difficult decisions. The choices he makes may be the difference between realizing his dreams and keeping his family together.

Based on true events, this is Susanne Bellefeuille’s first novel.

My Thoughts

The Path of Lucas is the story of Lucas as he grows from his teenage years through his adult years and becoming a parent and then a grandparent. We are introduced to his story when tragedy hits very close to home. He opens up to his daughter about how he met her Mother and their relationship in their teen years that led to their marriage. We learn about the sacrifices he made not only for his wife and children but also for his Mother and Father. The story is told by Lucas and told both in the past and the present.

The Path of Lucas is a story that so many parents and children can relate to. We feel obligated to help our family and to honour them when they ask for our help, even if this means sacrificing our own wishes. This could be not going away to school or giving up a job opportunity to be closer to an aging parent. In this story, Lucas gave up the job that he loved and was succeeding in (not to mention a great pay) to return to his roots and work the farm that he disliked so much. He did this for his Father – a sacrifice he made for a parent that loved, guided and taught him everything he knew.

The story is heart warming and one that many of us can appreciate. I found myself laughing, crying and full of respect for the journey that Lucas went on. He had a heart of gold and always thought of others first. His first love was for his family and honouring them. It is a lovely story of care-taking, family, love, hope and faith that I fell in love with from the start. The ending was perfect and just what this lovely novel deserved.

You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon, Amazon Canada, Barnes & Noble and Chapters.

Rating: 4.5/5

About the Author

Susanne Bellefeuille is a sister, mother, grandmother, and an inspirational mentor to many people. Graduating from the social service worker program at St. Lawrence College in Cornwall, Ontario, Susanne spends countless hours offering her professional aid, guidance, and most importantly, her friendship to people with intellectual disabilities.

Susanne’s life changed remarkably after the realization that her desires would require her to complete college and set a better example for her children and grandchildren. From being a high school dropout and a mother at the young age of seventeen, Susanne has journeyed a considerable distance to become the successful person she is today. Her journey is not only to write books but also to help people reach their full potential, as she truly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to shine in life.

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The Giveaway!

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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The Invitation: To Journey Through a Conscious Mind Spotlight Tour

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The Invitation: To Journey Through a Conscious Mind is an ode to the beat generation of poets that carved their names in literary history.

The Invitation Spotlight Tour

About The Invitation: To Journey Through a Conscious Mind

The Invitation: To Journey Through a Conscious Mind, is a showcase in talent from author and poet Tyfany Janee. She’s eloquently produced the anthology through plaintive artistic angst. Injecting the essence of her soul into her prose. The diverse collection of poetry which lies between the covers is the result of an entire life’s work experimenting within her vocation.

Her work is comprised of truth, meaning, hope, possibility and a succinct hint of humor as she tears away the facade from humanity. The works shed light on relative issues that we’re all faced with in our easily waywardly led astray lives, and the monotony that makes up our existence.

The Invitation: To Journey Through a Conscious Mind is an ode to the beat generation of poets that carved their names in literary history. Any creative mind will revel in the inspiration that lies between these pages; it’s full of daring attitude, and celebration for the authentic. A unique look on love, that you have to dare to delve within. It harnesses true devotion, with a stark, hair raising element of modern reality.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

The Invitation Spotlight Tour

About the Author

Tyfany Janee is a mother and an upcoming graduate with a BS in Business Administration in a concentration of Entrepreneurship, and a minor in Marketing. She is a prolific writer, author and poet and she has an upcoming plan of releasing a short story collection in 2018 that she titles; The Road Sometimes Traveled; and a poetry collection book titled “RSVP: To Be You Unapologetically.” Additionally, a release of a debut novel, the first of a series in 2019 she titles; To Love Him..I.

Her recent book is comprised of truth, meaning, hope, possibility and a much-needed element of humor when it comes to exposing the true nature of humankind. Tyfany devours inspiration wherever she can get it, from cult classics, to just about anything she can see

You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

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Disclosure: This is a spotlight post, I received no compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Aranya Audiobook Review

Aranya Audiobook Review

Evil has a new enemy. Aranya, Princess of Immadia. Dragon Shapeshifter.

Aranya Audiobook Review

About Aranya

Chained to a rock and tossed off a cliff by her boyfriend, Aranya is executed for high treason against the Sylakian Empire. Falling a league into the deadly Cloudlands is not a fate she ever envisaged. But what if she did not die? What if she could spread her wings and fly?

Long ago, Dragons ruled the Island-World above the Cloudlands. But their Human slaves cast off the chains of Dragonish tyranny. Humans spread across the Islands in their flying Dragonships, colonising, building and warring. Now, the all-conquering Sylakians have defeated the last bastion of freedom–the Island-Kingdom of Immadia.

Evil has a new enemy. Aranya, Princess of Immadia. Dragon Shapeshifter.

My Thoughts

Dragons, shapeshifters, an evil empire and a strong female heroine – all of this can be found and more in Aranya!

I fell in love with the plot line of this audiobook, we have Aranya who is the Princess of Immadia. She was taken by her Father’s soon to be enemy. On the way there, they are faced with attacks and Aranya falls in love with the enemy. She wants to see the good in him and at times she can but the ultimate betrayal comes when he is forced to execute her. While everyone fears her dead, the most amazing thing happened – she shifts into a dragon!

Shapeshifting was a talent long thought lost to her people. Dragons were just a memory from long ago and an image that no one could imagine. This starts an incredible journey for Aranya as she learns her true inner strength, courage and skills. She is just a young princess but she is carrying quite the burden on her shoulders. When she meets her Dragon Rider, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, battles and the bond between the two of them. The Dragon and Dragon Rider have an incredible bond, full of humour, respect and love. It was amazing to watch the two grow – especially her Dragon Rider!

The final battle is full of surprises! I was so shocked and could not stop listening at that point. We had enemies that turned friend, new friends that were long thought gone and an impossible battle to fight! Aranya and her Dragon Rider were in the thick of it all.

The story is very well narrated, I liked how it felt that at the beginning Aranya sounded more timid and agreeable but by the end her voice was full of power and strength. It follows how the plot developed and Aranya grows in her own physical, mental and emotional strength.

Aranya is an excellent story from start to finish – it is a little long but well worth every moment!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, Audible and iTunes.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Marc is a South African-born dragon masquerading as an author, who loves writing about dragons and Africa, preferably both at the same time. He lives and works in Ethiopia with his wife and 4 children, 2 dogs and a variable number of marabou storks that roost on the acacia trees out back. On a good night there are also hyenas patrolling the back fence.

He’s the author of 21 fantasy books in 3 languages (2 more languages coming this year – watch this space!), including 8 rip-roaring dragon fantasy bestsellers. Dragonfriend won a Gold Award for Fantasy in the 2016 IPPY Book Awards. Look out for Whisper Alive, his latest release. The 4th tale in the Dragonfriend series, Dragonstar, is coming soon!

When he’s not writing about Africa or dragons Marc can be found travelling to remote locations. He thinks there’s nothing better than standing on a mountaintop wondering what lies over the next horizon.

About the Narrator

A native of London, England, Shiromi Arserio is a stage actor, voice talent and audiobook narrator. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance. In addition to narrating dozens of audiobooks, her voice can be heard in documentaries, e-learning projects and video games such as Nancy Drew: The Shattered Medallion. Shiromi currently resides in the Seattle area with her husband and her two furbabies.

Audio Excerpt

The Giveaway!

Aranya Giveaway: $50 Amazon Gift Card

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A Spoonful of Grace Spotlight Tour

iRead Book Tours

Just 2 minutes each day can change your family meal time for a lifetime.

A Spoonful of Grace

About A Spoonful of Grace

A Spoonful of Grace is a collection of 366 evening meal graces taken from all 66 books of the Bible and designed to provide meaningful exposure to prayer and the Bible at a most opportune time: the family evening meal. ​

The Scripture/grace devotions are inviting, can be grasped at several levels, and are brief enough (about two minutes) to hold the attention of hungry kids. Here’s why:

  • Each day has an application section called Grace Notes: ideas and quotes to further illustrate the message and stimulate conversation.
  • Sundays are for Story Graces. These 52 devotions are a bit longer to afford the suspenseful, engrossing reading of stories such as David and Goliath, Daniel in the lions’ den, and Jonah and the big fish.
  • Special Graces are celebrations such as  Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays.
  • Each grace:
    • Supports discussions of God’s attributes and of faith-based values, offering moral examples like forgiveness, friendship, honesty, trust, even table manners.
    • Creates curiosity about the Bible and ways in which Scripture can be applied to today’s issues.
    • Demonstrates how the act of praying together lifts one’s own spirit; fosters praise; and increases mutual feelings of appreciation, gratefulness, and accountability.
    • Teaches without overt instruction, similar to hiding extra veggies in the spaghetti sauce.
    • Remind us that our food, as well as God’s countless other daily blessings, is a gift.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, Christian Book and Barnes & Noble.

Book Trailer

About the Author

Annette Hubbell earned her undergraduate degree in Marketing from San Diego State University, her M.B.A. from Cal State University in San Marcos, and a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University.  She has been featured in over 160 performances, and starred in the DVD, “Witness to Gettysburg” edited by 33-time Emmy Award winner, Robert Gardner. She was awarded Presenter of the Year twice at the Civil War Round Table of San Diego, and is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Hubbell lives in San Diego, California with her husband of 33 years, Monte. They have a daughter, Amy. She and her husband Scott live in Los Angeles, California. For more information

Connect with Annette on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

A Spoonful of Grace

The Giveaway!

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

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My Father’s Kingdom Audiobook Review

My Father's Kingdom Audiobook Review

In a world of religious fervor, devastating sickness, and incessant greed, can the alliance of their forefathers survive? Or will New England feel the wrath of tragic, bloody war?

My Father's Kingdom Audiobook Review

About My Father’s Kingdom

In 1620, more than 100 devout men and women crossed the treacherous Atlantic Ocean and established a colony in the New World where they could build a righteous and Godly society. Without the fortuitous friendship of the Wampanoag people and their charismatic leader Massasoit, however, it is doubtful the holy experiment would have survived.

Fifty years later Plymouth Colony has not only survived, it has prospered, and more and more Englishmen are immigrating to New England. The blessed alliance with the Wampanoag, however, is in severe jeopardy. Massasoit has passed away along with most of the original settlers of Plymouth Colony, and their children and grandchildren have very different ideas about their historic friendship.

Thrust into the center of events is Reverend Israel Brewster, an idealistic young minister with a famous grandfather and a tragic past. Meanwhile, Massasoit’s son, known as “King Philip” by the English, is tormented by both the present and the past. He is watching the resources and culture of the Wampanoag nation fade away at the hands of the English and desperately wishes to restore hope and security to his people .In a world of religious fervor, devastating sickness, and incessant greed, can the alliance of their forefathers survive? Or will New England feel the wrath of tragic, bloody war?

My Thoughts

This incredibly powerful story is based in Puritan New England and tells the story of the struggles of both the Native Americans and the Englishmen immigrating. This time period is told from the eyes of both the Wampanoag, through Linto and Metacomet, and the Englishmen through Reverend Israel Brewster. It is based during the time before that is known as King Philip’s War. I had studied history in University and we are taught many history lessons throughout high school (in Canada) but not once was this war ever mentioned. This is actually quite disappointing as once I finished the book and started doing research on it, this was actually considered one of the deadliest wars to have ever occurred between the Native Americans and the settlers, with both sides suffering decimating loss of life.

The two groups had originally come to an agreement fifty years earlier – the Wampanoag people helped the Englishmen survive and in turn the English gave them items from the new country such as pots, blankets and more. Fifty years later and following the passing of Massasoit, this alliance is being threatened. The newly arriving Englishmen are not as kind and devoted to the original alliance. There are some that are weary of the alliance and can’t see beyond their prejudice that the Wampanoag people are just like them. Then there are others like Reverend Israel Brewster who questions everything he has ever been taught when his wife dies and believes that the Wampanoag people are just like them. The Wampanoag people are tired of seeing their people suffering, they are suffering from disease, alcohol, deceit, stealing of their land and the murder of their people.

This is an important novel that is well written and narrated. It explains the story honestly and accurately (with an authors note in the end with regards to some changes he had made with language and the naming of the Native American people). It was charged full of emotion, there were so many time that I found myself outraged, angry and in tears at the suffering and injustice. Some of the more emotionally draining moments come near the end of the story which also helped sparked my interest in the real life events leading up to and after this time period.

I strongly believe that this audiobook and accompanying novel should be a must read for all high school students in the US and Canada. It gives a real, honest look at life during this time through the eyes of both sides. It helps to spark curiosity, understanding and empathy. It was well written and narrated from start to finish, I loved every moment.

You can purchase a copy of this audiobook on Audible and Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

James W. George is a debut author currently residing in Virginia.  He is a graduate of Boston University, a military veteran, and a lover of historical fiction.

About the Narrator

Angus Freathy was born and educated in London – that’s the one in England, for you Ohio folks!

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, he went to Switzerland to join Nestlé for a 2-year wandering assignment, which lasted 37 years and involved travel and work on every continent (except the cold ones at the top and bottom).

Periods of residence in the U.S., Hong Kong and Switzerland have resulted in a network of friends and acquaintances with an amazing range of world insight and a wide repertoire of mostly excellent jokes.

Since retirement, Angus and his (still working) wife, Debra have lived in Oregon, Maryland and are now in Dublin, Ohio, ‘the only place we have actually chosen to live since we have been married!’.

Following a crushing rejection by the BBC at the age of 19, Angus is re-activating a long-held ambition and launching a new career in voice-over, with the sole intention of having some fun and being in touch with some very talented people.

The Giveaway!

My Father’s Kingdom Giveaway: $25 Amazon Gift Card

Disclosure: I received an audio copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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