This is a beautiful book of Christian poetry and photography. The ebook is on sale beginning today for 99 cents. The Author, Louise Bélanger, was awarded a 2022 Gold Medal from Reader’s Favorite for this uplifting and captivating book.
Here is a repost of my 5-star review:
Your Words, Your World is a beautiful collection of poetry, photographs, and story poems about God and the world He created, and the second book of poems by Louise Bélanger. It helps the reader look at the world in a new way.
Among my favorite poems is Ordinary, about how God can take something ordinary, like a star or a body of water, and make it do extraordinary things. I also loved Dust, which reminds us that God created us all from something we don’t really like–dust. A War Erupted paints a beautiful and tumultuous picture of a thunderstorm. The Contest is a thought-provoking story poem about a conversation between flowers. Zoom to Heaven is probably my favorite of all, as it talks about what it would be like to have a Zoom conversation with a loved one in Heaven.
Your Words, Your World takes a unique look at God and the world He created, and it makes me appreciate Him and this world all the more.
The photographs of nature throughout the book are gorgeous and mesmerizing, and they make perfect companions to the poems.
See below for the gorgeous cover of A Winter By The Sea, Book 2 of the On Devonshire Shores series. I read book one and it is fantastic. There is also a message from the author, Julie Klassen.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
When the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal couple’s male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they’ve invited mysterious secrets and the sweet possibility of romance into their home.
Meanwhile, Emily Summers approaches a local publisher in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming an author. When he turns her down, his dashing competitor promises to consider her novel if she will first write a new Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily accepts and begins researching with the help of the Duke of Kent’s handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she used to hold dear and her budding dreams for the future.
Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.
Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than a million copies and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also been honored with the Minnesota Book Award, Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.
I am excited to give you an insider’s look at my December 2023 novel, A Winter by the Sea. This is the second book in the On Devonshire Shores series. Book One, The Sisters of Sea View, has been enthusiastically received and reviewed. I am grateful for each of you who helped spread the word about it!
During my research, I learned that the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their baby daughter stayed in Woolbrook Cottage (very near fictional Sea View) during the winter of 1819-1820. I instantly knew I wanted to include them in the novel to give readers a glimpse of the early life of Queen Victoria and her parents. The royal party arrived with too many attendants to accommodate at Woolbrook, so some were lodged elsewhere. I thought it would be fun to have a few staff members stay at Sea View, including a pastry chef who invades their kitchen, a man in desperate straits, and the duke’s handsome private secretary.
It was also interesting to write a seaside novel set during wintertime (it was unusually cold and snowy that year). Because I live in frigid Minnesota, cold weather details and sensations were easy to imagine. 😊
When I began writing this series, I had not yet traveled to Sidmouth, where the series is set. I am happy to say I was able to visit in August 2022 and was thrilled to experience this delightful town in person. The highlight of that trip was meeting the staff and volunteers of the Sidmouth Museum who have been extremely helpful in answering research questions and checking setting details for me.
A Winter by the Sea focuses on beautiful Emily Summers, who finds herself caught up in two rivalries. First, while striving to further her writing aspirations, Emily is torn between her loyalty to a well-established publisher & bookseller and his flamboyant competitor. Second, despite her best intentions, she is attracted to one of their new guests, but an old love comes to town, determined to renew their courtship.
I hope you are eager to return with me to the English seaside for Book Two of the On Devonshire Shores series. Thank you for all you do to support my books, and readers everywhere!
I’ve extended Indie Weekend into Monday since it’s a day off for many of us this week. Indie Weekend is my effort to highlight Indie and Self-Published books and help the authors with the daunting task of marketing. Below is my review of Unjoy by Len Lantz. Unjoy is a book for Christians dealing with depression and the stigma sometimes surrounding it. Check it out below.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
You can become fully free from depression.
Depression is real. It’s not your fault if you have it, but it is your responsibility to do something effective about it. Although depression is often stigmatized or ignored, Christians commonly experience it.
While it can sometimes feel like there are no solutions and that you can never escape depression, that isn’t true. In this easy-to-read book, Dr. Len Lantz addresses aspects of faith and mood while providing real answers about what works for depression and why.
In unJoy, Dr. Lantz shares engaging stories, common-sense reasoning, research-proven treatments, entertaining cartoons, and biblical encouragement for Christians struggling with “unJoy” and for their loved ones. There is hope and help for depression!
BOOK REVIEW
There are seven million Christians with Depression, and that’s just in America. In this book, Len Lantz, a psychiatrist and Christian, provides resources for Christians to break the stigma of seeking out help for mental health issues.
This is a helpful, well-thought-out resource that not only explains to Christians why medication and counseling are sometimes necessary, but also provides tools for anyone to deal with depression. There is also a section for family members and friends who have loved ones who are suffering from mental illness.
Lantz provides both medical and spiritual advice in this book, which intersperses scripture with medical facts. He reminds us that God sends help in a lot of ways, including doctors and medication.
The author warns us upfront that the illustrations are bad, and they are so bad that they are actually endearing and effective.
I received a free copy of this book. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Len Lantz is a partner at Big Sky Psychiatry in Helena, Montana and has over 20 years of experience in psychiatric medicine, with specializations and board certifications in adult and pediatric psychiatry. He is an expert in the treatment of severe, treatment-resistant depression. He also is credentialed as a Certified Physician Executive (CPE), demonstrating capability in both medical leadership and management.
Dr. Lantz completed his undergraduate degree in cell biology and genetics from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. After earning his medical doctorate from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, Dr. Lantz completed his psychiatry residency and fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison.
In 2005, Dr. Lantz moved to Montana to provide care to patients for AWARE, where he also served as medical director from 2008-2015. Since 2015 Dr. Lantz has helped patients in Helena, Montana through his private practice, Big Sky Psychiatry, which he runs with his wife, psychiatrist Dr. Krista David. He is skilled in psychiatric diagnostic evaluation, evidence-based psychotherapy, prescription medication management, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, and delivery of care via telemedicine and Collaborative Care (Integrated Behavioral Health).
Dr. Len Lantz is a Clinical Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the University of Washington School of Medicine’s WWAMI program. He developed the psychiatry clinical training clerkship in Helena for third-year medical students in 2013 and he continues to mentor and teach several medical students each year.
Dr. Lantz is passionate about suicide prevention. He founded the annual Montana Conference on Suicide Prevention, which he hosted for its first seven years. For three years Dr. Lantz chaired the Montana Suicide Mortality Review Team, and he founded and hosts the annual Montana Psychiatry Conference.
Indie Weekend starts a little early with a reminder that Your Words Your Heart, a book of Christian poetry and photographs by Louise Bélanger, is out now. My review of this wonderful book is here.
*If you buy the book, please leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, as well as anywhere else you review books. Some people feel very daunted by writing a review. Don’t worry. You do not have to write a masterpiece. Just a couple of lines about how the book made you feel will make the author’s day and help the book succeed. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon will promote it.
*Please click on the “share” buttons below and share these books with your Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress followers. A little bit of help from all of us will help self-published authors go a long way!
Indie Weekend is my effort to help Indie authors with marketing. Indie authors have to do it all sometimes, including marketing, and if I can help even a little bit I’m happy to do so. Below is my review of a wonderful Christian poetry book, Your Words Your Heart by Louise Bélanger.
BOOK DESCRIPTION AND EXCERPT
Beautiful imageries painted with words and brimming with gorgeous photographs.
Prayers To You
We equip them with wings And send them on their way
Oceans and oceans of prayers Riding the wind of our beliefs With wings of faith With wings of hope
Reaching Your shore Reaching Your heart
An excerpt from the poem Wings, part of this wonderful new collection.
Uplifting faith-based poetry about God, Jesus, hope, life, trust, and salvation. Sometimes comforting. Sometimes thought-provoking.
Your Words Your Heart also overflows with spring and summer photographs of magnificent flowers and gardens taken by the author in her hometown of Montréal.
Your Words Your Heart will be released October 19th.
BOOK REVIEW
This is the third book in Louise Bélanger’s wonderful Christian poetry collection. As I write this, it is the number one new release in both the “Christian Poetry” and “Religious and Inspirational Poetry” categories on Amazon. The poems are accompanied by stunningly beautiful photographs. The author’s strong and simple faith shines through on every page. Louise’s words show us that faith in God does not have to be complicated and will bring you great peace.
The poem Prayers in the excerpt above is one of my favorites, as it conjures up images of millions of prayers flying around the world, on their way up to God. I also love Who Wins, which starts out:
There is a glass inside of us Where trust and doubt compete.
It is about what we allow into our soul and who and what we trust.
My favorite poem in the book may be Petals like Hearts. It starts out:
Petals, like hearts are subject to frost.
That may be my favorite line in the book because it’s so true.
The poem most evident of Louise’s strong faith is With You. The poem makes me feel peaceful whenever I read it.
The photographs of this book were taken by the author in her home city of Montreal and they are absolutely spectacular. The cover photo blows me away. It is just so mesmerizing.
I must disclose that I helped with editing this wonderful book and Louise has become a dear friend who has inspired me with her limitless faith and kindness. That has not affected my honest review.
Although I saw an advance copy, I also pre-ordered the Kindle edition. Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read this book for free.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
(In her own words) I am a Canadian poet and the author of Your Words, Your Words Your World, and my new release: Your Words Your Heart.
All three books are beautiful and inspiring poems complemented by photographs of nature.
I started writing poetry in the spring of 2020. Pouring my emotions on paper. Describing beautiful scenery and stories that came to life in my head was quite new to me. With encouragement and help from many friends, my dream became a reality.
*If you buy the book(s), please leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, as well as anywhere else you review books. Some people feel very daunted by writing a review. Don’t worry. You do not have to write a masterpiece. Just a couple of lines about how the book made you feel will make the author’s day and help the book succeed. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon will promote it.
*Please click on the “share” buttons below and share these books with your Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress followers. A little bit of help from all of us will help self-published authors go a long way!
Self-published Saturday is my effort to help self-published and indie authors with marketing. Self-published/indie authors have to do it all, from cover design to editing to spreading the word about their book. If I can help even a little with marketing, I’m happy to do it.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
After moving into a newly inherited house, the Noland kids discover clues to a supposed treasure hidden by their great-great-grandfather. But when town rumors and some spiteful neighbors suggest foul play was involved, Caleb and David set out on a quest to prove otherwise.
With unexpected dangers looming large and threatening their mission, can the Noland kids discover the mysterious treasure or whatever lies at the end of their treacherous venture, before time runs out and all is lost?
BOOK REVIEW
This is a Christian middle-grade adventure that kids will enjoy. Set in the mid-1990s, we follow the Noland kids as they move into a new house and discover its secrets. Hidden rooms, tunnels, and clues hint at pirates and maybe treasure. The Noland kids’ parents are very involved in the story and their children’s activities, which is a refreshing change from many middle-grade books, where the parents are completely out of the picture. The kids’ experiences and lessons learned are often tied into scripture, which Christian parents will appreciate. The pirate mystery is intriguing.
I have one minor scriptural disagreement: The continued insistence by Mr. Noland that there are no ghosts and that spirits are either in Heaven or Hell conflicts with 1 Samuel 28: 7-20, where a medium who disobeyed the law brought back the spirit of Samuel, and it obviously wasn’t the first spirit she’d ever summoned. Also, while not ghosts, there is definitely a vast spiritual world described in the Bible where angels and demons are at war. I realize this is a kid’s book, however.
Overall, The Key House is a compelling adventure puzzle that kids will enjoy solving.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor and author Mike Curtis brings adventure to life in his new Noland Kids Adventure book series. Growing up in a sports-focused family that loved camping, exploring, and all things adventure, Mike dove into teen ministry in his early twenties to bring the Good News to a distracted and struggling generation.
He is married to the popular homeschooling author and speaker Meredith Curtis. They live in Lake Mary, Florida, and have five children and five grandchildren. As a spiritual dad and pastor of Powerline Church, his passion is sharing life-giving principles from God’s Word that impact and transform others.
In his spare time he loves to watch adventure movies like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies with his family and friends, and on occasion has been found sacrificing for those he loves by watching a Hallmark romance. He can also be found indulging in books on apologetics, theology, and leadership, in addition to some aggressive ping pong matches during discipleship time with young men. And next to a good steak, Mike’s favorite dish is beef tongue!
His desire is to use his books to mentor the next generation, sharing Christ and biblical principles of character in relevant and enjoyable adventure stories and practical studies.
*If you buy the book(s), please leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, as well as anywhere else you review books. Some people feel very daunted by writing a review. Don’t worry. You do not have to write a masterpiece. Just a couple of lines about how the book made you feel will make the author’s day and help the book succeed. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon will promote it.
*Please click on the “share” buttons below and share these books with your Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress followers. A little bit of help from all of us will help self-published/indie authors go a long way!
Jeff Connor is a former Master Corporal who has retreated from life, living with his daughter in a remote cabin in the wilds of Canada. Quinn Dukes is a wilderness guide who is taking a group of people on a survival trip. Former coworkers who did not get along, neither of them realize that danger and an evil person will cause their worlds to collide once again.
This is a captivating inspirational romantic thriller that will keep you guessing. The plot is full of twists and turns and includes kidnapping, hostage-taking, murder, and intrigue. The storyline is very clever and well put together. I thought I had it all figured out, but I didn’t. This really impresses me, because I can usually figure out who the “bad guy” is way before the end of the book.. There is a Christian message of faith and relying on God in both good times and bad. The topic of PTSD is also part of the story. Fans of romantic thrillers and wilderness adventures will enjoy this novel.
I received a free copy of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maggie K. Black is an award-winning journalist, self-defense instructor and romantic suspense author. Her writing career has taken her around the globe, and into the lives of countless grass-roots heroes and heroines, who are changing lives in their own communities.
She’s lived in the United States, the Middle East and the United Kingdom, before making her home in Canada.
She is thankful to her readers for allowing her to turn the adventures and people that have inspired her, into fresh stories that make her pulse race and her heart soar.
This is an amazing devotional for those with children who are in trouble, whatever that trouble might be. It is a resting place for parents, who for a few minutes a day can feel the love coming from someone who has been there and knows what you are going through. James Banks has been there with both of his children, and he provides scripture and well thought out daily devotions that encourage, strengthen, and support. For parents who feel all alone and don’t know which way to turn, this is a guide that provides scripture and understanding to help you take on each day.
Having a kid who has lost their way can be very depressing and this is an uplifting guide that is focused when you may feel scattered, helpful when you may feel helpless, and supportive when you are searching for support and understanding. The scriptures you are searching for are all there. Mr. Banks has found them during his journey and shared them with us.
If you are a parent praying for a child or anyone praying for someone in trouble, this is a great resource for daily strength and encouragement.
I received a free copy of this book from Our Daily Bread Publishing via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
PRAISE FOR PRAYERS FOR PRODIGALS
“My mother, Ruth Bell Graham, would have loved this book…. Why? Because she loved prodigals. I know–I was one. James Banks certainly captures the hearts of many mothers and fathers who agonize over wayward children. James has shared from the depth of experience the secret of parental prayers for children and reveals the truth for effective prayer: God s Word. I believe if every parent would peruse these pages they would find guidance and comfort in trusting the Lord with their dearest possessions.” –Franklin Graham
As a father and grandfather, I have sometimes searched hard for words to express both gratitude and longing for our young ones. I find James Banks’s words of prayer honest and helpful, and have already shared them with my grown children for their own use!–Leighton Ford, president of Leighton Ford Ministries
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. James Banks is the author of Prayers for Prodigals, Prayers for Your Children, Praying the Prayers of the Bible, Praying Together, and Praying with Jesus. Through books, blog posts, and magazine articles, he regularly encourages people to pray. Dr. Banks has been a pastor and church planter for more than twenty-five years and lives in Durham, North Carolina with his wife, Cari.
Two brothers, one prophesied for greatness, one unworthy of a gift. Both must face a cataclysmic event that could wipe out not just their herd but all life as they know it.
As the days grow darker and the impending danger is upon them, the Stargazers have reason for hope in young Bravehorn — the one deemed the Chosen One.
But they are not the only herd who knows about the prophecy. Dark forces have their own plans for him, and Bravehorn soon learns that life as the Chosen One is not all fun and games.
While his older brother struggles with living in his shadow, he struggles with the responsibility of his new acclaim. One he’s not sure he wants anymore.
Both brothers will have their loyalty and faith tested in a battle as old as time— light versus dark, good versus evil—as each discovers the true meaning of sacrifice.
Will Rutledge needs a fresh start. After aging out of the foster care system, he and his brother, Kane, have nothing but each other. Maybe that is why he agreed to his brother’s insane plan. With his brains and his brother’s muscle, what could go wrong? Enter Hannah Cole. After a devastating loss, her faith in God is shaken. No amount of money could fill the hole in her life… not even if her dad has plenty of it. Suddenly, Hannah finds herself in the middle of the brothers’ reckless scheme.
Plans start to unravel when Will and Hannah develop feelings for one another despite their seemingly insurmountable differences. With Kane determined to finish the plan, the star-crossed lovers question God’s purpose and ask:
Are some stars just too far apart to collide?
Genre: NA/Adult Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 9th, 2022. Preorder for 99 cents!
Bonnie Reads and Writes 
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