Giveaway

The One Who Loves Me by Joan Embola

The One Who Loves Me
(Sovereign Love #2)
By Joan Embola
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 340 Pages
May 21, 2022 by Love Qualified Press

IS GOD SOVEREIGN OVER LOVE STORIES?

Amara Ikezie is a new grad nurse who is thrilled to start her dream job in Atlanta’s biggest children’s hospital. But when her best friend gets engaged, Amara is faced with the looming pressure from her mom to find her own man. Determined to escape the pressure to marry, Amara takes on a task to find the ‘perfect’ man who ticks all the boxes on her list.

Raymond Aderinto is a pediatric cardiologist with a wall of accolades and a string of failed relationships. After his fourth girlfriend dumps him, Raymond vows to get confirmation from God first before entering into his next relationship—even though he’d love to find his bride before turning thirty.

When Raymond spills coffee on Amara’s scrubs, he becomes certain she’s the woman God wants to be his wife. But unfortunately for him, Raymond doesn’t tick Amara’s boxes, and worst of all, Amara is sure her Igbo mom would never approve of a marriage to a man from the Yoruba tribe.

Despite Amara’s efforts to stay away from Raymond and convince herself he is not the one for her, her growing attraction for his character, values, and vision gives her more reasons to wonder if she was wrong about her prejudices toward him. When another doctor walks into Amara’s life who ticks all her boxes and shows interest in her, she is caught between running into his ‘perfect’ arms, or going with Raymond who is turning out to be more perfect than she thought.

The One Who Loves Me, book two in the Sovereign Love series, is a beautiful standalone novel about surrender and learning to take comfort in the sovereign goodness of a loving God who writes the best love stories.

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Other Books in the Series

The One Who Knows Me
(Sovereign Love #1)
By Joan Embola
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 318 Pages
July 21, 2021 by Love Qualified Press

IS GOD SOVEREIGN OVER TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY?

Bullies and family disasters have left eighteen-year-old Teeyana Sparks filled with anxiety and doubt. She feels pressured to believe in God, but as she embarks on her college journey in the hope of one day working at Google as a graphic designer, the only thing she believes in is controlling her own life. Things change when she meets Jayden Williams—the guy with a charming smile and kind heart.

Struggling with grief and recovering from a season of depression, nineteen-year-old Jayden is determined to help Teeyana believe in God’s goodness again. But when yet another tragedy strikes close to home, Teeyana’s response exposes Jayden’s unhealed wounds and tips him into a mental health relapse.

With the looming possibility of not getting her dream life, Teeyana is caught between holding on to her illusion of control and surrendering to a God she’s rejected. And as Jayden strives to break out of his despondency, he has to face that letting God in may involve him letting go of his friendship with Teeyana. Teeyana and Jayden must wrestle with uncomfortable truths, and the pride in their hearts, in order to face their biggest giant—God’s sovereignty over both triumph and tragedy.

The One Who Knows Me, book one in the Sovereign Love series, is a heart-warming standalone novel about hope and learning to take comfort in the sovereign goodness of a loving God who knows all things.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the Author

Joan Embola is a UK-based Cameroonian-Nigerian Christian author who is passionate about spreading God’s love one word at a time. She is a Bible teacher, a blogger, a YouTuber, a podcaster, a dancer, and a poetess. Her book Outpourings Of A Beloved Heart; a 30 day poetry devotional about God’s love, is available for purchase and her debut contemporary Christian Fiction novel–The One Who knows Me released on September 10th 2021.

My Review

The One Who Loves Me
by Joan Embola
Book 2 in the Sovereign Love series
Rating: 4/5

I always enjoy discovering a new author to read and this book was no exception. Joan Embola weaves a fun tale of dating mishaps on a journey to self-discovery and God’s love. Though this book is part of a series, I believe you can definitely read each book as a standalone. However, I want to go back and read the first book.

First, the book cover is fun and introduces the characters at a glance.

Second, the premise was interesting – if not frustrating at times. I always get frustrated when love triangles are involved lol.

Third, I liked the journey the characters go on. The messages of hope and love are beautiful and heartfelt. For a series that’s called Sovereign Love, the author is not afraid to bring up her beliefs and acknowledge God’s plan and purpose when it comes to finding your life partner.

Fourth, I like to read books with characters from different cultures and the author gives this book a very authentic edge with the dialogue. The author provides translations of different words and phrases which was very handy.

Highly recommend this fun and flirty romantic comedy.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)

Ends June 1, 2022

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May 23, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

Turn to Me by Becky Wade

About the Book

Title: Turn to Me
Series: Misty River Romance #3
Author: Becky Wade
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: May 3, 2022

His promise will cost him far more than he imagined.

Guilt has defined Luke Dempsey’s life, but it was self-destructiveness that landed him in prison. When his friend and fellow inmate lay dying shortly before Luke’s release, the older man revealed he left a string of clues for his daughter, Finley, that will lead her to the treasure he’s hidden. Worried that she won’t be the only one pursuing the treasure, he gains Luke’s promise to protect her until the end of her search.

Spunky and idealistic, Finley Sutherland is the owner of an animal rescue center and a defender of lost causes. She accepts Luke’s help on the treasure hunt while secretly planning to help him in return–by coaxing him to embrace the forgiveness he’s long denied himself.

As they draw closer to the final clue, their reasons for resisting each other begin to crumble, and Luke realizes his promise will push him to the limit in more ways than one. He’ll do his best to shield Finley from unseen threats, but who’s going to shield him from losing his heart?

Grab your copy here!

About the Author

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She’s been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky’s passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it. She’s delighted to be penning warm, wry, and heartwarming contemporary romances for the Christian market. She’s the Christy and Carol award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, the Bradford Sisters series, and the Misty River Romance series.

These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, power-walking her neighborhood, carting her kids around town, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.

My Review

Turn to Me
by Becky Wade
Book 3 in the Misty River Romance series
Rating: 4.5/5

Becky Wade delivers an incredibly powerful story again! I’m alway so honored to be part of a launch team for a book that I’ve been anticipating and the author did not disappoint. This book could probably still be read as a standalone but why deprive yourself of the rest of the series? They are brilliant reads that touch on real issues and show character development you won’t wanna miss. I highly recommend the entire series and anything else the author has written.

First, the book cover is gorgeous as always. This series has had some amazing looking covers.
Second, returning to Misty River is always a treat and I love catching up with old and new characters. The secondary love story was sweet but I actually liked the secondary love story in her second book, Let It Be Me, better. Some of the chemistry seemed lacking or maybe it was just rushed or less detailed? Either way, I loved seeing Ben and the rest of the Miracle Five again.
Third, the chemistry between Luke and Finley more than made up for it. They were so well written and fleshed-out as characters. I really enjoyed learning more about life after imprisonment and running an animal rescue shelter. I always appreciate how authentic the author’s characters feel and the depth of their feelings. Finley’s journey after her fiancé’s tragic death was heartbreaking while the reader still felt sympathetic toward Luke as an ex-con. Finley’s father’s influence was felt and the reader can see how much of an impact he had on her life.
Fourth, the author is never afraid to incorporate her faith into these books. She shares the message of forgiveness and redemption with so much hope for change.

“She would always bear the mark that Chase’s death had left on her. But that didn’t have to stunt her future. It didn’t have to mean that scars couldn’t become a part of a beautiful whole. God held life in His palms, and He was calling her to continue living and growing.”

Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian contemporary romance with mystery, humor and a lot of heart!

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Author Chat Party

Join the Author Chat Party on Facebook Live on Tuesday, May 10th at 8pm EST / 7 pm CST / 5pm PST!

Facebook Party RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/527590135564795

Becky’s Facebook Page (where the party will take place): www.facebook.com/AuthorBeckyWade

Author Extras

Q & A with Becky Wade for Turn to Me

What was the inspiration behind your new novel?

My mom created treasure hunts for my sisters and me when we were small. I thought, “What if a father has a birthday treasure hunt tradition with his daughter? And what if he leaves her the first clue to one final treasure hunt in his will?” Those questions became the inspiration for Turn to Me.

How does Turn to Me stand out from the other books you’ve written?

This novel contains my first “bad boy” hero type. Also, I’ve never written about an animal rescue center before. This book is populated with dogs and one especially adorable puppy that stole my heart!

What lessons do you hope readers gain from reading Turn to Me?

The novel’s theme verse is Isaiah 38:17 “…in love you have delivered my life from the pit of destruction, for you have cast all my sins behind your back.” I hope readers are powerfully reminded that God has the power to deliver any life from destruction regardless of our past mistakes, our heartbreak, or our failings.

Turn to Me Playlist

The book mentions some great songs and The Reel Bookery made a Spotify Playlist! Enjoy!

Blog Tour

May 5th Inside The Wong Mind
May 6th Blessed & Bookish
May 7th Books and Everyday Life
May 8th Simply Susan
May 10th Melmo2610 A Bookish Blog
May 12th Becky’s Bookshelves
May 14th Holly’s Book Corner
May 15th Christian Chick’s Thoughts
May 16th Remembrancy
May 18th The Green Mockingbird
May 19th Batya’s Bits
May 20th Life of Literature
May 21st Britt Reads Fiction
May 22nd Amy Watson Author
May 23rd Beauty In The Binding
May 24th Reviews By Erin
May 25th My Book A Day

Giveaway

Don’t miss out on your chance to win a copy of Turn to Me and some goodies from the author!

Enter the giveaway here: https://beckywade.com/home/turn-to-me-giveaway

Also Available

Read my review of Let It Be Me here.
Read my review of You and Me here.

May 5, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

Willow by Ronie Kendig

About the Book

Title: Willow
Series: The Metcalfes #2
Author: Ronie Kendig
Genre: Clean with faith elements, Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Task Force Press
Release Date: April 22, 2022

To save her, he must become the evil he fights.

Aftercare specialist Willow Metcalfe joined Mission: Liberate Everyone to help trafficking survivors navigate the healing process. When MiLE’s Obioma Compound is attacked by the Nigerian mafia, she’s taken hostage. Against nightmarish odds, she and the victims attempt an escape—and are thwarted.

A decade after leaving his beloved homeland, Chijioke “Chiji” Okorie returns to find his sister and fight for his own country. Believing a global trafficking ring behind her abduction and a string of kidnappings across Nigeria, he goes undercover to find the head of the serpent and his sister. Chiji is stunned to discover among the hostages a familiar face—a friend’s sister, Willow. The woman he vowed years ago to marry.

The man who has interfered with her escape attempts seems … familiar, kind—but Willow knows better. He reeks of the warrior ethos that has devoured many a good man. Engaged in an impossible battle and losing at every turn, Chiji is determined to complete his missions—all of them. Even if it kills him.

Grab your copy here!

About the Author

Ronie Kendig is an bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a nearly ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share⁠—sometimes⁠—with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

My Review

Willow
by Ronie Kendig
Book 2 in the Metcalfes series
Rating: 4.5/5

I was so excited to read what came next in this series, that I devoured the story. It jumps right in and hooks you from the start. I absolutely loved the story and its adrenaline-filled suspense. As someone who is passionate about social justice especially when it comes to human trafficking, I have loved how the author wasn’t afraid to go where she needed to go to express the horrors and psychological trauma that occurs. She even gives a warning in the beginning of the book regarding what she felt she needed to include in the story. The author also took strides to keep the Nigerian characters as authentic as possible with the help of some of her readers. Ronie Kendig delivers another thriller that you won’t be able to put down. I believe you can still read this story as a standalone but I highly recommend reading Stone first because it will help give a little bit more background and you won’t be disappointed with the story.

First, the cover is gorgeous. However, as the story is set in Nigeria and on the water, I don’t think her clothing is quite right and not sure the background really fits but that might just be me being nit-picky lol.
Second, the story is really good and keeps you engaged. The suspense is real and the stakes seem higher than normal. The changes in POV help drive the story forward.
Third, the main characters are endearing and undergo powerful character development. Some faith elements come into play but they help move the story forward and bring more character development. The chemistry between the two characters was great. Chiji’s character could have come off in a negative way but the author does a good job of making him more sympathetic and sweet. I also loved Willow’s relationship with Ife.

Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian romantic suspense that isn’t afraid to address the horrors of human trafficking and spotlight those that are fighting against the darkness. The author includes some different organizations that you can donate to at the end of the story.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Bookstagram Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of Stone and Willow, O.U.R. Freedom Flag tee, and O.U.R. drawstring backpack. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on May 11, 2022.)

Enter the giveaway by following the instructions on Instagram.

If you’d like to learn more about Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), please visit their website and/or watch this video.

Also Available

Read my review of Stone here.

May 4, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

Inside the Wong Mind: Reading is my therapy

Hello. This blog is all mine and I will do my best to post what interests me and what books I read with honest reviews. I am a lover of good Christian fiction with a touch of romance, mystery, intrigue, humor, fun, etc. I invite you to join me as I read my way through books and life. I am currently pursuing my residency training as a family medicine physician!!! I have to carefully choose what I want to read for fun. My name is Kim and you are entering the Wong Mind.

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