Bog River ~ upstate New York

 

Hope-Inspired Stories

For the last two weeks of August 2023 Hope~Inspired Stories presents author T.M. "Mike" Brown, with his latest non-fiction novel--a tense, exciting tale of the Civil War--The Last Laird of Sapelo...

• Publisher: ‎ Koehler Books (August 15, 2023)

The Last Laird of Sapelo is based on the tragic story of Randolph Spalding, the youngest son of Georgia's most well-known antebellum-era coastal planter and influential political figure, Thomas Spalding. Following his father's death in 1851, Randolph parlays his father's fame and gifted landholdings on Sapelo Island, hobnobbing from Charleston to Savannah to Milledgeville and ultimately failing to thwart Georgia's decision to follow South Carolina into secession by early 1861.

Within weeks after the assault on Fort Sumter, Lincoln's naval blockade threatens the entire southern coast. Colonel Randolph Spalding, now a reluctant commander of the militia, faces a storm of life-altering events in the months that follow, imperiling his family's legacy, livelihood, and lands. He ultimately must decide between supposed justice and saving the life of a slave who exacted revenge for the murder and rape of two children on Sapelo Island.

Author: T.M. Brown

T.M. Brown's favorite hymn...

Once more, the ever-popular-- "How Great Thou Art" (Alan Jackson)

Mr. Brown's favorite Bible verse: 

Genesis 1:1  "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

...and Psalm 8:

For the director of music. According to Gittith. A psalm of David.

1 

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory in the heavens.

2 

Through the praise of children and infants

    you have established a stronghold against your enemies,

    to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 

When I consider your heavens,

    the work of your fingers,

the moon and the stars,

    which you have set in place,

4 

what is mankind that you are mindful of them,

    human beings that you care for them?

You have made them a little lower than the angels

 and crowned them with glory and honor.

o


y

    

You made them rulers over the works of your hands; 

you put everything under their feet:

7 

all flocks and herds,

    and the animals of the wild,

8 

the birds in the sky,

    and the fish in the sea,

    all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 

Lord, our Lord,

    how majestic is your name in all the earth!

And from T.M. Brown: "God is the beginning and end of our faith." 

https://tmbrownauthor.com/

Prizes from Hope-Inspired Stories!

Become a follower and leave a comment this month--win a 50.00 Amazon gift card, and a copy of Mr. Brown's recent release!

For other chances to win, visit... 

http://hopeinspiredromance.blogspot.com/

http://hopeinspiredsuspense.blogspot.com/

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Thank you...and may you all be blessed and inspired!

Open to U.S. residents only.

Author ~ Madisyn Carlin

"Autumn in Maine" ~ Painting by Erik Koeppel

Hope-Inspired Tales of Fantasy for Adults...

My guest for the first two weeks of August 2023 on Hope~Inspired Stories is author Madisyn Carlin, with her latest tale of redemption, faith, and action...

"Shattered Reaction"

--and the story that came before that--

War darkens the horizon...

In the wake of destruction, revenge drives Arioch en Kyrida to hunt down the man responsible for destroying half his village. His search leads him to a town where truth is hoarded and secrets lurk everywhere. Solely focused on making his target pay, Arioch cares little for the whispers of approaching evil until he is strongarmed into helping protect one of his most recent nemeses. If Anthi Klarkson doesn’t drive him insane—and if he manages to keep her alive long enough—they may be able to help stop the incoming war in its tracks. But someone wants Anthi dead, and they’ll do anything to achieve that mission.

Zinnia Klarkson wants nothing more than peace for her mourning family, but nearby attacks, kidnappings, and rumors of impending war steal all hope of a quiet life. When a mostly-dead man lands on her doorstep, hunted and without strong chance of survival, she is thrust into a covert operation that threatens her family’s safety. As secrets grow and answers remain veiled, Zinnia must choose between helping a ragtag group of reluctant allies or keeping her family out of harm’s path.

Trust must mend what was once shattered and courage must be sought as a second All Lands War threatens to decimate the six lands.

Shattered Reaction is a New Adult Christian fantasy fairy tale retelling.

⚔

BOOK 1

Can hope be found for four shattered souls?

Princess Nordica Icerri’s crown will be purchased with blood—her blood. Now the sole heir to the throne, she is determined to be the queen the Snowlands deserve, but that comes with a price: a numbed heart and soul. Only when she meets kidnapped physician Loren Alocer does Nordica allow herself to hope she can become queen without completely losing herself. But not everyone wants what’s best for the Snowlands, and Nordica’s upcoming rule is compromised at every turn. Can the criminal physician—and his faith—thaw Nordica’s heart, or is she destined to be the heartless queen she is being forced to become?

War shattered not only Breac Finson’s heart but also his faith. Tired of fighting, Breac only wants to be left alone, but his efforts are for naught when a friend calls in favor. He soon finds himself in an unexpected alliance with Layree Alocer, a woman determined to find her wrongfully-kidnapped brother at all costs. Can a broken soldier help right a wrong—and find his faith again in the process?

Sides must be chosen and loyalties will be tested as a new war approaches. Can broken lives be mended in time to help save the Snowlands, or is evil already too deeply embedded?

Shattered Reflection is a New Adult Christian Fantasy fairy tale retelling.

⚔

Book III

April 30, 2024

Their king hides a deadly secret.

The war for the lands continues in this Little Mermaid retelling. You met Naturo in Shattered Resistance. This is his story.

Shattered Resistance is a New Adult Christian Fantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling

Book 1: Shattered Reflection
Book 1.5: Shattered Revelation
Book 2: Shattered Reaction
Book 3: Shattered Resistance

⚔

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, author, and avid book dragon. When not spending time with family, trekking through the mountains, and adding to her notebook hoard, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

Prizes from Hope-Inspired Stories!

Become a follower and leave a comment this month-- win a 50.00 Amazon gift card and a copy of one of Madisyn's recent releases.

For other chances to win, visit... 

http://hopeinspiredromance.blogspot.com/

http://hopeinspiredsuspense.blogspot.com/

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Thank you...and may you all be blessed and inspired!

Open to U.S. residents only.

"Autumn in Maine" ~ Painting by Erik Koeppel

Hope-Inspired Tales for Kids...

My guest for the last two weeks of July 2023 on Hope~Inspired Stories is author Mary Ann Hake, with her latest children's tale of faith...

"The Smell of Summer"

...and the story that came before that...

Join April, a blind girl, and explore the many smells of summer in this delightful rhyming picture book.

From her garden to the county fair to Grandpa’s farm, to camping in the forest, to a family barbecue and a holiday picnic, to visiting the animals in the zoo and enjoying the seashore, discover the joys of summer scents. The Smell of Summer helps children understand how we experience the world around us through the sense of smell. Kids will enjoy April’s interesting pets and have fun with the activities at the end of the book using their sense of smell.

As summer thoughts stir in my mind,
I wonder what new smells I’ll find.
Since noses surely help us see,
What special scents will call to me?

❤

A fresh sensation fills the air. What is this strange new smell out there?

Join April, a blind girl, in this charming rhyming picture book as she discovers the wonderful—and not-so-wonderful—smells of spring and answers questions like, “Does rain really have a smell?”

The Smell of Spring shows children how we experience the world around us through the sense of smell. Kids will enjoy her many interesting pets and have fun with the activities at the end using the sense of smell.

The Smell of Spring has received the Mom's Choice Award and has been named among the best in family-friendly media, products and services.

Mary Anne Hake ~ Author

"American Pioneer" 

Summer Wreath 

by 

Sarah Lockerby

Prizes from Hope-Inspired Stories!

Become a follower and leave a comment this month-- and win a 50.00 Amazon gift card, a copy of one of Mary Ann's recent releases--and the lovely "American Pioneer" wreath...

Happy Independence Day!

🇺🇸

For other chances to win, visit... 

hopeinspiredstories.blogspot.com

hopeinspiredsuspense.blogspot.com

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Thank you...and may you all be blessed and inspired!

Open to U.S. residents only.

"Autumn in Maine" ~ painting by Erik Koeppel

Welcome to Hope-Inspired Stories... 

For the first two weeks of July 2023, it is my pleasure to present 

Kristi Woods with her Devotional 

101 Prayers for Military Wives

Publisher: ‎ Christian Art Publishers (July 1, 2023)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV) 

Kristi Woods, a military wife herself for 19 years, offers heartfelt prayers to encourage the unsung heroes of the military. 

101 Prayers for Military Wives is a collection of topical prayers that brings hope and reminds military wives that whatever situation they find themselves in, God is near, He can be trusted, and they are never alone.

Kristi Woods ~ Author

"American Pioneer" 

Summer Wreath 

by 

Sarah Lockerby

Happy Independence Day! 

Win a celebration prize... from 

Hope-Inspired Suspense and Hope-Inspired Stories this month: 

Become a follower & leave a comment on BOTH sites to win a 50.00 Amazon gift card, a copy of Kristi's new release, and Sarah's beautiful Summer "American Pioneer" Wreath!

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. 

Hebrews 6:19

Thank you...and may you all be blessed and inspired!

"Autumn in Maine" ~ painting by Erik Koeppel

Welcome… 

to Hope-Inspired Stories.  

For the month of June 2023, it is my pleasure to present author Linda Wood Rondeau with a great non-fiction release...

• Publisher: ‎ Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. (March 19, 2023)

by Linda Wood Rondeau

From the author of I Prayed for Patience: God Gave Me Children and Who Put the Vinegar in the Salt

Life is a series of adventures. And each adventure shows us more about our God … his power manifested or his gentle patience demonstrated.

God is with us through the mundane and the miraculous, always teaching us how to experience him fully and lean on him every day.

As in the hymn of old, God leads along—sometimes through troubled waters, sometimes through fire, and sometimes by quiet streams. Always, he is with us, directing us, guiding us, and teaching us what obedience, trust, and love truly mean.

Adapted from her long-running newspaper column, each devotional is a revelation of one of God’s many blessings.

Linda Rondeau ~ Author

"With God's Grace, Our Worst Past Becomes Our Best Future"

Where to find Linda...

Visit Linda at http://www.lindarondeau.com, or on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and GooglePlus. Friend her and she'll friend you back! Reviews are always appreciated. And coming soon... The Fifteenth Article--a futuristic political thriller!

Linda's Favorite Bible Verse: 

John 10:10b, I have come that you may have life. Life more abundant. 

Her favorite hymn: "The Old Rugged Cross"

Prizes from Hope-Inspired Stories!

Become a follower and leave a comment this month-- and win a 50.00 Amazon gift card and a copy of Linda's new release...

Thank you...and may you all be blessed and inspired!

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. 

Hebrews 6:19

Welcome...to Hope-Inspired Stories. For the first two weeks of March 2023 it is my pleasure to present author Jane Daly with her latest Contemporary Women's Fiction release...

 

Publisher : ‎ Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. (June 22, 2022)

A sympathetic cop, his praying mother. Can they teach a broken girl to love herself?

A young woman flees an abusive boyfriend and a traumatic home life only to find herself broke and in jail. A sympathetic cop takes her to his mother’s home, where for the first time, she finds unconditional love. Can she accept what is offered or will she continue to sabotage both herself and everyone around her?

Author ~ Jane Daly

Jane's favorite Bible verse: 

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

...and her favorite hymn: "It is Well with My Soul"

I will be offering a comment winner's choice of books featured here during the month of March, and in honor of my mother's memory, a 50.00 amazon gift card.

Thank you...and may you all be blessed with Hope-- and inspired!

"Frederick the Literate" by Charles Wysocki

U.K. Author: Brendan Conboy

The British are coming! The British are coming!

Welcome… to Hope-Inspired Stories, for anyone who’d like to discover more about books and stories that uplift and encourage. While teaching high school art, I discovered I was as thrilled as our students when they won awards or were acknowledged for their accomplishments, and to lift up other people’s good works was very gratifying.

It is my hope you are blessed with a message of grace as I was, through the stories of authors featured here. So please join me in welcoming writers of fiction and nonfiction; of historical and contemporary stories, as they share their work. For the second two weeks of February it is my pleasure to present author Brendon Conboy with his non-fiction release, The Golden Thread... Help me welcome my first international guest--Brendon Conboy from the U.K.! 

This is a true story, and many of you might learn some personal truths, and how God can truly play a major role in somone's life.                                                            

Publisher: Yellow Dog Publishing 

• 
  

Author: Brendan Conboy

HONEST, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING, BIOGRAPHICAL:

Our lives are like a complex tapestry, with many threads weaving each of our unique and individual pictures. There is, however, one thing that we all have in common, one thread. The GOLDEN THREAD is God’s thread in our lives. It is always there, even when we feel that it isn’t. Just turn your tapestry over and you will see it continuing on the back. Always there! Jesus...The GOLDEN THREAD.

This book is the true story of one man’s GOLDEN THREAD in his life. Brendan Conboy grew up in fear and confusion, struggling with many personal issues. These experiences formed a foundation that could have ended in disaster but instead became the motivator to want to make a positive difference. Brendan has experienced miracles, real miracles. He has walked through the valley of depression and death more than once, but emerged stronger on the other side. For almost 30 years he has been full of vision and passion to help young people. That’s why he became a youth worker and one of the most important lessons that he has learnt on his journey is that we need to share our knowledge and skill with others.

Extract from Chapter One: So let’s ‘start at the very beginning’. It is a good place to start. I now understand that the first eight years of any child’s life are the most impressionable and the most influential. Any amount of trauma can leave deep long-lasting effects. Our earliest memories form a foundation for our development. Positive memories and experiences will in most cases result in a positive development for a child. Whereas, a negative and traumatic memory could lead to disaster and, almost certainly, some level of help will be required to understand the confusing feelings that will be experienced later in life.

My earliest memory was one of my dad returning from the pub on a Sunday at about three in the afternoon. Mum had kept his Sunday roast warm in the oven (no such thing as microwaves then) but it had been so long it had dried up and was not fit for consumption. I’m not sure if I had reached my fourth birthday but I clearly remember my dad’s drunken anger. He was so angry that he threw the plate and contents at the lounge window, smashing the large centre pane, with the plate landing in the front garden. I don’t remember what happened next but I do remember the feeling of fear. That feeling would remain with me for at least the next ten years which is how long it would take before my dad admitted that he had a drink problem.

The power of any addiction can be all-consuming and alcoholism slowly and gradually took over my dad’s life. At times I will say that I didn’t really have a childhood and that my childhood started when I was fifteen years old when my dad stopped drinking. In fact, I did play childhood games but the big change was realising that my now constantly sober dad loved me. He had always loved me but the power of alcohol with associated anger and aggression had built up so much fear in me that I couldn’t see any love...  

Brendan's favorite Bible verse:

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis: 1:27

And more from Brendan...Book 1 of the Mimics Series: Invasion of the Mimics

A GRIPPING THRILLER: Climate change--and an alien invasion! 

Publisher: Yellow Dog Publishing 

Climate change had been predicted long ago, but no one could foresee the events that unfolded. 

Humanity defeated, civilization lost, and all hope gone. 

'Enlightenment' is the new belief, but there are those that refuse to believe. 

Gideon knows there's an alternative, but he must find ‘Trenchard’ if he's to have any chance of participating in the greatest battle of his life - The Battle for Mankind.

He can’t explain it, but he's aware of a presence unside, convincing him to press on toward his goal. 

The goal to survive, escape, and find Trenchard. It's a power that brings clarity to his mind, fills his heart with hope and vision. It's supernatural and although he can’t fully understand or explain it, he knows he needs much more.

Where to find Brendan: www.brendanconboy.co.uk

P.S. Brendan will be offering some lucky winner a PDF copy of his biography, The Golden Thread.

I will be offering a comment winner's choice of books featured here this month and a 25.00 amazon gift card.

Thank you...and may you all be blessed with Hope-- and inspired!