Giveaway & Review: Unexpected Altars: Meeting God in Everyday Moments

 Christian Devotional, Inspirational Personal Testimonies

Date Published: 11-15-2025

Publisher: Acorn Book Services

Everyday moments become sacred altars where God meets you.

Do you sometimes wish you could hear from God? Do you feel like you are too insignificant for Him to care about your daily battles with loneliness, grief, change, and doubts?

God talks to each of us – from the young husband and father who accidentally torched his home, to the claustrophobic pastor making her way through a historic tunnel in Israel, to the mystery author having a close call with a stink bug.

God can speak to us through that soft voice inside your head, or the perfect words for your circumstance uttered on Sunday morning, or He can come to you in a powerful revelation.

Turn your doubts into divine encounters. Discover how God is speaking to you today through these 101 inspirational faith stories. These stories will transform your doubts into powerful encounters with God’s grace, guiding you to find Him in unexpected places.

UNEXPECTED ALTARS is a collection of stories of faith from real people, just like you, who have experienced God’s grace and presence in their lives. Their authors pray that this Christian devotional will inspire your daily spiritual life. Each story is a powerful reminder that God meets us right where we are—building altars of worship in the ordinary and the extraordinary. Perfect for daily devotion, small group discussion, or personal encouragement.

My Review:

As a woman of Faith, this book interested me.  Mainly because I haven't read a faith-based book in a while, the description caught my eye. I was a little worried it would come off as a "religious text" to be 'adhered to'..because, in my experience at least, I don't need yet another person telling me what I'm doing wrong, need to change, need to do better, etc. That is how our world can feel sometimes, right? I am so glad I was wrong. This book was easy to read in a week (it could be read sooner or longer, I have littles that seem to know when mom sits down to read!). It was easy in a lot of ways..

Easy to read, comprehend, and relatable. I really appreciated that each story was told by someone else in their own experience, with a scripture to head off their story or experience. 

I found that, after reading this, I began to feel more like I was sitting with a group of friends and we were exchanging stories! So many good points, good reminders, and even made me think of loved ones I know going through things. 

I enjoyed the faith aspect of this read without it feeling...preachy. There isn't anything necessarily wrong with preachy, but when you're reading a book like this, that isn't what you need. It comes off more as a friend you're talking to that ends up reminding you, 'I need to remember that...' 

Such as faith of a mustard seed, or taking care of our spiritual self, just the physical self. The one biggest reminder this book gave me was in the title itself, though..Unexpected Altars. Although church is great for the soul and spirit, we need to remember that God meets us where we are, how we are. This book gives 'chicken soup for the soul' type vibes. I definitely would recommend this.

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I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

#Giveaway Untamed Hearts by Colleen O'Connell

UNTAMED HEARTS

Colleen O'Connell

Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Publication Date: June 4, 2018

Two destinations lead to one destiny

Fleeing her wavering feelings for her fiancé, Taryn Ashford boards a westbound train to visit relatives. Her journey awakens unbridled passion with the dangerously handsome, Jared King. When Jared is accused of murder, she is faced with providing him an alibi at the risk of her own reputation. Did he use her to save himself or can she trust her heart – and him - to discover the truth? A truth they must work together to reveal.

Gunman, shooter, the brand is Jared King’s life. His skill with a gun creates an existence forever searching – searching every face for the bounty hunter in constant pursuit, for the settled life he is certain he will never find and for one woman’s love. Taryn Ashford jeopardizes his need to remain emotionally detached. She represents the happiness denied him, but if he pursues her, will he risk both their lives?

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Upcoming Book Tour

Join our upcoming book tour from June 12 - 25, 2018.

Save the date! Join us and visit our tour stops daily as we share more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and and other extras about the book! To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Untamed Hearts Book Page at Book Unleashed.

About Colleen O'Connell

Colleen has been an avid reader her entire life and has a particular love of the historical romance genre. Having enjoyed reading romances early on, she began writing them herself when she wanted the stories to take a different turn and determined the only way to achieve it was to craft her own. She currently lives in Northern Kentucky and has a background in Human Resource Management.

Website: https://www.colleenoconnell.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colleen.oconnell.313371

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**Review** Grimm Woods by D. Melhoff

Book Details:

Book Title:  Grimm Woods by D. Melhoff
Category:  Adult Fiction, 384 pages
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  Bellwoods Publishing 

Release date:  December 2016

**Content Rating: R - The book is rated R for a few sex scenes (not explicit), mild drug use, cursing, and violence. The violence, while graphic and creative at times, is a core part of the story.**

Book Description:

A remote summer camp becomes a lurid crime scene when the bodies of two teenagers are found in a bloody, real-life rendering of a classic Grimm's fairy tale. Trapped in the wilderness, the remaining counselors must follow a trail of dark children's fables in order to outwit a psychopath and save the dwindling survivors before falling prey to their own gruesome endings.

Drawing on the grisly, uncensored details of history’s most famous fairy tales, Grimm Woods is a heart-pounding thriller about a deranged killer who uses traditional children’s stories as tropes in elaborate murders. Set against the backdrop of modern-day Michigan, it’s a journey through the mind of a dangerous zealot and a shocking glimpse into the bedtime stories you thought you knew.

About the Author:

​D. Melhoff was born in a prairie ghost town that few people have heard of and even fewer have visited. While most of his stories are for adults, he also enjoys terrifying younger audiences from time to time, as seen in his series of twisted picture books for children. He credits King, Poe, Hitchcock, Harris, Stoker, and his second grade school teacher, Mrs. Lake, for turning him to horror. For more information, visit www.dmelhoff.com.

Connect with the author:  Book Website  ~  Twitter ~  Facebook

Review:
The synopsis grabbed right away and D Melhoof did an incredible job of bringing the Grimm Fairy Tales alive in such an exciting and captivating way in this book. This book sucked me in from the very beginning. This read was right up my alley with the crime, murder, and suspense; minus the gore but I knew that was to be expected so I was forewarned. I would love to see this as a movie brought to life on another level. I don't really read blood and gore so in that sense this was out of my comfort zone. However, because it was not a horror genre type of blood and gore, I could handle it. I loved the idea of taking these fairy tales and telling them to adults with a twist while still staying true to the stories. All in all though, loved it. I look forward to more reading with this author. Melhoff is obviously a talented and gifted writer with a great imagination and ability to put a twist on stories without driving away from the purpose of the story while still keeping the reader entranced.

A Fine Year for Murder by Lauren Carr **Book Blast**

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Book Details:

Book Title: A Fine Year for Murder by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult fiction,  430 pages
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  Jan 31, 2017
Available for review in:  Print, Audible audiobook and ebook (mobi, ePub, PDF)
Will send print ARC books to:  USA & Canada
Tour dates:  Feb 1 to 28 and March 1 to April 14, 2017

Content Rating:  PG -13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, therefore they do include murder. The Thorny rose mystery series are her more adult series, which pushes the envelope just a bit more than in her other series. A Fine Year for Murder deals with a case pertaining to the brutal murder of a whole family (happens off-stage). The book does include some mild intimate scenes between the young married couple. Also has some gritty sexual references during the investigation. Mild swearing, but no F-Bombs.)

Book Description:

After months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect … except in the middle of the night when, in darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica’s past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.

When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family living near a winery owned by distant relatives she was visiting and suppressed the memory.

Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple? 

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Kill and Run: A Thorny Rose Mystery by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult fiction, 350 pages
Genre:  Mystery, Suspense
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  September 2015
Available for review in:  Print, Audible audiobook and ebook (mobi, ePub, PDF)
Will send books:  USA & Canada
Tour dates: March 1 to April 14, 2017
Content Rating: PG 

Book Description:

Five women with seemingly nothing in common are found brutally murdered in a townhome outside Washington, DC. Among the many questions surrounding the massacre is what had brought these apparent strangers together only to be killed.

Taking on his first official murder case, Lieutenant Murphy Thornton, USN, believes that if he can uncover the thread connecting the victims, then he can find their murderer.

The case takes an unexpected turn when Murphy discovers that one of the victims has a connection to his stepmother, Homicide Detective Cameron Gates. One wintry night, over a dozen years before, her first husband, a Pennsylvania State trooper, had been run down while working a night shift on the turnpike.

In this first installment of the Thorny Rose Mysteries, the Lovers in Crime join newlyweds Lieutenant Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday to sift through a web of lies and cover-ups. Together, can the detectives of the Thorny Rose uncover the truth without falling victim to a cunning killer?

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs (including the real Gnarly) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

Connect with Lauren: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

When Fate Decides by Tricia McGill **Book Blast & Giveaway**

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

BLURB:

For too long Tessa has seen herself as plain and dowdy, just an ordinary suburban housewife. With her confidence eroded after being married to a bully who humiliated her at every opportunity, why wouldn’t she presume she was unattractive, and someone no man would find the least bit worth bothering with?

But now Tessa is a widow, and relishing her new state of independence. Her world is turned upside down by Jack Delaney, a man she spent hours fantasizing over when he worked for her husband. A man who gave her a deliciously secret outlet from her miserable marriage. When Jack enters her life again, professing he finds her attractive, why would she believe him? Especially as he is now wealthy, successful, still extremely handsome, and to add to that, years younger than her.

Excerpt:

As Tessa pulled the door open, the words of rebuke died on her lips. It most definitely wasn’t a salesman. The man who stood there, smiling, was one she’d never expected to see again in her lifetime.

“Mrs Browning. I don’t know if you remember me,” he said. Oh, how she remembered him, and that rich voice of his. “The name’s Jack Delaney. I did some work here a few years back for your husband.” When she continued to stare at him in shock, he added, “We built the games room and extra toilet and shower room.” He shrugged. “Another guy and me were here for a month or so? You’ve probably forgotten me.”

Forgotten him?

If there was one person Tessa would never be likely to forget, it was him. His voice sounded deeper, but still held that same undercurrent of sensuality that caused her toes to curl.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Award winning author Tricia McGill was born in London, England, and moved to Australia many years ago, settling near Melbourne. The youngest in a large, loving family she was never lonely or alone. Surrounded by avid readers, who encouraged her to read from an early age, is it any wonder she became a writer? The local library was a treasure trove and magical world of discovery through her childhood and growing years. Although her published works cross sub-genres, romance is always at their heart.

Tricia’s love of animals has always shown up in her books. Tricia devotes as much time and money as she can spare to supporting worldwide conservation groups and is passionate about supporting those who do all they can to preserve our wildlife for future generations, especially elephants and orangutans who seem to be getting the raw end of the deal even in this enlightened age. She also volunteers for a local community group that helps disabled adults and children to connect to the internet with provided computer equipment. When people ask what she does in her spare time she is heard to ask, “Spare time, what is that?”

Web Page:   www.triciamcgill.com

Blog:   http://triciamg.blogspot.com

Facebook Author page:   https://www.facebook.com/authorTriciaMcGill        

Books We Love Author Page: http://bookswelove.net/authors/mcgill-tricia/

When Fate Decides at Amazon: https://amzn.com/B01AR9FPSA

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Ascension by Hannah Rials **Promo**

Ascension
by Hannah Rials
Genre: YA Paranormal
Release date: August 2016
Aletha Press

Summary:

Life is supposed to be perfect after Cheyenne Lane’s Ascension ceremony, but it turns out awakening her vampire half only complicates things more. Burdened with a patronizing family and constant surveillance by the Vampire Council, Cheyenne welcomes a summer vacation to the magical city of New Orleans. But Cheyenne quickly realizes that she can’t escape her problems, no matter where she goes.

After seventeen years of fearing exposing her secret to humans, Cheyenne’s world is rocked when she starts to fall for a witch named Eli. When he shows Cheyenne how complex the world really is, she must accept that everything she thought she knew about being a Deuxsang is a lie.

As if all this isn’t problem enough, Cheyenne finds herself the pawn of a conspiracy hatched by those who should be protecting her. Her whole life Cheyenne is told what to believe and who to trust. Now, she’s forced to choose for herself who and what is right. No matter which choice she makes, it will cost her everything.

Steeped in the mystery, intrigue and rich history of New Orleans and the secretive world of the Deuxsang, teen vampire, Cheyenne, and her forbidden love, Eli, embark on a very different, and vastly more dangerous, journey as the net of betrayal tightens around them. This intense and fresh novel is enchanting, engrossing and impossible to put down right up to the cliffhanger ending. Remember, the end is not the end.

Testimonials

What an extraordinary debut novel with new and intriguing twists on vampires—a strong female protagonist as one. I already can’t wait for book two.-Jill Murphy Long, author of The Conduit

This book is by the far the BEST YA/Adult fiction that I’ve read in a very long while. So exciting!-Rebecca F

The wait is over-Ascension is here! Thrilling and entertaining, like the experience on a crazy roller coaster. Hannah has grown into the most amazing writer. Watching her journey has been as much fun as holding the book in my hands. A "must read" for YA and thriller fans!-Valarie B.

Rials has created a complex, fascinating, hidden world within our world. And I think we're just beginning to scratch the surface."-Kris Whorton

About the Author

As Maryville native and current college student at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Hannah Rials began writing her first novel at age twelve. Eight years later, the result is her newly published YA novel Ascension; a modern day teenage romance filled with "double-blooded" vampires and revenge-seeking witches.

Published by Aletha Press of Maryville, TN, Ascension is Rial’s first novel. When not attending college and spending time with her family, Rials keeps busy by playing with her beloved Corgis, Buddy and Noel, leading a creative writing group at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and cultivating her writing skills.

“I feel like I am living proof that dreams do come true.”- Hannah Rials

Author Links:

   

Angles (Part 1) by Erin Lockwood **Giveaway**

Angles – Part 1

by Erin Lockwood

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

BLURB:

A compelling love story about Caralee, her best friend Teddy, and her new love interest, Sam. The intensity of Sam entering into Cara's life challenges her friendship with Teddy - which was forged long ago when they encountered a deranged gunman. Teddy will stop at nothing to protect Cara - even if it means keeping his long time business associate and once best friend far away from her.

This story is about friendship and relationship triangles, love and protection, love and understanding, and love vs true love.

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Excerpt:

By the time I get back to dancing with Dean, I feel something, someone, watching me. The feeling I felt before my speech is stronger now. There’s something consuming my surroundings—an invisible, sweltering blanket over me. As soon as I have the chance, I look around and try to find the source of this feeling—the burning eyes I can’t see, yet, but I sense are focused on me.

I casually scan the room between dips and twirls.

My breath catches. There they are—the eyes I’ve been searching for. A man, a gorgeous man, in a perfectly tailored suit is staring at me. It’s no mistake. Now that I see him, I know his eyes are the source of this feeling I’ve been having.

There are worse people to have stare at you. He might be a little older, but he’s very attractive. He wears his dark brown hair slicked and styled up and back. It looks soft enough to run my fingers through and short enough to create a little edge to it. His blackish gray suit blends in with his olive, tan skin. Every part of him is dark and smoky, except his eyes. His turquoise-blue eyes are so bright; they’re like headlights shining at me. A lighthouse warning me not to come too close or my boat will crash.  - Chapter 2

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Erin Lockwood grew up in Castro Valley, California, and attended the University of Oregon where she graduated with a degree in journalism in 2003. From there, she moved to Denver, Colorado, and spent the next seven years searching for the love of her life and building the family of her dreams.

It wasn’t long until, with children starting preschool and more time on her hands, Erin refocused on her career, beginning with a successful entry into the world of residential real estate as a realtor. Free time was spent reading book after book—and binge-watching the subsequent films—in the New Adult genre. Hopelessly in love with her husband, she wrote him a short story for their fifth wedding anniversary. That’s when she discovered her tireless passion to share her experience of falling in love through fictional characters. That story evolved into the first novel in the Angles Trilogy.

Erin still lives in Denver with her husband, Phil, and their three children. They spend most of their summers and holidays on the beautiful island of Coronado where Erin and Phil wish to retire someday.

Learn more about Erin and the Angles Trilogy at www.anglestrilogy.com,

Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/anglestrilogy and

Twitter. http://www.twitter.com/anglestrilogy

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