Dreaming of the Majors ~ Dick "Lefty" O'Neal

This is an emotional and inspirational True Story read.  Dick "Lefty" O'Neal tells us his story of just how he wanted to be a major league baseball player and where he never thought he would go where God took him.  Instead of being accepted into the major league, he became part of history and was chosen as the only white player in the Negro Baseball League.  He tells us of the how he deals with his faith, society and his family during a very controversial situation.   

I would recommend this read to any ages and anyone that wants to be inspired.  It is a quick read with so much emotions and faith in it.  The story gives us a good lesson in following God's lead and how he has chosen a plan for you.  Following God will always take you on a journey with many blessings, most you don't see until you are past the storm.   Great book for giving your tween or teen to read and then discuss with them.  This would be a great book for the whole family to enjoy and discuss.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

About the Book

Book: Dreaming of the Majors

Author: Dick “Lefty” O’Neal

Genre: SPORTS & RECREATION / Baseball / History

Release Date: April 4, 2014

By all counts, Dick “Lefty” O’Neal didn’t have a chance of playing professional baseball. However, today he holds the distinction of being the only white baseball player to pitch for two teams in the Negro Leagues that flourished throughout the twentieth century. “Dreaming of the Majors” is his account of the dream he nurtured from the age of five to play Major League baseball, the people God brought into his life who shaped the dream, and the amazing and unexpected twists and turns Dick experienced along the journey toward fulfilling the dream.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Lefty is currently an Adjunct Professor in Speech, Motivational Speaker, and MLB Scout. He is also a consultant for a possible movie, “Dreaming of the Majors,” which would be based on Dreaming of the Majors – Living in the Bush. He has two grown children, Amy and Adam. He and his wife Harriett have been married forty-plus years and live in Universal City, Texas.”

More from Lefty

 “I wrote my story in order to pass on to my son and daughter what their father experienced in his walk through life as a Christian. I wanted them to understand that  if you have the right purpose, surrounded by the right people, you can make a difference if you listen to His guidance. Using a sports platform was perfect for me to share that whatever your dream is as you are growing as a ballplayer and a Christian helps you stand as an example for all who dreamed of playing a sport.

I had no idea the book would relate so well to anyone who dreams their dreams,  but more importantly, if it doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would they realize it was God’s plan to put them where they are. People have found that blooming  where they you are planted is right where God wants you to make a difference.

My story is one of hope, persistence, never give up attitude, and it encourages all of us to pursue our dreams regardless of the obstacles that stand in our path. But to remember that our Heavenly Father’s spirit has always been with us throughout the journey, wherever it takes us”.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 18

Jacquelyn Lynn, November 19

Connie’s History Classroom, November 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 21

She Lives to Read, November 22

For the Love of Literature, November 23

Artistic Nobody, November 24 (Author Interview)

deb’s book review, November 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Texas Book-aholic, November 27

A Reader’s Brain, November 28

janicesbookreviews, November 29

Inklings and notions, November 30

Simple Harvest Reads, December 1 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Dick is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Dreaming of the Majors book along with two autographed baseball cards and 1 autographed baseball!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ee19/dreaming-of-the-majors-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tour Reminders

• Post on Blog by noon on your assigned day – Be sure to include book information, author information, giveaway, review, blog stops.

• Be sure all pictures and links are active and working

• Post on commercial sites (Amazon, Goodreads, Lifeway, CBD, etc)

• Submit your review

• Share on Facebook (include giveaway)

• Tweet

Tour Information

Link to purchase book: https://amzn.to/2Bgrp9U

Dropbox Link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9jso3kawia58kar/AABixhV67XtCSRZ65ogDszXDa?dl=0

Tour page on Celebrate Lit

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/ee19/dreaming-of-the-majors-celebration-tour-giveaway

Giveaway Code: ee19

God's Hostage ~ Andrew Bunson

This is the true story of Pastor Andrew Bunson in 2016 was held hostage and imprisoned in Turkey.
Both Andrew and his wife were arrested for being Christians, his wife was released and he was held for 2 years in prison.  The charges were of saying that Andrew and his wife were spies and attempting a coup.  All of this was of political stance. The couple were on a mission to spread the word of GOD in an unevangelized country of Turkey.  The journey of their mission is in this book and lets the world know the power of pray and belief in GOD. 

I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to understand the why missionaries do what they do and why they are willing to go to the ends of the earth.  Reading this will make you understand how Pastor Andrew was able to keep his faith from being in prison for 2 years for his belief and faith. Wonderful book for all to read.  Page turner till the end, you just can't put it down....Prayer Power!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Deadly Deceit ~ Natalie Waters

This is book 2 in the Harbored Secrets series.  When Vivian DeMarco finds her boss dead she is determined to find out what happened and who did this.  With the help of Deputy Ryan Frost the story has many twist and turns to keep the suspense and drama with each page that is turned.  The relationship between Vivian and Ryan is one of those that you want them to be together.  Just when you think it is figured out the story twists and keeps you guessing.

I would recommend this to anyone that likes a good page turning, suspenseful drama.  I didn't read the first book (but plan to now) this can be read as a stand alone.  I didn't have any problems understanding the story or characters. I can't wait for book 3 to come out.   When you read this book, plan to have time to read in one setting, as you will not want to put it down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Protecting Tanner Hollow ~ Lynette Eason

This book consists of four romantic / suspense Novellas from the well known author Lynette Eason.
Each book is a mystery and a little romance, in the town of Tanner Hollow. The characters are carried over to each book, but can be read one book not in order.  The stories have some type of murder that needs to be solved and a hint of romance that keeps you in suspense to the end of each novella.  The novellas are about 100 pages each and can be read in one sitting.  Each one is like a Hallmark Murder Mysteries movie and will keep you guessing until the end.

I would recommend this to anyone that wants to read a book that will keep you turning the pages until the end and then when you finish with one Novella you will want to go on to the next one.  I loved how this had four different mysteries tied into one book that just flowed and you are able to read as a stand alone.  Lynette did a great job to keep you turning the pages and guessing to the very end.  The fun of the book was one character in the book before was carried over to the next so you kept that relationship going through out to the end. I couldn't wait to read this when I got it and I was not disappointed as I read it all on the same day I got it.... you can't put it down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from  Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

The Coming Revolution in Church Economics ~ Mark Deymaz

This is a book that is good for church leaders, church planters and financial staff of any church staff.  It covers creative ways to be financially stable in today's economy.  This book teaches leadership to understand the need, how to stop begging for money, creating multiple streams of income, monetize existing services, and more.  Each chapter gives exercises to do, graphs to explain  and principles based on bible verses.  The graphs and charts are a good visual aid to understand the concept behind the lesson.

This book is recommend for church leaders, planners and those responsible for the financial budget of the church.  It has good information and ideas to consider in today's world of change and need.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Christianity for people who aren't Christians ~ James Emery White

This book is one that you read because you have doubt, want to minister to those you don't know how, or just want to know the answers to uncommon questions about God in today's world.
This book has bible verses, questions of doubt why God makes things happen, and answers.  The research that went into this book and was written in the way of today's world language.  James starts out that it would be easier to have doubt when reading this book because, those that believe already have "a one mind".

I would recommend this book to anyone that doesn't believe that God exists.  This is a book filled with alot of topics and answers that cover the reasons why God does exist, with details and explanations of why it is a true.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Stories behind the Sons & Hymns about Heaven ~ Ace Collins

This is a book about the Hymns that we have been singing in church and the story of the meanings from those that wrote them. With 30 hymns in the book, you will read what the hymn meant to the writer and their background.  It is a small book with so much history and you get to learn the true story of what we have been singing about.  The theme each hymn has is heaven and God's word.

I would recommend this to any church member that wants to know the background behind their favorite hymns.  It is a great gift book just in time for Christmas.  It will be cherished for anyone who loves to learn about a song and how it was created.  It will be most appreciated by those that have sung these songs for so many years.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Don't Lose Heart ~Jason Meyer

This book is all about encouragement to have hope and know God's not done.  The first part of this book covers what to do when you are feeling overwhelmed, defeated and worthless.  The second part is dealing with despair and what to do when you are when the past haunts you, the present disappoints you and the future scares you.

I would recommend this book to anyone that needs encouragement, going through a rough time, and just wants to have hope.  It is a small hardcover book that can fit in a purse, side table or in a desk draw.  With the easy to read and specific topics you can pull this out and read what you need to have hope about at anytime.  This is a great book to give as a gift to anyone, friends, family and co-workers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Jesus Skeptic ~ John Dickerson

This book is a read of deep history and how the past was based on Christianity and how the leaders of the country, educators and values of the people were Christian based.  The Universities,  science elements, public education, has influences on today's world and what they have taken away from history.  This book shows studies taken that have impacting over time of how Jesus has been taken out of society and how our country was built on the belief of Jesus to be in our everyday lives.

I would recommend this book for those that want a book on history of our country and Christianity.  Alot of research was put into this book and it is done in an easy to understand read.  This book will be a read that you will need to take your time with and read slowly because of all the information. Reading this book should be for teens and above, because it makes you think.....

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

Living beyond pain ~ Linda S. Mintle, PHD

This book is about dealing with your pain without having to take medication to get through the days. It is a book that has many solutions to today's common problems dealing with pain, depression, self-worth and so much more.  The chapters deal with issues in an easy to understand reading.  Each chapter will start with a quote, some from famous people as Michael J. Fox and Namoi Judd, along with a story then detail solutions and stages of what you are feeling.

I would recommend this book to anyone that is dealing with some sort of pain, either drug addiction, depression, back pain and much more.... this can be read by the person that is having the symptoms or the one that is a caregiver, friend or family.  If you want a book with lots of information this is the book for you. Just note: a lot of information so don't think this is a book you can just pick up and read you will need to take time and take it all in, you might even have to read a few times to get it all in.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.