The Kingdom of God Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: The Kingdom of God: Our life with Jesus the King

Author: John Avery

Genre: Christian Devotional, non-fiction

Release date: March 1, 2023

What is the kingdom of God? Many people only vaguely understand (or misunderstand) it. Is it a future heavenly existence where the nicest dreams come true and nightmares are miraculously purged? After all, it is sometimes called the kingdom of heaven. Perhaps we dismiss it as an irrelevant ideal. Pastors typically prioritize topics like salvation, grace, eternal life, faith, and prayer. Yet, the kingdom was central to the messages of John the Baptist, Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament writers. Their words and behavior show that the kingdom theme is the framework uniting those topics and the entire mission of Jesus and His followers.

God’s kingdom centers on the King. It’s a life journey shared with other kingdom subjects.

This collection of 38 short pieces (2-3 pages each) explores vital questions like:

• How well do we understand Jesus’ view of the kingdom of God?
• What did Jesus mean when He spoke of being in (or outside of) the kingdom?
• Does the kingdom make any difference to our lives right now? Should it?
• Will the kingdom grow automatically, or do we have a part to play?

These pieces can be read quickly; they’re relaxed too—but think carefully and deeply.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

John Avery is the author of The Name Quest: Explore the Names of God to Grow in Faith and Get to Know Him Better (Morgan James Publishing, 2015). The Name Quest won the 2016 Oregon Christian Writers’ Cascade Award for nonfiction. A compilation of short pieces, The Questions of Jesus, was published in 2022.

John is a trained teacher with over thirty years’ experience as a Bible teaching pastor, small group leader, missionary, and disciple maker. He has lived in England, Israel, Africa, and the Caribbean, ministering with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), international student ministry, and local churches. He and his wife, Janet, now make their home in Oregon. John likes to hike, snowshoe, and cross-country ski. John writes short, thought-provoking Bible devotionals at www.BibleMaturity.com many of which will be compiled into books like this one. He maintains a comprehensive resource for all the names of God at www.NamesForGod.net.

More from John

This book is a collection of short devotional pieces. They’re relaxed, but they challenge the reader to think carefully too. What is the kingdom of God? What does it mean for our lives?

Many people only vaguely understand (or misunderstand) the kingdom of God. Is it a future heavenly existence where the nicest dreams come true and nightmares are miraculously purged? After all, it is sometimes called the kingdom of heaven. Perhaps we dismiss it as an irrelevant ideal. Pastors typically prioritize topics like salvation, grace, eternal life, faith, and prayer. Yet, the kingdom was a priority for Jesus.

God’s kingdom centers on the King. It’s a life journey shared with other kingdom subjects.

The pieces explore vital questions like:

• How well do we understand Jesus’ view of the kingdom of God?
• What did Jesus mean when He spoke of being in (or outside of) the kingdom?
• Does the kingdom make any difference to our lives right now? Should it?
• Will the kingdom grow automatically, or do we have a part to play?

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

In a way, it just happened. I preached a series about the names of God. As I researched it, I realized that the existing books selected just a few names and dealt with them in a fairly academic way. Very few teachers seemed to answer the questions about why God revealed so many names and how knowing Him by those names helps us. The big theme through the names in the Bible is that He reveals Himself so that we can have relationship with Him and our faith increases as we know Him. So, I gradually developed my material and it became a book, and I became a writer.

Which author has most influenced your own writing?

Probably CS Lewis.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Almost every piece in my devotional works begins in my own times with Him and reading the Bible. I might check what I sense against commentaries or reference works sometimes, but the main message comes from those times with Him. Because they are short, they require little plotting. My first book, The Name Quest: explore the names of God to grow in faith and get to know Him better, required a lot of careful plotting and considerable rearranging after that. But it is 300 pages and covers a lot more ground.

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

I write in my office/library. It is quiet and I can focus. Often, I develop ideas as I walk or work.

What are your hobbies?

I am a hiker. I love to be out in the mountains or desert. Summer hiking, winter cross-country skiing. The further into wilderness, the better.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write, write, write. Don’t try to perfect it until later. Join a critique group of people who can give honest and helpful feedback and encouragement.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 10

Blossoms and Blessings, March 11 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

Splashes of Joy, March 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 14

Guild Master, March 15 (Author Interview)

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 15

deb’s Book Review, March 16

A Reader’s Brain, March 17 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, March 18

For the Love of Literature, March 19 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 20

Spoken from the Heart, March 21 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 22

Artistic Nobody, March 23

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, John is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/24b78/the-kingdom-of-god-celebration-tour-giveaway

In Spotlight and Shadow Review and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: In Spotlight and Shadow

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Fiction / Mystery / Romance

Release date: February 1, 2023

A Gem of a Mystery Takes Center Stage

​Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Elise Malvern has a habit of letting people down. Her former boyfriend who hoped she’d be his bride. Her grandfather who hoped she’d take over the family’s auction company. But mostly she’s disappointed herself. What’s the point of pursuing her passion as a violinist, if she is too scared to audition for a seat in the Pittsburgh Symphony? Her internship at the elegant Heinz Hall places her in the wings of the stage, but never on it. By accident, she discovers an old stage prop. Her instincts tell her there’s more to the paste necklace than meets the eye. Whether a good idea or not, she accepts help from a childhood friend, who happens to be country music megastar—Peirson Brooks. Peirson and Elise share a history; one she doesn’t care to repeat. The more involved they become in the mystery, the more things get tangled, including her heart.

A century earlier…
Sophie Walters longs for center stage, her name on the marquee, and all that jazz, but climbing her way into an acting career is more difficult than she imagined. Having spoiled all her chances in Hollywood, she returns to Pittsburgh, accepting an insignificant role in a popular production. She watches her dreams pass by from behind the curtain at the illustrious Loew’s Penn Theatre. She finally gets the coveted spotlight, but not for her talent. No, her surge to fame is all one terrible mistake. Somehow, she’s suspected to be a notorious jewel thief known around Pittsburgh as The Mirage. The man she pleads for help is none other than the man she jilted at the altar five years before, Sterling Monroe.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.

More from Rachel

History of The Loew’s Penn/Heinz Hall Theater

The Loew’s Penn theater in Pittsburgh opened its doors on September 6, 1927. Thousands of Pittsburghians crammed the streets hoping to enter. Those who were fortunate to claim a seat gasped at the grandeur of what that has been billed the ‘Temple of Cinema.’ The new hotspot in the Steel City was regarded as the most magnificent theater between New York and Chicago.

The Loew’s Penn was five stories high and could seat over 3,000 guests. The grand lobby had a 50-foot-high vaulted Venetian ceiling, gilded Corinthian columns, and two spectacular chandeliers. The crystal for the chandeliers was imported from Vienna. From silk drapes to artwork by Renaissance masters to Italian marble staircases the theater seemed more like a museum than a cinema palace. As for the entertainment, the night began with a live stage show followed by a silent film feature.

Attendance averaged around 60,000 theatergoers a week. And with an admission charge of $.50, the theater made around $30,000 a week. Which was a substantial fortune during the 1920s. The theater hosted live stage shows and they also brought in national acts including Paul Whiteman and the Rhythm Boys featuring Bing Crosby. Also Buster Keaton and Eddie Cantor graced the stage.

Over the years, the allure of the Loew’s Penn faded, and the theater fell into disrepair, finally shutting its doors in 1968. The Howard Heinz Endowment purchased the building, saving it from demolition. After a 16-month renovation that had cost over $11 million, the doors opened yet again under the new name of Heinz Hall. The plush red carpet is bold and beautiful, but also a subtle nod to … you guessed it … Heinz Ketchup. The grand lobby features the original marble flooring as well as the two 15-foot chandeliers. The main auditorium seats 2,661 guests. Heinz Hall is now the home to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra it also hosts concerts and Broadway touring companies.

My Review

Had this book not been part of Barbour’s Doors to the Past series, I might not have chosen to read it, and that would certainly have been an unfortunate oversight. Topics such as jewel theft, fame, and city life usually do not appeal to me, and, truth be told, romance has never been at the top of my list either. Having read Undercurrent of Secrets and Above the Fold, however, I had no doubt that Rachel Scott McDaniel would write another compelling novel that I would read from cover-to-cover in two sittings, and In Spotlight and Shadow was precisely that!

Bringing together two young women with storied pasts, Sophie Walters from 1927 and Elise Malvern from the present, In Spotlight and Shadow is as much a tale of contrasts as it is parallels. Beyond the title itself, the interplay between light and darkness creates a chiaroscuro effect throughout the narrative, highlighting the two protagonists as each wrestle with the heartache of past love and the pursuit of their burgeoning careers. Elise is a creative marketing intern at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, but she feels her true place is on stage as a violinist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra—if only she had the courage to audition. Sophie, on the other hand, is an actress who didn’t make it in Hollywood and instead performs a minor role at Loew’s Penn Theatre—to become Heinz Hall decades later—until she is suddenly cast into the limelight under suspicion of being a jewel thief who has earned the moniker The Mirage. The shadows of the past overtake the present for both women when Elise’s former best friend and now country music star Pierson Brooks unexpectedly crashes back into her life and the man whom Sophie abandoned at the altar turns out to be the one investigating her case.

Rachel McDaniel employs the theme of courage and perseverance in the midst of adversity as a means of demonstrating a timeless truth: that regardless of circumstances or identity, God loves us and is faithful to use all things for our good and His glory when we put our trust in Him. As Sophie reflects to herself after remarking to a coworker that the world has many weak imitations of love, “But love in its full strength was something we found only in God.” Likewise, amidst struggles and reopened wounds from the past, Elise comes to an undeniable realization: “She needed to trust in God’s faithfulness to bring her through.” Sometimes our plans don’t turn out the way we thought they would or even should have, but when we surrender our lives to the Lord, we find that nothing is wasted, that it is all strung perfectly together into a harmonious symphony uniquely ours.

McDaniel also incorporates interesting lore about Pittsburgh into this dual-timeline story, and as someone who grew up an hour away from the city, the familiar locales add an extra level of enjoyment. Perhaps the most entertaining aspect of this story, though, is the gambling grannies, whose well-intentioned scheming stirs up more trouble than their grandkids bargained for. Indeed, there is a wide-ranging cast who are full of surprises for both their fellow characters and readers alike. Even if this isn’t your preferred genre, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and give In Spotlight and Shadow a try!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: 5 stars ♥♥♥♥♥

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 26

Just Your Average reviews, February 26

Rebecca Tews, February 26

Where Faith and Books Meet, February 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 27

deb’s Book Review, February 28

Simple Harvest Reads, February 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 1

Blogging With Carol, March 1

Remembrancy, March 2

Connie’s History Classroom, March 2

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 3

Betti Mace, March 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 4

Cover Lover Book Review, March 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 5 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, March 5

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, March 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

For Him and My Family, March 6

Through the Fire Blogs, March 7

Bigreadersite, March 7

lakesidelivingsite, March 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 8

For the Love of Literature, March 8

Blossoms and Blessings, March 9

Holly’s Book Corner, March 9

Labor Not in Vain, March 9

Book Looks by Lisa, March 10

Pause for Tales, March 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/24705/in-spotlight-and-shadow-celebration-tour-giveaway

Priscilla’s Piggy Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: Priscilla’s Piggy

Author: Marisa Masterson

Genre: Sweet Historical Romance

Release date: Febraury 10, 2023

This marriage needs something more than a pig to hold it together—

Jack Dixon knew his mother was right. It was time he married. He’d go along with whatever she writes in the letter to the matchmaker.

Priscilla Pringle fell in love with the man who wrote such a tender letter. Too bad that the man she meets in Missouri is his opposite. She’d leave and go home except for the little piggy she is bottle feeding.

Will she stay after the piggy is weaned? Is Jack the only one who needs to change

to make a marriage work?

Read to find out.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

The smiling teacher. That’s what her students called her. How did this dedicated teacher end up as an author? A spinal cord injury took her out of the high school classroom. After seven years of healing, she asked the Lord what He had for her. Now, thirty-seven books later, Marisa is still enjoying the direction He sent her when God opened the door for her to begin writing.

Marisa’s sweet romances often are set in her home state of Wisconsin. Growing up, she loved hearing stories about her family who pioneered in that state. Those stories, in part, are what inspire ideas for her books.

Though she’s from Wisconsin, Marisa and her husband of thirty-four years live in Saginaw, Michigan. They have two grown children and a precious three-year-old granddaughter, Hunny Junebug. She’s been Marisa’s best physical therapy and keeps her moving.

More from Marisa

As a girl of about ten, I remember holding a glass 7-Up bottle for the orphaned piglet. My grandpa attached a black rubber nipple and had me feed it—just like Fern in Charlotte’s Web. Unlike Fern, I knew not to name it or grow attached. It would be sold when it reached 40 pounds.

That memory came in handy with Priscilla’s Piglet. I wondered what I could add to keep my heroine at the farm after she decides the hero is not her perfect match. The memory prodded my brain. Who doesn’t love a baby that is in need—even if it’s a baby pig! It seemed the perfect fit for this story.

Author Interview

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I write by the seat of my pants—every book. I do try to decide on three to five things that have to happen in a chapter before I write it.

Actually, I’ve plotted out a book before without a lot of success. The characters do unexpected things as the story develops. I can never end up where I planned to take a book. I’ve found it’s most often best for me to let my characters have their way with the story’s direction.

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

Some authors have offices or writing caves as they call them. There’s no such place in my small house. I write early in the morning as I sit in my recliner. For some reason, I can only write in the mornings, but I have always been a morning person.

Describe your book in five words.

Danger follows a mail-order bride.

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

Jack pulls at my heart. His struggle to accept grace mirrors the human experience. I say that is part of the human condition because of what I see in the world and what the Bible tells me. After all, so many religions focus on what a person does to be worthy.

Also, he tugs at my heart because of the trauma that haunts him. Living with a husband who suffers from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), I understand the drive to simply be normal again.

Do you ever hide things in your stories for readers to find?

Yes, I do–usually things connected to my family. One of the townspeople in this book is named after my son. It’s a little glimpse into his personality as well.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 13

Stories By Gina, February 14 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, February 15

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 18 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, February 18

Pause for Tales, February 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 20

For the Love of Literature, February 21 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, February 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Artistic Nobody, February 24 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, February 24

For Him and My Family, February 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marisa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/242ae/priscilla-s-piggy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Fleeing Egypt Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: Fleeing Egypt

Author: Jaycee Pierce

Genre: Women’s Fiction (Christian)

Release date: October 24, 2022

When Jennifer (Jen) Hoyt leaves for college, the word ecstatic feels like an understatement for how she feels. She can finally move away from the dysfunctional family who neglected and abused her to make a better life on her own. After being an overachieving outcast in school, Jen is confident of academic success, but what she wants most is to be a part of a loving family.

During her first year of college, Kyle, a friend of a friend, captures her heart, but her attempts to “make him love her back” have dire consequences. When Jen finds out she is pregnant, she knows one thing: she wants to keep her baby. Will Kyle decide to form the family she so desperately wants? If he doesn’t, how will Jen keep her baby safe from those who hurt her? Jen doesn’t know the Lord yet, but He’s already making a way for her.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

No one is more surprised than I am to read the word author and know it applies to me. I had different dreams as a child, and this was not remotely on my radar. At three, I wanted to be an Olympic swimmer. When I was eight, I “ran for president,” telling people to vote for me in the election year when I would finally be thirty-five (I had calculated it precisely). In my teens, I had lowered the barand just wanted to be a lawyer. While those doors never opened, God has faithfully led me on a winding path to get me where I am today.

I have held a variety of jobs: customer service representative, loan processor, professional video game player, city councilwoman, church secretary, math teacher, and most importantly, mother. While I was training to be a teacher, God inspired me to write a yet-to-be-published children’s book. Not long after, I began this novel. I wrote a week each summer between school years while my son and his father were camping without me. Depending on how you want to count time, it either took me five weeks (of actual time in front of a computer screen) or three years (looking at a calendar) to finish. Then I spent several years editing and finding a publisher. I hope that you find as much pleasure from reading it as I got from writing it.

More from Jaycee

God works in mysterious ways. I honestly never intended to be a writer, and this entire endeavor started in a way that seemed almost accidental at the time. I had just finished my first year of teaching mathematics. That summer, the members of my immediate family went on a five-day “male bonding” camping trip.

Left home alone, I called friends and family members to reconnect and fill my need for social interaction. One conversation in particular left me with a lot of “what if” questions about how life would have been different for me without God in the picture. I wrestled with different scenarios and then decided I needed to organize my thoughts.

I started writing and thirteen hours later ended up with about 40 pages of text. I sent those to my cousin, Jill, who wanted to know what happened next. Her encouragement kept me writing until this novel was completed, two summer camping trips later.

Author Interview

When/how did you decide to become a writer?

I somewhat stumbled into being a writer around 2011. While working on a master’s degree, I took a class on adolescent psychology. The teacher of the class began speaking about the effects of being abused on children. He discussed one case where people had decided the child involved had “no hope of being normal”. This verdict left me livid. I lived through abuse in my childhood and have found a path with God’s help to live a life which was much more than what the experts predicted for the girl he discussed with our class.

I wanted the girl involved and her family to know there is hope and not to give up on trying to create a “normal life”. I wished I had the opportunity to speak to them. I tossed and turned thinking about what I would say, but eventually fell asleep. In the middle of the night, God woke me up and wrote a children’s book through me. I felt the Holy Spirit as I wrote, and the process took less than 10 minutes. That book presents my story to children that are experiencing some or all of what I went through as a child to offer them the idea that they can find ways to live happy, healthy lives. Interestingly, it is not a particularly Christian book, but it is just the beginning of the conversation.

Not long after that experience, another conversation inspired me. One of my cousins and I were discussing the fact that my doctor told me in my late teens that I would never have children. God gifted me with a child in my thirties, but my cousin asked me how I thought my life would be different if I had gotten pregnant earlier. That question stuck with me and caused me to start writing. The result of that introspection was the novel I just published, Fleeing Egypt.

The main character has a background somewhat similar to my own. The book is the first part of a series that will show her difficult journey to faith. I wanted the opportunity to talk about the power of forgiveness and some of the obstacles that come when abuse is part of your background. Among them are anger at God and the feelings of being unloved and unlovable that come when your own family treats you poorly. My greatest hope is that as this character comes to eventually find faith in God that it will help others from my background also find healing and relationship with God.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

When I wrote Fleeing Egypt, I was teaching. I find that teaching and writing occupy the same part of my brain. I do not seem to be able to do them at the same time. During the school year, I would concentrate on teaching. During three consecutive summer breaks, my husband and son decided to go camping without me. This left me home alone for a week at a time. When they were gone, I worked on my book. As soon as I woke up, usually as early as five or six am, I started writing. I worked intensely for hours, barely taking breaks to eat. Then I finally went to bed around midnight or one am. The first two summers, when they got back, I just stopped. The last summer, I kept pushing so that I could finish. Then it took a long time for me to be brave enough to look for a publisher.

I am no longer a teacher, so my process is different now. I still have a “day job” but when I am done working, I try to push myself to write about five hundred words a day. I wrote the sequel to Fleeing Egypt in about 5 or 6 months. My publisher has accepted it, and I am hoping it will be out sometime in 2023.  I am still working on final content edits right now.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I read somewhere that JK Rowling is a plantser. I think that word applies to me as well. I have a basic outline plotted out when I start. I have some conversations and plot points that are planned in advance, but I fill in details in more of a pantser way. Sometimes this even changes the outline. For instance, some of the material that was originally in Fleeing Egypt got pushed into the sequel, Crossing the Desert. The ending of Crossing the Desert came as a complete surprise to me even but felt like a natural outgrowth of conversations that had occurred.

Who was/is your biggest inspiration?

My great grandmother, Mimi, is my biggest inspiration. When she was in her 80’s and I was three or four, someone broke into her home. They beat her up, shattering her hip bone to the point it could not be repaired, and stabbed her. She was found unconscious in the middle of her living room floor by a relative not much later. Thankfully, she lived through this event. When she awoke in the hospital, her response to being told what had happened to her was “I will have to pray for that young man, he must have been hurting so much to have done this to me.” Then I heard her pray for him many times as I grew up. I just didn’t know who “that young man” was until I was told the story by my mother much later.

Mimi had this inner glow about her. You could feel the presence of God when you were around her. She lived a simple life, but her funeral was standing room only in a large Houston church. I remember the things everyone said about her. They talked about how they always felt she cared about them. She carried a small notebook with her and asked everyone she met if they needed prayer. She would write down whatever they told her and pray over the concerns daily. She then followed up with people if she saw them again, updating her journal to praise or add additional things that were needed. She fearlessly talked about Jesus with people. I hope some day my grandchildren or greatgrandchildren will think of me as someone who had that same inner glow.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

I prefer traditional books. I tend to be a visual person, so I am not sure audiobooks would ever be a good choice for me. I have read a few ebooks. As the medium is becoming more familiar, I am starting to like it more. I guess I am old enough that technology takes me a while to master.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

There are actually several Bible stories that resonate with me. At this point in my life, the dominate one is the story of Sarah. I was told at 18 or 19 that I would never have children (as in zero percent chance because my body does not produce ova). My doctor indicated I have one of the most severe cases of what is now called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome that he had seen in thirty-five years of practice.  I had to have my ovaries operated on in my early twenties.
After I got married we did nothing to prevent pregnancy, but after six years of marriage, nothing. One day, my husband came inside and said, “You are never going to believe what just happened. God just told me we are going to have a son and what we are supposed to name him.” (At the time he told me the name, I just want to respect my son’s privacy.) When I laughed, he called me Sarah.

We went another six years and nothing. We went to a fertility specialist. The specialist tried medications, but they didn’t work. Eventually, the doctor told us that we should try invitro fertilization and ask family members if one of them was willing to donate an egg.

I went to a church conference and stayed in a dorm room with 3 other women. When we discussed this situation, they decided to pray over me. They prayed for the child God promised to come and multiple other things. The next time I went to the doctor, just a few weeks later, I found out I was pregnant. Everything the women prayed for me happened and I now have a teenaged son with the name that we were given.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 4

Artistic Nobody, February 5 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, February 5

Cover Lover Book Review, February 6

For the Love of Literature, February 7 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Susan K. Beatty, Author, February 10 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 12

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, February 13 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, February 14

Guild Master, February 15 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, February 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jaycee is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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/23d5c/fleeing-egypt-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Me I See in You Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: The Me I See In You

Author: Angeles Echols

Genre: Coffee Table Inspirational

Release date: November 7, 2022

Take a peek into the eyes of our future…and be encouraged.

The Me I See in You is a testament of the commitment, dedicated educators and caring communities have in changing the trajectory of young lives. In it, you’ll meet graduates with incredible stories and extraordinary outcomes, thanks to the academic, emotional, and social resources provided by EYM and a caring core base of teachers, mentors, family, friends, funders, and the EYM board of directors.

“When asked what I see on the horizon for our youth, I see in my youth the essence of what it is “to be human,” to dream, do the work, to love, and forgive with grace. Through tears, triumphs, disappointments, successes, failures, inequities, biases and racism, I see a world full of hope because our youth with guidance and support will not waiver. They will continue to strive to be and share their best selves with unlimited potential.
I think not only of these former students but each child that has come across my path and the me I see in each of them!” –Angeles Echols

Yvette, a little chocolate beauty who was once teased, but now with an MD and Master’s degree, is a role model for young Black women and girls.
LaShia, who rolled her neck and eyes at me and adamantly told us what she was and was not going to do at EYM… I smiled and asked her mom to leave the room. (What was said in that room, we will never tell)
Todd, who sat at my desk and reviewed EYM’s online programming, discovered flaws, said “Don’t cry, Ms. Echols, I can fix this,” and built EYM’s online interactive platform, Access/No Excuse (ANE).
Adam, who built the teacher, student online tutorial component of (ANE) while attending Cal Tech and teaching at EYM part-time.
Ashley, who gave me a hug and said, “Take my credit card and get what you need for EYM. I will bring my team and design the landscape for EYM.” Shot during a drive-by, she’s forgiving and, refuses to be bitter.
Rob, seeking that street credit as a teen, now a film producer and director, reminds me frequently that EYM saved his life. I then remind him that he saved himself, with God’s grace and the support of his family and village!
Themba, reminds me that the potential of an EYM graduate is without boundaries. Never giving up or giving in, he passed the California State Bar and continued to reach back to help others, producing the first EYM golf tournament!
Suha, a gentle soft spoken EYM graduate, now in Medical School, who became a tutor at EYM and quietly showered me with love and encouragement as an adult.

When you look upon a child whose eyes have already begun to dim due to deferred hope don’t speculate on how long it will take before the light is completely extinguished—find a way to set it ablaze.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Angeles LaRose Patricia Echols was born in Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from Cornell University, where she earned her B.A. in psychology, with an emphasis in child development and human behavior. While attending Cornell, Angeles discovered a love for the arts and teaching. In Ithaca’s downtown community centers and in the local Baptist church. After much prayer and soul searching, the path was chosen for her. She would become an advocate for children: an educator and mentor, empowering children, parents, and families.

Angeles founded Educating Young Minds Tutorial Program, reaching at-risk children and their families, channeling their energies toward achieving excellence. She accomplished this by linking high expectations with socio-academic improvement, proven teaching and learning strategies and activities for students with varied needs, skills and abilities.

The truest testament to Angeles’ work is the young men and women who graduate from EYM, succeed at college, and then return to their communities as role models and as leaders.

Her new book, “The Me I See In You” highlights some of the students that have graduated from EYM, accomplished many of their academic and professional goals and have come back to support EYM in various ways. You will be encouraged by their stories.

This is not Angeles Echols’ first foray into writing. She is the author of interactive bio- Ray Charles, The Man. The Music, The Legacy (commissioned by the Ray Charles Foundation).

Angeles lives in California with her husband. When she is not running her business or writing, Angeles travels with her husband.

More from Angeles

As an educator, there are days filled with profound rewards. To see the light go on in a student’s eyes when they grasp a concept or make a connection from one end of a logical stream of thoughts to another. Learning.

The hard work of making sure each student receives the right type of stimuli, attention, and motivation is rewarded in many different ways. Sometimes the reward comes in the form of the discovery of a new approach or technique. Other times it comes in seeing the student advance in such a way that the indelible mark they make on society or the world is a reason for celebration.

“The Me I See in You” is a celebration of some of the students that have attended Educating Young Minds, Inc. (EYM), a learning center that utilizes the holistic approach to educating and serving their students and the families of those students.

Now in their adulthood, these former students are teachers, attorneys, doctors, film producers, computer specialists, and social workers, just to name a few, and they are sharing stories on the impact EYM has had on their lives. Each of the twenty-one students also leaves the reader with a few notes of encouragement and advice.

Since this is a coffee table book in its paperback and hardback form, there is a great amount of attention given to the pictures on the covers as well as those placed in the interior.

I believe this is an exceptionally beautiful way to share encouragement and inspiration. I am proud that I was able to celebrate these students in a creative way that draws those that will read everything from cover to cover and those that just wish to scan the writing and look at the attention-grabbing pictures.

Author Interview

Describe your book in five words.

Timely and Beautiful

Engaging

Unexpected

Rare

Encouraging

What are your hobbies?

I don’t have any…….would love to learn to horseback ride and speak 2 other languages

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

Traditional books.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that
really resonates with you?

I love all of Psalm and Matthew

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Keep a pencil and paper nearby at all times and write with patience and freewill, unapologetically…but not to destroy or discourage others.

Blog Stops

Lots of Helpers, January 12

Texas Book-aholic, January 13

Blossoms and Blessings, January 14 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 16

For the Love of Literature, January 17 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, January 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 19

Cover Lover Book Review, January 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

Guild Master, January 23 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 24

Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Author Interview)

Naked and Unashamed, January 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angeles is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card and a hard copy of the book!!

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/23a0f/the-me-i-see-in-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Judy in Disguise Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: Judy in Disguise

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: November 4, 2022

She wants her history to stay hidden…

…He’s trying to break free of his past

But as they reveal themselves to each other, can they carry out their covert mission?

Judy Larkin has been shy to show her true self ever since the worst day of her life. Which makes her the perfect target for her Simon Legree wannabe boss. He knows the right buttons to push making noncompliance next to impossible. But is she really the type of person to do this kind of thing? Especially with the boss’s preppy nephew?

Geoff Spooner has let himself be manipulated for too long but coming out from under his uncle’s thumb will cost him. Is he willing to pay the price? Could be this last demand will be the straw that breaks him free, but what will he lose in the bargain? His self-respect?

It’s 1972. Join Judy and Geoff in this quirky misadventure as they go undercover to discover who they really are, what the cardinal in the sycamore has to say, and what they are truly equipped to do.

You will love this sweet, clean tale inspired by the song “Judy in Disguise” because everyone roots for the underdog.

Get Judy in Disguise today.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Judy in Disguise is the first book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

More from Jennifer

Have you ever been to a party and had so much fun you hated to leave? That’s how I felt when I finished up The Weather Girls. I fell in love with the characters and the memory lane saunter through my hometown of Kokomo, Indiana.

Then, chatting with a good writing friend, I realized I could have a spin-off series where Ferguson House, the business, and of course the cardinal and the sycamore tree all play a part.

The friends from the original series could drop by the stories, but these would be stand-alones. I also wanted to make these stories fun as well as heartwarming.

Then I had the question–where to get the story inspirations?

The same place I got it for Sunny, Stormy, and Windy—the oldies station.

That’s when I Googled song titles from the 60s that had girls’ names in them. When “Judy in Disguise” popped up, I knew it had to be the first of the new Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. The story ideas came fast and furious.

I am so excited about this new series, and I hope you will be too as familiar song titles get new plot points. Come join me at the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

Author Interview

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

I like to write Monday through Friday. When I start a book, I generally have a feel for how long it should be and will use that word count number to decide on how many chapters as well as scenes per chapter. Once I have that, I can set weekly and daily word count goals.

So, after breakfast and a quiet time I get started on writing. If I meet my goal in an hour or two, then I’m done for the day. But if the words aren’t coming so easy and it’s taking a long time, I still have to keep my bottom in my chair until the goal is met. I handle the business portion of things on Saturdays.

Occasionally things happen—appointments, emergencies, etc.—that will require my attention. That’s when I use Saturday to complete my weekly goal.

I don’t write or do any writing business on Sunday. I’m learning to show more respect for the Sabbath.

Do you have a favorite or special place to write?

My husband is a computer guru. He designed me a desktop and that’s where I got started but… Okay, I’m short and my legs started to swell when I would spend too much time at my desk. So he got me a laptop and I have my grandmother’s old recliner and I can write to my heart’s content there. One of these days I should add up how many books I’ve written from this chair.

What are your hobbies?

Until recently, I would have answered that I crochet. However, last Christmas my youngest daughter bought me a Cricut Explorer Air II. If you don’t know what it is, that’s okay. Just understand it is a gadget and I am addicted to gadgets. This machine lets me make greeting cards, stickers, vinyl cutouts for signs and decorations and wall art, t-shirts, mugs, and something I’ve used with my readers—window clings. I like to make cardinal window clings and will occasionally offer them in my newsletter. The cardinal goes with so many of my books and fits into a regular-sized envelope, so it is easy to mail.

Do you prefer traditional books, ebooks, or audiobooks?

It depends on what I’m reading. I’m not into audiobooks so much yet, probably because I prefer to listen to the oldies station when I’m driving. But if I’m reading fiction, I like to read on my Kindle. However, if I’m reading nonfiction, then I want the hard copy so I can mark it up.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

Yes, Isaiah 41:13. I have held onto this verse for a very long time. The reminder that God is holding my hand gives me great comfort and gets me through the tough times.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, December 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 18 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 19

Connie’s History Classroom, December 20

Texas Book-aholic, December 21

deb’s Book Review, December 22

Spoken from the Heart, December 23

Cover Lover Book Review, December 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 26

Stories By Gina, December 27 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 29

For the Love of Literature, December 30 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon card and an eBook copy of the book!!

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/23239/judy-in-disguise-celebration-tour-giveaway

Forever Home Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: Forever Home

Author: Hope Toler Dougherty

Genre: Sweet Romance/Christian Fiction

Release date: August 16, 2022

With a fulfilling job and a home of her own, former foster child, Merritt Hastings, relishes her stable, respectable life. Dreaming for more is a sure way for heartache. When a contested will turns her world upside down, she must reevaluate what’s important to her, what’s worth fighting for, and what’s worth sacrificing.

Patience has never been Sam Daniels’ strong suit with his history of acting quickly and asking questions later, and he’s ready for changes in his life…now. Too bad the plans for acquiring a radio station didn’t include a contract. Now he’s out of a job, out of a radio station, and out of prospects.

While his life is in flux, at least he can help Merritt steady hers, or will he rush in and overstep …again?

Will the sparks flying between these two opposites lead to a happily-ever-after or heartbreak for both?

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Hope Toler Dougherty holds a master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Her novels include Irish Encounter, Mars…With Venus Rising, Rescued Hearts, Forever Music, and Forever Home. Her recent novella, “A Hatteras Surprise,” appears in Candy Cane Wishes and Saltwater Dreams and is also available as a standalone novel. She and her husband delight in visits with their two daughters and twin sons.

More from Hope

When I introduced the Daniels family in Forever Music, the first story in the Forever Series, I wrote about Josie, the little sister. I wanted to write about her brother Sam next, but after about eight chapters, the words stopped flowing and then the pandemic struck. Instead of writing during lockdown, I cleaned out closets, crocheted mask bands, and perfected a killer sourdough loaf.

I wanted to write. I tried to write. I loved Sam and wanted to discover his story, but…nothing.

When my publisher offered a slot in a novella collection, I pushed Sam to the back of my mind and wrote about his older brother, Ben. Ben’s story is set on the beautiful Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Check out his romance in A Hatteras Surprise.

Sharing Ben’s courtship with Ginny Stowe freed me to get back to Sam and Merritt in Forever Home. Their story highlights foster care, music, friendship, and radio stations.

Impatient Sam usually acts first and thinks second. His happy-go-lucky personality chafes Merritt’s stick-with-a-plan attitude. Too bad she needs his help with her livelihood. They don’t hit it off at first, but both are definitely intrigued with each other.

Readers can find subtle Italian references throughout the story. Here’s a favorite recipe friends might find in Merritt’s kitchen. I hope you like it and the story, too!

Orange Pistachio Biscotti

Ingredients:
2 C plain flour                                                                               1 egg white
1 t baking powder                                                                        2 T orange zest
¼ t salt                                                                                           ½-1 C chopped pistachios
1 C sugar                                                                                       1/2 C candied orange bits
2 eggs orange juice, if needed

Directions:
Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a mixing bowl. In another bowl, beat eggs and egg white together, then add to flour mixture. Stir in orange zest, nuts, and orange bits. Mix until dough is smooth. If the dough is too dry, add orange juice a tablespoon at a time.

Flour hands and scoop half the dough onto one side of the cookie sheet prepared with cooking spray. Shape the dough into a 15×3-inch log. Repeat with remaining dough. The logs should be several inches apart.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Tops of the logs should be firm.

Remove to wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Cut logs on a diagonal into ½-inch-thick slices. Place the slices, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake for 15 minutes.

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. They will harden as they cool. Yields about 48 cookies depending on size

Author Interview

Which one of your characters speaks most to your heart? Why?

The character from Forever Home who speaks to me most is Sam Daniels. He loves helping people, but he usually rushes in before he thinks. I love his humor and his enthusiasm. He keeps trying no matter what and always looks for the positive. He has a lot to learn but always follows through with the lesson, even the painful ones.

Do you ever hide things in your stories for readers to find?

Yes, I do hide Easter eggs in my stories, either names of people or places or family anecdotes with changes to fit the plot. In my first novel, Irish Encounter, I named a street Quinn Lane, the names of our twin sons, Lane and Quinn. It amuses me to hide references that slip by regular readers but will be treats for people who know me personally.

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Jane Ere is a strong-willed orphan who, no matter the circumstance, remains true to her moral compass even if it means rejecting what her heart most desires.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

I have several favorite Bible verses. One is Ephesians 3:20: (God) can do more than we can ask or imagine. This verse really speaks to God’s vastness and His sovereignty and to how much He loves us.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Aspiring writers, write every day. Read the best authors in your genre. Read books on the craft of writing. Write. Attend writing conferences. Meet other writers and join critique groups. Keep writing. In other words, don’t be a writer; be writing.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, December 14

For Him and My Family, December 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

Inklings and notions, December 16

Texas Book-aholic, December 17

Cover Lover Book Review, December 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 19

Beauty in the Binding, December 20 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, December 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

For the Love of Literature, December 24 (Author Interview)

Susan K. Beatty, Author, December 25 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hope is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, one signed copy of Forever Home, and book swag!

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/23236/forever-home-celebration-tour-giveaway

Falling Apart, Falling for You Author Interview and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: Falling Apart, Falling for You

Author: Chris Posti

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction with Elements of Romance

Release date: April 29, 2022

With their lives in a free fall, three women gather for their 40^th high school reunion. At 57, is it too late to make a fresh start?

Suzanne – After spending most of her adult life working as a traveling trainer for an airline, untethered and mildly content, Suzanne feels a stirring in her heart for a seemingly perfect guy. But when she abruptly loses her job, she lands in surprising new territory.

Rachel – Seeking distraction in the wake of her husband’s sudden passing, Rachel helps organize her class’s first reunion in 40 years. Stunned by an old friend’s shocking secrets, she struggles to learn forgiveness as she tiptoes into her new-found freedom.

Marla – After selling her thriving business, Marla revisits high school friendships and her mysterious past. Seeking family and a renewed purpose, she adds her marketing expertise to the group’s strategy for revitalizing the blue-collar town that brought them back together.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Chris Posti’s writing experience comes in a variety pack: novelist, nonfiction author, newspaper columnist, blogger, freelancer, and business writer. She was self-employed for 30 years as a career and executive coach. She once lived in a tiny town similar to the Western Pennsylvania setting of “Falling Apart, Falling for You.” Her latest book, “Before You Write your Novel: What to Know from the Get-Go” was launched on July 25, 2022.

More from Chris

If you’re over the age of 50, you’ve probably noticed the female protagonists in most novels are younger than you. Yet the lives of older women are filled with challenges, changes, growth, fun, and even romance. They want to read about characters they can relate to. That’s precisely why I wrote “Falling Apart, Falling for You.”

All women, but particularly women 50+, will identify with three women whose lives are in a free fall when they reunite for the first time since high school graduation. The story is fun, clean, and wholesome, with plenty of reality and just a little bit of wine and a few beers.

Suzanne, who is divorced and dating the seemingly perfect guy, abruptly loses her job as a traveling trainer for an airline. She’s convinced it’s due to age discrimination, and even her normally disagreeable daughter concurs.

Rachel loves her rosary, cooking, and daily routines, but when she suddenly becomes widowed she must learn to support herself by running the family gas station. Her son Pete is eager to help, and so is her widowed neighbor Frank.

Marla has been known to have a fling, but in fact, it’s her business she’s in love with. After an offer to sell makes her an instant multi-millionaire, she celebrates too hard and lands in a hospital. Now, she needs to find a new purpose in life.

This is the first book in a series of three.

Author Interview

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Anytime I hit a wall with my writing—which can happen multiple times in a day—I stop typing and read my last few sentences out loud. The next logical sentence or scene almost always comes to mind after that.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

I can be obsessive about writing. When I’m on a roll, I do not like to stop, so my time at the computer can be many hours straight. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea, and when that happens, I’ve learned to just get out of bed and go type. Otherwise, I’ll just roll around in bed trying unsuccessfully to fall back asleep.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I would dearly love to be a plotter. It would make everything so much easier. And believe me, I’ve tried to be one, but I’m not.

For both my debut novel, “Falling Apart, Falling for You,” and the novel ’m writing now, I spent many hours laying out plot points on my computer, on tablet paper, and on sticky notes. But once I begin writing, the characters take over, sending me in all sorts of new and unexpected directions.

Describe your book in five words.

“Sweet Magnolias” without the southern accents.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or is there a particular Bible story that really resonates with you?

I love to turn Romans 12:1-2 into a prayer: “Therefore, in view of Your mercy, Lord, I offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You. This is my spiritual act of worship. I don’t conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but am transformed by the renewing of my mind, letting me know Your good, pleasing, and perfect will.

What advice would you give aspiring writers?

The road to getting published in any format is challenging. If you are looking for monetary success, you might want to set your sights on a corporate communication job, rather than trying to become an author.

However, if you are up for the challenge, you will find this path monumentally rewarding. It will change your life. I don’t know how, of course, and neither do you, but I promise you it will change your life and it is worth all the effort.

And by the way, Colleen Hoover, who was a nobody just a handful of years ago, now has six books on the bestseller lists, and so far in 2022, her current book is outselling the Bible.  It can and does happen! (Although I hope and pray the Bible will outsell all other books by the end of 2022.)

Blog Stops

Guild Master, December 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 7

Texas Book-aholic, December 8

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 9 (Author Interview)

An Author’s Take, December 10

Inklings and notions, December 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 12

Artistic Nobody, December 13 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, December 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 14

For the Love of Literature, December 15 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 17

Vicky Sluiter, December 18 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chris is givign away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of the book, and a matching bookmark!!

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/22eca/falling-apart-falling-for-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Christmas Crime Cover-Up Review and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: Christmas Crime Cover-Up

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspy Suspense

Release date: November 29, 2022

From USA TODAY bestselling author Dana Mentink…

A violent attack

Isn’t the homecoming she expected.

When an ATV tries to run her down in Death Valley, animal rescuer Nora Duke knows it’s a sign she never should have returned. Now she’s stuck on Seth Castillo’s ranch until Christmas with a pregnant donkey—and a criminal desperate to silence her. Facing her past is as terrifying as uncovering a killer’s twisted plan. But can Seth convince her to stay…if they live through the holidays?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Desert Justice

Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout
Book 5: Christmas Crime Cover-Up
Book 6: Targeted in the Desert

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.) Her monthly newsletter features plenty of goodies, gab and giveaways. https://www.subscribepage.com/b8q0y5

More from Dana

Well here we go! Book five in the Desert Justice series features Nora (Chief Jude’s estranged sister), a wild donkey who needs rescuing, and a crime from the past that intrudes into the present. Twisty, right? I was inspired to write this story after visiting Death Valley and learning about the feral donkeys which inhabit the region. They’re cute, visitors love them, but the burros can encounter health problems and cause environmental damage if they aren’t settled into a safe area. It’s amazing to me that wild donkeys are adept at detecting underground water sources. They dig “wells” which can benefit many thirsty animals. Fascinating, right? Hope you’ll enjoy meeting Bubbles the donkey and the helpful humans who rescue her in this novel. God bless and thanks for reading!

My Review

The Desert Justice series, authored by Dana Mentink, continues with book five, Christmas Crime Cover-Up. Each story builds upon the others with regard to the characters and their relationships but does come to a conclusion, so although I would recommend reading them in order, it isn’t required to enjoy the series. I have thoroughly enjoyed each book, but Christmas Crime Cover-Up is now my favorite. There is so much that I love about it, from the donkey connection to the seasonal setting to the intriguing cover itself, which instantly reminded me of Moses and the burning bush. God might not speak as directly as He did during that encounter, but He definitely communicates with the characters in the novel, just as He does with us.

In Christmas Crime Cover-Up, Mentink tells the story of Furnace Falls resident Seth Castillo and prodigal daughter Nora Duke, who left home abruptly after graduation and never looked back, taking her best friend Felicia Tennison with her. Now working with animal rescue in Colorado, capturing a feral donkey brings them home, but they soon become targets of an unknown assailant. Nora finds herself stuck in her old hometown with a killer and the helpful, affable Seth, bent on protecting her. However, as she sees it, “Prayers were for people who needed saving. Nora intended to do the saving herself.” Her independence and stubborn streak cause her to hold people at arm’s length, especially after the decisions she made in her past, and she avoids revealing her “weak and vulnerable places, places she did not want to acknowledge.” Can she really go home again, and does she even want to? As Seth, who always wants to do as much as he can for those he loves, acknowledges, “Need made people stay close for a while. Want was the thing futures were built on.” The same holds true for a relationship with God; someone can hold tightly to the Lord while they feel that they need help or intervention and then drift away afterward, but true faith means remaining close to God regardless of circumstances because they want to out of love, not just necessity.

I love the inclusion of the donkey, Bubbles, in this story, and because it takes place at Christmastime, I can’t help but make a symbolic connection with the birth of Jesus in a stable. The theme of the prodigal and the burdens of the past speaks to a wide audience, counterbalanced by the man who always does the right thing but starts to think that he will always be overlooked. The best lesson in Christmas Crime Cover-Up, I think, is that although you can run away from home, you can never run away from God. He is always there, loving us and waiting for us to surrender to His love, no matter what the season.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: 5 stars ♥♥♥♥♥

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 3

deb’s Book Review, December 3

Through the Fire Blogs, December 3

Texas Book-aholic, December 4

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, December 4

Betti Mace, December 5

Genesis 5020, December 5

Bizwings Blog, December 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 6

Bigreadersite, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 7

Daysong Reflections, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 9

Empowermoms, December 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 10

Pause for Tales, December 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 11

For Him and My Family, December 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 12

Holly’s Book Corner, December 12

Blogging With Carol, December 13

Vicky Sluiter, December 13

For the Love of Literature, December 14

Lily’s Book Reviews, December 14

Cover Lover Book Review, December 15

Simple Harvest Reads, December 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Blossoms and Blessings, December 16

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 16

Labor Not in Vain, December 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)

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/22ec8/christmas-crime-cover-up-celebration-tour-giveaway

Passages of Hope Review and GIVEAWAY!

About the Book

Book: Passages of Hope

Author: Terri J. Haynes

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: November, 2022

Discover the Story Behind a Secret Passageway

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Gracie Kingston begins renovations on the Philadelphia house inherited from her grandmother and finds a secret room. It is connected to a house nearby, the home of William Still, the man known as the father of the Underground Railroad. As she researches, she discovers a mystery in her house’s ownership. In 1855, Olivia Kingston helps a mother and her young child by hiding them in a secret room in her home. As she helps, she learns that there may be an impostor conductor in their community. As Gracie’s and Olivia’s stories intertwine, they learn the meaning of sacrifice and love.

Click HERE to get your copy!

About the Author

Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband). She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As she grew, her love for writing grew as she tried her hand at poetry, articles, speeches and fiction. She is storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers in the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.
Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include: Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Urbanfaith.com, Vista Devotional, and Publisher’s Weekly.
Terri holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, a Master’s degree in Theological Studies and a certificate in creative writing and graphic design, meeting the minimal requirements of being a geek. She and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.
Website: www.terrijhaynes.com
Blog: www.inotherwords.terrijhaynes.com

More from Terri

Family, Underground Railroad, two strong Black women, and knitting in one book? Yes.

As an author, I explore my world with curiosity. I find many subjects interesting and it shows in this book. It’s not often that an author can combine such a range of topics in one novel. I’m so glad I got to do it for this one.

In addition to being an author, I am a knitter, crocheter, indie yarn dyer, business owner, unofficial historian, wife, mother, and sister. At first glance, all those things seem too different to combine in one book. But they weave together so perfectly.

Life is a tapestry of many colors knit together and my goal was to show that. That family and history, grieving and crafting, struggle and triumph, are all entwined threads. Their vibrancy can be combined to create a beautiful project, the pain and joy both add hue and color to life. This is what I hope you find in this book.

My Review

Able to be read in any order, the Doors to the Past series weaves together a historical and a contemporary storyline that demonstrate the resounding impact of the past upon the present through the situations of the characters. Each book reveals the connections between the contemporary characters and their historical counterparts and how their lives reflect an extraordinary continuity between generations. History, suspense, and romance await!

For every dreadful, tragic event, there is a hopeful side, a thread of redemption interwoven to encourage us to press on and to hold fast to our faith in the Lord. The blight of slavery in the United States led to the creation of the Underground Railroad, the effect of which continues to have an impact today, as Terri Haynes demonstrates in her novel Passages of Hope. A dual-timeline story set in Philadelphia, the two main characters are Gracie in the present day and Olivia in 1855. Gracie is not used to having help with anything, and Olivia tries to do everything without help, both shouldering more than necessary as we all do at times because we think that is easier than surrendering control. The truth, however, is that while hard times are inevitable, loving friends help lift us up, and the Lord tells us to give our burdens to Him.

Passages of Hope deals with the topic of grief in a unique way. Herself a free Black, Olivia experiences the sorrows of slavery through her work as a stationmaster on the Underground Railroad while also deeply longing for a family with her husband: “To tell her children the story of their history. That their grandparents and parents were conductors and stationmasters and took up this sacred work to help others.” Over 150 years later, Gracie has had a difficult life of just scraping by but had a special relationship with her grandmother, and “her life was better with Gran in it. Now Gran, like her mother, had gone to the sweet by-and-by and left Gracie in the grim here and now.” I felt a special empathy for Gracie because my own mom passed away not long ago, and the grief still feels fresh. Again, though, hope whispers; while she sees herself as a failure and believes that she does not deserve her inheritance, Gracie’s name itself serves as a reminder that God’s grace is unmerited. Indeed, may we, too, realize the Source of our hope and love: “And she now knew that no matter how bad things were, she could always hope in love.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: 5 stars ♥♥♥♥♥

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29

lakesidelivingsite, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, November 30

Cover Lover Book Review, December 1

Inklings and notions, December 1

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 2 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

For the Love of Literature, December 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 5

Connie’s History Classroom, December 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Holly’s Book Corner, December 6

Blossoms and Blessings, December 7

Mary Hake, December 7

Remembrancy, December 8

For Him and My Family, December 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 9

Lis Loves Reading, December 9

Through the fire blogs, December 10

Spoken from the Heart, December 10

Pause for Tales, December 11

Labor Not in Vain, December 11

Betti Mace, December 12

Marriage, Motherhood, & Homeschool, December 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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/22cd0/passages-of-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway