Tell Tale Book Reviews

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Maiden Without Hands by Michelle Redmon (Give.away)

12/14/2024

A mutilated healer with a tender heart, an anguished king with a missing twin, and a maniacal sorcerer who intends to have his way no matter the cost are inextricably connected in this retelling of a little-known fairy tale called The Maiden Without Hands.

When Elia and her parents take in an injured stranger, they have no idea of the chaos he will shortly bring to their lives. The stranger, a sorcerer named Thorn, becomes enamored of Elia. When he is rebuffed, he commits an unthinkable act, leaving Elia maimed, distraught, and separated from her family.

Adam is the ruler of Haven, a role he always expected to share with his twin sister. When the latter suddenly disappears, he is consumed with his need to find her. Will he ever find peace–even if he doesn’t find his sister? How will the disfigured young woman he finds along the way help him? And what will happen when the sorcerer finds them both?

Genre: Christian Fantasy
Release date: March 12, 2022

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Michelle

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
This book was inspired by a little known fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
It took me about three years to finish writing the book.

#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
For me, writing is like escaping into another world. If I’m going to visit another world, I want it to have kings, queens, mermaids, unicorns and other fanciful creatures.

#4. How did you name your characters?
I use a variety of methods to name characters. Some were taken from baby naming websites, some were named after people I know, and some were simply names I made up.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
I’ll share my life verse. It’s Jeremiah 29:11:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares
the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This verse resonates with me because I grew up thinking nothing good was ever going to happen to me. This verse reminds me that’s not true!

More from Michelle

I have always loved fairy tales. From the time I could read, I loved curling up with a book of fairy tales, immersing myself in imaginary lands where kings and queens ruled, unicorns were real, and everyone (eventually) had their happily ever after. As I grew older, the love for fairy tales turned into a love for fantasy novels. My fascination with words in general turned into a love of writing, so, naturally, I began to write fantasy.

The Maiden Without Hands came to be because I had been wanting to retell a fairy tale in my own way. I didn’t want it to be one with which everyone was familiar, so I began reading through old Brothers Grimm books, focusing on their lesser known stories. When I came across the story of a virtuous young woman tormented by an evil sorcerer, I knew I had found my tale. What appealed to me was the fact that there were already some Christian elements to the story. I took the skeleton of the story and fleshed it out, adding my own elements to create The Maiden Without Hands.

It’s my hope that this tale will transport you to the world of Haven, and that the characters will resonate with you as they cry, laugh, dream, and discover their faith. It is also my hope that you will find something stirring in your own soul as you travel through the pages of this book.

So, are you ready? Once Upon a Time…

Michelle Redmon

Michelle Redmon is a self described “Jill-of-all-trades”. In addition to being an author, she is a visual artist, award winning vocalist, former children’s pastor, worship leader, homeschooling mom and cat lady. The most important thing that she is, is a follower of Jesus. Currently, she lives in Overland Park, KS with her husband, two kids, three cats and a dog.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54114

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, December 9 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 9
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 10 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, December 11
Simple Harvest Reads, December 12 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, December 13 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 14 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15
Blossoms and Blessings, December 16 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 17
Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, December 19 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, December 19
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 20 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 21
Guild Master, December 22 (Author Interview)

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12th Blogoversary Celebration (Give.away)

12/7/2024

10 Comments

To celebrate 12 years of book review blogging Tell Tale Book Reviews is giving away:
- a $5 Amazon Gift Card
- a Print Book from my Stash
- a dozen Signed Bookmarks

3 winners will be chosen at random to each receive 1 of the prizes.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

USA Winners ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Chase Your Dreams West by Monique Bucheger & G.L. Rasmussen (Give.away)

11/26/2024

5 Comments

12-year-old best friends, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, navigate changes in their family. Tillie’s long-absent birth father reappears and she has to juggle two dads while Ginnie’s mischievous Uncle Jake escalates their prank war. Meanwhile, Tillie desperately wants a horse of her own while Ginnie is determined to follow her late mother’s equestrian legacy as a trick rider, something her dad has forbidden.

Can Ginnie shape her own destiny and persuade her dad to support her ambitions? Get ready for a heartwarming adventure filled with friendship, family, and the power of chasing your dreams!

Genre: Contemporary Upper Middle -Grade
Release date: November 22, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Monique and G.L.

Monique's answers are in Blue and G.L.'s answers are in Green.

#1. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
About 9 years too long. But life happens that way sometimes. I invited a good friend, G.L., to help me write the rest of the series. We’ve also written the next 2 books in the series. In addition, he has written and drawn the illustrations for 2 picture books. We both have separate books we are writing and I have stories in two anthologies that are coming out this year. - (Monique)

#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
It depends on which genre you are asking about. The reason I write middle grade/upper middle grade is I think the tween/early teen years are fascinating. So much is going on during these formative years and kids are amazing. When you take the time to talk with them and learn about what they think is important, you may remember when life had so many possibilities.
I also write contemporary, “real-life with humor” because there is a lot to love about life. The resilience of human beings and what they are capable of doing, being, and achieving when allowed to explore the world and their dreams is astonishing. And if you can do it with a friend and a sense of humor, most people are capable of amazing feats.
Both of these genres work well in our Ginnie West series. Chase Your Dreams West is also technically a family drama. Something G.L. and I both like to write. - (Monique)

#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Truthfully, I love them all. I am partial to Queenie West, Ginnie’s mom, because she is the only character inspired by a real person–someone who is near and dear to me and championed me when I needed a friend. She passed away years ago, but even so, her friendship inspires me and like Queenie, death doesn’t get in the way of loving her friends and family.
I’m also partial to Aunt Roni. Because she’s sincere, kind, classy, and compassionate. She’s not afraid to admit when she’s wrong nor is she afraid to do what is right–even when the right thing is hard. She wants to be a part of Ginnie and Toran’s life–and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to mend the fences between the Strattons and the Wests. - (Monique)

CD, Breaker, and Mrs. Parker. I created them. The other characters were in place and I had to learn to deal with them. Kind of like becoming an in-law, but glad you don’t live there. - (G.L.)

#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
People make mistakes and when they are sincere about making amends, forgiveness blesses everybody involved. Forgiveness is about replacing hurt and bad feelings with peace and healing. Sometimes you need to forgive people who have hurt you so you can go on with your life in a meaningful way… with or without allowing those people back into your life. - (Monique)

The West’s are a microcosm of the world right now and the extraordinary steps needed to survive…and flourish. If they inspire others to do whatever it takes to make their lives meaningful and to touch others, everyone wins. - (G.L.)

#5. How did you name your characters?
They named themselves. - (G.L.)

#6. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
The many times that we authors said: I don’t know where that came from, then we knew that our creations had taken the “wheel”. - (G.L.)

#7. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Take the time to make and be a good friend. Good friends make life an amazing experience. Don’t waste time with people who make you question your standards and beliefs or make you doubt what you know is true. Good friends lift each other up. Even if you only have one or two good friends, you are truly blessed. - (Monique)

#8. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Near the front porch of my Grandfather’s house was the only source of drinking water, a red cast iron hand pump and a ceramic pitcher next to a sign: “Always leave enough for the next one to prime the pump.” Through the years I’ve come to appreciate the eternal implications of that request. - (G.L.)

Free Story

As a FREE thank you gift for having us, you and your readers are welcome to download a short story
that we wrote to introduce you to Ginnie and her family, which happens before Book 1 in our series.

Ginnie & Toran’s Great Escape:

Download

More from Monique

Chase Your Dreams West: A Ginnie West Adventure took me too long to finish. I was working on it when one of my sons was killed in a car accident. I paused writing for a few years as our family adjusted to losing Ryan.

An author friend invited me to a writer’s retreat a few years ago, knowing I was stuck and that week unlocked a lot of things for me. Including deciding to change where I placed what is now the first four chapters. I wrote them two books ago thinking they would make a great denouement, but after my son’s death, I realized they would make a better beginning.

This book is a little different from the first four as Ginnie explores horsemanship training with her mare, Calliope–with her dad’s blessing, and perhaps is given a little help from her mom. Ginnie is given back one of her mom’s journals and gets to know the mom she doesn’t really remember and her dad didn’t really talk about… until recently.

Monique Bucheger

Monique is a bestselling author, a certified Farland Fiction Coach, and an empowerment speaker, dedicated to championing the underdog, in both her writing and real-life adventures. Having a heart for families in crisis, Monique creates stories that capture the essence of real-life challenges and triumphs, with a touch of humor. Monique’s upper middle-grade series, ‘The Ginnie West Adventures,’ delves into sensitive and weighty themes such as parental loss, abandonment, and overcoming abuse. She delivers stories not only for tween readers, but for those young at heart. Drawing from her experiences nurturing a dozen of her own children and fostering over a hundred more, Monique’s experiences shape her books, creating novels in a number of genres, including a historical family saga, contemporary family dramas, a fun picture book, and a middle grade series weaving whimsy and heart into her tales.

G.L. Rasmussen

A country boy by birth and by choice, Gary spent his youth working on the family farm, for local farmers and ranchers, on horseback or playing sports. Offered scholarships in Agriculture and Advertising Design, he opted for the bright lights and big city. Eight years in the advertising field convinced him that wasn’t where he wanted to be. Gary freelanced in design and illustration, converted his love of writing for advertising to a newspaper column about the country lifestyle. He has also worked as a ranch manager, cowboy, rancher, and horse trainer. An avid painter and author, Gary shares his talents through mentoring others, is a past president of the Western Art Guild and Idaho Writers League and is an active member of Western Writers of America. Gary and his wife, Margie are the parents of four children and ten grandchildren and have traveled extensively throughout Europe, Great Britain and the United States.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54101

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, November 18
Life on Chickadee Lane, November 19
Simple Harvest Reads, November 20 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, November 21 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 21
Fiction Book Lover, November 22 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, November 23
Stories By Gina, November 24 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 25
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 26 (Author Interview)
Library lady’s Kid Lit, November 27
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 28 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 29
For the Love of Literature, November 30 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, December 1

5 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Lethal Kings by Victoria McCombs (Give.away)

11/23/2024

2 Comments

You’ve been warned many times, you cannot trust the kings . . . The old queen is dead, a new queen is in play, and the realm has descended into darkness. For the first time in history, a queen has rejected the game. Eliza will start her reign with no alliances while Althea must fight to save her tenuous bond with the king who cannot love. Her relationship threatens to break, but Althea’s attention becomes divided after receiving a few harrowing clues connecting her past and the game at hand.
Before she can find answers, a mysterious fae appears promising the power of the seventh king to whoever can solve a series of riddles, leaving the fae realm in shambles as they race to come out on top. Althea has one year left. New alliances are forged. Old stories come to life. She must make her move, or the fate of the queens will consume her.

Genre: YA Fae Fantasy
Release date: November 12, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Hearts will be cracked and the realm shaken....

Wow! I thought the first book in The Fae Dynasty duology was good...but this, this I think may have been even better. Lethal Kings is one wild ride of intrigue, betrayal, mystery, and sacrifice – with just a touch of romance. Victoria McCombs kept me on the edge of my seat as Thea plays a dangerous game with the highest of all stakes – her life and that of the other Mortal Queens....

Lethal Kings and The Fae Dynasty duology is everything that I love about the fantasy sub-genre. It is deliciously dark as all stories featuring the devious, manipulative, and sometimes capricious fae should be. The twists and turns keep you guessing as you second guess the motives of pretty much every single character. And the best part? You get to read all of that without the objectionable content that often comes with stories of the fae realms.

Victoria McCombs is a definite master of storytelling and worldbuilding. Both the fae and mortal realms are vividly depicted and the little things that make a story like this one great – things like history, culture, and rules of magic – are not skimped upon. The past and present are cleverly woven together so that there is a purpose and a reason for everything and each part completes the other.

As you can tell I loved both of The Fae Dynasty books and I am now a confirmed fan of Victoria McCombs. Whether you are an adult or teen who loves fantasy and/or fae fiction I definitely recommend Lethal Kings and its predecessor as they are a tale you won't be able to put down....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Lethal Kings by Victoria McCombs a 5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Victoria

This book came differently to me than my other ones.

It was less plot and structure, and more—what kind of book do I want to write?

I wanted riddles for them to solve, which created the Gamemaster character. I wanted a healthy family aspect, which began the process of repairing the relationships I’d burned in book one. And I wanted a character who knew exactly what she wanted and never waivered from that. Other scenes came from these wishes, like the chess game where the players are the chess pieces, and the War of Hearts played in the labyrinth.

Together, I think it blended nicely, and I can’t wait for readers to get ahold of it!

Victoria McCombs

Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller Series, The Royal Rose Chronicles, and The Fae Dynasty duology, with hopefully many more to come. She survives on hazelnut coffee, 20-minute naps, and a healthy fear of her deadlines, all while raising four wildlings with her husband in Omaha, Nebraska.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5499

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, November 16
The Lofty Pages, November 16
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 17
Texas Book-aholic, November 18
Inklingsandnotions , November 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 21
Book Looks by Lisa, November 21
Wishful Endings, November 22
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 23
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, November 24
Blogging With Carol, November 25
Simple Harvest Reads, November 26 (Guest Review from Mindy)
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 27
Fiction Book Lover, November 28 (Author Interview)
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, November 29

2 Comments

Epic Book Launch - Kisses From Heaven by C.B. Caleb and Emily Woodworth

11/21/2024

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Jesus proved who He was by signs and wonders. Here, pastors and restoration ministers C.B. Caleb Woodworth and intercessor wife, Emily Anne, are ready to serve you a banquet of real-life God Stories, personal testimonies of Jesus’ unique, inexplicable, extraordinary, and supernatural ways to illustrate, once again, He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God was still performing miracles in our day, this series will be a welcome reminder of his power and goodness.

Genre: Christian Living, Personal Memoirs
Release Date: December 10, 2024

Excerpt from Kisses From Heaven

Unbelief always whittles faith down to whatever size and shape fits the niche that unbelief has carved out for itself. Experiential spirituality then becomes a progressively smaller piece of the pie; check out the “Jesus Seminar” or the far liberal side of the church (no offense intended, dear ones) for ways to mitigate, minimize, or explain away the unique, inexplicable, extraordinary, and supernatural. Or if you have a chance, pick up the Jefferson Bible.

Now, to those of you not offended or prepared to put this book upon the shelf, I will unrepentantly say: “If you do not believe in the unique, inexplicable, extraordinary, or supernatural, it is because you do not read your Bible or have never experienced God in this way.” You may be a devoted, well-intentioned, and faithful Christian, but, like Thomas the Doubter himself (who, you will agree, knew our Savior well), require Jesus to show you the beef before you believe. The reason you have not seen the beef is uncomplicated: You believe those unique, inexplicable, extraordinary, or supernatural experiences are not for today; this is not criticism, but it is reality. Truthfully, Thomas, this book may help you.

C.B. Caleb and Emily Woodworth

A Marine aviator and family physician, C.B. Caleb Woodworth and Proverbs 31 wife, Emily, left the world to follow Holy Spirit as restoration (inner healing) missionary pastors over the last twenty-six years. Today, the Woodworths continue ministry among those in need from America’s heartland, making the most of their time, for the days are short.

Blog Stops

Excerpt One: http://kid-lit.library-lady.blog/epic-book-launch-and-excerpt-kisses-from-heaven-memoir/
Excerpt Two: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2024/11/kisses-from-heaven-epic-book-launch.html
Excerpt Three: https://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-kisses-from-heaven-cb-caleb-and-emily-woodworth
Excerpt Four: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/kisses-from-heaven-book-excerpt/
Excerpt Five: https://luannabubbles.wixsite.com/devotedhope/kissesfromheaven
Excerpt Six: https://t.co/FqsquUc8XH
Excerpt Seven: https://lightsinadarkworld.wordpress.com/2024/11/21/kisses-from-heaven-book-launch/

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Unassailable by K.J. Rowe (Give.away)

11/14/2024

6 Comments

To be picture perfect on the outside can cause people to think you have it all together on the inside. Which is exactly the case for Hope Meyer.

Stuck in a dead-end job with no vision for her future, parents arguing at home and newly-single under terms she bitterly objects to, Hope puts on a brave front in the face of friends. Only, she’s not as subtle as she thinks. Called out on her pretense by a close friend and, drawn into a mission project that causes her to question everything she’s been led to believe, Hope finds herself floundering.

Until recently, the perfect hair, manicured nails, a wardrobe straight out of a fashion magazine and a handsome suitor by her side had defined her. Now seeing those things as insignificant, and understanding why her boyfriend left, Hope turns to her youth minister for help; with one burning question in mind:

Who was she?

Set on a path of self-discovery, Hope finds her day to day both unraveling and piecing together like a jigsaw as her perception begins to alter.
Will she embrace how God defines her and ultimately learn what true happiness is?

Genre: Teen/Young Adult
Release date: June 18, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with K.J.

#1. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
Approximately 18 months.

#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
Books are incredibly powerful for a developing mind. My desire to write in this genre is to give young readers a wholesome read that will encourage their faith, remind them they have an eternal purpose and deepen their love for Jesus. For those who may not be Christian but are looking for a clean read, I would love the Youth Group scenes I write about to grow an interest in the reader to the point they go and find a local Youth Group to join in the fun!

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
That the plan Jesus has for our lives is so much greater than we could ever have for ourselves. We just need to surrender and let Him do His great work within us.

#4. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
There are things in a way I wish I could have a do over in, but those things have created who I am today. That is why the Bible instructs us to not look back, but to keep moving forward. The Lord is doing a great work in all of us, and our past is apart of that. Sharing our testimonies of what Jesus has done in us and brought us out from is so important to those around us, if we changed anything the impact would be lost.

#5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
You become the company you keep. I was given that piece of advice in my early days of high school and it’s stuck with me since. As I matured, I realised it is wisdom from the Bible. 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV “Do not be mislead: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

#6. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
The screen saver on my phone at the moment is: Blessed to be a Blessing. From the promise God gave to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. Each of us have so much, if we practice giving what the Lord has blessed us with, we can share His love so much further and with so much greater impact to those who many be struggling around us.

More from K.J.

Hey! Thanks for stopping by!

Casts of Silver is my debut five book series. The series is centered around five youth group leaders, with the stories looking at very real circumstances that young people face in today’s world without sugar coating consequences of individual actions.

However, God is always at work.

But where is He when problems arise?

Well, He is always closer than you think and He’s always working for your good!

Enjoy.
God Bless

K.J. Rowe

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve be writing. In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush… In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my sister… However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing. It wasn’t until God intervened and moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a farmer’s wife, that he resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver. It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on, and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5487

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, November 5
Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7
Fiction Book Lover, November 8 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, November 9
Guild Master, November 10 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 11
Back Porch Reads, November 12 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 14 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, November 15 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, November 16 (Author Interview)
Karen Baney Reviews, November 16
Pause for Tales, November 17
Vicky Sluiter, November 18 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 18

6 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Jackson's Fall by Carole Brown (Give.away)

11/11/2024

7 Comments

He’d never fainted in his life. Hardly ever been sick. Never been afraid to tackle wild animals, untamed horses, or men with guns. But…there was his brother Jeremiah. A person so despicable he’d hope to never see him again. And worse, facing the heartless woman, Penelope, who’d betrayed him in front of the whole town—-standing here now just feet away from him with Jeremiah—well, for the first time in his life, he wanted to run. Fast.
Yet, he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. There was his job that he loved, and the dreams he’d planned. But most of all, there was a new woman in town. A woman who was kind and sweet and beautiful with a heart of gold. They were friends—good friends, and neither of them expected anything else.
But can Jackson Barlowe find peace in the good things of his life? Or would the two people who had destroyed his past, ruin his life forever?

Genre: Western Romantic Suspense
Release date: August 20, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Carole

1. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I usually take longer, but this book was finished in about two months. I set my goals, prayed and kept writing, and thankfully, it was finished within the time frame I wanted it done. That usually doesn't happen. I normally take anywhere from four to six months, depending on how busy I am.

2. Do have favorite character(s) in this book?
Although I loved both of my two main characters, I would have to say Jackson is my favorite. My heart went out to him for all the things he had to go through and endure. He was a strong man—but almost defeated in ways. Fortunately, Gabrielle, a new friend who never ceased caring and praying for him was there to encourage him.

3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope that my readers of Jackson's Fall, will understand that forgiveness and faith in God will conquer all problems. Forgiveness will not only benefit the other person, but will help soothe a person's own self too.

4. How did you name your characters?
Both Gabrielle and Jackson appeared in Book One (Caleb's Destiny) of this series as secondary characters. I love naming my characters and seldom regret giving them the names I give them. I wanted names that sounded (to me) old west, and these fit the bill.
I have a baby name book that I resort to when I'm needing a name. I also find names through articles, other people's selections for their children, etc. Some names I've had for a long time. Someday, hopefully, the story will need that certain name.

5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Do all you can do to encourage authors. Whether it be personal praise, online praise in different groups, reviews or whatever, do your part in keeping authors encouraged to never give up. It is work to create a book, and it doesn't take long to share a post about a book. Just do what you can. You just might save an author!!

More from Carole

In Jackson’s Fall, the female protagonist, Gabrielle Autumn, and her Grandparents own a bakery in the small town of Roaring Springs. Although I don’t mention this recipe in the book, it is one that I really believe Grandmama Mayfair would have baked and sold in her shop. And, perhaps, would have taught Gabrielle to make also. It’s totally delicious and diverse in that you can use whatever kind of fruit that you wish.

My mother made it often in our house! A perfect dessert for a historical, western setting…and a modern day family meal. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating it at your supper table.

Mountain Pie
1 cup of self rising flour
¾ cup of sugar
1 stick of butter
¾ cup of milk
Fruit Filling

Melt butter in baking dish
Pour batter over butter
Put fruit or pie filling on top of batter
Bake in moderate oven (around 350 degrees), 15-20 minutes
Serve as is or with ice cream.

Carole Brown

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of twenty-some, some of which are best selling, award-winning books, she loves to weave suspense, mystery and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She’s also published one children’s book and is in two anthologies. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons and great granddaughter, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grands?

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon gift certificate and an eBook copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5485

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, November 2
Vicky Sluiter, November 3 (Author Interview)
Bizwings Book Blog, November 4
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 5 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, November 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 6
Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 8
For the Love of Literature, November 9 (Author Interview)
Karen Baney Reviews, November 9
Texas Book-aholic, November 10
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 11 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12
Blossoms and Blessings, November 13 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, November 14 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, November 15 (Author Interview)

7 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Suddenly Unemployed by Rebecca Krusee (Give.away)

11/11/2024

5 Comments

Losing your job, home, financial stability, dreams and possibly more can be heartbreaking, lonely and difficult. Immediately, you’re scrambling for answers to questions like “Why me? Where will we live? What’s next?”

Rebecca understands firsthand what it’s like to be stripped of her 15 year management career in Silicon Valley manufacturing when her company outsourced her four departments overseas and, as a result, lost her beloved home among other necessities.

Suddenly Unemployed shares her family of four’s true-to-life personal stories and biblical passages to encourage you through whatever storm you’re facing.

Genre: Christian Living – Non-Fiction
Release date: July 12, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Rebecca

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book? I felt the Lord placed on my heart to share our financial crisis to let others in a similar struggle know they are not alone and that God cares for them too.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book? My new book, Suddenly Unemployed, took approximately two years to write, critique and edit.

#3. What drew you to take on this topic through non-fiction versus fiction? I enjoy writing about life's experiences and my readers can find them in publications such as Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guidepost and my new book Suddenly Unemployed.

#4. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book? My hope is my readers will see God's goodness woven through our stories and be encouraged.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart. During our financial crisis, I clung to Jeremiah 29:11 as it gave me hope this was only a season. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I'd like my readers to know God has a good plan for their lives as well.

More from Rebecca

I felt lead to write Suddenly Unemployed – 52 Personal Stories of Hope & Encourgagement through Financial Crisis describing our family’s experience with job loss and financial crisis. I know firsthand not having the concentration needed to read a novel while enduring a crisis. My focus was on the basics necessities of shelter, food and clothing. Hence, I wrote fifty two bite size stories that can be read one per week for a year and split the sixteen year jouney into three distinct sections of entering, navigating and exiting the crisis.

Although this time period was painful, my trust and faith in God along with personal character grew. These qualities helped navigate me through further trials such as a COVID world, California wildland fire, loss of parents, empty nest syndrome and more.

Some people hide their struggles from others. I chose to openly share our story with the hope it will encourage the readers as they read about God’s goodness woven throughout our book. Perhaps they will say to themselves, “If God carried the Krusees through the toughest storme of their lives, maybe He will carry me and my family too.”

Rebecca Krusee

Rebecca Krusee‘s stories appear in Love is a Verb by Gary Chapman, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts as well as other publishing. Rebecca lives in the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains of California where she enjoys spending quality time with her family, taking a leisurely drive along the Pacific Ocean and exploring her community.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Rebecca is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon gift card and the winner’s choice of an eBook or print copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5489

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Author Interview)
Life on Chickadee Lane, November 8
For the Love of Literature, November 9 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, November 9
An Author’s Take, November 10
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 11 (Author Interview)
Batya’s Bits, November 11
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12
Blossoms and Blessings, November 13 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, November 14
Artistic Nobody, November 15 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 16
Stories By Gina, November 17 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 18
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 19
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 20 (Author Interview)

5 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Locket's Revenge by L.E. Richmond (Give.away)

11/10/2024

4 Comments

A Trinket Could Unleash a Tempest

Locklyn Adair thought that finding the Sea Enchantress would lift her family’s curse. But the ramifications of her desire for a tail reach further than she could ever have dreamed. Now the entire Undersea Realm is in peril, as Circe, armed with the locket capable of controlling the Loch Ness monster, journeys to the North Sea in pursuit of revenge.

Darin Aalto’s specialty is tracking down treasure. When it looks as though a magical locket has fallen into evil hands, he joins Locklyn and her crew on an expedition to recover it, hoping to find a key to his past identity along the way. Despite having no memory of the Mermaid leading the quest, he wonders if she was more than a friend all along.

As a vengeful enchantress, fiery monster, and impending war threaten the Undersea Realm, Locklyn and Darin must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in order to stop the locket’s revenge.

Genre: YA Fantasy (Little Mermaid Retelling)
Release date: October 22, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

It's a race against time to save the undersea...

Oh what a story this was! The Locket's Revenge is everything I had anticipated after reading the first Chronicles Of The Undersea Realm book – and a whole lot more. L.E. Richmond's storytelling and worldbuilding were every bit as vivid and skilled and I was so immersed in the story that there were times I was almost surprised I breathed air instead of seawater.

The Locket's Revenge is the second half of the Chronicles Of The Undersea Realm duology which is, in my reading experience, a surprisingly unique Little Mermaid retelling – well maybe more of a nod than a direct retelling. I love fairytale retellings of many varieties but I have to say that the choice L.E. Richmond made to twine the familiar Little Mermaid tale within a YA fantasy adventure story instead of focusing on it was rather genius.

Anyway, The Locket's Revenge is a must read for any Christian/Clean fantasy fan whether they be 12 or a few decades more. It is a satisfying conclusion to the Chronicles Of The Undersea Realm duology that really amps up the danger and excitement as the stakes are even higher than in book one. L.E. Richmond really nailed it with these books and I sincerely hope to see her name on more book covers in the future....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Locket's Revenge by L.E. Richmond a 4.5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from L.E.

Somebody is going to die. But they didn’t at first.

Minor spoiler alert, a character is going to die near the end of The Locket’s Revenge. But in my first draft of this story, this person didn’t die. It wasn’t until I was going back through and trying to flesh out the book a bit that I realized that this character needed to die. My family knows that I am a discovery writer, but they still laughed when I told them how so-and-so squeaked through alive on the first draft, but the death sentence came in the second one. To me, this is actually one of the most fun things about being a discovery writer. During the drafting process, I get to experience the story for the first time, just like any reader. Most of the time, I don’t actually know what is going to happen next. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

L.E. Richmond

L.E. Richmond was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest by an American writing teacher and a German bookseller. Her childhood largely consisted of imagining stories for her Playmobil
characters and checking out as many books from the library as would fit on six library cards. Now she spends her time chasing three little Muggles, reading aloud to the hazel-eyed young man who has her heart, and attempting to transfer the stories in her head into words for others. Her passion is for words and stories that thrill the soul, and she is endlessly amazed by the One who not only used words to bring this world into being but also crafted the most epic story of all time.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, L.E. is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon card and a signed copy of the book!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5483

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, October 31
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 1 (Author Interview)
Wishful Endings, November 1
Artistic Nobody, November 2 (Spotlight)
Fiction Book Lover, November 3 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 4
A Reader’s Brain , November 5 (Author Interview)
Inklings and notions, November 6
Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, November 8
Stories By Gina, November 9 (Author Interview)
Min Read and Reviews, November 9
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 10
Holly’s Book Corner, November 11
Guild Master, November 12 (Spotlight)
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, November 13

4 Comments

Just Read Blog Tour - A Path To Healing by Lisa M. James (Give.away)

11/7/2024

2 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Path to Healing by Lisa M. James,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Scarred. Blemished. Unwanted. These were all words that could describe Bethany. Since an accident disfigured the right side of her face, severing the betrothal to the man she loved, Bethany knew that no one would ever find her beautiful. When her mother insists she marries the only man willing to take her as a wife, Bethany begrudgingly agrees. Yet, the more she discovers about her new husband, the more she realizes that some scars are hidden deep within.
After becoming a champion gladiator to purchase his mother’s freedom, Ezra wished to live a quiet life as a shepherd. When he hires a troubled woman with a veiled face to assist him with his flock, he’s surprised to find himself drawn to discover the woman beneath the mask. After a hasty marriage, Ezra vows to do everything he must to spare his wife from harm. But will her thirst for revenge against the dark forces that plague their homeland and his desperate need to protect his family tear them apart?
Discover the story of a blemished woman in A Path to Healing.
This Christian Fantasy novel can be read as a stand-alone novel or as part of The Prodigal Woman Series.

Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: November 1, 2024
Genre: Christian Fantasy/Romance

PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

My Review

Healing never comes easy....

I've been following the Prodigal Woman series since the first book and I've gotten invested in the characters lives. Gradually they have come to feel a bit like old friends. In A Path To Healing it's Bethany's turn to find hope and, in good fantasy fashion, battle the Shadowclans with her axes. Her hero Ezra has his own battles to fight both internally and with weapons. And trust me, Lisa M. James rarely gives her characters a moment to breathe.

One of the things that I have found fairly unique about the Prodigal Woman series is that author Lisa M. James covered roughly the same time period in each one and, of course, A Path To Healing has been no exception. It has been both fun and interesting to see the war with the Shadowclans through the eyes of three very different couples who each have an important part to play. I've loved getting to see the same events through two and even three of the characters' eyes and experiences.

It's hard to believe that A Path To Healing is the final Prodigal Woman novel. Lisa M. James has kept me intrigued by her fantasy worldbuilding that enhances these stories of redemption and faith. Each book has been entertaining but they also make you ponder and that, I think, has been a good thing....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Path To Healing by Lisa M. James a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Lisa M. James

Lisa M. James is an independent author, marketer, and former Sunday School teacher. She loves writing fantasy novels with diverse female leads for both young adult and adult audiences. Her novels have hit the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous Fantasy categories, including Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Religious Romance. Her fictional writing is inspired by Historical Fiction, Fantasy genres, and Christian novels.
Connect with Lisa by visiting lisamjames.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Path to Healing
and an embroidered backpack purse!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 6, 2024 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on November 13, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and
given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

2 Comments

Just Read Blog Tour - Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen (Give.away)

10/31/2024

6 Comments

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

This woman and her K-9 are being hunted.
Exactly as she planned.

When a busload of schoolchildren disappears, Phoenix Gray knows the kidnapper is the unidentified serial killer she’s spent her life trying to catch. This time, she’ll find the killer and bring him to justice no matter what it takes. She and her Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency join the search for the hostages, but they aren’t the only ones who want the criminal captured.

Callum Ross, an FBI agent who specializes in catching serial criminals, is about to resign. But not until he finds one last culprit, the killer behind a famous twenty-year-old crime Callum vowed to solve.

Despite the FBI agent’s uncanny understanding of her psyche, Phoenix refuses to be distracted from her goal. When the serial killer turns into the cat instead of the mouse, Phoenix thinks she’s ready. But will she need the God she rejected to achieve the justice she’s given her life to obtain?

Publisher: SDG Words, LLC
Release Date: October 24, 2024
Genre: Christian romantic suspense

More Books in This Series

My Review

She'll see that justice prevails, no matter what...

This is the book I have been waiting for. Through the entire Guardians Unleashed series I have been beyond curious to find out about the mysterious and enigmatic Phoenix Gray. Finally, Terminal Danger is here and thanks to author Jerusha Agen my burning curiosity has been well satisfied.

Terminal Danger was everything that I had anticipated. It fully lived up to the rest of the Guardians Unleashed books and Jerusha Agen really kept me on the edge of my seat.

From the start I wondered just what kind of a hero could match Phoenix and keep up with her intelligence. Callum kind of surprised me. In some ways he is the stereotypical romantic suspense hero and yet he really isn't. I really appreciated just how much time Jerusha Agen spent in his head as well as in Phoenix's. The inside and outside perspective on each of the lead characters was both fun to read and interesting.

In some ways Terminal Danger was a little bittersweet. It delivered all of the thrills, twists and turns, and excitement that I love in romantic suspense but it is also the last Guardians Unleashed novel. I finally have my answers but saying goodbye to the characters I have come to love over several books is just a tad tough.

Anyway, this is a great book in a wonderful series and best of all, it has dogs. Wonderful, smart K9s who are every bit the heroes that their people are. If you haven't read them yet you are seriously missing out....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Terminal Danger by Jerusha Agen a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Jerusha Agen

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting jerushaagen.com to find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting stories, follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive a signed paperback of Terminal Danger, a Terminal Danger
mug, $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, Terminal Danger magnet, plus more swag!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 28, 2024 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on November 4, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and
given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Follow along atJustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

6 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Here Lyeth by Johanna Frank (Give.away)

10/30/2024

5 Comments

Answers to her identity lie beneath a gravestone; her own.

Something was missing. It was easy for Lexxie to bury that niggling sense, she had all the love and protection a young woman needed. But when the man she thought to be her father spilled a fever-pitched confession, her content and isolated life ended. Angry and heartbroken, she left the people she loved on a mere hint—her true father lived in Vereiteln Dorf, two villages over. Once there, she’s drawn to an unconsecrated graveyard and patches shocking revelations and broken pieces together, and the more she does, the more her presence in this superstitious village becomes a threat. The perils of a noose amid a 1688 witch hunt lay heavy on her shoulders.
Years earlier, in the same village, young Meginhardt succumbs to a vicious attack. Ethereal beings take him on a time-traveling journey to resolve the lad’s deeply rooted struggles. When Meginhardt learns that some woman named Lexxie is the chosen one to carry forward his father’s line of descendants, fits of jealousy ensue—a dream shattered. It should have been him. He becomes frantic to ensure the demise of this undeserving woman. In apparitional form he delivers her a message, face to face.
Her future lyeth in his words.
STIRRING… EXTRAORDINARY… UPLIFTING

(A Lifeline Fantasy Series Book Three. It can be read as a stand alone

Genre: Religious Fantasy / Coming of Age Fantasy
Release date: November 1, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Johanna

1. What was the inspiration for this book?
There is a prologue in the first novel I published, The Gatekeeper’s Descendants. Narrated by an unnamed character 300 years prior to the story’s setting leaves a bit of mystery for the reader. Here Lyeth is the backstory to that prologue. Hence, although Here Lyeth is the third instalment into A Lifeline Fantasy Series, I’ve set it as the ideal first read for the series. Having said that, each instalment into this series is an absolute standalone read, so any order will do!

2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I often feel my novels do not sit squarely inside any genre box. But when one is a pantser (versus a plotter) and writes from the heart, genre boundaries are not top of mind when creating stories. It was the fantasized imagination of life in the outer courtyard of heaven that drew me to the stories I have written. Pure speculation. Pure curiosity. I’ve been using the mantra: A little heavenly imagination can loosen the chains of life.

3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
I do, Lexxie for sure. Life is good until it sends her for a thrashing, but... I’ll say no more …I’d like for you to read it!

4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
Bigger picture thinking. Having fun imagining the reunion with loved ones who have passed; applying some focus to purpose and meaning for today’s living; or perhaps even feeling something of comfort. Maybe, matters to ponder about. Plus, I dearly hope, the simple enjoyment of reading to be entertained.

5. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
Well, tale (ha ha I know its tail) between my legs, I hadn’t applied enough energy to the accuracies of the historical setting (1670-1688). Edits and edits and some rewrites and then more edits to the manuscript caused a bit of stress. Lesson learned!

And thank you, Jasmine, for the interview!
Johanna

More from Johanna

A little heavenly imagination can loosen the chains of life.

My ‘playground’ for creating Here Lyeth was far-reaching, though insulated with firm boundaries. From fictional Germanic villages in days of old in one corner, a low fantasy kingdom where the perished journey to the foot of a guarded gate, in the other.

Admittedly, I took many privileges with beloved values and symbolisms dear to my faith, daring to employ startling imagination for the purpose of enticing generosity of thought for the great …and small …mysteries in life. My favourite, where the waters of a supranatural river flows through time carrying with it various stones, each belonging to a life on Earth, often getting caught in stormy swirls or stuck in a bank of mud, representations of its owner’s personal trials and sufferings.

The story itself, though smattered with biblical senses, is not meant to be a teaching of ways, (I’m not qualified for such!) rather, to provide inklings of encouragement, to set within minds a sublime curiosity--what life might we find after this one?

My hope is you will enjoy the sparkles of divine happenstances, the pulls of faith and the eager wonder of ever-after capers to be pleasing.

Although the third instalment into A Lifeline Fantasy Series as far as publication dates go, Here Lyeth takes the position of first when it comes to the natural flow of time compared to its stand-alone novel-mates, The Gatekeeper’s Descendants and Jophiel’s Secret.

I promise you, Here Lyeth won’t leave you hanging, though it may unearth you a little

Johanna

Johanna Frank

Before she started writing, Johanna spent her days working with profit and non-profit organizations, while spending her evenings studying theology part-time. Now she spends her waking hours creating fantastical stories she hopes will touch the lives of her readers. Her goal—to deliver soulful, whimsical, and venturous reads.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5471

Blog Stops

By the Book, October 18
Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 19
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20 (Author Interview)
Back Porch Reads, October 20
Texas Book-aholic, October 21
Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23
Inspired by Fiction, October 24
Holly’s Book Corner, October 25
Blogging With Carol, October 26
For the Love of Literature, October 27 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28
Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, October 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31

5 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Visible by Darlene Corbett (Give.away)

10/30/2024

4 Comments

Therapist Rachel Karem is accustomed to helping emotionally wounded individuals navigate the murky waters of dealing with complicated family dynamics, relationship issues, and life transitions. When individual therapy hits a brick wall for five successful professionals, she persuades them to engage in a ten-week group therapy program. But working through these sessions with her clients reveals Rachel’s own brokenness.
Widowed, childless, and estranged from her family, Rachel wonders if she will ever have a second chance at love. She is amazed when her own therapist advocates for her to “get back in the game.” To her surprise, Rachel enrolls in dance classes where she learns the Tango. Romantic, passionate, intense, sensual, dramatic, the Tango embodies everything that is missing in Rachel’s life. As she grows more confident in her dance steps, her life becomes more entwined with her handsome dance partner, Michael. But past betrayals haunt Rachel’s emotions, and current rivals for Michael’s affections feed past rejections.

Even as her clients in the therapy group learn to support each other in their quest for personal wholeness, Rachel yearns for a deeper connection within herself to propel her into the next stage of her life. But will it be with or without Michael?

Genre: Romantic Women’s Fiction
Release date: May 15, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Darlene

#1. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
From start to finish, less than two years. My first book and many lessons and rewrites.

#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
Because I didn’t understand the difference between romance and women’s fiction with romantic subplots, I considered it a romance. When I learned the ingredients for both, I recognized the true genre of my novel. women’s fiction, a women’s journey.

#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Rachel, the protagonist, because she incorporates all the traits of many therapists. Caring, sensitive, kind, and insecure.

#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
First, I hope they will be entertained and touched. Second, I want them to understand that although the characters sprung from my vast imagination, the themes do not. Everyone has the ability to heal, with the right help.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.

Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

God remains our instrument of hope, and with every morning, he offers a unique rising sun and a new opportunity.

More from Darlene

I created the protagonist, Rachel, with a Jordanian background. I’m half Syrian/Lebanese, so I thought I’d share an easy but delicious recipe given to me by my mother:

Hushwee:

1 lb. of ground lamb or lean beef
1 stick of butter
2 cups of white rice
5 cups of water and 5 chicken bouillons
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
1 table spoon of allspice
A handful or 2 of pinenuts

On medium heat, stir-fry the beef with the butter.
Once it’s browned, mix in the dry rice, cinnamon, allspice, and pinenuts
Put aside
Boil 5 cups of water with the bouillons.
Once water has boiled, spoon in the mixture, bring the heat to low or one above, and cover.
20-25 minutes and should be done.
You may adjust according to your preference and stovetop.
This can be a side dish or the main mean with a nice Syrian salad such as Tabouli or Fattoush.
Bon Appetit

Darlene Corbett

Darlene Corbett views herself as a lifelong learner, a pursuer of excellence, a work-in-progress, and a truth seeker. Serving others as a licensed psychotherapist has been her primary professional position for over thirty years. Now, she includes Author/Writer and Speaker. Her wealth of experience in human behavior prompted Darlene to write her ideas on paper, which set the stage for her book, “Stop Depriving the World of You,” published by Sound Wisdom in 2018. Darlene wrote her first novel, Visible, a women’s fiction about second chances, published by WordCrafts Press in the spring of 2024, and plans on writing two more books in this series. And right now? Also, she’s finishing a contemporary romance, the first in another series. Besides being an avid reader, Darlene loves animals,

especially dogs, which you’ll see in her novel. Also, she treasures learning another language, yoga, fitness, traveling, and
connecting with her inner circle. She belongs to many organizations, including the ACFW, FHL-CW, and AWSA. She
makes her home in Central Massachusetts with her beloved Shih Tzu and remains excited about the next chapter of her life.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon card and a winner’s choice of a paperback or eBook copy of the book!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5476/

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, October 24 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, October 25 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26
Fiction Book Lover, October 27 (Author Interview)
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 28 (Author Interview)
Guild Master, October 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30
Blossoms and Blessings, October 31 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, November 1
Stories By Gina, November 2 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, November 3 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, November 4
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 5 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 5
Pause for Tales, November 6

4 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Falling For The Shy Cowboy by Karen Baney (Give.away)

10/30/2024

7 Comments

She’s a single mom with a disabled son. He’s been in love with
her since high school. Will this shy cowboy finally win her heart?

Dylan Vargas is too shy for his own good. While he and his best friend Adan work with the horses on his family’s ranch near Wickenburg, Arizona, Adan signs him up for an online dating service. Dylan begrudgingly looks through the profiles. One face stands out above the others—that of his childhood crush. There’s only one impossible problem—she is Adan’s little sister.
Brisa Franco moves home to Wickenburg after a tragic car accident left her four-year-old son disabled. As she starts a new job in her hometown, she never expects to help her brother’s best friend in his quest to overcome a speech impediment.
Will Dylan steal her heart as she helps him learn how to release his anxiety? Will Brisa learn to trust him and let go of her deeply engrained fears from her past relationship?

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance
Release date: December 19, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Karen

Thank you so much for the fun interview and for hosting me today.

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
Someone close to me once told me about her abusive spouse. She only broke free because he died in a car accident which she credited to God’s grace in providing a way out. I know no more details than that, but her story inspired Brisa and her son’s backstory. I know writing about abuse is a sensitive subject so I tried to handle their backstory delicately and to show life on the other side of abuse—a free life—through Brisa and Braden. Dylan plays an important role in illustrating the stark contrast between an abuser (Brisa’s ex) and a man of God (Dylan).
One of my favorite lines in the book is when Brisa finally realizes that stark contrast: She had been suffering Tristin’s abuse when a man like Dylan—Dylan himself—wanted to date her.

#2. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Dylan Vargas is one of my favorite characters in the series. He is a strong man of God with a huge heart, but deep wounds due to a speech impediment make it hard for him to risk expressing the real him. He instantly wants to help Brisa and her son in extravagant ways yet holds back many times.
To me, Dylan is a wonderful reflection of many of the godly men I’ve known in my life. They are real and very much worth getting to know.

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
In the opening chapter of the book, Brisa returns home after turning her life and circumstances over to God. Her life isn’t perfect, but she sees how God provided for her even through difficult times. I hope she will be an example to readers of what it looks like to trust God more, even though not everything is sunshine and roses.

#4. How did you name your characters?
I keep a notebook of cowboy names or names that intrigue me. When I sat down to name the five brothers in the series and designed the dV8 brand (which ties to the family motto), I ran through all the names starting with “D” and picked out the five I liked the most.
Funny story about Dylan’s name. I work for a Christian ministry and the account manager for a big software system that we use is also named Dylan. For the record, I chose the character’s name before I met him, but I think he would be flattered to share a name with my Dylan—especially since they are both godly men.

#5 Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
I am so thankful for the times in my life where I memorized Scripture. One Psalm in particular came to mind when I was writing a scene where Brisa is helping Dylan learn to meditate to overcome his speech impediment. She says the first line and Dylan recites the second in these verses below.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

Many times, when I’m faced with difficult situations or find myself discouraged, these verses come to mind. God is our help, and He is a powerful and mighty God—so powerful He created the heavens and earth. My problems are put into proper perspective, and I know I can face anything with Him at my side. I hope this brings you comfort today.

More from Karen

You’ve Got Mail?

As an author, sometimes you write something so identifiable to readers that you (the author) completely miss the obvious. Yeah, I did that in Falling for a Shy Cowboy.

Since Dylan Vargas, our hero, deals with a speech impediment, I thought a great way to help him connect with his one true love would be through a dating app—one where he keeps avoiding meeting in person. His best friend, Adan, signed him up for the dating app with a profile picture that obscures part of his face. When Dylan looked through the app, he finds Adan’s sister Brisa on the app. Imagine his excitement that his long-term crush was available!

So, Dylan responds to Brisa’s profile as Wrangler92. He’s much more comfortable pouring out his heart through messages in the dating app than fighting with his speech impediment in person. She’s keeping a few secrets of her own through their interactions on the app, creating tension.

And voila! The You’ve-Got-Mail “trope” successfully applied.

If only I had realized that’s what I’d done. It wasn’t until one reviewer wrote, “Who doesn’t like a little You’ve Got Mail in a cowboy romance?”

This is where I face-palmed, laughed out loud, and finally realized my shy cowboy and his one true love are clearly written like the old Meg Ryan & Tom Hanks movie You’ve Got Mail.

Anyway, I will be forever grateful to Jerah A. for pointing out the obvious connection. I hope you enjoy my take on a shy cowboy who woos a single mom a la You’ve Got Mail style.

Karen Baney

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.
Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5477/

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 25
Stories By Gina, October 26 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26
Devoted To Hope, October 27
For the Love of Literature, October 28 (Author Interview)
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She Lives To Read, October 29
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31
Labor Not in Vain, November 1
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 2 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, November 3
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Movie Review - Lost On A Mountain In Maine (Give.away)

10/25/2024

1 Comment

Watch this moving family film in theaters starting November 1st!

The inspiring true story of 12-year-old Donn Fendler who, separated from his family by a fast-moving storm, must fight to stay alive while lost for nine-days in the remote wilderness of northern Maine. Donn’s disappearance captures national headlines and sparks a massive search effort attracting hundreds of volunteers, including his own father who fears he may never see his son again.

Buy tickets today to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine
in theaters starting November 1st!

Website

Tickets

My Review

He's alone and one misstep from death....

The first thing that attracted me to this film was finding out that Lost On A Mountain In Maine was based on a true story. It was real. And both the film and story are utterly fascinating...

I was impressed with the movie from start to finish. The starkness really lent to the desperation of Donn to return to his family and of Mr. and Mrs. Fendler to find their son. The addition of interview clips and actual footage inserted at just the right places was poignant and I found that they immersed me within the story – and the emotion of the story – in a whole new way.

And if there is one thing that this film is, it's emotionally moving. As both Donn and his father have to come to terms with mistakes made and their own cracked relationship. Family is the most important thing in the world and Lost On A Mountain In Maine champions that fact.

The movie is well made and I loved that they kept the 1939 setting instead of modernizing it or keeping it ambiguous. As a side note, it is a family friendly film not an overtly Christian one so there is some minor language etc.

Anyway, it's a good movie and one that I would definitely watch again if I had the chance. It's one of those movies that middle to older kids can watch as can adults with or without children. So, if you love movies based on true stories or just enjoy a good adventure film check out Lost On A Mountain In Maine...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Lost On A Mountain In Maine a 4.5 Bark rating.

(Disclosure: Many thanks to WIT PR for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.)

It's Time For A Giveaway!

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon giftcard!

(USA ONLY)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#LostOnAMountainInMaineMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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Buy tickets today to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine ​in theaters starting November 1st!

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For I know the plans I have for you, declares
the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NIV

Buy tickets today to see Lost on a Mountain in Maine
in theaters starting November 1st!