Blog Archives

Just Read Blog Tour - Blue Ridge Mountain Escape by Loretta Eidson (Giveaway)

6/23/2023

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Blue Ridge Mountain Escape by Loretta Eidson,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The firefighter rescued her once…
But can they outrun the dangers?

A peaceful vacation is what Haley Gordon needs to put her troubles behind her. Instead, she finds herself fighting for her life against a raging forest fire. Forest Service firefighter Kendall Simpson vows to protect Haley—although he has questions about her story. But with the firestorm out of control and news of escaped convicts on the mountain, can Haley and Kendall trust each other enough to survive?

Publisher: Love Inspired / Inspirational Mountain Rescue Collection
Release Date: June 27, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Also Available

My Review

Her vacation just turned very scary...

What do you do when almost every aspect of your life is in upheaval; from job to romance, from family to friends?...well...may I suggest fleeing a wildfire cross country with a handsome firefighter while trying to dodge murderous escaped convicts...A little far-fetched? Not for Haley Gordon it isn't. And readers get to take the wild ride with her and Kendall Simpson every heart-stopping step of the way in Blue Ridge Mountain Escape.

This is the second Love Inspired novel that I've read from Loretta Eidson and may I say that she gives her characters even less of a break in this book than she did the last one. If firestorms and bears don't get them, betrayal and bad guys just might. The story moves forward lickety-split from danger to danger and it means that the reader had better have some reading time set aside to find out what happens next.

Blue Ridge Mountain Escape is another good Love Inspired read from Loretta Eidson. It's a quick read and an entertaining fast-paced wilderness adventure. It's also a good way to spend a cool rainy afternoon or even a hot lazy one...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Blue Ridge Mountain Escape by Loretta Eidson a 4 Bark rating.

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

Loretta Eidson

Loretta Eidson is an award-winning author who loves writing romantic suspense. Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency is her agent. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Faith Hope, & Love Christian Writers, Sisters in Crime, Heart of Christian Writers Network, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and attends the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.
She loves chocolate, caramel, and coffee. Loretta lives in North Mississippi close to her family.
Connect with Loretta by visiting lorettaeidson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 20, 2023 and will last through
11:59 PM EST on June 27, 2023. Winner 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 toJustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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

6 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Ava by Caryl McAdoo (Giveaway)

6/21/2023

8 Comments

And a child will lead them.

Even if she’s a seventeen-year-old, raven-haired bear slayer though? Ava May, head strong, fetching, and true of soul grew up wise in the ways of swamp living while so naive concerning the outside world. Gold for her ma to pay off her dead father’s debts and the promise of great adventure transport her from her backwoods Louisiana cabin to Montana’s big sky county to marry a stranger. However, love threatens to thwart all the plans made for the mail-order bride before the wagon train’s wheels stop rolling. Enjoy your journey with Ava and the other brides under Miss Lottie’s care on the Oregon Trail, living though temptations, dangers, and the harrowing trek.

Genre: Historical Christian Romance
Release date: May 3, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Caryl

Intro
Hey, Jasmine! Thank you so much for inviting me to share today! I’m looking forward to meeting some of your readers!

1. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I started AVA on December 3rd and finished it a week into February, so wrote its 200+ pages (55, 797 words) in nine weeks! I pretty much write every day, usually first thing in the morning with coffee—well, first thing I do is pray. 😊

2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
In 2012, I met a New York agent, Mary Sue Seymour at a small writers’ conference in East Texas. I was to be her gopher. . . see to it that all her needs were met! When we went to get her at the hotel, right off the elevator, she came and hugged my neck, saying she’d never met a McAdoo who wasn’t family!
Her maiden name was McAdoo! What a God confirmation that He had plans for us! We hit it off on the way driving her to the airport, we had three hours to talk.
She’d liked our (husband and me) writing but didn’t have a place for a story with a male lead.
She told us if we wrote her a historical Christian romance set in the 1800s, she’d sell it. We did, and she did! Two months later, we had a contract in hand from Simon & Schuster! From meeting her to sale was less than six months—a God ordained miracle in this industry!

While that remains my favorite genre, I write in other genres such as Biblical fiction, contemporary Christian romance, historical mysteries, for young adults, mid-grade readers, and children’s picture stories!

3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Well, my young heroine is a strong, precious soul who loves the Lord. She is definitely my favorite! I like the hero, too. He’s a Jew by nationality but not by faith, but he is a good guy and kind. 😊

4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope they will learn to trust and obey their Creator. Many times, we make plans without asking God what His are. Or sometimes circumstances happen in our lives that we never planned on, yet we are living in it . . . we can become disappointed or depressed. Our world is turned upside down.
But if we trust Him, we know He will work every situation to our good. And if we obey His instructions, He will always lead us the way we need to go. For a happy, peaceful, fulfilled life, it all boils down to trust and obedience. Ava learned that and I hope my readers will too!

5. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
With publishing getting easier, readers many times get sub-quality stories littered with typos and bad grammar, stilted dialog and full of beginner writers’ mistakes. Rather than leaving a poor review, please contact the author privately through their website or Messenger to let them know.

I absolutely am so blessed when a reader finds one of those and contacts me! Did you know Indie authors are able to go in and FIX the error? I just love that because eventually, all my books should be perfect. It is crazy that after so many people go over it—editors and proofreaders—there would still be uh-ohs, but they are just people who love to read and get caught up in the story and ‘forget’ to edit or proof for a few pages.

If I have ten pair of fresh eyes on a manuscript, every single one will fine typos or small words left out, even misspellings that none of the others catch! An author cannot, should never, edit and proof their own work because our brains just read right over the mistakes!

Personally I’m grateful for EVERY REVIEW! The good and the bad! Reviews are so very important for authors, so if you like or love a book, thank the author by leaving a review! BLESSINGS!

Exit
Thank you again for inviting me to your blog, Jasmine! I appreciate you choosing to participate in my Celebrate Lit Blog Tour for AVA! I’d be happy to come anytime! BLESSINGS to your and all your readers!!

More from Caryl

2023 is the fifth annual Prairie Roses Collection, and I’m so excited to add AVA to my contributions for this multi-author, covered-wagon-stories project! The sojourners of these grueling treks fascinate me, willingly suffering such hardships and walking two thousand miles for a fresh start.

In fact, Ava May Harley never wanted to leave her home, a log cabin her father built in Skeeter Bottoms. She was born there, but with her Pap gone, for her family’s sake . . . The Word says if we don’t take care of our own, we are worse than an infidel, right?

What have you sacrificed for the sake of your family?
What immediately comes to my mind is the time we gave up our “golden years” and put off our empty-nest for fourteen years to take in four precious grandsugar-sons when we were fifty-two. They were six, four, three, and three-days-old.

Had we not, CPS was going to remove them from our family and spread the brothers out among strangers. Ron and I couldn’t let that happen and asked them to leave the boys with us. Of course, we thought it would only be for a few months.

We assumed their parents would attend the required classes and ‘get clean’ Figured we could do anything for a couple of months, right? The short months turned into years. Each boy left when the graduated high school, except the baby. When the third brother left, he asked to go with him to the other grandmother’s. He was fourteen then.

When people asked how we did it, there was an easy answer. “Only by the mercy and grace of God.” The boys are grown now. The oldest is a fire fighter, and the youngest is a Marine. Ron and I have enjoyed our empty nest since 2017 (at 67 years of age), but we miss our fellers!

In AVA, my sweet heroine was only seventeen when a cousin dangled gold coins in front of her broke and bereft mother. Ma could buy a proper gravestone for her dead husband and pay off his debts if she would only send her firstborn off to marry a stranger in Montana.

My brave and independent character made her own decision to make the journey for the betterment of her family and count it a great adventure. As the miles piled on top one another, taking her farther and farther from her life in the Louisiana swamps, the only home she’d ever known, she doubted her decision more than once.

Her strong faith in God worked with her naivety and kept her on the Oregon Trail, moving ever toward her future. When a person knows God has a plan, and believes they are on that very path, there’s no reason to be afraid or worry. She knew God would never leave her or forsake her.

She knew how completely trustworthy He is.

I fell in love with this precious character, and I hope you will, too. I hope you will enjoy going along with AVA on the harrowing journey!

How involved have you gotten with a book character in the past? Share the character’s name and the book’s title if you will in your comments below!

BLESSINGS!

Caryl McAdoo

Award-winning, Christian author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory. Of her best-selling novels, readers love her historical Christian romance family sagas most, but also enjoy their contemporary cousins, Caryl’s Biblical fiction, her historical mystery series, and tales for young adults, mid-grade booklovers, and pre-K through 2nd grade picture books.
The majority of reviewers award her stories five-stars and praise Caryl’s writing style, citing her extensive research and the depth of her characters.

The prolific writer loves singing the new songs God gives her almost as much as penning new novels—hear a few at YouTube!
She’s been married to Ron fifty-five years, and they share four children and twenty-five grandsugars. The McAdoos live in the
woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2658c/ava-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 15
Connie’s History Classroom, June 16
For the Love of Literature, June 17 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, June 18
For Him and My Family, June 19
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 20
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 21 (Author Interview)
Books You Can Feel Good About, June 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 22
Splashes of Joy , June 23
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 24 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, June 25
Pause for Tales, June 26
Splashes of Joy, June 27 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 27
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 28

8 Comments

ACFW Storyfest 2023 Launch (Giveaway)

6/18/2023

2 Comments

ACFW Storyfest 2023

About the Event

Created with Christian Fiction Reader-Fans in mind: the 2023 ACFW Storyfest! Come be part of ACFW Storyfest (formerly the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat). It all takes place Thursday afternoon, August 24, 2023-Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.

Come celebrate story and your favorite CF authors right on the premises of the ACFW conference—where hundreds of CF authors gather each year.

Learn more here!

What Authors Are Participating?

Sami Abrams, Kate Angelo, Pepper Basham, Laurel Blount , Sara Brunsvold, Colleen Coble,
Sara Davison, Lynette Eason, Loretta Eidson, Joni M. Fisher, Liana George, Sarah Hamaker,
Sarah Hanks, Rebecca Hemlock, Pam Hillman, Angela Hunt, Denise Hunter, Kelly Irvin, Dana R. Lynn,
Tracey Lyons, Joy K. Massenburge , Nancy Mehl, Shaen Mehl, Dana Mentink, Robin Caroll,
Dineen Miller, DiAnn Mills, Carol Moncado, Lenora Worth, Mindy Obenhaus, Candice Sue Patterson,
Lisa Phillips, Deborah Raney, Shannon Redmon, Terri Reed, Helena Smrcek, Betsy St Amant,
Brandy Heineman, Melanie Stevenson, Carrie Turansky, Marilyn Turk, Kathleen Turner,
Darlene L. Turner, Virginia Vaughan, John Walker, and Kimberley Woodhouse

More from the author. . .

Once upon a time, there was a little girl who loved books so much, she sat on the floor and cried because she was too young to know how to read.
That little girl grew up and loved books so much, she won awards in third grade for how many books she’d read.
Then, she loved books so much, she volunteered as a middle-schooler alongside her grandmother at the church library and had the time of her life helping other readers choose books. She stamped those little check-out cards with such intentional care and couldn’t wait to hear what they thought.
That girl grew up further and decided to write her own books, so she could inspire readers …so she could give them hope and encouragement and shine a light into the darkness, just like so many books had done for her.
That little girl is now a woman with twenty-five published novels/novellas behind her, and knows that without avid readers, she wouldn’t get to live her book-ish dreams.
Hi—I’m that little girl, all grown up now. (Actually, grown-up might be debatable. Older, how’s that? ::wink::) And I truly can’t wait to spend time with you at the 2023 ACFW Storyfest retreat in St. Louis this August!
Because you, dear reader, are what it’s all about. You’re the wind in our authorly sails, the faces we see while we cry and bleed over our keyboards, and the hearts we can’t wait to reach. See you there!

— BETSY ST. AMANT

It's Time For A Giveaway!

The letter for this stop is. . .

Click below to enter

https://promosimple.com/ps/27090/storyfest-2023

Blog Stops

Stop One: https://travelerswife4life.com/christian-fiction-reader-fans/
Stop Two: https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/2023/06/18/storyfest-epic-launch/
Stop Three: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2023/06/storyfest-epic-launch.html
Stop Four: https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/2023/06/event-spotlight-storyfest-epic-launch.html
Stop Five: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/storyfest-epic-launch/
Stop Six: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2023/06/check-out-2023-acfw-storyfest.html
Stop Seven: https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/2023/06/18/2023-acfw-storyfest-epic-launch/
Stop Eight: http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/acfw-storyfest-2023-launch-giveaway
Stop Nine: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2023/06/storyfest.html?q=storyfest

2 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Radiant by Ashley Bustamante (Giveaway)

6/11/2023

4 Comments

Secrets Come in Every Shade

After the introduction of Yellow magic in a society accustomed to only Red and Blue magic, the world inside the barrier has become more complicated than anyone imagined. Ava, Elm, and the former students of Prism navigate life in hiding. They face discord, secrets, betrayal, and danger that looms ever closer as the Benefactors narrow in on their hideaway.

Ava is determined to keep everyone protected, even at the cost of her own safety. She explores dangerous aspects of her new Mentalist abilities—against Elm’s dire warnings.

Tensions escalate when a new visitor arrives claiming to know a way out of the barrier. While this may be the only way to escape the Benefactors, what awaits them on the outside? Will they gain allies or make an entirely new set of enemies?

Genre: YA Fantasy
Release date: May 9, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Their battle has only just begun...

Over recent years I have come across some pretty good Christian (or clean) YA fantasy fiction. Some of them have been by authors I was already familiar with and some have been entirely new to me. Radiant is the second Color Theory book from one of those new to me authors and Ashley Bustamante has definitely captured the vibrant magic for a second time.

And magical it most certainly is, Ashley Bustamante's dystopian is vivid and most colorful. Just as the first book in the series did, Radiant captures the imagination and holds it from start to finish. As the Color Theory characters - some loved and others not so much – struggle with changes, danger, betrayal, sacrifice, and finding their place in the world one can't help but be caught up in their story.

Radiant and the Color Theory series may be aimed at a YA audience but Ashley Bustamante has successfully penned a tale that's equally as enjoyable for any fantasy loving adult.

I was a bit sad to turn the last page in Radiant but the cliffhanger ending let me know that there will be at least one more Color Theory novel from Ashley Bustamante and I couldn't be more excited to read it...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Radiant by Ashley Bustamante a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

More from Ashley

When I originally wrote Vivid, book one in The Color Theory series, I wasn’t sure if the story would continue. But it had to, didn’t it? Without spoiling anything, Vivid ends in a place where things are really just beginning, and that’s where Radiant takes the stage. What does coming together really look like? What does it take for a group of diverse people to unite? Radiant explores the strength that grows from working together and overcoming differences. It doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and our characters have a lot to learn. I hope you’ll enjoy Radiant!

Ashley Bustamante

Ashley Bustamante has created stories from the moment she could scribble and staple sheets of paper together. She simply cannot recall a time when writing was not a force in her life. When not running through lines of dialogue in her mind, she enjoys taking photographs and spending time with her husband, three children, and any furry, feathered, or scaly creature she can find.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Ashley is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 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!

https://promosimple.com/ps/263d6/radiant-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Labor Not in Vain, May 31
Texas Book-aholic, June 1
Through the Fire Blogs, June 2 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 3
Blossoms and Blessings, June 4 (Author Interview)
Christina’s Corner, June 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 5
Artistic Nobody, June 6 (Author Interview)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 7
Stories By Gina, June 8 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, June 9
Simple Harvest Reads, June 10 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 11
Guild Master, June 12 (Author Interview)
Sheila’s Reading Corner, June 12
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 13

4 Comments

The Shattered Tales Cover Reveals

6/10/2023

0 Comments

The Shattered Tales

When the princess isn't who she says she is, roles are reversed, the kingdom is at stake, glass breaks, and reflections are wrong, can happily ever after still happen? Twelve beloved and new authors have banded together to answer that question!

The Shattered Tales is a collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales. They can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the swoony sweet romance, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time!

Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C46HX3PG
Series Page: https://aristasdirectory.blogspot.com/p/the-shattered-tales.html

Preorder price is only 99¢ for each ebook
until June 12th and then $2.99 each after that...

0 Comments

WORD Wednesday - June 7th, 2023

6/7/2023

0 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Keys To Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson (Giveaway)

6/4/2023

1 Comment

Secrets Sealed Within a Wall Come to Light in Lower Manhattan
Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series
of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Investigative historical journalist Andrea Andrews is tired of waiting tables to make ends meet. If she could find and write the next breakout story, she could secure a promotion with Smithsonian Magazine as their writer-at-large. But not much happens in lower Manhattan out of the ordinary until she discovers post-Civil War counterfeit bills hidden in the wall of her historic district apartment.

Politics have always been Beau Davidson-Quincy’s passion, despite his family’s real estate empire. His clean image and single status make him a target in the media as he prepares to build his campaign for New York governor. He has nothing to hide until a cute waitress unravels a mystery that could destroy his family’s reputation.

Two centuries earlier, wounded Civil War veteran Franklin Davidson lost everything—his house, his wife, his standing in society. In his darkest moment, he’s awarded a position with the newly formed Secret Service to combat the spread of counterfeit U.S. currency. His life and new home in Gramercy Park are the envy of his peers, but nothing is as it seems. Secrets are meant to be kept, and Franklin will take his to his grave.

Genre:Christian / Historical / Romance
Release date: April, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Will the past make them or break them?

I have been following the Doors To The Past series since the very first book, now, 12 books later the series has come to a startling conclusion of betrayal, intrigue, murder, and counterfeiting in a century and a half year old mystery...

The Keys To Gramercy Park really was quite a story. It had all of the the things that I've come to anticipate in this series of independent dual timeline stories, but Candice Sue Patterson threw in enough surprises that I was kept off kilter quite often. I was never sure quite what to expect but I also knew that I couldn't put the book down until I had the answers to the mystery that touched lives in three different centuries from the 19th to the 21st. And I did get answers to The Keys To Gramercy Park, even if they weren't always the ones that I wanted. If I were to pick a single word for this novel from Candice Sue Patterson it would be 'bittersweet'. But, that was also what made the final Doors To The Past book more interesting. I also found the locations in this story, from The Players (Club) to the 2 acre private Gramercy Park to the streets of Washington DC, to be quite fascinating.

If you haven't read the Doors To The Past series of standalone dual timeline books where past and present have surprising threads connecting them, well, you are missing out. Whether you read them in order or only as you get your hands on them, they are all worth the time spent reading. So, start with Candice Sue Patterson's sometimes chilling The Keys To Gramercy Park or a different one as you can't go wrong with any of them...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives The Keys To Gramercy Park by Candice Sue Patterson a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Candice

A locked secret garden in Manhattan with historical significance and the only ones privileged to step inside are the wealthy residents who purchase a key—count me in! The plot for The Keys to Gramercy Park was born at our dining room table when my husband looked up from the book he was reading and asked if I knew about Gramercy Park. I hadn’t, so we started Googling and discovered it was a real garden in Manhattan built in 1841 for the cream of society. The fact that it’s been off-limits to the public for one hundred and eight-two years instantly brought all kinds of story ideas to my mind.

Not long after, I discovered that Barbour Publishing Inc. was looking for dual-time stories to fill their Doors to the Past series. I love reading dual-time novels but I’d never written one. I love a good challenge, so I began plotting and before I knew it, I had another first—creating a villain.

I’ve only ever seen the New York City skyline from the New Jersey ferry that travels to and from the Statue of Liberty, so after the story was contracted, I spent several weeks researching Manhattan and Gramercy Park. New York is full of rich history and it was so fun to stumble across the historical details of The Player’s, Edwin Booth, and the stories behind each home along Gramercy Square.

One of my favorite things about writing this story was the juxtaposition of the timelines. We don’t have the present without the past, and what happens in the past affects the future, but the future can also determine how we view, feel, and learn about the past. That’s essentially what The Keys to Gramercy Park is about—the butterfly effect of past events reaching ahead two centuries with dire consequences. I love how in one scene the characters are sending telegraphs and in the next scene, they’re sending text messages.

What’s your favorite thing about dual-time novels? Make sure to check out the other books in the Doors to the Past series!

Candice Sue Patterson

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance—where the past and present collide with faith. Her debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and made INSPYs Longlist for 2016.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Candice is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 Amazon e-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!

https://promosimple.com/ps/2626e/the-keys-to-gramercy-park-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 26
lakesidelivingsite, May 26
Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 27
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 28
Blogging With Carol, May 28
Book Looks by Lisa, May 29
Connie’s History Classroom, May 29
Texas Book-aholic, May 30
For Him and My Family, May 30
Cover Lover Book Review, May 31
Where Faith and Books Meet, May 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 2
Blossoms and Blessings, June 2
Remembrancy, June 3
Holly’s Book Corner, June 3
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 4
Pause for Tales, June 4
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 5 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, June 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 6
Inklings and Notions, June 6
Simple Harvest Reads, June 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Labor Not in Vain, June 7
She Lives To Read, June 8
Books I’ve Read, June 8

1 Comment

Just Read Review Blitz - Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill (Giveaway)

6/1/2023

6 Comments

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill,
hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

She's losing her faith in mankind. He's lost his faith in God. Can working together restore them both?

As matron of Final Chance House of Refuge, Gwendolyn Ellison has dedicated her life to serving the children deemed delinquents by society. She'll protect them with everything she has. So when she suspects someone is using Final Chance for criminal deeds, she's determined to investigate and put a stop to it. But villains don't like to be crossed--and they're willing to kill to get their way.
Gwendolyn knows she can't quit fighting. More than her own life is on the line if counterfeiters go free. She must find someone she can trust to help her expose the criminals and protect the children under her care.
Charming and chivalrous Secret Service operative Josiah Isaacs has never been able to turn his back on a woman in trouble--and capturing counterfeiters is his job, after all. The danger he's truly worried about is his growing attraction to Gwendolyn when his heart wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife.
As both peril and interest grow, he begins to consider whether a second love may be possible--if they can live through this case. At the same time, he's put off by her faith in a God he no longer trusts. How can a future together even be possible when their beliefs are at odds?

"Page-turning action combines with depth and richness to create a full-bodied, rewarding read."
--Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair
"Readers who love romance, suspense, and a graceful amount of faith won't want to miss this story."
--Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author
"With a host of sympathetic and likable characters (and a few not so likable), a riveting plot that clips along at the perfect pace, and a relatable faith thread, this book [is a] completely enjoyable read."
--Kimberly Duffy, Carol Award finalist and author of A Tapestry of Light

Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 16, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

More Books in this Series

My Review

Can they find the answers before it's too late?

Wow, that was quite a story! It was intriguing, hard to put down, and entertaining. But there was a great deal more to it than the usual surface 'good story' value that was unexpected but very welcome.

I actually started Counterfeit Faith with high hopes as I had loved the first Hidden Hearts Of The Gilded Age book so much. And, I am most pleased to say that this third book, I somehow accidentally missed reading book two, turned out to be every bit as good book one.

The characters were just as delightful or dastardly depending on which side they happened to fall on. The Gilded Age setting came to life quite vividly in Crystal Caudill's capable hands. And the fact that it was a romantic suspense novel cleverly wrapped up in a historical romance made it all the more enjoyable for me as I am a fan of both genres.

However, as much as I liked being entertained by an excellent story it the line where the title of the book was explained really resonated with me in a way I hadn't anticipated. I really can't explain it any better than that as I wouldn't want any spoilers. You really have to read that very moving line for yourself and let yourself ponder it for awhile.

So, Counterfeit Faith, it was a great read and well worth the time spent within its pages. Now that I have read two of the three Hidden Hearts Of The Gilded Age titles I am really going to have to go back and read the second book. Once you get a taste of Crystal Caudill's first-rate fiction you won't want to miss a single one...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Counterfeit Faith by Crystall Caudill a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

Crystal Caudill

Crystal Caudill is the author of "dangerously good historical romance," with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.
Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalcaudill.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive print copies of Counterfeit Love, Counterfeit Hope,
and Counterfeit Faith, a set of bookmarks, 2 stickers with quotes, and a
magnet with a QR code to a "test your Secret Service knowledge" quiz!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule
linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 31, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on
June 7, 2023. Winner 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 the policies found here.

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

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Parent's Battle Plan by Laine Lawson Craft (Giveaway)

6/1/2023

4 Comments

You are not alone–there is hope and healing for every hurting heart.
Today’s technology has made sinful experiences and deadly choices accessible to our teenagers and young adults with just a click. And parents are left with the disappointments–and devastating fallout–of their children’s choices.
Through sharing her own story of praying three very wayward prodigals home, Laine Lawson Craft offers not only hope and insight, but also a practical, tried-and-true battle plan for parents walking this heartbreaking season of life. You’ll discover how to

handle the emotional roller coaster of trust
deal with your children’s self-destructive choices
pray emboldened by God’s promises
fight for your child’s destiny
and more

You can win the war of darkness over your children–even when you don’t get the miracle you asked for.

Genre: Non-fiction
Release date: March 14, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Laine

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
To help other parents who are struggling with wayward children no matter how old they are, find hope to win their prodigal back home and heal their families.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
9 months.

#3. What part of the writing process do you like the least?
Laying out the chapter sequence.

#4. What new or interesting things did you learn while researching for this book?
I learned parenting styles that I had never really studied. I learned more about enabling and how it can be a huge factor in changing our children or not.

#5. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
I like to say that the tears flowed down my cheeks as the words flowed from my fingers to the keyboard. The tears were so heavy that my desk would be soaked at times. As I recounted the heartbrokenness in many seasons when all three of my teens and young adults were in the dark pit of the world’s evil lure and enticements. Those were painful memories. But I was so happy to share with tears of joy the hope that they all became whole, healed, delivered, and free!

#6. What drew you to take on this topic through non-fiction versus fiction?
It was through my life’s tried-and-true story.

#7. What people influenced you the most while writing about this topic?
My three adult children that are now thriving in life!

#8. How has writing about this particular topic changed your own life?
This topic has shifted my whole focus now. I believe God will use me from this point on until my death helping parents and families.

#9. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
YES! Teen parents, grandparents, and any loved one that was experiencing a wayward child no matter how old they are.

#10. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
That NO child. NO prodigal is TOO far gone for God! One touch from God change everything instantly!

#11. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
God was the first prodigal Father. He gave Adam and Eve a wonderful life and asked them not to do one thing. Then they disobeyed. God knows our heartache and pain when our children fall away from the faith and values we have for them. So, we must partner with God, He’s our Father, too, He has trusted us to steward His children, that are ours here on earth. Then we need to Pray with the power of the blood of Jesus Christ and trust that God will touch them, bring them home, and heal our families.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to
them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

More from Laine

I would love to introduce my friend, best-selling and award-winning author, whom you may not know yet with a little of the behind the scenes insight. She’s a mom, wife, and partners with God making impossible things become possible not only in her life but for thousands of others. She has a unique perspective because she had a seventeen-year-old marriage resurrect, a financial breakthrough after almost filing bankruptcy, a daughter healed from life-threatening illnesses, and three prodigal children delivered that are now free, whole, and healed. In 2006, she realized that what she was doing as a parent was not working. It seemed that her emotional pleas, rules, and religion weren’t helping her bring her prodigal back home. So she decided and made it my mission to partner with God at a whole new level and created a new way of parenting – one that would bring peace to her life, help millions of other parents, and bring their prodigals back home too. Her newest book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal is a must-read book to help parent’s with wayward teens and young adults.

Laine Lawson Craft

Laine Lawson Craft (www.lainelawsoncraft.com) is a best-selling and award-winning author, popular media host, and in-demand speaker. The founder and publisher of WHOAwomen magazine (2010-2018), she regularly hosts online challenges and masterclasses as well as Facebook and Instagram Live events that reach thousands. Her Warfare Parenting podcast encourages parents of adult children. Laine and her husband, Steve, have three children and live in Florida.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Laine is giving away the grand prize of $100 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/26267/the-parents-battle-plan-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 25
Vicky Sluiter, May 26 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27
Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29
Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 31
Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 1 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, June 2
An Author’s Take, June 3
Artistic Nobody, June 4 (Author Interview)
The Life We Build, June 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 5
Vibrant Wings, June 6
By The Book, June 7 (Author Interview)
Walking Fruitfully, June 7

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