Category: Guest Post

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Wrapped Up In You by Jennifer Carr (Give.away)

1/20/2025

Nash Montgomery is always up for a good time. But when a senior prank goes too far, his baseball scholarship is put at risk, threatening the future everyone expects him to follow. The consequences earn him community service at a local youth center where he discovers a passion that defies the path he thought had been laid out for him.
Cassidy is a talented musician trapped under the weight of her mother’s ambitious dreams for her. Desperate to carve out her own identity, she struggles to find her voice amidst the noise of others’ expectations.
Their worlds collide in Nashville when both earn a spot on Real American Country, a new reality TV competition for aspiring country stars. As they navigate the pressures of the spotlight, they’ll have to decide if they’re chasing their own dreams—or someone else’s. And along the way, they’ll discover that getting wrapped up in the right person can bring out the best in themselves.
Wrapped Up in You is a heartwarming tale about breaking free from the expectations of others, finding love, and discovering that the best path is the one you create for yourself.

Genre: Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release date: October 1, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Jennifer

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
I accidentally started writing a series I’ve dubbed Real American Country. It centralizes on a group of contestants who are selected to appear on a reality TV show for aspiring country music artists and that show happens to be called Real American Country. Book one (Fall When You’re Ready) was supposed to be a standalone.
Instead, characters kept demanding I write their stories. If you’ve read Fall When You’re Ready, you may have caught glimpses of Cassidy Raye Stanton starting around Chapter 42. And you really only see Nash Montgomery’s name mentioned in conversation. But for whatever reason, these two got my attention and I needed to know why. When I started prodding, they delivered.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I started writing it while the first book was in edits in October 2023. The first draft didn’t take too long but to get to a place where I was happy with the final product was about eleven months. I sent it to ARC readers September 1 and it was published October 1, 2024!

#3. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I absolutely love romance books, but what really draws me in are the stories that focus on the emotions and the characters, rather than just what happens behind closed doors. When I started writing, that’s what I wanted to capture—the emotional journey of falling in love. It’s about those little moments that make your heart skip a beat, like a lingering glance or a meaningful touch. Do you remember how powerful a single whispered word can be? That’s the magic I want to bottle up in my stories.
For me, the best part is when characters grow together. They face life’s challenges, support each other, and come out stronger on the other side. It’s not just about falling in love, but about how love can make you a better person.
That’s why I write sweet contemporary romance—because the stories I want to tell are about heartfelt connections, emotional growth, and the kind of love that lifts you up, not just romantically, but as a whole person.

#4. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Can you keep a secret? OK, good. Yes, I do. And they aren’t the main characters! One of my favorite character duos is Jet and Cody in Wrapped Up in You. Cody (short for Cordelia) is Nash's younger sister. She's a constant bright spot in everyone's day. And Jet is a kid who needs Nash as much as Nash needed him.
Nash becomes the big brother Jet never had and Jet helps send Nash down the path fate cooked up for him.
If I thought I could, I'd write Jet and Cody's love story RIGHT NOW because the two of them are precious in the few glimpses we get of them. Alas, my TBW (to-be written) pile is already too tall as it is!

#5. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
Wrapped Up in You is a story of love, music, and the sacrifices we make for those who hold our hearts. In the end, it’s about finding your way back to the one who feels like home—even if it means taking the long way around. It’s a story about taking charge of your future and trusting your gut even when the weight of everyone else’s expectations is heavy.
I hope readers come away with a sense of hope and a reminder that love isn’t always easy, but when it’s real, it’s worth fighting for. I want them to feel inspired by the emotional growth of the characters, the power of trust, and the importance of following your heart—even when it leads you down unexpected paths. Ultimately, I want readers to see that love is about more than just finding someone; it’s about building a life together and supporting each other through all of life’s challenges.

#6. How did you name your characters?
My characters’ names usually show up when they do! It’s funny, there have been instances where I name a character and then halfway through the manuscript I decide I don’t like the name for some reason and I’ll change it. Or there’s one draft I was writing where I named one guy Dan and another Danny and they had the same job and I didn’t realize it until I went back and proofread it and got confused! So Dan became Scott haha! I do try to stick to time appropriate names when necessary. If I’m writing “in the 1990s” then I hover around names I remember being popular then. I have found myself on the Baby Names website to double check!

#7. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
Wrapped Up in You was 10,000 words heavier before the final round of edits! I love words. I always want the reader to know EVERYTHING about everything so trying to come to grips with needing to cut scenes is hard for me. We cut about 10,000 words about two weeks before it went to ARC readers and I cut every single one of them in protest. Then I re-read it and knew it had been the absolute right decision.
Then I got an e-mail from an ARC reader telling me that a sentence somewhere in the first two pages was duplicated… so I got to cut a few more words after that!

#8. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I'm Jennifer Carr. I'm a wife (married my best friend that I met when I was 13), homeschooling mom (1 teenage daughter who is an artist and looks just like her dad), part-time farmer (we just downsized to chickens only but there were goats not long ago!), social media addict (Queen of the Doomscroll!), and an avid reader (I’ll give anything a try). I'm a lover of coffee, music, learning, animals, and writing. I have a degree in Psychology, a Master's in Marriage & Family Counseling, and certifications in Life Coaching, Health and Wellness Coaching, and am a certified Brain Health Professional. I also taught high school AP Psychology for several years. Then I wrote a book... and my world shifted on its axis.
In March 2023, I launched a podcast in hopes of cultivating a community geared toward creatives—authors, musicians, artists, etc. My goal has been to foster a platform where we can share ideas, support one another's work, and create a network of resources creatives need along their journey.

#9. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
If I could change one thing in my life, it would be learning earlier to surround myself with people who support me as much as I support them. For the longest time, I lived in a world where almost every relationship I had was one-sided. I poured my heart and soul into friendships and relationships, always being the one to give more, only to find myself burned out and, eventually, abandoned once the support fizzled then stopped.
Looking back, I wish I had recognized sooner that I deserved mutual support—people who genuinely had my back, who lifted me up the same way I did for them. It’s a tough lesson, but one I’m grateful for now. Relationships, whether personal or professional, should be balanced, with love and support flowing both ways, and I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing when someone isn’t offering that same energy in return.

#10. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
If you love a book or even just like a book, please leave at least a star-rating for it somewhere! Whether it’s Goodreads, Facebook, Amazon, or some other social platform, drop a quick line with some stars and share the love!
Authors, especially self-published authors, bank on word-of-mouth for the majority of their marketing so we live for the ratings and reviews.
Also, if you love something about a book, I promise you the author would LOVE to hear from you! (Case in point, this author would LOVE to hear from you!)

#11. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
It’s OK to be yourself. We often feel pressure to fit into molds or expectations that others set for us, but there’s real freedom in embracing who we truly are. It’s OK to be imperfect, to have quirks, and to live authentically. The world needs the unique perspective that only you can offer.

But, it’s best to be who you were created to be. We’re all created with purpose, and it’s not just about being yourself, but becoming who God designed you to be. It’s about leaning into your God-given gifts and strengths, even when that path may be challenging or countercultural. There’s a deep fulfillment in aligning your life with God’s purpose for you, trusting that His plan is greater than anything we could imagine for ourselves.

More from Jennifer

Wrapped Up in You is book two of the Real American Country Series. But don’t worry, it can definitely be read as a standalone! The series follows a reality television country music competition and some of the contestants as they pursue their dreams of becoming country music recording artists. This book follows the story of Nash Montgomery and Cassidy Raye Stanton as they each navigate the pressures of the spotlight. They’ll each have to decide if they’re chasing their own dreams—or someone else’s. And along the way, they’ll discover that getting wrapped up in the right person can bring out the best in themselves.

Wrapped Up in You is a heartwarming tale about breaking free from the expectations of others, finding love, and discovering that the best path is the one you create for yourself.

One of my favorite things about writing this series is coming up with custom playlists for each book. If you love country music or just want to see what all the fuss is about, here’s the playlist that goes along with Wrapped Up in You: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hXjkRFytj9tPFpitHRdEf?si=d0209225ac1f41e0

I’m Jennifer Carr. I’m a wife, homeschooling mom, baker, part-time farmer, social media addict, and an avid reader. I’m a lover of coffee, music, learning, animals, and writing. I have a degree in Psychology, a Master’s in Marriage & Family Counseling, and certifications in Life Coaching, Health and Wellness Coaching, and am a certified Brain Health Professional. I also taught high school AP Psychology for several years. I’ve always loved writing. Complete transparency alert – I never set out to become an author. I know, that probably sounds unlikely considering, but it’s true. I sat down one day and decided I wanted to write a story because I needed to know how a dream I’d awoken from ended. It snowballed and turned into chapters and eventually into an entire book. When I finished that book, I needed to make sure my characters were OK and thriving so I wrote the second book.

It was at that point I realized that being an author was something I could see myself doing for a really long time. So, I’m
still writing and loving every minute of it. When I’m not writing, there’s a good chance I’m reading and drinking coffee!

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize of
a 6-Month Kindle Unlimited Subscription 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/00adcf54131

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 15
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 16 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, January 17 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17
For the Love of Literature, January 18 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, January 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 20 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 21
Blossoms and Blessings, January 22 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23
Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 25
Stories By Gina, January 26 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, January 26
For Him and My Family, January 27
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 28 (Author Interview)

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Stranger by Joy Margetts (Give.away)

1/17/2025

5 Comments

What do you do when your life’s work lies in ashes at your feet? When your heart and body are broken and your faith shattered?

Disillusioned, grief-stricken and feeling abandoned by the God he once trusted, Brother Silas runs. He sets out on a lonely journey, not knowing where the path will take him, determined to distance himself from his painful past.

But Silas cannot escape the Love that will not let him go. Through the unexpected kindness of strangers, and a series of inexplicable events, Silas’ heart begins to heal. Then an unlikely reunion puts him back on the path to rediscovering who he really is.

Will Silas find where he truly belongs or will he remain a stranger forever?

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release date: November 22, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Joy

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
All my books are inspired by my own faith journey. I went through a really difficult season where I had what you might call a crisis of faith. God wasn’t answering my cries for help, He seemed distant and uninterested. He wasn’t of course, and He gently drew me back to Himself. I wanted to take my main character on a similar journey to the one I went on. Brother Silas had appeared in a previous book as a minor character. He was trying to keep a small failing abbey going. My book starts with the abbey being destroyed and Silas running from his faith.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
It took about 5 months to write this book. I started it in November 2023 but then had to take a break from it as life circumstances took over. I finished the first draft in early April, but the editing process took time after that,

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
That it is OK to question God, He can take it. He understands when we can’t make sense of why bad things happen. He doesn’t always answer our prayers in the way we expect Him to, or speak to us in the way we are used to hearing Him, but He loves us and never gives up pursuing our hearts.

#4. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I am a wife, mother to two grown children, and grandmother to two small children. I love being a grandparent! It is the joy of my life to help care for my grandkids. I love dogs and have a Jack Russell terrier cross who is fun to live with. I live by the sea and have a panoramic view of the ocean and Welsh mountains from my house windows. I love to read, crochet, bake and watch my husband garden! Most of my closest friends are now writers and I help head up a community for Christian Writers in the UK, which we call Kingdom Story Writers.

#5. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
I live with a chronic condition that came on suddenly 11 years ago. It changed my life and has been difficult to live with. I would love to be healed from it. But then if I hadn’t had gone through that, there would be no books…

More from Joy

I live in a most beautiful area of the UK, on the coast of Wales, surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains, forests and sea. This is an area that is not only stunning in its natural beauty but also rich with history; castles, abbeys, old churches, and ancient pilgrimage routes. These things inspire my writing, which is why my books are set in medieval Wales, and feature abbeys, monks, knights and maidens. No dragons though! And no murders!

Some years ago now my life was forever changed when I became unexpectedly ill, from what was later diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue. Months of being able to do very little turned into years. Years where I lost much including my job and career, experiences with my children which I will never get back, and my role in ministry. Through this time I questioned all that I had known of God. I had followed Jesus all my life but when things got really tough it felt like He had abandoned me. I didn’t know if I could trust Him any more, if He really cared, if all that I had once believed was actually true. Over time God pursued me, revealing His love for me in unexpected ways, using others to display Himself, helping me to rediscover my faith and choose to trust Him again.

In writing my books I wanted to tell my own story, but through the fictional lives of characters living centuries ago. The Healing, my first novel, told my story of healing and redemption, and no-one was more surprised than I when the book was published. But God had given me a gift to write and He wasn’t finished with one book. The Stranger is actually my fourth novel and the most personal in many ways. The central character has to navigate what it feels like to question his faith in the face of devastating disappointment. I think this is something that many Christians can equate with. The story follows him as he tries to turn his back on his God, and discovers that God does not give up the pursuit of those He loves. It is my story. God pursued me and would not let me go. He is the lover of my soul and has proved faithful. I want my books to carry hope, and to glorify Him.

I love the Word of God. It has been my place of comfort and strength through tough times. My books are littered with scriptural truth, and I make no apologies for that. It is the truth, and believing in the truth, that sets us free.

Joy Margetts

Joy combines a life- long love of history and a deep passion for the Word of God to write stories, inspired by her own faith journey. She lives on the beautiful North Wales coast, amidst abbey ruins and ancient pilgrim paths.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Joy is giving away the grand prize of
a $35 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/00adcf54128

Blog Stops

Girls in White Dresses, January 10
Vicky Sluiter, January 11 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 12
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 13 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, January 14 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, January 15 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, January 16
Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 17 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 18
Blossoms and Blessings, January 19 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 20
Artistic Nobody, January 21 (Author Interview)
Stories By Gina, January 22 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, January 22
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 23 (Author Interview)
Leslie’s Library Escape, January 23

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Trail To The Lonely Tree by Kurt Mahler (Give.away)

12/21/2024

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A richly poetic tale of friendship, courage, and destiny that
will awaken the imagination of children and adults alike.

When Oracle, a jaguar from the Yucatán, learns of the dying words of the last jaguar in the Rio Grande Valley, he finds himself on a perilous journey to see a prophecy fulfilled.
To do so he must travel 1,400 miles to Texas and find the Lonely Tree, where his kin spoke an enigma to the heavens as hunters took him down. But the Lonely Tree is in the dangerous realm of Man—and Oracle will need more than his own wisdom and strength to fulfill the task.
Oracle remembers Eden and the naming of the animals; what Adam spoke to the first of each kind. He discovers the animals in the Valley have forgotten their names—as has Man himself.
Can he not only fulfill the prophecy, but help the animals reclaim ancient truths before they are lost forever?
This hope-filled tale explores the quest for courage in a fallen world and how to make the faith journey—and its sacrifices—worthwhile.

Genre: Christian Magical Realism Fantasy
Release date: September 30, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Kurt

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
I was going through a challenging period in my life and I put all my trust and faith in the Lord.
This is a story about having faith in the face of adversity.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
It actually took about 20 years! I originally wrote this story as a Christmas present to my family.
We used to read it together during the Christmas season. Everyone who read always encouraged me to publish the story so that other people could also enjoy and be inspired by this Christian story. During Covid, I had lots of free time and I decided to finish the story and publish it!. Since then it has done great and has received many awards.

#3. How did you name your characters?
The daughter in the story, “The Seed of Faith”, is actually my daughter.

#4. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Have faith in the Lord.

#5 Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Joshua 1-9;

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.
Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your
God will be with you wherever you go.”

More from Kurt

During my eleven years in Afghanistan with my wife Karen and five children, I learned that sometimes we need ‘aha’ moments instead of how-to manuals; a story instead of a sermon; an encounter instead of a lecture.

That’s why my answer to the question, “What if a jaguar appeared in South Texas?” is saturated with parables, prayers, poems, proverbs, and prophetic words set in the voices of creation.

My wife Karen is from where this imaginary tale takes place, so I have visited it often. On one visit, I saw a 1946 black-and-white photo of what was believed to be the last jaguar in the Rio Grande Valley. Hunters gathered around their prize. The question, “What if a jaguar came back here?” struck like a match inside me and became a bonfire of discovery for six books, beginning with The Trail to the Lonely Tree.

C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Tolkien, Milton, and Dante are the literary mentors I have looked to for this Christian fantasy, which, in my case, is a form called “magical realism.”

It’s real in that you can visit, for example, the Port Isabel lighthouse or the Rio Grande River; it’s magical in that I have immersed that world into another one—one that isn’t “real” yet completely true. The ranches are fictitious and yet, as symbols, speak the truth to the way things are and the way things could be as wheat and weeds grow together in the realm of Man.

The descriptions of the animals and plants of the Rio Grande Valley are as accurate as I could labor to attain. For the stars, I employed the astronomy app Starry Night Enthusiast 8 to precisely describe the activity of the heavens during the time of the tale, which is from September 2016 through August 2017 in Book 1.

The herblore is a work of research too. Patch the raccoon heals a friend’s injury with aloe vera and the pita plant, while later he and ab aplomado falcon named Sent attempt to heal an ailing, abandoned child with leaves of the anacahuita (Texas wild olive); twigs of the allthorn (amargoso); and tasajillo berries of the Christmas cactus.

A word about the jaguar named Oracle. He isn’t Aslan, but he sure seems to have spent time with him. His faith journey might be like yours, with clues to the future, a heart to serve others—and profound disappointments along the way.

Let’s discover together how to begin again, own our faith, leverage our sorrows, and pick up the trail before us. For the way to our future often begins with a memory. Our destinies are found in the first things our Creator told us long ago in childhood and before. That is where we will most likely find courage for our calling.

I don’t mean ‘calling’ in the sense of clergy alone, but in the sense of living as your original self, the one God thought of when He said, “Let there be…”

I wrote this tale to impart such courage.

Kurt Mähler

Kurt Mähler writes in the prophetic and poetic tradition, inspired by the wonder of creation and cultures of the world. He and his wife have served in forty nations as encouragers in the Christian faith, where Kurt discovered the beauty and wisdom of storytelling. His roots include the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande Valley, and Heart of Texas.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Kurt is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon gift card, a detailed digital map of the entire six-book tale,
a paperback copy of the book, and an audiobook 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/00adcf54120

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, December 12
Vicky Sluiter, December 13 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 14
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 15 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 16
Simple Harvest Reads, December 17 (Author Interview)
Denise L. Barela, December 17
Aryn The Libraryan, December 18
For the Love of Literature, December 19 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 21 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, December 22
Blossoms and Blessings, December 23 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, December 24
Stories By Gina, December 25 (Author Interview)

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Memoria by J.J. Fischer (Give.away)

12/20/2024

3 Comments

Would you save a life if you knew it would destroy another?

In the deeply divided world of Caldera, nothing is as it seems. Taken captive by a faceless enemy, Sephone Winter fights to reclaim her soul as her gift spirals out of control and the deadly poison coursing through her veins begins to exact its terrible vengeance.
Meanwhile, Dorian and Cass are forced into an uneasy alliance in order to find the woman they both love . . . a woman who has all but vanished from the face of the earth, along with the Reliquary. Finding her becomes impossible as the identity of their greatest adversary continues to elude them.
When Caldera’s past catches up with the trio’s future, Sephone, Dorian, and Cass are forced to make decisions that threaten everything and everyone they care about. Each of them is offered a chance to sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of the other—but will they take it? And what will it cost them in the end?

Genre: Adult Fantasy
Release date: December 10, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Each and everyone must make a choice....

J.J. Fischer had me hooked with the first book in the Nightingale Trilogy, she had me intrigued with the second book, but this third one was engrossing in a different way....

To be sure, J.J. Fischer's vivid worldbuilding, captivating attention to detail, and mad storytelling skills were ever present and accounted for, however, there was something deeper and even more heartfelt about Memoria. Even the title of this final Nightingale Trilogy novel, Memoria, has a more solemn and introspective feel to it.

Trust me, this book is full of emotion. And you will run the gamut as you turn the pages be they print or digital. The characters must face not only the utter darkness before dawn but they also must face themselves and the infinite need for redemption and forgiveness.

Bittersweet, it was and is a fitting conclusion to the Nightingale Trilogy, though there is supposed to be a companion novel that I am intensely looking forward to reading. As with any good fantasy/dystopian novel there is a dark tone to the series – particularly in Memoria – that not only makes it perfect for older teen and and adult readers, but is also makes the light of hope shine all the brighter.

Anyway, cannot recommend this series from J.J. Fischer highly enough. Read them in order but definitely do read them all if you are a fan of Christian fantasy and/or dystopian fiction. They really are a MUST read....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Memoria by J.J. Fischer a 4.5 Bark rating.

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

More from J.J.

Have you ever felt God’s comfort in the midst of a horrific trial?

In 2021, midway through writing Memoria (Book 3 of The Nightingale Trilogy), my husband Dave and I were blindsided by his discovery of several sizable lumps on his neck. Those lumps turned out to be lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes), requiring immediate treatment.

2021 had already been a shocking year for us (and everyone else!). I’d lost both my remaining grandparents in the space of a few months. We were in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and one of the harshest lockdowns my state of New South Wales (Australia) had yet seen—which would necessitate going into further isolation while Dave underwent chemotherapy. And while I’d just received a diagnosis for my chronic illness, my recurring migraines (sometimes multiple a week) made it difficult for me to reliably drive Dave to and from his chemotherapy sessions.

But in one of the hardest times of our lives thus far, God provided. Dave made it through his chemo and has been in remission for some time now (though we’re still dealing with the consequences of the treatment in regards to fertility). I was able to drive him to all but two of his chemo sessions, and family and friends supported us in incredible ways. I’ve now received treatment for my chronic illness, which has helped me significantly and allowed me to take on more work as a freelance editor.

Eventually, I got back to Memoria, and wrote the second half of the story. And now, in hindsight, I can see the importance of God’s timing. Because Memoria is a story about pain—how we respond to it, what we do with it, and how it can poison our soul, if we let it. And ultimately, this book points to Jesus, the only one who can handle that pain, that poison, without succumbing Himself.

Are you struggling with a well of pain and suffering (and/or sin) in your own life? Perhaps not just things that you’ve done, but things that have been done to you? Are you struggling to keep your head above the raging waters, feeling swamped and pummeled by all God’s waves and breakers (Psalm 42:7)?

For starters, I want you to know that God keeps track of all your sorrows, every tear you cry (Psalm 56:8). You might feel invisible to the world, but you are not invisible to God. He knows everything about you, even the things you’ve never shared with anyone before. Even the pain you might not yourself have acknowledged.

The second piece of encouragement I want to share is that God promises to one day wipe all those tears from your eyes (Revelation 21:4). He won’t let those tears fall endlessly into eternity, ruining the perfect future He has in store for you. He will comfort you. He will bring you into his house, rejoicing over you. He can handle your pain (even the poison) without succumbing. Even your death is not the end of the story, because death was not the end of His.

I wrote The Nightingale Trilogy partly to deal with the pain of things in my own life. But as this series draws to a close, I hope it is a blessing to you in whatever season you’re going through right now (or will go through in future). I hope it reminds you of Eternity, and that you are greatly loved by the God who died to reclaim your soul.

God bless,
J. J. Fischer

J.J. Fischer

J.J. Fischer’s writing dream began with the anthology of zoo animals shepainstakingly wrote and illustrated at age five. Jasmine began writing her first proper novel at age fourteen, which eventually became her debut fantasy series, The Darcentaria Duology, which was published in 2021. She is a qualified psychologist with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in clinical psychology. When Jasmine isn’t killing defenseless house plants, she enjoys devouring books, dabbling in floristry, playing the piano, and wishing it rained more often. Jasmine is married to David, and together they make their home a couple of hours north of Sydney, Australia.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, J.J. is giving away the grand prize of
a special edition hardcover copy of the book, a signed bookplate, and character art!!

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/00adcf54118

Blog Stops

A Reader’s Brain, December 14 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, December 15 (Guest Review from Mindy)
The Lofty Pages, December 16
Back Porch Reads, December 17 (Author Interview)
Wishful Endings, December 17
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 18 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, December 19
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 20
Fiction Book Lover, December 21 (Author Interview)
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, December 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23
Guild Master, December 24 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, December 25 (Spotlight)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 26
Inspired by Fiction, December 27

3 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Seed Of Faith: A Christmas Miracle by Daniel Petronelli (Give.away)

12/15/2024

6 Comments

In the small foothill village of Shiloh on a stormy Christmas Eve, a group of children find themselves lost in a powerful storm. When a chance encounter with a kind stranger presents itself, their faith is put to the test as they discover the true meaning of Christmas, learn valuable life lessons, and experience the transformative power of just one tiny seed: The Seed of Faith.

This unforgettable, multi-award winning story will inspire readers of all ages to believe in miracles and the unwavering presence of God in their lives.

Genre: Religion & Spirituality, Holiday Celebration,
Children’s Chapter Book, Inspirational, Action & Adventure
Release date: October, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Daniel

#3. How did you name your characters?
The daughter in the story, “The Seed of Faith”, is actually my daughter.

#4. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Have faith in the Lord.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Joshua 1:9

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.
Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your
Good will be with you wherever you go.”

More from Daniel

“The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle” is an inspiring story about the joy and blessings of faith.
I originally wrote this heartfelt story as a Christmas gift for my family, and it has since become a cherished tradition for us to read together on Christmas Eve. Encouraged by friends and relatives, I was inspired to share this story with a wider audience.
The book features numerous beautiful color illustrations by the talented artist Emily Pritchett.
At its core, this multi-award-winning tale focuses on finding courage during life’s most challenging moments and drawing strength from the Lord, knowing that He is always by your side.
Its captivating spiritual adventure unfolds as a small group of children finds themselves lost in a powerful storm on Christmas Eve, making it an engaging read for children.
This story glorifies the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ, not Santa Claus.
It illustrates the power of just one tiny seed of faith, showing that with God’s blessings, it can grow in the hearts and change the lives of all who believe.
My earnest hope is that “The Seed of Faith” will continue to take root and flourish in the hearts of readers around the world.
Planting a Seed of Faith in the hearts of our children—what greater gift could we possibly give?

Dan Petronelli

Dan Petronelli was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. He currently divides his time with his wife between West Bridgewater, Massachusetts and Stuart, Florida. He is a strong member of his local community and has served as a Christian worship leader where he led a large congregation in praise and worship songs, including two of his original songs: “ Walking in the Light” and “ Providence.” Dan Petronelli participated in Smith’s Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir contest, and his memoir was selected and later published by HarperCollins. Dan found a message in a bottle when he was a young boy tinkering on a rocky shoreline. It was a profound spiritual message that he has kept and still treasures today. This inspired story was written as a cherished Christmas gift for his family, and it is his hope that the SEED OF FAITH will also bring joy and continue to grow in the hearts of readers around the world.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Visa gift certificate and 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/00adcf54109/

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 4
Vicky Sluiter, December 5 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, December 6
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 7 (Author Interview)
She Lives to Read, December 8
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9
Simple Harvest Reads, December 10 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, December 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 12
For the Love of Literature, December 13 (Author Interview)
Lights in a Dark World, December 13
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 15 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, December 16
Blossoms and Blessings, December 17 (Author Interview)
MrsK Books to Go, December 17

6 Comments

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

12/14/2024

3 Comments

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)

3 Comments

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

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

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)
Texas Book-aholic, October 28
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
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 4 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 5
Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, November 7

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Interview with Jennifer

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Interview with Kurt

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.Do not be discouraged. For the Lord yourGod will be with you wherever you go.”​

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Interview with Daniel

​“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your​Good will be with you wherever you go.”

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Interview with Michelle

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

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Interview with Monique and G.L.

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Interview with K.J.

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Interview with Rebecca

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Interview with Darlene

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

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Interview with Karen

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

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“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.
Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your
God will be with you wherever you go.”

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.
Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your
Good will be with you wherever you go.”

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