Category: Interview

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Securing Charity by Julia David (Give.away)

2/5/2025

Has God and all that is good truly abandoned her?
After a fearless Swedish man intervenes to save her from a brutal attack, Charity Baldzo, a Roma beauty with a hidden disability and a lineage shrouded in mystery, escapes to her mother’s farm. But as she grapples with her past and the scars it left, will she ever find the safety she desperately seeks?
Ari Johansson’s world spirals into chaos after his act of bravery turns to tragedy. The vengeful hand of the man who assaulted Charity strikes back, slaughtering his sheep as retribution. Now, Ari’s brother languishes in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and flames devour his home and barn, leaving him with nothing but a future of despair. The only glimmer of hope is Charity, who now cares for his young nephew, Soren.
As desperation mounts, Ari is reluctant to lean on the fierce Roma women. But when Charity’s mother proposes an unexpected deal—one he should refuse—he’s faced with an impossible choice. Could marrying the beautiful Charity and securing the neighboring land be the key to ensuring Soren’s safety and freeing his brother?

Attraction sparks between them, but can their disparate worlds coexist? Can they navigate their differences and build a future together?
PG- A clean and swoon-worthy historical romance with deep veins of grace, courage, and heart-hugging acceptance. Curl up and escape to a happy ending.

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Release date: October 17, 2022

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Julia

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
My inspiration for Charity’s physical challenges was my daughters friend who has a shortened arm and deformed hand. Now a freshman in college, she sings and plays guitar and also is a photographer. This Multitalented young lady shot the covers for book 2 (Freeing Nohl) and 3 (Finding Cora).

#2. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
Charity Baldzo speaks most to my heart. She’s a complex character who’s been devalued for much of her life, but through her journey, she discovers her true worth. I believe that because we’re all created in His image, that inherent value must come to life. By helping others, Charity finds herself—and I find her story incredibly powerful and inspiring.

#3. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I believe life and people can never fully define you. Charity, for example, had plans to find her worth through a special school, but it was through helping others that she discovered true value and love in unexpected places. I think that’s something many of us experience—we trust God and start down one path, only to find ourselves on a detour… or is it really a detour?

#4. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
I absolutely love Soren in this book. Children bring such humor and unexpected honesty to a story. For Charity, seeing herself through his pure eyes helps her realize her true beauty. Many of the secondary characters in my stories serve a similar purpose, gently adding layers of truth that we all need to hear.

#5. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
When I was 18, I sang "I Surrender All" in a beautiful chapel in the Redwoods, thinking it was a one-time declaration. Little did I know, surrendering would become a continual choice. In the midst of marriage, parenting, and navigating the highs and lows of life, I’ve found myself repeatedly declaring, "I surrender all." For me, surrender means I don’t need all the right prayers or answers—I just need to stay close to God and trust Him where He leads.

More from Julia

Fun fact: My daughter’s dear friend is a talented photographer who was born missing half of her left arm. Her agility and confidence are truly inspiring, and she served as a major inspiration for our heroine, Charity.”

My favorite part of being an indie author is witnessing how God provides the perfect cover models just when I need them. Each of my books features amazing ladies (and gentlemen) from my Northern California area, and I absolutely love creating the costumes myself.

Below are photos of our heroine, Charity, showcasing costumes that are largely sourced from Goodwill. I truly enjoy the creative process!

Julia David

Julia David is an Amazon #1 ranked romance author, serial DIY’er, and certified life coach. Addicted to Hallmark movies and baking, she believes it’s crucial to have some predictable things in life. Her tagline, ‘Escape to an Era Where True Love Prevails’, was from her own reason for reading stacks of books.
Married and a mother to five, she also loves to camp and hike around the Pacific Northwest.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Julia 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/00adcf54143

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, January 28 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29
Vicky Sluiter, January 30 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, January 30
Texas Book-aholic, January 31
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 1 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 2
For the Love of Literature, February 3 (Author Interview)
Madi’s Musings, February 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 5 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, February 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7
Blossoms and Blessings, February 8 (Author Interview)
Books You Can Feel Good About, February 9
Holly’s Book Corner, February 10

6 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Treasures Of The Wise by Tracy L. Smoak (Give.away)

2/4/2025

1 Comment

Stories have been written throughout the centuries about the search for gold. But the true treasure we all need is easier to find than we think. For the wise person, treasure that will not be wasted, tarnished, or stolen can only be found in God’s Word.

Join author and educator Tracy Smoak on a thirty-day journey around the world as she showcases coins to highlight the beauty of the eternal treasure given to us from God. Each devotional is short but filled with riches beyond what the world can offer, as well as photographs of unique international coins and snippets of information about them.
Start your day off as one of the wise, who seeks after priceless insights offered by our Heavenly Father.

Genre: Pictorial Devotional
Release date: December, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Tracy

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
We can see God’s blessings everywhere, and His love is extravagant. For example, I watched a black swallowtail caterpillar inch along parsley in the backyard. Amazing color patterns with lime green, black stripes and bright banana-yellow dots pointed to a careful Artist who makes even insects beautiful. My goal is to remind us that value isn’t determined just by dollars.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
The actual writing of the verses and reflections took only about six months. However, learning how to do the photography took about three years, with practice from two previous pictorial devotionals (Living Water to Refresh Your Soul and Arranged with Love). Then getting a contract took another year and half as the first publisher didn’t work out. The second publisher needed 18 months more to create interior files and finish production. The traditional book business isn’t fast.

#3. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
One funny thing that happened was trying to photograph the baby cardinals before the mom got back to the nest. I was outside early in the morning cutting gardenias to arrange inside because I love the fragrance. I noticed there was a veil of moss hanging inside the head-high bush. When I reached to pull out the moss, I discovered that the mom bird had artfully hidden her nest behind it. Then the little birds started chirping like crazy because they sensed the motion and thought breakfast had arrived. I ran to get my camera, then had to balance on tiptoe to angle the lens just right, all the while hoping the mom wouldn’t come back too soon to see me.

#4. What people influenced you the most while writing about this topic?
My parents had their own business when I was growing up. They made sure my sisters and I had exposure to good money management principles. For example, I was rewarded with an allowance on my report card. A’s earned more than C’s! Then I worked in their office in summers and learned how to track invoices and payments. They also made me write out a line-item budget for monthly expenses before I went to college. Their constant coaching emphasized the importance of being a good steward of the resources you have.

#5. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
Reading the Bible for new believers can be intimidating. I wanted to create a text that was easy to navigate but rich in content with truth. My goal is to focus attention on why something is valuable rather than just accumulating more possessions.

(Here is a link to my YouTube channel with a short video I made to introduce the devotional and a key Bible verse about money management: https://youtu.be/sdL5m8Pw2R8.)
---Tracy Smoak, tracysmoak.com

More from Tracy

Laying Up Treasures

The word “treasure” can send mixed messages. On one hand, that noun can bring forth images of pirates commandeering others’ gold and valuables. We all get a gleam in our eye from time to time and dream of great wealth.

The verb form of “treasure” means to hold something dear, such as a photograph of loved ones. This object may have no special worth, other than sentiment. What priceless object do you protect? Is it a leather baby shoe stored in a tiny box or a beaten-up, old baseball glove?

Either way, what we pursue—and hold—as our prized possession reveals much about our priorities. Is our contentment based upon acquisitions? If so, we find ourselves on a merry-go-round ride that leaves us dizzy. No matter how much we get, we still want more. This constant demand is damaging.

“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction” (1 Timothy 6:9 NIV).

To be well off, we need to put our hope in God, who richly provides us with all that we need and more.

“The emptiness we try to fill with earthly things stems from the desire for more of God,” said author and teacher Nancy Jenkins (Bibledolls: A Panorama of 28 Biblical Women).

To live well, we are advised to complete a wealth of good deeds. We are to be generous and willing to share. “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19 NIV).

Today’s prayer:
Dear Lord, please help us act on opportunities to do good for others. We appreciate your many
gifts and find contentment in this moment, just as things are, with You by our side. Amen.

Tracy L. Smoak

A native Floridian, Tracy L. Smoak grew up riding horses and climbing citrus trees. Her passion is to encourage others in their faith journey. Smoak contributes to Guideposts. Ambassador International released her debut novel, Who Brought the Dog to Church?. Bold Vision published her Bible study about encouragement titled Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place.
She loves photography, and Treasures of the Wise is the third devotional with her original images. Living Water to Refresh Your Soul features tranquil lake scenes while Arranged with Love showcases floral landscapes.
Smoak holds a master’s in Education and a bachelor’s in Communication. At her church home she leads small-group Bible studies.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Tracy is giving away the grand prize of
a hardcopy of the color devotional!!

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/00adcf54144

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 29
Lots of Helpers, January 29
Leslie’s Library Escape, January 30
Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1
For the Love of Literature, February 2 (Author Interview)
SHE LIVES TO READ, February 3
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 4 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, February 5
Blossoms and Blessings, February 6 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, February 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7
Cover Lover Book Review, February 8
Artistic Nobody, February 9 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 11

1 Comment

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Tracy by Jennifer Lynn Cary (Give.away)

2/1/2025

5 Comments

Her heart can’t take more breakage…
…He’s been wounded enough
Yet they’re becoming best friends without ever having met.

Tracy Callahan has learned that relationships aren’t for her. The struggling glass artist puts up barriers to keep romantic entanglements from causing more pain. However, her feelings are growing for her roommate’s brother, despite having never seen him in person.
How can just his voice on the phone hold that much attraction?
Danny Mitchell left a large part of himself in Viet Nam and is learning how to navigate life back here in the states. It’s better to just avoid the public. As long as he doesn’t have to see anyone in person, he can pretend he’s his old self, and the caller on the other end of the phone won’t know the difference.
But Tracy is breaking through, resurrecting feelings he thought were dead and gone.
They might find a way to make a telephone relationship work. Unless meddling loved ones get involved.

When that happens, can Tracy and Danny’s friendship survive meeting face-to-face?
Or could there be something more than friendship in store for them? Maybe a God-designed masterpiece built from their broken parts?
Return to 1973 Kokomo, Indiana where the legend of the cardinal in the sycamore can still prove true love.
You will enjoy this sweet, quirky tale of hidden worth, because sometimes what we need is right in front of us.

Genre: Sweet, Wholesome Romance (Retro)
Release date: October, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Jennifer

#1. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I’m a child of the 1950s, grew up in the 60s and 70s. So many memories, and I didn’t see anyone writing about that time period. It started when God gave me the idea for Relentless Heart. It was a retelling of the Book of Ruth set in 1968 Viet Nam and Indiana. All the feels and memories and iconic vocabulary and moments came rushing back. At the same time, I’d started reading more romantic comedy than anything else and wanted to try my hand. Throw in the inspiration of 60s music and it was a perfect storm. I know my stories aren’t technically romcom because I write in third person. I also know that there’s controversy about whether the Viet Nam era is historical or just barely still contemporary. That’s why I like to say it’s in the retro niche—of the historical or contemporary genre, whichever the reader chooses. I find it is comfortable and fun, and in many ways simpler, but still with the same problems and concerns.

#2. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
That you are loved and special and God gives you purpose and hope. Everyone wants to belong in some way. I pray that after reading Tracy, readers will know God sees them, loves them, and is there for them always.

#3. How did you name your characters?
Well, the girls’ names are easy. I pick the song for the title and there ya go. 😉
However, then I need to come up with last names and hero names. The last names come from street names or old businesses or family names from the area. If I choose a family name for that, I make sure to have a first name that’s not part of that family, and if possible, have them have come to Kokomo from somewhere else. In Cracklin’ Rosie, I thought I’d made up a last name only to find it was the name of a business that sponsored the yearbook back then. But I gave that character a different hometown so that helped. Hero names can be harder. I have favorite names and don’t want to use the same one over and over. So now, unless they are a reoccurring character, I use the name once. I look at baby names from the 1940s and early 1950s for ideas too.

#4. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
This was a little of all three. I wrote a scene in Tracy that I really thought was killer. Just wonderful. And then someone told me it was impossible. The only problem was I’d seen it happen with my own eyes, back during the time period. I did a little adjusting to accommodate in case anyone else thought the same, but I added a note in the back stating how I got that inspiration and that it really could happen.

#5. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
Wow, get comfy, this could take awhile. No, just kidding. I’ll give you the Reader’s Digest version.
I’m originally from Kokomo, the town where the Weather Girls is set. And it set in that time period for many reasons, but one big one is because we moved to Arizona in 1972. So in my head, I remember what that era in Kokomo looked like.
I ended up attending three different high schools—Kokomo and then two others because we rented a house before we bought one. So, it was like having three freshman years. I got good at being a chameleon. Which in the long run was a good thing. I learned how to meet people and make new friends. Then I was a speech/theatre major in college but didn’t finish. Instead, I met my husband, and we started our family—three daughters and one son. I finally did go back and finish out my degree and became a teacher—I truly loved teaching. We lost our son to CF in 1999, but our daughters all grew up and married, and we now have three wonderful sons-in-law and three beautiful and adorable and brilliant grandchildren. (Yes, I brag on them, that’s what gramma’s do 😉)
Both my husband and I are retired but somehow in wanting to write as a hobby now that I was home, I’ve ended up with a second career. I wouldn’t change that for anything.

More from Jennifer

Have you ever met characters in a story that stayed with you, even when they weren’t the main characters? That’s what happened to me after I wrote Runaround Sue. Sue’s brother and her roommate seemed to hit it off so well, and I loved those characters.

It only made sense to give Tracy and Danny their own story.

However, I will confess that I had planned to make a character named Tracy because of the song, “Tracy” by the Cufflinks. It’s such a happy, bouncy tune and I thought that fit Sue’s roommate.

I do need to add that I relied on a childhood friend for some Danny’s antics. At one point I was told that something he did wasn’t possible. The problem was, I knew it was because my friend, Maureen McKay did that very thing. Maureen had a personality like Tracy’s and determination like Danny’s.

A few years ago I was back in Kokomo for a special wedding anniversary party. I noticed a guy sitting at a table and went to talk with him. At that time, I was combing faces for someone I’d known back when I went to school there. He had that look, but as we talked, it was obvious we didn’t know each other.

A little later I told my cousin about that, and she said that he was ahead of us in school, but he had a younger sister who would’ve been about my age. I knew immediately why he’d looked familiar. He was Maureen’s big brother.

I searched him and his mother out quickly and let them know I remembered Maureen. I mentioned a few of our escapades. Then I told them that my husband and I had lost a son, and that the kindest thing anyone could say was that they remembered our Ian. So, for that reason, I wanted them to know I remember Maureen.

And that’s why Tracy is dedicated to the memory of my friend Maureen McKay.

Jennifer Lynn Cary

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

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize of
a $50 Amazon Gift 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/00adcf54137

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 21
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 22
Texas Book-aholic, January 23
Vicky Sluiter, January 24 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, January 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 26 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27
Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 29
For the Love of Literature, January 30 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 1 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, February 2
Blossoms and Blessings, February 3 (Author Interview)
Leslie’s Library Escape, February 3

5 Comments

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

1/20/2025

3 Comments

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)

3 Comments

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

5 Comments

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

12/21/2024

5 Comments

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)

5 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 - 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 - 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/

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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