Category: Non Fiction

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Your Finances God's Way by Scott LaPierre (Give.away)

5/15/2025

Since he married, author and pastor Scott LaPierre has supported his wife and ten children on a single income. He’s witnessed the stress that accompanies financial insecurity, yet he’s learned firsthand that even those with a limited income can eliminate monetary worries when they abide by biblical principles.
With Your Finances God’s Way, you’ll replace negative spending habits with positive patterns that will set you on the road to financial freedom. Drawing from the Bible’s wisdom on money management, this book provides essential steps backed by proven practices, helping you…

get the most out of your money by paying off debt and building up savings
make informed spending choices that help you avoid anxiety, regret, and conflict
enjoy the fruits of managing your money in a way that honors God

Use what God has provided to thrive! Whether you’re young or old, married or single, working or staying at home, Your Finances God’s Way will give you everything you need to be a Christlike steward of the resources you have been given.

Genre: Christian Nonfiction
Release date: May 3, 2022

Click here to get your copy!

About the Workbook

How can I take control of my impulsive spending habits? How do I make up for not saving sooner? How should I prepare in case of an unplanned financial burden? Money can easily become a source of anxiety, but a sound understanding of your finances and a proactive plan for your future will put those fears to rest!
This companion workbook to Your Finances God’s Way guides you deeper into the Bible’s financial wisdom while leading you to create a plan for money management. Perfect for individual use or group study, you will find…

thoughtful questions for self-reflection
illuminating verses from Scripture
helpful guidelines for creating a personalized strategy for spending, saving, giving, and paying off debt

As believers, part of living out the call in 1 Corinthians 6:12 to “not be dominated by anything” means ensuring we control our spending and not the other way around. This workbook will give you the tools to take charge of your money, find peace with your finances, and use every resource God has given you for His glory.

Interview with Scott

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
My books are drawn from my sermons. When I preached about finances, I didn’t know I would end up writing a finance book. However, the inspiration for this book came from the need I observed in my church for people to be equipped to manage their finances biblically.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
It took me about two years to finish "Your Finances God’s Way." As a full-time teaching pastor, I write in my free time. Since pastoring requires so much of my time and we are expecting our 11th child, I don’t have much free time, so I can’t dedicate much to writing. However, the good news is that I already have the material I need because my books are based on my sermons. It just takes time to transform the content from sermon notes into book form.

#3. What drew you to take on this topic through non-fiction versus fiction?
When I preached about finances, I didn’t expect to write a finance book. However, the inspiration for this book arose from the need I observed in my church for people to be equipped to manage their finances biblically. So, you could say I felt compelled to explore this topic because I recognized my need in my church.

#4. What people influenced you the most while writing about this topic?
I rely on John MacArthur’s commentaries more than others; his books have blessed me. I’m sure I used some of his writings for each sermon in the book. I don’t know if Randy Alcorn has any commentaries, but I probably used his books frequently since he writes extensively on Christian stewardship. I might have quoted him more than anyone else in Your Finances God’s Way.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Early in my Christian life, someone directed me to 1 Samuel 2:30, which has become my life verse. God says, “Those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” I strive to keep this verse in mind when making decisions.

More from Scott

There are many finance books already available, so why another one? What makes mine different? Is there any reason you should trust what I have to say?

Most importantly, I’m not asking you to trust me but God. Your Finances God’s Way is not a collection of my opinions about money, but God’s words revealed in Scripture. I do my best to unpack the Bible’s critical money-related verses. God is the One “who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18), and He “makes poor and makes rich” (1 Samuel 2:7). That means God knows what you should and shouldn’t do with your finances, and He has provided you with the needed instructions in His Word. I present these instructions in a clear, engaging, and biblical manner.

I’ve taught extensively on money to the church I serve. The most common type of counseling I give is for marriages, with many sessions revolving around finances. The time I’ve spent with people in counseling—couples and individuals—has made me familiar with the most common problems in marriage, many of which relate to finances. I have seen people struggle, and the time I’ve spent studying the Bible has equipped me to help them find solutions. I’ve been blessed to watch the truths of God’s Word resolve their problems, restore their relationships, and strengthen their financial situations. Your Finances God’s Way is the culmination of hundreds of hours of Bible study and counseling. I wrote this book because I am passionate about this area of Scripture and life.

As a pastor and counselor, I have witnessed the blessings of obeying God and the negative consequences of disobedience. I have experienced these blessings and consequences firsthand as a husband and father. As of 2024, our oldest child of ten, Rhea Grace, is 17. Perhaps God will bless us with more. We have always been a single-income family. I was a schoolteacher when Katie and I married; then, I became a full-time youth pastor. In 2010, I moved from that role to become the senior pastor at Woodland Christian Church in Woodland, Washington.

We have never lived off anything more than modest salaries, but God still enabled us to pay off all our debt, including our mortgage. In some months, we put a few hundred dollars toward debt; in others, we allocated a few thousand. When Katie inherited $10,000, we didn’t think twice before putting it toward the mortgage, and every tax return went toward the mortgage—the year I worked part-time as a youth pastor and full-time as an elementary schoolteacher provided the most money we ever made. More than half of each paycheck went toward the mortgage.

I share my story for three reasons. First, I want to give you confidence in the biblical principles presented in this book. Second, I don’t want you to wonder, Has Scott “walked the talk,” or is he a hypocrite? When discussing debt, I want you to know we have none. When I talk about paying off a mortgage, I want you to know that’s what we’ve done. Third, I don’t want you to think, That’s easy for you to say, Scott; you’ve probably made more than I make. Whether you make much money or a little, you’re in the prime of your career or just starting, or you already have a family or are looking to start one, these principles work because they’re rooted in God’s Word.

Scott LaPierre

Scott LaPierre is a teaching pastor, author, and popular conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. God has blessed Scott and his wife, Katie, with ten children.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Scott is giving away the grand prize of
a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book and workbook!!

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/00adcf54215

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, May 10 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 10
Guild Master, May 11 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, May 12
Fiction Book Lover, May 13 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 15 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 16
Blossoms and Blessings, May 17 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 18
Stories By Gina, May 19 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, May 19
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 20
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 21 (Author Interview)
Lily’s Corner, May 22

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Epic Book Launch - The Last Disciple: Gospel of John by Kurt Brouwer

5/8/2025

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Discover the Untold Story of the Last Disciple to Witness the Miracles of Christ

In a world shrouded in doubt and darkness, one man holds the key to the greatest story ever told.
The epic saga of the Last Disciple continues in this captivating new Christian historical novel from Kurt Brouwer. Witness the miracles of Jesus through the eyes of one who was there. John, a disciple of Christ, watched the Son of God sacrifice his life on the Cross and entered the empty tomb after Jesus rose from the grave.

Witness Jesus Through the Eyes of One Who Was with Him
Years after witnessing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John seeks to faithfully write down the life-changing events he experienced firsthand.
Go back in time with John to old Jerusalem as he describes the fateful meeting between the Messiah and Nicodemus in which Christ uttered the most beloved passage in the Bible: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

John sets down the true story of Christ, contending with those who seek to water down the gospel message. Accompanied by trusted allies like Emmaus and Avram, John travels from Ephesus to Laodicea, Hierapolis, and beyond, determined to ensure the world never forgets the sacrifice and love of the Son of God.

John reunites with his old friend and fellow disciple, Philip, who is gravely ill. In a desperate bid to save Philip's life, John seeks out the help of Evangeline, a skilled herbalist and healer. After Philip recovers, a mob whipped up by a high priest of the goddess Cybele lays in wait to attack John and Philip.
Will violent enemies of the faith cut off the gospel message John carries?
Witness the miracles of Jesus through the eyes of the Beloved Disciple—and discover how one man's courage can change the course of history.

If you're struggling with doubt, searching for meaning, or hungry to deepen your faith, The Last Disciple: Gospel of John is the Christian novel you've been waiting for.
Don't miss this gripping tale of courage, conviction, and the eternal power of the gospel!

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release Date: February 10, 2025

Excerpt from
The Last Disciple: Gospel of John

After Tychicus had sorted out his clothes, John clapped him on the shoulder. “How many people have you baptized over the years?”

“Tychicus pursed his lips. “Quite a number, for Paul did not really like to baptize believers himself. He usually delegated that to me, or sometimes to Titus or Silas or Timothy.”

While John listened to his friend, he made a connection that had never occurred to him before. “I don’t know if you knew this, but Jesus did not baptize either. He always had one of us disciples do it. I don’t remember him baptizing anyone. Perhaps he felt his calling was to baptize with the Holy Spirit. Maybe that’s why he let us do the baptisms in water.”

John woke in darkness with vivid images flashing through his mind. He thought back to sunny days on the Jordan River when he and Andrew and other followers of John the Baptist had helped those who wanted to be baptized. They were good days, but on one of them, his life changed forever.

That day, John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, and he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Kurt Brouwer

Kurt is a Christian and a member of a vibrant Christian church on the Big Island of Hawaii. So, in addition to all the usual temptations writers face, Kurt has to fight off the lure of beautiful beaches, pounding surf, great weather, and lush golf courses. Can you imagine? About nine years ago, Kurt did a study for his church on the Apostle John. If you’ve ever been obsessed by anything, you’ll understand what happened. Kurt couldn’t stop researching, digging, diving into the life of John and other first century Christians. Kurt read books by early church historians who wrote quite a bit more more about the disciples, but they often contradicted each other.

Further, they never really delved into the daily lives and motivations, joys and sorrows of the first Christians. Kurt took
all of his research and knowledge, all the insights and details he had acquired and turned it into a series of Christian
historical novels based on research and Biblical knowledge. The first four books in the series are now available
(on Amazon). Here is the series link: The Last Disciple Series. The Last Disciple: Crisis in Jerusalem,
The Last Disciple: Escape to Antioch, The Last Disciple: Exile in Ephesus, and The Last Disciple: Gospel of John.
You can also read more on why he started the series at KurtBrouwer.com: Why I Started The Last Disciple Series.

Blog Stops

Excerpt One: https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/2025/04/28/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-by-kurt-brouwer/
Excerpt Two: https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john.html
Excerpt Three: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-by.html
Excerpt Four: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Five: https://lightsinadarkworld.wordpress.com/2025/04/26/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Seven: https://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-the-last-disciple-gospel-of-john-by-kurt-brouwer

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - It's Fight Night! by Todd Woodfill (Give.away)

4/19/2025

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It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men on Samson’s Fight uses the story of Samson to challenge men to examine their lives through the lens of strength and weakness. Designed for personal or group study, this Bible study delves into the complexities of Samson’s journey, asking men to reflect on their God-given strengths and areas of vulnerability. By exploring themes of divine purpose, failure, and redemption, this study invites men to seek guidance from God as they grow in faith and understand their true potential. Become a warrior, step into the ring and discover timeless lessons on strength, weakness, and grace.

Genre: Men’s Bible Study
Release date: October, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Todd

1. What was the inspiration behind the book?
The inspiration behind Fight Night came from one of the most challenging seasons of my life. I was navigating a major health scare that had me and my family believing I might only have a short time left on this earth. In that season of uncertainty, I was forced to take a hard look at my faith, my purpose, and the legacy I was leaving behind. It was a time of deep reflection, where I had to confront my own weaknesses, my struggles, and even my doubts.

As I wrestled with these questions, I found myself drawn to the story of Samson. His life was one of immense strength, yet also of devastating weakness. He was chosen by God, set apart for a divine purpose, yet time and again, he made choices that led to his downfall. And yet—despite his failures—God still used him in a mighty way. That truth hit me hard. It reminded me that no matter how much we struggle, no matter how many times we fall, God is never done with us. He can redeem even our worst moments and use them for His glory.

Through this, I felt an undeniable calling to help men examine their own lives in the same way—to look at their strengths, their weaknesses, and their purpose through God’s eyes. Too many men are walking around feeling disqualified, burdened by their past mistakes or unsure of how to step into their God-given calling. Fight Night was written to challenge men to step into the ring, to face their battles head-on, and to understand that real strength comes not from physical power, but from surrendering to God.

This book isn’t just about Samson—it’s about all of us. It’s about every man who has ever questioned whether he’s good enough, strong enough, or capable enough to be the leader, husband, father, or warrior God has called him to be. My prayer is that Fight Night helps men see that their fight isn’t over, that God is still working in them, and that through Him, they can rise up and live with boldness, purpose, and faith.

2. What people influenced you the most while writing about this topic?
When writing Fight Night, I was heavily influenced by the story of Samson, of course, but also by other biblical figures like Job and Gideon. Job’s endurance through suffering and his unwavering faith in God, even when everything was stripped away, spoke to me deeply. Gideon’s journey from fear and self-doubt to becoming a mighty warrior for God showed me that true strength isn’t about what we see in ourselves, but what God sees in us. These stories shaped my understanding of what it means to fight—not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

Beyond biblical influences, several men in my life played a significant role in shaping this book. Joel Eason, a pastor and mentor, has been a rock of faith, consistently demonstrating what it means to trust God in the toughest circumstances. His wisdom and example have helped me grow in my own faith and leadership. KB, a well-known musical artist but, more importantly, a friend, has shown me what it looks like to keep God first, no matter how demanding life gets. His ability to balance his calling, family, and faith has been a powerful reminder to always keep priorities in check. Kurt Schaer, who runs a marriage counseling ministry, has been an incredible example of what it means to honor my wife in the way God calls us to in scripture. His guidance has helped me navigate my role as a husband and ensure that my marriage reflects God’s love and grace.

Each of these men, in their own way, have influenced my understanding of faith, resilience, leadership, and what it truly means to fight the right battles. Their lives and wisdom have helped shape Fight Night, and I’m grateful for the ways they continue to challenge and inspire me.

3. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
Yes, I wrote Fight Night with men in mind. My calling and my ministry, Warriors For His Glory, are centered on helping men grow in their faith, step into their God-given purpose, and become stronger leaders in their homes, churches, and communities.

I wanted this book to speak directly to men who are struggling with the tension between their strengths and weaknesses—those who feel called to something greater but are battling obstacles, whether internal or external. Samson’s story provides a powerful lens through which men can examine their own lives, recognizing both their God-given potential and the pitfalls that can come with it.

Whether a man is a new believer or has been walking with God for years, I wanted Fight Night to challenge and equip him to fight the right battles, lean into God’s strength, and walk in the victory that comes from surrendering to His plan.

4. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
I hope that after finishing Fight Night, readers walk away with a deeper understanding of both their God-given strengths and their areas of weakness, and how both can be used for His glory. I want men to realize that their past failures don’t define them—God does. Samson’s story is a reminder that even in our worst moments, God’s purpose for our lives isn’t erased.

More than anything, I want men to remember that they are in a fight, whether they acknowledge it or not. The battles they face—temptation, pride, insecurity, distractions—are real, but they don’t have to fight alone. With God’s strength, they can rise above their struggles and step into the purpose He has for them.

I also hope this book challenges men to take an honest look at their lives, to surround themselves with other godly men who will push them forward, and to seek God daily as they grow into the warriors He has called them to be.

5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart?
My favorite Bible verse is Matthew 22:39, where Jesus commands us to "Love your neighbor as yourself." What makes this verse so powerful to me is that, right before His death, Jesus simplified all of God’s commands into just two: Love God and love others. And I believe that if we truly love others well, we are also honoring God in the process.

This verse resonates deeply with me because I struggle with the hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and accusatory nature I often see from some who claim to follow Christ. My core belief is that our role as Christians is not to police people's behavior but to introduce them to the life-changing power of Jesus. I firmly believe in heart transformation over behavior modification—meaning our job isn’t to call people out, but to call them into a relationship with Christ.

Once someone enters that relationship, if God wants to work on certain behaviors in their life, He will convict and guide them. It’s not my place to do it. My job—and the job of every believer—is to love people, walk alongside them, and show them the grace that was first shown to us. When we focus on love instead of condemnation, we actually become the light of the world that Jesus called us to be.

That belief is central to Fight Night because the story of Samson isn’t just about his failures—it’s about God’s relentless grace and redemption. And if God can extend that grace to a man like Samson, He can do the same for every one of us.

More from Todd

Men, it’s time to step into the ring! Todd Woodfill’s new book, It’s Fight Night: Lessons For Men On Samson’s Fight, is officially here-and it’s not just a book; it’s a challenge to reclaim your strength, confront your weaknesses, and discover the warrior God created you to be.

Using the story of Samson as a backdrop, this study invites you to explore themes of strength, weakness, purpose, and redemption. Whether you’re diving in solo or in a small group with you brothers in Christ, this book is designed to help you reflect deeply on your journey as a man of faith. You’ll be encouraged to embrace your God-given potential, find hope in the face of failure, and live boldly for Christ.

What to Expect:

Discover the divine purpose in your strengths AND your struggles.
Learn how to fight like Samson-but live with the grace of Christ.
Build up your faith and deepen your connection to God alongside other men.

Are You Ready for the Fight?

This more than just a book launch-this is the kickoff to an incredible journey! Todd is hitting the road for the Fight Night Book Tour, bringing these lessons to life through interactive discussions, powerful testimonies, and real talk about what it means to walk boldly as a man of God today.

About the Author:
Todd Woodfill is a man blessed beyond measure and proof that God has a sense of humor. From being a husband to his incredible wife, Holly, for 30+ years, to raising for amazing kids and a grandchild who alternately call him “Papa” and “that old weirdo,” he’s been living a wild, grace-filled adventure.

Todd is passionate about men’s ministries, mental health advocacy, Legos, and boxing-yes, he is a man of layers like Shrek. You might catch Todd talking about Jordan sneakers one moment, throwing a jab at the heavy bag the next, or surprisingly belting out a Disney tune with unapologetic joy. But his heart is always centered on helping men find God’s purpose in their lives.

Join the Fight!

Follow the tour schedule, grab a copy of the book, and let’s get ready to rumble-with faith as our foundation. God has incredible things in store, and Todd can’t wait to share this journey with you.

Stay tuned for book tour dates near you!

Let’s grow together, brothers. The bell’s ringing-are you ready to step into the ring?

#ItsFightNight #ChristianMen #MensMinistry #BibleStudy #SamsonLessons #WarriorsForHisGlory #StrengthInFaith

Todd Woodfill

Todd Woodfill is a modern-day Renaissance man whose life could be inspirational if it didn’t so closely resemble a comedy sketch. Married to his absolutely amazing, beautiful, intelligent, and talented wife Holly for a whirlwind 30 years so far, he couldn’t imagine doing life without her support. With four incredible children and one extraordinary grandchild, who refer to Todd as Dad, Papa, dork, old timer, and weirdo, Todd has been blessed far more than he deserves. Passionate about mental health and suicide prevention, men’s ministries, Legos, boxing, and pursuing God, Todd is a man of many talents and clearly a master of none. But who else can seamlessly switch from being a Jordan sneaker connoisseur to a boxing enthusiast, all while building men’s ministries and helping those with mental health challenges.

Heck, this guy can be found passionately discussing the virtues of mental wellness, only to break into a joyful
song from a Disney classic, spreading cheer like a modern-day Mary Poppins with a passion for Christ. His
life is a whirlwind of laughter, love, and an unshakable faith, making him the ultimate blend of humor and
heart in a world that often takes itself too seriously.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Todd is giving away the grand prize of
a $100 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/00adcf54200

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 14
Vicky Sluiter, April 15 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 16
For the Love of Literature, April 17 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, April 18
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 19 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, April 20
Blossoms and Blessings, April 21 (Author Interview)
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 22
Stories By Gina, April 23 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, April 23
Artistic Nobody, April 24
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 25 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, April 25
Guild Master, April 26
A Reader’s Brain, April 27 (Author Interview)

3 Comments

Epic Book Launch - The Bible Companion Book 1: Genesis-Exodus by Karen Westbrook Moderow

4/9/2025

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The Bible Companion series is a simple, flexible, and compelling Bible Study guide. Short daily readings link God’s story to yours, help you through difficult passages, and highlight the treasures in each chapter of the Bible. In Genesis and Exodus, God reveals Himself as a loving Creator who longs to walk through life with you. Book 1 takes you deep into God’s plan to share His life and wisdom with those who love and follow Him. The storytelling approach of the series will keep you reading, even through the parts that are challenging and hard-to-understand. Find hope in the stories of ordinary men and women in the Bible whose encounters with God transformed them and reversed the direction of their lives. Discover that what God has done for them, He can do for you.

Genre: Bible Study
Release Date: April 16, 2024

Excerpt from The Bible Companion Book 1:
Genesis-Exodus

God’s first question to Adam after the fall is, “Where are you?” Our Creator asks that same question of us. The first step toward accepting the redemption God offers to us is acknowledging that we are hiding just like Adam and Eve. Because of our sin, we are naked, filled with shame, afraid, and angry. We fear that if others see us as we are, they will reject us. But God says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Discouragement over our failures can cause us to doubt His promise but the stories our ancestors will prove He can be trusted.

COMPANION THOUGHT
What is the most trouble you’ve gotten into? Did the situation make you avoid people? Why or why not?

Genesis 4: A Good Question
Am I my brother’s keeper? Genesis 4:9

When God questions Cain about his brother Abel, Cain responds with a question of his own: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The biblical answer to Cain’s question is “Yes.” As human beings,
we are not responsible for our brother’s whereabouts or his actions, but we are responsible for our attitudes and actions toward him. Just as Cain’s actions banish him from God’s presence, any hate or malice we carry in our hearts toward another also separates us from God.

Karen Westbrook Moderow

Karen Westbrook Moderow is a Bible teacher and author who brings a storyteller’s perspective to Scripture. She graduated magna cum laude from California State University at Long Beach with a BA in English Literature. She also holds an MFA from Chapman University in creative writing and a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Seminary. She has been published by numerous Christian periodicals and authored two previous books.

Blog Stops

Excerpt One: https://lightsinadarkworld.wordpress.com/2025/03/30/the-bible-companion-by-karen-westbrook-moderow-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Two: https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/2025/03/the-bible-companion-book-1-genesis.html
Excerpt Three: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-1-genesis-exodus-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Four: https://booksyoucanfeelgoodabout.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-bible-companion-book-1-genesis.html
Excerpt Five: https://purpleshadowhunter.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-bible-companion-book-1-genesis.html
Excerpt Six: https://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-the-bible-companion-book-1-genesis-exodus-by-karen-westbrook-moderow
Excerpt Seven: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/the-bible-companion-book-1-genesis-exodus-epic-book-launch/

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Jesus Can...Give You A Purpose by Christian Writers Collective, LLC - (Give.away)

3/21/2025

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Can Jesus give you purpose?

He most certainly can! You’ll find plenty of proof in the pages of this book. Its 46 testimonies display Jesus’ power to give purpose to people all over the world, whether they were shot and left for dead during a political revolution in Africa or struggling with loneliness and suicidal thoughts in small town America. Jesus Christ brought a unique purpose to every writer featured in this book. And He can do the same for anyone who reads it. We dare you to put Jesus to the test today!

Whether you’re looking for God’s truth yourself or want to share the gospel with family, friends or acquaintances, books from the Jesus Can … series may be the perfect solution.

Give You Purpose is the 3rd volume in this inspirational series published by the Christian Writers Collective, LLC.

Genre: Inspirational, Christian, Self-help
Release date: December 5, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Stephanie from
Christian Writers Collective, LLC

Question: What part of the writing process do you like the least?
Answer: Proofreading. That’s all I care to say about that topic.

Question: What drew you to take on this topic through nonfiction versus fiction?
Answer: We publish authentic Christian testimonies. While we encourage our writers to craft their testimonies well, there is no room for fiction. As it says in the Bible, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)

Question: Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
Answer: No. If you’re old enough to receive Jesus as your savior, you’re old enough to have your testimony in a Jesus Can™ book. In my article for our current book, Book 3, Jesus Can… Give You Purpose, I write about what a blessing it was to pray with my 4 1/2 year-old son as he asked Jesus to be his savior. My son is now 41 years old and he still has a close relationship with the Lord. For legal reasons, a parent or legal guardian has to give up permission to publish the testimony of anyone under 18 years old. I would love to see the testimonies of more teens and 20-somethings in our books.

Question: What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
Answer: I want our readers to remember that Jesus Can save anybody.

Question: Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Answer: The circumstances surrounding the publication of Book 3, made it the biggest book we’ve published, so far, and also our most challenging to finish. It was especially challenging for a small group of people that worked extraordinarily hard to get this book into print. This passage in the Book of Mark, Chapter 10, reminds me of these faithful servants of God:

28 Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”
29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.
(Mark 10: 28-29 NIV)

More from Stephanie

Hi, my name is Stephanie Reynolds. I am the founder of the Christian Writers Collective, LLC, which publishes the Jesus Can book series. I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I’ve lived here most of my life. Like many Baby Boomers and only sisters from a family with three children, I have had the privilege of caring for both of my parents during the last months and/or years of their lives. What an honor it was to be present when my mom received Jesus as her savior just a few months before she passed in 2014. It was the Homegoing of my spiritual mom, Mrs. Naomi Walker, on October 8, 2019, that inspired me to publish Books 1 and 2 of this series on October 8 in 2021 and 2022. That’s because God gave me the courage to share my calling to publish books “to help spread the gospel far and wide,” for the first time at Mrs. Walker’s Homegoing Service. I believe God confirmed His calling by taking Mrs. Walker home to Heaven on October 8, my 61st birthday. I’m excited by the release of Book 3 of our series, Jesus Can . . . Give You Purpose.

It was my privilege to care for my dad during the last five years of his life. He went home to Heaven in February 2024. This book is dedicated to him.

The Jesus Can . . . Give A Helping Hand Fund

For every copy that you purchase, a portion of this book’s net profits for two years will be given to an organization or individual that shares our primary mission: To spread the Gospel far and wide.

Our first honoree for this grant was an easy and obvious choice: Literacy & Evangelism International (LEI), located near Atlanta, GA, and staffed by missionaries Bob & Mary Mulloy.

The selection of LEI was easy because 29 of the 46 articles in this book are testimonies from individuals served by or affiliated with LEI. Bob and Mary’s testimonies are counted among the 29.

Atlanta is the ideal location for LEI because it is the home to the Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL), the world’s busiest airport. Many of the people arriving at ATL from over 150 nations choose to make metro Atlanta their new home. As evidenced by the writers in Jesus Can Book 3, Bob & Mary have had the opportunity for 16 years to minister to many individuals, including three writers in Book 3 who are victims of violence in Africa, escapees from the killing fields of Cambodia, and a Haitian woman that was buried alive for three days.

It is our prayer that this grant will help them serve the diverse mission field in Atlanta for many more years, for it’s in Jesus’s name that we pray, Amen.

Stephanie Reynolds

The Christian Writers Collective, LLC founded in 2020 by Stephanie Reynolds of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the CWC is a growing organization with writers worldwide. Our ultimate goal is to feature 100 members/writers in each Jesus Can book and to publish 10-12 books each year, equivalent to the publication pace of the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul® series. We want to reach millions each year with the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. We pray that you’ll join this fast-growing moment as a reader, a writer, or by giving Jesus Can books to others. Thanks in advance for your participation!

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Stephanie is giving away the grand prize of
a $75 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/00adcf54171

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 13
Fiction Book Lover, March 14 (Author Interview)
Vicky Sluiter, March 15 (Author Interview)
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 15
Simple Harvest Reads, March 16 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, March 17
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 18
For the Love of Literature, March 19 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 21 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22
Blossoms and Blessings, March 23 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, March 23
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 24
Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Author Interview)

7 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - CAST 1 Peter 5:7 by Richard Nilsen (Give.away)

3/14/2025

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Discover the profound art of casting your cares to God and surrendering your problems to the Creator of the universe. We are thrilled to introduce you to CAST – 1 Peter 5:7, a life-changing new book from author Richard Nilsen.

Based on the popular verse, “Cast all your cares on God for He cares about you,” CAST offers practical and spiritual guidance on how to overcome worry, fear, anxiety and stress in your life.

You will learn how to trust God with your problems, how to find peace in His presence, and how to experience His love and care for you. CAST is more than just a book, it’s a journey of faith, freedom, and personal transformation. Whether you are facing personal, relational, or global challenges, this book will give you an entirely new perspective on how to cast your cares on the One who can handle them all.

Genre: Christian non-fiction
Release date: November 14, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Richard

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
I have gone through multiple bouts of anxiety and depression during my 54 years of living, but God has always pulled me through. I learned how to cast my cares to Him, and like all of my writings, I wanted to help others learn how to do that. It’s life changing.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
While working a full-time job, I wrote this book ‘on the side’ over the course of three years.

#3. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
My target audience is the Christian who is struggling in life and having a difficult time ‘casting their cares’ to the Lord. Or, they simply have never been instructed how to do this successfully. God cares for us and wants us to cast all our cares to Him.

#4. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
I want the reader to know how to cares their cares to Jesus, and most importantly, that this skill will be second nature to them.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Although I wrote an entire book about one verse, CAST – 1 Peter 5:7, my favorite verse and one that I repeat often to myself is Romans 15:13,

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing that by the power
of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope.”

More from Richard

If you had told me I would write a 168-page book based on one verse in the Holy Bible, I would have said you were crazy. God works in mysterious ways, and I believe He inspired me to write this book, a project that took three years to complete, in order to help others who are struggling.

During the process of battling earth-crushing anxiety and depression, I learned how to cast my cares to the Lord and leave them with Him. The result: He would take care of all my cares and handle my problems for me. What I discovered is that casting your cares is a skill that one has to learn. It is not something that you just do without any practice and without the correct foundation. Learning to cast your cares on God can be a struggle at first, but it is a pathway to a God-fearing and eternal mindset. Once you learn the art of casting your cares to the Creator of the universe, your life will never the same.

I have always felt compelled to help others, and writing has always been for me the best way to convey my thoughts. When my college sweetheart and wife of 4 ½ years died in a tragic accident, I wrote the free grief guide “The Road to Recovery” specifically for the victims of the September 11th tragedy. I later converted that work into an e-book for distribution online and through Amazon. CAST – 1 Peter 5:7 is another book based a difficult time in my life and how God pulled me through.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I promise that discovering how to cast your cares to our Lord is a skill you will not regret learning! Join me on this adventure.

Richard Nilsen

Richard Nilsen is the author of several self-help books in the Christian market, including “The Road to Recovery,” “Sleep Great for Life,” and now “CAST – 1 Peter 5:7.” He lives in Tarpon Springs, Florida with his wife of 25 years and three beautiful daughters.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Richard 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/00adcf54176

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 5
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 6
Vicky Sluiter, March 7 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, March 7
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 8
Fiction Book Lover, March 9 (Author Interview)
Abba‘s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 10
She Lives To Read, March 11
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 12
For the Love of Literature, March 13 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 14 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, March 15 (Guest Review from Marilyn)
Blossoms and Blessings, March 16 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, March 16
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 17
Artistic Nobody, March 18 (Author Interview)

7 Comments

Epic Book Launch - Our Trustworthy God by Sarah K. Howley

3/9/2025

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Our Trustworthy God: How Much God Loves You, Joyfully Engages with You, and Trusts You

Have you ever felt like in life’s most challenging moments, trusting God can be a struggle—even impossible? What if you knew that God not only invites you to trust him but is trustworthy himself and trusts you in return? Our Trustworthy God warmly welcomes you into a deeper understanding of the mutual relationship he longs to have with you, one built on love, trust, and active engagement.

With your guide, Sarah K. Howley—founder of InspiritEncourage, author, and speaker—you will walk through those difficult moments when trust feels scary, discovering how God’s faithfulness shines brightest in your darkest times. Through rich, Scripture-based insights, Sarah unpacks why God is always trustworthy and how his boundless love continually works for your good.

Through this study, you’ll find:

A deeper awareness of God’s active love and trust in your everyday life
Confidence in God's unwavering faithfulness, even when challenges arise
Practical steps to strengthen your relationship with God, built on mutual trust
Encouragement to openly confront doubts and questions about your faith
Guidance on how to live as a trustworthy person, reflecting God's faithfulness in your life

Our Trustworthy God explores the incredible truth that God trusts you, reminding you that your relationship with him is neither one-sided nor blind but vibrant and deeply mutual. You’ll be invited to reflect on what it truly means to live in faithful connection with your loving God despite the pains of life and evils of the world.

Approachable yet deeply rooted in Scripture, this study is perfect for individuals or groups seeking to strengthen their faith and experience the joy of walking in a two-way relationship with the God who loves and trusts you.

Genre: Bible Study
Release Date: March 28, 2025

Excerpt from Our Trustworthy God

Introduction

“Relationship with God.” This phrase appears rather simple. “Relationship” is something we grow up with—family relationships, then schoolmate relationships and those with authority, like teachers. And at some point, we asked Jesus into our hearts to have a relationship with him too.

From that baby-step of acknowledging him as Lord of the universe and of our individual lives, we have the opportunity to grow in intimacy. We have read his Word, we fellowship with others, we pray regularly. We have sought him and created relationship with him.

But in those dark and unwanted circumstances that beset us—grief, loss, upset, disappointment—I struggled to “see” or “feel” that relationship with God who I knew was supposed to be there for me. It is during these difficult times that we hear the phrase, “just trust him! He’s got this.” But that’s not helpful. Trust isn’t exactly an on-command kind of reflex. In these moments, I am more inclined to ask where God is than to understand how exactly to trust my unseen God.

When I started a new business and had no qualifications for doing so, I didn’t know how to rely on God for his guidance. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, I didn’t know how to accept it was happening and that God was working good things.

Sarah K. Howley

Sarah K. Howley is the founder of InspiritEncourage and author of several Bible studies. She is a certified counselor by the Chiesa Apostolica in Italia and holds a master’s degree in education. Sarah often travels the world, usually with espresso in hand. Follow her at inspiritencourage.com to keep in touch.

Blog Stops

Excerpt One: https://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews/epic-book-launch-our-trustworthy-god-by-sarah-k-howley
Excerpt Two: https://nannie3.blogspot.com/2025/02/our-trustworthy-god.html
Excerpt Three: https://lightsinadarkworld.wordpress.com/2025/02/25/our-trustworthy-god-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Four: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2025/02/celebrate-lit-presents-our-trustworthy.html
Excerpt Five: https://allofakindmom.wordpress.com/2025/03/09/new-book-our-trustworthy-god/
Excerpt Six: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/our-trustworthy-god-book-spotlight/
Excerpt Seven: https://penspagesandpulses.wordpress.com/2025/03/08/book-spotlight-our-trustworthy-god-by-sarah-howley/

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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

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

11/21/2024

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

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

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

Excerpt from Kisses From Heaven

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

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

C.B. Caleb and Emily Woodworth

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

Blog Stops

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

0 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 - Bloom In Your Winter Season by Deborah Malone (Give.away)

9/16/2024

3 Comments

Deborah’s latest book, Bloom in Your Winter Season, encourages women that God can use them and their strengths, talents, wisdom, and knowledge in their mature season of life. Written with twenty-four different authors, also in their silver season, Deborah created a unique concept that combines scripture reading, reflection and application questions. Previous books in the series are Blooming in Broken Places, and Bloom Where You Are Bible study.

Genre: Bible Study
Release Date: April, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Deborah

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
I wrote “Bloom in Your Winter Season,” because I’m in my winter season😊 I felt there was a need “seasoned” women to see examples from the Bible where God used “seasoned” women in mighty ways. Anna, Elizabeth and Lois are just a few examples we have. As my friend and mentor, Babbie Mason says, “God did not stamp an expiration date on our forehead.” He can and will use us until our last breath. I wanted to encourage other women to be mighty Winter Warriors for God!

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
My book “Bloom in Your Winter Season” is a compilation of authors, so it involves a total of 24 authors including myself. It was a process getting all the devotions together and formatting the book. It was probably close to a year before everything came together.

#3. What part of the writing process do you like the least?
Putting my bum in the chair and writing😊 I love the research part, but the actual writing part takes a bit of discipline – something I don’t always have.

#4. What new or interesting things did you learn while researching for this book?
Studying the women of the Bible who I presented in my book “Bloom in Your Winter Season” was eye-opening. I’d heard of all the names of these faithful ladies but did not know them up close and personal. After studying them more intimately I grew to know them on a deeper level. This helped me to grow in my winter season as well.

#5. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
I can’t think of anything that sticks out particularly, but I find it amazing how God brought all these women together to make up “Bloom in Your Winter Season.” Including myself there are a total of 24 authors involved from all over the United States. And icing on the cake is that the Debbie Macomber gave an endorsement for “Bloom in Your Winter Season.”

6. What drew you to take on this topic through non-fiction versus fiction?
Let’s just say it chose me. I had been writing fiction for years. I had six Christian Cozy Mysteries and was working on my seventh when I was led to write my story, “Blooming in Broken Places.” I’d been asked over the years to write it, but I wasn’t ready at the time. During the writing of my seventh mystery, I received a “gentle nudge” to write Blooming. I had never written non-fiction and was literally afraid to try. I put the word out for someone to co-write it with me. The lady I chose told me I needed to write it because it was my story but that she would help mentor me. Julie Morris was true to her word and helped me every step of the way. I went from being afraid to write non-fiction to winning Georgia Author of the Year 2018 in Inspiration Category. God was with me!

#7. What people influenced you the most while writing about this topic?
Anne George, who was a Southern Cozy Mystery writer, influenced my mystery writing early on. Then I discovered Christian Fiction and there were many of the Christian Mystery writers who influenced me. As far as my Bible Studies, I’d say Babbie Mason, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Lisa Harper are a few who had an influence on my writing.

#8. How has writing about this particular topic changed your own life?
Studying the women of the Bible who I presented in my book “Bloom in Your Winter Season” was eye-opening. I’d heard of all the names of these faithful ladies, but did not know them up close and personal. After studying them more intimately I grew to know them on a deeper level. This helped me to grow in my winter season as well.

#9. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
My goal was to reach women of any age (because we will all be winter warriors one day) but specifically women from 50 up. I wanted “seasoned” women to see examples of women from the Bible that were in their winter season and God used mightily. As my friend and mentor, Babbie Mason says, “God did not stamp an expiration date on our foreheads.”

#10. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
That God can and will use them (us) until their last breath! I love these verses in Psalm 92: 12-15:

But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the
cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own
house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age
they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will
declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him.”

#11. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
See above answer.

More from Deborah

Deborah’s latest book, Bloom in You Winter Season, encourages women that God can use them and their strengths, talents, wisdom, and knowledge in their mature season of life. Written with twenty-four different authors, also in their silver season, Deborah created a unique concept that combines scripture reading, reflection and application questions.
Welcome to the Winter Warriors club. A club made up of “seasoned” women who have a desire to give their heart to Abba even during the phases of their winter season. Maybe you’ve been going through changes that have you discouraged and ready to throw in the towel.
Change is inevitable: hearing aids, eyeglasses, and a knee replacement are just a few I’ve already experienced. Not to mention the changes to my body shape and style – yikes! Maybe you’ve been through some of these changes, too. If we dwell too long on the inevitable, it can be easy to get discouraged and want to just sit down and give up.
In this study you will be treated to twenty-four devotions by “seasoned” authors who continue to be active for the Lord in many ways – large or small – it is all for God’s glory.
You will hear me saying often: “God did not stamp an expiration date on our forehead.” While studying these women from the Bible, you will discover that God can and will use you even in your winter season.
As my friend Beth says, “There’s only one alternative to growing old.” And we all know what that is – something we will all have to face eventually, but until then, let’s make a pact to grow old as “seasoned” women being Winter Warriors for our Abba!

Deborah Malone

Deborah Malone received Georgia Author of the Year Award 2018 in Inspiration Category for her book Blooming in Broken Places. Her companion workbook, Bloom Where You Are, was runner-up in the prestigious Selah Awards 2023 in Bible Study Category. Deborah is a certified Advanced Writers and Speakers Association Power Speaker. She is a member of the Georgia Writers Association, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and American Christian Fiction Writers. Deborah lives in the North Georgia mountains with her husband, Travis.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Deborah is giving away the grand prize package of
a $30 Amazon gift card and the winner’s choice of one of Deborah’s books!

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/00adcf5434

Blog Stops

Godly Book Reviews, September 7
Divine Perspective, September 8
Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 10
Girls in White Dresses, September 11
Life on Chickadee Lane, September 12
Blossoms and Blessings, September 13 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, September 13
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 15
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 16 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, September 17
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 18
A Reader’s Brain, September 19 (Author Interview)
She Lives to Read, September 20

3 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Heavenly Rescues And Answered Prayers by Andrea Jo Rodgers (Give.away)

9/6/2024

5 Comments

Powerful Stories of Life’s Emergencies

For more than 35 years, veteran EMT Andrea Jo Rodgers has been helping people in their most terrifying and vulnerable moments—and bearing witness to the miraculous power and handiwork of God.
In this new collection of unforgettable stories, Andrea shares more heart-pounding accounts of rescues and interventions from her vast experience as a first responder. Whether it’s a boy fallen through thin ice into freezing water, an old woman and her walker stuck at a railroad crossing, or a loyal dog playing guardian angel for his incapacitated owner, join Andrea as she responds to incredible scenarios that testify to God’s power and love.
Not only will you be astounded by the courage exemplified by Andrea and other first responders, but you will also be inspired by her faith, empathy, and hope—even amid the most daunting circumstances. These powerful stories will encourage you and deepen your awe for God’s amazing mercy and grace.

Genre: Christian Inspirational
Release date: June 4, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Andrea

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
I’ve been a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) on my town’s first aid and rescue squad for over 35 years, responding to more than 9,600 emergency calls. Along with my fellow squad members, I’ve been called to help those suffering from many different kinds of medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, near-drownings, and overdoses as well as victims of trauma. Writing about these events has helped me to better realize how blessed we are to serve as instruments of God, acting as cogs in the wheel of heavenly orchestrated interventions. As an EMT, I’ve observed firsthand how God carefully puts together all the pieces to create jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring rescues. I wanted to share these inspirational stories with others.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
It took me a year to write this book. Like most authors, writing is not my full-time job, so it takes a backseat to being a physical therapist and mother. Once I start a writing project, I work on it every spare minute that I can find. Sometimes, this means scratching down notes before one of my children’s sporting events begins, during my lunch break, or when I should be sleeping.

#3. What part of the writing process do you like the least?
My favorite part of the writing process is proofreading. I love being close to the finished product, continuing to mold it and tweak it.

#4. What drew you to take on this topic through non-fiction versus fiction?
Choosing to take on this topic through nonfiction rather than fiction was an easy choice for me, since the stories are based on my own personal experiences as a volunteer EMT. I changed the name of or town, the patients, our squad members, and locations to protect privacy.

#5. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
As an EMS volunteer, I meet people at their most vulnerable moments, when a seemingly ordinary day can suddenly morph into one that is dark and sinister, challenging their faith and calling into question an ongoing earthly existence versus transitioning to eternity with God. In these times of profound crisis, people turn to God for help. I know He hears our prayers, for I’ve seen them answered in ways that defy logic. His loving hand pulls us literally or figuratively to safety in ways that cannot be written off as mere chance.

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

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--
and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--
Ephesians 2:8

I think this Bible verse perfectly captures the essence of many of the stories in Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers, for it highlights that God in His infinite mercy and grace saves us in our time of need.

More from Andrea

Have you ever wished you could keep yourself and loved ones safe from danger? Perhaps you envision placing a protective bubble around the newest driver in the family or maybe figuring out a way for germs or cancer cells to bounce off those closest to you. For some, the desire may be not for physical protection but for safeguarding the hearts and minds of family members or friends during periods of personal difficulties.

I’ve been a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) on my town’s first aid and rescue squad for 37 years, responding to more than 9,700 emergency calls. Along with my fellow squad members, I’ve been called to help those suffering cardiac arrest, victims of trauma from accidents, near-drownings, people suffering from drug overdoses, and a variety of other medical emergencies. We’re blessed to be able to serve as instruments of God, acting as cogs in the wheel of heavenly orchestrated interventions. In my capacity as an EMT, I’ve observed firsthand how God carefully puts together all the pieces to create jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring rescues.

“Wow, that was a lucky save!” some might say. I believe it’s not luck at play but rather God’s saving grace. The orchestrator of miracles, He puts all the pieces in motion to create occurrences that are truly beyond mere coincidence. In Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers, I share my firsthand accounts of the ways God works to protect and save us. If we open our minds and hearts to the quiet presence of God in our lives, we’ll be able to recognize these heavenly rescues.

Andrea Jo Rodgers

Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for 30 years, specializing in women’s health, oncology rehab, and ALS. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for 37 years and has responded to more than 9,700 first aid and fire calls. She lives with her family on the east coast. She enjoys reading, writing, day trips, and savoring a slice of avocado toast along with a cup of green tea. Andrea’s latest book, Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers, shares more inspirational stories based on her experiences as a volunteer EMT.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize package of
a $25 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/00adcf5427

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 29
Artistic Nobody, August 30 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 1 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, September 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 3
For the Love of Literature, September 4 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, September 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 5
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 6 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 7
A Reader’s Brain, September 8 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, September 8
Dee S. White, September 9
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 10 (Author Interview)
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 11

5 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Resilient And Redeemed by Chris Morris (Give.away)

8/1/2024

3 Comments

God cares deeply about you and your mental health. Author and mental health advocate Chris Morris has battled depression and suicidality his entire adult life. Even coming to Christ didn’t change this, which is something many fellow Christians don’t seem to understand. He still had to face the grief of unrelenting illness, the shame of struggling, and the pain of poor guidance.
In this compassionate and engaging book, Chris shares how he overcame these challenges and invites you to do the same–no matter your diagnosis. Weaving biblical truth and personal stories with thoughtful strategies and hard-earned wisdom, he helps you move past fear and shame to combat the specters of depression and suicidality.
God is still there, even in the darkest of places. May this book be a step in the process of healing and help you find hope in your battle.
Includes reflection questions, Scripture meditations, and a bonus video course.

Genre: Christian Living / Mental Health
Release date: June 11, 2024

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Chris

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
Resilient and Redeemed is sourced in my own life. I have struggled with depression and suicidality my entire adult life, even though I’ve been a Christian this entire time. My journey has had its ups and downs, and frankly, a lot of the downs were based on bad information or coaching that I came across in the church. I heard things like this: “Only immature people struggle with their mental health” and “If you need to take psychotherapeutic medications, it’s because you lack faith.” These mistaken beliefs held me back for years because I wanted to honor the leaders God placed in my life.
I don’t want anyone else to be burdened with the shame and guilt that I carried for literally over a decade because of this poor teaching. I wanted to center this book both in my story and in the truths we find in the Bible as a way to show people that both my story and God support the ideas we’re talking about here.

#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I wrote this book mostly at night over the course of about 5 months. I was able to write for about 30-45 minutes most nights during this time. Some days, I would fly through the manuscript and draft a full chapter during that time. Over days, I would barely get 25 words out. Writing at night isn’t always the ideal for me, which is why it was such a touch-and-go process for me. In a perfect world, I would be able to focus on my writing between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm—those are my best hours to get anything done. I just couldn’t fit that into my schedule at that time.

#3. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
This isn’t really funny or sad, but it was definitely empowering for me. My very first chapter talks about how God met me at the end of a suicidal moment and introduced me to Christ. I made a powerful connection to how specifically God engaged with me as I remembered this story and began writing it for the book. I had forgotten some of the details of the story, and it’s the details that are so powerful. You see, I didn’t even believe in God at the time, but I prayed an ultimatum type of prayer to him anyway. I prayed something like this: “God, you have seven days to show yourself real and relevant in my life, or I’m going to kill myself.” Here's the amazing thing that I forgot until I began writing it for Resilient and Redeemed. God showed up with the good news of the Gospel on day seven. We literally serve a just-in-time God, don’t we?

#4. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
This book pretty naturally aligns with its target audience, to be honest. It is written for people of faith who struggle with this mental health, their loved ones, and church leaders who want to better understand the mental health struggles their people are going through. And frankly, the nature of the stories in the book lend themselves quite naturally to those three audiences.
I do worry that someone who isn’t in my target audience might pick up this book and expect something very different than what the book actually gives them. For example, if they are looking for a quick answer to solve a mental health dilemma, this book won’t provide that. I will say that the reason that won’t be provided is because I don’t believe there are quick answers to mental health challenges. But that’s one example of how someone might be disappointed with Resilient and Redeemed.

#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Two verses from Romans 8 come to mind as I consider sharing the message of this book, Resilient and Redeemed. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is a cornerstone truth that should act as a counterbalance for every action we take and every word we speak, especially when engaging with those who are hurting. Many with mental health conditions already feel the weight of guilt and shame for not “measuring up” to someone’s standards, and they automatically assume they don’t measure up to God’s standards too. We should try to enter into their circumstances with empathy and caring, rather than judgment or frustration.
Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” There are two related truths here to consider. Firstly, there is the radical truth that God is for us. It’s amazing to consider that God is ultimately and always on our team. Even when we screw up, he is for us. Even when we are overcome by our emotions, God is for us. No matter what, he is for us.
The second aspect of truth from this verse is that God being for us makes everything and everyone else smaller in comparison. This is a silly comparison, but this is the imagery I share with my daughter related to this verse. Imagine God is playing the center position on your basketball team—do you think you’ll win the game? In the same way, we can be assured of “winning” in the game of life because God is on our team.

More from Chris

Resilient and Redeemed is a book that the Christian community needs. For too long, those with mental health conditions have been forced to be shamed or to hide their struggles. Especially in a post-COVID world, mental health has to come to the forefront of the conversation. This book details in an unapologetic way my struggles with depression and suicidal ideations. The core message of this book is that God doesn’t write people off because of their struggles with their mental health. No, God is with us and for us no matter what.

Resilient and Redeemed is full of hard-won, battle-tested tools that will help people fight the battle for their mental health. There are no easy answers given, because no two mental illnesses present the same. Ensconced in story, this book gives a full toolbox of practices to support better mental health, ranging from how to find a counselor that will work for you to daily rituals that will ground your days and affirm your agency in your life.

I also put together a video series talking about resilience to accompany this book. As a member of the blog tour, you’ll gain access to over 40 minutes of me talking about resilience. We cover things like where does resilience come from, what does resilience have to do with faith, and so much more. I’m especially proud of the work I did for this video series, and I think you’ll find it incredibly valuable.

Chris Morris

Chris Morris is a certified mental health coach dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health issues within the church. Because of a lifelong struggle with depression and suicidality, Chris became committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek after holistic health.
As a writer and speaker, Chris has shared his personal story and insights with audiences across the country, inspiring many individuals to take control of their own health, break free from poor theological teaching placed upon them, and seek the support they need. He has published several books on mental health, the most recent being Resilient and Redeemed. His work has been featured in a number of media outlets, including CrossWalk, The Mighty, and Fathom Magazine.

Chris is deeply committed to creating a more compassionate and supportive world and church for individuals living
with mental health issues. Through his writing and speaking, he is a powerful voice for change and a beacon of hope
for those in need.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate his tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize package of
a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book, and an Audible copy
of Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2dbd9/resilient-and-redeemed-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, July 27 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 27
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 28 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, July 29 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, July 30 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, July 31
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 1 (Author Interview)
Through the Fire Blogs, August 2 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3
Blossoms and Blessings, August 4 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 5
Stories By Gina, August 6 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 7 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, August 8 (Author Interview)
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 9 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, August 9

3 Comments

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Tennessee Wildcat by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Miller (Give.away)

5/18/2024

1 Comment

Mr. Edwards … that colorful Tennessee Wildcat Laura Ingalls Wilder so deeply loved. He helped Pa build the family’s cabin, saved Christmas by carrying presents across a raging creek, and spit further than Laura thought possible. Though he was a little rough around the edges, Laura simply adored Mr. Edwards. Through her vivid, heartwarming stories, we came to love him, too.
But who was he? Virtually all Laura’s Little House characters were real people … even those whose names were changed to protect their reputations.
Mr. Edwards, however, wasn’t so easy to track down. In fact, he’s the sole Little House enigma … the only mentioned character that hasn’t clearly surfaced via historical records.
Was he fiction, for the sake of illustrating pioneer stereotypes? Was he a composite character, built from several men Laura knew during their time in Kansas? Was he a loose collection of memories and family lore, cobbled together for the sake of the narrative? Or was he a real man, whose full identity had previously evaded discovery?
We wanted to know the answer …
So, we dusted off our boots and headed out … hot on the trail of the wildcat from Tennessee!

Genre: Nonfiction/Historical Biography/Literary History
Release date: August 24, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Was he real or fiction...

My mom read the Little House books to me when I was about 5 and I credit them with being a major contributor to my eventual love of history and historical fiction. Later on, of course, I read them for myself and loved them just as much. Now, I'll admit that more than one, even two, decades have passed since the last time that I read any of them. However, my fascination with just how much truth and how much fiction they contained has long remained.

After reading Robynne Elizabeth Miller's book The Three Faces Of Nellie sometime ago I was totally intrigued when I saw she had also written a book with J.D. Rushmore on the topic of Mr. Edwards who is arguably one of the more favorite characters from the TV show.

Tennessee Wildcat is very well laid out with careful progression showing the original question, the clues to be found within the pages of Laura Ingalls Wilder's writings, and the author's systematic search through records and maps spanning centuries and continents that leads to a logical and thoughtfully presented conclusion to the mystery...who was Mr. Edwards...?

I found Tennessee Wildcat to be every bit as intriguing as anticipated. The authors didn't just take other people's word for it but scoured the records themselves and they found a few surprises along the way. Despite the fact that I never read as much non-fiction as I should nor as much history as I want to, I finished this book in very short order. It was a good and informative read that I would highly recommend to any Little House, be it the books or the TV show, fan out there....

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Tennessee Wildcat by Robynne Elizabeth Miller and J.D. Rushmore a 4 Bark rating.

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

More from Robynne

If you’re a Little House fan like us, you know how risky it was to delve into Mr. Edwards. Rumors have flown for decades as to his real identity, and some folks have double-downed on who they believe he was … declaring a particular name with certainty.

But it just didn’t add up. Through all our team’s collective Little House research and general love of 1800’s history, the name that had been put forward just didn’t make sense.

So, we had a choice.

We could avert our eyes, go about our other writing projects, and leave this mystery untouched. Or, we could, with as much neutrality and meticulous research as possible, see if Mr. Edwards’ true identity could be established.

We risked two things: upsetting some people if our findings didn’t support their theories, and crushing our own hearts if Mr. Edwards turned out to be the one character who Laura Ingalls Wilder constructed purely from her imagination.

We hope our respect for previous researchers, and the strength of our newly discovered information, helped avoid the first worry. And, the second? We were thrilled to discover Mr. Edwards almost certainly wasn’t a work of fiction!

Robynne Elizabeth Miller

Robynne Elizabeth Miller holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction and Fiction and a B.A. in English Literature. She’s the author of ten books and countless articles, including Tennessee Wildcat, From the Mouth of Ma, and The Three Faces of Nellie.
Along with speaking nationally, Robynne is a writing and publishing coach and mentor, a writing teacher at writers conferences, workshops, and retreats, the Writing Track developer and director for Unbound, and the director of the Vision Christian Writers Conference at Mount Hermon.
She’s passionate about helping writers bring their stories and messages into the world and delving into the real people and places which populated the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

J.D. Rushmore is a history and genealogy buff, with a particular interest in American history before
1900. He’s enamored with the opening of the west, pioneers, the gold rush, the Oregon trail, etc.
He’s particularly passionate about researching historical mysteries, especially when they relate to the
Little House series of books. He is a musician in his spare time, as well as an “at everything” father,
husband, and friend. He prefers the smell of historic archives to fresh air (unless it involves poking
around a remote historic cemetery!) and has a knack for reading handwriting on historical
documents that is illegible to others. Nothing thrills him more than finding the one tiny detail that,
after being overlooked for decades, or even centuries, changes EVERYTHING.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Robynne is giving away the grand prize package of
a $50 Amazon Card, copy of Tennessee Wildcat and The Three Faces of
Nellie, and a goodie bag of Laura Ingalls Wilder related gifts, including a
piece of the actual Loftus Store, mentioned prominently in The Long Winter!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b591/tennessee-wildcat-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Alena Mentink, May 10
Lots of Helpers, May 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 11
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12
Holly’s Book Corner, May 12
Lighthouse Academy Blog, May 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 14
Texas Book-aholic, May 15
Mary Hake, May 15
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 16
Blogging With Carol, May 17
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 18
For Him and My Family, May 19
The Lofty Pages, May 20
Life on Chickadee Lane, May 21
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 21
Connie’s History Classroom , May 22
Cover Lover Book Review, May 23
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 23

1 Comment

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Do You Have The Courage To Be You? by Jenny Williamson (Give.away)

5/16/2024

5 Comments

There is no one else like you.
You are an exceptional work of art.
You are special, unique, and original.

If all this is true, then why do we strive so hard for most of our lives to look and act like everyone else? We spend more time trying to reinvent ourselves than we do getting to know ourselves. It is critical to know you, love you, and value you so that you can be and do all you were created for.

Did you know there is somebody on this earth waiting for you to be you? When you are being you . . . the you God created you to be . . . lives will be changed, history will be made, and prayers will be answered. If you don’t dream it, create it, write it, tell it, sing it, or build it, it will never be done. Lives are literally at stake.

Part memoir and part self-help book, Do You Have the Courage to Be You? tells the story of Jenny Williamson and how she left her ordinary, comfortable life to start an international nonprofit that creates safe homes for children being sold for sex. Her journey of purpose guides readers to find their unique identity and uncover their passion, calling, and mission for life. What does it mean to have the courage to be you? What thought patterns or belief systems keep you stuck? What will you need to face the challenges? Jenny answers these questions in this revised edition of this powerful book. Reading it might just set you on the path to fulfilling your destiny.

Genre: Nonfiction Christian Living: Personal Memoirs/Personal Growth
Release Date: September 30, 2023

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Jenny

#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
My own walk with God. I set out to seek Him and not only did I find Him, I found me!

#2. How has writing about this particular topic changed your own life?
This book has given me a door to walk through with people who don’t believe in God. Everyone wants to believe they have been created on purpose for a purpose, and this book shares this message.

#3. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
I speak and work mostly with women; however, I have three biological sons, a husband, a brother, a grandson, and other men I love in my life. When they hear this message of identity and destiny, they, too, are drawn to discovering theirs. (But women read more!)

#4. What do you hope your readers will remember after finishing this book?
The book is all about them and for them. They were created on purpose for a water-walking, giant-slaying, history-making purpose! I hope they will also desire to find their purpose and be inspired to move forward into what God has for them. I wrote a 10-week study to help them do just that called Uniquely You: A Faith-Driven Journey to Your True Identity and Water-Walking, Giant-Slaying, History-Making Destiny.

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

Romans 4:18–24 tells us:
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it
had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the
fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that
Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise
of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded
that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to
whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.

Gosh! This is my life verse for what God called me to do. When I substitute my name for Abraham’s name, anytime my circumstances seem insurmountable, I am reminded that God has the power to do what He promised!

Against all hope, Jenny in hope believed. Without weakening in her faith, she faced her circumstances but did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he promised!

Now, try it with your own name, and remember that anytime your circumstances seem insurmountable, God is active in your life, working out what He has promised you.

More from Jenny

I wrote this book because, for most of my life, I believed I was created without talent, gifts, or any special ability to offer this world. Growing up, I was told I was too loud, too bossy, too stubborn . . . and too much! I didn’t believe God had created anything special in me, and I certainly didn’t believe I had a water-walking, giant-slaying, history-making destiny. I so wanted to matter—to make a difference in this world, but I didn’t believe I had anything special to offer . . . until I began reading my Bible—for myself!

Though I was raised in the Bible Belt of the South, went to church five times a week, am a seventh-generation Christian, and have a mother who speaks King James (any question you ask my mother about anything, she will answer you with a Bible Verse), I never had read the entire Bible cover to cover. I didn’t have to. I knew all the stories. They start teaching them in “Sunday School” every year and then repeat them the next. These stories didn’t “wow” me because I knew how they all ended. Abraham does have a son. Joseph does get out of the pit and prison. David does become King. Daniel doesn’t get eaten by lions, and Jesus doesn’t stay in the grave.

However, in my search for meaning and purpose, I picked up my Bible and started reading it from the beginning—word for word. In that search, I found the most astonishing thing: God uses the most ordinary people, often dysfunctional, without great talent, to literally change the world! In that journey of reading, a tiny spark was lit inside of me that turned into a burning flame of desire to be and do all God created me to. It was then I heard the whisper, “Do you have the courage to be you—you I created?” I embarked on the life-changing journey of discovering first who I was and what I was created to do. When I discovered those two things, I wanted to share this truth with everyone who crossed my path!

You, too, have been created on purpose for a water-walking, giant-slaying, history-making purpose. Mine led me to help children who were being sold for sex. I wonder where yours will lead you? I pray this book encourages you on that journey!

Jenny Williamson

Jenny Williamson is the Founder and CEO of Courage Worldwide, an international nonprofit that builds Courage Houses for children recovered from sex trafficking around the world. Jenny is known for her contagious energy, her motivational speeches, and her passion for changing the world. She is an international speaker and courageously is and does all God created her for and absolutely refuses to settle for less. She encourages everyone she meets to do the same. Jenny and her family live in Northern Nevada.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b35e/do-you-have-the-courage-to-be-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

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A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 14 (Author Interview)
Fiction Book Lover, May 15 (Author Interview)
An Author’s Take, May 15
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 16 (Author Interview)

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Excerpt from
The Last Disciple: Gospel of John

Excerpt from The Bible Companion Book 1:
Genesis-Exodus

Interview with Stephanie from
Christian Writers Collective, LLC

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy
and peace in believing that by the power
of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope.”

It's Time For A Giveaway!

It's Time For A Giveaway!

It's Time For A Giveaway!