Love, Amy Guest Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Title: Love, Amy

Author: Amy Young

Genre: Memoir

Release Date: June, 2017

She came to China with a lesson plan. What she found was a new sense of purpose.

Amy Young traveled to China in the mid 1990s to teach English to educators. But she never expected the profound way they would enrich her soul. With the influence of the enchanting country and its extraordinary everyday people, Amy extended a two-year assignment to nearly two decades far away from home.

Starting shortly after her arrival, Amy shared her stories and her unique perspective through a series of letters. Her nine years of correspondence demonstrated a country going through growing pains: from political unrest to the SARS epidemic to budding prosperity. Amy battled language barriers, cultural faux pas, and invasive mice with nothing to lose. She even fought for her life with a potentially deadly illness, unsure if she’d survive to share her tale.

Throughout her journey, Amy drew strength from God and came to appreciate the beauty and power of an ordinary life lived well.Love, Amy: An Accidental Memoir Told in Newsletters from China is one woman’s deeply moving journey of self-transformation. If you like humorous anecdotes, immersions in Eastern culture, and honest stories that aren’t afraid to dig deep, then you’ll love Amy Young’s heartfelt tale.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Amy Young is a writer, speaker, and advocate for embracing the messy middle of your one glorious life. Author of Looming Transitions, Twenty Two Activities for Families in Transition, and The Looming Transitions Workbook, she also created the blog The Messy Middle (www.messmiddle.com), has been a part of Velvet Ashes, (an online community for missionaries) from the beginning, and contributes regularly to A Life Overseas. Amy enjoys nothing more than being with her people, wherever they are in the world. She also enjoys cheering on the Denver Broncos and Kansas Jayhawks. After nearly twenty years in China, she returned to Denver and much to her shock, discovered she enjoys gardening.

Guest review from Mindy Houng

This “accidental memoir” by Amy Young chronicles her first nine years in China through her newsletters. It is such an interesting and refreshing way to write a memoir! Amy Young is a gifted storyteller and draws the reader in with the first stroke of her pen (or keyboard, in this case). She relates so much fun and humor in being totally immersed in a new environment, language and culture. Her playful spirit and hard work to integrate into the Chinese culture are interspersed with heartbreaks and achingly beautiful and breath-taking stories of real people in real time.

These newsletters in the memoir reminded me of those that I receive from my friends who are serving overseas currently and has renewed my desire to continue partnering with them.

Anyone who loves an honestly well-written book about overseas mission work would love this book.

I was given a copy of this book from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own and subjective.

Guest Post from Amy Young

The tug for a life that is “Anything but Boring”

When I was in college the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Sarah Plain and Tall changed my life. You’ve probably seen it and been moved too. Sarah, a spinster by the standard of her day, moves from Boston to the fields of Kansas to consider marrying a widower and help him raise his children and work his farm. Her brother could not understand why Sarah would move from so-called civilization to the middle of nowhere. But the longing she felt for her life to matter resonated deeply with me.

I was in the liminal space between adolescence and adulthood. Like Sarah, I knew I could stay where I was and live a good life, but I wanted more. And so I moved to China.

Our world is one that loves big, change-the-world stories. I love them too. I remember reading The End of the Spear, the story of Jim Elliott and his friends who were martyred for their faith. I also lost myself in the stories of Gladys Aylward, William Carey, Lottie Moon, and Amy Carmichael. I remember reading about a missionary that had some worm pulled out of his stomach that was the size of a large snake. Disgusting! Fascinating! All for the gospel! The life of faith was exciting and God was on the move all the time! While it is true, the life of faith is exciting and God is on the move, it is also ordinary, boring, disappointing, and confusing. When I started compiling the letters I wrote from my days in China, I was embarrassed by what “first year Amy” said. She was so clueless, so uninformed, so willing to display her lack of cultural knowledge. I wanted to put my hand over her mouth and ask her to please pipe down because she did not really believe what she was saying. But she did, “first year Amy” could not know what “fifteen year in China Amy” knew.

These change the world stories I love? Turns out they have been more sanitized than I realized without showing the cultural and ministry progression that must have taken place.

Even now, knowing what I know, part of me wishes my newsletters contained miracles and throngs coming to Christ because of my work. I thought throngs and miracles were what a “real” cross-cultural worker would do. I thought that would show that my life mattered, like Sarah’s when she moved to Kansas. Don’t we all want our lives to matter? I believed that mattering was measurable. By compiling and writing this book the lesson Love, Amy has taught me is that too often we confuse size with significance. I still hear the whisper that says, “Amy, really? You wrote about the cultural beliefs that influence standing in line and you think that is worth people giving of their prayer, money, and time?” Part of me is reluctant even now to publish these letters because they are common. In truth, I am happy with my life and the contributions I have made. Of course I have regrets and wish I’d handled certain situations differently. But if all we hear are the spectacular stories, we can miss the gift our beautifully ordinary lives can be.

Who made it into the Gospels? A widow and her two mites. A boy and his few fish. She is described as offering out of her poverty. His common lunch was used to feed more than he could have imagined. Jesus did not tend to elevate those in power or those who seemed impressive.

My first year, a fellow teacher in China told me, “You’re lucky you’re still in your first year. Wait until your second year and you have told all your stories. You’ll have nothing to say in your newsletters.” Isn’t that the heart of what we fear—that we will have nothing to say with our lives? The secret to combating this fear is not that secretive. Show up and be present. Taken individually, these letters don’t add up to much, but put them together and much to my surprise, month after month I wrote an accidental memoir.

As ordinary as it is, I do have to say, life in China was anything but boring! If you love memoirs and want to hear stories that will make you laugh or cringe (and sometimes both), join me on a college campus in China.

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, April 19

Inklings and notions , April 20

Eat, Read, Teach, Blog, April 20

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 21

Mary Hake, April 21

Texas Book-aholic, April 22

Carpe Diem, April 23

A Baker’s Perspective, April 24

Simple Harvest Reads, April 25 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 26

Artistic Nobody, April 27 (Spotlight)

Lots of Helpers, April 27

Bibliophile Reviews, April 28

proud to be an autism mom, April 29

A Greater Yes, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Janices book reviews, April 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 1

Bigreadersite, May 2

margaret kazmierczak, May 2 (Interview)

Giveaway

15da0cca-ee99-4a28-a146-cedc1035fd6c

To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away a grand prize of a letter writing basket that includes a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb73

Alice’s Notions Review

About the Book

AlicesNotionsCoverArt In this quaint mountain town, things aren’t always what they seem.

World War II widow Alice Brighton returns to the safety of her home town to open a fabric shop. She decides to start a barn quilt tour to bring business to the shop and the town, but what she doesn’t know is sinister forces are using the tour for their own nefarious reasons

Between her mysterious landlord, her German immigrant employee, her neighbors who are acting strange, and a dreamboat security expert who is trying to romance her, Alice doesn’t know who she can trust.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Guest Post from Mindy Houng

This is the first book by Tamera Lynn Kraft that I have read. Her writing style is easy to read and follow. This particular story takes place right after WWII. Mystery and intrigue abound as the story unfolds and the plot is cleverly crafted so that the reader is always guessing the motive behind each character until near the end of the book. The only two things I knew for sure until the end were that Alice is not a spy and that Joe, her deceased husband, died while working as a spy for the US government during the war. I tend to usually read contemporary suspense so this was a nice refreshing change of scenery for me and I really enjoyed the journey.

Alice and Rick are likable, multidimensional characters. Alice does learn through the events in the book that she cannot judge a person by his/her appearance or background.

If you enjoy a well-written historical romantic suspense, you will definitely enjoy this book.

I was given a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own and subjective.

About the Author

Tamera kraft Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest. Tamera is also director of a children’s ministry called Revival Fire for Kids

Caryl McAdoo Scavenger Hunt & $50 Amazon Card Giveaway!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sins of the Mothers (Texas Romance Series Book 4) by [McAdoo, Caryl]

Persistent faith brings redemption and reconciliation.
Propelled by blind love, Mary Rachel Buckmeyer defies her father to elope with Caleb Wheeler. The newlyweds run off to California then partner with his cousin in his dry goods business.
Unbeknownst to the young bride, her new husband sends his kissing cousin ahead. He wants his love and his new wife’s money, too. Betrayal and murder drive Mary, soon a young mother, to the depths of despair. But she hates the man who loves her enough to cover her sins and deliver her out of the horrible pit she’s dug for herself in. Or does she?
Mary Rachel travels from frontier Texas to the raw bone boomtown of 1850’s San Francisco gold rush days, then all the way to genteel New York to find redemption for the sins of her mothers.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY!

GUST REVIEW FROM MINDY HOUNG

“What if I never love you?”

“Doesn’t matter, the onus is on me to love you. I haven’t found one place scripture tells the wife to love her husband. And I do love you, Mary Rachel, with my whole being. Father God will take care of the rest.”

This book by Caryl McAdoo is book 4 in the Texas Romance series. I did not read any other books in the series prior to reading this one but was able to follow the plot and the main characters’ journey. Reading the first three books would have given me a better insight into the multitude of secondary characters and how they all connect to each other and to the main characters in this particular book. Even though the sheer number of characters in this book and series overwhelmed me in the beginning, the book was quite enjoyable. The plot is engaging with unexpected twists and turns, the characters Mary, Lanelle, Moses, and Jethro are interesting, and the story moves at a good pace.

The emotional and spiritual journey that each of the main characters undertakes is raw and real.

The settings of San Francisco with the outlying gold mines, Texas with its vast lands and ranches, and New York City with bustling commerce and finance in the mid-1800s are vibrant and touchabl

Anyone who enjoys a historical family saga would enjoy this book and the series.

I was given a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Unique Special Word: OFFER

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Christian, hybrid (Simon & Schuster & Indie) author Caryl McAdoo is currently writing three series, all from a perspective of faith: her historical Texas Romances; the contemporary Red River Romances; and The Generations, her Biblical fiction. The novelist loves singing new songs the Lord gives her, and she paints. In 2008, she and her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved from the DFW area—home for fifty-five years—to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and fifteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying each story gives God glory, she hopes it will also minister His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. Caryl and Ron live in Clarksville, the county seat, in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State.

BLOG STOPS

Be sure to visit all the stops and collect the special word to get your extra entries!

proud to be an autism mom, April 14

Bibliophile Reviews, April 15

A Greater Yes, April 16

Texas Book-aholic, April 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18

Janices book reviews, April 19

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 20

Carpe Diem, April 21

A Baker’s Perspective, April 22

Simple Harvest Reads, April 23 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Pursuing Stacie, April 24

Bigreadersite, April 25

Quiet Quilter, April 26

margaret kazmierczak, April 27

GIVEAWAY

Enter the giveaway for a $50 Amazon gift card!

https://promosimple. com/ps/ca82

The Revolutionary Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Title: The Revolutionary: Liberate the Captives

Author: Kristen Hogrefe

Genre: Young Adult, Action, Adventure

Release Date: March, 2018

Freedom costs more than Portia wants to pay, but revolutions run on sacrifice … and blood.

Three months a satellite prisoner, Portia wonders if the Brotherhood has left her to die—until she plunges into the domain of an underground smuggler contacted by her brother. But her rescue comes with a price tag only she can pay, and now, she must forfeit her identity to act as a spy back in the dizzying politics of Crystal. There, she learns that her enemies want the Dome to approve mass satellite executions. No one knows why. Worse, they’re using her friend Luther, now a Court Citizen intern, to sign the short-term orders. She desperately wants to confide in Luther, but can she still trust him with the company he keeps?

Plagued by shadows and guilt for leaving her protector Gath behind on the satellite, Portia must find a way not only to rescue him and the other prisoners, but also to destroy the slave camps once and for all.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

This is the first book by the author I have read and it was quite enjoyable. I did not read the first book in the series but was still able to fully engage with the characters and the plot. I do wish I had read the first book The Revisionary before reading this one though. It would have allowed me to appreciate better the main characters’ past relationships with each other.

The writing is easy to read, the characters are real and multi-dimensional, the plot is gripping and fascinating, and the introduction of faith in Jesus to a post-modern future dystopian society is fresh and eye-opening. Anyone who enjoys a futuristic dystopian novel will thoroughly enjoy this book.

The book is in first person present tense narrative from Portia’s perspective. Portia is a young woman slated to become one of the leaders in this society who gets branded as a traitor and gets sent to a prison camp. She is part of the Brotherhood that seeks to find freedom from the oppression of the current government. Luther is her love, someone she knew since childhood, who has become prominent in the current government. A multitude of secondary characters creates a rich background for the storyline and there is even a little bit of suspense as these characters act as spies and double-cross and triple-cross each other, the established government, and the Brotherhood’s revolutionary prospects.

In its ebook form, the book is a bit longer than most of the books I read, but, once I started, I could not put it down. I’m thinking there will be a third book in the series and I can’t wait.

I was given a copy of this book by the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Kristen Hogrefe is a multi-published novelist and teacher who challenges young adults and the young at heart to think truthfully and live daringly.

Her publishing journey began in 2010 with the first book in her young adult (YA) suspense trilogy Wings of the Dawn. She completed the trilogy in the fall of 2014, and in 2016, contracted with Write Integrity Press for a new YA dystopian trilogy: The Rogues.

Kristen also has the heart of an educator and mentor. She teaches secondary language arts for Alpha Omega Academy and served in youth ministry for many years. Through Word Weavers International, she encourages aspiring writers and acts as president for an online writing group. She enjoys speaking events that allow her to connect with readers and other writers.

A lifelong Florida resident, Kristen loves adventuring outdoors and running with friends. Connect with her online at KristenHogrefe.com.

Guest Post from Kristen Hogrefe

Identity, Coffee, and a Sprinkle of History in The Revolutionary

The primary purpose of fiction is to entertain, but I think good fiction goes deeper by teaching us something about human nature, something about ourselves.

The Revolutionary begins three months after Portia arrived at a satellite prison camp. She feels forgotten by her brother and friends who promised to rescue her. Deeper than the physical pain of starvation, she battles the emotional rawness from the dehumanization of her identity. A number replaces her name, and the Wasps who mistreat prisoners mockingly call them “rabbits.”

When a two-faced smuggler helps her escape, her identity struggles continue. She dons multiple aliases to survive and help the Brotherhood launch a daring plan to destroy the satellite camps and oust the ruling Friend and Dome.

The theme of identity is one I hope will resonate with teens and adult readers alike. At some point, we all ask ourselves, “What defines me?” Is it our friends, an academic program, a relationship, or a job? While those things describe our day-to-day lives, they themselves shouldn’t define us. The source of our true identity must come from somewhere deeper. That’s the question Portia has to wrestle with, and one I hope readers will consider.

A Cup of Joe

Confession: One aspect of characterization I enjoy is giving my characters a small piece of myself. One of my early readers for book one, The Revisionary, remarked, “Let me guess. You like coffee.”

I laughed and replied, “How could you tell?”

Maybe lines like this one gave the fact away: “I start a pot of coffee. At least the aroma makes life smell better” (Portia, The Revisionary).

In book two, I incorporate the memory-association of coffee for Portia as she thinks back to simpler times (like dorm life with Lydia). Coffee also serves as a catalyst for an important scene where Portia, in disguise, serves her enemies and in turn learns of their disturbing plans for the satellites.

What about you? Are you a coffee drinker? If you are, I hope you’ll enjoy a giveaway opportunity for a Starbucks gift card. After all, coffee does make life smell better.

A Sprinkle of History

Two summers ago, my brother and I had the opportunity to visit the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts. It’s the historical site for the “shot heard round the world” that ignited the American Revolution.

In book two, Portia and the Brotherhood launch their own threadbare revolution. Though the odds are against them, they’re determined to stop the abuses by those in power.

My own visit to this famous site helped inspire Portia’s journey of discovery and the Brotherhood’s fictional parallels to the American Revolutionary War. Writing the scene where she rediscovers this birthplace of liberty was one of my favorites, because I walked the North Bridge and poured over books researching what happened that fateful day. I hope the scene comes alive for my readers and quickens their interest in history and its relevance for us today.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, April 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 10

Moments Dipped in Ink, April 11

Inklings and notions, April 11

The Fizzy Pop Collection, April 12

proud to be an autism mom, April 12

Aryn the librarian, April 13

Multifarious, April 13

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 14

A Greater Yes, April 14

It’s Storytime With Van Daniker, April 15

Texas Book-aholic, April 15

A Reader’s Brain, April 16

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 17

Carpe Diem, April 18

MargaretKazmierczak, April 19

A Baker’s Perspective, April 20

Bibliophile Reviews, April 21

Simple Harvest Reads, April 22 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Artistic Nobody, April 23 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 24

Janices book reviews, April 24

Bigreadersite, April 25

Reading is my Super Power, April 25 (Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristen is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Starbucks Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca44

Treacherous Trails Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Title: Treacherous Trails

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspy Romanctic Suspense

Release Date: March, 2018

Falsely accused…

Can she escape the real killer?

In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

author pix Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

Heart- stopping action and suspense. A totally evil villain. Two very broken and real characters trying their best to survive. Heartaches and raw emotions that are sometimes spoken but more often hidden. Dana Mentink sure knows how to produce a page-turner. The plot is fast-paced and gripping, the circumstances Ella and Owen find themselves in almost hopeless. Ella and Owen are such engaging characters – Ella emotionally hurt and struggling to make ends meet while taking care of her handicapped sister, Owen physically hurt and struggling to make sense of his world now turned upside down.

Ella and Owen both learn about sacrificial love – the kind of love that God showed us – and how God can take our sacrifices and turn them into something greater.

Now I need to read the first book in the series and meet Owen’s older brother. Next book in the series is about Jack, Owen’s twin. That should be another great read!

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Guest Post from Dana Mentink

Howdy, friends! I am so thrilled to be galloping into the second book in the Gold Country Cowboy series with you. This book was a hoot to write. It’s got a nice twisty mystery and plenty of danger! Our hero, twin Owen Thorn, is a Marine doing his darnedest not to fall in love with his brother’s little sister, but you know how these things go, don’t you, partners? There’s trouble ahead in cowboy country and this story will take you on a wild gallop to the happy ending! God bless and thanks for coming along!

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, April 12

Lighthouse Academy, April 12

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 12

Daysong Reflections, April 13

Karen Sue Hadley, April 13

Janices book reviews, April 13

Book by Book, April 14

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 14

History, Mystery & Faith, April 15

C Jane Read, April 15

The Power of Words, April 15

To Everything a Season, April 16

Among the Reads, April 16

Genesis 5020, April 16

A Baker’s Perspective, April 17

Two Points of Interest, April 17

Carpe Diem, April 18

Cafinated Reads, April 18

Maureen’s Musings, April 19

Simple Harvest Reads, April 19 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, April 20

Have A Wonderful Day, April 20

Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting, April 21

proud to be an autism mom, April 21

Bibliophile Reviews, April 22

A Greater Yes, April 22

Texas Book-aholic, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23

Artistic Nobody, April 23 (Spotlight)

Kat’s Corner Books, April 24

Red Headed Book Lady, April 24

Bigreadersite, April 24

margaret kazmierczak, April 25 (Interview)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, April 25

Remembrancy, April 25

Giveaway

c3ad3cd2-4363-4ca6-bd1b-1b2e29de9167

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca46

A Walk with Heavenly Spirits Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Title: A Walk with Heavenly Spirits

Author: J.E. Grace

Genre: Christian Fiction – Inspirational/Romance

Release Date: December 5, 2017

Allison Stevens became a Christian at a young age, but she makes a wrong decision that takes her on a collision course of disappointment and heartache. God loves her and wants her back, but Satan wants to keep her in a life of despair and lies.

Heavenly Spirits are sent by God to instruct and remind Allison of God’s promises. Can she learn to trust God’s word and become the woman God meant for her to be?

A family she didn’t know she had, a man grieving a personal loss, and a felon who wants her dead makes her relationships more complicated than ever. Can she learn to trust God again and walk by faith?

On the road back to God, she discovers that the path doesn’t come without trials but now she realizes she isn’t alone. God is with her. Can she stay strong and follow God’s path?

Click here to purchase your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

This is the first book by JE Grace that I have read. The premise of the main character, Allison, learning to love God and accept His will for her life is very exciting. The way Allison’s life changes and the way she touches other peoples’ lives by following God’s leading are both encouraging and inspiring. Despite these good points, the book was not for me.

The writing seemed a bit matter-of-fact and I had trouble figuring out the timeline of specific past events that affected Allison. I also had trouble trying to put this story into the proper decade – early 1990s? Late 1990s? Early 2000s?

The “heavenly spirits” that carry and explain a large portion of the plot, particularly the flashbacks into her past and some visions of the future, felt somewhat like the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The spirits were named Desire, Joy, etc. and I wasn’t sure if they were supposed to represent angels or something else. I couldn’t quite wrap my brain around the heavenly spirits concept.

Although the book was not for me, you may thoroughly enjoy this book which chronicles the faith and life journey of a woman full of regrets and sense of failure who blossoms into someone confidant in whom she is in Christ.

I was given a copy of this book via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

J.E. Grace was born and raised in Northern California. At a young age, she was an avid reader which led to her interest in fiction writing and poetry. She writes mainly in the Christian Fiction genre and continues to educate herself in the craft. All of her work has underlying Christian overtones which are a reflection of her faith in God.

In 2000 she moved to the Midwest with her husband and now calls it home. She loves the Missouri countryside and is amazed by the variety of subjects that serve as inspiration for her artwork. She is an oil/pastel painter and digital artist. Her work can be seen at Fine Art America, Society 6 and Zazzle.

She retired from a career in real estate in 2012, to finally concentrate on her writing. She published her first novel, a science fiction titled, “The Zarion-Saving Mankind in 2016 and her Pacific Cove Series of Short Reads: Haunted Visions & Testament of Faith. She is currently working on several new projects: Book 3 in her Pacific Cove Series and a mystery novel.

Guest Post from J.E. Grace

My inspiration for writing A Walk with Heavenly Spirits:

I was thinking about a Christmas Carol and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future one day. I’m a Christian author, so I thought, why not use Heavenly Spirits to enlighten a person who has lost their way. It just evolved from there. I did a lot of praying for direction during my writing process and consulting God’s word along the way.

I feel God was giving me the inspiration to write it. I found myself getting very emotional while writing certain parts of the book which is something I had never experienced before with any of my other novels. I was feeling the characters pain and /or joy at times.

My purpose for the story was to get the message across, that we are all broken, but God uses the broken for great things. Within the story, Allison’s one decision to finally follow the path God intended for her, not only changes her life but the lives of the all the people who come to know her.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, April 3

proud to be an autism mom, April 4

A Greater Yes, April 5

Texas Book-aholic, April 6

Bibliophile Reviews, April 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 8

Janices book reviews, April 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 10

Carpe Diem, April 11

A Baker’s Perspective, April 12

Simple Harvest Reads, April 13 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Artistic Nobody, April 14

margaret kazmierczak, April 15 (Interview)

Bigreadersite, April 15

Reading is my Super Power, April 16 (Interview)

Power of Words, April 16 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J.E. Grace is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca38

Celebrate Lit Scavenger Hunt & Giveaway

spring-scavenger-hunt-copy

About the Book

A Proxy Wedding

Carly James values loyalty and friendship above all, so when her best friend calls asking her to be a proxy bride, she says, ‘yes.’ How hard can it be to say ‘I do’ so that her best friend can be with the one she loves? Only, Carly never counted on the feelings that began to swirl around with the proxy groom.

Damien Nichols likes life lined up from A to Z, but when his best friend calls in a favor, disorder begins to reign. Instead of taking a quick flight to the proxy wedding, he must take a road trip with the proxy bride. Carly’s free-spirit attitude bumps heads with his meticulous approach to life. As Damien discovers the woman underneath the carefree façade, his emotions become involved.

Will love become real at A Proxy Wedding?

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

What a fun collection of novellas!
I have always enjoyed Toni Shiloh’s writing and the novella A Proxy Wedding in this collection is no exception. Even with the limitation on length, Toni Shiloh creates a believable and enjoyable premise and plot with two friends of prospective groom and bride participating in a proxy wedding. The characters Damien and Carly are multi-dimensional with past hurts that blockade possibility of a healthy relationship. Their conversation is real, their faith down-to-earth and touchable. The lessons of life and faith that both Damien and Carly learn are universal for all of us. I would love to see this novella developed into a full-length novel.

The novella Hope Beyond Savannah is the first from Melissa Wardell I have read. I enjoyed reading about the Samoan culture and language and how Nik and Lily meld their differences in culture, language, food, and background. Their love is based on their shared faith in God and their mutual respect and admiration for each other despite their differences. The writing is easy to read and the characters are lovable. The plot is well-developed though it’s a novella- length.

I thoroughly enjoyed both of the stories and look forward to reading more from both of the authors.
I was given a copy of this book from the authors via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

SONY DSC

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the president of the ACFW Virginia Chapter.

You can find her at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com

Guest Post from the Author Toni Shiloh

Spring is here! I love the season and its reminder of new beginnings as the flowers bud and bloom. To me, Spring is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the beauty of hope.

When I sat down to write A Proxy Wedding, I had to imagine spring time, because the dreary, overcast skies outside my window were a constant reminder that I was in a completely different season. Fortunately I took the opportunity to use my imagination and remember that winter wouldn’t last. I would not be forever cold, or battling the illnesses that come with the change of weather.

It’s a reminder that we need to renew our mind. In A Proxy Wedding, Carly is intent on making lemonade from her lemons. She has renewing her mind down pat, but not in a healthy way. One would think a person capable at looking at the bright side would be more willing to take risk, but not Carly. To her they were the source of her lemons. Instead of dreaming, she’d hemmed herself in, just in a different way than the hero, Damien.

Damien has become so work oriented that he has no idea how to slow down and smell the roses. He’s rushes through life instead of lingering over the blessings God gives us daily. Carly is intent on making Damien bask in new adventures.

In order for Carly and Damien to see God’s handiwork in their lives, I had to remind them that they were not products of their past. That in God, they’re a new creation with new opportunities available to them.

I hope you enjoy A Proxy Wedding. May you think of the Father’s love as you take time to stop and smell the roses.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 6

Bibliophile Reviews, April 7

Carpe Diem, April 8

Reading is my Super Power, April 9

A Baker’s Perspective, April 10

Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

margaret kazmierczak, April 12

Artistic Nobody, April 13

Janices book reviews, April 14

Giveaway

e5f4939d-cd96-45de-b748-8fb15bc1a0af

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card! Click here to enter the giveaway! https://promosimple.com/ps/cdd6/spring-scavenger-hunt

Your Scavenger Hunt word is: IS

A Loyal Heart Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Title: A Loyal Heart

Author: Jody Hedlund

Genre: Adult medieval romance

Release Date: March 6, 2018

He’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?

When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.

As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.

Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

Ah. Jody Hedlund. Need I say more?

I actually have not read the other three books in this series but did not feel I missed out on anything. Some of the characters from the previous books make cameo appearances and I will absolutely have to go back to read their stories, but this book works well as a stand-alone. It is an incredible journey through 1392 as knights and lords wage battles for control of land, wealth, and allegiance to the king of England. Although I’m not a huge fan of first person narrative, it was executed incredibly well in this book as the narrative shifts from Sir Aldric to Lady Olivia. The book is so well-written with:

1) lyrical and musical writing that captivates and engages from page one

2) an action-packed and fast-paced plot

3) delicious, humorous, and sharply witty dialogue

4) tenderly romantic and heart-seizing moments

5) beautiful, lovable, and memorable characters who grow and mature throughout the book

6) a steady undercurrent of faith and prayer

7) an amazing description of landscape and daily life in 1392 that brings the entire backdrop to vivid clarity.

Anyone who enjoys a well-written, satisfying historical romance will love this book.

Sir Aldric begins the story by saying “but these things were superficial. It a woman was attracted to me for such qualities, then she was shallow, and I didn’t want a shallow relationship. Actually, I didn’t want any kind of relationship. Not shallow. Not deep. Not any.” This quote is the epitome of Sir Aldric. He is a strong and skilled knight with a broken past and heavy burdens that weigh down his heart and soul. He is loyal, faithful, trustworthy, and noble though he wasn’t always that way. He is sent in to capture Lady Olivia and her sister Lady Isabelle because of their father’s infractions against the king.

Lady Olivia is strong, unconventional, bold, determined, proud, and stubborn yet loyal to a fault and inevitably a woman at heart with tender feelings. As their relationship grows, she admits “I realized then, this connection with him would be difficult to cut loose, that his presence was weaving into the tapestry of my life, and that I had no wish to untangle the woven strands any more than I wished to release his hold on my hand.” Wow, such poetic musings!

Once I started this book, I could not put it down. Twists and turns in the plot kept the story moving quickly and yet I didn’t want the story to end! Will there be another book in the series? And on which knight and noblewoman will the next book spotlight? I must go back to read the previous three stories, especially the one about Sir Aldric’s brother Sir Bennet and his wife Lady Sabine (For Love and Honor).

I was given a copy of this book from the author/publisher and also through Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Guest Post from Jody Hedlund

The Growing Need for Sweet Young Adult Romances

By Jody Hedlund

This past year my youngest daughter turned twelve and entered seventh grade. And she decided that she wanted to read my books.

Of course I was thrilled that she was taking an interest in my writing. But since my adult historical romances are more intense and contain some mature themes, I handed her the young adult series I’ve written.

As she started the first book, I peeked in her room a time or two to ask her how she liked it.

“It’s the best book you’ve ever read, right?” I teased.

“It’s okay,” she replied, teasing me right back.

The true test for how much she liked the series came when she couldn’t put the book down. She hid away in her room and read all day. Then she read the second book the next day and the third book the day after that.

She never did gush over the series. But she didn’t need to. Her serious reading marathon told me all I needed to know! Then when I was writing the fourth book in the series, she asked me if she could read it early before it was published which was another testament to how much she enjoyed the series.

“As long as you promise to say that I’m your favorite author,” I said, teasing her again.

I’m happy to say that she finished A Loyal Heart just as quickly as the others. Although I’m not sure that I’m her favorite author, I’m satisfied that she loved the series.

Even more, I’m thrilled that I could hand her sweet romances full of chivalrous qualities—like courage, sacrifice, honor, and loyalty. As she’s being entertained, she’s learning lessons about character traits that are important in relationships.

My daughter, like other young teens I’ve talked to, really enjoys medieval settings and stories. In some ways, those kinds of stories connect them to the princess fairy tales they used to love when they were little. Let’s face it, even adult readers still love stories about knights and castles and daring damsels!

In a book market for teens that has grown increasingly dark, jaded, and sexual, I only wish I had more to offer my daughter and other young women. It’s my passion to continue providing wholesome, clean romances for teens, books I know will encourage and uplift as well as entertain.

How about YOU? Is there a teen reader you know who needs an alternative to what’s available in the market? I encourage you to gift them with A Loyal Heart. And make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the entire series that you can read, pass along, or even gift to your library.

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, March 27

Lighthouse Academy, March 27

Neverending Stories, March 27

Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 28

books n baubles, March 28

Blossoms and Blessings, March 28

By The Book, March 29

Reading Is My SuperPower, March 29

Genesis 5020, March 29

Books, Books, and More Books., March 29

Have A Wonderful Day, March 30

Blogging With Carol, March 30

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, March 30

Cover to Cover and Everything in Between, March 31

Book by Book, March 31

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 31

God’s Little Bookworm, April 1

The Christian Fiction Girl, April 1

Mary Hake, April 1

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, April 2

Daysong Reflections, April 2

Novels Corner, April 2

Remembrancy, April 3

proud to be an autism mom, April 3

Texas Book-aholic, April 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

Janices book reviews, April 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 4

Romances of the Cross, April 5

Carpe Diem, April 5

A Baker’s Perspective, April 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 6

Karen Sue Hadley, April 6

Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, April 6

Red Headed Book Lady, April 7

Bibliophile Reviews, April 7

Simple Harvest Reads, April 7 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Pursuing Stacie, April 8

Bigreadersite, April 8

margaret kazmierczak, April 8 (interview)

Henry Happens, April 9

Faery Tales Are Real, April 9

Joy of Reading, April 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jody is giving away a grand prize of An Uncertain Choice, A Daring Sacrifice, For Love & Honor, and A Loyal Heart!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb76

Meddlin’ Madeline: Fine Print Review

About the Book

Book Title: Meddlin’ Madeline Fine Print

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Historical, Mystery

Release Date: February 20, 2018

Budding detective, Miss Madeline Brown, has gained quite the reputation for “meddling” in the circa 1900 city of Rockland. With two successful “cases” under her belt, it was only a matter of time before she found something new to interest her insatiable curiosity.

This time, however, the “curiosity” found her.

Challenged by Edward Gastrel, to prove her deductive prowess, Madeline embarks on riddling out the puzzle of a journal left to him by his grandfather. If she can decode the contents, the local gentleman may find himself in the possession of something quite valuable.

As usual, however, things aren’t as they seem, and Madeline finds herself in a race against more than time and ambiguity.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

This is not the first book I’ve read by Chautona Havig but it is the first historical/mystery I’ve read written by the author and I am utterly and pleasantly surprised and delighted by how effectively the author switches from one genre to another. I have read the contemporary novel Christmas Embers by the author, but I did not read the first two books in the Meddlin’ Madeline Mysteries series prior to reading this third installment. I think reading the first two books would have given me a better understanding of the characters and their personalities. Regardless, this book was definitely interesting and well-written.

The plot takes quite a few twists and turns to keep the story intriguing. Madeline herself is a “new age” kind of a woman in the early 1900s, using the powers of observation and deduction to make a name for herself. Russell, totally my favorite character in the book, is Madeline’s long-time friend and confidante. His steady faith is remarkable and his devotion to Madeline is unparalleled. The book offers quite a bit of history and also keeps in line with how things were done and spoken during that particular time period.

The ending feels like a cliffhanger…..so we’ll have to wait for the next installment of the series to find out what happens next!

I was given a copy of this book by the author via Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert where she uses story to point readers to the Master Storyteller.

Guest Post from Chautona

Denny’s. “America’s Diner.” It’s also my “office away from my office away from home.” Most nights I write at our local prayer house. But on Wednesday nights for a few hours, and then all night on Saturday, I sit in booth 14 and write.

It was a cold, frosty Wednesday night. With thoughts from Bible Study still swirling in my mind and heart, I ordered my loaded baked potato soup and began brainstorming with my writing and podcasting buddy, April.

She left around midnightish—as usual. And another evening regular began chatting.

Look. I like this guy. He’s a fascinating conversationalist. We have a lot of fun talking books, movies, politics, history, computers… He’s even given me a great idea for a book (without meaning to, but still).

But… that night, I needed to get a bunch done on Madeline and didn’t have time for chatting. So, when he started talking about his evening, I wanted to bang my head on the table. I kept repeating, “People are more important. People are more important. People are more important,” over and over in my head.

I can’t tell you how often this has happened at Denny’s. Employees stop to chat. Regular diners stop to chat. This guy starts a long conversation and always on nights I can’t afford to spend… chatting!

But everything shifted in an instant.

The man said something—what, I can’t remember—and my brain started churning.

I asked a question.

He answered.

The next thing I knew, he’d moved into my booth and began firing questions at me. Suggestions. Most of what he suggested wouldn’t work with the story, but he had no way of knowing that. Still, every time he did I got a new idea. And I’d ask a question. He’d answer, suggest. I’d counter—ask or answer. Ideas blossomed and exploded into seeds of even more ideas.

And right there, at two o’clock in the morning, with Angela the wonder server keeping me in fresh glasses of Coke, Fine Print went from not only my favorite of the Madelines (thus far) but also became much more exciting.

The whole thing taught me a couple of lessons. First, I always say that people are more important than the “stuff” I do. Sometimes, that’s not so easy to live. But the Lord is always faithful, like He did that night, to remind me that it sometimes helps me, too.

Second, sometimes a mid-book brainstorming session is just what I need to keep my excitement high. And, if that means a “wasted” Wednesday night in booth 14, then I’d say it’s worth it.

A Flute in the Willows Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book Title: A Flute in the Willows

Author: Carole Brown

Genre: Historical, Romantic Suspense

Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other’s love…and keep the German enemy at bay.

She has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she’s scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?

Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamourous life…especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife’s life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can’t stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie.

These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their ownselves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

This is the first book by Carole Brown that I have read and it was quite enjoyable. I hadn’t expected such intrigue and suspense in a historical novel set during WWII, especially since most of the book takes place on US soil (Cincinnati, to be precise). The plot is engaging and the twists and turns in the storyline with the intricacies of espionage make the novel a page-turning journey. This is the second book in the Spies of World War II series; I didn’t read the first book (With Music in Their Hearts) and I wish I had read it prior to this one. The first book may have given more pertinent background information to Josie’s family dynamics as well as to Josie herself.

Faith is a central component of most of the secondary characters’ lives but not in Josie and Jerry’s lives at the beginning. Their walk toward God is slow and anguished but totally understandable. Josie and Jerry both mature as the book progresses and their relationship turns from superficial and shallow infatuation to deep abiding love.

I’ll now need to read the first book in the series (With Music In Their Hearts) to catch up on Josie’s older sister’s life prior to this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Guest post from Carole Brown

How Great is Our God! By Carole Brown

And the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

It seems everywhere you turn today, the world is a mess. I try to keep up with current events, but sometimes I find myself pulling back away from it all. The enemy of us all would drown us in disbelief, doubt and worry if we would allow it. I find my spirit beginning to flounder in that sea of distress and must need revive it with the good things of God.

In my newest WWII Spies series, in book two, soon to be released, both Jerry and Josie Patterson are rebellious, self-centered people. Neither have given much thought to God, and both have gone gung-ho after their own pleasures and desires.

Jerry not only suffers a serious physical injury, but his spirit is troubled over actions taken as a spy in Germany. Guilt over the death of a sweet woman, guilt over all the deceit he needed to use, guilt over the temptations that knocked, and though he didn’t give in to them, nevertheless, troubles his mind and soul. Who do you turn to when you have no God in your life?
Josie, filled with elaborate plans on becoming an Olympic participant once the horror of war is over, ignores all the people in her life—except when it’s convenient for her to use them. All that matters is attaining her goal and Jerry. Running roughshod over all others, forgiving and forbearing as they are, is her usual ploy in getting what she wants. So who do you turn to when all your dreams turn to ashes?

It’s only after each one of them receive a severe injury that prevent them from doing what they want, only when they think they’ve lost the other, that they begin to listen to what God is teaching them.

Isn’t that so in our own lives? Many times we go headstrong toward our goals, without prayer or definite assurance from God that it’s what he wants for us. It seems a good thing, beneficial, and desirable so it must be good for us, right?

God is so great, so faithful, so loving in pulling us back, in teaching us that He is our all in all. Our strength in times of deep distress and trial, our anchor when the storms of life are blowing us off course, our shield when others would hurt or wound our spirits…our peace through it all.

May we, like Josie and Jerry, learn that our God IS a great God. We need have no fear; he does not fail.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, March 29

Red Headed Book Lady, March 29

Multifarious, March 30

Two Points of Interest, March 30

proud to be an autism mom, March 31

A Greater Yes, March 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 1

Janices book reviews, April 1

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 2

Simple Harvest Reads, April 2 (Guest post from Mindy)

Carpe Diem, April 3

Maureen’s Musings, April 4

margaret kazmierczak, April 4 (Interview)

Bigreadersite, April 5

Reading is my Super Power, April 5 (Interview)

Have A Wonderful Day, April 6

Pause for Tales, April 6

Artistic Nobody, April 7 (Spotlight)

A Baker’s Perspective, April 8

Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, April 9

Among the Reads, April 9

Bibliophile Reviews, April 10

For The Love of Books, April 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away a grand prize of a canvas flowered/musical tote, a pink “All Things are Possible journal, and a copy of A Flute in the Willows (winners choice of print or ebook)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e2