Son of Promise Review & Giveaway

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About the Book

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Title: Son of Promise

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Woman’s Fiction

Be it known, your sins will find you out, but God’s mercy endureth forever!
Can a wife find the grace to forgive when her husband’s withheld the truth?
Travis Buckmeyer has a secret son, and the morning’s come to tell his sweet wife. He hates breaking Emma Lee’s heart. She promised him one ten years ago, but hasn’t been blessed to carry a baby to term. Every miscarriage made the telling harder, but now his clock’s run out. He’s going for his son, praying he won’t lose her.
Click here to purchase your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

This is the first book of Caryl McAdoo’s that I had the privilege of reading. I realize that this book is the latest installment of a family saga but it could be read as a stand-alone. If I had read the previous books, I would have had better insight into the family dynamics, the personalities within the families and probably Travis and Emma Lee’s relationship but the author provided enough details in this book that I did not feel lost in the story.
The story takes place in southern Texas in 1950. Travis is a farmer who breeds cows and horses and Emma Lee is his artist wife of 10 years still hoping and praying to expand their family. Travis discovers that his 12-yo son, from one night with a waitress during his traveling, needs his help and the couple set out to do what is good and right. Travis and Emma Lee are wonderful characters, full of flaws and faults, who are not afraid to admit their weaknesses and say they’re sorry. They both embody what a true Christian should look like – full of love, forgiveness, faith and prayer. Cody, Travis’ son, starts out being a punk but the story chronicles God’s hand on him and how He changes Cody one day at a time.
The story is well-constructed and full of hope and second-chances. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the book as much as I had hoped. The historical setting of 1950s didn’t pique my interest and I had a difficult time following the language and lingo of southern Texas in the 1950s. Third person point-of-view in which the book is written switched quite a bit, which confused me and impeded my flow of reading. I did appreciate the sweet love and romance between Travis and Emma Lee. I also appreciated the sense of family and bond that the couple created for Cody. The visions and words from the Lord given to Travis, Emma Lee, and Cody (among others) were great reminders that God is very much alive and ready to move in our lives when we’re willing.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

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Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and a quick scroll through her novels’ rankings by Christian readers attests to the Father’s faithfulness. She loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs He gives her—look her up on YouTube to hear a few. Her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-two years ago, and now they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

Guest Post from Caryl McAdoo

SON OF PROMISE—a companion story to my Texas Romance Family Saga’s book ten CHIEF OF SINNERS—features Travis and Emma Lee Buckmeyer, who readers first meet in CHIEF. She’s the sister of its heroine Sandy Harris, and he is a friend of its hero Buddy Nightingale; he’s also the son of Crockett Buckmeyer (from book eight COVERING LOVE) and grandson of Patrick Henry Buckmeyer (hero of book one VOW UNBROKEN).
A standalone, it isn’t necessary for readers to know all these ancestors to enjoy SON OF PROMISE, but those who do will surely love it all the more. What I know is that this couple won a chunk of my heart. Their faith is outstanding and their love inspiring. In the ’40s, Emma Lee didn’t have the fertility options young women do today, and miscarriage after miscarriage left her hurting. That’s why he hadn’t told her.
He didn’t want to hurt her, but circumstances had changed, and time was up. She had to be told that morning he already had a son born from a one night liaison thirteen years before because he was leaving to claim his Cody from a reform school and bring him home.
The boy had never known real love, but I loved him from the first. Forced to grow up way too fast—lying, stealing, and participating in most any other rebellious act—he’s missed so much. He’s overwhelmed with Travis and Emma Lee—their home, their partnership and love for each other, and their generosity toward him.
He planned to light out from the start, but days piled on top each other, and he never pulled the trigger.
In VOW UNBROKEN, there was an awesome canine named Blue Dog, and I went into his POV (Point Of View—got into his head) a couple of times. My Simon & Schuster editor ‘requested’ that I lose those segments, and so I did. But in this novel, I get into a canine’s head again . . . I’m hoping readers will find that fun.
In years past, I owned, managed, and milked a herd of eighty-plus dwarf goats and loved their Great Pyrenees guardians, so it was fun to include them in the story. I love how Emma Lee was able to sell her paintings for exorbitant prices, but remained so humble and unassuming. And that she and Travis opened their home (they’re so much like my husband and me) to total strangers. We’ve had so many people live with us over the years, to help them, be blessings—the hands and feet of God in the earth.
I pray my story gives God glory and that its readers will be drawn closer to Him through it. He blesses me and highly favors me daily. I can’t thank or praise Him enough!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 18

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 18

Christian Author, J.E.Grace Blog, January 19

Splashes of Joy, January 19

Karen Sue Hadley , January 20

Maureen’s Musings, January 20

proud to be an autism mom, January 21

Bibliophile Reviews, January 21

Reading is My SuperPower, January 22 (Interview)

A Greater Yes, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Baker kella, January 24

Janices book reviews, January 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 25

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 25

Quiet Quilter, January 26

Carpe Diem, January 26

C Jane Read, January 27

A Baker’s Perspective, January 27

Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Pursuing Stacie, January 28

Red Headed Book Lady, January 29

margaret kazmierczak, January 29

cherylbbookblog, January 30

Bigreadersite, January 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Avid Reader Book Reviews, January 31


 Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away

GRAND PRIZE : $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st Prize: Choice-of-Caryl’s Titles (print or ebook)
2nd-4th: ebook of SON OF PROMISE!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c511

A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill Review & Giveaway

A Courtship on huckleberry Hill fb banner copyAbout the Book

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Title: A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Genre: Christian Amish Fiction

Release Date: December 26, 2017

Elsie Helmuth’s plain-spoken ways got her in trouble once before, so she needs to make a good impression at her new teaching job. But she’s not about to let disabled student Wally Sensenig work below his potential. And she definitely won’t put up with his hot-headed older brother sabotaging her efforts, no matter how handsome he is. . .

Sam is nearly at the end of his rope caring for his ailing, widowed mother, working their farm, and raising his siblings. He’ll admit Elsie’s ideas are bringing Wally out of his angry shell—but why does she have to be as stubborn as she is pretty? Yet as it turns out, Elsie has taught Sam something about himself as well. And he’ll do whatever it takes to make up for his mistakes—and win her heart forever.

Click here to purchase your copy.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

“For sure and certain.”
I’ll be repeating this phrase in my head for many days to come. I don’t read Amish books much, mostly because I am busy reading other genres. From the handful of Amish books I’ve read, I’ve enjoyed this book the most. The author, who is new to me, has a delightful way of writing that turns every day incidents into memorable events, both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Even though softball, school, gatherings of family and friends, and farming can seem like mundane routine things, the author uses these happenings to bring spark and interest into the plot and gives life lessons through them all. There is no mystery or suspense or adrenaline woven into the plot but the storyline moves at a good pace and keeps the reader engaged.
The author’s writing style is fluid and easy to follow. The dialogue, especially between the two main characters Elsie and Sam, ranges from angry and heated to humorous and sweet. There are some serious laugh-out-loud moments in the book that had me cracking up and shaking my head at the same time. The characters in the book are layered and deeply lovable.
Elsie is the new school teacher who lives with her grandparents (and her grandparents are sure to bring laughter and smiles as you read). She’s stubborn, proud, smart, a gifted teacher and softball player who has a tender heart and will do whatever it takes to do what she believes is right. Sam is the oldest in the family now responsible for the farm and his siblings and mother. He’s also stubborn and quite proud, loyal to family and friends and hardworking but has quite a temper. Sam does grow through the book and understands how to control his temper better and also learns to apologize in humility.
It was a delightful journey of second chances, basking in the warmth of love from family and friends, and savoring the beautiful moments that can be had in an environment uncluttered from modern technology.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand

Jennifer Beckstrand is the RITA-nominated, award-winning Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries and The Honeybee Sisters series for Kensington Books. Her much-anticipated Amish series, The Honeybee Sisters, has created a lot of romantic buzz. Sweet as Honey received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and Sweet as Honey and A Bee in her Bonnet were both awarded Top Picks from RT Book Reviews. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth and the Honeybee sisters’aendi Bitsy. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a passion for Jane Austen and Shakespeare. She and her husband have been married for thirty-three years, and she has six children and six adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Guest Post from Jennifer Beckstrand

I have a very special place in my heart for teachers. My dad was a high school math teacher. My mother taught second grade for over twenty years. My son-in-law taught choir in high school, and my daughter taught seventh-grade science. Another daughter taught American history labs at the university and still another daughter taught classes for a youth summer program.

Elsie Stutzman is a dedicated teacher who was dismissed from her last teaching job in Ohio and is trying to make a fresh start and a good impression in Bonduel, Wisconsin. Unfortunately one of her students, Wally Sensenig, is making things difficult for her, and Wally’s hot-headed older brother seems determined to get her fired. But Elsie is a dedicated teacher, too stubborn to back down and too steadfast to give up on anybody.

Elsie’s grandparents, Anna and Felty Helmuth, have other plans for her. They want her to fall in love with one of the local boys, but they’re finding it a little difficult to get the two young people together.

Teachers have an immense impact on our lives. We all remember a favorite elementary school teacher who inspired a love of learning or a high school teacher who encouraged us to reach for greatness. One of my favorite teachers was Mrs. Zobell, who taught ninth grade English. I distinctly remember her reading “The Outsiders” out loud to our class. She had a way of making great books and great stories come to life, and she sparked a love of reading (and writing) that I will always be grateful for. The teacher who had the most impact on my life is my dad. He helped me through Calculus in high school and inspired me to major in math in college.

I hope we will take the time this month to thank the teachers in our lives for all they do for us and all they do for our kids.

Who was one of your favorite teachers and why?

Blog Stops

Christian Bookaholic, January 16

proud to be an autism mom, January 16

Blossoms and Blessings, January 16

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 17

Mommynificent, January 17

Avid Reader Book Reviews, January 17

Bibliophile Reviews, January 18

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, January 18

The Power of Words, January 18

Multifarious, January 19

A Greater Yes, January 19

Texas Book-aholic, January 20

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 20

Karen Sue Hadley, January 21

Splashes of Joy, January 21

A Reader’s Brain, January 22

Mary Hake, January 22

Southern Gal Loves to Read, January 23

SusanLovesBooks, January 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 24

Janices book reviews, January 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 25

Carpe Diem, January 25

Quiet Quilter, January 26

margaret kazmierczak, January 26 (Interview)

cherylbbookblog, January 27

Red Headed Book Lady, January 27

Pink Granny’s Journey, January 27

A Baker’s Perspective, January 28

Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Pursuing Stacie, January 28

Because I said so- and other adventures in parenting., January 29

Vicky Sluiter, January 29

Bigreadersite, January 29


Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to three winners!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c6cf

Soul’s Cry Review & Giveaway

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About the Book

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Title: Soul’s Cry

Author: Cara Luecht

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: June 15, 2017

Ione has everything she’d wanted with her busy shop filled to the brim with sumptuous fabrics, gossiping debutants, and a neatly increasing profit margin. Not to mention the unexpected attention of a man who doesn’t know her past.

And then the letter dropped from the mail slot onto to lush carpet. He was back. And the abuse, the shame, rushes in, reminding her of how unworthy she really is.

Miriam also has everything she’d wanted—and with a baby on the way, for the first time in her life, she has everything to lose. When she’d been alone, the future had held promise, but now with her life full, it also holds fear.

Unwilling to risk a vision of loss, Miriam stops painting what will be…right before Ione needs it most.

Click here to purchase your copy

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

This is the first book by Cara Luecht that I’ve read. This book, the third book in Portraits of Grace series, is a well-written book that blends romance, suspense and some pieces of history from Chicago’s World Columbian Exposition. I did not read the first two books in the series and reading the previous novels would have helped me fill in the backstories of the many characters in the novel. But the author does provide the pertinent details of the backstories so I didn’t feel lost while reading through this third installment.
The author’s writing is easy to read and fluid. The undercurrent of faith and prayer is subtle but definitely present throughout the book, especially with two of the characters being involved in ministry. The plot is well-crafted and the pace of the story is just right.
Clarence Tamm, the villain of the book, is incredibly scary and eerie. He is an excellent psychopath and truly carries quite a bit of the plot. Ione, his target, is a woman from a broken background finally able to rise above her circumstances with the help of friends who love her. She has always been strong and independent but must learn to accept others’ help and love during the difficult journey she travels in this book. Evan, though he is a love interest, has a smaller role in the story and isn’t quite as developed as Ione or Clarence.
Though this isn’t technically her story, Miriam (who was introduced in the first book Soul Painter) has a journey in this book as well and she learns through repercussions of her doubt and fear that she needs to trust the gift that God has given her.
I received a copy of this book from the 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

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Award winning author, Cara Luecht, lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin with her husband, David, and their children. In addition to freelance writing and marketing, Cara works as an English Instructor for a local college. Cara graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Currently, Cara is studying for a Masters of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Guest post from Cara Luecht

The moment you realize how subtle racism can be.

As someone of Northern European ancestry, I approach this topic with caution and with the knowledge that I can never fully understand racism in America from a personal perspective. That being said, part of me knows that unless white America owns up to the problems that still exist, they will never go away, or if they do, they will not go away because of what I have done. I don’t want to be on the right side of history as a spectator.

Writing Soul’s Cry was daunting, because the main character in this part of the trilogy is African American. I’ll tackle the challenges with that in another blog. For now, I want to talk about one simple example of ongoing racism.

A few months ago, my publisher contacted me looking for inspiration pictures for the cover. The picture I had pinned to my desktop for Ione was from the 1800s, and heaven-only-knows how I would find permission to use it. Besides, it was in black-and-white, and we needed something that would go well with the other covers in the trilogy.

Ione’s Inspiration Picture

I went to the popular sites that cover designers use to look for modern pictures of women, in Victorian Era clothes, who had the smart, determined expression I’d imagined for Ione.

I found a bunch of models–problem is, they were all white.

I then typed in “African American Victorian Woman.” One picture. And she was dressed as a burlesque dancer. Nice. I tried “Black woman in 1890,” a bit miffed that I had to use the term “Black” rather than “African American”—nothing. I got desperate, rolled my eyes, and even attempted the archaic “Negro woman in 1890” in hopes of getting something…nothing.

I tried other sites. I found the same problem.

I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised—when you think of a high-society Victorian woman, does an African American face come to mind?

This doesn’t match up with the truth, though. In the late Victorian era, there was a thriving, influential, African American community in Chicago as well as many other major cities. While there were indeed crowded ghetto areas, the “Black Elite” prospered in the medical and legal professions.

Unfortunately, we rarely hear of these remarkable people who moved beyond the place society had deemed was theirs, who built on the humble foundation of literacy, who pushed innovation forward, who served on boards and cultural societies, and who worked to pull their families out of the devastation of slavery and the Civil War.

It is uncomfortable to admit, but the picture that comes to mind when thinking of an African American in the late 1800s has more in common with slaves than with a prosperous, thriving community.

And since poor African Americans outnumbered wealthy ones, I suppose one could make the argument that this reflected how a majority of African Americans lived. And that would be true…

…but it would also be true for whites. One of my grandfathers was born in an Iowa coal town. Another, into the dustbowl conditions of North Dakota. In fact, if I look back in my own history, almost every one of my ancestors lived in poverty.

So why is it that when I think about a Victorian Era woman, the picture that comes to mind looks like someone from the set of Meet Me In St. Louis.

And here’s the twist…because the picture of the woman in my mind looks a bit like me (in that we are both white), her poise, the no-nonsense posture and expression…it makes me feel a bit of pride—even though I have no real connection with her. The fact is, I can look at these old pictures and see in her the determination I hope to have. I want to live up to this woman’s expectations. As crazy as it sounds, when I look at these pictures, I feel pride in a heritage I do not own. My family was in poverty, but because of these pictures, I can identify with affluence. Prosperity does not feel like a foreign concept.

Now imagine that every picture of a white woman I saw as representative of my past looked haggard, tired, and hopeless.

I’ll leave the implications for you to puzzle out.

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, January 23

Blogging With Carol, January 24

Simple Harvest Reads, January 24 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

allofakindmom, January 25

Avid Reader Book Reviews, January 26

Pursuing Stacie, January 26

A Reader’s Brain, January 27

proud to be an autism mom, January 28

Bigreadersite, January 28

Bibliophile Reviews, January 29

A Greater Yes, January 30

margaret kazmierczak, January 30 (Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

Janices book reviews, February 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 3

Carpe Diem, February 4

A Baker’s Perspective, February 5


Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize of signed copies of the entire series!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c729

A Song Unheard Review & Giveaway

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About the Book

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Title: A Song Unheard

Author: Roseanna M. White

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales.

Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe.

But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

“They could be two melodies, existing in the same world but never mixing. Counterpoint, each line unique. Or they could be a harmony, blending together and making something new.”
How does Roseanna White do this? Book after book, she crafts beautifully written novels with wonderfully and deeply layered characters who lodge themselves in my heart. Even the title has layers of meaning underneath and makes itself memorable long after the book is finished. The author puts twists and turns and a healthy dose of intrigue to keep the pages turning faster and faster. She creates realistic and delicious backgrounds to each novel with her thorough historical research and has me bouncing in my reading chair for the next book to be written and released….. like yesterday.
This book, A Song Unheard, is all of this and so much more. Set during the beginnings of WWI, the author paints the brutality of war and sin against the bigger and more beautiful backdrop of God’s love, grace and forgiveness. The premise of the book, in which Willa must steal the key to a cypher to help the war effort, is fascinating, dangerous, and intriguing. There is quite a bit of suspense and intrigue in the plot, which keeps the story moving effortlessly.
And then there are the characters. And the romance.
Willa is an orphan, adopted into a large family of orphans, and feels responsible for the well-being of the younger ones in their “family”. She is determined, tough, loyal and so so broken in feeling inadequate and unlovable. She starts out her next job feeling slightly betrayed by her “sister” Rosie, the heroine of the first novel A Name Unknown. She is a violin prodigy, untaught but naturally gifted. She is sent to find the key to a cypher, believed to be on the person of Lukas, a world-renowned Belgian violinist. Willa’s faith journey is painful, desperate, yet so real and honest.
Lukas is a physically and emotionally violinist but still talented, handsome, charming, fiercely loyal to his family and so incredibly tender. Talk about a swoon-worthy hero! The dialogue between Willa and Lukas is funny, intelligent, yet sweet at the same time. Lukas’ faith journey is less traumatic than Willa’s but nonetheless powerful, even in its quiet way.
And the music…..yes, music is one of the unforgettable themes of the book. It is truly incredible how God gifts certain individuals a way to speak into the souls of men through music. And the author’s writing is so lyrical that I could actually hear the music as I was reading the book. Indeed, “for the sake of the music.”
I cannot wait for the next book in the series – An Hour Unspent! Rosie and Willa’s “older brother” Barclay will meet his match!
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

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Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Guest post from Roseanna White

I started playing the piano when I was 7. I didn’t discover any long-dormant genius or anything, but I liked it. When my sister quit, I kept playing. In middle school, I switched teachers, and moving from the lady at my church that I knew so well to someone who was just my piano teacher made a difference in how I applied myself. It deepened my love of music.

We all know how some random moments stand out forever in our memory. One such for me happened on the school bus. I was sitting with my best friend, talking about the new piano piece I was learning. “Via Delorosa” means Road of Sorrow, and it’s a song that tells musically about Jesus’ journey to Golgotha—ending with the faint chime of the nails being driven into his palms. As my beloved Mrs. Peto went through this song with me the night before, I remember her circling a D♯ that I’d missed and saying how important that note was. That it made the whole line weep.

That it would make the hearers weep. An epiphany so huge I had to share it with my friend. A well placed sharp could make music weep! Who knew?

That was but one lesson Mrs. Peto taught me in how music could evoke things words never could. A woman of strong faith, she also taught me how a song could preach the Gospel. Music can be medicine. It can be hope. It can be tears. It can be truth. Music can be Jesus to a hurting heart that turns its back on words.

This is a lesson I never forgot, and I had it always in mind as I was writing A Song Unheard. In this story, both my hero and heroine are musicians—violinists. But Willa (who is SO STUBBORN) wouldn’t listen to words of faith from any of the people in her life “suddenly spouting such nonsense.”

But then, in her darkest hour, she hears a slip of melody. And she realizes it’s the Lord.

I pray as readers move through the story of Willa Forsythe—violin prodigy and top-notch thief—that their spirits’ ears hear more than words, more than just a story. I pray they hear the Lord whispering that ultimate song. The one that says, “I love you.”

Want to hear the song Willa eventually wrote in the book? You can! The violin music in this trailer is officially dubbed “Willa’s Song” and written specifically for this book. I hope you enjoy it! http://bit.ly/ASongUnheardTrailer

Blog Stops

Fiction Aficionado, January 11

History, Mystery & Faith, January 11

Genesis 5020, January 11

Bookworm Mama, January 11

A Simply Enchanted Life, January 11

Avid Reader Book Reviews, January 12

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 12

Blogging With Carol, January 12

Multifarious, January 12

proud to be an autism mom, January 12

Faithfully Bookish, January 13

Christian Bookaholic, January 13

Karen Sue Hadley, January 13

Mary Hake, January 13

A Greater Yes, January 13

Remembrancy, January 14

Blossoms and Blessings, January 14

Just the Write Escape, January 14

Connie’s History Classroom, January 14

Texas Book-aholic, January 14

A Reader’s Brain, January 15

Rachel’s Back Talk, January 15

Smiling Book Reviews, January 15

Cordially Barbara, January 15

Pursuing Stacie, January 15

The Fizzy Pop Collection, January 16

Kat’s Corner Books, January 16

The Artist Librarian, January 16

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 16

Bigreadersite, January 16

Mommynificent, January 17

Seasons of Opportunities, January 17

Moments Dipped in Ink, January 17

Baker Kella, January 17

Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s Book Spot, January 17

God’s Little Bookworm, January 18

allofakindmom, January 18

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, January 18

Inklings and notions, January 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 18

Pause for Tales, January 19

Have A Wonderful Day, January 19

Just Commonly, January 19

Bibliophile Reviews , January 19

Janices book reviews, January 19

Radiant Light, January 20

The Power of Words , January 20

Book by Book, January 20

CAC Devourer, January 20

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 20

Splashes of Joy, January 21

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 21

Neverending Stories, January 21

Faery Tales Are Real, January 21

A Baker’s Perspective, January 21

margaret kazmierczak, January 22

The PhD Mamma, January 22

Cafinated Reads, January 22

Daysong Reflections, January 22

Romances of the Cross, January 23

Purposeful Learning, January 23

Rachel Scott McDaniel, January 23

Carpe Diem, January 23

Simple Harvest Reads, January 23

Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, January 24

Henry Happens, January 24

Joy of Reading, January 24

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 24

Raining Butterfly Kisses, January 24


Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Roseanna is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a signed copy of the book as well as a lovely album of soothing songs based on the Scriptures called Hidden in My Heart (winner’s choice of CD or digital download)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c72a

Seasons of a Life: Interview with D.H. Barbara & Giveaway

Seasons of Life FB Banner copy

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Screenshot_2017-05-22-13-37-10Book title: Seasons of a Life

Author: D.H. Barbara

Release date: May, 2017

Genre: Inspirational fiction, family drama, romance

Time passes with little regard of human perspective. At times painfully slow and often it slips past more swiftly than we’d like. Sammie Young is a testimony to the changing of life’s many seasons. As life deals it’s harsh blows, she stands strong. Now, with two of her five children left at home, change whizzes toward her at the speed of light. Frequently down, but never beaten, Sammie steps out in faith to face the new and exciting seasons awaiting her family.

 

Interview with D.H. Barbara

  1. Will you tell us about your books?

My Lakeville series is about the Young family who has overcome some hard things and how their faith impacts their lives. Sammie is the widowed mother and main character of Season of a Life. I plan on 8 books when the series is finished, but we’ll see how the Lord leads in that. I have a stand alone novel about an angelic encounter, sort of an homage to A Christmas Carol and It’s A Wonderful Life. I’ve been playing with another book featuring Clarion (the angel). I also have another series in the beginning stages about a pastor in an inner city mission, and a few others percolating. One of my favorites was writing a fan fiction of The Dragonriders of PERN.

2.  Are you a plotter or a panster?

I’m probably more of a panster. I get an idea and just plop down and start writing. I was never a good note taker in school, and always failed outlining.

  1. Do you like to listen to music while you write?

Oh yes! Each Lakeville book has a page titled “The Song Behind The Story.” I listen to those songs over and over. Sometimes I’ll just put on some contemporary Christian music.

  1. If you could live in any time period, what would it be?

I am quite happy in the here and now, although I could totally live on board the Starship Enterprise.

  1. Who are some of your favorite authors? Why do they inspire you?

Good writing inspires more good writing, I think. J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world is incredible. Lewis’s Narnia, McCaffrey’s PERN. All amazing and intricate worlds. Steven King’s ability to get into your mind and scare you. John Jakes’s knowledge of history and how he projects his characters into it. It’s all inspiring in that the worlds I create, although not as sweeping or frightening, can draw others in. I love how Susan Sleeman, Colleen Coble, Chautona Havig and other writers of faith weave that aspect into their stories without slamming you in the head with a Bible. Every author I’ve read has inspired some aspect if my own writing.

  1. Will you tell us about your journey with Christ?

I was raised in a nominal religious home, where we did church because it’s what you did on Sunday morning. I became a loud and rebellious teen who found herself pregnant at 15. I chose to abort the child, knowing all along it wasn’t the right thing to do. After 6 weeks of depression and attempting to forget through more drugs and drinking, a girl at school reached out to me with the Gospel. I prayed with her standing outside the back of the school bus for the amazing, forgiving grace of God to wash me clean. The clincher is that I never saw that girl again. She was my very own angelic encounter! It hasn’t always been an easy walk, but it’s one I’m thankful to be on.

  1. What is your favorite food?

Oof! This is harder than the favorite author question! I grew up with an Italian mom who was a fabulous cook and wanted to attend cooking school myself. My all time favorite meal, though, is Thanksgiving Dinner.

  1. Do you like to travel?

Not really. We like day trips. My big travel adventure this summer was visiting my oldest son in Boston. They have excellent Italian food!

  1. Do you travel for research for your books?

Through Google!

  1. Why did you decide to become a writer?

I’ve been storytelling since I was a young child. I wrote a lot through middle and high school, lots of horrible angst ridden stuff. Hopefully I’ve outgrown that! I began seriously writing to publish about 2008.

  1. What are your hobbies?

Reading, cooking, trying out different planners, and being the only NASCAR fan in Colorado.

  1. Do you like to cook? Would you share with us a favorite recipe?

Love to cook! Here is my family’s favorite side dish.

Potato Stuffing

5 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed

1 lb bacon, diced

1 lb country sausage (not breakfast)

1 large onion, diced

1-3 sticks butter

Salt, pepper, thyme

Cook the potatoes whole until easily pierced with fork. Drain and let cool to handle. Break into chunks in the pot you cooked them in.

While the potatoes cook, in a large frying pan melt 1 stick butter. Cook onions in butter till nice and golden. Add them to the big pot.

In same pan in remaining butter, start frying the bacon till crisp. I do this in 2 batches. Add to pot.

In same pan in all the good grease, fry sausage, breaking up as it browns. Toss it in with the onions, bacon and potatoes with any grease. (I did not promise this was low fat)

Toss all of this together with the salt, pepper and thyme. I eyeball it, but it’s probably 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper and 1 tbsp thyme.

Turn on oven to 375*F

Transfer to a 9×13 pan. Dot top with another stick of butter. My hubby’s grandmother used this to stuff the turkey on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Bake for 45 minutes covered with foil. Uncover and turn oven to broil for 5ish minutes if you want to crisp the top.

We rarely have any left over. It’s great with eggs the next morning.

  1. If you could pick any genre to write in besides your current genre, what would it be?

Science fiction. I love a good sci fi story!

  1. Can you tell us about your current work in progress?

I am working on the 5th and 6th books in my Lakeville series. One is the continuation of Tom and Sunnie’s story, and the 6th is a Christmas novella featuring Silas and Wynter.

  1. What is your favorite verse? Why does it encourage or comfort you?

I love the Psalms. David was an amazing author and songwriter. The Psalms are full of the comfort of the Holy Spirit in all circumstances. My favorite verse would have to be “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13 Paul, another amazing author and theologian, knew that verse so well.

 

About the Author

Haropolous5921Writing and storytelling began in elementary school, including rewriting song lyrics. Often, I would rewrite them to God, and my favorite to sing was “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” I told elaborate tales to my Barbie and Dawn dolls, stuffed animals and imaginary friends.

My faith is vital to me, and my writing. I write inspirational fiction and fantasy because, frankly, I can’t help myself. I have tried to write without the faith element and it’s next to impossible. I want my story to reflect faith and honest struggles. The plots appear in my mind as if I’m watching a full length feature movie. At times, it’s hard for my fingers to keep up with my brain. I’ve moved from my beloved yellow legal pads and Crystal Bic pens to a keyboard, but the process is the same. I start at the beginning, find a “soundtrack,” and start typing. In the back of my books you’ll find a section titled The Song Behind The Story. Many times, I find a worship or praise song that fits the story perfectly and that becomes the main track I listen to while writing.

If I’m not writing something, I’m reading a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, theology and apologetics, to name a few. My favorite genres are, by far, science fiction and suspense. Some authors I enjoy are, in no particular order, Susan Sleeman, Anne McCaffrey, C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, John Jakes, Stephen King, Robin Lee Hatcher, Chautona Havig, Frank Peretti, Randy Alcorn, Dr. Richard Mabry, Tess Gerrison, J.K. Rowling, Peter Tremayne, Elis Peters, oh, the list could go on and on and on! I have the immense pleasure of interacting with some of them online via social media.

Currently, I’m working on completing my Lakeville series. Lakeville is a fictional town in the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania.

 

Guest Post from D.H. Barbara

Thank you to Celebrate Lit for featuring the first novel in my Lakeville Series, Seasons of a Life, for this tour. I hope many of you enjoy your introduction to Lakeville.
So many people, when they discover my little writing hobby, ask me how I come up with ideas. I then attempt to explain that ideas are literally exploding out of my brain! That usually causes them to search my face with a rather alarmed or concerned expression. Such is the life of an author!
I had no problems writing Seasons of a Life; the story presented itself to me as though I were watching a movie. I even have a soundtrack. That will stay locked in there as I have no musical talent whatsoever. I did have a song that is the theme of the book, which I write about at the end. In each book I have a page that is titled “The Song Behind the Story.”
There is a lot of “me” in Seasons of a Life. While no character, specifically, is me, one is totally based on a wonderful friend. I was blessed to have a Victoria in my life for many years before we moved to Colorado. With the exception of hair color, Victoria is a tribute to my dear friend Diana. Also, the story of the Young Turkey Sandwich is true to my New Jersey mall rat youth. Yumm-ola!
Be Blessed and Dream Big!
Barb

 

Blog Stops

August 24: A Baker’s Perspective

August 25: Proud to be an autism mom

August 26: The Power of Words (spotlight)

August 27: Avid Reader Book Reviews

August 28: Moments Dipped in Ink

August 29: Carpe Diem

August 30: Reading Is My SuperPower (interview)

August 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

September 1: Pause for Tales

September 2: Simple Harvest Reads (interview)

September 3: Quiet Quilter

September 4: Christian Bookaholic

September 5: Just the Write Escape

September 6: Mary Hake

Giveaway

Season of a Life giveaway

To celebrate her tour, D.H. Barbara is giving away a Lakeville Beach Bundle tote/beach bag containing: 1 copy Seasons of a Life,1 copy of my book Angels Unaware (inspirational fantasy), 1 sun visor, 1 cold drink bottle, and 1 box of drink flavoring packets!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bd16

Amish Brides Celebration Tour

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Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Amish-Brides-199x300Book: Amish Brides

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, Amy Lillard

Genre: Amish

Release Date: May 30, 2017

JOSHUA’S BRIDE
Molly Jebber
Madeline Lehman fears her fiancé’s family will never accept her because of her rebellious sister. She’s postponed her wedding to Joshua Stutzman until they see the truth. But when Maddie adopts her sister’s abandoned baby, can she and Joshua find a way to unite their families through forgiveness as well as love?

 

My Two Cents

Molly has done it again! I began reading and could not put the story down. Her characters captured me from the beginning. Many times family dynamics can be difficult and I love how Molly portrayed that in her story. The historical setting in Molly’s books make them unique from  many other Amish novella’s and that is a huge draw for me. Gossip, forgiveness, charity are all themes addressed in this novella. When you are finished reading, not only will you have read a wonderful book, but you will walk away thinking how you can apply these themes to your own life.

I give this novella 5 out of 5 stars. This is definitely a book to add onto your TBR pile!

About the Author

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Molly Jebber’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times has given them a near excellent rating. She’s on RWA’s Honor Roll. She’s a speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and she offers presentations on writing, publishing, Amish lifestyle and traditions. She has received widespread media coverage, including live interviews, across the United States for her books and speaking engagements.
She’s just signed a new contract for four more Amish books! She loves interacting with her readers. She loves God, her husband, family and friends. She has a hard time saying no to cupcakes, swimming, nine holes of golf, and walks on the beach. Coconut, oatmeal, and onions, on the other hand, are not hard to say no to!

Guest Post from Molly Jebber

Do you remember picking out your bride’s dress? The cake? Food? Location? The invitations? Weddings are fun, no matter how simple or extravagant. The marked event fills your heart with joy sharing in the special day with the bride and groom. I remember the day I married Ed, my best friend and soulmate. We planned the details together, and we still talk about what a heartwarming memory it is for us. I’m sure if you and I met for a girl’s chat, we’d enjoy hearing each other’s account of when we exchanged vows with our sweethearts.

Amish brides may not have the flowers, rings, and fancy food and cake, but they have their traditions and share in the excitement like we do. I enjoyed writing “Joshua’s Bride”. I hope you enjoy it to.

Blog Stops

June 1: Quiet Quilter

June 1: Lighthouse Academy

June 2: cherylbbookblog

June 2: Reading Is My SuperPower

June 3: my site/autism mom

June 3: Eat, Read, Teach, Blog

June 4: Avid Reader Book Reviews

June 4: Blossoms and Blessings

June 5: Bibliophile Reviews

June 5: Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting

June 6: God’s Little Bookworm

June 6: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

June 7: A Greater Yes

June 7: Donna’s BookShelf

June 8: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

June 8: Jeanette’s Thoughts

June 9: Smiling Book Reviews

June 9: Splashes of Joy

June 10: A Baker’s Perspective

June 11: Christian Bookaholic

June 12: Karen Sue Hadley

June 13: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

June 13: Bigreadersite

June 14: A Simply Enchanted Life

June 14: Southern Gal Loves to Read

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a $50 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/b3a7

Written in Love Review

Written in Love is a 320 page Christian fiction novel in the Amish genre. It is published by Thomas Nelson and was released on March 14, 2017. If you would like your own copy, you can purchase it here.

About the book

written in loveWhen a postal error creates pen pals of two young Amish people, can they put behind their past mistakes to see the bright future God has written for them?

Jalon Chupp has a past he isn’t proud to claim. He’s worked hard to overcome his youthful mistakes, and he has recommitted himself to his faith. When he receives a sweet note included in a piece of misdirected mail, he can’t help but write back. Soon, the letters he receives from Phoebe are the highlights of his days, and with a hopeful heart, he suggests they meet in person.

Phoebe, too, looks forward to every single one of Jalon’s letters. Living with her overbearing aunt, Phoebe doesn’t have too much to look forward to. But when Jalon suggests they meet, she panics—although she has shared some of the deepest longings of her heart with him, she hasn’t been entirely truthful about her past. But when Jalon shows up at her aunt’s doorstep, everything is revealed. And she can only pray he’ll forgive her for holding back the truth.

In order to reach beyond the errors of their pasts, both Phoebe and Jalon must put their faith in something—or Someone—bigger than either of them could pen.

My Two Cents

So I have to admit dear friends, that while I love Amish books, they can begin to blur and all seem to be the same. Let me assure you this is not the case with Written in Love . My absolute favorite part of this book is that we get to see first hand the thoughts of the characters through the first person writing of the letters. It was wonderful to experience the two main characters thoughts first hand.

The themes of Written in Love are ones that we can apply to our everyday lives. Forgiveness, learning from past mistakes, not rushing to judgement along with being careful about making assumptions are all explored in depth in the story line.

The characters were easy to connect with and the story flowed well. The only part I hated about this book was seeing it end. I wanted to keep reading and am looking forward to Fuller’s next installment.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I loved it! If you love a story of moving past life’s mistakes and learning from them; if you love a sweet story that shows a characters flaws, and if you love a story that shows hope that people can change, than this story is for you!

About the Author

kathleenKathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, and the Amish of Birch Creek series, as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at www.kathleenfuller.com, Twitter: @TheKatJam, and Facebook: Kathleen Fuller.

The Ebb Tide Review

The Ebb Tide is a 336 page book by Beverly Lewis in the Christian Amish fiction genre. It is published by Bethany House Publishers and was released on April 4, 2017. Click here to purchase your copy.

 

About the book

the ebb tideWhen a well-to-do family asks Sallie Riehl to be their daughter’s nanny for the summer at their Cape May, New Jersey, vacation home, she jumps at the chance to broaden her horizons beyond the Lancaster County Amish community where she grew up. Sallie has long dreamed of seeing more of the world, but her parents are reluctant for her to put off baptism yet another summer, and the timing is unfortunate for Perry Zook, who has renewed interest in courting her.

Though she loves nannying, Sallie has free time on the weekends to enjoy the shore. It is there that she meets Kevin Kreider, a marine biology student who talks freely about all he’s learning and asks about her interests, unlike most of the guys she grew up with. Time with Kevin is invigorating, and Sallie realizes she’s never felt quite this alive around Perry. Then again, Kevin is Mennonite, not Amish.

Sallie tries to brush aside her growing feelings for Kevin, but she fears what her parents would think about her new friendship. Just as concerning, however, is Sallie’s realization that her time in Cape May is increasing her desire to see the world, challenging her plans for the future. Has she been too hasty with her promises, or will Sallie only find what her heart is longing for back home in Paradise Township?

 

My Two Cents

beach-1641791_1920Lewis has woven a wonderful story of love, family relationships, and a wonderlust heart. The story is well written with a fast-moving plot line and characters that have depth. The setting of the book makes you wish you were at the beach putting your toes in the water ( I had to put in a picture because, hey, it is 89 degrees here and I wish I was at the beach).

Friends, I will tell you that I couldn’t put this book down; I read it in one day. The little girl that Sallie nannies, Autumn, stole my heart from the beginning and Sallie’s aunt made me smile. As a mother I can relate to Sallie’s mother – we want our children to stay close. There were a few parts of the story that unrealistic – I can’t share more specifically because it would include spoilers. With that said, the relationship between Sallie and Autumn was truly heartwarming and made me smile. The family dynamics in Sallie’s family can be frustrating at times but does bring tension to the story. I found encouragement in the metaphor of life’s high’s and lows being like the ebb tide – the tide going high and low.

 

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. It is a great summer read that will leave you peaceful at the end. If you enjoy a wonderful Amish story or a story that shows how God is with us through all times of life, than this book is for you!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for a free copy of this book. No compensation was received and all view are my own.

About the Author

beverly lewisI’ve had my nose in a book, for as long as I remember. When I was about 9 years old, I started writing my own stories. By sixth grade, I’d hand-written a 66-page semi-autobiographical book titled, “She Shall Have Music.”

After I was married and our three children were in middle school, I began submitting articles and short fiction to various magazines.

My first book (Holly’s First Love) was published in May 1993, the start of a 14-book series for pre-teen girls. Soon after, my first chapter book was published for 7-10-year-old readers (“Big Bad Beans”) which later became part of my 24-book series, The Cul-de-Sac Kids. I wrote another long-running series for girls, titled “SummerHill Secrets,” which was set very close to Neffsville, PA, where I grew up–near the heart of Amish country.

But it was the story of my grandmother Ada Buchwalter’s shunning by her ultra-strict father and subsequently her old order Mennonite community that nudged me toward writing adult fiction. THE SHUNNING was published in 1997 by Bethany House Publishers, and along with its sequels, has touched a nerve in millions of readers intrigued by the Plain tradition of Lancaster County, PA. The Hallmark Movie Channel will air the movie, “Beverly Lewis’s The Confession” on January 19, 2013–the sequel to “The Shunning” movie.

My passion for Amish-related stories continues to keep me up at night, and I’m presently editing the 2nd book (The Bridesmaid) in my new series: “Home to Hickory Hollow,” due out September 11, 2012.

When I’m between writing deadlines, I enjoy hiking in the Rocky Mountains with my husband. Cooking from scratch, playing Mozart at the piano, and making family memory albums, as well as traveling to meet my devoted readers during book tours, are some of my very favorite things. I also adore reading biographies and memoirs, as well as classic literature.

Book One of my present series: The Fiddler, is available now.

Mighty to Save Celebration Tour & Giveaway

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Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

mighty to save

Book: Mighty to Save

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: May 15, 2017

Contrary to her parents’ wishes, Evelyn married a nonbeliever, but it all works out . . . or does it? Not only did the love of her life accept Christ, Nathaniel got baptized by fire and became a minister of the gospel. Woven into the breathtaking tale of love and redemption are two additional stories, Evelyn’s novels of faith, family, and forgiveness.

About the Author

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Caryl McAdoo loves writing stories for all ages that glorify God and is thrilled Christian fiction fits her life purpose so well. Bold not bashful, she’s quick to share the Bible principles she lives by through her characters and hopes each title ministers His love, mercy, and grace. Known as the “Singing Pray-er”—with a YouTube channel to prove it—the prolific hybrid author also loves praising Him with new songs He gives her. Her high-school-sweetheart-husband moved the family from the DFW area—home for fifty-plus years—to the woods and seat of Red River County. After Ron, Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings. The McAdoos live a few miles south of Clarksville in the far northeast corner of the Lone Star State with two grandsons.

Guest Post from Caryl McAdoo

Mighty to Save, book nine, is unlike all the other stories in the Texas Romance family saga as the heroine, Evelyn Eversole—you’ll remember her as little Evie in book eight, Covering Love—and hero, Nathaniel Nightingale, are already married in Chapter One. Where’s the romance, Caryl? You may ask. But I think you’ll see that Mighty to Save is brimming with all the stuff love is made of!

The depth of the Nightingales’ love is revealed and tested, and because Evelyn is a novelist like her MayMee (May Meriwether), we are privileged to experience the love of another couple whose progeny is intertwined with the Nightingales’ lineage. (knowing the characters of the next novel Chief of Sinners that was written over twenty years ago and served as the foundation of the Texas Romance series, it’s been a labor of love, tying all these characters together.

And while a very few have remarked that it’s a little hard jumping back and forth in time, the majority of readers have expressed their satisfaction and appreciation for getting to know the backstories in such a fun way. This tale deals with imperfect people—as we all are. I hope my characters come across as real, someone in your family or who might live next door.

In this world, we will have tribulation . . . but being of good cheer isn’t always so easy. Sometime those trials knock us off our foundation, and we find ourselves in an ocean of mire, like trying to swim through jello . . . weary of it to the point where only God can save us. And so we cry out to Him. And He does.

Should that mean what waylaid us no longer has any effect on our lives? Not every time.

I pray that you will enjoy Mighty to Save. This story is another reason why I’m so blessed that God led me to publish independently of the traditional houses, as I’m most certain it would definitely not fit their pigeon hole titled Christian Romance. Life offers hills and valleys. Could we truly appreciate one without the other?

Fair warning, don’t be expecting same-O same-O!

Thank you so much for being a part of my Celebrate Lit Blog Tour Launch! Bloggers, readers, reviewers, and visitors all—everyone at the awesome Celebrate Lit Tour Company, too—y’all are such blessings to me! So much so, I could never repay your kindnesses, encouragement, and support. But my Father can, And I pray He will send every blessing back to you a hundred fold!

Blog Stops

May 16: Inklings and notions

May 17: Carpe Diem

May 18: Christian Bookaholic

May 19: Captive Dreams Window

May 20: A Greater Yes

May 20: The Power of Words (Spotlight)

May 21: Radiant Light

May 21: Connie’s History Classroom

May 22: cherylbbookblog

May 23: Bigreadersite

May 23: Daysong Reflections

May 24: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

May 25: A Baker’s Perspective

May 26: Karen Sue Hadley

May 27: Mary Hake

May 28: Bibliophile Reviews

May 29: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Giveaway

Grand Prize

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away:

Grand Prize: ALL NINE books in the Texas Romance series!

1st Prize: Four first books in four of Caryl’s series

2nd-6th Prize: Print Copy Vow Unbroken

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

Behind the Scenes Author Interview and Giveaway!

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To order your copy, click here.

About the Book

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Click to purchase

Book: Behind the Scenes

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Release Date: April, 2017

Miss Permilia Griswold may have been given the opportunity of a debut into New York high society, but no one warned her she wasn’t guaranteed to “take.” After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, she’s finally putting her status on the fringes of society to good use by penning anonymous society gossip columns under the pseudonym “Miss Quill.”

Mr. Asher Rutherford has managed to maintain his status as a reputable gentleman of society despite opening his own department store. While pretending it’s simply a lark to fill his time, he has quite legitimate reasons for needing to make his store the most successful in the country.
When Permilia overhears a threat against the estimable Mr. Rutherford, she’s determined to find and warn the man. Disgruntled at a first meeting that goes quite poorly and results in Asher not believing her, she decides to take matters into her own hands, never realizing she’ll end up at risk as well.

As Asher and Permilia are forced to work together and spend time away from the spotlight of society, perhaps there’s more going on behind the scenes than they ever could have anticipated. . . .

About the Author

jen-turanoJen Turano, author of nine books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.

 

 

 

Interview With Jen Turano

  1. What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you personally?

Amusing things happen to me all the time, but I think my favorite was back in college when I was a lifeguard. You see, there’s a lifeguard code – You will be cool at all times, especially when you’re sitting in a lifeguard chair, twirling your whistle exactly so, and, you know…looking cool. So, there I was, in my black lifeguard bathing suit – swinging my whistle. It was an unusually hot day, so I’d angled my umbrella exactly right as I watched the diving-board section. Now, I know this might come as a surprise, but being a lifeguard at the neighborhood pool isn’t exactly thrilling. It’s rare that anything exciting happens, and that particular day was no exception…until a large gust of wind came out of nowhere and the umbrella took it upon itself to close – right over me. And because it was now really gusty, the umbrella then lifted up, taking me with it right off the chair and into the depths of the deep end of the pool. From all accounts, it was quite the sight. First, there I was, swinging my whistle and looking groovy. Then all you could see were my legs flailing about as the umbrella covered the rest of me, and then…I was plummeting toward the pool, hit the water with the umbrella over me, and promptly sank. Obviously I managed to get out of the umbrella, but in the process, part of my bathing suit came off, and…well, that’s a story for another day.

 

  1. What is your favorite book from your childhood?

“Andrew Henry’s Meadow.” It was actually my little brother’s book, gotten from one of those book of the month clubs, but I loved it. I recently found a copy on an e-site and ordered it, and it’s just as delightful today as it was back in my childhood.

 

  1. Who does the cooking and cleaning in your house when you are on a deadline?

I don’t actually cook much even when I’m not on deadline, so that’s not really an issue. Al and I do a lot of salads or throw some chicken on the grill. We also have a lot of grocery stores that have wonderful deli and gourmet foods, so we get a lot of things there. As for cleaning, I’m one of those neurotic people who can’t work without everything being in place, so I do a lot of tidying up before I go to bed. And, because I do some of my best thinking when I clean, I’ve been known to abandon my writing when I get stuck and pick up a mop or cleaning rag, which means my house is rarely a disaster since I need to get unstuck a lot.

 

  1. Where is your favorite place to write?

I do the majority of my writing in my office, although I will occasionally take a pad of paper and a pen outside to handwrite when I get bored of my office or it’s a really nice day and I don’t feel like being trapped inside. It’s not that my office is my favorite place to write, it’s more that my writing is my job and I’m more focused on that writing when I approach it as such.

 

  1. What is your favorite part of the writing process?

I really like when characters and new story ideas begin to fester. That normally happens when I’m in the midst of another series. By the time I’m done with whatever series I’m working on, the next series is pretty firmly set in my mind, which means I can jump right in as I wait for edits on recently completed work. My absolute favorite part of writing, though, is when I turn in the very final edit on a book and don’t see it again until it comes out in print. Although, I must admit, I’ve never, not once, read one of my books after it has gone to print. Seems rather pointless since I do always know how the book is going to end.

 

  1. Why did you choose the timeframe or setting this book is written in?

I’ve been wanting to set a book during Alva Vanderbilt’s famous costume ball of March, 1883, for years. Since I decided to slowly travel through the Gilded Age, I just reached 1883 on my plot timeline, so knew I was finally going to get to throw some characters into the very midst of Alva’s ball. It was a blast to write, loved going back to all my books on this particular ball and seeing the pictures, and only wish the Vanderbilt house at 660 Fifth Avenue was still standing so I could visit it in person to visualize the splendors located inside a little more clearly.

 

  1. What inspires you?

I think like most writers, I simply get inspired by the world around me. I love to people watch, and I love to imagine all sorts of outlandish scenarios as I do that watching. I also get inspired by reading the headlines of the daily papers, and by the research books I read. I also love to look through old photographs of the Gilded Age, and became intrigued with Alva Vanderbilt’s ball when I saw a picture of a young lady, Miss Kate Strong, with a stuffed cat on her head and wearing a choker necklace with the name Puss engraved on it. That was all it took for me to investigate the Vanderbilt ball further, delighted to discover it truly was a ball that only comes along every blue moon.

Blog Stops

April 27: Reading Is My SuperPower

April 27: The Scribbler

April 27: Genesis 5020

April 27: These Splendid Sentences

April 28: Back Porch Reads

April 28: Smiling Book Reviews

April 28: Fiction, Faith, and Fun

April 28: Just the Write Escape

April 29: Bookworm Mama

April 29: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

April 29: Books. Books. AND More Books.

April 29: Karen Sue Hadley

April 30: Lighthouse Academy

April 30: Radiant Light

April 30: Bigreadersite

April 30: Lane Hill House

May 1: Faithfully Bookish

May 1: Counting Pinecones

May 1: Blogging With Carol

May 1: Moments Dipped in Ink

May 2: inklings and notions

May 2: Blossoms and Blessings

May 2: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

May 2: Neverending Stories

May 3: For The Love of Books

May 3: Singing Librarian Books

May 3: Book by Book

May 3: Pause for Tales

May 4: A Baker’s Perspective

May 4: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

May 4: cherylbbookblog

May 4: Rachel Scott McDaniel

May 5: With a Joyful Noise

May 5: Baker Kella

May 5: A Reader’s Brain

May 5: Southern Gal Loves to Read

May 6: A Greater Yes

May 6: Christian Bookaholic

May 6: Connie’s History Classroom

May 6: Splashes of Joy

May 6: Just Commonly

May 7: A Simple Life, really?!

May 7: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

May 7: Daysong Reflections

May 7: The Power of Words

May 8: Ashley’s Bookshelf

May 8: Eat, Read,Teach, Blog

May 8: Giveaway Lady

May 8: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

May 9: Bibliophile Reviews

May 9: History, Mystery & Faith

May 9: I Hope You Dance

May 9: Simpleharvestreads

May 10: His Grace is Sufficient

May 10: History, Hope, Laughter & Happily-ever-after

May 10: Raining Butterfly Kisses

May 10: Reader’s Cozy Corner

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card and the four books: After a Fashion, In Good Company, Playing the Part, Behind the Scenes!! 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/4664b04910/