The Simple Souls of Susan Guest Review & Giveaway

About the Book

The Simple Sould of Susan

Title: The Simple Soul of Susan

Author: Noel Branham

Genre: Romance, YA, Coming-of-Age, Contemporary

Release Date: October 11, 2017

Susan Combs had long ago found the love of her life. The only problem was the other party still didn’t know he had been found.

Every day Susan saw Calder Hurtz, her next door neighbor and childhood best friend. They always enjoyed the short drive to school down the dusty streets of their small Texas town. She was happy in those perfect moments, for her life at home was most imperfect. The challenging homestead she inhabited was also the favorite subject of local gossip.

But one autumn day she overhears Calder and another boy having a conversation. This occasion of accidental audience sets Susan’s life on an unforeseen path. In the seasons to come, her future will be changed by two hospitalizations, two confessions of love, and one betrayal.

Compulsively readable, The Simple Soul of Susan is an engaging, soul-endearing romance and a mesmerizing debut.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

What an incredibly sweet book! This is the first book by the author I have read and it was definitely a worthy read. The book is written well and easy to read, the characters are believable and wonderful, the small town of Walnut Springs, TX is charming, and the plot is fun.

The author writes in third person perspective from Susan’s point of view. Susan is a gifted mathematician who is painfully shy and ostracized because of her family’s past and her simple way of life and the simple things she wants out of life. She’s been in love with her next door neighbor and best friend Calder all her life but he wants to go to college in a big city and doesn’t seem to return her romantic interest. Calder is the opposite of Susan – a prominent son of the town’s sheriff, outgoing, athletic, and wanted by every girl in school. The story builds on their childhood friendship and memories. The plot is carried mostly by the everyday happenings in a small town high schooler’s days so there isn’t a lot of intense action or suspense but plenty of sweet interactions between neighbors and not-so-sweet cattiness of high schoolers. The writing and story reminded me of an old-fashioned classic black and white movie, reminiscent of It’s A Wonderful Life (though the story takes place in modern times where cell phones and email are prevalent). Anyone who enjoys an innocent and charming coming-of-age story would love this book.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. Opinions expressed are completely my own and subjective.

About the Author

Born and raised in a small Texas town, Noel Branham started her career in digital communications after graduating with a degree in English. An award-winning communicator, she now writes from her residence in Florida about things closest to the heart: home, family, and love.

Guest Post from Noel Branham

Fictional Romance: A Real Relationship Killer?

You’ve heard it before… All romance novels give readers unrealistic expectations of relationships. Yep. They totally do. But I think most of the time, with life in general, we have unrealistic expectations not only of others but of ourselves. We live in a world where there is always something else to try, buy or satisfy our ever-evolving aspirations of happiness and fulfillment. So here are three things to remember while reading romance novels that will lead to having deep, meaningful, romantic, relationships in real life:

Happiness isn’t fulfilled expectations. When you expect yoursignificant other (SO) to see you and romantically sweep you off your feet while pulling flowers from behind your back and force feeding you chocolates… you may have some unrealistic expectations. Would it be nice? Sure! But there is always something more they could do to make you happy, feeling loved, satisfied, etc. It’s a bottomless pit of desire and implied anticipated actions. We have to realize that no matter how many things we want out of a relationship, we can never receive them all… because realistically, we could never live up to the things expected of us either. Romance is a two-way street.
Happiness is the unexpected, fulfilled. Wait… how can you fulfill something that isn’t expected? You can’t. And that’s what makes it so great. Your SO fills your car up with gas, takes you out for a date for no particular reason, watches that Victorian-era PBS drama with you even though they can’t understand the accents… When we get rid of expectations for ourselves and others we are able to really enjoy the things and people we already have and anything else is simply adding to lovely life that we already possess.
Happiness in relationships is what you make of it. Just not feeling the love anymore after five years together? Was it that you chose the wrong person? Was it something they did? Something you did? Love can be a feeling and an action. Your relationship doesn’t have to be defined by feelings. Feelings fade. They aren’t realistic. They change with time as people change with time because all people change. But actions… actions are what you choose to do on a regular basis. They are a daily intentional choice (made by you) to care for another person. You can control your actions, but not so much your feelings. Funny thing is often times your actions create feelings you never thought you could have.

If you are looking for a romance novel with a bit more realism to test out these principals, check out The Simple Soul of Susan. You can have the realistic expectation that you won’t be disappointed 🙂

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, May 10

The Christian Fiction Girl, May 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 10

Multifarious, May 11

Remembrancy, May 11

Two Points of interest, May 12

Blogging With Carol, May 12

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 13

Inklings and notions, May 13

Kristin’s Book Reviews, May 14

proud to be an autism mom, May 14

Artistic Nobody, May 15 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, May 15

Mommynificent, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 16

The Fizzy Pop Collection, May 17

Janices book reviews, May 17

Pause for Tales, May 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 18

Bibliophile Reviews, May 19

Carpe Diem, May 19

A Baker’s Perspective, May 20

margaret kazmierczak, May 20 (Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, May 21 (Guest post, Mindy Houng)

Reading is my Super Power, May 21 (Interview)

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, May 22

Bigreadersite, May 22

Reader’s cozy corner, May 23

Josephine’s Thoughts, May 23

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Noel giving away

Grand Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card
First & Second Place Prize: eBook copy of the Simple Soul of Susan!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cee4/the-simple-soul-of-susan-celebration-tour-giveaway

She Who Knows No Fear Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Title: She Who Knows No Fear

Author: Barbara Bras

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction

Release Date: December 8, 2017

Cassie’s dream is about to come true. She’s marrying her best friend, the love of her life.

She will never be alone again.

But when Zack fails to return from surfing, Cassie’s safe world comes crashing down around her and she begins her struggle anew.

Haunted by her conviction that her late grandmother left her something that will help her, Cassie discovers hidden “treasures” in the house she inherited.

With the help of her stepmother, Cassie unlocks the secrets of her grandmother’s journey and along the way finds the ultimate answer for her own life.

Click here to purchase your copy.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

This is the first book by Barbara Bras that I have read. I didn’t read the first book in the series. Reading the first book may have helped in better understanding and identifying with Cassie and her relationship with Zack. The book takes place in 1963 in Hawaii so the setting is breathtaking. The book addresses Cassie’s emotional and spiritual journey into freedom from fear and anxiety. Cassie has a broken past that she needs healing from, and she still has trouble letting go of past hurts and unhealthy ways of coping with emotions. God’s handiwork is quite clear in her life as well as in the lives of her extended family members and it’s wonderful to see the family rally around Cassie in support and prayer.

Anyone who enjoys and needs a novel about becoming free from the chains of fear and anxiety would enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author/publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and subjective.

About the Author

In 2015, Barbara Bras left her career to pursue her dream of serving God. She believed that her first step was to share the amazing story of God’s blessings in her life. Wrapped in God’s Grace, A Life Rediscovered does so through a trio of narratives. It begins with the story of her son’s miraculous adoption and the challenging years that followed, her grandparents’ remarkable survival in Armenia, and her own quest for purpose and love. Once written, Barbara realized her life’s new purpose. Captured by St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, she views her writing as a tribute to the God who comforts and strengthens us in hardships and trials, and as her mission to encourage others. Her first novel, She Who Knows, A Tale of the Heart, seeks to inspire and encourage. The sequel, She Who Knows No Fear: Another Tale of the Heart, released in December 2017. Solo Deo Gloria, To God Alone Be the Glory

Blog Spots

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 26

proud to be an autism mom, April 26

Reflections From My Bookshelves, April 27

Inklings and notions, April 28

Blogging With Carol, April 28

Bibliophile Reviews, April 29

A Greater Yes, April 29

Josephine’s Thoughts, April 30

Among the Reads, April 30

Maureen’s Musings, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2

Janices book reviews, May 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 3

Reading is my Super Power, May 3 (Interview)

Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 4

Pause for Tales, May 4

Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, May 5

Carpe Diem, May 5

A Baker’s Perspective, May 6

margaret kazmierczak, May 6 (Interview)

Mary Hake, May 7

Simple Harvest Reads, May 7 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Two Points of Interest, May 8

Bigreadersite, May 8

For the love of books, May 9

Artistic Nobody, May 9 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card plus a signed copy of She Who Knows and She Who Knows No Fear!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca74

Presumption and Partiality Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Title: Presumption and Partiality

Author: Rebekah Jones

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: November 27, 2017

Among the cotton fields and farmland of Gilbert, Arizona in the early years of the Great Depression, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey live a simple, but happy life with their five daughters on a cotton farm. When the wealthy Richard Buchanan moves to town, bringing his family, a friend, and a desire to learn about cotton, Matilda Bailey is convinced that he is the perfect candidate to marry her eldest daughter, Alice.

Richard is cheerful, friendly, and likable. His friend Sidney Dennison doesn’t make such a good impression. Eloise Bailey decides he’s arrogant and self-conceited, but when Raymond Wolfe comes to town, accusing Sidney of dishonorable and treacherous conduct, Eloise is angered at the injustice of the situation.

When the Buchanan household leaves town, Alice must turn to the Lord and face, perhaps, her most difficult test in trust, while Eloise takes a trip to visit her friend and may well discover a web of deceit that she doesn’t really want to believe exists.

Click here to purchase your copy.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

This is the first book by Rebekah Jones that I have read. It is book #5 in the Vintage Jane Austen books but this is not necessarily a part of a “series” as we usually see it. The series is a collection of books written by different authors that loosely base the plot on different Jane Austen novels. So if you haven’t read any other books in the Vintage Jane Austen line, no need to read the previous books since each novel is a stand-alone. The story takes place in mid-1930s in a small town of Gilbert, Arizona. If you enjoy a fun, somewhat more modern rendition of Pride and Prejudice, you will really like this book.

The book is well-written and fun. Sure, you know how the story ends and can sort of predict the personalities of the characters based on Jane Austen’s novel but there are some very 1930-esque additions to the storyline like difficulty finding work in the Arizona desert during the Depression, the threat of another war looming in Europe, trials and rewards of cotton farming, and the introduction of the Navajo culture and traditions to the characters and storyline. The strong thread of faith and prayer, of forgiveness, grace and hope really shined through the lives of Alice, Richard, Eloise, Sidney, and Raymond.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and subjective.

About the Author

Rebekah Jones is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify her King with her books and stories. Her goal is to write Bible-Centered, Christian Literature; books rich with interesting characters, intricate story lines, and always with the Word of God at the center. Besides writing, she is an avid reader, songwriter, pianist, singer, artist, and history student. She also loves children. She lives with her family in the Southwestern desert.

Guest Post from Rebekah Jones

Why is he a Navajo?

I’ve had more than one person ask me why I chose to make Sidney Dennison, the “Mr. Darcy” of my novel Presumption and Partiality, a Navajo Indian.

When I commenced planning and research for placing a retelling of Pride and Prejudice in the 1930’s United States, I found myself drawn to the desert of Arizona rather early on. Specifically, the tiny farm town of Gilbert. I knew, however, that few rich people lived in that area; certainly not enough to create social rifts large enough to recreate the social differences of the original novel.

I experimented in my head with a few different ideas, but the idea of Sidney as a Native American came to me one day and just clicked. I knew that I couldn’t fully pull off a Navajo who lived on the reservations. As much as I researched, I couldn’t quite get the feel. Yet, a man whose ancestry included a white man as a grandfather, who lived outside the reservations, though with relatives who clung to some of the old traditions, I thought I could do.

I used to wish I were an Indian, in part because I wanted to have great tracking skills, live in a tee-pee, possess superb bow and arrow abilities, and I wanted to ride a horse. True, most of that did not enter a 1930’s novel, despite my Navajo cowboy, because the eras are different. Though, Sidney did get a horse. Or technically, several.

Further, something about the silent, good-looking Indian appealed to me, much as I tend to shy away from writing about handsome and beautiful people, since they feel so common in fiction. The minute I began imagining the man with his Navajo ancestry, he just felt perfect.

By the end, Sidney turned out to be one of my favorite characters. (I can’t ever pick just one in my novels.) I think I made a good choice and I hope my readers will agree!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 24

red headed book lady, April 24

Reading Is My SuperPower, April 25

Seasons of Opportunities, April 25

Karen Sue Hadley, April 25

Just the Write Escape, April 26

Remembrancy, April 26

Two Points of Interest, April 27

Views from the Window Friend, April 27

margaret kazmierczak, April 27

Bibliophile Reviews, April 28

Inklings and notions, April 28

History, Mystery & Faith, April 29

Mary Hake, April 29

proud to be an autism mom, April 30

A Greater Yes, April 30

Fiction Aficionado, April 30

Among the Reads, May 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 1

Janices book reviews, May 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 2

Carpe Diem, May 3

A Baker’s Perspective, May 3

Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, May 4

With a Joyful Noise, May 4

Have A Wonderful Day, May 4

Pause for Tales, May 5

Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Artistic Nobody, May 6 (Spotlight)

Bigreadersite, May 6

Faery Tales Are Real, May 7

By The Book, May 7

Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rebekah is giving away a grand prize of the complete set of the Vintage Jane Austen Collection!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cc8f

Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Title: Guide your Mind, Guard your Heart, Grace your Tongue

Author: Carol Burton McLeod

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Living

Release Date: April 3, 2018

Every single one of us with a beating heart has spoken words “under the influence” of warped feelings and slurred thinking. And we soon wish we had the magical power to take those words back. We especially regret the hurtful words we have spoken to those we love the most and know the best. This book may just be the solution.

Carol McLeod reveals that before the words are spoken, they brew in our hearts and are formed in our minds. It’s our thoughts and emotions that determine what words come out of our mouths. Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue is an innovative blueprint that will enable you to take control of your thoughts and feelings in order to grace your tongue. You won’t find pat answers here, but rather powerful strategies based on the Word of God to reroute disordered thinking and cure rotten emotions so your words can be humbly grateful instead of grumbly hateful.

Click here to purchase your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

What an affirming read. The title really says it all. The book goes through how our mind should be guided, how our heart should be guarded, and how our tongue should pour out grace. The chapters also outline why these things are important and also give examples of when things have gone right and when things did not. The book brims with Scripture and spiritual truths in each chapter to ground the reader in His Word as the source for guided minds, guarded hearts, and grace-filled tongues.

The writing style is easy to read and follow. Anyone who is looking for encouragement and guidance on the mind-heart-tongue struggle will learn much from this book.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the author and Whitaker House through Celebrate Lit Tours. I was not required to write a favorable review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and subjective.

About the Author

Carol Burton McLeod is a popular speaker at women’s conferences and retreats through her ministry, Just Joy!, and is the author of a number of books. Carol hosts a daily radio show, “Defiant Joy! Radio,” which is broadcast in major markets across America. Her blog, “Joy for the Journey” (formerly “A Cup of Tea with Carol”), has been named in the Top 50 Faith Blogs for Women, and her teaching DVD The Rooms of a Woman’s Heart won a Telly Award for excellence in religious programming.

Enjoy the Book Video

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 17

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 17

Genesis 5020, April 18:

Moments Dipped in Ink, April 18

Just the Write Escape, April 19

Mary Hake, April 19

Multifarious, April 20

Bigreadersite , April 20

Bibliophile Reviews, April 21

Carpe Diem, April 22

Power of Words, April 23 (Spotlight)

Among the Reads, April 23

A Baker’s Perspective, April 24

Resolved for Christ, April 25

Beck to Basics, April 26

Artistic Nobody, April 26 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions, April 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 27

proud to be an autism mom, April 28

Janices book reviews, April 28

Texas Book-aholic, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Simple Harvest Reads, April 30

A Greater Yes, April 30

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Whitaker House is giving away the following prizes:

Grand Prize: A copy of Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue, “Grace” teapot from Christian Arts Gifts, Whitaker House/Anchor adult coloring book.

1st Place: A copy of Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue, Abba Jerusalem 6” Scented Pillar Candle

2nd Place: A copy of Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue, and Whitaker House/Anchor adult coloring book.

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cd18/guide-your-mind-guard-your-heart-grace-your-tongue-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

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

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

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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

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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.