Visible Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Visible

Author: Darlene Corbett

Genre: Romantic Women’s Fiction

Release date: May 15, 2024

Untitled-67

Therapist Rachel Karem is accustomed to helping emotionally wounded individuals navigate the murky waters of dealing with complicated family dynamics, relationship issues, and life transitions. When individual therapy hits a brick wall for five successful professionals, she persuades them to engage in a ten-week group therapy program. But working through these sessions with her clients reveals Rachel’s own brokenness.

Widowed, childless, and estranged from her family, Rachel wonders if she will ever have a second chance at love. She is amazed when her own therapist advocates for her to “get back in the game.” To her surprise, Rachel enrolls in dance classes where she learns the Tango. Romantic, passionate, intense, sensual, dramatic, the Tango embodies everything that is missing in Rachel’s life. As she grows more confident in her dance steps, her life becomes more entwined with her handsome dance partner, Michael. But past betrayals haunt Rachel’s emotions, and current rivals for Michael’s affections feed past rejections.

Even as her clients in the therapy group learn to support each other in their quest for personal wholeness, Rachel yearns for a deeper connection within herself to propel her into the next stage of her life. But will it be with or without Michael?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Darlene Corbett views herself as a lifelong learner, a pursuer of excellence, a work-in-progress, and a truth seeker.

Serving others as a licensed psychotherapist has been her primary professional position for over thirty years.

Now, she includes Author/Writer and Speaker.

Her wealth of experience in human behavior prompted Darlene to write her ideas on paper, which set the stage for her book, “Stop Depriving the World of You,” published by Sound Wisdom in 2018.

Darlene wrote her first novel, Visible, a women’s fiction about second chances, published by WordCrafts Press in the spring of 2024, and plans on writing two more books in this series.

And right now?

Also, she’s finishing a contemporary romance, the first in another series.

Besides being an avid reader, Darlene loves animals, especially dogs, which you’ll see in her novel. Also, she treasures learning another language, yoga, fitness, traveling, and connecting with her inner circle.

She belongs to many organizations, including the ACFW, FHL-CW, and AWSA.

She makes her home in Central Massachusetts with her beloved Shih Tzu and remains excited about the next chapter of her life.

More from Darlene

I created the protagonist, Rachel, with a Jordanian background. I’m half Syrian/Lebanese, so I thought I’d share an easy but delicious recipe given to me by my mother:

Hushwee:

1 lb. of ground lamb or lean beef

1 stick of butter

2 cups of white rice

5 cups of water and 5 chicken bouillons

1 tablespoon of cinnamon

1 table spoon of allspice

A handful or 2 of pinenuts

On medium heat, stir-fry the beef with the butter.

Once it’s browned, mix in the dry rice, cinnamon, allspice, and pinenuts

Put aside

Boil 5 cups of water with the bouillons.

Once water has boiled, spoon in the mixture, bring the heat to low or one above, and cover.

20-25 minutes and should be done.

You may adjust according to your preference and stovetop.

This can be a side dish or the main mean with a nice Syrian salad such as Tabouli or Fattoush.

Bon Appetit

Interview with the Author

1)What does success as an author look like to you?
Ensuring that the reader becomes immersed in the story, and although it’s a work of fiction, they recognize that everyone has the capacity to overcome the most difficult of challenges.

2)Which character did you connect to best in this book?
I love all my characters. However, because I’m a therapist, I connect the best with Rachel.

3)What inspired this book?
I’ve been wanting to write a novel for years, and my understanding of human behavior inspired me to create fictional but realistic characters dealing with issues, which I know well.

 

4)What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?
It’s tied with Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”And Luke 12:48 – From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

5)What is your vacation spot?
I love Key West, a setting I use in my book.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, October 24 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26

Fiction Book Lover, October 27 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 28 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Blossoms and Blessings, October 31 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 1

Stories By Gina, November 2 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, November 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 5 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 5

Pause for Tales, November 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Darlene is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a winner’s choice of a paperback or eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5476/

Here Lyeth Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Here Lyeth (A Lifeline Fantasy Series Book Three. It can be read as a stand alone)

Author: Johanna Frank

Genre: Religious Fantasy / Coming of Age Fantasy

Release date: November 1, 2024

Answers to her identity lie beneath a gravestone; her own.

Something was missing. It was easy for Lexxie to bury that niggling sense, she had all the love and protection a young woman needed. But when the man she thought to be her father spilled a fever-pitched confession, her content and isolated life ended. Angry and heartbroken, she left the people she loved on a mere hint—her true father lived in Vereiteln Dorf, two villages over. Once there, she’s drawn to an unconsecrated graveyard and patches shocking revelations and broken pieces together, and the more she does, the more her presence in this superstitious village becomes a threat. The perils of a noose amid a 1688 witch hunt lay heavy on her shoulders.

Years earlier, in the same village, young Meginhardt succumbs to a vicious attack. Ethereal beings take him on a time-traveling journey to resolve the lad’s deeply rooted struggles. When Meginhardt learns that some woman named Lexxie is the chosen one to carry forward his father’s line of descendants, fits of jealousy ensue—a dream shattered. It should have been him. He becomes frantic to ensure the demise of this undeserving woman. In apparitional form he delivers her a message, face to face.

Her future lyeth in his words.

STIRRING… EXTRAORDINARY… UPLIFTING

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Before she started writing, Johanna spent her days working with profit and non-profit organizations, while spending her evenings studying theology part-time. Now she spends her waking hours creating fantastical stories she hopes will touch the lives of her readers. Her goal—to deliver soulful, whimsical, and venturous reads.

 

 

 

 

More from Johanna

A little heavenly imagination can loosen the chains of life.

My ‘playground’ for creating Here Lyeth was far-reaching, though insulated with firm boundaries. From fictional Germanic villages in days of old in one corner, a low fantasy kingdom where the perished journey to the foot of a guarded gate, in the other.

Admittedly, I took many privileges with beloved values and symbolisms dear to my faith, daring to employ startling imagination for the purpose of enticing generosity of thought for the great …and small …mysteries in life. My favourite, where the waters of a supranatural river flows through time carrying with it various stones, each belonging to a life on Earth, often getting caught in stormy swirls or stuck in a bank of mud, representations of its owner’s personal trials and sufferings.

The story itself, though smattered with biblical senses, is not meant to be a teaching of ways, (I’m not qualified for such!) rather, to provide inklings of encouragement, to set within minds a sublime curiosity—what life might we find after this one?

My hope is you will enjoy the sparkles of divine happenstances, the pulls of faith and the eager wonder of ever-after capers to be pleasing.

Although the third instalment into A Lifeline Fantasy Series as far as publication dates go, Here Lyeth takes the position of first when it comes to the natural flow of time compared to its stand-alone novel-mates, The Gatekeeper’s Descendants and Jophiel’s Secret.

I promise you, Here Lyeth won’t leave you hanging, though it may unearth you a little 🙂

Johanna

Interview with the Author

What does success as an author look like to you?

For me, it’s that rewarding sense of accomplishment. Having a place for imagination, where creative thoughts and ideas can trickle and ooze, the end result being something tangible—a finished novel to hold in your hands (or read on your kindle lol). The ultimate satisfaction is when a reader reaches out and expresses how a novel touched them in a meaningful way. Of course, ending in the black and not the red when it comes to economics is a realistic goal many authors, me included, strive for.

Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

The historical setting! I never set out to be a historical fiction writer. I have great admiration for those who accept such an undertaking. It was a privilege to enter into another’s era (1670-1688) so that my characters could suitably journey within it, though it took considerable research. I beg forgiveness to avid historical readers—I did my best, allowed several misgivings, and I hope you will still enjoy the plot!

What inspired this book?

At the beginning of my first novel, The Gatekeeper’s Descendants, there exists a prologue to set the stage for the story. This prologue is narrated by an unnamed character 300 years prior to the book’s setting. Here Lyeth is the backstory to that prologue. Hence, although Here Lyeth is the third instalment into A Lifeline Fantasy Series, I’ve set it as the ideal first read for the series. Having said that, each instalment into this series is an absolute standalone read, so any order will do!

 What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

That’s easy. Isaiah 41:13. “For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” NIV

My teenaged daughter carried this verse on her flip phone for spiritual nourishment while going through treatment to challenge osteo-sarcoma. A shortened version is carved onto her gravestone.

Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

I’ve attached a photo! Mind you, I have a few spots in our home I tend to be a regular at. I like to change things up, helps with inspiration. But mostly, I move about to avoid stiffness in back, shoulders, legs, etc. (An age thing perhaps?)

If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

Music and podcasts. Something instrumental and calming and spiritually edifying.

Blog Stops

By the Book, October 18

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, October 20

Texas Book-aholic, October 21

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23

Inspired by Fiction, October 24

Holly’s Book Corner, October 25

Blogging With Carol, October 26

For the Love of Literature, October 27 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, October 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Johanna is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5471

Glitter and the Grouch Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Glitter and the Grouch (Romance in Valiant Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Mary Pat Johns

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Silas and Nat don’t get along. Neither can they leave each other alone. When a prank goes terribly wrong at their workplace, they face an impossible choice.

Either they compete in a canoe race to prove they can work together or forfeit their futures at Peeps. Quitting isn’t the norm for either of them. Good thing, because their boss isn’t backing down an inch. He assures them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, even if it’s 3 days and 260 miles of river.

There’s only one catch—they’ll have to be in the same boat.

Will they reach deep inside to find out what they’re made of? Or will they succumb to the physical rigors of the event and the machinations of Nat’s controlling ex?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a weekly faith column for the local newspaper. Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023, and book 2 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red, released in release in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.

She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

More from Mary

I wrote Glitter and the Grouch for two reasons. The first reason was peace of mind. LOL.  Two minor characters from Books 1 & 2 of the Valiant series INSISTED on having their own story. Rather, Nat insisted and Silas grudgingly followed. He hated the idea at first, but all’s well that ends well.

The second reason is I absolutely LOVE the Texas Water Safari and follow it every year. When I talked to a friend who competes, he wasn’t sure how I would write a book about it. When I explained it would be a story about two people who fall in love during the race, he grinned from ear to ear and said that scenario had happened a few times.

Interview with the Author

  • What does success as an author look like to you?

I always wanted to be published by a traditional publishing house, so that’s a dream come true for me. Having the ability to share my writing with others is a huge thrill, but paychecks are nice too.

  • Which character did you connect to best in this book?

For some strange reason, I usually connect better with my masculine characters, and Silas was no exception, though I had several lovely moments with Natalie. At the beginning of the story, Silas was closed and avoided issues he didn’t want to deal with. I can relate to those less than positive traits.

  • Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

Getting the story narrative aligned within the parameters of the river race was a challenge. The time on the river needed to be balanced with the checkpoints, which was hard because in the actual race, competitors spend far more time in the boats.

  • What inspired this book?

I absolutely adore the Texas Water Safari. It’s an annual river race that takes place in Texas and has the moniker of “the toughest boat race in the world.”

  • Which author influenced the you most?

There are several, but the most recent are Laurel Blount and Lynn Blackburn. And I’d love to write like Becky Wade when I grow up. LOL.

  • What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

Again, it’s hard to pick just one. Right now, it’s Job 19:25-27. “As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth. Even after my skin is destroyed, yet from my flesh I shall see God; whom I myself shall behold, and whom my eyes shall see and not another.”

  • What is your vacation spot?

I love the beach. We spend time there as a family, and my husband and I often slip away for a day to walk and watch the ocean.

  • What are you reading right now?

I’m rereading Firefly Diaries in anticipation of the sequel, Dragonfly Ashes, in C.C. Warrens’ Cherry Creek Mystery Series. She is one of my favorite authors.

  • Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

I’m in my office on the second story of our house. There’s a huge oak tree outside the window where I often observe the antics of birds and squirrels. Below is my husband’s woodworking shop. It’s quiet today, but there’s often the noise of electrics saws and drills when he’s working. I can hear Lacey, our young dachshund, barking at a squirrel.

  • If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

There’s no question: I wouldn’t make it a day without my Bible. I read it to order my life according to Scripture. I desperately need the lessons, the wisdom, and the connection with God.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 11

Back Porch Reads, October 12 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 12

For Him and My Family, October 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15

Fiction Book Lover, October 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

Vicky Sluiter, October 18 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, October 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 21

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 23

For the Love of Literature, October 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5465

An Arrangement with the Heiress Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: An Arrangement with the Heiress

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: September 24, 2024

She’s a wealthy debutante with the finest ancestry in Kentucky horseracing circles…

He’s a member of New York’s Gilded Age elite, yet on the brink of financial ruin…

Neither of them want an arranged marriage…or do they?

Veronica Lyndon has a plan for her life, and it doesn’t include being married off to a perfect stranger. After all, she is descended from generations of Kentucky horseracing royalty. She has no need for a marriage arranged solely to secure her place among the elite of Manhattan’s Gilded Age society. But that’s exactly what her parents expect of her. Determined to defy the arrangement, Veronica formulates a plan to drive her intended away. But when Edward arrives in anticipation of the match, she doesn’t expect to find him so attractive, nor can she deny the feelings he stirs in her heart, complicating her plans. Has true love galloped into her life by conventional means, or are her estimations mistaken?

Edward Beckett realizes the futility of avoiding the arranged marriage to Miss Lyndon. His family is already on the brink of financial ruin and Veronica’s dowry may be their best opportunity to recover. But he didn’t expect to fall for the Kentucky debutante so easily. He finds himself attracted to her natural beauty and vivacious spirit, free from the conventions of other ladies in his customary circles. In fact, he’s downright smitten after meeting Veronica. Unfortunately, Edward’s sisters don’t feel the same, and if their attempts to sabotage the relationship are successful, his whirlwind courtship to Veronica may be over before it’s really begun.

Saddle up for a clean romp filled with sweet romance, inspiration, and plenty of adventure along this course of obstacles and a glide through the splendor and opulence of the Gilded Age.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

An Arrangement with the Heiress by Lisa M Prysock is an Christian Historical Fiction. It is the first book in the Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age Series.  The book is set in 1901 Lexington, Kentucky and features Veronica Lyndon, daughter of Racing Royalty and Edward Beckett, New York Society Elite.

 

What I think about this book:

  When Veronica and Edward were told their parents had arranged a marriage between the families both were resistant for their own reasons.  It was very interesting to see Veronica change from a petulant young woman who wanted to avoid marriage at all cost to a woman seeking God’s will.  I was particularly touched when Edward said “The higher the dowry, the more esteemed and valuable the woman, It signals the man in pursuit of her that she is beloved, highly sought after, to be protected…”  While dowries are no longer normal practice and a dowry was not truly an indication of value. I love the thought that God gave us a dowry though Jesus and how we should all remember our Value in Him! It was interesting to see Edward evolve into a man that could stand on his own.  This was a wonderful story. I appreciate how the author developed the characters and the scenery. I could imagine learning to drive in the Runabout and all of the interesting things the author described. I look forward to reading more in the series and by the author.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

 

More from Lisa

Q & A with Lisa M. Prysock…Writing Gilded Age Kentucky Romance!

  1. What inspired you to write An Arrangement with the Heiress?
  2. Residing here in beautiful Kentucky near many of the world’s finest horse farms, rolling hills, and rich culture, for years, I have longed to grasp hold of the inspiration around me to pen a historical story that had been mulling around in my mind.

Hence, I reached out to a dear author friend, Chautona Havig, to brainstorm and build upon what was in my head and heart thus far. She ran a hypothetical scenario by me with some conflict arising because of hypocrisy about the horseracing world…something that could stem from some possible characters. This fit perfectly with some of my research about the Gilded Age era in the horseracing world. My immediate reaction: Ooo, yes girl, yes! Imagine squealing and much chatter at this point. We writers can get a bit on the gabby side if left to ourselves. And because, well, my hero had two sisters; ideal candidates to become antagonists. Chautona and I were chuckling and laughing…and I was off and running like a horse out of the gate.

  1. Were there any challenges you faced about including some history from horseracing in your writing process?
  2. Yes! For starters, how to do it all justice? How to get the feel of it onto paper without writing it wrong? There was so much that had been written about the Kentucky Derby, Keeneland, and horseracing history in general. My deep dive into the Kentucky Derby alone could have held me captive for many months in research.

Knee deep in taking notes, I landed on a thesis paper from the 1940s that was steeped with everything that had put the Kentucky Derby and horseracing in Kentucky on the map. By the time I finished wading through the thesis and all of my other research, I had gobs of notes and a goldmine of historical tidbits to bring my story to life with some degree of accuracy. My story also takes readers to Manhattan and South Carolina. Imagine me turning my laptop sideways to study ancient theater seating charts (okay, well maybe not ancient, but some theaters from the 1900s no longer exist…) and maps for street names from Gilded Age Lexington and Manhattan, and beaches on the Carolinian coastline. All my story needed now was my imagination and a tour of a local horse farm.

 

  1. Tell us about your tour of a local horse farm.
  2. Feeling a little shaky about my knowledge of horses, on an ultra-super-hot day in July of 2023, my husband—who behaved like a trooper in agreeing to escort me toward the end of getting my horse facts straight—and I, set out to drive to Lexington from our rural suburban home on the edge of Louisville.

We’d decided to make a day of it. We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed touring Gainsborough Farm. It was sweltering hot, but by the time the tour ended, despite melting from the heat before, during, and after, I felt as though I understood more about horse farming better than before the tour.

I had some knowledge of horses from growing up on a farm in Minnesota where my dad boarded horses for locals from time to time, but that had been a long time ago. I needed to brush up on the facts and try to imagine it as if I were living in the early 1900s. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many time machines around to satisfy my desire for temporary transportation to and from a working horseracing farm in 1908. My research, memories, books I’ve read, movies I’ve watched, and my own imagination would have to fill in the rest. It’s all part of being a fictional historical writer, right?

Hubby and me at Gainsborough Farm in 2023…it was so hot that day. My makeup was melting!

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 15

Stories By Gina, October 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 18

Texas Book-aholic, October 19

Devoted To Hope, October 19

Simple Harvest Reads, October 20 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 21

For Him and My Family, October 22

lakesidelivingsite, October 23

Holly’s Book Corner, October 24

Pause for Tales, October 25

Karen Baney Reviews, October 26

Hannahbandanarama, October 26

Cover Lover Book Review, October 27

Labor Not in Vain, October 28

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 28

Giveaway

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

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5468

Preach it, Grace Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Preach It, Grace  A Girl’s Testimony of Faith (Dream Pony Book 5)

Author: Susan Count

Genre: Middle-Grade

Release date: February, 2024

Sharing a pony worked perfectly, until it didn’t.

The pony share Grace worked out with her elderly neighbor was ideal—she thought. Mr. Harvey bought the buckskin gelding’s food and Grace fed him. The pony was important to both of them so it made no sense when the elderly man sent him away. And why won’t he tell her where?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

 

About the Author

Susan Count is a Kingdom Scribe who has published nine books in two equestrian series. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Texas Association of Authors, she takes studying the craft of writing seriously. Revision is her super-power.

Susan is a life-long equestrian and owned by a Rocky Mountain Horse that is kind hearted enough to take her on long, forested trail rides. She says the only thing more fun than riding might be writing horse adventure stories and she invites you to saddle up and ride along.

 

 

Read an Excerpt

Saturday started early for Grace’s family. Serve Out Saturday was the church’s biggest outreach event all year, and everyone who could turned out to help. Grace manned the church’s front-door sign-in desk. After everyone got their work assignments, she ran with her clipboard for the van headed to the retirement home. When they arrived, many residents were already gathered.
She lined up with six other girls, and they sang the gospel songs the residents requested. She searched their faces until she found Mr. Harvey in the last row. Giving him a quick wave, she sang directly to him.

He didn’t sing along like many of the residents, but he stayed for the program. That counted as a victory. Did he recognize her? She couldn’t tell.

She stepped to the microphone. “Hello. I’m Grace. That means blessings from God.”

She grinned at the residents, and they smiled back at her. “Horses are my favorite thing, and they’re also blessings from God. If you’ve ever seen a horse, then you know they are magnificent, mighty creatures.”

Grace held a booklet high, then pointed with it to the residents. “This explains how we can know the God that blesses us. And how we can go to heaven to be with him someday. It says he sent his Son, Jesus, to teach us about eternal life.”

She placed her hands over the open Bible on the podium. “No matter how hard we try, we can’t be perfect, but because of Jesus, we are forgiven for all the things we do wrong. He suffered and died on the cross, was buried, then raised to life on the third day.” She looked into Mr. Harvey’s eyes. “He loves us that much.”

As she closed the Bible, she softened her voice. “Pray to your heavenly Father—ask him to help you believe in Jesus.”

Interview with the Author

1) What does success as an author look like to you?

Success looks like the note, quoted below, from a young reader. It encourages me to keep going when the process bogs down.

“To Mrs. Susan Count,

Your books have been so awesome. I adore all the descriptive words, and how I feel like I am a character in the book.

You are a very talented writer, and I admire that. Thank you for the books that you have written.

Have a FANSATIC day and may God bless you in many ways!

Sophy”

 

2) Which character did you connect to best in this book?

Since my goal is to understand what Grace is feeling about the situation she’s in, how she will react to what’s happened, and how she will overcome the obstacles keeping her from her heart’s desire; I would say I most connected with Grace.

3) Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

What is difficult for me is to balance the character’s need to achieve her goal without her coming across as self-centered or bratty. That thread runs throughout the book and not in a particular scene.

4) What inspired this book?

Especially on my mind was my desire to unravel the relationship between Grace and her grumpy, elderly neighbor. While we normally expect an adult to enrich a child’s life, Grace’s character and kindness were revealed through her rocky relationship with Mr. Harvey.

5) Which author influenced you the most?

Multiple authors in my Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators critique group had the most influence over the development of my books. They taught me critical things like how to build tension and how to breathe life into the characters. They helped me develop my voice for middle-grade novels. I will be forever grateful and indebted to them.

6) What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

1Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

7) What is your vacation spot?

My soul longs for the peacefulness of the forest and draws me to eastern Kentucky and anywhere in Missouri. When a change of pace is in order, my beach of choice is Destin, Florida. The emerald waters are refreshing and invigorating.

8) What are you reading right now?

I just finished How To Know A Person by David Brooks. Since each book character constructs their own perception of reality, this non-fiction study helps authors learn to actively listen to their characters to develop a compassionate understanding of their deepest desires, hopes, and dreams.

9) Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

Sliding glass doors to my writing room allow me a forest emersion experience. An expansive area thick with pine trees flows down a slight incline covered in knee-high grasses and beauty-berry bushes. It’s the favorite spot of a trio of fawns still covered in white spots. When the heat relents, an assortment of birds will visit the bird bath until the Blue Jay claims it as his personal spa. The sun is filtered by the tree canopy and its rays dance with joy on the forest floor.

10) If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

May I have two? No. My practical side will show here then. May I have a wilderness survival guide? I will have to rely on my memorized scripture verses to keep me aligned with the Lord. Combined with prayer, I’m confident in his ability to keep me under his wings.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 12

Simple Harvest Reads, October 13 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 15

Lots of Helpers, October 16

Vicky Sluiter, October 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

Guild Master, October 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 20

A Reader’s Brain, October 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 21

Blossoms and Blessings, October 22 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 23

Cover Lover Book Review, October 24

Book Zone Reviews, October 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a paperback copy of all five books in the series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5466

A Token of Love Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Token of Love

Author: Carrie Turansky

Genre: Fiction, Historical Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Separated by centuries, the lives of two women intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice.

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece, Alice, who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister’s plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice’s disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum’s history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum’s reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for what she believes.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:
A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky is a time slip novel with one of the storylines being contemporary and the other being set in 1865 . The story is centered around The Foundling Hospital in London.

What you might need to know:
This story does involve orphans, child loss and Human trafficking.

What I think about this book:
This was such a wonderful story. In a lot of time slip novels I find myself rushing through one story to get back to the other, however Turansky did a wonderful job of interweaving each time timeline. In the contemporary Janelle, who was raised in Care, has taken the role of acting director of the Foundling Museum and struggles to protect the foundation that helped raise her while honoring the children whose lives were impacted by the actions in the past. In 1885 Lillian will leave no stone unturned when it comes to finding her niece who was left in the Foundling home without her knowledge. I loved getting to know Lillian and seeing her friendship develop with Matthew. The story was gut wrenching at times, but I love how it all tied together. I highly recommend this book and will look for more from the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Carrie Turansky is the award-winning author of twenty-one inspirational novels and novellas and a winner of the Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She loves traveling to England to research her Edwardian novels, including No Journey Too FarNo Ocean Too WideAcross the Blue, and the Edwardian Brides series. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have received starred reviews from Christianbook.com and Library Journal.

 

 

 

 

More from Carrie

Come with me to London!

My latest novel, A Token of Love, is a dual-time story set in London during the late Victorian Era and present day. That prompted my husband and I to take a trip to London earlier this year. We were especially delighted to visit the Foundling Museum which tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, the first children’s charity home in England. The Foundling Hospital and Foundling Museum tie the historical and contemporary plots together in A Token of Love.

Thousands of children were taken in by the Foundling Hospital when their mothers could no longer care for them. Some of the mothers left small items such as coins, thimbles, and pieces of jewelry with their infants as identifiers in the hope that if their situation changed, they might be able to return and reclaim their child. Those items were called tokens, and we saw several of them on display at the Foundling Museum.

Each token is unique and represents a mother’s love and desire to be reunited with her child. It was very moving to view them on display and think of all the heartache and hope behind each token.

More than two years ago, I saw an image of the tokens on Pinterest. That sparked my curiosity, and I followed the research trail to learn more about them. That led to the Foundling Museum’s website, which offers a treasure trove of information and personal stories about the mothers and children connected by those tokens. What I discovered helped me develop the characters and plot for A Token of Love. The story highlights one mother who gave her daughter into their care, then eight years later tries to reclaim her. But her daughter is missing, and that sets off a series of events that stirs all of London. Family drama, romance, inspiration, and a touch of mystery will make the story meaningful for readers.

If you like stories based on true events in history that will touch your heart and lift your spirit, then I think you will enjoy reading A Token of Love!

If you’d like to see more photos from my research trip to London and the Foundling Museum, I hope you’ll visit my website photo page!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 7

Maureen’s Musings, October 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 9

Connie’s History Classroom, October 9

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Devoted To Hope, October 10

Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Live.Love.Read., October 11

Stories By Gina, October 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 13

lakesidelivingsite, October 13

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 14

Cover Lover Book Review, October 14

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 15 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16

Blossoms and Blessings, October 17

Holly’s Book Corner, October 17

Inspired by Fiction, October 18

Pause for Tales, October 18

Labor Not in Vain, October 19

To Everything There is A Season, October 20

Romances of the Cross, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of A Token of Love!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5461/

Trail to Love Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Trail to Love

Author:Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: September 17, 2024

A widowed father…a heartbroken nanny…and a wagon train journey that will change their lives forever.

Since the death of her fiancé, Anne Forbes has given up on the life she thought she’d have. After taking a role as nanny to her two young nephews, she’s grown close to her brother’s family—a replacement for the one she never had the chance to start. But when she accompanies them on the wagon trail to their new life in South Carolina, a handsome and gallant widowed father who’s also part of the group catches her eye and her heart, making her wonder if God might have plans of love for her after all. If only the beautiful woman the man escorts didn’t have her sights set on him.

Michael Harrigan never considered remarrying after the death of his wife. No woman could ever compare. But when he meets the gentlehearted Anne while escorting his sister-in-law on their journey to the Blue Ridge Mountains, he’s taken aback by Anne’s lovely voice and her compassion. As they face the trials and adventures of life on the trail, he finds himself open to the idea of marriage for the first time in many years.
But when disaster strikes the wagon train, Michael and Anne must work side-by-side to save lives. In the midst of their struggles, can they find a way to abandon their separate trails of grief and hardship for the trail to love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Trail to Love  by Susan F Craft is the third  book in the Great Wagon Road series. It is a historical fiction set in 1753.  It follows settlers as they travel from Pennsylvania to South Carolina along what was known as the Great Wagon Road. This book features seamstress  Anne Harrigan  and Lumber Mill owner Micheal Harrigan

What you might need to know:

This is not a fluffy read, it gives a graphic and realistic view of what life would have been like for settlers. I would not recommend this book for immature readers as it does involve death.

What I think about this book:

 This series just keeps getting better, which is high praise as I LOVED the first two books in the series.  In this adventure we follow the wagon road with a train that is hit by smallpox instead of human forces.  Anne is a confirmed spinster traveling with her brother and his family for new opportunities in South Carolina.  Micheal is escorting his sister in law home to North Carolina.  When tragedy strikes the train Anne and Micheal, survivors of smallpox are thrust into caring for the patients as they try to keep it from spreading.  I really enjoyed watching them work together and how the author allowed this story to develop slowly and naturally. This was such a wonderful book, I look forward to what Craft has in store for Readers  in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in writing, editing, and communicating in business settings.

She authored the historical romantic suspense trilogy Women of the American Revolution—The Chamomile, Laurel, and Cassia. The Chamomile and Cassia received national Illumination Silver Awards. The Chamomile was named by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance as an Okra Pick and was nominated for a Christy Award.

She collaborated with the International Long Riders’ Guild Academic Foundation to compile An Equestrian Writer’s Guide (www.lrgaf.org), including almost everything you’d ever want to know about horses.

An admitted history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, listening to music, and sitting on her porch with her dog, Steeler, watching geese eat her daylilies. She most recently took up the ukulele.

More from Susan

A History of Buttons

In my Christian Historical Romance, my main character, Anne Forbes, is a tailor and seamstress. When she arrives in Philadelphia from Scotland in 1753, she visits several shops and is amazed by the huge supply of buttons.

Buttons have been around for 3,000 years. Made from bone, horn, wood, metal, and seashells, they didn’t fasten anything, but were worn for decoration.

The first buttons to be used as fasteners were connected through a loop of thread. The button and buttonhole arrived in Europe in 1200, brought back by the Crusaders.

The French, who called the button a bouton for bud or bouter to push, established the Button Makers Guild in 1250. Still used for adornment, the buttons they produced were beautiful works of art.

By the mid-1300s, tailors fashioned garments with rows of buttons with matching buttonholes. Some outfits were adorned with thousands of buttons, making it necessary for people to hire professional dressers. Buttons became such a craze that the Church denounced them as the devil’s snare, referring to the ladies in their button-fronted dresses.

In 1520 for a meeting between King Francis I of France and King Henry VIII of England, King Francis’ clothing was bedecked with over 13,000 buttons, and King Henry’s clothing was similarly weighed down with buttons.

In the 16th century, the Puritans condemned the over-adornment of buttons as sinful, and soon the number of buttons required to be fashionable diminished, though they were made from gold, ivory, and diamonds.

By the mid-1600s, button makers used silver, ceramics, and silk and often hand painted buttons with portraits or scenery.

The late 17th century saw the beginning of the production by French tailors of thread buttons, little balls of thread. This angered the button artisans so much that they pressured the government to pass a law fining tailors for making thread buttons. The button makers even wanted homes and wardrobes searched and suggested that fines be levied against anyone wearing thread buttons. But in la Guerre des Boutons, it’s not clear that their demands went beyond fining of tailors.

Towards the end of the 1700s in Europe, big metallic buttons came into fashion. At this time, Napoleon introduced the use of sleeve buttons on tunics. This time period saw the development of the double-breasted jacket. When the outside of the jacket was soiled, the wearer would unbutton it, turn the soiled surface to the inside, and re-button.

Thread buttons were used on men’s shirts and other undergarments from the late 17th into the early 19th century. Cheaper, they wouldn’t break when laundresses scrubbed and beat the material. They were also used on shifts and undergarments because they were soft and comfortable. Other types of thread buttons were death head buttons, star buttons, basket buttons, and Dorset buttons.  Some said that death head buttons were called that because they resembled a skull and crossbones, memento mori, a reminder that life is short and should be lived as well as possible.  Dorset buttons originated in Dorset in southern England where they became a cottage industry. Families, prison inmates, and orphans were employed in the manufacture of thousands of Dorset buttons each year, which were used throughout the UK and exported all over the world.

Bone button molds, slightly domed on one side and flat on the other, were common in the mid to late 18th century. Button molds were used to make both cloth and thread (passementerie) covered buttons.

Horn buttons were used mostly for spatterdashes and gaitered trousers. These strong durable buttons were competitive in price with other types but available in limited numbers in the 18th century since the making of them was slow.

Many colonial American buttons were made from seashells, wood, wax, and animal bones.  The bones were boiled for 12 hours, cut into small pieces, shaved around the edges and had a hole punched through them with an awl. The shape was up to the maker — round, oval, square, rectangular, or octagonal.

Brass buttons, functional and ornamental, were also popular in colonial America. In 1750 in Philadelphia, a German immigrant, Caspar Wistar, made brass buttons guaranteed for seven years. He later opened the first successful glass making factory in the colonies.

(I want to thank the William Booth Drapers of Racine, WI, for some of the information provided in this post.  Please visit their website at  www.wmboothdraper.com where you’ll find a treasure trove of books about 17th and 18th century fashion — shoes, slippers, hats, bonnets, buttons and trimmings, etc., and Packet books about sewing. Fantastic resource.  Thank you, William Booth Drapers.)

 

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 8

Simple Harvest Reads, October 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 10

DevotedToHope, October 10

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 12

Texas Book-aholic, October 13

For Him and My Family, October 13

lakesidelivingsite, October 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 15

An Author’s Take, October 16

Blossoms and Blessings , October 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 17

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 18

Karen Baney Reviews, October 19

Holly’s Book Corner, October 19

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 20

Cover Lover Book Review, October 21

Pause for Tales, October 21

Giveaway

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

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5462

A Season for Grace Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Season For Grace (Briar Creek Love Book 3)

Author: Stacy T. Simmons

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: August 20, 2024

How much love does it take to melt an icy heart?

Grace Fuller has dreamed of being a writer for as long as she can remember. As the deadline for submitting her first novel looms, she has six months to finish and won’t let anything stand in her way. Renting a cabin nestled in the mountains of Briar Creek, North Carolina, Grace plans to buckle down and get to work with no interruptions. Except the young man she once flirted with at her sister’s wedding lives just below her. And he’s distractingly handsome.

Logan Whitlock was captivated by Grace two years ago but let his pride and fear of rejection get in the way of their budding romance. Beneath his imperious façade, the former quarterback and homecoming king is riddled with doubt. How could this beautiful, confident woman love him for who he is, apart from the trappings of the Whitlock wealth and privilege?

Love can conquer many things, but a cold heart unmended and unmelted is harder to break open than even a diamond.

How will Grace chip away Logan’s icy exterior and melt his heart instead of just being another glossy page in the book of his life?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

A Season for Grace by Stacy T. Simmons is the Third book in the Briar Creek Series. It is a contemporary Christian Romance set in a small Western North Carolina. It does give spoilers about the characters from previous books, I recommend that you read those first.

What I think about this book:

This book features Grace Fuller and Logan who met in the previous book. Grace has escaped to the Mountains for  a reprieve while she studies for her LSAT to meet her parents’ expectations and tries to write a book to chase her own dreams.  Logan Is drawn to Grace, but struggles to trust after a past hurt. I really enjoyed how Logan and Grace developed their relationship.  This was a perfect bittersweet ending to the series.

Note: Many thanks to Beth Collins,Stacey Simmons’s sister for helping complete this book.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I read this book prior to Hurricane Helene,  but was not able to turn in my review until after the tragic events that unfolded on September 27, 2024. I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and have always considered the Mountains my home.  There is a very good chance that the setting of this book would have been devastated if it was based on a real place. Please  pray for the people of Appalachia.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Stacy T. Simmons wrote uplifting fiction that delights the reader’s romantic sensibilities. Her thirty-four years of marital bliss was a great contributor. She was a mom of two grown children, and she loved her menagerie of pets she liked to call her “Noah’s Ark.” In October of 2022, Stacy was called home to be with the Lord.

 

 

 

 

More from Beth

A Promise for Stacy

My sister, Stacy T. Simmons, was incredibly proud to become a published author. The day her first book, A Promise for Faith, was released was one of the happiest of her life. Stacy didn’t start writing until she turned 50 but once she began pursuing her passion, she was unstoppable!

Her commitment to nurturing and promoting other authors while working full time and writing her novels was a testament to her strong faith and kind heart. Stacy was the sweetest, most thoughtful, loyal, and faithful person I have ever known, and her loss was heart-wrenching. It was only after she passed away that I learned about the tremendous impact this gentle soul had throughout the Christian fiction community.

As Stacy lay on her deathbed after experiencing surgical complications, I promised her two things. First, I would be a second mother to her daughters. Second, I would finish writing the final book in her Briar Creek Love trilogy, which was halfway complete.

What was I thinking? In that agonizing moment, knowing her time on earth was slipping away, I wanted my sister to know that I would look after her most precious loves – her girls and her “book babies.”

The months that followed were a haze and, in my sorrow, it was difficult to even read Stacy’s words, much less try to write in her style. But “fueled by faith and caffeine,” and with the Lord’s unwavering support, I was able to fulfill my promise to Stacy.

A Season for Grace is full of love and laughter and brings the stories of all three Fuller sisters to a close. I hope I’ve done Stacy’s memory justice, and that you enjoy your final visit to Briar Creek!

Blessings,

Beth Collins

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, September 24 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25

Vicky Sluiter, September 26 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, September 27

Fiction Book Lover, September 28 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 29

For the Love of Literature, September 30 (Spotlight)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1

Artistic Nobody, October 2 (Spotlight)

DevotedToHope, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Guild Master, October 4 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 5

Back Porch Reads, October 6 (Spotlight)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 6

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Beth is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5452/

All An Act Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: All an Act

Author: Melissa Wardwell

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 27, 2024

Not all weddings end in marriage. Not all hurting hearts remain broken.

In the year since Something Suamalie started, the dynamic trio Kiana, Lulu, and Meilani have accumulated a glowing reputation at home and abroad for brides and their wedding day dreams. But when a triple-booked weekend forces Lulu to manage the wedding of the Onirique events coordinator by herself, panic sets in. Her lack of confidence and ADHD, not to mention the return of a devilishly handsome man, could easily spell disaster.

When André left the Suamalie Islands to pursue a career in Paris, he never dreamed of returning. The islands hold a treasure chest of memories he wishes to keep locked away, but recent changes in his life force him to face those very things. And a choice for his future that will break more than one heart.

With neither of them able to talk about their feelings, how will Lulu and André be able to set aside their pasts and move on?

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Melissa Wardwell resides in Owosso, Michigan with her husband and three teen-aged children.

She doesn’t mind alternating between the world of writing and the reality of being a mother, but she would rather sit with a good book or a good friend and a cup of coffee.

When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads.

 

 

More from Melissa

All An Act is probably the most honest form of self-representation this author has ever created.

How could I say such a thing if I put my heart and soul into every single story I create? It’s a pretty straightforward statement when I have kept most of myself out of the stories. I tried to tell stories about the people I admire around me —my best friend in high school, my first boyfriend, or the men and women who serve our country both at home and abroad. These are the kind of people I typically write about. But when I developed Lulu’s character and found the picture that you see on the cover, my first thought was, “I bet she’s just like me… a little scattered, a lot wounded, and putting on a mask to hide that she fears that no one would like her.”

One of my beta readers, who was a teacher when I was in high school, picked up in the first two chapters that Lulu had undiagnosed ADHD. I know some people don’t like to put labels on themselves that make them have unusual behaviors, but like myself, being able to put a label on it gives Lulu a little clarity. Lulu and I both understand that it doesn’t give us the OK to get away with certain things or to use them as excuses. However, it shines a light on why we do those things (like knowing fine details from high school, but you can’t find your A5 binder that you just saw the day before).

It’s not just forgetfulness that is an issue; sometimes, we mask how we feel through anger or frustration because those emotions are more accessible for the rest of the world to understand. Again, that doesn’t mean that it’s OK.

Like Lulu, I went through a season of holding onto unforgiveness that lasted 15 years. You can imagine that that unforgiveness quickly turned into bitterness. My bitterness wasn’t towards a man but instead revolved around church hurt. Learning to forgive and let go of the things that hurt me took a long time. Lulu and I both discovered that forgiveness is like peeling an onion. There are a lot of layers to it, depending on how many years you’ve held on.

Lulu also deals with a lot of thoughts in this book. Many of them revolve around her feelings of being inadequate compared to her friends. I’m sure many of us can identify with that. Eventually, she learns that she brings her own kind of knowledge to the Something Suamalie team. This is what makes this trio work – they each bring their own traits to the table to make this wedding planning business top-notch in the islands.

Like An Unexpected Gift, All An Act is loosely based on another one of my favorite romcoms—The Wedding Planner, featuring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey. I wonder if you will be able to see it. Let me know if you do.

I hope you enjoy this one. It really was a joy to write, even when I was faced with some of my own issues.

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

All an Act by Melissa Wardlaw is part of the Suamalie Islands series.This is Wardlaw’s second book in this series and the story does continue to follow characters from the first of her books in the series, An Unexpected Gift. The series is  Contemporary Christian Fiction set on a fictional set of Islands in the Pacific. The series is written by several authors with stories that have the common connection of the Islands. In this story we focus on Lulu, a wedding planner.

What I you might need to know:

Lulu has undiagnosed ADHD, she also has a lot of bitterness.

Andre is a baby Christian and has a past, however it is covered in a sensitive way.

What I think about this book:

 This was such an interesting read. I don’t remember Lulu’s ADHD symptoms being so severe from previous books, however it was different to see from her perspective. I really felt for her character, I hope that in future books she will have more confidence.  It was  very interesting to see Andre through her perspective.  For me Andre was a wonderful character, he was trying to make amends for choices in me made in his past while learning to walk as a Man of Faith. I was thankful for many choices that were made during the story and enjoyed getting to catch up on Beau and Kiana.  I can’t wait to see what happens next on the Islands and what Wardlaw gives us next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 25

Stories By Gina, September 26 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 26

Library lady’s Kid Lit, September 27

Karen Baney Reviews, September 28

For the Love of Literature, September 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 1

Through the Fire Blogs, October 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Acdemy, October 3

Fiction Book Lover, October 4 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 4

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 6

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Guild Master, October 8 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5453/

Ignite Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Ignite

Author: Kara Swanson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: August 20, 2024

Can Mara survive in a world where the fire in her veins is worth killing for?

In a frozen wasteland suffocating beneath a dying sun, Mara is a young phoenix raised by her father to explode at his command. He’s the only one who can help her control her fire, and Mara desperately follows his orders to protect their phoenix family from relentless human hunters.

Her sheltered existence is shattered when her family mysteriously vanishes, thrusting Mara into a perilous quest to find them. Along the way, she unravels a devastating truth: her people may not be the innocent victims she’s been taught to believe.

When she comes face-to-face with the kindhearted Eli, she begins to wonder if the humans aren’t the monsters she’s always feared. What if the greatest danger doesn’t lie in the icy world outside—but in the truth of who Mara really is?

Fire and ice collide in this thrilling tale of a phoenix girl born with the power of a dying sun.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

“No matter what happens, we’re all just ash in the end… Living is the hard part.”
This eagerly anticipated book was so worth the wait. If you fell in love with Heirs of Neverland, Kara Swanson will wow you again with this incredible tale of a young woman finding herself and her purpose in a frozen world where phoenixes and humans coexist. If you’ve never read a Kara Swanson book, you definitely need to read this one.
Told mostly in Mara’s first person perspective, the plot moves briskly to paint a desolate and dying world where Mara is tasked with protecting her people but learns more than she bargained for when she ventures out into the world. Mara is full of loyalty, grit, and compassion but also suffocating under grief, loss, and anger. She is easy to love and root for as she navigates truth versus lies in her existence. And Eli is the perfect hero. His actions and words attest to a humble, loyal, compassionate, and tender man who wants to do good no matter the sacrifice. I loved the weaving of faith thread into this fantasy world and am (again) eagerly anticipating the follow up book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Kara Swanson writes stories about fairy tales and fiery souls. She spent her childhood a little like a Lost Girl, running barefoot through lush green jungles which inspired her award-winning Peter Pan retellings, Dust and Shadow.

She is also the cofounder of the Author Conservatory (authorconservatory.com) where she has the honor of teaching young writers to craft sustainable author careers.

You’ll find Kara with her toes in California sand as a SoCal resident, belting Broadway show tunes on weekend drives to Disneyland with her delightfully nerdy husband, or chatting about magic and mayhem on Instagram.

 

More from Kara

This story is one that has lived a hundred lives, a little like the phoenix it’s about —dozens of iterations and nearly eight years discovering Mara’s story. In this icy world beneath a dying sun, I was able to craft a story of a young phoenix girl who was more terrified of her own fire than the dangers of the frozen wasteland outside her underground hideaway. Who has been convinced by the father she loves that her flame is only capable of pain and damage — until suddenly, he disappears. And for the first time, she ventures out of her hideaway to discover that the frozen world outside is actually dying for her flame. And that the parts of herself that she has feared and run from…that there may be beauty, even there. That she can choose to rise from the ash of a world that doesn’t understand her, and use the fire in her veins to bring warmth and healing.

I hope you enjoy the adventure!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

By the Book , September 27

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Live.Love.Read., September 29

Inspired by Fiction, September 30

The Lofty Pages, September 30

Hannahbandanarama, October 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 1

Faery Tales Are Real, October 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 3

Min Reads and Reviews, October 3

Wishful Endings, October 4

Book Zone Reviews, October 5

Simple Harvest Reads, October 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 6

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 8

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 8

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, October 9

Blogging With Carol, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kara is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5450/