Rocky Mountain Redemption Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on May 8, 2020May 7, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Rocky Mountain Redemption is book one in author Lisa J. Flickinger’s Rocky Mountain Revival Series. This is a Christian Historical Romance novel set in an 1890’s logging camp. Readers should expect romance, adventure, intrigue, history with a Christian message woven throughout the pages.

This is the story of Isabelle Franklin. The book opens with her hidden at a logging camp helping her Aunt Lou cook meals for the loggers. Okay, I was hooked. Mountains, streams, lumberjacks, a mysterious girl hidden away, and cooking all make for a great story. Immediately I was invested in the story.

It also is the story of camp foreman, Charles Bailey, affectionately known as Preach. You can guess why. He has turned from his old, sinful ways and is a fledgling Christian. When he sees Isabelle, he is immediately taken with her.

The author has a great way of putting readers right in the middle of her story. I could almost smell the pines and hear the mountain stream. The details are vivid and not overdone.

The characters are well rounded and relatable. Some of the loggers were so quirky that I laughed out loud at times. Aunt Lou was a hoot, but the one I enjoyed most was Miss Sophie. Her character was multilayered and caring. The dialog flowed smoothly and sounded authentic for the most part.

I enjoyed the many timeless life lessons which were incorporated into the story. The author easily tackled redemption, second chances, starting over, gossiping, lust, forgiveness, and judgment along with a few others. The spiritual lessons of faith, hope, trust, and a deeper relationship with God are not hidden. There is plenty of material here for a nice group discussion.

There was mention of a character having Hand Foot Mouth and Disease, and I question the historic accuracy of that. In my ecopy I did not have any author notes so I do know if this was researched. I would have loved a better menu with more detail on what was being cooked, but that was not the author’s path for her book. There were no recipes or discussion questions in the back of the book.

I did enjoy the story. The HFM disease tainted the book a bit for me, but I would still recommend it. Any fan of Christian historical romance will enjoy the story and characters. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Rocky Mountain Redemption

Author: Lisa J. Flickinger

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2020

A Rocky Mountain logging camp may be just the place to find herself.

To escape the devastation caused by the breaking of her wedding engagement, Isabelle Franklin joins her aunt in the Rocky Mountains to feed a camp of lumberjacks cutting on the slopes of Cougar Ridge. If only she could out run the lingering nightmares.

Charles Bailey, camp foreman and Stony Creek’s itinerant pastor, develops a reputation to match his new nickname — Preach. However, an inner battle ensues when the details of his rough history threaten to overcome the beliefs of his young faith.

Amid the hazards of camp life, the unlikely friendship growing between the two surprises Isabelle. She’s drawn to Preach’s brute strength and gentle nature as he leads the ragtag crew toiling for Pollitt’s Lumber. But when the ghosts from her past return to haunt her, the choices she will make change the course of her life forever—and that of the man she’s come to love.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Lisa J. Flickinger lives and writes from the cliff of a river along the majestic Rocky Mountains. When not writing or reading, you will find her scouring antique shops or sipping a maple latte with friends and family. To learn more about her other books, visit www.lisajflickinger.com

More from Lisa

I have a confession to make. I’m a square dancer, a real live square dancer who do-si-dos and allemande-lefts my way around a square every Thursday night. And lest you think it’s a room full of eighty year olds, our youngest dancer is a mere twenty-four.

It was on the dance floor I first met Larry. Logger Larry, the Paul Bunyan like soul who regaled me with tales of chopping trees in the Rocky Mountains. He told stories about grizzlies who hunted men for their next meal, brawls in the bunkhouse only the hardy could survive, and life threatening axe injuries when they had to carry the wounded through the forest for miles.

Larry’s stories provided a great background for a romantic novel and sent me on a mission to research late 1800’s logging camps. It’s at Pollitt’s Lumber, in 1898, where we meet our hero and heroine, Preach and Isabelle, and join their cautious journey toward love. It’s also where we meet a ragtag bunch of lumberjacks whose antics would get on anyone’s last nerve.

I fell in love with the characters of Rocky Mountain Redemption as they tromped onto the pages, and I’m thrilled to introduce them to you in Book One of the Rocky Mountain Revival Series.

Dear reader, enjoy!

Blog Stops

Kathleen Denly, May 4

Blessed & Bookish, May 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 5

Vicky Sluiter, May 5

Reading Is My SuperPower, May 6

deb’s Book Review, May 6

Texas Book-aholic, May 7

Bizwings Blog, May 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 8

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 8

Inklings and notions, May 9

For Him and My Family, May 10

CarpeDiem, May 10

Older & Smarter?, May 11

Hallie Reads, May 11

Betti Mace, May 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 13

Life of Literature, May 14

Books, Life, and Christ, May 14

Moments, May 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 16

Read Review Rejoice, May 16

Pause for Tales, May 17

reviewingbooksplusmore, May 17

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f9ef/rocky-mountain-redemption-celebration-tour-giveaway

Marriage Matters Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on May 7, 2020May 7, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Greetings and welcome to my stop on the Marriage Matters by Cheri Swalwell book tour and giveaway by Celebrate Lit. I hope you enjoy reading about this great book and gifted author. Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end for an Amazon gift card!

My Thoughts

Marriage Matters by author Cheri Swalwell is a Christian book of marriage. It doesn’t matter if you are a newlywed or in your golden years of marriage, all couples will enjoy this beautifully written book. The author has written a timeless book to help those traveling down the marriage road, which at times can get rocky.

This is an extremely well researched, planned, and organized. I thoroughly enjoy author Swalwell’s style of writing. It is cozy and personal. Her books read like a conversation over a cup of Vanilla Caramel Cream Coffee (my favorite) at a kitchen table. I love that intimate, transparency in a book. God is first and foremost in all of her books, including this one.

Eleven couples have shared their marriage journey. Each offer their unique take on marriage with a common thread joining them all together…God. This book touched my heart in many ways. The counsel it offers is biblical. It is such a valuable marriage resource that I would recommend it to any newlywed couple. It would make a helpful couples small group study even if the couples had been married a different number of years.

The topics discussed are a varied as the couples. Honesty, openness, infertility, sickness, death, and disappointment are just a few of the issues tackled in this powerful book. Readers will have new perspectives and encouragement after reading this book. The most important message is to keep God in the marriage with you and your spouse.

If you are looking for a marriage marriage book that is scripturally based and that will actually be read from cover to cover, this one is for you. I highly recommend it and give it a 5 star rating. Any church library would benefit from having a Marriage Matters. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Marriage Matters

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Non-fiction/Christian Biblical Marriage

Release Date: November 22, 2019

Marriage joins two imperfect people who pledge to love, honor, and commit to each other for life. Eleven couples graciously chose to share their stories within the pages of this book because they believe in the sanctity of marriage. None of the couples are perfect, but they come alongside you and your spouse with experience and encouragement as you pray about how to live out your own marriage. Some of the couples work in full-time ministry, others have chosen the military as their career. Some couples have faced the issue of infertility while others have had to deal with sickness or death. Some couples have been remarried, others married later in life, and others have dealt with seemingly more than any one couple should have to face in a lifetime. All of the couples have one thing in common – their love for God and their commitment to marriage God’s way.Grab your favorite beverage in a comfy chair and get ready to be encouraged. Buy your own copy today, and one for a friend, because Marriage Matters!

Click here for your copy!

About the Author

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, and writer, in that order. Cheri loves to encourage people through her Spoken from the Heart devotionals, Bible study Caring for the Caregiver and other compilation books dealing with the subjects of miscarriage and cancer. For a full list of books and where they are sold visit http://www.cheriswalwell.com. If you want to sign up to her newsletter to stay updated on all the latest news, you will also receive a full-length devotional free, as her way of saying thanks for joining!

More from Cheri

Back in 2007, long before writing was even on my radar, I had a conversation with God about writing a book that would offer hope to those who had lost a child. We had lost our baby the December prior, and I needed to know I would smile again someday. Little did I know that conversation 12 years ago would result in a series of compilation books encouraging others about various topics. The first one, Hope During Heartache was published in 2014, and it’s 13 different men and women’s stories about how they found hope after dealing with the death of a child.

In early 2015, I had another conversation with God and asked Him … “What’s next? Do You have any other compilation books you’d like me to share with others to bring encouragement?” In 2018, Peace During the Pain was published (a book about how to find peace after the diagnosis of cancer) which is 12 different men and women’s stories either about their own personal journey or the journey of a family member.

The goal for 2020 is to publish Joy During the Journey, a compilation of people who have found joy despite living with chronic illness.

During my 2015 conversation, I asked God if He would allow me to write a compilation book about a “happier” topic than death, cancer, and chronic illness. And in His goodness, He said yes! That is when He told me I could write about the topic of marriage, a topic I truly love because being married and having children has always been my heart’s desire. Not only do I get to share encouragement, support, and wisdom from 11 different couples with you in this book, an added bonus is that one of the couples is my parents, another is my youth pastor and his wife, whom I’ve admired for over 25+ years, and yet another is my present pastor and his wife. All three of these couples have significantly modeled biblical marriage for me throughout the years. But that’s not all. There are also military couples, couples who have suffered circumstances no couple should ever have to face, and new friends I’ve met through the writing of this book. I believe you will enjoy as much as I have the encouragement and wisdom from each and every couple who took the time to share a little about their life with you. I’m excited to share the stories between these pages … so sit back, grab your favorite beverage and be prepared to get encouraged!

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, May 2

Texas Book-aholic, May 3

Artistic Nobody, May 4 (Author Interview)

Bigreadersite, May 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 7

Simple Harvest Reads, May 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 8

deb’s Book Review, May 9

Inklings and notions, May 10

Book of Ruth Ann, May 11

Through the Fire Blogs, May 12 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 13

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, May 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cheri is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f9ea/marriage-matters-celebration-tour-giveaway

God Sees Her Celebrate LitBook Tour and Giveaway

Posted on May 6, 2020May 3, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on Celebrate Lit’s book tour for God Sees Her. Enjoy learning about today’s title. Make sure to enter the giveaway at the very end. You might be the winner?

My Thoughts

This lovely daily devotional is a year long book of inspiration written by women for women. From Our Daily Bread with the forward by Liz Curtis Higgs, I was positive this was going to be a daily dose of encouragement. It truly was.

Each devotional is timely and relates to a woman’s life. They are easy to read and understand. Each day contains a scripture and relating message. The daily offerings are meaningful yet short. It is easy to fit this daily devotional into one’s day.

The book itself is compact with a lovely floral cover. There is a ribbon bookmark to keep your place. Devotionals are dated, January 1 through December 31, which makes it an easy yearly study regardless of when it is started.

I enjoyed the lessons in this devotional. Some of them touched me more than others, but all of them were encouraging. It would make a great gift for any woman, young or old.

This sweet book gets my recommendation. It would make a lovely thoughtful gift that would be enjoyed all year long. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. Celebrate Lit provided a copy but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: God Sees Her

Author: Our Daily Bread

Genre: Devotional

Release Date: March 3, 2020

Following the overwhelming success and rave reviews of God Hears Her, we’re bringing you another devotional written by women for women to reassure you that God is with you. God Sees Her is a beautifully styled gift book containing 366 meditations with accompanying Scripture that speak to the heart of women.

The title comes from a story in an Old Testament book of the Bible—Genesis—where Hagar is on the run, alone in the desert with nowhere to go. The angel of the Lord finds her and calls her by name. After this encounter, Hagar exclaimed, “You are the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). Women today need this same assurance . . . God sees you, God knows you by name, and God cares about every detail of your life.
Let these short Our Daily Bread devotionals written by women like you wash over your soul and remind you each day that God is near. The handy size, ribbon marker, and decorative cover make it perfect for gift giving to your girlfriends too.

Click here for your copy.

More about God Sees Her

This is a follow up to the successful 365-devotional, God Hears Her. So far, it’s moved more than 200,000 copies.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

Girls in White Dresses, April 28

The Avid Reader, April 29

deb’s Book Review, April 29

For Him and My Family, April 30

Lighthouse Academy, April 30

Emily Yager, May 1

She Lives To Read, May 1

Remembrancy, May 2

Lis Loves Reading, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 3

Inklings and notions, May 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 4

Godly Book Reviews, May 4

Older & Smarter?, May 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 6

Genesis 5020, May 6

Blossoms and Blessings, May 7

amandainpa, May 7

For the Love of Literature, May 8

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 8

Splashes of Joy, May 9

Hallie Reads, May 9

Artistic Nobody, May 10

Nancy E Wood, May 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 11

Bookishly Beverly, May 11

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Our Daily Bread is giving away the grand prize package of a God Sees Her hardcover, God Hears Her leather-like, God Hears Her journal, God Hears Her CD, God Hears Her pen, and God Hears Her Scripture & Encouragement cards!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f983/god-sees-her-celebration-tour-giveaway

God’s Words to Dream On Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on May 3, 2020May 3, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

God’s Words to Dream on by author Diane Stortz is a delightful Children’s Bible Storybook. It is designed to be read at nighttime. Children will be captivated by the whimsical, sparkly cover and eager to read the stories inside.

The sturdy book contains 52 Bible stories. Half of the stories are from the Old Testament and the other half from the New Testament in this giving children a good foundation of biblical knowledge. Each one references the bible verse where the story is found, another short scripture called “God’s Words to Dream On”, an easy to understand summary or “Bedtime Blessing” and closes with a “Sleepy-Time Prayer.” Kids will be delighted with the vivid colorful illustrations that accompany the story. Many of the stories are well known but a few might be unfamiliar to some children.

This is a very good book to establish a nighttime bible reading for children. It is made to last. The pages are a sturdy coated hard board. This can take some tossing around and be okay.

I recommend this for young children and preschoolers. The stories are told in a way to capture little one’s attention and the pictures are lovely. This is a great beginning bible story book for bedtime. It would make a nice baby or shower gift. I gladly give it a 5 star rating. Celebrate Lit provided a copy but these are my own words.

About the Book

Book: God’s Words to Dream On

Author: Diane Stortz

Genre: Children’s Bible storybook/Non-fiction

Release Date: March 2019

Start a Bedtime Bible Story Tradition Tonight!

What better way to spend the last few minutes of the day than snuggled up with your children, pouring God’s love into their hearts? God’s Words to Dream On calms, quiets, and opens hearts to hear faith-building Bible stories and prayers. Over 50 stories—from the Old and New Testaments—create an overview of the Bible with a focus on God’s love, care, protection, trustworthiness, and power.

Each Night, You’ll Enjoy:

* A Bible Story—stories of Gods power and protection

* A Bedtime Blessing—how this story will bless your child’s life

* God’s Words to Dream On—a Bible verse to hide God’s Word in little hearts

* A Sleepy-Time Prayer—a good-night prayer tied to the theme of the story

Dreams are sweeter when we dream of the Lord.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Diane Stortz is a multipublished author who writes to make God’s wonders known to the next generation. Her children’s releases include the best-selling Say & Pray Bible and I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God, both from Tommy Nelson. Diane’s books for women, A Woman’s Guide to Reading the Bible in a Yearand Encountering God’s Heart for You, both from Bethany House, encourage women to get to know God through His Word, the Bible. Diane and her husband have two married daughters and five grandchildren—all boys! Visit her at www.DianeStortz.com.

More from Diane

A happy bedtime contributes so much to a child’s welfare. Perhaps a warm bath, a story, some cuddles with mom or dad, and a prayer equal a time-tested bedtime routine. These last moments of the day, done right, create a wonderful sense of family security and love for children as they fall asleep.

Bedtime also gives us a wonderful opportunity to help children grow secure in God’s love. I wrote God’s Words to Dream On for just that reason. The stories not only create an overview of the Bible’s big story, but they focus on God’s love and care—the ways He shows us His power and protection and the reasons we can trust Him. Each story includes a simple Bible verse to remember, a simple prayer, and a bedtime blessing for your child.

Young children thrive on routine, and I think a Bible story at bedtime might be one of the best!

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, April 25

Texas Book-aholic, April 26

Mary Hake, April 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27

Inklings and notions, April 28

deb’s Book Review, April 29

Spoken from the Heart, April 30

Holly Jo Morris, April 30

Remembrancy, May 1

Older & Smarter?, May 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 3

Splashes of Joy , May 4

Artistic Nobody, May 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Aryn The Libraryan, May 6

Becka Jiménez’s FB, May 6

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 7

Vicky Sluiter, May 8

Bookishly Beverly, May 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Diane is giving away the grand prize package of a Scripture Lullabies CD, a bottle of Honest Company Truly Calming Bubble Bath, and a bath poof!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f8f8/god-s-word-to-dream-on-celebration-tour-giveaway

Famous Last Words

Posted on April 29, 2020April 26, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Words can be golden. Movies can be identified by a memorable quote and songs by a few lyrics. For the most part words are remembered whether for good or for bad.

What would you say to someone if you knew it was the very last time the two of you would speak? What would your last words be? Facebook and social media are filled with nonsensical posts of quizzes designed to tell you which type of flower or animal you are. They are also overflowing with venomous attacks on people we personally do not know. That’s correct, politicians. The colorful adjectives used are appalling.

Petty arguments and grudges can slither their way into relationships and do irrevocable damage. The hurtful last words spoken are forever engraved upon hearts. Those hearts are left broken and yearning for healing. Forgiveness withheld robs us of years of happy times and memories. Perhaps “I’m sorry” are words that are long overdue to someone. It would be devastating to miss that opportunity.

What legacy do you want your words to leave? If you knew you were having the last conversation with a friend or family would it change your words and tone? Life changes everyday, and tomorrow is not guaranteed. Scripture tells us not to let the sun set on our anger but to make amends.

Me? What would I say? I would not waste my breath on small talk, but rather go straight to the things that I wanted my family or friend to understand. Wouldn’t you? Treasured memories would be shared as we relived them once again. Yes, I would apologize for any wrong that I had done or they felt I had. Perception is real to the beholder. Most importantly, I would give forgiveness and love.

When I speak to my parents, children, and best friend the last thing I say to them is I love you. Three little words that mean so much. Those words should chase away any doubt they might have if they were loved. Absolutely, whole heartedly, and forever they are loved. I would make sure they knew that God loved them, too.

My words for you are that you, too, know you are eternally, unequivocally loved by your Creator. The Bible overflows with verses verifying this. Never doubt it, even in times of turmoil. Call to Him and let His love fill you and give you peace.

It would be wonderful if we had the foresight to know when we were speaking to someone for the last time. Since we don’t, the next best thing is to temper our words with love and speak as if those were our last words. Let’s make all of our words be worthy of being famous last words.

Home on Huckleberry Hill Book Review

Posted on April 28, 2020April 26, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Home On Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is a Christian contemporary Amish novel. This is Book #9 in the author’s Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series. Many old friends made an appearance in this quirky, fun book.

This is the story of Amish married couple Jethro and Mary Anne Neuenschwander. They have had some sadness and disappointments in their marriage. Their lives are drifting apart instead of closer together. Mary Anne does something drastic and Jethro retaliates.

Author Beckstrand is a favorite of mine. I know I will receive a Christian message, a well thought and researched book, and a bit of humor. Her Huckleberry Hills series has some wonderful characters, including Felty and Annie. They are a large part of this book as they make a show of solidarity with Mary Anne.

The life lessons are like precious gems in this story. The main one is about marriage and love. Gossip, forgiveness, submitting, hope, and trust are also beautifully illustrated. Talking about issues and hurt is essential, and the author shows how situations can blow up without being open and honest.

I did become frustrated with all of the bickering. There was so much negativity in this book that I wanted to give up on it a time or two. I am glad I persevered. The message is really lovely and uplifting.

I highly recommend this Amish Christian book. It is especially a good book for a married or soon to be married reader. Everyone will enjoy it. The rating I give it is 4 out of 5 stars. Celebrate Lit provided a copy but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Back Cover Copy

Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s irrepressible eighty-something matchmakers Anna and Felty Helmuth are at it again. And this time they’re willing to rough it to get the job done . . .

Mary Anne Neuenschwander knows she should be content with what Gotte has given her. She has a comfortable house, a fruitful farm, and a good, steady husband. But after nearly six years of marriage, she still longs for a baby. Yet her husband, Jethro, seems to care more about fishing than about his wife. Unable to bear Jethro’s indifference, Mary Anne moves into a tent in the woods where he won’t have to be bothered. But when her mammi and dawdi find out what she’s done, they’ll stop at nothing—including a little camping trip of their own—to help save their granddaughter’s marriage . . .

Jethro’s greatest blessing is his beloved wife, Mary Anne. Nothing else in his life has turned out anywhere near the way he expected. Rather than burden Mary Anne with his disappointment, he shields her by spending less and less time at home and more time on the river. But when he finds that she’s moved out, he’s shocked. What will people think? What is Mary Anne thinking? And what clever plans are her grandparents hatching?. . .

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the two-time RITA-nominated, #1 Amazon bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, The Honeybee Sisters series, and The Petersheim Brothers series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer and Home on Huckleberry Hill were bothnominated for the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth, the Honeybee sisters’ aendi Bitsy, and Alfie and Benji Petersheim. Jennifer has written twenty-two Amish romances, a historical Western, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. Jennifer is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency. She and her husband have been married for thirty-five years, and she has six children and eight adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Social Media Link

Website: http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans

Twitter: @JenniferBeckst1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jennifergbeckst/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Beckstrand/e/B0073GHCOG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1488910908&sr=8-2-ent

Instagram: j.beckstrand

Bookbub: @JenniferBeckstrand https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-beckstrand

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3aFrepp

Oh, Gracious! Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on April 27, 2020April 26, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Author Chautona Havig has written a page turning Christian contemporary romance that should not to be missed. “Oh, Gracious!” is an extraordinary fiction offering from the talented wordsmith Havig. I was immediately invested in the story.

This is the tale of Nolan Burke, deemed “most eligible bachelor” in his area. He is handsome, rich, and has extremely high stands when it comes to women. It is also the story of Grace Buscher. She is a self proclaimed homemaker. The two meet and become friends. Their story is filled with life lessons, inspiration, and humor.

Author Havig has a smooth style of writing. The story was easy to follow and flowed along at a nice pace. I enjoyed the characters. They were relatable and believable. It was easy to get to know them. The emotions were realistic and transferred off of the pages. It was easy to imagine being part of that circle of friends.

My favorite part off the novel was the message of faith. That is vital for me in Christian fiction. I want it front and center so it is not hidden. This one was right out there in the open. Books that have life lessons are also important. This one had many.

I have read many of author Havig’s books, but this one is by far my favorite. She keeps perfecting her gift. The characters’ faith journeys were moving. The message of inner beauty was timeless and essential. The children and animal were the cherry on top.

I highly recommend this fabulous book. It is a story that has stuck with me days after reading it. At the end readers are rewarded with a recipe from the story. (Another favorite thing of mine in a book.) Any reading group with benefit from this choice. I rated this a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these were my own words.

About the Book

Book: Oh, Gracious!

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian fiction, contemporary Romance, woman’s fiction

Release Date: March 31, 2020

Life is too short to settle for just anyone.
Grace gave her whole heart to Jesus, but now he wants a part of it.

All she ever wanted was to be a homemaker.

Sure, she has a degree in physics. Yes, she could have a lucrative job in Rockland, but Grace Buscher enjoys her life as a single homemaker. As they say, it’s her choice.

As a successful business owner, a handsome guy, and heir to a small fortune, it’s no wonder Nolan Burke is one of Rockland’s most eligible bachelors. The problem is, he hasn’t met anyone who isn’t looking for a “trophy husband.”

Don’t family-centered women exist anymore?

Grace isn’t exactly eye candy. Nolan is a bit blind. So when an “accidental meeting” forges an unlikely friendship, it becomes obvious to everyone that it’s likely to become more.

But is Grace ready to give up the life she loves for the man she loves?

Find out in this completely updated, revised, and improved version of Chautona Havig’s first novel, Noble Pursuits.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

Wow, My Beloved First Book Was a Hot Mess

On my blog, I sometimes answer readers’ questions, and one of the earliest ones was, “Since you zip out your books so fast, do you ever later wish you had done something differently with them?”

My answer today is the same as back then—usually. No. Yes, I sometimes regret not being able to tell a supporting character’s story because the book has given away that person’s past and/or future. Still, most of the time, I tell the story as I want it.

But in that post about “regrets,” I said that as I learn, I definitely wish to improve sentences here, and others there. I did this already with Argosy Junction, the second book that I published. The first two or three books were experiments where I made many serious mistakes. Took bad advice. Didn’t know the right things to research. All the mistake-ness.

Total transparency here. I chose Argosy Junction to revise first because I made fewer mistakes on it. Still lots, but not as many as my first book, Noble Pursuits.

Bad editing advice, horrible cover design (twice), and just basic writing craft stuff that I didn’t know when I started this whole journey all culminated in a book I both loved (the story) and hated (the final result). Many reviewers said the same thing, too. That poor book has the worst reviews of all of my books combined.

And for good reason.

But it’s a good story—one I love, as I said—and it has some strong fans. Some readers were able to look past the problems and see the heart of what I tried to do with it. And that was a beautiful thing. Those readers, actually, are the ones I’ve rewritten this book for.

Yes, I rewrote Noble Pursuits. While every sentence isn’t completely rewritten, enough are that I considered it a new book, not just a revised one.

A few readers have panicked to see the title changed, the story rewritten. They’ve asked if I took out this or even that. I took out and added nothing that 99.9% of readers would ever notice. And it’s a better book for it.

I am updating the original Noble Pursuits file with the new text. I’m doing this in hopes that those who already own that book can go into their digital content on Amazon and get the updated version. I don’t know if it will work, but I pray it does.

Meanwhile, for those who’ve asked why they can’t buy the first book on my Suggested Reading Order list, well… now you can!

Oh, Gracious! has been a long time coming, but she’s here with a new title, rewritten content, and even a lovely new cover by the brilliantly talented Perry Elizabeth. It took what seems like forever to settle on a title, but we finally did. Why we chose Oh, Gracious! however, is a story for another day.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, April 24

Wishful Endings, April 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool, April 25

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, April 25

Inklings and notions, April 26

deb’s Book Review, April 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 27

Texas Book-aholic, April 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 28

Kat’s Corner Books, April 28

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, April 29

Cultivating us, April 29

Through the Fire Blogs, April 30

For Him and My Family, April 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 1

The Collaborative Press, May 1

Connect in Fiction, May 2

Spoken from the Heart, May 2

Read Review Rejoice, May 2

She Lives To Read, May 3

Books I’ve Read, May 3

Emily Yager, May 4

Captive Dreams Window, May 4

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 5

Back Porch Reads, May 5

Lots of Helpers, May 6

As He Leads is Joy, May 6

Artistic Nobody, May 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Pause for Tales, May 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of one paperback copy of each of the 3 fully revised novels: Oh, Gracious, Argosy Junction, and Thirty Days Hath…!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f8f7/oh-gracious-celebration-tour-giveaway

The House at the End of the Moor Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on April 26, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

The House at the End of the Moor by author Michelle Griep is a Christian Historical Fiction that is so interesting from the very beginning. It is a Regency England story with mystery, intrigue and romance. I loved its message of faith.

This is the story of Maggie Lee. She is an opera singer that has run away from her glamorous life because of threats. Her life now is in the moors unbeknownst to others.
It is also the tale of Oliver Ward. He is a wrongly accused incarcerated man. Their lives collide, and it appears they have something in common.

Author Grief is a fabulous storyteller. This is a page turning, sometimes gritty tale that keeps readers guessing. The characters are well described and memorable, even the secondary ones. Villains are plentiful and so easy to detest. The dialog is period appropriate and character revealing.

Through her vivid descriptive words the author took me back in time to a Moor. I was able to learn some things, which is always a bonus when reading. The jail scenes were a bit horrific to imagine. There is also some violence.

The life lessons and messages of faith are what make this book beautiful. I love reading a story that has a character growing in faith. Lessons of redemption, hope, justice, faith, and love shine brightly throughout this novel.

Expect surprises, twists, turns, intrigue, romance, and a trip to the English Moors in the wonderful story. I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys historical fiction, especially Regency. It might be too much for younger teens so I would limit it to older ones. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy from Celebrate Lit was provided, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: House at the End of the Moor

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical

Release Date: April 2020

An Opulent London Opera Star Escapes to the Rugged Landscape of the English Moors

Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.

Click here for your copy!

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at http://www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More from Michelle

What comes to mind when you hear the word moor? For some, images of Jane Eyre spring to life. For others, The Hound of the Baskervilles starts barking. But for most, it’s a big fat goose egg. The fact is that most Americans don’t have a clue what a moor is, but never fear, my friend…after you read the next few paragraphs, you’ll never again go blank-minded when you hear the word moor.

Last summer I skipped across the pond and tromped around Dartmoor with my daughter and husband. What an awesome experience. I learned first-hand just how windy this vast stretch of land can be, for that’s really what a moor is at heart: a vast stretch of land. Webster’s defines it as an expanse of open rolling infertile land. Sounds rather desolate, eh? Yeah. Kind of. But it’s oh so much more.

In spring and summer, green does abound. Gorse bushes. Scrubby grasses. Lambs and sheep and goats. All these animals roam free so there are trails worn into the dirt that you can hike along. But I hear you…where could you possibly go if there’s nothing besides some farm animals roaming around the place?

You could hike to a tor, which is a “high, craggy hill.” Some of them can be a little treacherous to climb, but sweet mercy, what a view! The earth stretches out like a green and brown quilt. As I hiked that day last spring, whispers in the wind inspired me to wonder a lot of what-ifs, and those what-ifs came together in a story of intrigue and betrayal.

What would you do if you found a half-dead man bleeding in the middle of nowhere? Find out what heroine Maggie Lee does in The House at the End of the Moor.

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, April 18

The Avid Reader, April 18

Life of Literature, April 18

The Power of Words, April 18

For Him and My Family, April 19

Texas Book-aholic, April 19

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, April 19

Among the Reads, April 20

My Devotional Thoughts, April 20

As He Leads is Joy, April 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 20

Just the Write Escape, April 21

Reflections From My Bookshelves, April 21

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 21

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 22

deb’s Book Review, April 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 22

Inklings and notions, April 22

Remembrancy, April 23

Hookmeinabook, April 23

Christian Bookaholic, April 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 24

Britt Reads Fiction, April 24

Emily Yager, April 24

Betti Mace, April 25

Stories By Gina, April 25

Adventures of a Traveling Wife, April 25

Blossoms and Blessings, April 25

Splashes of Joy, April 26

Simple Harvest Reads, April 26 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Vicky Sluiter, April 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 26

Blessed & Bookish, April 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 27

Pause for Tales, April 27

Through the Fire Blogs, April 28

Hallie Reads, April 28

Faery Tales Are Real, April 28

To Everything There Is A Season, April 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 29

Bigreadersite, April 29

Older & Smarter?, April 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 29

Genesis 5020, April 30

Read Review Rejoice, April 30

By The Book, April 30

For the Love of Literature, April 30

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 1

Bookishly Beverly, May 1

Daysong Reflections, May 1

Artistic Nobody, May 1 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f8e2/the-house-at-the-end-of-the-moor-celebration-tour-giveaway

One a Hundred Valleys Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on April 23, 2020April 22, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on the Celebrate Lit tour for One Hundred Valleys. Be sure to sign up for the Amazon gift card and vintage bowl at the end. Thank you for stopping. Enjoy my review and the book.

My Thoughts

One Hundred Valleys by author Bonnie Leon is Christian Historical Romance set in the Wilderness of Oregon. The first thing I noticed about this book was the beautiful cover. The blues and greens are serene and the face on the woman is winsome and compelling. I wanted to read her story.

This is the story of Emmalin Hammond from Philadelphia. Her world has been completely turned upside down by the death of her mother. The devastating news that she is not an heiress caused her fiancé to break their engagement. She learns her father is really not dead but living far away in Oregon Territory.

This is also the tale of Jacob Landon, a sincere mountain man. Jacob was raised by Native Americans and is more than able to survive in the wilderness. He has agreed to take her to meet her father.

Author Leon has a nice writing style. Her words are meaningful and smoothly flow together. At times the pace was a bit slow, but for the most part the story moved right along. I enjoyed the characters. They were diverse and believable. It was easy to befriend the main characters and become irritated with the scoundrels.

This is a well researched story. At times I felt as if I was on the trail with them. Jacob was so kind and considerate. Poor Emmalin had such a time. She grew a lot from the beginning of the book.

I would recommend this to readers that enjoy historical fiction. There are some good life lessons in it. The romance is sweet. I received a copy from a Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: One Hundred Valleys

Author: Bonnie Leon

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: March 15, 2020

After the death of her mother, Emmalin Hammond discovers she is not the heiress she’d always assumed she’d be. The revelation exposes her fiancé true intentions when he withdraws his marriage proposal, leaving Emmalin heartbroken and humiliated. When she discovers the father she believed to be dead is still alive and living in the Oregon Territory she decides it is time to meet the man who has been hidden from her all of her life.

Accompanied by her Uncle Jonathon she sets out for the Oregon Territory in search of answers and hoping for a renewed relationship with her father. When tragedy strikes, she confronts the terrifying challenge of completing her quest alone. Faced with few options, she entrusts her life to a mountain man named Jacob Landon who agrees to transport her to a small settlement in Southern Oregon called Deer Creek, a place also known as the Land of One Hundred Valleys.

Emmalin is not prepared for the hardships of life in the Oregon wilderness. Each day presents a new challenge. Newfound friends, including the reserved Jacob Landon, come alongside to help her adapt and she gradually finds her way. Yet, she feels out of place. Should she brave the arduous journey back to Philadelphia and the life she once knew or remain and hope for something better in the Oregon wilderness?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Bonnie Leon is the author of twenty-two novels, including the recently released Return to the Misty Shore, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons. Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, Poland, and even Africa. She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and mentoring up and coming authors.

Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

More from Bonnie

Why this story?

In the spring of 1980 my husband and I, our two-year-old son, and our infant daughter left city life in Washington state and moved to Southern Oregon. We gave up our community of friends and family along with my husband’s reliable and well-paying job. Our friends thought we were crazy, but we were determined that Oregon was where we belonged. We were scared but not deterred.

I think the change in my own life as a young woman had a lot to do with why I wrote this story of Emmalin Hammond. To be sure, Emmalin’s level of difficulty and danger is distinctly different than mine, but there are similarities. We both experienced adventures, joy, and, yes, even danger.

Oregon has been my home for forty years now, and I am glad my husband and I made the decision to move here. We’ve had a good life in this wild and beautiful country. Sometimes I wonder about the women who made that choice during the nineteenth century. Emmalin set out on her harrowing journey to Oregon in the spring of 1855. Many who began that journey did not make it across the plains and desserts of America.

When I put down roots in Douglas County, Oregon I was thrilled to be here, but the changes weren’t all easy. The old farmhouse we lived in had more broken windows than intact ones. It was mouse infested. The plumbing needed major repair. And yet I loved it. The countryside was lush and green, and the rolling hillsides were dotted with farm animals, wildlife, and broad-limbed oak trees. There were wild blackberries sprawling along the farm’s fences and fresh fruit in our orchard. It looked much the same as the Oregon Emmalin discovered in my story, One Hundred Valleys.

I loved hard work and spent a lot of time splitting logs for our only heat source—a wood burning stove—felling trees on our new property, and working alongside my husband in our vegetable garden.

I had run-ins with things like poison oak and skunks, but that did not dampen my enthusiasm as a new Oregonian. I loved picking wild blackberries, fishing the high mountain lakes, hiking mountain trails, and fishing the North Umpqua river. I cherished those days as a farm wife and mother. Those were the best years of my life. I have never regretted our move to the beautiful land of one hundred valleys in Southern Oregon.

I am thankful for the early explorers who challenged the wilderness in the Oregon Territory more than a century ago. It is their courage and determination that made it possible for me and my family to live and thrive in this beautiful place.

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, April 15

Through the Lens of Scripture, April 15

Texas Book-aholic, April 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 16

Reading Is My SuperPower, April 16

For Him and My Family, April 17

Read Review Rejoice, April 17

Inklings and notions, April 18

Bigreadersite, April 18

Emily Yager, April 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 19

Lis Loves Reading, April 19

Stories By Gina, April 19

Betti Mace, April 20

Pause for Tales, April 20

My Devotional Thoughts, April 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 21

Splashes of Joy, April 21

deb’s Book Review, April 21

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

To Everything There Is A Season, April 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 23

Worthy2Read, April 23

Daysong Reflections, April 23

Older & Smarter?, April 24

Through the Fire Blogs, April 24

Blossoms and Blessings, April 25

janicesbookreviews, April 25

For the Love of Literature, April 26

Vicky Sluiter, April 26

Mary Hake, April 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Genesis 5020, April 27

Artistic Nobody, April 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

With a Joyful Noise, April 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Bonnie is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon Gift Card and Vintage Oregon myrtle wood porringer bowl!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f8e0/one-hundred-valleys-celebration-tour-giveaway

Change of Heart by Molly Jebber

Posted on April 22, 2020April 22, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Author Molly Jabber has written a sweet Christian fiction with the newest installment in her The Keepsake Pocket Quilt Series. I was able to read it in one afternoon and enjoyed it.

This is the story of Amish girl Becca Yost. She was humiliated after her fiancé stood her up at the altar. Not wanting to stay in her home town, she goes to visit her sister, Ruth. Ruth moved away when she got married and became Mennonite.

It is also the story of Englisch Dr. Matt Carrington. He is a kind, caring, gentle man. When he and Becca keep meeting sparks fly. Becca is a sweet and caring person, too. They encounter some issues making a relationship difficult and possibly impossible. There are some twists and turns placed throughout to surprise readers.

The characters in the book are not as deep as in most of the author’s other works. For some reason I felt a little disconnected to them. The dialog seemed stiff and uneven at times. Overall story was very good.

I would recommend this book to Amish lovers. It is a nice, sweet book. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own, honest words.

About the Book

A modern new century brings a young Amish woman an unexpected new life—and a chance to discover love’s true way home…

Ohio, 1899. Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith’s strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She’s never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt’s wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.

With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances.

About the Author

Molly Jebber is an award-winning author of Amish Historical Romance. Molly’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, featured in video on Naples News and Romantic Times. She’s a touring speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and she offers presentations on writing, marketing, agent or no agent, publishing, and the Amish lifestyles and traditions. She’s been a guest lecturer for conferences, author events, and at Ohio State University for an event in 2020.

CHANGE OF HEART, GRACE’S FORGIVENESS, & TWO SUITORS FOR ANNA – these books are her Keepsake Pocket Quilt Series. LIZA’S SECOND CHANCE, ELLIE’S REDEMPTION, & HANNAH’S COURAGE are her Amish Charm Bakery Series books. Check her website www.mollyjebber.com for more of her books and where she’ll be next!

She loves God, her family, and friends. She says yes to swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to coconut, onions, and skydiving!

Author Links

Facebook: facebook.com/mollymorrisjebber

Twitter: twitter.com/mollymjebber

Pinterest: pinterest.com/mollymjebber

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/molly-jebber