The Duke’s Refuge

Posted on January 15, 2020January 14, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

The Duke’s Refuge by author Lorri Dudley is a captivating Christian Historical Romance novel. It was easy to read and became a page turning delight. Author Dudley has penned a fabulous tale.

I was enamored immediately with Georgia. She is a lovely character, feisty, sassy, caring, and beautiful. It is easy to imagine having her as a friend. Harrison Wells is a strong leading man. They meet and sparks fly as they tend not to get along. That soon changes.

Faith and inspiration are prevalent throughout this Caribbean tale. The author writes in such a way that she takes readers to the sand and surf. Her style is pleasant and easy. I loved how the conversations flowed smoothly.

Expect a few twists and turns when reading this. Also, be prepared to read and not want to do anything else! I was so invested that I had to continue reading one more page until I had finished it.

I highly recommend this. It is a great entertaining and encouraging book. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but this is my honest opinion.

About the Book

Book: The Duke’s Refuge

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: January 7, 2020

When love comes in a tempest, who knew it would wear pink?

Georgia Lennox has traded in her boyish ways for pink gowns and a coy smile to capture the eye of the Earl of Claremont. However, on the day she’s convinced the earl will propose, Georgia is shipped off to the Leeward Islands to care for her ailing father. But when she arrives on Nevis, the last thing she expects is to learn that her abrupt departure was not at her father’s bidding but that of the infuriating, yet captivating, island schoolmaster. And now her plans may well be shipwrecked.

Harrison Wells is haunted by the memories of his deceased wife and hunted by the subsequent women who aspire to be the next Duchess of Linton. Desiring anonymity, he finds sanctuary in the Leeward island of Nevis. He’s willing to sacrifice his ducal title for a schoolmaster’s life and the solace the island provides. That is until unrest finds its way to Nevis in a storm of pink chiffon—Miss Georgia Lennox.

As Georgia and Harrison’s aspirations break apart like a ship cast upon the rocks, a new love surfaces, but secrets and circumstances drag them into rough waters. Can they surrender their hearts to a love that defies their expectations?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household. Find her online at www.lorridudley.com.

More from Lorri

After being buried under the largest snowfall in Massachusetts history, I wrote The Duke’s Refuge as an escape to warmer tropical climates, and what better respite than a romantic Caribbean isle with a mysteriously missing Duke? In the process I fell in love with the beauty of Nevis, it’s rich culture, and history.

My heroine Georgia lured me in the moment I realized she only wore pink. My psychology background had me digging deeper. I needed to know why. Why the obsession? What was the root behind the hurt? Why pink? How did she go from being a Tomboy to a dignified, Regency socialite? And how did she wind up in the Leeward Islands? Enter her beloved, sick father who always saw Georgia’s potential even when it was hidden under boy’s clothing and often smelled of marsh. Although, he held the best of intentions, his relocating to Nevis left Georgia with deep abandonment issues.

Harrison was a completely different beast. After reading about Mudlarks who trolled the Thames River searching for treasure and even picking the pockets of dead people washed up on the shores, I knew Harrison’s would wind up caked in the Thames’s thick mud and devastated at the loss of his wife. The Leeward island became not only a reprieve from his grief but also from the women who snuck into his carriage or cornered him at parties clamoring to become the next Duchess.

Oddly enough, part of the story formed when a friend of mine spoke of their family trip to visit his mother. She happened to own a parrot, and after a week of the kids yelling each other’s names, the parrot imitated their shrieking. Even long after they returned to the U.S. the bird still screeched out their names. I couldn’t resist adding a mimicking parrot to add a comical element and harass my main characters.

The Duke’s Refuge is meant to be a fish-out-of-water, case-of-mistaken-identity, love triangle romance with a happily-ever-after. It demonstrates how God’s love fervently pursues us, no matter how far we run, and that sometimes, something we would never have chosen can bless us in a way we would never have expected.

To learn more, check out my website at lorridudley.com or click here to watch The Duke’s Refuge’s book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D65yeAhswnI&feature=emb_logo

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, January 9

Genesis 5020, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 10

Betti Mace, January 11

KarenSueHadley, January 11

janicesbookreviews, January 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 12

Remembrancy, January 12

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 13

Through the Fire Blogs, January 13

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 14

Kat’s Corner Books, January 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 15

Books, Life, and Christ, January 15

She Lives to Read, January 16

Blessed & Bookish, January 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 16

Daysong Reflections, January 17

Mary Hake, January 17

Inklings and notions, January 18

April Hayman, Author, January 18

For Him and My Family, January 19

Britt Reads Fiction, January 19

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 20

Hallie Reads, January 20

Pause for Tales, January 20

deb’s Book Review, January 21

Life of Literature, January 21

Just the Write Escape, January 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away 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/f468/the-duke-s-refuge-celebration-tour-giveaway

Happy Birthday to my Mother

Posted on January 14, 2020January 14, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is my Mother’s birthday. (Happy Birthday, Mama!) God truly blessed me when He chose me to be her daughter. She is such an extraordinary person. I could fill each day’s blog up with her attributes – kind, gentle, giving, savvy, smart, compassionate, loving – just to name a few. The best thing about her is that she is a Woman of Faith, a true Christian. Her beauty shines from within.

Have you seen the following post from Facebook? I have seen it several times on my feed. It claims that just talking to your mother is like getting a hug. Really?

Yes, it is true. I can attest to its validity. Talking to Mom brightens my day and my mood gets elevated. We talk multiple times each day. Do you find the same happens when talking with your mother? Hopefully you are still blessed with her.

Speaking of talking, the older I get the more I sound like my mother because of the things I say. I find the things I say could very easily come out of her mouth and probably did years earlier. As soon as the words leave my mouth I smile. Even a simple “humph” is done with the same inflection.

Things I have noticed over the years about my sweet mother:

Her skin is soft and beautiful. I love holding her hand.

She has the most beautiful blue eyes.

My mother always smells good.

She is and always has been a lady.

Family is important to her.

She believes in helping others.

Forgiveness is taught and done.

She is fun. Her laugh is infectious.

Mom is the glue that holds our family together.

I aspire to be like Mom. She sets a great example and high bar. I hope my children and grandchildren will find wisdom in my words and ways as well as seek comfort in me as I do in her.

Love is shown through everything Mom does. Nothing is done halfway with her. Whenever I think of the Proverbs 31 woman, my thoughts turn to Mom. She is always busy doing something for her family, church, or a friend.

Oh, I’m sure she’s not perfect, but I can find no fault with her. She is treasured and adored. I love that she always kisses me goodbye when we leave each other. Each night we call each other to say “good night, I love you” and each morning to say hello. A hug to start and end my day! Just what I need.

I hope your mother is treasured, too. You by your children, also. Have you had your hug yet? I have. Call your mother or child today and share a “hug”. It will benefit both of you.

Bartholomew: Squire of the Subway Book Tour and Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on January 11, 2020January 7, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Bartholomew: Squire of the Subway is a children’s book written by author Carol L. Lester. This paperback book has vivid illustrations and takes readers on an adventure with a friendly iguana. What kid could pass up a talking iguana with glasses?

The story is interesting and teaches children life lessons. It is important to include others even when they appear different. The subway is the perfect for diversity. Bartholomew teaches readers that each person is unique and individual. We need to be accepted for who we are.

This would make a nice lesson for a small group of children. There is much room for conversations. It is a positive, upbeat book. I enjoyed reading it.

I would recommend this book. Even older children could glean something from it. A teacher could have her older students read it and write a paper on diversity. Even an older reader group would find a variety of things to discuss. I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Bartholomew: Squire of the Subway

Author: Carol L. Lester

Genre: Children’s

Release Date: December 2019

Bartholomew, an intelligent iguana with brown-and-green mottled, scaly skin, loves riding the New York City subway. The underground railroad, which clatters and whooshes before it takes off, teems with people, but Bartholomew doesn’t mind. He enjoys his escape from his life in a museum exhibit and spends the morning observing other passengers.

On his ride, Bartholomew watches several Regulars and learns about their similarities, their differences, and how they interact or don’t interact with others. Bubbly Becky radiates joy, and she even sits next to Bartholomew. Fred always wears a bright scarf and sometimes hums, but he keeps to himself. Mrs. Hatmer keeps her four children organized, but some passengers are annoyed by the kids. By the end of Bartholomew’s ride, he learns about the value and uniqueness of each person.

Bartholomew, Squire of the Subway includes questions in the back to encourage young readers to explore the lessons Bartholomew learns. Carol Lester’s children’s books spark discussions with adult and school-aged readers alike. With each book, Lester seeks to influence and shape lives, young and old.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Carol L. Lester is a published author and has taught secondary English / language arts for over thirty years. She holds teaching certificates in three states with degrees in education and sport psychology. Carol lives in San Antonio, Texas, and enjoys her role writing children’s stories that educate and delight. She previously published Roo, the Kangaroo Cat.

More from Carol

I am so very thankful for all opportunities I have experienced thus far in my life, and they have been varied! As an Air Force brat, I traveled the globe and experienced languages and cultures about which other people only dream. I have embraced those times of travel in my adult life as well. For instance, I chaperoned 54 high school students to Europe one summer, and I have served as a missionary in both Ukraine and Kenya. In years past I have taught aerobic dance classes and sign language classes, but I owned my own jewelry business for ten years, too. That involved training other jewelers and marketing and selling my line of accessories. With all those experiences, I have served people from all walks of life.

I am definitely a sports enthusiast, but college basketball is my passion, especially when it comes to the University of North Carolina Tarheels! (I am a Carolina alumnus and was actually named after the university.) I was blessed to serve as sole caregiver for my aging parents and now look forward to serving others in a new capacity as author and “coach.”

I enjoy serving as a member of the Oak Hills Church Singers, but I have been a pianist and percussionist for over 50 years. (I served as the drummer and back-up vocalist for Keith Henderson Presents Elvis in the late 1970s!) My “claim to fame,” as it were, is that I was the first female drumline captain in the Atlantic Coast Conference (1976-78).

Blog Stops

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 6

Book of Ruth Ann, January 7

Mamma Loves Books, January 7

For him and my Family, January 8

Maureen’s Musings, January 9

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, January 10

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 12

A Reader’s Brain, January 13

Texas Book-aholic, January 14

Inklings and notions, January 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 16

Mary Hake, January 16

janicesbookreviews, January 17

Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 18 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of both of her books, ROO and Bartholomew, plus a $25 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/f45e/bartholomew-squire-of-the-subway-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Amish Marriage Bargain Book Tour & Giveaway from Celebrate Lit

Posted on January 10, 2020December 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

The Amish Marriage Bargain by author Marie E. Bast is a Christian Amish Romance novel that will capture your attention and heart. The story is original with twists, a mystery, drama, and romance. Faith and inspiration is woven throughout this lovely book and tie everything together perfectly.

Author Bast has a pleasant writing style. She knows how to shape characters so that they are believable. The storyline was interesting and written well. The pace was even and content drew me in. Her description of the people and community took me there on an imaginary trip where I found new friends.

Since her sister died, May has taken over the care of her little niece. Thad, her brother-in-law, was May’s former intended. If you think that adds up to complications, don’t forget Thad’s mother who believes May can do nothing right. The Bishop now wants May to marry Thad because of appearances.

There are so many levels to this novel. It is entertaining, teaches lessons on faith, trust, grudges, forgiveness, gossip, love, and secrets. The lessons are all timely and relevant to life today.

I wish this had cook with discussion questions for reading groups. This has so many life lessons built into it that it would make a great selection. My other wish is that it included a recipe or two. I am spoiled by other Amish books including them.

I highly recommend this book. It was thoroughly enjoyable and gave food for thought. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Amish Marriage Bargain

Author: Marie E. Bast

Genre: Amish

Release Date: December 17, 2019

Will a baby girl bring them together at last?

She’ll do anything for her niece…Even marry the man who broke her heart.

Nothing can keep May Bender in her Amish hometown—except caring for her baby niece. But the bishop insists that May also marry her widowed brother-in-law, Thad Hochstedler—the beau who jilted her to wed her sister. Can May risk her heart long enough to learn the real reason for Thad’s first marriage…and possibly rediscover their love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marie E. Bast is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Her stories whisper words of hope and healing through complex characters and twisting plots. She enjoys writing Amish, contemporary and historical stories. Married for twenty-eight years, Marie and her husband have two grown sons and one daughter. When she’s not writing, she’s walking, golfing, gardening or spending time with her family. Visit her website at MarieBastAuthor.com or follower her on social media.

More from Marie

Did you know that until as late as the twentieth century, marriage was never based on love?

In fact, the institution of marriage predates recorded history. But in ancient biblical times, the reasons for marriage are numerous. The kings, nobility, wealthy, and aristocratic families used arranged marriages to ensure loyalty between kingdoms, which forced a united bound and ensured the integrity of their inheritance and the family wealth.

Arranged marriages, marriages of convenience, and marriage bargains were practical to keep property and kingdoms intact and in the family line. But these marriage contracts also spilled over into the commoners’ lives. In times of poverty, a daughter was only another mouth to feed and therefore a burden on the family. That fueled the arranged marriages where the groom gave the family money, animals, or some other commodity in exchange for the marriage.

Also, arranged marriages were instrumental for women over the age of 30 who were unwed. Even in the nineteenth century, many women would find that a marriage of convenience was the way to go. Often, a widower needed a mother and housekeeper for his family, and sometimes a woman without means to support herself would readily accept a marriage of convenience. Even today, some cultures still use arranged marriages.

But one of the most unique marriage of convenience is the marriage bargain, and that is the central theme to my newest book, The Amish Marriage Bargain, which releases in book form December 17, 2019, and eBook January 1, 2020. The marriage bargain is the specific negotiation of the terms of the agreement regarding a particular situation and often included land.

After her sister dies, May Bender will do anything for her niece…Even marry the man who broke her heart. But like the days of old, the bargain goes deeper than that.

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, January 2

For Him and My Family, January 2

The Avid Reader, January 3

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 3

Texas Book-aholic, January 4

Vicky Sluiter, January 4

Mary Hake, January 4

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 5

Among the Reads, January 6

Betti Mace, January 6

Older & Smarter?, January 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 7

Batya’s Bits, January 7

janicesbookreviews, January 8

Hallie Reads, January 8

For The Love Of Literature, January 9

Britt Reads Fiction, January 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 10

Bigreadersite, January 10

mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 10

She Lives to Read, January 11

Through the Fire Blogs, January 11

Quiet Quilter, January 12

Pause for Tales, January 12

Inklings and notions, January 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 14

EmpowerMoms, January 14

Blossoms and Blessings, January 15

Splashes of Joy , January 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marie is giving away to four winners each a $25 Amazon card will also receive a 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/f426/the-amish-marriage-bargain-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Missing Piece

Posted on January 8, 2020January 8, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Hello my friends! Are you settling into 2020 and finding all of the pieces coming together or do you perhaps have a piece that is not here? We have given the new year a week’s testing. Have you found it measuring up or lacking?

Our answers will be as varied as we all are. For some of us, this first week has been a delight. Bring on 2030! We are ready to see what this year holds. Others of us find fault with anything. Delight is found in complaining. Nothing ever brings joy. Do you know someone like that?

I have a friend who was constantly searching for something. There was a piece missing in his life, without whatever it was he could not be content. He tried hard to buy that piece.

Cars were always being upgraded and replaced in hopes that one would finally please him. Lexus, Jaguar, Porsche, and Mercedes Benz left him wanting. Automobiles that most of us only dream about owning weren’t good enough.

Adult “boy toys” were purchased. Boats, horses, helicopter, exotic dogs, and homes, but still there was something lacking. True happiness eluded him. He was a prominent professional with a high degree, but that did not satisfy him. A more prestigious career with additional majors was earned. Still no satisfaction was found. His hunt continued.

Yes, my friend was still looking for what would complete him. He had a wife, in fact he had gone through a few, and had children. Many people called him friend. What he didn’t have was Jesus.

Psalm 34:10b says “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”

After trying everything else, he turned to the Lord. After a few Sundays at church he answered the pull on his heart. The ache and emptiness was gone. His half empty glass was now full. The missing piece had been found and he was now complete.

What about you? Do you feel like you are searching for something that is missing from your life? Are you yearning for something? Maybe that something is your Creator. We were made by and for Him.

If you don’t have a relationship with Him or know someone who needs Him, reach out in prayer. God will hear you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Priceless: A Devotional Cookbook Based on Proverbs 31 Book Tour and Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on January 7, 2020December 30, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Priceless: A Devotional Cookbook Based on Proverbs 31 is written by author Vickie Burns. It is a devotional, study on Proverbs 31, and cookbook all combined into one God glorifying book. The author has written this to help women understand how precious we are to God and offer helpful kitchen recipes for the family.

I was immediately drawn to the beautiful cover. It speaks more to the devotional side of the book. The rich color and jewel are inviting so I wanted to see what was inside.

This 246 page book contains a variety of themes for the devotionals. There are A Mother’s Love, Working Hands, and Be a Blessing along with three other weekly topics. Each week contains five daily lessons and a weekend wrap-up.

The daily lesson opens with a one page devotional thought based on a topic from 31. The next page follows with six questions to ponder and draw deeper. The seventh question is an activity or question for life application along with space to journal. Concluding the day is a menu with recipes. The recipes are accompanied with a personal memory or story.

I extremely enjoyed this devotional. The writing was nice and easy to understand. It helped bring Proverbs 31 to an attainable level. I felt more self-worth after doing this study.

This would make a lovely women’s small group selection. Women of all ages will benefit from reading this. The recipes are an added bonus. I highly recommend it. My rating is 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by a Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Priceless

Author: Vickie Burns

Genre: Devotional/Cookbook

Release Date: November, 2019

Priceless: A Devotional Cookbook Based on Proverbs 31 is a Bible study and cookbook combined. The author, Vickie Burns, takes the reader verse by verse through Proverbs 31, showing them how precious and loved they are. At the end of each day’s study, meal suggestions and recipes are provided to fill their homes with tantalizing aromas and great food. Even young children can help with meal preparation so they learn that dinner doesn’t just magically appear on the table.

For women who’ve read Proverbs 31 and felt inadequate, like they could not possibly live up to God’s description of the perfect woman, Priceless reveals that they have more in common with her than they ever imagined.

“Today’s busy mom rarely finds time to steal a few moments of peace and quiet to spend with the Lord each day,” Vickie says. “On top of that, she most likely does not take the time to flip through endless sections of cookbooks to plan a unique evening meal. Priceless encourages women to view their tasks as God’s call to an abundant life, empowers them by providing a daily word from Proverbs 31, and eases their minds by providing a full menu for the evening meal each day.”

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Vickie Burns is passionate about showing women how to love and live the abundant life that Jesus Christ offers. Through Bible study, public speaking, and writing inspirational cookbooks, Vickie inspires women to love the Lord with all their hearts, minds, souls, and strength; to see and love themselves as Christ does—PRICELESS; and to love others through genuine hospitality. She lives in Texas with the love of her life, Todd Burns, and they have two daughters.

More from Vickie

This book, Priceless, is not my story but it was birthed from it. I was raised in a single-parent Christian home after my parents divorced. I watched my mom handle everything: cooking, cleaning, bills, homework, a full-time job, etc. I had no idea until I became a wife and mother all that she must have been through while raising three children on her own. I do know that she had a strong relationship with the Lord and that she had friends and family support.

Today, I look back at my childhood with renewed respect for my mom. My husband, Todd and I did our best to raise our two girls to honor the Lord while we went to school for our master’s degrees and tried to keep our household running smoothly. I had the help of a husband and was still overwhelmed while working as a teacher, trainer, coach and administrator in public education. On top of that I was still a wife, mother, friend, sister, chef, chauffer, nurse and more. Over the years, as I have gotten to know other women, I realize that I am not alone. We all long for ways to balance work and family, cooking and cleaning, physical busyness and spiritual warfare.

As my heart broke for the busy women in my life (to whom I totally relate) I longed to try and make life a little easier for all of us. I began to study God’s Word for answers. As I studied, I learned that God created us for relationship with Himself and with others. I learned that sharing our burdens with one another is His design. I found out that love should drive every word and action as we relate to others. I discovered that the crazy life that we are trying to balance is actually our ministry to our families and communities. I also realized that hospitality isn’t just something that was dreamed up by Martha Stewart. God ordained hospitality from the beginning when He created Adam and Eve in His image and placed them in the garden of Eden. God touches the heart of mankind with a piece of His own. There are examples of this throughout scripture. The biggest deposit of God’s heart within us is the gift of His Spirit. This gift is what makes genuine hospitality possible today. When we touch another person’s heart with a piece of our own, we are showing hospitality, sharing the love of Christ, and making connections that impact our world. This revelation was the birth of my ministry. I call it The Heart of Hospitality. Through my writing and speaking engagements, I share with women how to see the tasks and responsibilities of our daily lives as a calling from God. Beyond that, I help women understand that viewing their lives in this way is what Jesus meant when He said He came to give us “abundant life”.

My prayer for you, as you read this book is:

that you will be touched with a piece of God’s heart.
that hospitality will come to mean something new to you.
that each devotion in this book exposes your pricelessness in Christ.
that you will know beyond the shadow of any doubt that you are rare, unique and have significant meaning to your Creator.

May God richly bless you and your household.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, January 1

For Him and My Family, January 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 3

Jacquelyn Lynn, January 3

Older & Smarter?, January 4

Texas Book-aholic, January 5

Mary Hake,January 5

janicesbookreviews, January 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 7

Inspiration Clothesline, January 7

Inklings and notions, January 8

Blossoms and Blessings, January 9

For the Love of Books, January 9

She Lives to Read, January 10

Quiet Workings, January 11

Godly Book Reviews, January 11

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 12

A Rup Life, January 13

Emily Yager, January 13

KarenSueHadley, January 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Vickie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Priceless and a $50 Amazon 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/f425/priceless-celebration-tour-giveaway

Focused Backstory Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on January 6, 2020December 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Focused Backstory: The Key to Writing Deep Character Journeys by author Carol Alwood is a must for all budding novelists. It is a writing resource that will go on a shelf and be well used before “the end” is finally entered. I gleaned so much from this gem.

Author Alwood gives useful information on multiple topics in her Focused Backstory. Lists, charts, tables, and questions all help readers determine their best backstories for characters. Examples are provided to help.

There are tips on creating secondary characters, subplots, and evoking reader emotions. The book is a helpful teaching tool on writing. It won’t be for everyone, just those writing fiction or yearning to write on day.

I found Focused Backstory: The Key to Writing Deep Character Journeys extremely helpful. Certain sections were overdone, but all in all if you are writing a novel get this book. It will answer many questions. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars because I found the information extremely valuable. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Focused Backstory

Author: Carol Alwood

Genre: Non-fiction, writing resource

Release Date: June 26, 2019

Learn how to write characters readers will love.

Has an industry professional told you not to dump character history at the beginning of your story? If so, you aren’t alone. But what’s the solution to this common advice? Most writers take the time to design interesting characters with troubled pasts. They long for readers to care about the characters’ lives. However, the sad truth is on page one, readers don’t care—yet. That’s why industry gurus tell writers to stop overusing character history, also called backstory, at the beginning of stories. Have you ever wondered… How to use backstory correctly? What are the ways other writers successfully incorporate backstory into their work? Do tools exist to help writers better plan stories so the backstory isn’t such a problem? In Focused Backstory: The Key to Writing Deep Character Journeys, you’ll find answers to these questions and more. You’ll learn how to avoid the dreaded info-dump and instead, harness curiosity so readers keep turning pages. This resource breaks down focused backstory into simple pieces to use flexibly in any story no matter what genre or length. Worksheets, tables, questionnaires, and templates will help you plan an engaging story with deep characters. Examples from popular stories will help you understand this method.

You’ll learn how to

• design a character around a troubled past.

• create additional characters around the main character.

• weave interesting sub-plots within a characters’ journey toward healing.

• design proper obstacles which interfere with characters’ goals.

• guide readers’ emotions so they have a satisfying reading experience.

No matter what kind of writer you are, if you take the time to analyze the use of backstory, it will enhance your style. Focused Backstory: The Key to Writing Deep Character Journeys is the missing gadget in your writing tool kit.

About the Author

Carol Alwood has an unending passion for fiction, and she can’t think of a better way to spend her life than writing books for young adults and teaching about techniques she has learned along the way. With a Master of Education, experience as a content editor, and over a decade of establishing and working with critique groups, she is an excellent resource. An award-winning author, Carol finds joy in helping writers find the right tools to plan, draft and revise their novels so they can achieve excellence in storytelling.

More from Carol

Focused Backstory resulted from a personal quest to please industry critics who suggested I keep character history out of the first pages of my novels. My initial questions to this advice were: What? Why? I searched for resources to figure out how to write a more powerful beginning without relying on the past but found little help. On a mission to find answers, I studied popular books, television and movies to abstract what made stories work and — boom! I found it! We can break down backstory into simple pieces to use flexibly in any story without compromising artistry. This book provides definitions, examples, worksheets, templates, and comics to help writers study the art of using powerful character histories to keep readers turning pages. I’m so excited to offer this resource and hope it will empower your writing as it has mine.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 28

Holly Jo Morris, December 28

janicesbookreviews, December 29

CarpeDiem, December 29

Jacquelyn Lynn, December 29

For the Love of Literature, December 30

Mary Hake, December 30

Blogging With Carol, December 31

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 31

Genesis 5020, January 1

April Hayman, Author, January 1

Pause for Tales, January 1

Through the Fire Blogs, January 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 3

Emily Yager, January 3

Remembrancy, January 4

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 4

A Reader’s Brain, January 5

Spoken from the Heart, January 5

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 6

Godly Book Reviews, January 6

Blossoms and Blessings, January 7

With a Joyful Noise, January 7

Inklings and notions, January 8

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 8

A Diva’s Heart, January 8

Artistic Nobody, January 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 9

Hebrews 12 Endurance, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

Stories By Gina, January 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/f384/focused-backstory-celebration-tour-giveaway

Words for 2020

Posted on January 5, 2020January 4, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

As I begin each new year, God gifts me with a word or two for that year. Do you have a word for your year, also? It becomes something to ponder and work on making or doing better.

In the past I have had family, hope, victory, and other words. For 2020 my words, there are two, are pray and love. I was totally surprised. God will reveal in His time why He gave me each word. I might not even know until the end of the year when all of the pieces fall into place. What I do know is that for this year I will make a concentrated effort to pray more and love better.

Where do you get your word

People have asked me how to get a word for the year. Since it comes from God the first step is to pray for one. Then listen and look. I hear Him gently whisper my word to me. My best friend is inundated with her word. She sees and hears it multiple times after praying so it is hard to miss.

What to do with your word

I find it a place to start working, a goal for the year. Let’s take my word pray. In an earlier blog I challenged readers to pray for twenty people this year. I am taking extra time for intercessory prayer. Everyday I read prayer requests on Facebook or have a phone call requesting it. Honestly it did not take long to list twenty people.

My family is always on my list. Their safety, health, Walk or salvation are prayed for daily. I pray for my grandchildren, nieces, and nephews everyday, too. Asking God to watch over their future spouse is another prayer of mine. When we pray there is no limit to what we can bring to the Father.

Love is my other word. I am praying about the significance of this word for me. Perhaps I do not love my enemies and just think I do. There are so many types of love that I need to refresh my memory and read up on them.

Jesus has called us to love. In Matthew 22:36-39 it says: “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” That is pretty simple. Love is what we need to do. Right?

What is your word

I would love to hear your word if you received one for this year. Please tell me so that I can pray for you as you learn from it. Let’s make 2020 a year of learning, doing things for the Lord, and helping each other. Are you in?

Abraham Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on January 4, 2020December 28, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Author Jennifer Beckstrand has written Book Two in The Petersheim Brothers series. Abraham is Christian Amish fiction with romance, humor, faith and even recipes. It is a wonderful escape from everyday life to visit Amish friends.

I loved this book for so many reasons. Faith is never hidden. It is seamlessly woven throughout the story teaching lessons as it goes. I find that beautiful in any novel.

Emma Wengerd is an Amish girl living at home that loves exotic chickens. Abraham is the shy Petersheim brother. He is tall, considerate, tender, quiet, but lacks confidence. Alfie and Benji are the rambunctious eight year old twins determined to see their older brothers married. When that is accomplished, the twins will be able to have a bedroom of their own instead of sleeping in the cellar.

All of the characters shine and come alive through the delightful writing of author Beckstrand. Her style is captivating and grabs my attention immediately. I was unable to put down this book until the end, which included recipes from the tale. This is a well planned, organized, researched, and wonderfully written book.

When I read a novel, I love learning from it. This book did not disappoint. I learned some tidbits about the Amish. There were details about the youth gatherings that I did not know. Exotic chickens were new to me. It was very interesting reading about the different types of chickens and their characteristics.

This book has everything to keep a reader’s attention and put a smile on a face. There is humor from the boys’ antics and animals to enjoy with cats, a dog, cows, and chicken Many life lessons on family relations, manners, faith, gossip, forgiveness, truth, and obeying parents make this a book that encourages and inspires. The recipes finishing this book sound yummy and easy to make.

I highly recommend this book. Even if you aren’t a fan of Amish, you will be able to enjoy this. There is so much to learn in it. It would make a perfect reading group choice. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own, honest words.

About the Book

Book: Abraham

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Genre: Inspirational Amish Romance

Release Date: November 26, 2019

Things at the Petersheim house are getting too crowded for eight-year-old twins Alfie and Benji. As if things weren’t bad enough with three older brothers hogging all the bacon at breakfast and using more than their fair share of toilet paper, Mammi and Dawdi Petersheim have to move in because of Dawdi’s stroke. If Alfie and Benji have any hope of getting their own bedrooms, they have to get rid of their annoying brothers, and the only way to convince their brothers to move out is to make each of them fall in love. What could be so hard about that?

Abraham Petersheim is known as a man of few words. He’s painfully shy and doesn’t see the need to prattle on like other boys in the community do. That’s why he can’t understand his unexpected attraction to Emma Wengerd. For sure and certain she’s pretty, but she also has five or six boys buzzing around her all the time, and she seems to be constantly annoyed with Abraham and his little brothers. Emma would never be interested in someone as boring as Abraham, and he could never set his sights on someone as wunderbarr as Emma.

Click here to get your copy.

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 both nominated for the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Jennifer has written twenty-one Amish romances, a historical Western, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. She and her husband have been married for thirty-five years, and she has six children and eight adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

More from Jennifer

Alfie and Benji Petersheim will do just about anything to get their brother Abraham to fall in love with Emma Wengerd, even adopt a stray dog. But to catch that dog, they’re going to need Aunt Bitsy’ help. Alfie and Benji are about to get in a lot of trouble.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Abraham.

Benji pushed his coffee cake around his plate with his finger. “Maybe we could keep that stray dog.”

Maybe they could keep the dog. Alfie’s heart started pounding. A dog could find them if they ever got lost in the woods. A dog could fetch sticks and bring Dat his slippers. A dog would eat crumbs off the floor. Mamm would never have to mop again.

Bitsy shrugged. “That’s up to your mamm.”

Alfie’s heart sank to his toes. “Mamm would never let us have a dog. She won’t even let me have a goldfish.”

“I have a pet spider,” Benji said.

Alfie popped a small bite of coffee cake into his mouth. “He’s not your pet. He just lives in the corner of the cellar and kills other spiders.”

“You tried to spray him,” Benji said, “and I saved his life. He’s my pet now.”

Bitsy nodded. “Spiders are gute pets. They feed themselves and don’t poop on the carpet.”

Benji sat very still before wrinkling his forehead like he did when he was upset. “We need to help that dog.”

Alfie wanted a dog as much as anybody, but they had to be sensible. They’d been asking Mamm for a dog ever since they could talk. “Mamm won’t let us.”

Benji started crying. “But he’s going to get gassed.”

Bitsy reached over and patted Benji’s arm. “He might not get gassed. The pound might find a nice family that wants to adopt him. People like chocolate labs. I’m told they’re cute.”

Benji caught his breath and suddenly stopped crying, as if someone had turned off a faucet. “Do girls like chocolate lamps?”

“Chocolate labs?” Bitsy folded her arms. “Well, I’m a girl and I don’t think he’s cute, but most girls love dogs. Do you remember Vernon Schmucker? Poor fellow had a face like a potato, and the girls ignored him. One night he brought a puppy to the gathering, and he was surrounded by girls all night. That’s how he met his wife.”

Benji jumped from his chair and threw his arms around Alfie, making Alfie spill milk down his new shirt. “Hey. Watch it.”

“Alfie, girls like dogs!”

Benji was a good partner, but sometimes he made no sense. “So?”

“If Emma Wengerd saw us walking our chocolate lamp down the street, she’d run out of her house to pet him.”

Alfie’s heart started pounding. Benji was the best bruder in the world. “We could bring Abraham with us.”

Benji got more and more excited with each word. “And they could talk about dogs and chickens and maybe start kissing.”

Alfie set his milk on the table. “We’ve got to catch that dog.”

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, December 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28

She Lives to Read, December 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 29

Older & Smarter?, December 30

Through the Fire Blogs, December 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 31

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 31

For the Love of Literature, January 1

SPLASHES of Joy, January 1

Book of Ruth Ann, January 2

Mary Hake, January 2

janicesbookreviews, January 3

Vicky Sluiter, January 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 4

Pause for Tales, January 4

Quiet Quilter, January 5

Southern Gal Loves to Read, January 5

The Avid Reader, January 6

Christian Bookaholic, January 6

Inklings and notions, January 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 7

Blossoms and Blessings, January 8

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 8

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 9

For Him and My Family, January 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 10

Batya’s Bits, January 10

Giveaway

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

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/f383/abraham-celebration-tour-giveaway

Cooking in 2020, A Healthy Recipe

Posted on January 2, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

One of the most popular resolutions for the New Year is to cook and eat healthier. Anyone trying to do that? Me, too! There are many recipes, cookbooks, blogs, and sites out to offer us help. Honestly, if I used more common sense and less sugar I believe I could figure this thing out myself. Well, with prayer, too. Couldn’t you?

First off, pray for guidance. Secondly, I know I need to eat more vegetables. I love them so that should not be a problem. Right? Well, it can be. Creativity is the issue with me. Do you get bored with the same old way of fixing veggies? It is time to experiment.

Do you like cucumbers? Have you tried them in a salad with tomatoes, green peppers, and feta? Delicious! With a light dressing this fresh salad comes alive with flavor and has very few calories. Winner!

This Fresh Cucumber, Tomato, Feta salad comes from Pampered Chef. Yes, I’m a Pampered Chef Lady. My daughter-in-law brings a praise-worthy version of this to family gatherings. This would make a nice lunch choice. Even adding a lean protein and doubling the portion of the salad the calories would total less than 500.

The three lowest calorie cheeses are feta, Swiss, and mozzarella. Bummer about cheddar, I know. My cheese of choice is Swiss which I substitute in this recipe. I am an onion fan so occasionally I will toss in a few.

If I would just eat what God has given us, I know my body would be healthier. Just look at the historical account of Daniel in the Bible. God has provided so many fruits, vegetables, and proteins for us. Absolutely I love desserts, but I do not need them as often as I indulge. They will be reserved for a special occasion or treat. (I may need you to remind me of that later.)

My body is a temple for the Holy Spirit so I need to make 2020 a year of repairs on it. What about you? What shape is your temple in now?

Enjoy the salad recipe!

Salad

2 seedless cucumbers, cut into 3″ (7.5 cm) pieces and in half lengthwise
4 plum tomatoes, tops removed and cut in half lengthwise
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and quartered
4 oz (125 g) chunk feta cheese, cut in half lengthwise
Black pepper

Dressing

1/4 cup (50 mL) white balsamic or white wine vinegar
1/2 cup (125 mL) olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 tbsp (7 mL) sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
garlic clove, pressed

DIRECTIONS

For salad, cut cucumbers with the Quick Slice, place in a large serving bowl; repeat with remaining ingredients, except pepper.
For dressing, combine all ingredients in Measure, Mix & Pour®. Mix until blended.
Drizzle 1/3 cup (75 mL) dressing over vegetables; toss. Refrigerate remaining dressing for another use. Top with black pepper, if desired.

Yield:

12 servings of about 3/4 cup /175 mL

Nutrients per serving:

Calories 45, Total Fat 2.5 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 170 mg, Carbohydrate 4 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g