When Only Faith Remains Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on October 29, 2019October 28, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

When Only Faith Remains, Finding Yourself in the Life of Mary, the Mother of Jesus by author Amy C O’Reilly is a Christian Living or Personal Growth book. The author has written about how studying the life of Mary has brought her closer to God. Her personal experiences are very moving.

There are fifteen chapters in this book. Each starts with a scripture and ends with a prayer. The writing is smooth and easy to read. Author O’Reilly has researched her subject well and it is evident this is close to her heart. Her book is well organized and extremely well written.

The author is very transparent about her life. She mingles her life, Mary’s, and scripture into a lesson. Some parts of the book read like a diary or journal entry and others felt like a conversation over tea. At times I wanted to question the author about things she said.

All that being said, I am not a fan of books that take liberty with what might have happened to someone in the Bible, how they felt, or what they thought. Many people have no issue with it, but I do. The parts in this study that did just that made me cringe.

Try as I might, I could not correlate my life and Mary’s as the author did. I am a woman of faith and deeply love God, but it just did not happen for me. In her introduction the author said this was a book for anyone no matter your religious affiliation. I am a Protestant and have to wonder if that is part of the issue.

The writing is very nice. The feeling is there. I just could not engage with this book. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: When Only Faith Remains

Author: Amy C. O’Reilly

Genre: Christian Living/Personal Growth

Release Date: May 6, 2019

Hidden just beneath the surface of Mary’s unique calling to serve as the mother of Christ lies an equally captivating story of her journey of faith.

Sometimes when our plans are derailed or we encounter struggles, our faith is the only thing we have to draw upon. Trusting God through those hard times is the bedrock of what will keep us grounded. But what happens when fear creeps in? Perhaps that’s what it was like for the virgin Mary when Gabriel came to her with news that she was highly favored and chosen to bear the Christ child.

Drawing parallels from her own journey-of-faith life experiences and the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, Amy C. O’Reilly offers encouragement and inspiration to readers who seek to strengthen and move forward from fear to faith just as Mary did.

With Luke 2 and 1 Corinthians 13 as reference points, readers will connect their faith in ways that bind them to love and hope in the person of Jesus Christ. While your circumstance may differ from Mary’s, the similar deepening of faith through heartache and suffering and hope and triumph will inspire you in your identity, calling, and destiny in Christ.

About the Author

Amy C. O’Reilly has a master’s in physical therapy and co-owns Sandhills Orthotics and Prosthetics with her husband. Amy serves as a leader and teacher at her local church and Community Bible Study, and she desires to expand God’s kingdom through writing and speaking at churches and women’s groups. She enjoys running, teaching, and spending time with family at the beach. Amy and her family live in the Sandhills of North Carolina. When Only Faith Remains is her first book.

More from Amy

When Only Faith Remains is the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she appears in Scripture and her unique journey of faith. The writing of this book was a journey in and of itself as God revealed many spiritual parallels in my own life events and faith journey. As I followed Mary to the cross and beyond, she became more real and relevant to me than ever before and I began to find connection and hope in my own life during the times when only faith remains.

Mary’s story is truly every believers story as Jesus calls us all to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. As I pondered Mary’s life and treasured the words she treasured, I knew it was time to take Mary and Joseph out of the boundaries of the nativity box, and help their story come alive in a way modern readers can identify and relate.

Mary’s story is heartrending, yet beautiful, and crushing, yet full of hope, and it’s replete with anticipation, insecurity, fears, doubts, grief, hope and love. Her story is one of mystery and intrigue. It is also sobering with a heavy dose of the realities involved in following Christ. And hidden just beneath the surface of Mary’s unique calling to serve as the mother of Christ lies an equally captivating story of her journey of faith. From the first time she says yes to Jesus in the presence of an angel to the day she is filled once again with the Spirit of her risen Savior at Pentecost, we witness a frightened Jewish girl transformed into a woman who overcomes the worst grief imaginable—all by faith.

As I dug past the details and circumstances of Mary’s life to unearth her core needs, fears, and desires, I found myself identifying with Mary more and more. I discovered God at work in each detail of her life and in every relationship, teaching her His ways and deepening her faith, just as He has done in my life. In Philippians 2:12, Mary is the perfect example of a believer who “works out her salvation with fear and trembling,” as God teaches her to trust His plan through the life and death of her very own Son. Thus Mary’s journey of faith becomes one in which all roads lead her back to Jesus, the Christ, the Lord and Savior of all.

Readers can expect to relate to Mary in surprising ways as they navigate through their own seasons of hardship, heartache, grief, and loss. I have also shared some of my own struggles and heartache with a transparency that is both genuine and encouraging to believers searching for an authentic faith.

I invite you to join me on this journey as I share my own life experiences in light of Mary’s journey as found in Scripture. My hope is that Mary becomes real and relevant to you in a very personal way throughout the pages of this book. My prayer is that, as you find yourself and your own journey of faith in the story of Mary, your faith in Jesus Christ will be renewed and strengthened.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 26

Sara Jane Jacobs – Blog, October 27

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections, October 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 30

Just Your Average reviews, October 31

For the Love of Literature, November 1

Older & Smarter?, November 2

Rev. Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray, November 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 4

Texas Book-aholic, November 5

janicesbookreviews, November 6

A Reader’s Brain, November 7

Inklings and notions , November 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and 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/e981/when-only-faith-remains-celebration-tour-giveaway

Leaders, Nations, & God Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on October 28, 2019October 26, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

Author Marta E. Greenman has penned a very timely book with her Leaders, Nations & God. This is a six week bible study with five lessons per week. It is an in-depth study of nations, their leaders, and God from the beginning of time until now.

The author has done exemplary research and planned her book well. She has it organized that the first four days are lessons taken from Scripture. The last day is from a prominent American leader.

This is a book for digging deeper into God’s Word. The author has included prayer and question to ponder to help readers. There is so much information that it is not a quick five minute daily study. It took me much longer to really do it correctly.

I learned a lot about American history, and I thought I was very proficient in it. There was information new to me. Most information was familiar and I wanted the citizens of our country to remember. Our founding fathers placed serious values on the Bible.

This is a wonderful book for everyone. It explores what happens when a nation is obedient to God and the consequences when it is not. The lessons are relevant and applicable to today.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to deepen their bible knowledge and for those wanting to know about our founding fathers. Anyone will glean something from the wealth of knowledge presented in this book. It gets a 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book:

Book: Leaders, Nations, & God

Author: Marta E. Greenman

Genre: Non-Fiction, Christian Bible Study

Release Date: September 19, 2013

LEADERS, NATIONS, AND GOD invites readers to a six-week journey to explore the Bible’s message for the nations of the world, their leaders, and for Christians who live as citizens of those nations. By focusing on the biblical history of Israel and the United States, the reader discovers the nature of true, faithful leadership and the consequences when a leader compromises, as well as the sorts of nations that God may bless. Marta E. Greenman helps readers understand how scriptural principles apply to nations and to individuals alike.

By asking and answering these questions, the paths of humble obedience for individuals and nations become clear.

Each day’s study begins by encouraging the reader to write their prayer before they begin to examine the biblical history of Israel and/or the United States. The reader gathers insights from scripture to bring understanding of God’s ideal for nations and leaders. Questions dig deeply into lessons from the Bible, history, and the influences on one’s own life. Each day’s study comes with highlighted “Questions to Ponder” and ends with prayer.

If you find yourself drawn to explore God’s will for nations and individuals, if you wonder what biblical obedience might look like in your daily life, then Leaders, Nations, and God will meet your need for a study grounded in the Bible and focused on God’s desires for His people.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author:

For over twenty years, Marta has traveled extensively as a missionary, evangelist and Bible teacher sharing God’s message of truth and redemption. She is a teacher of teachers. She is host of Under God Radio Show and Co-host of Refining Friends. She is the author of three Bible studies, Bound to Be Free, Leaders, Nations, and God, andACTs420NOW. Marta founded Words of Grace & Truth in 2011 whose mission is to teach God’s Word to the nations and teach others to do the same. She has been married for over twenty-five years to Marshall and they reside in the Dallas, Texas area.

More from Marta

What a profound statement made by George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” As Christians we need to learn those who have gone before us. In Leaders, Nations, and God we look at the history of the Children of Israel and America’s Founding Fathers to become men and women who understand the time and know how to navigate the troubled waters of today. We look at questions like “Who does God consider to be a leader?” What kind of nation does the Lord bless?” “Did America’s Founding Fathers really set up our country on Judeo-Christian values?”

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 21

Mary Hake, October 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 25

Pause for Tales, October 26

Godly Book reviews, October 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

janicesbookreviews, October 31

She Lives to Read, November 1

A Reader’s Brain, November 2

Inklings and notions , November 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marta 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/ed1d/leaders-nations-god-celebration-tour-giveaway

Second Chances…at Life and Love with Hope Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on October 25, 2019October 24, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Second Chances … at Life and Love with Hope by author Shirley Quiring Mozena is a book meant to help people going through the death of a loved one. It is a Christian book with emphasis on faith and trusting God.

Author Mozena’s book is written like journal or diary entries. I felt like I was glimpsing a deeply part of her personal life because she writes so transparently. The style is very inviting and caused me to become engaged immediately.

Mozena’s tale is one of love, strength, and faith. She writes of the deep love she had for both of her husbands. The heartache that came with losing her first husband and then her second was staggering, but she found her strength and faith. I have been married over thirty years and cannot imagine life without my husband.

Unfortunately this is a road we all must travel. Saying goodbye to beloved family and friends is devastating, but the author tells how she not only survived but now helps others. It is a very well written book that had me tearing up, nodding my head, and wishing I could sit down to chat over coffee with the brave, extraordinary author.

I highly recommend this for anyone in bereavement. It is a must for church libraries. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own thoughts.

About the Book

Book: Second Chances

Author: Shirley Quiring Mozena

Genre: Family and relationships/Death, Grief, Bereavement

Release Date: September, 2012

When Shirley and Bill set out on a dream trip in the beautiful northwest wilderness to celebrate their 40th anniversary, what develops is a nightmare that has no end. Mysterious pangs turn into a vicious virus that makes its way into Bill’s body. Shirley finds comfort through her Savior during the six months of Bill’s illness—an illness which eventually takes his life.

After a time, Shirley’s heart aches for companionship. Little does she know that living a few miles from her home, a widower mourns the loss of his wife of 32 years. They meet and fall hopelessly in love, and their love takes them on a two-year journey of joy and adventure until once again overwhelming heartbreak rocks Shirley’s world. This is a story of faith and courage to strengthen your own soul.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Shirley Quiring Mozena is an outdoors woman, musician, amateur chef, and former elementary music teacher and librarian. She has survived the hardest test of her faith and now works with others grieving the loss of loved ones.

More from Shirley

They told me there was no hope. How could that be? I’d already lost one husband. Would I have to lose another? We’d had so little time!

Four years earlier—nearly to the day—my high school sweetheart and father of my two children had died. We’d gone through so many struggles. Our marriage was nearly broken. Through courage in facing our faults and selfishness, our marriage was restored. And then, after a six month battle with a terrible virus, my husband died.

I’d never dreamed I’d love again, but it happened. Sx months after our first date, we were married. It seemed like we were still on our honeymoon when the next tragedy happened. Just like that, he was gone.

And then I knew the story needed to be told. For myself. For my children. For anyone who wanted to know. It’s a story of second chances in a restored marriage. In love. In hope for the future and God’s sustaining love and comfort. A story to strengthen your own soul.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 19

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, October 20

Avid Reader Nurse, October 21

For the Love of Literature, October 21 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions , October 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 23

Just the Write Escape, October 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , October 25

Through the Fire Blogs, October 26

Quiet Quilter, October 27

Texas Book-aholic, October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

janicesbookreviews, October 30

Andrea Christenson, October 31 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, November 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shirley is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Beyond Second Chances and 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/ee1a/second-chances-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Painted Castle Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on October 22, 2019October 18, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

The Painted Castle by author Kristy Cambron is a page turning, three story, three different century delightful third and final installment in her Lost Castle series. This Christian fiction has romance, mystery, and intrigue. I loved it.

The three time periods are Victorian, WWII, and present day. Each era has a romantic couple and all of the stories weave together flawlessly. Author Cambron is a wordsmith extraordinaire.

I was immediately invested in this book. All three stories are equally well written and riveting. The characters are realistic and believable. Conversations are lively and smooth. The descriptive writing makes it easy to imagine the surroundings.

The story has been well thought, planned, researched, and written. I had not read the other two books and had no trouble following along in this one. However, I will get them because this book is phenomenal.

I highly recommend The Painted Castle for any fiction or art lover. You will be entertained, inspired, and enthralled. I am definitely rating this 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Painted Castle

Author: Kristy Cambron

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: October 15, 2019

Bestselling author Kristy Cambron concludes the Lost Castle novels with this sweeping tale of art and secrets long buried in England.

It was supposed to be a one-week job: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mysteries surrounding the old English manor and the enigmatic art thief who’s employed her stir more questions than answers. Then, Kiera finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin-a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria.

Set in three time periods-the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day-The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith, family, and stories that are generations in the making.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

KRISTY CAMBRON is an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of Bible studies, including the Verse Mapping series. She’s a Women’s Ministry Leader at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, and a passionate storyteller who travels to speak at events across the country, encouraging women to experience a deeper life in the Word through verse mapping. Her work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations. Kristy holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing, and has 15 years of experience in education and leadership development for a Fortune-100 Corporation, working with such companies as the Disney Institute, IBM/Kenexa, and Gallup. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, and can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good read.

More from Kristy

About The Painted Castle

A war-torn estate holding its secrets close. A lost library bricked off from the world. And a portrait-maker’s unknown masterpiece of a Queen named Victoria… What stories do they long to tell?

It was supposed to be a one-week snatch-and-grab: survey an art find, collect a hefty fee, and use that to settle historian Kiera Foley’s life back into balance. But from the moment she sets foot in the East Suffolk countryside, the mystery of an old English manor, a crumbling beekeeper’s cottage, and a library that had long ago been sealed off brick by brick, all stir more questions than answers. What begins as a novice assignment instead peels back layers, lulling Keira into the depths of the estate’s long-forgotten history.

Despite questions swirling around the enigmatic, rumored art thief who’s employed her, Keira finds the existence of a portrait captivating enough to upend all of her expectations. This one could be a twin—a painting so close in composition to a known masterpiece, it may be rendered priceless if it truly captured the likeness of a young Queen named Victoria…

1842— In order to salvage what’s left of her family’s shaky circumstances, artist Elizabeth Meade knows her duty must be to marry well. But she hopes looks can be deceiving enough to hide her true motives behind a congenial smile and gain entry into the ballrooms of England’s noble elite. Instead of husband-hunting, Elizabeth searches for the one thing that’s seared to her memory—the eyes of her father’s killer, whom she unwittingly sketched one snowy night in Piccadilly ten years before. She never expects to find answers tucked away in the countryside at Parham Hill, in the form of a portrait-maker who could help her artist dreams come true, if only she could forget the highwayman she’s hunted for the last decade—the estate-owner who unwittingly selects her as his betrothed…

1942—When the 390th Bomb Group arrives at Amelia Woods’ Parham Hill Estate, the American flyboys bring playing cards, B-17 “flying fortresses”, and enough bravado to believe they can triumph over Hitler just by staring him down. Amelia isn’t certain, and she’s unwilling to compromise the safety and security in a carefully-crafted world she’s built for the dozens of London-evacuated children left in her charge. But with Anderson shelters buried in the gardens and an Allied airfield a stone’s throw away, Amelia may have no choice but to wait out the war under blackouts and bombs, and accept help from the captain who offers it—even if it means risking all she has left of her late husband’s memory…

From the streets of Piccadilly and the lavish halls of Buckingham Palace to the countryside surrounding Framlingham Castle, a warn-torn estate, a hidden library, and the lost portrait of a queen come together to write the final chapter in the Lost Castle series. Set in three time periods—the rapid change of Victorian England, the tumultuous skies over England’s eastern shores in WWII, and modern day—The Painted Castle unfolds a legacy of faith and the family we fight for, of risk and reward, and the artful crafting of a story that can be generations in the making… yet still change everything about a single life.

Blog Stops

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 15

The Power of Words, October 15

A Baker’s Perspective, October 15

The Avid Reader, October 16

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 16

Betti Mace, October 16

Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 17

Fiction Aficionado, October 17

Through the Fire Blogs, October 17

Inklings and notions , October 18

AndreaChristenson, October 18

She Lives to Read, October 18

Bloging With Carol, October 18

The Christian Fiction Girl, October 19

Back Porch Reads , October 19

Christian Bookaholic , October 19

KarenSueHadley, October 20

Livin’ Lit, October 20

A Reader’s Brain, October 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 20

Genesis 5020, October 21

Worthy2Read, October 21

Life of Literature, October 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 22

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 22

janicesbookreviews, October 22

For Him and My Family, October 22

Older & Smarter?, October 23

Mia Reads Blog, October 23

The Becca Files, October 23

Daysong Reflections, October 24

Connect in Fiction, October 24

Texas Book-aholic, October 24

Just the Write Escape, October 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 25

Moments, October 25

Simple Harvest Reads, October 25

Pause for Tales, October 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Lis Loves Reading, October 26

Hallie Reads, October 26

Living Life Free In Christ, October 27

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 27

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 27

Soutgern Gal Loves to Read, October 28

Remembrancy, October 28

Batya’s Bits, October 28

Leona J. Atkinson, October 28

Bound to Be Free Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on October 19, 2019October 18, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Bound to Be Free by author Marta E. Greenman is a non-fiction, spiritual growth book. It is an in-depth study of the Bible and its principles for life. This is not a light book, but rather it is something that will cause some soul searching along with studying. The introduction is extremely well written and important so don’t skip over it.

The lessons are divided into eight weeks with five lessons per week. Readers get the weekend off. There are questions with space to answer. It has scripture, discussion questions, and prayer. This is a devotional study growth type of book that is meant to help readers better understand how God works in our lives to heal and change us.

It is geared toward all healing – spiritual, emotional, and physical. Don’t expect a book on just physical healing. This is a very good book for any Christian whether you have read through the Bible many times or are just beginning to read it now.

The author explains that God gave her eight steps in her healing process. Those are the eight chapters in her amazing book. It is easy to follow and understand. The author has done research to make certain it is biblically sound. All in all this is a wonderful book that will strengthen a reader’s Walk with Jesus.

I highly recommend it. It would work for either individual or group study. This is something I will definitely refer back to many times. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own honest thoughts.

Click HERE to purchase a copy!

About the Book

Book: Bound To Be Free

Author: Marta E. Greenman

Genre: Non-Fiction, spiritual growth, Christian studies

Release Date: June 12, 2015

Dr. Minirth, President of Minirth Clinic says, “Bound To Be Free is an exceptional book – Theologically correct, psychologically warm, physiologically health producing. I recommend it with enthusiasm. Christians around the globe need this book. Read it and be healed. This book is riveting, but more important, it is life transforming!”

Learn to live in FREEDOM. Free of the consequences of pain inflicted upon us, and pain inflicted by ourselves. God’s Word tells us true freedom is found in HIS word and presence. Christ’s desire is for believers to be transformed, not just saved.

Bound To Be Free leads believers step-by-step through God’s healing process and transformation. The study focuses heavily on scripture, as the only path to lasting restoration, and leads believers through the process of identifying and overcoming hindrances. This enables believers to achieve power in their daily Christian walk and show the transforming power of Christ in the church.

Our Father knows each person’s story. He knows how each one of us can overcome the pain and disappointment in our lives. While some numb the pain others walk through the fire, allowing The Refiner to mold us into the precious treasure He created us to be. Take a step in your journey to victory today

About the Author

More from Marta

Are you tired of hurting? Do you want long term answers…not a band aid fix? Bound To Be Free will take you on a journey of understanding, self-contemplation, and questions to ask the Almighty! At the end of your journey you will realize how much God has healed your soul and how to handle hurts and disappointments in the future.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 14

Creating Relationship, October 15

Mary Hake, October 16

By The Book, October 16 (Author Interview)

Just the Write Escape, October 17

Through the Fire Blogs, October 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 22

Texas Book-aholic, October 23

A Baker’s Perspective, October 24 (Author Interview)

janicesbookreviews, October 25

A Reader’s Brain, October 26

Inklings and notions , October 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marta 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/ed1c/bound-to-be-free-celebration-tour-giveaway

Hope’s Highest Mountain Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on October 17, 2019October 16, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Hope’s Highest Mountain written by author Misty Beller is a Christian Historical Romance and Book one in her new Hearts of Montana series. Set in the Montana Territory in 1866 this book caught my attention within the first few pages and kept it until the end.

Author Beller is a spellbinding storyteller. This book was well planned, researched, and very well written. Parts of the story were predictable but others had twists to keep readers on their toes.

This is the story of Ingrid, daughter of a doctor on his way out west to bring most needed smallpox vaccines. It is also the story of Micah, a formerly practicing doctor. Tragedy brings them together and keeps them needing each other.

The characters in this book were so likable. It seemed as if I had made some new friends. I particularly loved that it had a little boy and a small pet dog. They both brought something to the story. Through her writing the author brought them to life on the pages.

There is a strong Christian message throughout the book. For me that is a high priority in a Christian fiction book. I learned a few things, too, which is another priority on my list for what makes a book great. There are discussion questions to help with digging deeper into the faith message.

I highly recommend this page-turning novel. It is a very good book. I was entertained, inspired, and captivated. It gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Hope’s Highest Mountain

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: October, 2019

When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she’s hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.

After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he’s forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can’t help but admire Ingrid’s tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine–with or without his help–he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life by writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. She lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is an active member of ACFW, and teaches regularly at conferences and writing groups on effective book marketing.

More from Misty

Remember Lassie? Old Yeller? Chance and Shadow from the movie Homeward Bound? There was something about these dogs that gripped my heartstrings and made me love them as though I’d known them for years. (And, yes, I cried during every one of these movies and books.)

Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had real dogs I’ve loved too. As far back as I can remember, we’ve had at least one or two dogs, and each one has been my very best friend. They’ve suffered my undying love, even allowing me to dress them up like dolls during my younger years.

But the dogs in my stories have a special place in my heart. Handsome, the sweet little black fluffball in Hope’s Highest Mountain is no exception! He was the runt of the litter, and such a dark black that the story’s hero nicknamed him Shadow. You can see the picture that inspired Handsome at the book’s Pinterest page. Those eyes! Hard not to fall in love, right?

The more I wrote in the story, the more I enjoyed getting to know this little guy, and I could almost feel his soft puppy fur as he snuggled in close. I completely see why Ingrid (the heroine) is smitten him! As you read Hope’s Highest Mountain, I hope you love Handsome as much as I do. Please give him some extra petting for me! ?

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 12

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, October 12

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 13

nD’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 13

Betti Mace, October 13

Blessed & Bookish, October 14

Texas Book-aholic, October 14

Rebekah Jones, Author, October 14

Genesis 5020, October 14

For Him and My Family, October 15

Bloggin’ ’bout Books, October 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 15

A Baker’s Perspective, October 16

For the Love of Literature, October 16

janicesbookreviews, October 16

Mary Hake, October 16

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , October 17

Batya’s Bits, October 17

Connect in Fiction, October 17

Older & Smarter?, October 18

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 18

Life of Literature, October 18

A Reader’s Brain, October 18

The Becca Files, October 19

Blossoms and Blessings, October 19

Splashes of Joy , October 19

Through the Fire Blogs, October 20

Moments, October 20

Inklings and notions , October 20

Simple Harvest Reads, October 20

Daysong Reflections, October 21

Wishful Endings, October 21

Joy of Reading , October 21

Pause for Tales, October 22

For The Love of Books, October 22

Britt Reads Fiction, October 22

Lis Loves Reading, October 23

Bigreadersite , October 23

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 23

Live. Love. Read. , October 24

Deanne’s Book Thoughts, October 24

Hallie Reads, October 24

Remembrancy, October 25

Mia Reads Blog, October 25

To Everything There is A Season, October 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Hope’s Highest Mountain, a $20 B&N gift card, and cute mountain 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/ed1b/hopes-highest-mountain-celebration-tour-giveaway

Better than Fiction Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on October 16, 2019October 15, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Better than Fiction by authors April W. Gardner and Michelle Massaro is a story within a story. This is a Christian contemporary and historical fiction rolled into one book. The historical section is set in 1916 Corona, California. Done right, I love dual time novels. This one definitely is!

I was immediately comfortable with the writing styles of both stories. Words flowed and imagines appeared in my head like a movie. I had no trouble imagining the characters or empathizing with them. They were realistic and well rounded.

Never before had I heard of the races in Corona so this taught me something. I love books that teach me new things. The other thing that is a must have for me in Christian is a strong message of faith. Better than Fiction does. It is refreshing not to need to search for the hidden message but see it written boldly. Bravo!

The modern day female leading character is a married woman struggling. She and her husband need better communication. The historical one is a mechanic and has problems not of her own making.

These stories really come together well with timeless issues. The authors have such similar styles that it felt like one person penned this entire story. They each included twists, life lessons, and an inspirational message.

I definitely recommend this book. It is very different from any that I have ever read. My interest was piqued early and stayed the entire book. I rate it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: Better than Fiction

Author: April W. Gardner & Michelle Massaro

Genre: Historical Fiction/Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: April 4, 2016

Imagining him was harmless…until it wasn’t.

Romance novelist Meghan Townsend’s marriage is slipping, and no amount of prayer seems to help. She aims to recapture her husband’s waning attention by getting in shape and finds escape by crafting her own fictional love story. Taking inspiration for the hero from a new friend—the attractive, spiritual, and attentive Curtis Jameson—she pours her yearnings onto the page, and craves the kind of pulse-pounding romance found in her book, Racing Hearts…

In 1916 Corona, California, motorcars are all the rage, and racing them is what Meghan’s hero, Russell Keegan, does best. But when his competition vandalizes his car, the only mechanic available is a greasy woman in a man’s overalls.

After a racing accident claimed her father’s life, Winifred became the sole breadwinner for her family. She is disdained as a female mechanic, but her daddy’s trade is all she has left. Can she swallow her hatred of the races and take up Russell’s offer of big bucks to fix his car, or will she lose everything to mounting debt?

Under Meghan’s skillful pen, these two embark on a thrilling, adventurous romance. But she finds that writing those love scenes with Curtis’s face in mind takes her heart places it shouldn’t go. Will she realize in time that real life can be better than fiction?

About the Authors

April W Gardner writes Christian historical romance with a focus on our southeastern Native tribes. She is a copyeditor, military wife, and mother of two who lives in South Texas. In no particular order, April dreams of owning a horse, learning a third language, and visiting all the national parks.

Michelle Massaro writes contemporary fiction, soaked in grace. She makes her home in Southern California with her husband of over two decades and their four children. She’s dabbled in homeschooling, teaching Creation Science, and leading worship. When she isn’t tinkering with words, Michelle enjoys old Rogers and Hammerstein movies, making kefir, and Sudoku. A new lipstick and a good French roast always make her happy.

More from April and Michelle

April and Michelle get a lot of questions about how exactly co-authors write a book. Who writes which part? Did you have any trouble, any conflict? Valid questions! But in the case of Better than Fiction, it was no trouble at all, and neither author can remember a single heated disagreement. In part, because they’d been critique partners for eons and were already working together seamlessly.

It also helped that the story is made up of two intertwining novellas. Each author had her own blank canvas to color on with the other looking on and offering feedback. The most enjoyable part of the process was the challenge of making sure the events in the life of Michelle’s contemporary character (an author) influenced the characters’ decisions in April’s historical plot.

Why intertwining stories? The idea behind it was to show what it’s like to live in the mind of a writer, how her real life makes its way into her stories. The theme of emotional affairs was a good fit, as it is often all too easy for women—even Christian woman—to be drawn to another man and justify it as harmless friendship rather than admit she is looking to this person to fill a need that only God and her husband are meant to fill.

They decided to set the story against the backdrop of Michelle’s hometown of Corona, California in 1916 and the real-life Corona Road Race that took place in April of that year. It was the third race and, due to tragedy, the last.

From concept to “The End,” it took a span of about four years for Michelle and April to publish Better than Fiction, and as far as teamwork goes, it went off without a hitch. April was able to fly from her home in Georgia to stay with Michelle’s family and do research, and later, Michelle flew to Georgia for a concentrated writing weekend. The two had an amazingly fun time writing and working together.

Another question the authors get…will there be a sequel? Only time will tell.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 9

Among the Reads, October 9

Genesis 5020, October 10

Through the Fire Blogs, October 11

Betti Mace, October 11

Artistic Nobody, October 12

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 13

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 14

For Him and My Family, October 15

Remembrancy, October 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 16

Maureen’s Musings, October 16

Godly Book Reviews, October 17

Moments, October 17

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 18

Bigreadersite, October 18

Texas Book-aholic, October 19

For The Love of Books, October 19

janicesbookreviews, October 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 20

A Reader’s Brain, October 21

Inklings and notions , October 22

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, April and Michelle are giving away the grand prize bundle of a $20 Amazon gift card, themed mug and bookmarks, and handmade throw pillow that says, “Books, my happy place”!!

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/ed92/better-than-fiction-celebration-tour-giveaway

ACTs 420NOW Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on October 9, 2019October 7, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

This Bible study is a wonderful tool to dig deeper into the book of Acts and to learn how to study the Bible. It is well researched, well organized, well planned, and extremely well written. The author, Marta E Greenman, has divided the study into eight chapters with five study days each. Opening her book with Bible Study Tips she gives readers a head start on studying their bible.

Each chapter begins with an overview of the week’s biblical truths. There is an application to help better understand it. Throughout the chapters are additional helps such as charts, lists, and diagrams to assist in learning and retaining the information.

The author uses Peter and John as examples of how to stand firm for Christ in spite of persecution. She also uses stories of well known historical figures, such as William Bradford, Martin Luther, William Tyndal, as well as U.S. Revolutionary War heroes and early leaders of our nation, to illustrate how to apply biblical truths in life.

I enjoyed this study and picked up a lot of information from the author’s perspective. It is easy to read and understand. This would make a great study too for any library. Churches libraries would benefit from keeping a copy on hand.

I recommend this to anyone wanting to expand or deepen their knowledge of the Bible. It would make a nice present for any scholar. I rated it a 4 out of stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: ACTs420NOW

Author: Marta E. Greenman

Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational, Jesus, the Gospel and Acts

Release Date: November 25, 2015

Afraid to take a stand for Jesus?

What would you do if asked to defend or recant your faith?

Discover how the apostles, as well as other historical believers, were equipped to take a stand and defend their faith. The book of Acts comes to life in Marta E. Greenman’s relevant Bible study and will strengthen you to overcome difficult circumstances in your own life.

Take an in-depth look at:

The lives of Peter and John, and other first-century believers who answered their culture while standing firm for Christ in spite of persecution
Little-known facets of the stories of pilgrim, William Bradford, Martin Luther and martyr, William Tyndale.
The faith of heroes of the U. S. Revolution and our nation’s early leaders that shaped our great nation.

Strategies for overcoming, and powerful biblical principles, are intertwined with lessons from the believers of history in this eight-week, interactive Bible study. Five strategic lessons each week will encourage you in your faith, and equip you to face difficult days. Interactive questions will help you examine your own life and leave a deposit of faith.

“For we cannot stop about speaking what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20 NAS)

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Marta E. Greenman was called out of corporate America in 1988, then joined a church-planting organization and traveled the world in evangelism and discipleship campaigns. In 2002, she and her husband, Marshall, moved to Romania to help church plant and work with street children. In 2011, Marta founded Words of Grace & Truth Ministries, which is dedicated to teaching God’s Word to the nations, and teaching others to do the same. She is the author of two other Bible studies, Bound to be Free, and Leaders, Nations, and God, teaches and speaks nationally and internationally, and makes her home with her husband in Plano, TX.

More from Marta

What can we learn from the first century church to make the twenty first century church more “successful.” Join me in a journey to rediscover principles from the first century church to apply them to your life. We will start from the foundation of Christianity, there is salvation in none other than Jesus Christ, and build from there. We will start our journey in Acts 4 and explore strategies for overcoming.

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, October 7

Just the Write Escape,October 8

Mary Hake, October 8

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Godly Book Reviews, October 11

The Becca Files, October 12

She Lives To Read, October 12

Texas Book-aholic, October 13

Through the Fire Blogs, October 14

Older & Smarter?, October 15

Genesis 5020, October 16

A Reader’s Brain, October 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 17

janicesbookreviews, October 18

Inklings and notions, October 19

Kathleen Anderson, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marta 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/ed1e/acts420now-celebration-tour-giveaway

Heaven Help Us!

Posted on October 5, 2019October 5, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Heaven Help Us! That was the name of the Independent Christian Bookstore that I owned for ten years. It was truly a labor of love. I loved the atmosphere, the customers, our employees, and the service we provided. Oh, and the books!

We hated having to close our store, but the time had come. Our competition was Amazon, e-books, and big box stores. In December 2012 with tears we locked the doors for the very last time.

Recently I received a call asking “is this Heaven Help Us?” After I explained that we had previously owned it and now it was closed, the caller moaned and replied “oh, I don’t know what I will do now. I went there all of the time.” Hmmm, she called almost seven years after we closed and had no idea it happened yet she frequented the store “all the time”. That was the last of many calls I have received identical to it. Everyone shopped there all of the time but had no idea we had gone out of business years earlier.

Time has a funny way of slipping up on us, doesn’t it? What seemed like just yesterday to some people was actually years. Big difference. When we think we recently phoned someone to check in with them in reality it might be a lot longer. Visiting with family or dear friends could appear to be “all of the time,” but maybe it has been months or even years since the last one.

Don’t let precious time slip by. Time waits for no one. Carve out some to spend with loved ones making memories and reminiscing about treasured ones. They might be sitting and waiting to hear from you.

How about talking to your Heavenly Father? Do you really do that as much as you think? Make it a priority to start and end your day with Him. Do not just plan to do it, actually do it. You will find the pieces of your day fall into place with daily prayer. Don’t know what to pray sometimes? Try “Heaven help us or Heaven help me.” We can all use help from above.

Darcy by Any Other Name Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on October 5, 2019October 7, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop for the Darcy by Any Other Name Celebrate Lit tour and Giveaway. I am eager for you to learn about this book and author. Please enter the giveaway at the end for a $25 Amazon gift card.

My Thoughts

Author Laura Hile has penned an interesting version of Pride and Prejudice in Darcy by Any Other Name. This Christian Regency Romance novel is exceptionally written. It captured my attention and had me turning pages wanting to see what would happen next.

I enjoyed the author’s writing style. Her prose was easy to read and flowed smoothly. Twists made the story riveting. Descriptive writing took me back in time and over to England where I made many new friends.

The characters were spot on. Very like their Pride and Prejudice predecessors they were well rounded, complete with flaws. Some were downright eccentric.

The author has a brilliant imagination to produce this whimsical tale. It easily could be a Hallmark movie. Due to an accident Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins exchange bodies. Let the chaos begin!

The switch was done exemplary and made for a fascinating tale. I kept wanting to skip to the end to see how or if they switched back. My interest was piqued and held steady throughout this extraordinary book.

Whether you are a tried and true P&P fan or a never before read it person, this book will delight and amuse you. You will find history, life lessons, faith, inspiration, prejudice, greed, and love. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Anyone will enjoy this treasure.

I highly recommend this book. It receives a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Book

Book: Darcy by Any Other Name

Author: Laura Hile

Genre: Historical Christian Romance, Regency

Release Date: May 13, 2016

Discover the Pride and Prejudice body-swap romance that has readers laughing in surprise and delight.

For most, this is a glorious evening of music and dancing. But out in the garden two men are arguing, while a ferocious rainstorm swirls round. And then the unthinkable happens: a lightning bolt from heaven strikes. In that instant everything changes.

Jane Austen’s heartthrob hero becomes the bumbling Reverend Collins. Shorn of his fortune, his social standing, and his good looks, Mr. Darcy is trapped in Mr. Collins’ body. And Mr. Collins wakes up to discover that he is master of Pemberley.

Could there be anything worse?

But the inner man is still Darcy. He is in love with Elizabeth Bennet. And now he is living in her house.

If you enjoy a smart, sparkling Regency romp in the classic “Heyeresque” style, then you will love Laura Hile’s Darcy By Any Other Name.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

My journey as a writer began with the Internet. And with Jane Austen.

How is that for an unlikely combination?

I have always loved classic Regency romances. You know the kind – with a dashing, honorable hero and a lovely, intelligent heroine. Delicious banter, unexpected plot twists, humor, and a happy ending. If faith is woven into the story, so much the better.

When I discovered an online forum for Jane Austen-related fiction, I was hooked. With Jane’s characters for inspiration, I began writing and posting serialized Regency stories. To keep readers coming back for more, I developed my signature style: intertwined plots, cliffhangers, and laugh-out-loud humor.

The comedy I come by in my job as a middle school teacher—there’s never a dull moment with teens!

I live in Beaverton, Oregon with my husband.

More from Laura

I see that double-take you just did. Darcy By Any Other Name is a what? A Pride and Prejudice body-swap romance? Seriously?

Indeed yes. And it’s a really fun read. I blame my sense of humor. And the fact that I think too much.

Here’s the thing: we women are captivated by Jane Austen’s Mr. Darcy—we are! Handsome, aloof, and wealthy, he embodies the perfect male. By comparison, the ordinary guy has no chance. (And heaven help the fellow who is plain!)

Yet we know that attraction involves more than good looks and a fat wallet.

I began to play with this thought. Because Mr. Darcy is also honorable, intelligent, kind, and funny—qualities that transform an ugly man and capture a woman’s interest. The shared smile, the twinkle in the eyes, the finishing of her sentences. These are endearing! These are why we women fall in love!

Once the body swap idea showed up, I knew I had struck story gold. Will Darcy-as-Collins capture Elizabeth Bennet’s heart?

No, wait! She cannot fall for him because he’s the wrong man—no, the right man! But he’s in that podgy body! She cannot love Mr. Darcy when he’s—ugly! Can she?

Ah, but of course she can. Now what?

Think of Darcy By Any Other Name as a happy roller coaster ride. And you know what they say about those: “Get in, sit down, and hold on.”

Do leave a comment and enter the giveaway. I think you will enjoy this fun, romantic book.