Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on February 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on Celebrate Lit’s tour for “Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe”. Today’s stop includes my review, information about the book and author, a guest post from Carla Laureano, the author, a listing of every tour stop, and information on the author’s giveaway. Don’t miss it! Let’s get started with my thoughts on this book.

My Review

“Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe” was a scrumptious read! This contemporary Christian fiction was the first book I have read by author Carla Laureano, and I was thrilled to find a new author. It is Book Two in the author’s series. I was able to follow along fine so it cam be read as a stand alone. However, I wish I had read Book One first.

Author Laureano has a very nice style of writing. The story was well imagined, written, and researched. I love reading about cooking and baking. The romance was excellent. I learned things about the food industry. You know I love it when a book teaches me something. Plus, it is highly evident this is a Christian book. Characters mention trusting God, blessings and signs from a Him, and faith.

Her characters are relatable and realistic. It was easy to imagine each one of them. Melody Johansson is the main character and so likable. She actually reminded me very much of someone I know. I immediately became invested in her life.

It took very few pages to become captivated by this delightful novel. I laughed, teared up, and felt the characters’ emotions. Bravo to the author for such skilled writing. There were times my breath caught for fear of what might happen. I knew how I wanted the book to end, but I didn’t know if it would.

This is a great book but not for younger readers. The author mentions some adult things such as sex before marriage, drinking wine, using the word hell, and a couple of other minor offenses. Please keep in mind this is my opinion only.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It is a great getaway for lovers of contemporary fiction, foodies, and romance books. I am looking forward to getting Book One. Do yourself a favor, read it first. Book two is so good you will want to read book one, too. I rate this a 5 out of 5 stars.

A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit. No review was required. These are my own, honest thoughts.

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About the Book

Title: Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe

Author: Carla Laureano

Genre: Christian Romance

Release date: February 5, 2019

Publisher: Tyndale

Baker and pastry chef Melody Johansson has always believed in finding the positive in every situation, but seven years after she moved to Denver, she can’t deny that she’s stuck in a rut. One relationship after another has ended in disaster, and her classical French training is being wasted on her night job in a mediocre chain bakery. Then the charming and handsome private pilot Justin Keller lands on the doorstep of her workplace in a snowstorm, and Melody feels like it’s a sign that her luck is finally turning around.

Justin is intrigued by the lively bohemian baker, but the last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. His own romantic failures have proven that the demands of his job are incompatible with meaningful connections, and he’s already pledged his life savings to a new business venture across the country—an island air charter in Florida with his sister and brother-in-law.

Against their better judgment, Melody and Justin find themselves drawn together by their unconventional career choices and shared love of adventure. But when an unexpected windfall provides Melody with the chance to open her dream bakery-café in Denver with her best friend, chef Rachel Bishop, she’s faced with an impossible choice: stay and put down roots with the people and place she’s come to call home . . . or give it all up for the man she loves.

About the Author

Carla Laureano is the RITA® Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy (as C.E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.

Guest Post from Carla

“Confessions of An Erstwhile Baker”

Like most females, baking is encoded somewhere deep down in my DNA. Call it nature or call it nurture, but at the earliest age, I figured out that the cute boy in my English class would talk to me if it involved chocolate chip cookies. Got my heart broken or had a friend betray me? I grabbed the mixing bowl and went for the brownies (even better if they’re served à la mode.) My friend was having a birthday? I made a cake drowned in pounds of buttercream.

I quickly graduated from the boxed mixes to the real thing when I got married and had a kitchen large enough to roll out dough. I would comb magazines for the best recipes and spend my weekends trying them out. I quickly became known for bringing beautifully iced Christmas cookies and delicious homemade cakes to work.

Then my husband and I moved our young family from Los Angeles to Denver, a relocation that was about 1000 miles northeast and 5000 feet up. Suddenly, every recipe I’d perfected in the previous eight years failed. Cookies burned to crisps, cakes fell, and don’t get me started on candy making. Gradually, I adapted my recipes (my beloved never-fail Toll House recipe took eight tries to get right) and even became an avid artisan bread-baker.

Then disaster. Or at least, what a baker would consider a disaster. After developing chronic health problems, I discovered that among other things, I was sensitive to gluten. The horror! In order to heal, I turned to the paleo diet, which eliminates all grains (there goes most gluten free recipes) and all processed sugars (there goes everything else). I’ve tried baking paleo-style, and while I can now make cakes that even my gluten-fiend family enjoy, it’s just not the same.

So what’s a once-obsessive baker do when she can’t eat her creations? She bakes for other people and goes on faith that they actually taste good… considering she can’t taste them herself.

It struck me that there was a spiritual lesson in that, and an obvious tie to Brunch at Bittersweet Café, which deals in large part with Melody’s faith journey. There are times when we have no idea if things are working out the way they’re supposed to, in which case we just have to trust the “recipe” and the input of friends and family who love us. Sometimes our instincts tell us when we’re off track, and sometimes we need that outside nudge from our “taste-testers” to put us back on course.

In any case, what Melody and I have in common is that we both bake to show our love for the people around us. And the process of baking my favorites, even knowing that I can’t enjoy them myself, can still be a selfless way to show people they’re important to me.

Fortunately, macarons, which happen to be made with almond flour, are still on the menu.

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, February 12

Among the Reads, February 12

Lighthouse Academy, February 12

By The Book, February 12

The Power of Words, February 13

As He Leads is Joy, February 13

Cultivating Us, February 13

Blossoms and Blessings, February 13

Fiction Aficionado, February 14

The Lit Addict, February 14

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, February 14

This Chattanooga Mommy Saves, February 14

All-of-a-kind Mom, February 15

Just the Write Escape, February 15

100 Pages per Hour, February 15

Splashes of Joy, February 15

Bibliophile Reviews, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

C Jane Read, February 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 17

Moments, February 17

Back Porch Reads, February 17

Cordially Barbara, February 18

Genesis 5020, February 18

Simple Harvest Reads, February 18 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 18

Livin’ Lit, February 19

Kat’s Corner Books, February 19

Life with the Tribe, February 19

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 19

Through the Fire Blogs, February 20

Remembrancy, February 20

Vicky Sluiter, February 20

Living Life Free in Christ, February 20

2014 and Beyond!, February 21

Daysong Reflections, February 21

Inklings and Notions, February 21

Pause for Tales, February 21

Cafinated Reads, February 22

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 22

two points of interest, February 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, February 22

My Devotional Thoughts, February 23

Two Girls and a Book, February 23

The Christian Fiction Girl, February 23

For the love of books, February 23

God is Love, February 24

Book by Book, February 24

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 24

Janices book reviews, February 24

Lukewarm Tea, February 25

Carpe Diem, February 25

A Baker’s Perspective, February 25

Bigreadersite, February 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carla is giving away a grand prize package of a macron baking mat, a macron book, and a paperback copy of Brunch at Bittersweet Café!!

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/db0f/brunch-at-bittersweet-cafe-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Posted on February 12, 2019February 9, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Alamo Bride by author Kathleen Y’Barbo is Book Seven in the Christian historical romance fiction series Daughters of the Mayflower. Each book in this lovely series is tied together by heritage but may be read as a stand alone.

The first thing of notice is the beautiful cover. It vividly says Texas and 1800’s. If I chose books simply by cover, this one would make the cut. It is a 256 page paperback published by Barbour Books.

For me, it was a bit of a slow read at the beginning. It took me about a third of the book to become invested and then it morphed into a page turned. The story has been well researched. I learned some things about the time period and area that I did not know. Texas was a rugged, untamed land in 1836 as were the people.

The author does a wonderful job weaving her Christian message throughout this book. Characters mention trusting God and turning to Him. The message of faith is clear in this book. I did not have to search for it. This is also a book about family. It is refreshing to read a Christian fiction and know it is one. While the inspiration is clear, the book is not preachy or overbearing.

The author has written well rounded characters that are relatable and vividly described. They jumped off of the pages and were easy to imagine. Ellis, the heroine, is sassy and became someone I wanted to know. I became invested in her story, and then I did not want to put the book down.

There were twists, turns, surprises, romance, spying, intrigue, action, and history. Yes, that is a lot packed into one paperback book. I enjoyed it and definitely recommend it. Anyone that enjoys history, romance, or Texas will be thrilled to find this offering from talented author Y’Barbo. With the fighting I would not recommend it to young readers. It earned a 4 out of 5 stars from me.

A copy was provided by Barbour but no review was required. These are my own, honest thoughts.

About the Book

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Will Ellis Lose All at the Alamo?
Ellis Dumont finds a man in New Orleans Grey unconscious on Dumont property in 1836. As his fevers rage, the man mutters strange things about treasures and war. Either Claiborne Gentry has lost his mind or he’s a spy for the American president—or worse, for the Mexican enemy that threatens their very lives. With the men of her family away, Ellis must stand courageous and decide who she can trust. Will she put her selfish wants ahead of the future of the republic or travel with Clay to Mission San Jose to help end the war?

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo.

More in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (August 2018)
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (December 2018)
The Alamo Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1836 Texas (February 2019)

About the Author

2B712767-6AA3-44E1-919F-FFC70C81A061 Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than eighty novels with almost two million copies in print in the US and abroad.

A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award as well a Reader’s Choice Award and is the winner of the Inspirational Romance of the Year by Romantic Times magazine.

The Amish Candy Maker Book Tour & Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on February 11, 2019February 10, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Hello! Welcome to my stop on the tour. I am very excited about this one. You are in for a treat with this Amish book by author Laura V. Hilton and today’s tour. In here you will read my review, information on the book and author, a recipe from the book, get a listing of all tour stops, and have a chance to enter the giveaway at the end. Let’s get started!

My thoughts

In a few words, The Amish Candy Maker is fantastic! Author Laura V. Hilton has outdone herself with this novel. It is the second in her “The Amish of Mackinac County” series, but can be read as a stand alone. I had not read the first one yet and found myself wishing I had because this one is so good.

This is a contemporary Amish tale of Agnes Zook, the Amish Candy Maker. It also is the story of Isaac Mast, uncle to three three young children needing his help. Circumstances throw Agnes and Isaac together and sparks begin to fly. Bishop Nehemiah is always close by diligently watching.

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This story has been well planned, organized, and researched. The characters are delightful from children to grandparents. Mixing Pennsylvania Deutsch and English made the Amish dialogue seem realistic. The author wrote the words in such a way that they were defined in the next sentence so readers are able to learn as they read.

It took a few, well very few, pages to become invested in this story. I loved both main characters, Agnes and Isaac. They became fast friends of mine. Author Hilton knows how to write a great romance. Wow, just wow! It is one you want to discuss with your girlfriends.

Life lessons and scripture are woven heavily throughout this story. There is no doubt it is a Christian fiction book. Forgiveness of others and self, judging, gossiping, and respect are all touched on. Each one a relevant topic. Trusting God and prayer is discussed, too. The only thing I did not agree with in the book, and it is a personal belief, is that it is okay to get mad and yell at God. Certainly He knows our thoughts and feelings, but I think honor and respect for Him demands we treat Him better.

I definitely recommend this page turning, captivating Amish romance. There are twists, adventure, danger, humor, and even candy recipes at the end. It gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was not required to write a review. These are my own, honest thoughts.

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About the Book

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Title: The Amish Candy Maker

Author: Laura V. Hilton

Genre: Amish Christian Fiction

Release date: February 5, 2019

Publisher: WhitakerHouse

Agnes Zook finds herself on her own in a small Amish community in Mackinac County after a tragedy kills her family. Most of the Amish call her “off in den Kopf” (strange) since she’s starting her own business and forging her own way in the community instead of relying on the bishop to take care of her. Since she’s viewed as non-submissive and too-forward for an Amish woman, she’s not courted by young men in the area.
Isaac Mast is on the verge of leaving the Amish church. He’s become a sought-after auctioneer and has a thriving business, but he feels confined by the strict rules. When his brother is severely injured in a wild fire, Isaac receives a letter from his sister-in-law, begging him to come to Mackinac County to help out while his brother is hospitalized. Isaac agrees but is unsure how to manage their young children when he has weekend auctions he’s expected to attend.
Agnes may be the answer to a prayer. Sparks fly when she and Isaac meet. But could their differences help them form a deeper connection to their faith…and each other?

About the Author

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Laura Hilton is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers and is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with more than a thousand reviews published on the web. Her first series with Whitaker was The Amish of Seymour, comprising Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (2012 Laurel Award winner, first place in the Amish Genre Clash), and Promised to Another; and her second was The Amish of Webster County, comprising Healing Love, Awakened Love, and Surrendered Love. Her next series was The Amish of Jamesport, featuring The Post Card, Snow Globe, and The Birdhouse. Her latest books include The Amish Firefighter, The Amish Wanderer, and Love By the Numbers. Laura and her husband, Steve, live in Arkansas with their five children, whom Laura homeschools.

Guest Post from Laura

RECIPE FOR FUDGE À LA AGNES ZOOK

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge

Courtesy of Laura V. Hilton

1 bag (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips

1 bag (10 ounces) peanut butter chips

2 cans sweetened condensed milk, divided

6 tablespoons butter, divided

20 to 30 miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or six regular-size ones broken into four or five pieces each

For the chocolate layer: Line a greased 8-by-11.5-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine milk chocolate chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 4 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.

Pour into prepared baking dish and allow to cool to room temperature, then move to the refrigerator while preparing next layer.

For the peanut butter layer: In a double boiler or metal bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, combine peanut butter chips, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir until melted and smooth.

Pour on to the milk chocolate fudge layer and press pieces of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into the surface. If desired, group candy pieces in a grid-like fashion for easier cutting later.

Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight or until set.

Remove from refrigerator, lift out of the pan by the edges of the parchment paper, and cut into squares, with roughly one miniature peanut butter cup or piece of a cup per square.

Store in the refrigerator.

Blog Stops

Christian Author, J. E. Grace, February 5

My Devotional Thoughts, February 5

Carla Loves To Read, February 5

Among the Reads, February 6

Girl’s In White Dresses, February 6

Britt Reads Fiction, February 6

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 7

The Avid Reader, February 7

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, February 7

Emily Yager, February 8

Quiet quilter, February 8

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Maureen’s Musings, February 9

Bibliophile Reviews, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 10

Through the Fire Blogs, February 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 11

Daysong Reflections, February 11

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Janices book reviews, February 12

Carpe Diem, February 13

A Baker’s Perspective, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

SusanLovesBooks, February 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 14

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15

Stephanie’s Life of Perseverance, February 15

Inspiration Clothesline, February 15

Inklings and Notions, February 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 16

Pause for Tales, February 16

Have A Wonderful Day, February 17

For the Love of Books, February 17

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 17

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18

Bigreadersite, February 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away a grand prize of a large and small spatula set and a $10 Starbucks 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/d9a6/the-amish-candy-maker-celebration-tour-giveaway

Bailey, The Camp Club Girls Collection, by Linda Carlblom

Posted on February 9, 2019February 8, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today I take a break from adulting and go back a few (quite a few) years to discuss a book I just finished that is aimed toward preteen and early teenage girls. This book was a 4-in-1 Mystery Collection of some of Bailey’s books. It is 386 pages so each tale is about 100 pages.

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Did I enjoy these four mysteries? Absolutely. If I did I can imagine how much a preteen girl would. The young ladies in these books are diverse and have good Christian morals. Their characters are well defined making it easy to imagine and relate to each one.

The writing is very nice. It is smooth and easy to follow. The story flows and is interesting. Girls will find it easy to become invested in the lives of their new friends.

Each book has a mystery to solve from a different state in our Country. There is information provided about the area that readers might not previously know. Learning something new from a book is great! While the book isn’t preachy, it isn’t one you need to be concerned will lead your child or grand down a wrong path.

Girls will relate to situations, characters, and even locales in this delightful series. They will want to solve the mysteries along with the characters. I know that I did.

It would be a wonderful book to start an early teen reader group. Even a mother/grandmother reading and discussing it with their girl would open doors to many timely topics. Unfortunately there are no discussion questions in the book.

I highly recommend it. Grab a couple of copies and girls to start a young ladies reading group. Plant the seeds for the love of reading and books now. They will flourish in a garden with others. I gave this series a 5 out of 5 stars. If only these books had been around when I was younger!

A copy was provided by the publisher but I was not required to write a review. These are my own, honest words.

About the book:

GET A CLUE WITH THE CAMP CLUB GIRLS!
Join Bailey and the Camp Club Girls as they embark on a series of clue-filled adventures and crack the case in this entertaining and action-packed 4-in-1 mystery collection.

What’s the meaning of the mysterious messages beneath shaggy sheep coats at the Curly Q ranch? The Camp Club Girls are determined to uncover the clues as they investigate a strange string of events. Will the girls discover the whereabouts of eccentric millionaire Marshall Gonzalez?

Why are wild elk running amok in Estes Park? During a stay at the historic Stanley Hotel, Bailey and Kate encounter out-of-control stampedes that put the townsfolk and tourists in danger. Will the Camp Club Girls uncover the reason behind the unusual elk behavior before someone gets hurt?

Are the rumors surrounding a valuable turquoise mine true? When Bailey and Elizabeth travel to a Native American village in New Mexico to help out a distant cousin and her children in their pottery shop during the busy tourist season, mysterious rumors begin to stir. The Camp Club Girls have their suspicions about rightful ownership of the mine, but will they be able to prove it?

Who’s responsible for the peril at Mermaid Park? When Bailey and Sydney are invited to spend part of the summer with Bailey’s grandmother in Florida, both girls are fascinated by the local attraction—Mermaid Park. When curious and frightening events begin to take place, will the Camp Club Girls solve the mystery and save the park before time runs out?

About the Author

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Linda McQuinn Carlblom is a Christian children’s writer and speaker who has loved kids ever since she was one. She has the uncanny knack of remembering how she felt as a child, which allows her to write with humor and empathy for her readers. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, she writes with straightforward honesty that kids relate to. Her faith permeates everything she writes without being preachy or judgmental. If she’s not writing for kids, she loves writing to those who impact them most, their parents and teachers. After God, her top three loves are her family, reading, and cheesecake.
Learn more about Linda and her books at her website: http://www.lindacarlblom.com
An avid social media fan, she’d love to have you follow her.

Learn more about Linda and her books at her website: http://www.lindacarlblom.com
An avid social media fan, she’d love to have you follow her.
Facebook – Linda McQuinn Carlblom, Author
Twitter – LindaMcQuinnCarlblom@LindaLCarlblom
Pinterest – Linda Carlblom

LinkedIn – Linda Carlblom
Follow her blogs: Life with a Smile – http://www.lindacarlblom.com/blog/
Parenting With a Smile – http://lindamcquinncarlblom.blogspot.com/
We’re Doing Life Together – http://weredoinglifetogether.wordpress.com/
Christian Children’s Authors – http://christianchildrensauthors.com/

Ellie’s Redemption Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on February 8, 2019February 8, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Greetings! This is my stop on Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour for Ellie’s Redemption. You will find my thoughts on the book, information about it and the author, an author post complete with a recipe, and a listing of all of the other tour stops. You will want to visit those to get extra entries in the giveaway. “To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a grand prize that includes an Amish doll, a handmade lap quilt (can be used as wall hanging), an Apple Pie recipe tea towel, a Blessings journal, a handmade quilted potholder, a $10 Amazon Card, Ellie’s Redemption Print Book, a mug, a 2019 Planner, pad and pen set, and a bookmark!”

My thoughts

”Ellie’s Redemption” is Book Two in author Molly Jebber’s Amish Charm Bakery Series. If you haven’t read Book One you will be fine reading this as a stand alone. This is a lovely tale set in Charm, Ohio in 1912. The writing took me to the farms and shops of that quaint area within the first few pages. I enjoyed the descriptions which were enough for me to visualize but not too much to become bored.

There is a wide array of characters in this historical Amish tale. From mischievous young lads to cranky mothers secondary characters made this a fun book. There were animals, too. The main characters were well defined and rounded, complete with flaws. Some of the Amish were gossips, mean girls, brats, and no different from people in our world. The author did a good job tackling relevant issues.

The writing style in this book was a pleasant, easy one. At times it seemed the story was hurried, but for the most part it was well planned and organized. I loved the bakery and goodies constantly described!

Another thing I loved were the life lessons and spiritual message. This book speaks about forgiveness, second chances, grace, trusting God, redemption, and the power of the tongue. It has a strong message against gossiping and for acceptance. Bravo!

I recommend this book for Amish fiction lovers. I would also recommend it to a teenage girl group. The life lessons are timely and would provide for great discussions. It gets a 4 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own, honest opinions.

About the Book

Title: Ellie’s Redemption
Author: Molly Jebber
Genre: Christian fiction, Amish
Release date: January 29, 2019

1912, Charm, Ohio

Ellie Graber is determined to restore her bad reputation in Charm, Ohio. She regrets leaving Amish life and the danger and heartache she caused her family and friends. Ellie loves working with Liza, and her best friend and cousin, Hannah, at Liza’s Amish Charm Bakery, attends church, and obeys Amish law, but the gossip about her past life won’t stop. Joel Wenger’s deep blue eyes tell her he cares for her, but she suspects his parents have warned him to stay away from her. Joel wants to trust Ellie’s changed but his sister, Maryann, who left Amish life broke their hearts. Will Joel ignore his parents and friends, face their anger and ridicule, and give her a chance?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

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Molly Jebber writes Amish Historical Romance. Her latest release, ELLIE’S REDEMPTION, is the second book in her Amish Charm Bakery Series. Molly’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times. Her books have received widespread media attention throughout the US. Her books are sold in print and Ebook throughout the US and United Kingdom. She’s a touring speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, other women’s organizations, and she offers presentations on writing and the Amish. She says the most rewarding part about writing stories is meeting wonderful readers who become friends through social media and at her speaking events. Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.com for a full list of her books (and options stores to buy them), speaking events and recipes.
She loves God, her family, and friends. She says yes to swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to coconut, onions, and skydiving!

Guest Post from Molly

Hi Friends!

Ellie likes newcomer Joel, and he’s the first Amish man to show interest since her return to Charm. She’s afraid when he learns of her rebellious past and the danger she brought to her family before turning her life around, he’ll end their courtship. Joel is frustrated his sister left Amish life before his family moved to Charm. He chooses not to tell Ellie about her, until he has no choice. What does the future hold for Ellie and Joel when their secrets are revealed?

Along with the story of Ellie’s Redemption are recipes!

Here’s one just for you!

Ellie’s Surprise Cookies

1 cup shortening 2 cups rolled oats (quick cook)

1 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon soda

1 ¼ cup brown sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 ½ cups chocolate chips

2 eggs 2 cups flour

3 tsp baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

Sift dry ingredients. Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Stir in dry ingredients. Add oatmeal, vanilla and chocolate chips. Dough will be crumbly. Spoon a teaspoon of dough at a time on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, January 29

Carpe Diem, January 29

Lighthouse Academy, January 30

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, January 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 31

Splashes of Joy, January 31

Janices book reviews, January 31

A Baker’s Perspective, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 1

Bigreadersite, February 2

Mary Hake, February 2

Maureen’s Musings, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

EmpowerMoms, February 3

Inklings and Notions, February 4

Captive Dreams Window, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Robin is Bookish, February 5

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

My Devotional Thoughts, February 6

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, February 7

SusanLovesBooks, February 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 8

For the Love of Books, February 8

Henry Happens, February 9

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Bibliophile Reviews, February 10

Connie’s History Classroom, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a grand prize that includes an Amish doll, a handmade lap quilt (can be used as wall hanging), an Apple Pie recipe tea towel, a Blessings journal, a handmade quilted potholder, a $10 Amazon Card, Ellie’s Redemption Print Book, a mug, a 2019 Planner, pad and pen set, and a bookmark!!

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/da8b/ellie-s-redemption-celebration-tour-giveaway

Forever Loved, Eve’s Story Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on February 6, 2019February 3, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on the Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour for “Forever Loved, Eve’s Story”. You will learn about the book, the author, my thoughts on the book, get dates for the other stops, and have an opportunity to enter the $25 Amazon giveaway. Who doesn’t need a $25 card? Let’s start with my thoughts on this book.

My Review

Author Joanna May Chee has written “A Creative Retelling” of Eve’s story. I am a fan of biblical fiction but don’t like it when they change the story to take too many liberties. This book is so wonderful it would be hard not to like it. It is a paperback that has less than one hundred forty pages, so it could be a quick read. I savored it.

Opening the book is the author’s story. She has a quaint style of writing that I found to be pleasant, Sentences are short but meaningful. I felt as if the author was being transparent and sharing herself.

The beginning of Eve’s chapters talking about this being a book about a Father and Daughter caught me off guard. I always think of Eve being Adam’s wife and often forget she was the first daughter. This was a lovely reminder.

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Eve’s chapters are only one or two pages long, but they are powerful. The emotions felt real. I smiled, I warmed, I was devastated, and I cried. This is a thought provoking book for all women.

The last section is “Your Story”. It includes a reflection, prayers and an invitation. This is a chance to accept Jesus or perhaps deepen your relationship with Abba. After information about the author is a sample of the accompanying Devotional Bible Study.

I highly recommend this book to all women. Get a group, read it by yourself, or grab your best friend, just read it! You will be so glad. This is a God glorifying book. It will remind you that you are a beloved daughter of the true God. Are you smiling now? I am. This earned a 5 star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review. These are my own honest thoughts.

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About the Book

Title: Forever Loved, Eve’s Story

Author: Joanna May Chee E6447DF2-9E05-4FDB-832B-A4914EDA9C33

Genre: Christian Inspiration for Women

Release date: February 20, 2018

Publisher: Heartfelt Publications

Eve. First woman. The First to be tempted. First to sin.

But what if there were more to her story than that?

Forever Loved: Eve’s Story is the story of Father and daughter, as told by Eve. It is a story of preciousness and beauty, of tender love and grace. Through Eve, God reveals his Father heart of love for you, his treasured daughter. He whispers to you now, and calls you closer.

Includes:

My Story: The author’s personal story of encountering God as Father.
Eve’s Story: A beautifully creative retelling of the Bible story of Eve.
Your Story: Encouragement and prayers to take you deeper into God’s presence.

Experience Eve’s story anew. Discover just how loved you are!

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Author of Forever Loved Eve's Story Joanna May Chee gets excited about God! She loves to write and is often awake in the night with a million ideas for her next book or project. Joanna blogs at JoannaMayChee.coma and MumsKidsJesus.com, where it is her heart to encourage and equip women to love their families and meet with God. She is author of Forever Loved: Eve’s Story, a creative retelling of the Bible story of Eve, and a #1 Amazon UK bestseller. Joanna lives near London with her husband, 4 teens, dog and 2 cats! Facebook.com/JoannaMayChee | Facebook.com/MumsKidsJesus | Pinterest.co.uk/https://mumskidsjesus.com/

Guest Post from Joanna

True or False? Eve spent time with God before meeting Adam.

True or False? Eve wasn’t called Eve until after the Fall.

Does the Bible even say?

Until recently, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you, even though I’ve been a Christian many years, and thought I knew the Bible story of Eve really well!

It was during hot, sticky, jet-lagged nights, about four years ago, on holiday overseas, that God started giving me new and wonderful insight into Eve’s life. Words literally started pouring through my head: the story of Eve, but not as I’d heard it before!

I’d always had negative connotations of Eve – the first woman to be tempted, the first to sin. But the story God revealed to me during my sleepless nights was one of preciousness and beauty. It was the story of Father and daughter, of God’s incredible love for Eve, and His equally wondrous love for me.

As Eve’s story unfolded over several nights, I wrote it down; and God gave me a book I did not ask for (but am forever grateful for): Forever Loved: Eve’s Story.

These new insights into Eve’s story have been life-changing. God has brought me deeper into His love than I could ever have imagined. (In the introduction of ‘Forever Loved: Eve’s Story’ I share something of the deep hurt and insecurity I experienced growing up – including the time I got into BIG trouble with my teacher – my cry to know God as Father, and how God’s love has brought healing and freedom.)

It’s my prayer that ‘Forever Loved: Eve’s Story’ touches the lives of women around the world, that women may come into deeper experience of God as Father, and know just how beautiful and precious they are to Him.

So, back to the True/False questions at the beginning of this post!

What do you think?

I’d love to share with you what I’ve discovered by giving you a free copy of a devotional I’ve written called ‘Treasures Hidden in the Story of Eve’.

This devotional explores some of the amazing truths God’s shown me about Eve, and the wonderful implications for us as women today (and includes extracts from ‘Forever Loved: Eve’s Story’). Download the devotional for free here.

I pray God touches you as deeply as He has me, as you explore the Bible story of Eve afresh. May you encounter the love of Father God as never before.

Joanna xx

Forever Loved Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, January 26

Real World Bible Study, January 27

Aryn the Libraryan, January 28

Robin is Bookish, January 28

My Devotional Thoughts, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Margaret Kazmierczak, January 30

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 31

Mary Hake, January 31

Godly Book Reviews, February 1

Lights in a Dark World, February 1

Midnight Bookaholic, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2

Bibliophile Reviews, February 3

One Emergent Life, February 4

Pause for Tales, February 4

Texas Book-aholic, February 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Janices book reviews, February 7

Carpe Diem, February 8

Forever Loved Giveaway

$25 Amazon gift card

To celebrate her tour, Joanna is giving away a grand prize of a signed copy of ‘Forever Loved: Eve’s Story’ plus $25 Amazon voucher!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops below for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d8d5/forever-loved-eve-s-story-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Essence of Humility Book Tour and Giveaway by Celebrate Lit

Posted on February 4, 2019February 4, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on the “Essence of Humility” Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway. I am glad you stopped by. Be sure to register to win the giveaway. Details are at the bottom of this post. Let’s begin with my thoughts on the book.

My Review

Do you use essential oils? I use some of them, but I had to cut back because of my dog and cat. Some oils that I loved were bad for them. There are still oils I use in different ways, and I believe in their ability to help. I have read books on how to use them before but never a devotional. That is until now.

I loved this book! It is a perfect devotional for women that use essential oils or would like to start using them. The author has written a delightful book giving information, uses, biblical background, trivia and stories on essential oils and plants. Her book was well researched. It was easy to see a lot of work had gone into this devotional.

Each chapter has four or five parts. A Bible study combines facts about the essential oils or plants and what they symbolize, a Bible story mentioning the plant, scientific and trivia facts about the oils, sometimes a recipe, and then a fictional part are all included. That is a lot!

The subject of humility is one that definitely needs explored. In today’s society humility is not a common thing. It was refreshing reading a book dedicated to that. I loved the biblical references and examples. They reminded me that I need to be more kind, loving, and more gracious. Don’t we all?

This book can be read as an individual or group devotional. I would recommend reading it once chapter and then letting the information soak in for a bit. All throughout it I yearned for at least one partner to discuss it. A group would benefit from doing this study. It would be fun, too. I found it to be relevant, engaging, and thought provoking. Finding book three in this series is a wonderful surprise, but at times I was a bit lost on the people. Now I want to read the first two books.

I learned so much from this book. It was an enjoyable read for me. I love essential oils and plants. Books with scripture and biblical references are tops on my list, too. This was a timely topic, also. After reading the first two books, I will revisit this one.

I highly recommend this and give it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided from Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own, honest opinions.

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About the Book

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Title: The Essence of Humility

Author: Lynn U. Watson

Genre: Devotional

Release date: January, 2019

We live in a culture overwhelmed with disrespect, egos, entitlement, rudeness, and offense — lives focused on self, rather than God or others. The Bible defines love in 1 Corinthians 13. Every descriptive word included in the list whispers humility.

Patience — humility
Kindness — humility
Not rude — humility
Not arrogant — humility
Rejoices in truth — humility
No envious or boastful — humility
Not irritable — humility
Keeps no record of wrong — humility

Jesus entered our world and walked among us. He placed no importance on rank or position. Jesus life reflected love because it reflected humility, and He invites us to live and love like Him. Journey with our hostess, Cinnamah-Brosia and her friends at The Coffee Cottage. They lead us on a journey to meet real life people — our contemporaries and those on the pages of God’s word, who encountered the same real life challenges you and I face each day. Learn the blessings of a life lived like Jesus lived —- with love and humility.

Click HERE to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Lynn Watson combines many years’ experience in women’s ministry, love of essential oils, and her passion for God’s word to bring her readers freshly inspired encouragement for their walk with Jesus. Her devotional, The Essence of Courage, was recognized as a ‘must read’ by regional publishing industry leaders. Married since 1973, Lynn and Steve have filled their Bartlett, Tennessee home with handmade treasures and lots of love for family, especially their five beautiful (of course) grandchildren. Aromas of freshly baked bread often fill Lynn’s kitchen. Jasmine, her tuxedo kitty, enjoys sleeping in Lynn’s lap while she writes.

Guest post from Lynn

My first lesson in humility for Volume 3 of Cinnamah-Brosia’s Inspirational Collection came from an assumption. Right. Those are never a grand idea. When God spoke to me about writing this book, he clearly gave me the subject: Love. I immediately headed to 1 Corinthians 13 – The Love Chapter of the Bible. Of course the book’s title would be The Essence of Love. The end material of The Essence of Joy announced the new “Love” title coming in 2018. And God laughed. I read 1 Corinthians 13 over and over again. It whispered “humility” over and over again. I called my dear friend – the one I consult with on every one of these books – and said, “You know what? Listen to this. Love is patient – humility. Love is kind – humility. Love is not arrogant – humility. You get the idea. Every single line of this beautiful passage comes down to the barest bones: humility.” We both laughed a little, too. And we thanked God He clarified His instructions. To live and love like Jesus requires us to humbly trust God and to humbly serve others. In Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul presents a lengthy discourse on the humility of Christ. It begins like this: If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. ~Philippians 2:1-4 (HCSB) The title morphed to The Essence of Humility. I placed the focus on common everyday botanicals and plants – those familiar to us today – for this third volume in the collection. The fun came as I dug the plants from Scripture. I pray you enjoy the connections as much as I did uncovering them and connecting them to Jesus’ life, and to a whole list of characters who lived on the pages of the Bible, along with our contemporaries here in the 21st century. Thank you for choosing The Essence of Humility. So very many titles out there shout to be read. I am humbled for you to spend time with me here. I have prayed for every one of you. Copyright 2018, Lynn U. Watson

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, January 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 25

Splashes of Joy, January 25

A Reader’s Brain, January 26

Bibliophile Reviews, January 27

A Baker’s Perspective, January 28

Creating Romance, January 29

Mary Hake, January 29

Aryn The Libraryan, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 31

The Becca Files, February 1

Godly Book Reviews, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2

Janices book reviews, February 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 4

Through the Lens of Scripture, February 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Bigreadersite, February 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lynn is giving away a grand prize of a wire basket that includes a hand-stamped “Gratitude, Kindness, Humility, Love” spoon necklace, Hillhouse Naturals fresh Linen hand lotion, locally hand-crafted Lavender-Eucalyptus body and foot scrub, embroidered “Love One Another” hand towel (nice ‘n soft), cozy Chamomile herbal tea, and a paperback copy of The Essence of Humility!!

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/d93b/the-essence-of-humility-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Forgiving Jar by Wanda Brunstetter

Posted on February 3, 2019February 3, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Amish fiction is one of my favorite genres. The Amish seem to live their lives for God and family. Doesn’t that sound perfect? A simple, idealistic life, but it is no different than ours. Their lives have troubles and conflicts, too, I’m sure.

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Author Wanda Brunstetter has penned a multitude of books, the majority of them being Amish. She knows what she’s doing and does it exemplary. “The Forgiving Jar” is Book Two in her The Prayer Jars Series. It could be read as a stand alone but I highly encourage you to read book one first. It is fantastic.

Brunstetter has come up with an amazing story with this series. She is so gifted! I was captivated quickly in Book One. The characters have been well thought and described. It was easy to visualize each one and befriend them. Becoming invested in their lives happened in Book One and continued with this one.

Some of the things I enjoy about the author’s writing are the cooking and kitchen scenes. It is a family tale and families gather in the kitchen cooking and eating. She also has a strong Christian message along with scripture. There is no doubt that Mrs. Brunstetter is a Christian writer. This book has plenty of all of the above.

Forgiveness is the major topic of the book. This is something we all deal with, and Amish seem to do a very good job forgiving. Other issues such as jealousy, acceptance, lying, and acceptance are broached. Deepening our walk with God and trusting Him are also in the book.

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At the end of the book were two recipes. I am getting spoiled and was hoping for more. There is also a section with discussion questions. Yes! Questions for deeper study are so important and make it nice for a reader’s group. This is an encouraging novel.

I enjoyed this book and found I did not want to put it down. There are a few cliff hangers such as unknown identities that hopefully will be revealed. This book did have a twist or two making it fun.

Everyone will enjoy this delightful book. Whether you related to Grandma, Grandpa, Sara, Michelle, or someone else, you will find a friend in this book. Readers that like Christian, contemporary, Amish, encouraging books will devour it like this reader did. It is highly recommended along with book one. I give it a five out of five stars!

About the Book

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Sara Murray had never met her mother’s parents and was surprised to learn after her death that they were Amish living in Pennsylvania. When she is finally able to make the trip to meet them, she is shocked to learn someone else has been living with them and pretending to be Sara. Sara can’t understand how quickly her grandparents are willing to forgive the imposter.

Secrets and deceit seem to follow Sara, and she is so tired of it. Though soon she meets Brad Fuller who is visiting her grandparents for during Christmas. She likes him a lot, but even he seems to pull away from her, not being totally honest.

Struggling, Sara finds an old canning jar hidden in the barn that is full of encouraging prayers. Can Sara find a way to forgive the past and move on to building new relationships?

This is Book 2 in the brand-new series, The Prayer Jars, from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.
Book 1 — The Hope Jar (August 2018)
Book 3 — The Healing Jar (August 2019)

About the Author

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New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda’s stories consistently earn spots on the nation’s most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.

When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A Love to Behold Celebrate Lit Book Tour & Giveaway

Posted on February 1, 2019January 29, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour for Sharlene MacLaren’s “A Love to Behold.” I’m glad you are here. After reading about the book, author, and tour be sure to enter the giveaway for the $20 Starbucks card.

My Thoughts:

“A Love to Behold” by talented wordsmith Sharlene MacLaren is another one of her great works. It is Book #3 in her Forever Freedom Series but can easily be read as a stand alone. This is a historical Christian fiction with a powerful message of hope, love, diversity, acceptance, and faith.

Author MacLaren has done a fabulous job with this installment in her series. I picked up some interesting historical information that I did not know. I love it when a book teaches me something. There is no light mention of faith in this book. Prayer, scripture, God, and faith are in large portion and I did not need to search for them. I love that in Christian books!

Her characters are realistic with vivid personalities. Even the secondary characters are well defined. The main character is a feisty, relatable young woman named Lydia. As I read more I began to take on her feelings and emotions. This book is well thought, well researched, well planned, and well written. I was invested quickly and did not want to put it down.

The setting has been well researched and with her ability to describe people and places, the author whisked me away to post Civil War Charleston, Souch Carolina. Dialogue between characters was smooth and one of my favorite things in the book. The author used colloquialisms from that time period and part of the countrythat had me giggling. Some I have actually heard but most I haven’t.

There is action, danger, romance, history, intrigue, and a powerful inspirational message in this novel I would definitely recommend it. Be prepared for some surprises and humor, too. I loved it and gave it a 5 star rating.

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Celebrate Lit provided a copy but did not require a review. These are my own honest words.

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SERIES: Forever Freedom #3
GENRE: Inspirational Historical Fiction
PUBLISHER: Whitaker House
RELEASE DATE: January 8, 2019
PAGES: 336

Two years after the Civil War, Lydia Albright, 27, is an established teacher in Boston when she senses God’s call to leave the comfort and security of her job and go south. She accepts a position to teach in a school for former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. A church there that’s affiliated with the American Missionary Association offers support, along with room and board at the parsonage.

The Ku Klux men are hell-bent on seeing that the new school fails. Lydia’s life is threatened, and the parsonage, church, and school are vandalized.

But they haven’t contended with a strong, determined woman like Lydia before. It also helps that she has a couple potential suitors on her side.

A Love to Behold is a tale of people who grow strong in the face of adversity and a church that learns love, compassion, and acceptance, even in the face of cruelty and hatred.

Other Books In This Series

About the Author:

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Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating in 1971 with an education degree, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally with a singing ensemble for one year. In 1975, she came home, returned to her teaching job, and married her childhood sweetheart. Together, they raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying families of their own. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, “Shar” loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!

A Christian for over fifty years, and a lover of the English language, Shar always enjoyed dabbling in writing. She remembers well the short stories she wrote in high school, and watching them circulate from girl to girl during government and civics classes. “Psst,” someone would whisper from two rows over, always when the teacher’s back was turned, “pass me the next page.”

In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, and in 2006, she signed a contract for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her writing career. With eighteen published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, she daily gives God all the glory. She dedicated her last novel, Their Daring Hearts, to Jesus.

Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and made several television appearances and radio interviews. She loves speaking for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan, with their beautiful white collie, Peyton, and their ragdoll cat, Blue.

Shar loves hearing from her readers. If you wish to contact her as a potential speaker for a church function or would simply like to chat with her, please feel free to send her an e-mail at sharlenemaclaren@yahoo.com. She will do her best to answer in a timely manner. You may also find her on Facebook.

Guest Post from Sharlene

My dear readers,

It has indeed been my great privilege and pleasure to write this series set in Civil War times. What a thought-provoking, amazing, and heart-wrenching era in American history.

If you read all three books in the “Forever Freedom” series—Summer on Sunset Ridge, Their Daring Hearts, and A Love to Behold—you will have gotten some history lessons regarding the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers; Abolition; the Underground Railroad, which the Quakers were instrumental in launching; life as a Union soldier in the Civil War; the Freedmen’s Bureau; and Reconstruction, that period following the war when the south had fallen into great dis-repair. Also prevalent in this third book is a bit of history regarding the origin of the Ku Klux Klan, a hate group that formed during the Reconstruction period.

Although I did not appreciate history as a young girl, as an older adult, I’m quite fascinated by it. History itself is a great teacher. Learning about it can be everything from exhilarating to depressing, challenging and yet exciting. It is my prayer that as you read my books, you’ll not only find them entertaining, but also inspiring and uplifting. I aim to encourage, not discourage. Much of history—if we dwell on it—can be disheartening, but focusing our hearts and minds on Christ gives us courage and confidence. Let us learn from history, but let us look to the future with hope in our hearts.

With love and a prayer for God’s best blessings,

Shar

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 22

Maureen’s Musings, January 22

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 23

Genesis 5020, January 23

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, January 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 24

Splashes of Joy, January 25

Blossoms and Blessings, January 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Mary Hake, January 26

Godly Book Reviews, January 27

Daysong Reflections, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

Robin is Bookish, January 28

My Devotional Thoughts, January 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 29

The Becca Files, January 30

For the Love of Literature, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 1

Janices book reviews, February 1

A Baker’s Perspective, February 2

Bibliophile Reviews, February 3

Carpe Diem, February 4

Bigreadersite, February 4

Giveaway:

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To celebrate her tour, Sharlene is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbucks 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/d8d2/a-love-to-behold-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Lost Art of Relationship Celebrate Lit Tour & Giveaway

Posted on January 26, 2019January 22, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour and Giveaway for “The Lost Art of Relationship” by author Dan Chrystal. Please read all of the way until the end where you will find the link to enter the giveaway for an Amazon Echo 2nd Generation Smart Speaker. Yes, really! Are you ready to hear about this book? I am eager to chat with you about it.

In his book, author Dan Chrystal tackles what family and friends of mine have been discussing for a few years now, “The Lost Art of Relationship.” With the advances of technology our face to face communication skills seem to have dwindled. That has changed our relationships or our thoughts on them.

This was a “head nodding book” for me. My husband asked what I was reading because I was literally nodding my head in agreement. It provides some information for everyone. The author has written a scriptural based book on relationships no matter what type of relationship. His book even gives readers a chance to look inward on what type of friend they are.

Chapters are divided into various sections of Foundations of Relationships, Obstacles of Relationships, and Building Blocks of Relationships. Substantiating his views with personal experiences and Scriptures, the author has researched and planned his book well. His writing style uses plain language that is easily understood. However, I found that the book could have been just a bit better organized.

I loved the section discussing friendship during trials. “We will all go through dark moments or even dark seasons. Those are the times when friends double down on the friendship—to be there for each other.” Double down on friendship really made an impact on me. Not just be there for your friend, but double down. Wise words.

Going through a rough period is when one truly finds out who one’s friends are. This is totally relatable to most everyone. Me, included. True friends will stay beside you and wait out the storm. They will help you through it and not leave until the weather gets better. Now I thought about my friends in the midst of storms. How could I be a better friend to them?

This is a book everyone should read. It will provide insight into relationships of all types. Teens would benefit from it as it prompts what to look for in a potential relationship and what to beware of in friends. I wish it had a few more suggestions or advice on the “how to” side of being a friend. All in all, it is a really good book.

I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to everyone, especially to teenagers and young adults. They seem to be moving farther away from relationship knowledge. Anyone will pick up positive tidbits from this. A copy was provided from Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to post a review. These are my own honest words.

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About the Book:

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Title: The Lost Art of Relationship

Author: Dan Chrystal

Genre: Christian non-fiction, Christian living

Release date: October 15, 2018

Relationship is a journey of discovery—a lost art. In this generation, it has become challenging to deepen and grow personal relationships with each other. Our technology-flooded environment has left many with limited relational experience and a fear of face-to-face connection and meeting new people.

The church has done a decent job of helping people understand the need and importance of a relationship with God, but what about with each other? At the heart of every man, woman, and child is the need for connection—for relationships with people who love them for who they are.

In The Lost Art of Relationship, Dan Chrystal tackles the heart of relationship based on the time-honored instruction to “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” But what does that mean? How do we live out this odd instruction? Who is my neighbor, anyway? What makes relationships healthy, and what makes them fail? Through Dan’s personal stories and difficult life lessons, readers will come away encouraged, inspired, and motivated to love the people in their life more fully. If you desire deep and meaningful connections, now is the time to discover the lost art of relationship.

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About the Author

dan-chrystal

Dan Chrystal has over twenty-three years of ministry and relationship experience. He serves as a pastor for Bayside Church Granite Bay, under the dynamic leadership of founding pastor, Ray Johnston. Dan is a vibrant speaker and a dedicated life, career, and couple’s coach. He holds an MBA in executive leadership from Kaplan University (now Purdue Global University) and is currently studying law at Concord Law School. His extensive ministry background has taken him all over the country, from the east coast to the west, where he has served in varying capacities, including Lead Pastor, Administrative Pastor, Associate Pastor, Worship Leader, and Youth Pastor. An avid student of relationship, Dan is passionate about helping others to love their neighbors as themselves.

“Choose a good reputation over great riches.” (Proverbs 22:1)

Guest post from Dan

For two years, I experienced what many would call a “wilderness experience.” I truly felt forgotten. I had spent twenty years in various aspects of church work having met and coached hundreds of people, and I still felt like I didn’t truly understand why I was put on this earth. I have moved nine times in my adult life. Everywhere I’ve lived, I had to start over—at work, home, schools for kids, and especially in relationship with others.

The last move was different. This time I was no longer looking to connect simply for the sake of connecting. There was a purpose for connection that was brewing inside me. That purpose became the driving force of my life and remains that way today. In fact, it consumes my thought life, relationships, ministry, and every aspect of what I do, think, and say.

Connecting with others has been a part of my life wherever I have gone. This came from watching my mom over many years meet, talk to, and befriend hundreds of people. At her funeral, I had just about that many tell me “thank you” for allowing my mom to be a part of their lives—how she encouraged them and truly got to know them for who they are.

During my two-year “wilderness” period, there was a realization that over all the moves, restarts, connections, coffee appointments, coaching, lunches, and dinners with people, I was learning the essence of what I believe we are called, or actually commanded, to do by Jesus. Such a simple sentence, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” However, it is one of the most difficult things to live out every day. Let’s face it; relationships are messy. They can be downright frustrating at times, but they are a necessary part of life, and the second most important thing to God.

I am by no means an “expert” in relationship. I am and always will be a student of it. I have watched relationships thrive, survive, and some fall away. There are so many divisions that come between us, and during those two years of struggling with my purpose, it became clear—God has designed, purposed, and prepared me to help others discover what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. I am not perfect at this. As a matter of fact, I struggle—sometimes daily. That is what sparked the writing of this book. I have found there is an art to relationship. For most, it is a lost art, one that can be rediscovered. I would love it if you would join me in discovering The Lost Art of Relationship.