A Lawman for Lisette by Teresa Slack Book Review

Posted on June 23, 2020June 23, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

A Lawman for Lisette by author Teresa Slack is Book One in her Willow Woods Brides Series. This Christian historical western romance is a sweet book. There is a touch of mystery, danger, adventure, and romance in the story.

The author takes us to 1890’s Idaho, where the land is as untamed as some of the outlaws. Her descriptive writing made it easy to imagine the dusty, dirty travel and hardships of that time. Author Slack has a pleasing style of writing, but I found it to be a bit uneven. Certain details were just thrown in that did not add anything to the story. Perhaps editing is to blame for that.

This is the tale of Dr. Lisette Pelletier, who went to school back East to become a doctor. She has written in answer to various advertisements searching for a town doctor. Finally she received a reply. It is from the small town of Willow Wood, Idaho. This little town has a few rapscallions, a busybody, and is looking for a doctor to care for the local residents.

It is also about Grayson Dutton, a Marshall who has come home to Willow Wood. They end up on the same stagecoach and sparks start to fly as well as bullets. Lisette gets a wild introduction to the West.

The characters in this story were delightful. I really enjoyed the patients and the relationship the “Lady Doctor” had with them. The spiritual content was not hidden. I loved that. For the most part the conversations flowed well.

This was a nice historical tale. I enjoyed it and would recommend it. It receives a 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own thoughts.

About the Book:

When Lisette Pelletier answers an ad to become a physician in the frontier town of Willow Wood, Idaho, she knows her life will change forever. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with the U.S. Marshal whose life she saves on her way to town.

Federal Marshal Grayson Dutton spent his career protecting pioneers, chasing down bandits, settling disputes before they erupted into gunfire, and returning fire when needed. None of it prepared him for dealing with a feisty lady doc who can’t see when she’s in over her head.

When Grayson hears the gang of outlaws that attacked the stagecoach that brought Lisette to Willow Wood have targeted the lady doc, he’ll stop at nothing to protect her. Lisette doesn’t want to give the lawman the reins to her life. She came west to serve the people of Willow Wood, not hide under her bed in fear at the first sign of danger.

She certainly didn’t plan to fall for a long-legged lawman whose kisses make her dream of marriage, babies, and happily-ever-after, all the things that conflict with her call to medicine. Can she find a place in her life and her heart for love? Can Grayson tame the wild filly before she gets both of them killed?

Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2Wl8dnh

About The Author:

Teresa Slack loves reading, writing, and falling in love. Creating clean and wholesome western romances where fearless cowboys still sweep independent heroines off their feet was an easy choice for her.

She writes from her home in the beautiful southern Ohio hills, which she shares with her husband and rescue dog and rescue cat. Any errors and typos she blames on the cat randomly running across her keyboard.

Learn more about Teresa Slack and her books by visiting her website at www.teresaslack.com Readers who sign up for her newsletter will receive a free download of A Promise for Josie: A Willow Wood Prequel.

Gift from Above by Author Rachel J. Good

Posted on June 20, 2020June 20, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

“Gift from Above” by author Rachel J. Good is a delightful Amish Christian fictional tale. This is Book Three in her Sisters and Friends Series. I enjoyed the familiar faces from the past two books.

This is the story of Sarah Esther, youngest daughter in her family. Her sister, Emma, is getting married and they are preparing for her wedding. It is also the story of Jakob Zook. He was once Emma’s boyfriend and now taken with Sarah. Their relationship is a sweet yet anxious part of this.

As she was cutting more celery for the wedding, Sarah noticed something most uncommon. A man in a parachute was drifting down in their yard. He says he has broken his leg during the landing and needs help. Could there be more to this man than meets the eye? Will be be able to comply with Mammi’s rules?

This is an unusual yet interesting story that has many twists and turns. The characters are well rounded and easy to imagine. It is a page turner to see what happens when Englisch and Amish worlds collide. However, Sarah was a bit naive and too trusting even for an Amish young lady. The situation could happen to some degree.

Author Good has done a remarkable job taking me out of my reading chair and transporting me to Amish Country. I enjoy her style of writing and the research she does to make her novels realistic. The feisty older characters have become my favorites in her books. They provide humor and wisdom.

This book has life lessons, messages of faith, mystery, romance, and surprises. Everyone will enjoy it. I was thrilled to see a couple of recipes at the end of the book. It would make a nice book club choice because of the spiritual and life lessons. I definitely recommend this fiction selection. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book:

Sarah Esh’s peaceful life turns upside down one afternoon when a parachutist crash-lands on her family’s farm. The stranger insists his life is in danger and begs her to keep his presence secret. Sarah’s promise tangles her in a web of deceit that endangers innocent people, ruins her best friend’s reputation, and tears apart the Amish community. After she discovers the man’s true purpose, Sarah must confess her mistake and repair the damage she’s done. But how can she admit the truth to Jacob Zook knowing it will end their relationship?

Although he was jilted by Sarah’s older sister, Jakob finds himself attracted to Sarah’s kindness and honesty. Her innocence and gentle spirit encourage him to open his heart. Then he discovers the deep secrets Sarah’s been hiding—secrets that destroyed his family and now threaten their love.

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author RACHEL J. GOOD writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – the bestselling Love & Promises, Sisters & Friends, Unexpected Amish Blessings, Surprised by Love (2021), and two books in Hearts of Amish Country – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books. In addition, she has stories in many anthologies, including Love’s Thankful Heart,Love’s Christmas Blessings,Plain Everyday Heroes, Love’s Truest Hope,and the forthcoming Amish Christmas Twins (September 2020) with Shelley Shepard Gray and Loree Lough. She is also the coauthor of the Prayerful Author Journey: Inspirational Yearly Planner.

Connect with Rachel:

Website: www.racheljgood.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels

Twitter: https://twitter.com/racheljgood1

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/racheljgood1/

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Rachel-J-Good/e/B019DWF4FG

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/rachel-j-good

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelj.good

Newsletter sign-up: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

Hitching Post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/196506777789849/

Hope for Tomorrow Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on June 4, 2020June 3, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Hope for Tomorrow by author Michelle De Bruin is a delightful Christian historical romance. While it is a sweet story it has some timeless life lessons to share. Lessons on priorities, trusting God, grudges, forgiveness, truthfulness, and love are beautifully displayed in this novel.

This is the tale of school teacher Karen Millerson. She travels from Chicago to become a high school English teacher in Iowa but encounters a surprise. Hopefully this will give her a new start.

It is also the story of Logan De Witt. He is a minister in town near his family. When tragedy hits, he is called home. His life changes as he finds himself taking care of his mother, sister and the family farm, plus boarding the new school teacher. This is an emotional story that I became invested in early. I was hooked and had a hard time putting the book down.

The twist and turns in this story make it an enjoyable read. The characters were well rounded and relatable. I thought even secondary ones were memorable. The spiritual message was upfront and not hidden which is something I think is important in a Christian novel.

I recommend this Christian fiction. It is a good story with many points to ponder after reading it. I look forward to reading more from this author. A book club would like this book as would anyone enjoying historical romance. It receives a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Hope for Tomorrow

Author: Michelle De Bruin

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: October 2018

A young man leaves his career and agrees to board the teacher who offers him a priceless gift.

When Logan De Witt learns of his father’s sudden death, he returns home to the family’s dairy farm and chooses to stay. As a way to make some extra money, he agrees to board the teacher for their local school.

Karen Millerson arrives from Chicago and accepts the role of country school teacher. Eager to put her family’s ugly past behind her, Karen makes a fresh start in her new surroundings as a way to replace the trust she lost in her father.

Can Karen learn to trust again? Will Logan lay aside his grief in exchange for God’s purpose for his life?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015. Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story. Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019

More from Michelle

Hope for Tomorrow is a story that explores responses to uncertainty and the grief that comes from sudden losses. The main characters of the story have experienced unexpected changes that press them to grow deeper in their faith. Psalm 30:5 reminds us that weeping may linger through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Logan De Witt, his mother, his sister, and Karen Millerson the new teacher, learn this truth for themselves as the events of the story’s plot unfold.

My hope is that readers will learn the best way to respond to loss and change while also finding pleasure in the ways the Lord introduces joy and unexpected blessings into our lives.

An excerpt

“How far must we travel to reach Bridgewater Springs?” Glad to finally be able to see above the cornfields, Karen scanned the horizon. No buildings indicated the location of another town. Only the silhouettes of silos, hip roof barns, and a few windmills broke up the landscape.

“We ain’t goin’ to Bridgewater Springs.”

“What do you mean?” Karen’s middle stretched tight.

“Didn’t anyone tell ya?” The school board chairman turned to her. Crows’ feet etched deep lines in the sun-browned skin around his eyes.

“I received a letter that said I am to teach English and reading at the Bridgewater Springs High school.”

Mr. Hinkley shook his head and clicked his tongue. “Oh, the sad communication in our school systems these days.” Slapping a horse with the reins, he cleared his throat. “The school in Bridgewater Springs combined subjects. The community got worried about how many students might actually decide to go on to high school. They wanna hold off before hiring too many teachers. Don’t wanna get too carried away with offering a lot of subjects if no one comes to school to take ‘em. You know how that goes.” He transferred both reins to one hand, reached in his front pocket, pulled out a toothpick, and stuck it in a corner of his mouth.

The toothpick wagged a bit before he continued speaking. “At the last minute, the superintendent told me that the girl who taught our school last year got engaged over the summer. So, since you were a teacher without a school, and we were a school without a teacher, he made the decision to send ya here.” He chewed on the toothpick for a moment before looking over at her once again. “Sorry ya have to find out this way. I thought maybe someone already told ya.”

“You mean to tell me, to tell me that I . . .” She gave up in a sigh that collapsed all the air from her lungs.

“Now I know we ain’t the most educated folks you’ll run across, but our kids deserve a chance. Just like any in the big city.”

“But I . . . I still need to . . . to . . .” Karen groaned about the sputtering that betrayed her chaotic mind. She drew in a deep breath and tried again. “I traveled all this way to begin my career.”

“Well, now, I think we can work somethin’ out.” Mr. Hinkley drove on a road that crested a small hill and dipped to a stone bridge spanning a brook.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 30

Inklings and notions, May 31

reviewingbooksplusmore, May 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1

For Him and My Family, June 2

deb’s Book Review, June 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 4

Maureen’s Musings, June 4

Betti Mace, June 5

Older & Smarter?, June 6

For the Love of Literature, June 7

Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 8 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Read Review Rejoice, June 9

Vicky Sluiter, June 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & signed 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/fa0c/hope-for-tomorrow-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pretending to Wed by Melissa Jagears

Posted on June 1, 2020May 31, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I am so excited to tell you about this new release from author Melissa Jagears. She is a master storyteller and produces books that will delight Christian historical fans. This one beckoned me to begin page one and hours later I bittersweetly finished it saying goodbye to my friends.

It is another captivating novel by outstanding wordsmith Melissa Jagears. Pretending to Wed is a Christian Historical Romance that had me turning pages to see where the story was going next. I was immediately invested in the story. Immediately. I loved all of it.

This is the story of Corinne is our heroine, a laundress. She needs out of the laundry business due to health issues with her hands. Doing laundry for hours each day takes a toil on a body’s health. It is also the story of Nolan. He lost a leg when he was younger and naturally this has affected his entire life. Nolan has always done his best but could never measure up to his cousin. Now he and Corrine both need a spouse for very different reasons. Corrine is strong, independent, and a bit sassy. Nolan is sincere, sweet, and adorable. They really do make a perfect couple even if they are fighting it.

Characters are well rounded and believable. The villains are despicable, but that was their job. Expect a few familiar faces from her past book, Romancing the Bride, which is Book 1 in her Frontier Vows series. If you haven’t read it you will be able to follow this one just fine. It can be read as a stand alone. The story is well planned and captivating. The spiritual message is encouraging and certain to stir hearts.

I absolutely love the writing style of this author. Her mixture of historical information with Christian inspiration is a winning combination. Conversations sound authentic and add tremendously to the story. The author does her research well and has a fantastic sense of humor. Life lessons are easily threaded throughout the story leaving readers much to ponder. One of my favorite parts of the book is Nolan’s belief in Corrine.

This is a another winner from an author that is exemplary in writing tales that touch hearts. I connected to the characters and felt their emotions right along with them. I highly recommend this Christian fiction to everyone. Reading groups would have fun and inspiration while discussing this book. It gets 5 out of 5 stars from me. I received a copy from the publisher but these are my honest words.

About the Author

Biography

Don’t miss out on Melissa’s new releases and sales and specials. Sign up for her newsletter: https://bit.ly/2tzZEVS

Much to her introverted self’s delight, ACFW Award winner and double INSPY finalist Melissa Jagears hardly needs to leave her home to be a homeschooling mother and novelist. She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children and can be found online at http://www.melissajagears.com, Facebook, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Say and Pray Bible Celebrate Lit Book Tour And Giveaway

Posted on May 29, 2020May 28, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Diane Stortz has written a bible storybook perfect for babies to young preschoolers in her Say & Pray Bible. This colorful, sturdy board book uses simple, vividly colored picture to teach children words, objects, and bible stories. The young ones will be engaged and entertained while they learn.

On the sturdy, coated pages are pictures, a simple sentence, and a prayer. This is simple enough that it maintains attention and can easily be memorized. The size is nice and the pages are turned effortlessly.

It is such a blessing to have books such as this one to read to our children and grandchildren. Establishing bible time early helps them maintain it in future years. This is a perfect gift for a baby shower, new parent or grandparent, and church nursery.

I highly recommend this book. Children need to have nurturing for their minds also, and this is a book that will give their spirits some nourishment, too. It gets a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Say & Pray Bible

Author: Diane Stortz

Genre: Bible stories, board book

Release Date: 2015

Curl up together and experience the Bible in a fresh, new way. Young children will enjoy pointing to and naming objects on each page for early learning. Most important, they’ll discover favorite, age-appropriate Bible stories, with Scripture verses and short prayers that also hide God’s Word in young hearts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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

More from Diane

Once upon a time there was a little boy who loved his books. Long before he could talk, he loved turning pages, looking at the pictures, hearing his grandpa name the objects in the pictures, and pointing to those objects.

And once upon a time there was a grandma looking for a truly age-appropriate Bible storybook for that same little boy. And the best ones she found still contained too many words.

And she wondered . . .

Why not write a Bible storybook that could be designed especially for babies, toddlers, and young preschoolers? With the shortest stories you’ve ever seen, and with labeled objects and people in the illustrations that little ones could point to and name?

That’s how my book Say & Pray Bible began.

I wanted a book with age-appropriate, SHORT Bible stories. Babies and toddlers LOVE turning pages. Listening to long stories has to wait until they’re older.

I wanted short Bible verses and prayers to go with the very short stories.

And I wanted the illustrations to have lots of LABELED objects to encourage little ones to point and name.

Some days you might just read the stories. Another day, just the verses. Yet another reading, just the prayers. And some days, you might just talk about the pictures.

Most children begin to say single words with meaning, always nouns, at 12–18 months. This is the stage when children can point to—and eventually name—photos or illustrations of objects in their books.

Around 24 months, children begin to say two-word, noun plus verb sentences, such as “Cat run.” In time, sentences become longer and include adjectives and adverbs, but no function words: “Big cat run fast.” Last to develop is the use of function words (such as the and an) and more complex sound combinations and sentence forms.

Human beings seem to be hardwired to acquire language and learn to speak—evidence that, as the Bible says, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139). But there’s a lot we can do to help little ones develop language skills and expose them to God’s Word at the same time!

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, May 23

Texas Book-aholic, May 24

Through the Fire Blogs, May 25 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, May 25

Older & Smarter?, May 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 27

A Baker’s Perspective, May 28 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 29

Inklings and notions, May 30

A Reader’s Brain, May 31

Spoken from the Heart, June 1

Simple Harvest Reads, June 2 (Author Interview)

Southern Gal Loves to Read, June 2

Aryn the Libraryan 📚, June 3

Splashes of Joy, June 4

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

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Diane is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book, a signed copy of the companion book (Say & Pray Devotions), and a $10 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/fa0a/say-pray-bible-celebration-tour-giveaway

Storing Up Trouble Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

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

My Thoughts

Storing Up Trouble by master storyteller Jen Turano is a wonderful read. This is Book Three in her American Heiress Series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone. It is a Christian historical romance mixed with adventure, humor, and danger.

My attention was captured immediately. The author has a style of writing that is easy to read and understand. With smooth conversations and descriptions, I was whisked away to late 19th Century Chicago. This book was a page turning delight, and I found it difficult to put down.

This is the story of Norman Nesbit (how is that for a leading man name?) and Beatrix Waterbury, American heiress. Norman is a scientist and such a lovable guy, but clueless when it comes to ladies. Beatrix is a feisty New York girl sent to live with her Chicago aunt for a while. These two meet on the train to Chicago under less than ideal circumstances and the escapades begin.

The character were remarkable in this novel. Quirky just scratches their surface. This book has a cacophony of characters that will have you giggling as you read. Even the cats made me laugh. I loved Aunt Gladys and her messages of faith. It would be so nice to have a chat with her. Theo, the science girl, was another great character. There are so many in this book that I want to “friend.”

Historical information or tidbits are things I enjoy when reading. This book set during the Suffragette time did not disappoint. I gleaned much. Beatrix working at Marshall Fields was a fun part of the story for me, too. There are life lessons included in this fun tale. The main lesson is about becoming your best self and being responsible – leaving childish ways behind.

There were a couple off things that disappointed me. The faith element was a little skimpy. I like a heavy helping in a Christian fiction book. The romantic in me wished there had been more times that Norman and Beatrix had been together.

I definitely recommend Storing Up Trouble. It is an engaging book that with steal you away to another time and place where you will make cherished new friends. You will learn and laugh as you read this novel. It receives a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Author

Book: Storing Up Trouble

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: May 6, 2020

When Beatrix Waterbury’s train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract—including the attention of the men trying to steal his research—and they’ll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jen Turano, (www.jenturano.com) a USA Today bestselling author, has written four historical romance series. She is a member of ACFW and RWA and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.

More from Jen

Thank you so much for visiting me on my Celebrate Lit tour as we celebrate the release of my latest novel, “Storing Up Trouble.” I’m delighted to be here, and I reached out to my street team to help me with the questions you’ll find below. I’m hoping the answers to those questions will allow you to learn just a bit about my new book, as well as allow you to get to know me better. With that said, here we go!

Can you tell us a little about “Storing Up Trouble?”

I’d be delighted to tell you about my latest book. “Storing Up Trouble” is the third book in the “American Heiress” series, but you don’t need to read the first two books in that series (“Flights of Fancy” “Diamond in the Rough” to understand what’s going on. I’ve been writing my books more as stand alone stories, and “Storing Up Trouble” is no exception to that. With that said, this book centers around Miss Beatrix Waterbury and Mr. Norman Nesbit. Beatrix, unfortunately, has annoyed her mother to such an extent that she finds herself banished from New York and on her way to Chicago to spend time with her aunt, a lady Beatrix remembers as being a querulous sort. She, being Beatrix, a lady who lands herself in trouble at the most unexpected of times, soon finds herself a victim of a train heist. An unlikely hero in the form of Mr. Norman Nesbit, a gentleman with a brilliant mind but relatively few social graces, comes to her rescue, and from the moment they disembark from the train, they find themselves thrust into one escapade after another.

In “Storing Up Trouble,” is there a character you’d like to be friends with in real life, or better yet, a character you’d avoid at all costs?

I actually have an answer to both parts of that question. Miss Theodosia Robinson is a lady I would love to count as a friend because she’s loyal to a fault, and is a friend who’ll be there for you, no matter if you want to delve into an unusual scientific experiment, or take a jaunt to your local department store to do a bit of shopping. As for who I’d avoid at all cost – Mrs. George Blossom, who has a very small part in the story, but she’s a customer at Marshal Fields & Company who embraces an air of superiority over the sales girls, and I’ve never been one to enjoy people like that.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

That’s easy. Being Dominic’s mom. He was definitely a handful when he was little, which is why he’s an only child, but it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch him grow over the years. He recently graduated from college with a degree in engineering, and seeing him land a grown up job and begin to embrace the whole adulting thing makes me prouder than any book I’ve written or other job I’ve held.

What was the inspiration behind “Storing Up Trouble?”

There were quite a few things that inspired me to write this book. I’d set another one of my books, “Caught by Surprise” in Chicago, and because of the research I did for that book, research I wasn’t able to fit into that story, I knew I wanted to revisit that city at some point. Beatrix Waterbury gave me the perfect excuse to travel back there. I wanted to take her out of her usual setting of NYC, so off she went to Chicago, on a train ride that definitely turned concerning. I had also picked up a few research books about Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison and I’ve been itching to create a character after those brilliant gentlemen. Norman Nesbit turned into that gentleman, although I have to admit that some of the science Nikola and Thomas used was way over my head. My son, the engineer, tried to explain it to me, but I believe at one point I might have been drooling, and not in the good way, but the bored way. That’s when Norman really began to develop because I thought it would be amusing to have a character who was passionate about his field of study, but most of the people he tried to share that passion with had no idea what he was talking about and always got a bit of a dazed expression in their eyes as he waxed on and on about double-electrical currents.

What fun facts did you uncover while doing research for “Storing Up Trouble” but weren’t able to fit into the story?

There was so much fodder for additional storylines just with the research I did on Marshal Field and his department store. Did you know that the main store in Chicago burned down doing the Great Fire of 1871 and…it burned down several times after that? Who knew? There was also a lot of drama surrounding Marshal and his partner for years, Mr. Levi Zeigler Leiter. They had different ideas about how the store should evolve, which resulted in Marshal forcing Levi to sell his shares of the company to him, at which point the store turned from Field, Leiter, & Company to Marshal Fields Company. It was also interesting to learn that Mr. Fields was notorious for paying his workers low wages, but those workers accepted those wages because of the prestige that came with working at his store. If you worked at any other store, you were considered common, but to work at Marshal Fields was a feather in your cap, even if you weren’t earning as much as you could have earned at another store.

What are quirky little things you keep on your desk?

At the moment, I have one little pig with googly eyes, one cow with googly eyes, and then another small pig that a reader sent me because she really liked Matilda in “A Match of Wits” and thought this little pig she found at a store was exactly what Matilda would look like.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Oddly enough, no, it never crossed my mind until Dominic was in third grade and we decided to write a book together after finishing this horrible series about this bird. That book was never meant for publication, but it did have me remembering that I had, at one point in time before I became a stay-at-home-mom, enjoyed using my brain. I started experimenting with different genres and learned everything I could about the publishing industry. It took me five years to find an agent, and then she sold “A Change of Fortune” to Bethany House, and I’ve been writing for them ever since.

Any words of advice for aspiring writers?

I get this question a lot, and I always answer by saying “Have an honest talk with yourself about what you really want to achieve with your writing.” It’s perfectly fine to want to write because you’re interested in turning it into a career. However, with that said, a writer needs to understand that writing and publishing are two different creatures. Publishing is a daunting business, and it’ll take a lot of perseverance to find success with it. With that said, if you have raw talent and are a story teller at heart, you should write all the time and do whatever you can to learn how to improve your craft.

What are you working on next?

I’m working on a new series right now – “The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency.” The first book, “To Steal a Heart” releases in November, 2020. It’s about Miss Gabriella Goodhue, who spent her childhood living on the mean streets in Five Points. She’s currently living in a boarding house on Bleeker Street in New York City, and when a fellow resident gets unjustly accused of theft, Gabriella, along with the other ladies living in the boarding house, take it upon themselves to try and clear her name. That’s the beginning of the Bleeker Street Agency, and hopefully the ladies will enjoy much success as the series continues.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope all of you get an opportunity to read “Storing Up Trouble!”

Wishing you all the best,

Jen

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, May 23

Godly Book Reviews, May 23

Robin’s Nest, May 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

Rebecca Tews, May 24

Texas Book-aholic, May 24

Novelscorner, May 24

Among the Reads, May 25

Inklings and notions, May 25

deb’s Book Review, May 25

Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 26

Hebrews 12 Endurance, May 26

reviewingbooksplusmore, May 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 27

Losing the Busyness, May 27

For Him and My Family, May 27

Simple Harvest Reads, May 27 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 28

Inside the Wong Mind, May 28

Mia Reads, May 29

Read Review Rejoice, May 29

Betti Mace, May 30

Breny and Books, May 30

Blogging With Carol, May 30

Life of Literature, May 31

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 31

Emily Yager, May 31

Splashes of Joy, May 31

The Collaborative Press, June 1

Stories By Gina, June 1

Hookmeinabook, June 1

Blessed & Bookish, June 2

Older & Smarter?, June 2

The Artist Librarian, June 2

Blossoms and Blessings, June 2

Through the Fire Blogs, June 3

Beauty in the Binding, June 3

Mary Hake, June 3

amandainpa, June 3

Wishful Endings, June 4

EmpowerMoms, June 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 4

Pause for Tales, June 4

KarenSueHadley, June 5

Raining Butterfly Kisses, June 5

With a Joyful Noise, June 5

Hallie Reads, June 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away the the grand prize package of all three books in the American Heiresses series and a $25 Barnes & Noble eGift 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/fb8f/storing-up-trouble-celebration-tour-giveaway

Volition Celebrate Lit Book and Giveaway

Posted on May 16, 2020May 15, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Volition by author Chautona Havig is a most unique Christian fiction book. This is a combination of futuristic time travel, sci fi, and mail order brides. Are you intrigued yet?

Volition is so different from all of the other Christian books that I have read. I am not a fan of futuristic or science fiction stories. A time-travel tale must be fairly believable for me to continue reading past the first chapter or two. I eagerly read page after page in this conglomeration and easily pictured it as a movie.

This is the story of Andrea (Andi) from present day that wakes up on a plane taking her to the twenty second century. For a Christian she doesn’t appear to “walk the walk” at all. I found her character a bit hard for the first part of the book. There was a noticeable lack of faith and inspiration in the beginning of the book, too.

Andi’s sponsor is James. He is a likable, easy going guy. Sponsors are the men that agree to marry the women from the past. He was not expecting Andi. Their story is one of opposites.

Author Havig has a superb style of storytelling. She heavily weaves faith in God throughout her books. Her characters are well rounded, relatable, and believable. Even the ones in the future were well defined. Parts of the story made me laugh out loud and others brought tears to my eyes. Not just any author can do that.

Timeless life lessons are addressed In this story. It talks about marriage and divorce from a biblical point of view, faith, friendship, family, helping others, and selflessness. The story and lessons stayed with me long after I finished this novel.

For the most part I was completely captivated with the story, but at times I did think it moved too slowly. I wanted something to happen. Yes, I was invested in both of the main characters. They just needed to do something. A lot of the book is negative and not a happy read, but that is part of the storyline.

I would recommend this thought provoking book. It will stay in your thoughts for a long time. A book club would enjoy discussing this. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: Volition

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian fiction, futuristic

Release Date: December 31, 2019

“I should have made that left turn at Tucumcari.”

It’s Doctor Who meets mail-order brides when “rescuers” from the future arrive to save Andi Flanders from a happy life with her loving family and fiancé.

Okay, so they meant to get her suicidal roommate, but hey. Mistakes happen, right?

And as far as Andi’s concerned, they can fix them—by sending her home.

However, when she learns what happens when she disappears from home, Andi has an impossible choice. Stay in the government-controlled futuristic world she despises and never see her family again or return to the twenty-first century and doom an innocent person to death.

Volition— Life and death decisions are so overrated.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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

More from Chautona

What Happens When You Explore Logical Progressions?

She used chopsticks. Me? I’m a fork kind of gal. But over plates of sesame chicken and fried rice, we hashed out what our NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) books would be. Every year, I challenged myself. Once by writing drippy romance (Discovering Hope). Once by turning a sermon into a story that wasn’t preachy (Argosy Junction). (psst… links are affiliate links—they provide a small commission at no extra expense to you!)

This time, I’d decided the challenge would include writing in the first person. Anyone who knows me knows how much I don’t like the first-person perspective. As we tried to figure out what our plots would be, my friend added another challenge. “Do science fiction.”

I’ll be honest. I almost laughed her out of the restaurant. But then an idea hit me. Why shouldn’t I? I could kill two dislikes in one book. Bam! Done!

That kicked off a book I probably never would have written otherwise.

I knew doing major techno-science stuff wouldn’t be conducive to trying to write 50,000 words in thirty days, so I immediately chose futuristic over space travel. The decision to go with a form of time travel was probably inspired by Doctor Who, now that I think of it. I didn’t back then. I just went with what I thought I might be able to make interesting—to write, if not to read.

That kicked off an idea that sent my brain spinning.

What would happen if you got kidnapped and taken to the future, but returning to your former life means someone’s soul will never be redeemed?

Of course, it would take a really strong, amazing character to pull off that kind of thing. Not everyone could do it. But who… who give up her life for someone else?

That’s when I knew. That soul saved would have to belong to someone my character didn’t even like. Gotta raise the stakes, you know?

That’s also when I discovered that I wouldn’t like her—not at first.

Andi Flanders jumped onto the page with hands on hips and eyes flashing. She was livid that people in the future had interfered with her life. Then she’s broken when she realizes she can’t go back.

Fiercely independent, Andi enters futuristic Rockland with a critical eye and condemning spirit. Since most sci-fi stuff I’ve seen focuses on sleek, pristine futures full of glass and steel, I wanted to go a different direction. But how?

That’s when my solution came to me.

I’d take today’s world and push everything to logical exaggerated conclusions.

Environmentalism? We’ll have a world that tries not to encroach on nature any more than necessary
Population? I took China’s “one child” policy and made it worldwide… and then let the future deal with the fallout.
Globalism? I let them have their one-world government that protects everyone from themselves.
Apathetic faith? I didn’t persecute Christians. I just let their faith die a slow, natural death.

And then I threw in a character with a love for Jesus and a minor obsession with Ayn Rand’s objectivism. Yes, I’m aware that those two things can be mutually exclusive. That was the fun of it.

This Rand-spouting, Jesus loving, freckle-faced, fiery redhead had to deal with all if this stuff in a world as opposite from her freedom-loving self as can stand.

Ninety-thousand words later, I was done. And then I shelved the book.

For ten years.

On December 27, 2019, I got a message from my son.

He’d found a book cover design contest and wondered if he should enter. And if so, with what book? We hashed out ideas when I remembered Volition. It wasn’t edited. Done, but not edited. Could I possibly get the whole thing cleaned up before December 31 rolled over into January 1?

I decided to try.

Nolan got to work on a cover while I began editing like nobody’s business.

With the help of my amazing launch team, an incredible editor, and no sleep, the book was live on New Year’s Eve with three hours to spare.

Then my son decided not to worry about entering this year.

He lives. This is a testimony to God’s grace and control over my life. And my hands.

Or maybe it’s because he lives three hours south of me, and I’ve only seen him once since then. You don’t kill your son at your daughter’s wedding reception. Just sayin’.

But let’s go with the first reason. It makes me sound more spiritual or something. 😉

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, May 12

Wishful Endings, May 12

Lots of Helpers, May 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 14

Pause for Tales, May 14

Emily Yager, May 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 16

Robin’s Nest, May 16

Texas Book-aholic, May 17

Inklings and notions, May 18

Worthy2Read, May 18

For Him and My Family, May 19

Read Review Rejoice, May 19

deb’s Book Review, May 20

Rebecca Tews, May 20

Book of Ruth Ann, May 21

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 22

Blogging With Carol, May 23

Quiet Workings, May 24

Breny and Books, May 24

Artistic Nobody, May 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy 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/f9f5/volition-celebration-tour-giveaway

Refresh Your Faith Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway.

Posted on May 12, 2020May 11, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Refresh your Faith, uncommon devotions from every book of the Bible, by author Lori Hatcher is a unique devotional. The author uses scripture from each of the sixty-six books of the Bible and molds a refreshing, inspiring devotion around them. Be prepared to become enlightened.

Most of the devotionals that I have read draw upon the same, favorite, and familiar scriptures. This one is the exception. It is a breath of fresh air. I was given a sampling of lesser known books and scripture to help deepen my daily Walk. The lessons stayed with me long after I had finished them.

The style of writing is personal and soothing. It was easy to imagine discussing scripture and stories over a glass of iced tea with this author. Her devotions are smooth and clear. They give insight and inspiration. I will definitely read this book again.

This would make a lovely gift for anyone – man or woman, any age, no matter where you are in your Walk. I highly recommend this. Be sure to get a copy for yourself, too. It is certainly different but in a good way. I gladly give it a 5 out of 5 star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Refresh Your Faith

Author: Lori Hatcher

Genre: Devotional

Release Date: May 2020

Unfamiliar verses. Uncommon insights. Unlimited possibilities.

Move from biblical doldrums to dynamic discovery! While your favorite Scripture verses or stories may bring you comfort, if you’re feeling monotony in your time with God it’s time to shake it up a bit. Each of these 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions—one from each book of the Bible—spotlights an unusual verse or passage and takes only five minutes to read. If you have more time, you can dig a little deeper with an uncommon thought to ponder, unusual faith action step to take, and an unfamiliar passage suggestion that invites you to further explore the Bible’s hidden gems.

You’ll be challenged to think deeply, step out boldly, and grow dynamically, transforming your devotional time—and your life!

Praise for Lori Hatcher’s writing . . .

“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lori Hatcher is a blogger, pastor’s wife, and women’s ministry speaker. She’s the editor of South Carolina’s Reach Out, Columbiamagazine, president of Columbia Toastmasters, and regular contributor to magazines such as Christian Living Today and websites like Crosswalk.com. Her book Hungry for God . . . Starving for Time, won the Christian Small Publisher 2016 book of the year. Find out more about Lori and her well-loved 5-minute devotions at lorihatcher.com.

Read a Teaser from Refresh Your Faith

The dirty little secret in Christian circles is that many of us are bored with our devotional time. We know we shouldn’t feel this way. It’s important to read our Bibles every day. After all, it’s God’s Word, the source of truth, and life, and hope.

While some have successfully built the discipline of Bible reading into their lives, others struggle. Even those who regularly read their Bibles find it a bit dry at times. Many of us also read devotionals, not to take the place of Bible reading, but to help us discover unfamiliar passages and stories and benefit from a godly writer’s perspective.

I wrote Refresh Your Faith because I was frustrated by many of the devotionals I read. They seemed to focus on the same basic verses I’d memorized with my children twenty years ago. John 3:16, Romans 8:28, Psalm 23, Matthew 3:5-6. Same with the Bible passages and stories. I treasure the familiar verses and stories. I’ve held them close to my heart during some of the darkest times of my life.

But I knew there was more to the Bible than these well-worn favorites.

I reached a point in my spiritual life when I needed something new. If something didn’t change, my spirit was going to wither up. My time with God shouldn’t be something I did out of duty. I wanted to delight in God and His Word.

So I asked God to help me. I needed something to refresh my faith and energize my Bible reading. Wow, did He answer. I’d been reading through the Bible every year for more than a decade, but all of a sudden, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to passages I’d never noticed before.

These uncommon verses sparkled like gems. The more I read, the more I spotted them, tucked into obscure stories and buried under genealogies and census reports. I found some hiding out in plain sight—golden nuances and nuggets in the shadows of the more familiar stories.

Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is a collection of the treasure I unearthed during my year of searching. Each story-driven devotion contains an unusual verse, a real-life application, and an uncommon faith step.

I hope my book will energize your faith, inspire your devotional time, and make you say, “Wow, I’ve never seen that before!”

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 5

Through the Lens of Scripture, May 6

Melissa Henderson, May 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7

Emily Yager, May 8

Texas Book-aholic, May 9

Inklings and notions, May 10

Mary Hake, May 10

Godly Book Reviews, May 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 12

For Him and My Family, May 13

deb’s Book Review, May 13

Older & Smarter?, May 14

Splashes of Joy, May 15

For the Love of Literature, May 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 17

God is Love, May 17

Spoken from the Heart, May 18

Marilyn Ridgway, May 18 (Guest Review on Lighthouse Academy Blog)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lori is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and autographed copy of Refresh Your Faith!!

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/f9ed/refresh-your-faith-celebration-tour-giveaway

Rocky Mountain Redemption Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

Book: Rocky Mountain Redemption

Author: Lisa J. Flickinger

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2020

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

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

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

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

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

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

More from Lisa

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

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

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

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

Dear reader, enjoy!

Blog Stops

Kathleen Denly, May 4

Blessed & Bookish, May 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 5

Vicky Sluiter, May 5

Reading Is My SuperPower, May 6

deb’s Book Review, May 6

Texas Book-aholic, May 7

Bizwings Blog, May 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 8

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 8

Inklings and notions, May 9

For Him and My Family, May 10

CarpeDiem, May 10

Older & Smarter?, May 11

Hallie Reads, May 11

Betti Mace, May 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 13

Life of Literature, May 14

Books, Life, and Christ, May 14

Moments, May 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 16

Read Review Rejoice, May 16

Pause for Tales, May 17

reviewingbooksplusmore, May 17

Giveaway

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

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

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

Marriage Matters Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

Book: Marriage Matters

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Non-fiction/Christian Biblical Marriage

Release Date: November 22, 2019

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

Click here for your copy!

About the Author

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

More from Cheri

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

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

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

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