There is Hope, Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on January 18, 2020January 5, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

There is Hope, Bloom Where You are Planted by author Carla Huelsmann is a combination devotional, journal, and memoir. The author has written it to encourage and inspire those struggling with illness, severe illness. She has penned these 52 life lessons from her experience and wants to share hope with others.

Each lesson begins with about two pages explaining happened to Carla. The lesson is followed by a relevant scripture. Closing the lesson is a question about the reader with space to journal an answer. Everything ties together into a nice, new t lesson or devotional on hope.

The writing is personal and warm. Author Huelsmann is open and writes as if talking to a friend over coffee. I loved her writing style and found myself invested in her story. She inspired me with her faith in God.

Everything is covered within the pages of this book. The highs and lows, hope and misgivings, along with heart warming memories. Some of the days were emotional as I began to feel closer to the author through her writing. I wish it went a little deeper, but it is still very good.

I highly recommend this book. It will provide hope, faith, and encouragement. This would make a lovely group read for people going through illness. Church libraries would benefit from a copy. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: There is Hope

Author: Carla Huelsmann

Genre: Journal, devotional, memoir

Release Date: August, 2018

52 life lessons for those struggling with major illness will inspire hope and encourage those suffering to take back control of their lives.

Carla Huelsmann dealt with the daily impact of seizures since age two. Her life-long battle with epilepsy impacted all parts of her life, family, career, self-confidence, and independence until corrective brain surgery ended the seizures. Free from the debilitating seizures and their accompanying residues of doubt and fear, Carla Huelsmann lives independently and shares her story to help others along their own journeys.

Part journal, part devotional, and part memoir, this is a book of hope, faith, and inspiration. The book addresses the fears, challenges, and questions about the future those going through a major illness, debilitating injury, or life crisis may have. Designed as a traveling companion for those facing challenging circumstances, each one-page entry is accompanied by blank space for the reader to journal his or her own thoughts and prayers.

My goal is to give hope, help, healing, and resources. I want to walk alongside others and assure them they are not alone; there is hope. -Carla Huelsmann

About the Author

Carla Huelsmann earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University, subsequently taught grades five through eight, and now works for the US Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis, MO. The alumnus of a fiction-writing course at Southern Illinois University, and the CLASS Seminar with Marita and Florence Littauer, she is also the author of articles on her experiences, and is available to speak.

More from Carla

I want to inspire and equip others struggling with epilepsy or other major illnesses to take back control of their lives. Eighteen years after corrective surgery, I live a seizure-free life that I feel in control of. And, I want to share my story and lessons learned with others facing serious challenges. My goal is to give hope, help and healing and resources of helpful information in one book. I want to walk alongside them and assure them that they are not alone and there is hope!

I’ve dealt with seizures, epilepsy and their daily impact since the age of two. It has impacted my family, career, self-confidence, independence and much more. Through it all, family, friends and faith have provided bedrock sources of strength. In addition, timely interventions by doctors, new contacts, new techniques and self-discipline came at opportune times through perseverance.

Now free from the tunnel of doubt, fear and debilitating seizures, I’ve gathered up my collection of personal journals and thoughts in order to help others along their journey. “There Is Hope: Bloom Where You are Planted” is a devotional for someone going through major illness, major injury, or life crisis.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, January 13

janicesbookreviews, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Older & Smarter?, January 16

Inklings and notions, January 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 18

For the Love of Literature, January 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 20

Through the Fire Blogs, January 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

CarpeDiem, January 23

Splashes of Joy, January 24

By The Book, January 25 (Author Interview)

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 25

God is Love, January 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour Carla is giving away the grand prize of an autographed 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/f46c/there-is-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

What Did You Say?

Posted on January 16, 2020January 14, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Growing up in a Christian family I rarely, if ever, heard profanity. Expletives were often replaced with “doggone it” “for Pete’s Sake,” or “that honks me off”. I was taught at an early age not to use “ugly” or vulgar words.

Apparently I was a good student of what not to say growing up, because even now there are words I just cannot incorporate into conversation. A certain word that easily flows off of the tongues of my grandchildren makes me cringe. Before you think poorly of my sweet grands, it is not a horrible word. Just one for a bodily function that my family never deemed proper for a young lady or gentleman to use.

When I was young television banned the use of four letter foul words and taking the Lord’s name in vain. There was no cable and Prime Time was a lot more prim and proper. Comparing shows we watched to those on now is like comparing soda pop and hard liquor. It is astounding how low the regulations are now.

I can remember a time when men watched their words around ladies. When a “bad” word slipped out it was quickly followed by an apology. That is called respect. Men respected themselves and women.

So what exactly is the point in using cuss words? Your sentence should still hold the same meaning. You on the other hand will sound much smarter, kinder, and polished without them. My grandmother often said a person’s perceived IQ dropped with each cuss word they said. Makes sense when you think about it.

What does the Bible say about our words? In Colossians 3:8 it says “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” That sounds very straightforward. No filthy language should come from your lips.

One of the Ten Commandments, the third one, states clearly “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.” That is not a suggestion but a command.

So many times I read something on Facebook that I would love to share, but there is a problem. The message is great, but it contains profanity. Really?! A point would have been made without those extra words. There are some darling shirts, also, until I get down to the last line. Wham! An ugly spoils an otherwise nice message.

How about those shirts that advertise being a Christian and cuss, too? Hmmm. Why would anyone want to advertise that? I don’t think that is in scripture. What is in scripture is “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” from Ephesians 5:4. Listen to what James 3:10 says “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

Sure we all slip up. I do at times and then wince. Quickly I ask for forgiveness and try my best not to repeat it. Like everything on this planet though I am a work in progress. Aren’t you? I challenge you to eliminate these “ugly” words from your vocabulary. Teach you children and grandchildren that they do not need them either. Lead by example.

Most importantly, I urge you not to take the Lord’s name in vain. Too many people have forgotten it is a sin. Let’s work together and not just act like Christians, but let’s talk like we should, too. We can do this. Are you with me?

Happy Birthday to my Mother

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She has the most beautiful blue eyes.

My mother always smells good.

She is and always has been a lady.

Family is important to her.

She believes in helping others.

Forgiveness is taught and done.

She is fun. Her laugh is infectious.

Mom is the glue that holds our family together.

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

About the Book

Book: Bartholomew: Squire of the Subway

Author: Carol L. Lester

Genre: Children’s

Release Date: December 2019

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

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

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

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

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

More from Carol

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

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

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

Blog Stops

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

Book of Ruth Ann, January 7

Mamma Loves Books, January 7

For him and my Family, January 8

Maureen’s Musings, January 9

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, January 10

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 12

A Reader’s Brain, January 13

Texas Book-aholic, January 14

Inklings and notions, January 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 16

Mary Hake, January 16

janicesbookreviews, January 17

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

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

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of both of her books, ROO and Bartholomew, plus a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f45e/bartholomew-squire-of-the-subway-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Amish Marriage Bargain Book Tour & Giveaway from Celebrate Lit

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

Book: The Amish Marriage Bargain

Author: Marie E. Bast

Genre: Amish

Release Date: December 17, 2019

Will a baby girl bring them together at last?

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

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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

More from Marie

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blog Stops

The Power of Words, January 2

For Him and My Family, January 2

The Avid Reader, January 3

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 3

Texas Book-aholic, January 4

Vicky Sluiter, January 4

Mary Hake, January 4

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 5

Among the Reads, January 6

Betti Mace, January 6

Older & Smarter?, January 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 7

Batya’s Bits, January 7

janicesbookreviews, January 8

Hallie Reads, January 8

For The Love Of Literature, January 9

Britt Reads Fiction, January 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 10

Bigreadersite, January 10

mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 10

She Lives to Read, January 11

Through the Fire Blogs, January 11

Quiet Quilter, January 12

Pause for Tales, January 12

Inklings and notions, January 13

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

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 14

EmpowerMoms, January 14

Blossoms and Blessings, January 15

Splashes of Joy , January 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marie is giving away to four winners each a $25 Amazon card will also receive a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f426/the-amish-marriage-bargain-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Missing Piece

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

Book: Priceless

Author: Vickie Burns

Genre: Devotional/Cookbook

Release Date: November, 2019

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

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

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

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

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

More from Vickie

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

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

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

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

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

May God richly bless you and your household.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, January 1

For Him and My Family, January 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 3

Jacquelyn Lynn, January 3

Older & Smarter?, January 4

Texas Book-aholic, January 5

Mary Hake,January 5

janicesbookreviews, January 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 7

Inspiration Clothesline, January 7

Inklings and notions, January 8

Blossoms and Blessings, January 9

For the Love of Books, January 9

She Lives to Read, January 10

Quiet Workings, January 11

Godly Book Reviews, January 11

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

A Rup Life, January 13

Emily Yager, January 13

KarenSueHadley, January 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Vickie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Priceless and a $50 Amazon Card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f425/priceless-celebration-tour-giveaway

Focused Backstory Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

About the Book

Book: Focused Backstory

Author: Carol Alwood

Genre: Non-fiction, writing resource

Release Date: June 26, 2019

Learn how to write characters readers will love.

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

You’ll learn how to

• design a character around a troubled past.

• create additional characters around the main character.

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

• design proper obstacles which interfere with characters’ goals.

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

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

About the Author

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

More from Carol

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 28

Holly Jo Morris, December 28

janicesbookreviews, December 29

CarpeDiem, December 29

Jacquelyn Lynn, December 29

For the Love of Literature, December 30

Mary Hake, December 30

Blogging With Carol, December 31

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 31

Genesis 5020, January 1

April Hayman, Author, January 1

Pause for Tales, January 1

Through the Fire Blogs, January 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 3

Emily Yager, January 3

Remembrancy, January 4

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 4

A Reader’s Brain, January 5

Spoken from the Heart, January 5

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 6

Godly Book Reviews, January 6

Blossoms and Blessings, January 7

With a Joyful Noise, January 7

Inklings and notions, January 8

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 8

A Diva’s Heart, January 8

Artistic Nobody, January 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 9

Hebrews 12 Endurance, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

Stories By Gina, January 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/f384/focused-backstory-celebration-tour-giveaway

Words for 2020

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

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

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

Where do you get your word

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

What to do with your word

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

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

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

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

What is your word

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

Abraham Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

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

My Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Book

Book: Abraham

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Genre: Inspirational Amish Romance

Release Date: November 26, 2019

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

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

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the two-time RITA-nominated, #1 Amazon bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, The Honeybee Sisters series, and The Petersheim Brothers series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer and Home on Huckleberry Hill were both nominated for the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Jennifer has written twenty-one Amish romances, a historical Western, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. She and her husband have been married for thirty-five years, and she has six children and eight adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

More from Jennifer

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

I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Abraham.

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

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

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

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

“I have a pet spider,” Benji said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Alfie, girls like dogs!”

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

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

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

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

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