About the Book

Book: The Traveling Prayer Shawl

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction/Split-time

Release date: March 17, 2021

Her dream account just landed in her lap…

…So did the future of her family

And she’s got two months to save them both.

Cami Madison’s grandmother died, leaving her with a task she must complete or all the inheritance goes to charity. Plus her boss handed her the ad campaign that will win her the coveted vice presidency opening.

Both have the same time table.

When she realizes the projects are intertwined, things really start to unravel.

Kate Hanson raised her granddaughter after the child became an orphan in a car accident. But not all scars are on the outside.

Can Kate’s last request help Cami to heal?

Will Cami be able to step up to the job?

You will love this split-time women’s romance because when family is on the line, everyone knows the only way to survive is wrapped in prayer.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café and her split-time novel The Traveling Prayer Shawl.

More from Jennifer Lynn

The Traveling Prayer Shawl is actually a tribute to the wonderful women I’ve had the pleasure of making shawls with for the last ten plus years. We have a group that has remained faithful though some have had to leave, and new faces have joined. I thought this would be a book where there would be several points of view, sort of like how it is when we meet one Saturday per month. I even asked the girls when this idea began to churn if they could give me some character ideas.

 

Then one morning this scene came to me and wouldn’t leave. I wrote it out and sent it to my critique group. They thought I might be on to something.

 

Follow that with one of my prayer shawl girls asking if I was still interested in a character idea. Of course I said yes, and she handed me a fully fleshed out supporting character—Dericka.

 

I hadn’t planned on anything romantic but apparently my characters had other ideas. This story couldn’t get itself written fast enough.

 

The cherry on top was when another of my prayer shawl girls shared about a pattern her grandmother had designed that was published back in the 1960’s. With her permission, I include that pattern at the end of the book—an actual prayer shawl to crochet.

 

You will also see a prayer that is included with the shawl in the book. That is the same prayer that is given with each shawl from our Needles of Hope group. It was written by my dear friend, Pastor Lori Brown and used with her permission.

 

Crocheting is a relaxing craft for me and one I came to only a few years ago. My sweet grandmother tried to teach me to crochet, then gently suggested I stick with knitting. Ha! But my husband’s cousin came to visit and accepted the challenge, finally helping me to see what had been so elusive. Now I prefer it to knitting.

 

Though The Traveling Prayer Shawl is a stand-alone and not like my other books, I am currently working on another stand-alone split-time and have included the first chapter at the end of the book. Hope you will enjoy it and that you will try out my friend CeCe’s grandmother’s prayer shawl pattern.

 

Abundant blessings!

MY REVIEW 

This is such an emotional and faith filled story. I loved the flashbacks where we get to know Cami's  grandmother.  She is such a kind and gentle person. Stepping up to raise Cami after her parents died was inspiring. I loved how she always encouraged Cami and gently guided her with faith. Cami is a woman who is driven by work. She is so focused on a promotion that she misses out on relationships. When her grandmother passes away it leaves her feeling lost. The will is very intriguing as it states that Cami must complete a project in order for the heirs to get their inheritance. Through the journey we see Cami and her cousin Morgan try to repair their relationship. There are very touching moments in the story which made me feel like crying. The title is perfect for this story and the author crafts a journey of forgiveness, hope, finding a relationship with God and repairing relationships. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

An Author’s Take, May 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 25

lakesidelivingsite, May 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 27

Boondock Ramblings, May 27

Inklings and notions, May 28

For Him and My Family, May 29

Miriam Jacob, May 29

deb’s Book Review, May 30

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 31

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 2

Mary Hake, June 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 4 (Author Interview)

Vicarious Living , June 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 5

Blogging With Carol, June 6

Spoken from the Heart, June 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of 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/1df1d/the-traveling-prayer-shawl-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Taming Julia

Author: Jodie Wolfe

Genre: Christian fiction

Release date: November 2011

In 1875, Kansas bachelor Drew Montgomery’s sole desire is to serve God, but his congregation’s ultimatum that he marry or leave, forces him to advertise for a wife by proxy.

Jules Walker strides into Drew’s life wearing breeches and toting a gun and saddle–more cowboy than bride. After years on the trail, she’s not exactly wife material, but she longs for home and family, and will do anything to ensure Drew never discovers what she really is.

 Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, and COMPEL Training. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania.

 

More from Jodie

I love mail-order bride stories, so I wondered what would happen if a pastor advertised for a genteel woman and the opposite showed up instead. I thought I could further complicate things by having the couple marry by proxy before she even arrives. Just that scenario alone made for a fun story to write.

 

My heroine, Jules Walker moved to Kansas from Texas to be a mail-order bride, even though she didn’t know what that was at the time. For most of her adult life, she’s helped her brother track outlaws in Texas as part of his job as a deputy US Marshal.

 

As part of the story, she has to come to terms with a traumatic event in her past. I won’t share more so I don’t spoil it for you, but I needed somewhere in Texas for this incident to take place. Because my husband’s aunt and uncle live in Texas, they were a wealth of resources when it came to accurately describing the area. One place in particular is called the Narrows and it’s situated close to them, but it’s on private property.

 

A couple years ago, I had the opportunity to travel and visit them. We received special permission to go on the private ranch and see the Narrows. It’s an unexpected area with sharp limestone rocks, and a deep cavern carved out by the Blanco River. Most times, it’s a sleepy waterway, but when the area has a flash flood, water rushes through the cavern and often to the top. When this happens, you can hear the water gushing from far away.

 

I so enjoyed being able to see the area first-hand. There are places where the water is shallow and others that are extremely deep pools. It has such a distinct beauty. At some point I hope to use this setting in another book.

 

That’s a small snapshot into how Taming Julia came to life. I hope you’ll enjoy the story of two unlikely people who are thrown together.

MY REVIEW 

This book is one I won’t soon forget because it reminds me to have a gentle spirit and not  to judge. I love that this is a book about living during hard times and the different struggles people faced trying to make ends meet. I absolutely loved Jules the minute she came across my eyes as I read her name. She is spunky, down to earth, protective and very humble at times.  I laughed when Drew first saw her. Jules in her britches and  toting guns is not what he expected as she stood there standing in front  of him with anticipation of being his wife.

The story explores how two people who are opposites strive to make their marriage work. Jules doesn’t know how to cook and the part about her making bread was so funny as it seemed to overtake the table. Drew I think felt bad for her and could tell she was trying so hard. All she wanted was to be a good wife and have her husband love her. 

There is one character in the story that really frustrated me. Drew’s mother is rude, judgmental and prideful. She never had a kind word to say to or about Jules.  She went out of her way to embarrass her and constantly made it known that Drew needs to get out the marriage.  Will her heart ever be softened and accept Jules?

Sarah is a breath of fresh air as she welcomed Jules into the family. She was always there to help Jules and made her feel more confident at times. I loved how she never talked about Jules in a mean way and comforted her when she felt unwanted. Sarah had no problem letting her mother know how unkind she was to Jules and made it known that Jules was part of the family and should be treated with respect. 

The hardest thing for Drew was to be still and wait on God. Drew wanted answers but didn’t feel like God was listening. He knew that his wife didn’t know God but he didn’t realize that he had a responsibility to lead her to Christ.

Jules was keeping a big  secret from everyone which put many in danger. I liked how the author put Sarah and Jules in a situation that helped Jules confess her sin. I loved how the author illustrated that we are never alone and forgives us. I liked the ending as it brought a little excitement and showed that there is always time to give your life to God. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own .

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, May 25 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 25

Texas Book-aholic, May 26

Simple Harvest Reads, May 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, May 28

deb’s Book Review, May 29

For the Love of Literature, May 30 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 2

Connie’s History Classroom, June 3

Inklings and notions, June 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 5

Blossoms and Blessings, June 6 (Author Interview)

Vicarious Living, June 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away the grand prize of an audio CD of 12 historical novels and novellas. Stories of chivalry, adventure and romance!!

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/1e36a/taming-julia-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

A Sprinkle in Time Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: A Sprinkle in Time

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Cozy mystery (general market)

Release date: May 24, 2022

It’s Alpenfest in Upper Sprocket! Yodelers are congregating in the square, tourists flocking to the town, and Trinidad Jones is scooping up some fall flavors at her Shimmy and Shake Shop.

The cherry on the sundae is her upcoming feature in Go Westmagazine. She’s determined to serve up the perfect interview, but it won’t be easy, thanks in part to her meddling Cuban grandfather Papa Luis who has decided to make Sprocket his home for the foreseeable future. Papa Luis has set himself up as a taxi driver in his classic 1951 Buick.

But things take a turn when Papa Luis tells her he’s found a corpse in his trunk. Upon closer investigation, they realize the body has disappeared. With the assistance of Juliette and Bonnie (her sisterhood of exes) and the way too handsome nut farmer Quinn Logan, Trinidad must solve the mystery of the disappearing corpse, before her father is up to his neck in a murderous mess.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and the recipient of a Holt Medallion. She’s written over fifty titles in the suspense, lighthearted romance and mystery genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

 

More from Dana

Who wouldn’t want to visit Upper Sprocket? Sure there’s the odd corpse that turns up, but it’s a charming place, complete with a rail riders excursion business and the Shimmy and Shake Shop, run by the determined Trinidad Jones. It’s fall in Sprocket and the locals are hosting a series of Alpenfest events with everything from yodeling performances to sausage cook offs. Papa Luis, Trinidad’s grandfather is happy to shuttle people around in his classic Chevy Bel Air until a body turns up in his truck. But other than that, Sprocket is an idyllic place with a newly opened train car inn operated by Bonnie, one of three women who were married at various times to the same rapscallion of a man. Oh, and then there’s Noodles, Trinidad’s senior Labrador retriever who has learned how to operate the windshield wipers which comes in handy as stormy weather approaches. Trinidad, Papa, Bonnie and Noodles along with other Sprocket residents are going to have their hands full as Alpenfest kicks off and gruesome items begin to pop up around town. Come along on the adventure as Trinidad wades knee deep into the sticky mess.

Railriding research with my sister!

MY REVIEW

In the second installment of the author’s new series we once again get to hang out with Trinidad and her dog Noodles. I love that she owns Shimmy and Shake Shop which is the perfect setting for this story.  I would  love to be there sipping on one of her famous Freakshakes.   The shop is going strong and Trinidad hopes to drum up more business with her mobile shop at an upcoming event. 

Everything gets off to a good start until rumors start spreading through the town about a body in a trunk. Poor Trinidad is going to have her hands full when her papa  is the one who discovered the body in his trunk. The shenanigans kick into high gear when the body disappears from the trunk. Did it get up and walk away? Where it is found is suspicious and who it is is going to cause trouble for the town. 

As the festival starts up in town rumors start flying about the body that was found. Poor Trinidad is trying to enjoy herself but something happens to her that causes suspicion to travel to several people. A name from thirty years ago keeps coming up, and somehow I knew it would be significant. It is never good when secrets are exposed and boy does this story have its share. 

If you love lighthearted cozy mysteries with a small town setting, a character that is smart, funny and seems to have a knack for solving crimes, then I recommend you grab a copy of this book. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 21

The Write Escape, May 21

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 22

She Lives To Read, May 22

Daysong Reflections, May 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 23

Texas Book-aholic, May 24

Pause for Tales, May 24

Inklings and notions, May 25

Blossoms and Blessings, May 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26

For Him and My Family, May 26

deb’s Book Review, May 27

Blogging With Carol, May 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 28

Christina’s Corner, May 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 30

Simple Harvest Reads, May 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 31

Labor Not in Vain, May 31

Bigreadersite, June 1

Vicky Sluiter, June 1

Genesis 5020, June 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 2

Lighthouse-Academy, June 3

A Good Book and cup of Tea, June 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed book!!

(If the winner is outside the U.S., then he or she will receive an eBook.)

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/1df1a/a-sprinkle-in-time-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

All That the Locusts Have Eaten Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: All That the Locusts Have Eaten: God’s Redemption Through Loss and Heartache

Author: Chuck Carr

Genre: Narrative Nonfiction, Christian Inspirational

Release date: August 22, 2020

Are you suffering from loss? Confused? Do you feel like the world is set against you? Inspiring, this dynamic narrative non-fiction read tells the true story of how one man journeyed from the pit of despair to the purpose filled life God intended him to live. Mingled with poetry, scripture, and literary allegories, this artistically crafted masterpiece is sure to breathe life into even those in the deepest struggles.

Chuck Carr was raised on a farm by Christian parents and attended church each Sunday. Right after graduation, he married his college sweetheart and lived a life of fulfilled dreams.

Until it all fell apart.

In the true story of All That the Locusts Have Eaten, Chuck recounts how tragedy after tragedy struck his life, nearly destroying him. Depressed, desolate, and devastated, Chuck leaned into his faith in God to find answers.

Interwoven in this raw and personal account, Chuck shares intimate journal thoughts and asks hard-hitting questions designed to make the reader think. In a hero’s journey applicable to us all, he reveals how he found restoration after years of heartbreak, and how God put his life back together.

All That the Locusts Have Eaten will encourage readers who have suffered any type of loss. If you have struggled with overwhelming difficulties, you are not alone. Like Chuck, you, too, can discover hope for the future once again.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

As a former youth pastor, Chuck Carr has influenced hundreds of people throughout his life. Author of The Convergence, Navigating Grief, All That the Locusts Have Eaten, and Wonders In The Deep, he desires to help others live effectively despite hardships, as his testimony proves that sufferings can be changed into blessings. Losing a spouse in 2008, he strives to help those hurting from the same pain. While working on the family dairy farm, a life altering accident in 2018 left him with a traumatic brain injury, and his vision and life goal has been refocused to help others heal from devastating traumas. Now remarried to a woman of shared life goals, he has chosen to live with purpose despite his injuries, being an inspiration to others. He currently continues writing books and blogging and can be found at www.Chuck-Carr.com.

 

More from Chuck

Sometimes life hits you unexpected, and when it doesn’t let up, you might feel a bit bewildered.  That was me, when time after time I kept getting up, only to get knocked right back down again.  I couldn’t understand why bad things kept happening to me, a good person, a good man.  I was doing things the right way, so I thought.  I married a God-fearing woman.  I was using my life for God’s purpose.  I had devoted my life to teaching the next generation as a youth pastor.  Everything should have been smooth and easy, right?  Amid a dark storm, nothing seemed easy.  Why hardship hit so relentlessly was a mystery to me.  Things didn’t seem fair.  And when nothing made sense, I was reeling, searching, and found myself on the backside of the wilderness screaming to a God who only seemed to have a deaf ear turned my way.  Sound familiar?  In this book, I take you on a great journey to find answers when most answers seemed bleak, if not non-existent.  Take God’s hand with me, he’s there, I promise.  I’ll show you how his voice is so clear and distinct, even when we have trouble seeing which way is up.  All That the Locusts Have Eaten is a testament to how God can bring us through, and that, in unexpected ways.

MY REVIEW 

Many of us have experienced loss and seek comfort from others. The author says, “Sometimes Christians can be the most difficult people to be around when you are really hurting .” It could be that we as  Christians can be judgmental when we should be showing compassion. Sometimes what a person who is grieving or having a hard time needs is  a hug and a listening ear. Guilt is  a big part of what people go through and we need to be careful that we are not making people feel guilty for their struggles. 

The author gives us an overview of his life growing up. He has a stable family life and a good relationship with God. While he was in college he fell in love with Becca. Their life together was nice and happy as they welcomed two boys into their family. The couple was very involved at church and respected by others. Sounds like a great life doesn’t it? In a blink of an eye everything started to change. Slowly Becca began to have symptoms that could not be explained. When the diagnosis did arrive it was shattering to both of them. I do not like the C word and it is hard to read what Becca went through. The author explains the treatment his wife went through along with the rising faith they had. We want to believe that God will heal us and try to not let our faith waver. It can be hard when you are faced with a diagnosis that can be cruel and unforgiving.  

One of the hardest challenges is praying and waiting for God to answer. We learn that He does answer them in His own time and in His own way. I have heard people say that someone either was holding  on to sin or didn’t have enough faith and that is the reason God didn’t heal them. How sad that we have placed blame on the sick when they are suffering. We need to search our hearts and remember God is in control. The incident the author talks about when he and his wife went to a healing service gave me chills. I have seen the services where healing is being prayed for and the sincerity those people praying have. I have also witnessed the false prophets who seek recognition and money. I don’t know what happened that night but I do know that God warns us about false prophets. If you feel uncomfortable about something, the best thing to do is ask God for guidance. 

I liked the different topics the author shared and found encouragement from His faith and hope. One topic that grabbed my attention was divorce. God hates divorce and desires for marriage to be a lifetime commitment. There are incidences when divorce happens and I have always been the type to not judge those who follow through with divorce. Everyone’s circumstances are different and  it is important to never make someone feel shame about a decision they have  made. 

My favorite chapter was about depression. It is not uncommon to have depression these days and many of us including me deal with it daily. It can be debilitating and cause people to shut off the world. We become untrusting and often don’t seek help for fear of rejection. The author points out that in the Bible there were men and women who were depressed. I didn’t know that fact and was glad that he included passages to reference. 

The book is filled with references about Job’s life as well as others from the Bible. The author shared his story with clarity and honesty. His transparency is refreshing and speaks of his faith to continue to trust God. We all have been in a place where life can become overwhelming, “Sometimes the enemy might be trying to discourage us from following through with what the Lord has in store.” Sometimes you have to go with what God is whispering to you, the thing that you can feel in your spirit.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

Simple Harvest Reads, May 25 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, May 26

For the Love of Literature, May 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 27

deb’s Book Review, May 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 1

Beauty in the Binding, June 2 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 3

Splashes of Joy, June 4

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 5 (Author Interview)

Miriam Jacob, June 5

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Chuck is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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/1df1b/all-that-the-locusts-have-eaten-celebration-tour-giveaway