Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Countin’ On Jesse Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Countin’ On Jesse

Author: Mary Pat Johns

Genre: (Inspirational) Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Peeps’ gym owner Jesse seeks accreditation. Accountant Brenna wants to help Jesse reach his goal. They’re a great team, but can she count on him when trouble strikes?

Accountant BRENNA MCKINLEY only wants what’s best for Peeps, the wildly popular gym in Valiant, Texas. But when money goes missing, and she’s the obvious suspect, will she be able to clear her name or face criminal charges? Keeping her dream job matters, but falling in love with her boss isn’t part of the plan. Neither is the creepy guy stalking her.

Young veteran JESSE JACOBS manages and co-owns Peeps, an exercise facility in Valiant, Texas. He needs help to gain accreditation for the gym, and his new accountant is all in. But is she who she seems? Too bad he’s falling for her like a man with no parachute. When the pressure builds, PTSD renders him moody and volatile, risking everything he loves.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a biweekly faith column for the local newspaper.

Countin’ On Jesse is her debut novel, and she’s hard at work on the rest of the Valiant series. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war. As she kept writing, her focus generalized to include ordinary people who learn how to move forward after devastating events. Her writing has a strong spiritual thread since she considers a return to faith in God the solution for what ails the civilized world.

She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

Countin’ On Jesse placed second in inspirational contemporary romance in the TARA contest. It was also a finalist in the Crown and the Maggie contests for unpublished authors.

More from Mary

I wrote Countin’ On Jesse because I couldn’t NOT write it, though learning to write fiction was an act of faith. My son is an army vet and deployed to Afghanistan during the war. When he returned, the adjustment back to civilian life was difficult. The PTSD he suffered was real. His dad and I prayed often for his restoration. I also experienced an urgency to share how people recover from traumatic experiences, but it’s not my MO to tell a sad story. I used humor, but never downplayed the seriousness of the hero’s issues with PTSD and anger. My goal was to impart hope.

One added sweet note. My son helped me craft a short story as a prequel for the series. I believe it was healing for him to revisit the Afghanistan setting through the perspective of time and distance. Readers have shared they felt like they were in the story. In truth, there was an eyewitness. I’m forever grateful that he came home to tell me of such events.

MY REVIEW

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 28 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, November 28

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 30

Back Porch Reads, December 1 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 3

A Reader’s Brain, December 4 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 5

Beauty in the Binding, December 6 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 6

Cover Lover Book Review, December 7

Holly’s Book Corner, December 8

For the Love of Literature, December 9 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, December 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift Amazon gift card and a 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/29099/countin-on-jesse-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, November 26, 2023

About the Book

Book: Building Character Through Picture Books: 25 Family Devotions Based on Favorite Picture Books

Author: Terrie Hellard-Brown

Genre: Devotional

Release Date: May 27, 2023

Bring the Bible into bedtime. After reading the picture book together, families can read the short devotion, discuss compelling questions (questions for younger and older children provided), and end with prayer together as the children prepare to sleep. The book includes 25 devotions matched with 25 popular and classical picture books. Each devotion includes a section for parents to go further in the discussion or to add an activity to continue the conversation the following day.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Terrie Hellard-Brown uses her experiences as a mother of four (three on the autism spectrum), 35+ years in ministry (15 in Taiwan), and 35 years teaching to speak to the hearts of readers. She writes and speaks to empower children and adults to embrace everyday discipleship every day. She teaches workshops and writes devotional books, children’s stories, and Christian education materials.

Her podcast, Books that Spark, reviews children’s books that spark imagination, emotion, questions, and discussion leading to teachable moments with our kids.

Her blog discusses living as a disciple of Christ while discipling our children. She challenges us to step out of our comfort zones to walk by faith in obedience to Christ and to use the nooks and crannies of life to disciple our children.

More from Terrie

As an English teacher, pastor’s wife, and missionary, I LOVE books. I’ve taught every grade from pre-K to community college in my career and taught the Bible to people who didn’t know anything about the Bible or Jesus, and through it all, I’ve come back to the joy of picture books and the simplicity of sharing stories that change lives. Of course, I love teaching Shakespeare, Dickens, and C. S. Lewis, but picture books are still where my heart is. So, it was only natural that I combined my two favorite things: picture books and the Bible.

My friends affectionately call me the Picture Book Lady since I have one to offer for almost any topic, event, or purpose. This new devotional book is no different. A dear friend said one day, “You should write a devotional book based on picture books!” Who wouldn’t jump at such a fun project!?

I chose some of my favorite picture books where I found connections to Scripture, and I began to write devotions to go along with each book. I wanted to use general market books so that we can use whatever book we’re reading with our children to make spiritual connections and bring in lessons naturally in those teachable moments. That’s how Building Character Through Picture Books was born.

MY REVIEW

This is a perfect book for families to read together. It contains stories that will help children love family time even more. I like how it is designed to help interact with each other and share questions that will open your family to discussions. The illustrations are good and will attract young children to engage in the devotion time. I am sending my copy to my two small granddaughters. I know the family will enjoy this book together as they help their children become more confident as they grow their faith.

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

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 21

Fiction Book Lover, November 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 22

For Him and My Family, November 23

Blossoms and Blessings, November 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 26 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 27

Cover Lover Book Review, November 28

Lots of Helpers, November 29

A Reader’s Brain, November 30 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 1

Guild Master, December 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terrie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card and paperback copy of 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/29096/building-character-through-picture-books-celebration-tour-giveaway

ELVES , EVERGREENS, & EVIDENCE

Snow's falling and sleigh bells are ringing in the town of Normal, but there's nothing 'normal' about this festive season.

Mae West's first Christmas as a married woman at Happy Trails Campground should've been merry and bright. But when a Winter Festival turns deadly and one of their own lands on the suspect list, Mae and the Laundry Club ladies know there's more to unwrap than just presents.

With a mischievous reindeer, a friend in jeopardy, and the campground's reputation at stake, Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are dashing through clues and untangling Christmas mysteries.

Dive into a world of holiday in the campground, Southern charm, and yuletide twists, where tinsel, traditions, and murder collide. Grab a cup of cocoa and join the holiday hunt with Mae and the gang, as they jingle all the way to justice

MY REVIEW

It’s the holiday time as our newlyweds share their first Christmas together. The town is all lit up with decorations and bright lights. There is a feeling of joy in the air as the Winter Festival kicks off. I could smell the delicious peppermint coffee mixture as Mae strolled down the street. I would love to try one of those sometimes. I wonder if Mae will invite me to stay at her campground?

Just as the fun gets started a body is found. Now I wasn’t surprised at this since Mae seems to attract this kind of tragedy. It is nothing she does, but it seems to find her every time. Suspense grows as finger pointing begins. I adore this series so much I can’t get enough of it. It may be a little predictable but the characters make this series exceptional. I love to try to guess who the guilty person is but I never get it right.

The Laundry Club Ladies are on the case in this exciting adventure. With a list of suspects, Christmas in the air and the town that comes together this is a delightful read. Come join the author as she delivers another story that entertains as well as gives us a taste of small town life.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

About the Book

Book: Hearts of Gold

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: August 14, 2023

The Bridal Shop

Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time. When her best friend requests Alice to be her maid of honor, she reluctantly sets aside her feelings on marriage and dons a stylish bridesmaid’s gown, never intending to catch the eye of the handsome groomsman. Will he be able to convince Alice to open her heart again?

Miss Beaumont’s Companion

When Italian lady’s companion Aria St. Angelo is coerced into posing as her political employer’s absent daughter for the evening at the Louisiana Governor’s masquerade ball, she wasn’t planning on falling for Byron Roderick—the most eligible bachelor in the capitol. But, when he pays call at the Beaumont’s home, Aria is quickly shuffled into the shadows once more, forced to watch him fall in love with another woman.

The Becoming of Miss Blanche

Content to remain a Harvey Girl forever, fiery Tacy Blanche has worked in nearly every Harvey House down the Santa Fe line. But, when she accepts the position of second waitress at the new Montezuma resort, Tacy isn’t expecting her former fiancé’s brother to return to her life—

Pinkerton Jasper Caffery had long abandoned hope of ever finding Tacy again, but while on holiday in New Mexico, Jasper collides with the woman who had never noticed him before. He decides to take his chances and attempt to woo her. However, when Tacy’s past catches up with her, more than Jasper’s heart is at stake.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

More from Grace

Q: What do you love about writing historical fiction?

Grace: I absolutely love the research aspect. I love learning and discovering little known pieces of history. In that research, I love asking the great “what if” question and see where it takes me while still having to follow the guidelines set up for historical fiction.

I’m pretty certain every author started as an avid reader who dreamed of how they would change an ending or change who the heroine ended up with if they could write the book instead. (Anyone else think Theodore Laurence should have married Jo March?) It’s that ever-beautiful question of “what if” that has haunted some of my favorite stories and often drives my own stories to spark to life.

Q: Have you traveled to any places you’ve written about?

Grace: My books have been set in Chicago, many in New York, Newport, New Orleans, and Charleston, which I’ve been able to visit! My upcoming Regency Romance, To Catch a Coronet, is set in London, which I toured many years ago. After writing my Regency, I’ve added an overflowing number of places to visit in England, and even Scotland where my third book will be set.

Want to know which book is set where?

Hearts of Gold: Charleston, Baton Rouge, and New Mexico

The Finding of Miss Fairfield: Charleston and New Mexico

The Pursuit of Miss Parish: New Mexico

To Catch a Coronet: London

My Dear Miss Dupré: New York and Newport

Her Darling Mr. Day: New Orleans

His Delightful Lady Delia: New York

The Gray Chamber: New York

The White City: Chicago

Q: How do you incorporate faith into your storylines?

Grace: I always weave in a faith theme, or verse, into the story. My goal with this novella collection, Hearts of Gold, is to provide readers with clean entertainment while subtly pointing them to Christ. And as with all of my books, something that I am learning inevitably ends up in the story in some form or another. Even though it feels a bit vulnerable to put my personal lessons in a book, I think that it offers a level of genuineness that can bring life to the story and hope to the reader.

Q: What aspect of romance do you enjoy writing about?

Grace: Before I started writing for publication, I would be reading and get very aggravated if the heroine chose the wrong hero in my eyes and I would rewrite the ending in my head, or even set aside the book with only pages left so I didn’t mess up the ending I wanted. Writing a romance is so much fun because now I understand the “formula” if you will about the obstacles placed in the lover’s path and the beauty of when they finally are together.

Q: Please tell us about your most recent book.

Grace: To Catch a Coronet releases with Kregel Publications in May 2024! This Regency Romance has been so much fun to research and while it is a challenge to change eras from Gilded Age to Regency, I’ve loved finding new, unique ways to get my heroines into trouble that inevitably has them meeting their true hero!

About To Catch a Coronet:

London, 1813

Sometimes the only way to out stride scandal is to catch a crown big enough to silence it.

After breaking off two arranged engagements, country baker turned heiress Muriel Beau takes matters into her own hands and asks the visiting baron she loves to marry her in a very public proposal and is met with an emphatic rejection. With no other course but to flee Kent society, Muriel knows the only way out of this debacle is to out stride it by catching what every society matron dreams of obtaining—a coronet with a sumptuous title to match. And after a glittering reception in the courts of London, Muriel’s best laid plans might come true after all.

MY REVIEW

The Bridal Shop

Two people from different worlds come together to find forgiveness and learn that God loves each of us. I like how Alice has overcome her past and made a name for herself as a seamstress. Her bridal designs are impressive and she is busy most days. When someone from her past shows up her world is turned upside down.

Giles to me is a hero. He takes to Alice and doesn’t care about the gossip that surrounds her. He sees a beautiful woman who has overcome a lot and he notices her inner strength. Of course not everyone is happy with their relationship. The author does a great job of illustrating how love is unconditional. Giles sees past the wall of mistrust around Alice. His determination to make her feel worthy is admirable.

Miss Beaumont’s Companion

I really enjoyed this story where a woman pretends to be someone else at a party. Poor Aria must disguise herself and hide her real identity in order for her employer not to fire her. Her mission is to get the attention of a certain young man and hopefully form the beginning of a relationship.

Byron is very intrigued by this mysterious woman behind the mask and wants to see more of her after the party. When he comes to call on her things start to get a little out of hand. Aria has fallen for him but can’t tell him the truth. Millie isn’t all that smitten with Byron but starts to see him on a more regular basis. What a mess it becomes when a lie turns into hurt feelings and jealousy.

Find out what happens as Aria finds herself alone and hopeless. Great lesson about trusting God and allowing Him to show others that there are good people in the world. I adored Byron and he was such a great character with traits of being humble and seeking truth.

The Becoming of Miss Blanche

In this story we get to watch how The Harvey Girls work and how their reputation is well deserved. They greet guests with respect and their service is impeccable. Tacy is having to start over because of what happened at the last Harvey House. I admire her for not being bitter and taking her position without being bitter.

Looks like someone from her past has found her but she hopes that he will be more kind than his brother. Jasper can’t believe he has finally found his brother’s ex-fiancé. There is a little tension between them, but Tacy has no idea that Jasper is there because he has had feelings for her for a long time.

This story has a bit of mystery and I loved how it unfolded. The author does give us a bit of history about The Harvey Girls which I have always enjoyed reading about. The ending is nice and reminds us never to give up on finding that one true love.

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 18

DevotedToHope, November 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 20

Lakesidelivingsite, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23

Alena Mentink, November 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 24

Cover Lover Book Review, November 25

Hannahbandanarama, November 25

For Him and My Family, November 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 26

Back Porch Reads, November 27

Exploring the Written Word, November 27

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Holly’s Book Corner, November 29

Splashes of Joy, November 29

Pause for Tales, November 30

Connie’s History Classroom, December 1

Lights in a Dark World, December 1

Giveway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Copy of My Dear Miss Dupré, Her Darling Mr. Day, and His Delightful Lady Delia!!

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/28ef0/hearts-of-gold-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Be The Sunshine

Author: Sunshine Rodgers

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Release Date: August 26, 2022

The one difficulty with having the name Sunshine is that people expect me to be…. well, sunshine all the time.

I have learned over time to embrace the Sunshine-ness that is my name. Yes, I may not always be joyful or exuberant all the time, but I have learned that if I rely on my friends, my family, and my faith, I can conquer each day head-on and live every moment with an expectation of goodness.

And that’s what I wanted to share in this book, Be The Sunshine. It’s not a book about how to be happy or seven ways to stay positive. These pages are about being yourself, showing the world your true colors, and being mindful of the moment. These chapters contain personal stories so that we all can experience love and joy for ourselves as well as shining that light on those around us!

So, just follow my voice. When it comes to being the sunshine, well, I know the way!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sunshine Rodgers has written 13 books that have landed on Amazon’s International Best Seller lists in 26 different categories, including #1 in the United Kingdom, #2 in the United States, and #25 in Canada. Her books have been translated into several languages (Spanish, English, and Portuguese). She has participated in 6 book tours and dozens of book signings. Her Creative Team of 33 Professionals include Artists, Narrators, and Photographers. When she is not writing, Sunshine is a guest and featured author on a total of 55 Media Interviews on radio, podcasts, and online magazines.

Sunshine is a Brand Ambassador to 25 Fashion, Health, Food, and Skincare Companies. She is a Blogger and an Entrepreneur with 53,000 social media followers. Sunshine is married to the love of her life, Travis, and they reside in sunny Florida.

More from Sunshine

Be The Sunshine is a 5-Part message about spreading love and kindness out into the world.

Part 1 is about Acting in Kindness (how to serve, share peace and offer forgiveness).

Part 2 is about Shouting Goodness (building up the body of Christ and emphasizing Church Unity).

Part 3 is about holding A Fresh Perspective (standing on God’s Promises and focusing on blessing others).

Part 4 is about The Power of Love (loving God, loving your neighbor, loving yourself)

Part 5 answers the question “Why do we not help?” (the excuses we make and the fears we create)

87 Bible verses were used representing 9 different Translations for clarity, easy to understand passages and relatable terminology. I interviewed 6 Christian leaders and mentors who add their personal testimonies to this piece.

MY REVIEW

Having a unique name can be hard at times. Now I know my name isn’t all that unique but all through school and into adulthood I have had an issue with my name. People say it wrong and spell it wrong. One teacher even said that my mom spelled my name wrong. That was funny since I didn’t realize that a parent would intentionally spell their child’s name wrong. I have never liked my name and always wanted to change it. But I don’t think I would like to be called Sunshine. Oh I think it is an adorable name but what a chore to have that as your first name.

The author brings humor to her name. I didn’t realize how many songs had Sunshine in the title or the many jokes people had. This book is very encouraging and readers will see that Sunshine is more than just a name. When was the last time we checked on someone or told someone that we love them? What do we do to make the world a better place?

I love how the author gives illustrations of how we can help others and use our gifts to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We need to come together in unity and work together instead of judging and ignoring those in need. A smile goes a long way.

The book includes personal stories that help us see that we all struggle in areas. With scripture and helpful words, the author has written a book we can all benefit from. One thing that is discussed is prayer. The power of prayer can change someone who is desperate and without hope. Coming together in agreement we are lifting each other up and showing that we as a Body of Christ stand together.

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