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Saturday, April 28, 2018

21 days of joy copy

About the Book

21 days of joy
Title: 21 Days of Joy
Author: Kathy Ide
Genre: Non-fiction, Devotional
Release Date: April 1, 2016
Tour Dates: April 28 – May 11
Oh, the joys—and struggles—of 
motherhood!
21 Days of Joy honors mothers of all varieties. Biological moms. Adoptive moms. Stepmothers. Grandmothers. Godmothers. “Second moms.” Even men who “mother” children when circumstances put them in that position.
Whether you are a mother, have one, or know one, these heartwarming fictional stories will touch your soul and help you see that you are not alone. The work you’re doing will have an impact for eternity. And those rewards will make the trials all worthwhile.
God knows every sacrifice you make for the children He has brought into your life. So take a few moments out of your busy schedule to read this book, and get a glimpse of your daily routine from a divine perspective.
Compiler and editor KATHY IDE has written fiction and nonfiction books and is the author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors. She is a professional freelance editor and the founder and director of two organizations for editorial freelancers. She has ghostwritten ten nonfiction books and a series of five novels. Kathy makes her home in Orange County, California.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Kathy Ide-square_300x300Compiler and editor KATHY IDE has been a published author since 1989. She has written fiction and nonfiction books and is the author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors. She has ghostwritten ten nonfiction books and a series of five novels. She also writes columns of writing and editing tips for blogs and newsletters. Kathy makes her home in Orange County, California.

Q & A with Kathy Ide

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve been writing for publication since 1989 and I’ve been a full-time freelance editor since 1998. I teach at writers’ conferences across the country, and I’m the director of the Orange County Christian Writers Conference here in Southern California. I’m also the founder and director of two organizations for freelance editors: the Christian Editor Connection and The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network.

You’ve created a Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. What inspired you to gather a collection of short fiction stories to be used as devotions?
I’ve always loved Christian fiction, and I’ve seen the power of fiction to touch hearts and change lives, both firsthand and hearing about the experiences of others. But you know, in my quiet times with the Lord, reading a chapter from a novel just doesn’t seem quite appropriate. So a devotional with short fiction stories seemed like a great solution.

Tell us about the books in this series.
Each one contains 21 short fiction stories, followed by brief life applications, each written by a different author. Some contributors are best sellers, some are mid-range authors, and some are new writers. The first book was 21 Days of Grace: Stories that Celebrate God’s Unconditional Love. That came out June 1st of last year. The second book, 21 Days of Christmas, released on September 1st21 Days of Love came out January 1st.

Tell us about this third book, 21 Days of Joy.
21 Days of Joy: Stories that Celebrate Mom contains stories about mothers of all varieties. Biological moms. Adoptive moms. Stepmothers. Grandmothers. Godmothers. “Second moms.” Even men who “mother” children when circumstances put them in that position. It makes a wonderful Mother’s Day gift. And it’s a great way to boost your spirit when dealing with your kids—or your mom—becomes challenging.

Tell us about some of the stories in 21 Days of Joy.
Some of the stories are about the struggles moms have dealing with their kids at various ages and stages. Others are about women dealing with their aging mothers. One story is about a young woman who thinks her dreams of having lots of kids are shattered when her fiance dumps her right before the wedding. There are a couple of stories about adopted kids meeting their biological moms. One story is about a barren woman who realizes she actually has lots of children. And one story, written by one of Bob Hope’s comedy writers, is a humorous tale of a woman who applies for the job of mother.

How do you hope readers will use 21 Days of Joy?
This book makes a great gift, with its beautiful debossed hardback cover, full-color interior, even a ribbon page marker. With stories about all kinds of mothers, it’s great for anyone who is a mom, has a mom, or knows a mom.

Like the other books in this series, 21 Days of Joy makes a wonderful daily devotional. And if you want to go deeper, you can get a Study Guide with additional questions about each of the stories. It will be available soon as a free PDF download at FictionDevo.com or as a 99-cent e-book from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

What do you hope readers will get out of reading 21 Days of Joy?
I’m praying the Holy Spirit will speak to the hearts of everyone who reads this devotional about how much God has shown His love for them through the mothers in their lives, and what a tremendous impact women have in the lives of the children God has given them to love.

What is unique about this series?
Most devotionals contain true stories. And those are great! But so many believers today are big fans of Christian fiction … because fiction can be a powerful way to soak in spiritual truths and apply them to our daily lives. In this devotional, the authors share the themes and messages they see in the pieces they’ve written, and encourage readers to look for those types of things in these devotional stories as well as in other fictional things they might read.

What life circumstances worked together to put you in a position to be able to create this series?
Since I’ve been a professional freelance editor for several years, I’m able to edit the submissions I choose to use, polishing them without losing the author’s unique voice. And since I’ve been teaching and speaking at writers’ conferences across the country, I’ve connected with several authors at all levels, including well-known best sellers. So there are a lot of people I can personally ask about submitting to the books in this series. And I’ve developed a strong social media presence, so I can get the word out to other writers as well.

What other books have you written?
I wrote Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors, to help writers and editors learn how to proofread manuscripts for typos, inconsistencies, and errors in punctuation, usage, grammar, and spelling, according to the industry-standard guidelines.

What do you do besides write?
Read, of course. And go to movies. I also love to travel with my husband. We visit our out-of-state relatives (when they’re not visiting us—which happens often since we live in Southern California). We also enjoy going jet skiing, and camping in our RV.

Can you share some of the names of the authors who have contributed stories to the devotional?
Absolutely! 21 Days of Joy has chapters written by well-known, best-selling novelists, including Deborah Raney, Lynette Sowell, Mary DeMuth, Sherry Kyle, and New York Times best-selling author Cindy Woodsmall. There are also stories by writers you may not have heard of. At the end of each chapter is an author bio that gives some background information, and usually the author’s website. So if you really like a story in the devotional, you can find out what else that author has written. You may just find some new names to add to your favorites list.

And if you haven’t read much Christian fiction, this devotional will give you a small taste of several different authors and genres, without having to commit to reading an entire novel. You might just discover that you actually love Christian fiction!

Where can people purchase the books?
They’re available online at Amazon, ChristianBook.com, Barnes & Noble, and other websites. If you go to FictionDevo.com, you’ll find several links that will take you directly to the ordering pages for all of the books in the series. You can also find them at many Christian bookstores and Barnes & Noble stores.


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The title of the book made me want to really read this book. Who wouldn't want joy in their life? I have a hard time finding it sometimes but this book is perfect to encourage everyone that joy is there and we can all have it freely. The very first chapter was so good I reread it. How many of us wish we looked different, had a better house or just envied other women because they looked happy? We forget to be content with what we have and find joy in what God has given us. I am blessed to have three amazing sons. They are each different but boy do they love their mom. I am thankful everyday for them. There was a time I wasn't sure I wanted to be a mother. My childhood was horrible and I didn't think I knew how to be a good mom. Funny thing is, God showed me how to love my sons unconditionally and encouraged me to show them the same kind of love. 

I enjoyed the story of the woman who was about to get married. She finds out her fiance doesn't want children and the engagement is broken. She flies to Haiti during the time it was suppose to be her honeymoon. As she stayed at the  orphanage she realized that God had answered her prayer. She had the children she desired but not the way she thought it would happen. I always wanted to be a teacher but never had the chance to go to college. Years later I found myself as the Children's Pastor of the church. I couldn't wait to be with them every Sunday morning and Wednesday night. Those children gave me such joy. I suddenly realized that my desire to teach had happened. I was a teacher to many not just the small classroom I thought I would have. God helps us find joy in ways we don't expect. In Psalm 37:4 it says, " Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."  He may not answer our prayers the way we want, but He does answer them and  it turns out better than we could imagine. 

Each story in the book is a wonderful reminder of what a joy it is to be a mom. It may not always be fun but it is always rewarding. I didn't have a relationship with my mom, but I am thankful that I have a God who has shown me how to be a mom. I count everyday as joy and this book is one that will be encouraging for women. I appreciate the different women who contributed to the book and their willingness to share their story.

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


Blog Stops

A Greater Yes, April 30
Mary Hake, May 2
Simple Harvest Reads, May 4 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Carpe Diem, May 6

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away a hardback copy of 21 Days of Grace and an eBook copy of 21 days of Joy to two winners!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cc8e

Wednesday, April 25, 2018


Welcome to this stop on the Julie by Catherine Marshall Reissue Celebration Blog Tour with JustRead Publicity Tours!


Title: Julie
Author: Catherine Marshall
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
ReIssue Date: April 17, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance Fiction
*A New York Times bestseller*
-------------------------------
Will the dam hold?

Julie Wallace has always wanted to write. Trying to 
escape the Great Depression, Julie’s father buys the
Alderton Sentinel, a small-town newspaper in flood-prone Alderton, Pennsylvania, and moves his family
there. As flash floods ominously increase, Julie’s investigative reporting uncovers secrets that could
endanger the entire community.

Julie, the newspaper, and her family are thrown into a perilous standoff with the owners of the steel mills
as they investigate the conditions of the immigrant laborers. As the Alderton Sentinel and Julie take on a more aggressive role to reform these conditions, seething tensions come to a head.

When a devastating tragedy follows a shocking revelation, Julie’s courage and strength are tested. 
Will truth and justice win, or will Julie lose everything she holds dear?

TO PURCHASE A COPY*

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.




Review.jpg



There is nothing better for a reader than  to feel like they have been swept into a time period and experience exactly what the characters are facing. This book has all the markings of an epic adventure that is captured by pure talent and focused details. I loved every minute I spent reading this wonderful story. I was transported back to 1935 and met a young woman so full of life, that I wanted to be friends with her. Julie is the heart beat of this story and will forever have a place of prominence  in my heart of the true meaning of faith and perseverance.

I admired her for so many reasons. Her desire to be a journalist was so inspiring it reminds us to never give up on our dreams. I loved how she helped her dad at the newspaper doing whatever he asked her to do. Times were hard for the people in the town Julie's family moved to. There wasn't much money to survive on but the family never complained. I loved the compassion that was showed by several characters toward the needy and despondent families.

What really intrigued me was the vivid description of the steel mill. The employees worked long hours with little pay and Julie became interested in the inner workings of a huge company like the mill. I know the employees were mistreated but they had little power to do anything until talks of a union started spreading. I could see the groups gathering and agreeing that it was time to speak up. 

This all leads up to a story that kept me glued to the pages as I read as fast as I could. It was no surprise that  management wasn't happy with the newspaper when it seemed they were on the the opposite side of the owners. Danger lurks for Julie and her family as feathers get ruffled in the uproar of union talks. As this is going on, I could feel the tension build and knew something big was about to happen. I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, so I will say that the tragedy that happens will tear families apart, weave a destructive path to the town and forever change the lives of Alderton. The author captures the terror and pain with compassion and brought tears to my eyes as the event unfolded. It is evident that the author did much research to add to the historical value of the story and it heightened the book with precise information. 

There is so much in this book that will have readers thinking and examining themselves. Are we still showing prejudice to others? Do we willingly lend a hand to our neighbors? Will we stand up for our beliefs no matter what? Thank you for writing a book that reminds us "to love one another as Christ loves the church."

I received a copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. The review is my own opinion. 






GIVEAWAY


(1) Winner will win: 
  • $25 Amazon Gift Card
  • Bookmark Swag
  • Necklace (exact or similar & *subject to change)
  • Print Copy of Julie

(Only Gift Card open internationally. Others open to US Mailing Addresses)




*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Presumption and partiality FB banner copy

About the Book

Title: Presumption and Partiality
Author: Rebekah JonesPresumption and partiality
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Release Date: November 27, 2017
Among the cotton fields and farmland of Gilbert, Arizona in the early years of the Great Depression, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey live a simple, but happy life with their five daughters on a cotton farm. When the wealthy Richard Buchanan moves to town, bringing his family, a friend, and a desire to learn about cotton, Matilda Bailey is convinced that he is the perfect candidate to marry her eldest daughter, Alice.
Richard is cheerful, friendly, and likable. His friend Sidney Dennison doesn’t make such a good impression. Eloise Bailey decides he’s arrogant and self-conceited, but when Raymond Wolfe comes to town, accusing Sidney of dishonorable and treacherous conduct, Eloise is angered at the injustice of the situation.
When the Buchanan household leaves town, Alice must turn to the Lord and face, perhaps, her most difficult test in trust, while Eloise takes a trip to visit her friend and may well discover a web of deceit that she doesn’t really want to believe exists.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Rebekah JonesRebekah Jones is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify her King with her books and stories. Her goal is to write Bible-Centered, Christian Literature; books rich with interesting characters, intricate story lines, and always with the Word of God at the center. Besides writing, she is an avid reader, songwriter, pianist, singer, artist, and history student. She also loves children. She lives with her family in the Southwestern desert.

Guest Post from Rebekah Jones

Why is he a Navajo?
I’ve had more than one person ask me why I chose to make Sidney Dennison, the “Mr. Darcy” of my novel Presumption and Partiality, a Navajo Indian.
When I commenced planning and research for placing a retelling of Pride and Prejudice in the 1930’s United States, I found myself drawn to the desert of Arizona rather early on. Specifically, the tiny farm town of Gilbert. I knew, however, that few rich people lived in that area; certainly not enough to create social rifts large enough to recreate the social differences of the original novel.
I experimented in my head with a few different ideas, but the idea of Sidney as a Native American came to me one day and just clicked. I knew that I couldn’t fully pull off a Navajo who lived on the reservations. As much as I researched, I couldn’t quite get the feel. Yet, a man whose ancestry included a white man as a grandfather, who lived outside the reservations, though with relatives who clung to some of the old traditions, I thought I could do.
I used to wish I were an Indian, in part because I wanted to have great tracking skills, live in a tee-pee, possess superb bow and arrow abilities, and I wanted to ride a horse. True, most of that did not enter a 1930’s novel, despite my Navajo cowboy, because the eras are different. Though, Sidney did get a horse. Or technically, several.
Further, something about the silent, good-looking Indian appealed to me, much as I tend to shy away from writing about handsome and beautiful people, since they feel so common in fiction. The minute I began imagining the man with his Navajo ancestry, he just felt perfect.
By the end, Sidney turned out to be one of my favorite characters. (I can’t ever pick just one in my novels.) I think I made a good choice and I hope my readers will agree!


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It was very fascinating  reading how hard it was for people during the early 1930s. It was hard to rely on cotton and other crops to help keep families fed. Oh how it must have been heart breaking for families to work so hard in the fields hoping their crops would get them hard times. The Bailey's seemed to have a good life and the mother was very interested in getting her daughters married off to wealthy men. 


I was a bit upset to hear how unattractive Eloise is. For some in the story looks seems to be very important and I cringed when Eloise was criticized for her looks. I really liked Eloise and found her to be very compassionate. How many of us judge people by their looks? Mrs. Bailey is quite a character. She is such a worrywart but her main focus is getting her daughters married off. 

Richard has come from a good background and I liked it when he became aware of the poverty surrounding him. Sometimes we have blinders on when it comes to homeless people and those that are struggling.  The bible references in the story are wonderfully placed in places that bring clarity to the characters. The part about forgiveness was definitely a topic that Eloise and Sidney were at a crossroads about. I have come to like Sidney because he is honest and tries to live by scripture. There were a few things I didn't care for and want to mention them. The first was how many times I had to read about Mrs. Bailey's headaches. It was mentioned so many times, I wondered why she didn't have a doctor check her out. The other was the length of the book. I thought that maybe the author could have shortened it a bit and left some things out that wasn't important to the story. As with any review I write, I am honest but fair. Even though there were a few things I didn't care for about the story, doesn't take away the fact that overall it was entertaining.

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


" Sometimes , we see what  want to see and we miss only what we would rather ignore."

Blog Stops

Karen Sue Hadley, April 25
Remembrancy, April 26
Mary Hake, April 29
A Greater Yes, April 30
Carpe Diem, May 3
Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
By The Book, May 7

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Rebekah is giving away a grand prize of the complete set of the Vintage Jane Austen Collection!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cc8f