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Saturday, September 4, 2021

 

Save the Date

About the Book

Book: Save the Date

Author: Hallee Bridgeman  (Author), Kari Trumbo  (Author), T.K. Chapin  (Author), Chautona Havig  (Author), Shoshanna Gabriel  (Author), Dori Harrell (Author), Liwen Y. Ho  (Author), Lisa M. Prysock (Author), Camy Tang  (Author), Jan Thompson  (Author), Marion Ueckermann  (Author), Jaycee Weaver  (Author)

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: October 12, 2021

Save the Date coverWeddings for every season and occasion. Adventures, mishaps, and dream destinations—this collection has it all!
As our guest of honor, you’re cordially invited on a journey through twelve heartwarming and inspirational novellas that will take you from small-town America to romantic Paris, from the sunny shores of Hawaii to New Zealand. Office romances, friends-to-lovers, second chances, and more await you in these stories full of forgiveness, redemption, laughter, and love.
Say “I do” and claim your copy of this limited-time anthology by your favorite USA Today and bestselling Christian romance authors!
January Hope by Kari Trumbo
Clothing historian Cleo goes on the hunt for an 1880s fashion magazine wedding dress. Discovering it’s part of a museum collection, her biggest obstacle is handsome curator Lowel. Unfortunately, his no-touch policy just might put a stop to her hunt and her heart.
A Valentine for Veronica by Lisa Prysock
Veronica purchased her dream wedding dress though she’s single. When an encounter with a former peer—now a wedding magazine photojournalist—entices her into doing a special feature, the pressure is on to find a husband. Will Veronica’s pride be her downfall, or will her faith lead to love?
I Take You by Marion Ueckermann
Since childhood, Kaia has dreamed about her fairy-tale wedding. But when her father’s choices crush Kaia’s dreams, her fiancĂ© is left scrambling for a solution to their dilemma. Kaia doesn’t want to delay their wedding, and neither does Leo. He’s waited a lifetime to make Kaia his wife.
Adoring April by Chautona Havig
Whoever heard of a church expecting an incoming minister to marry their only single member as a condition for employment? Legality aside, what kind of woman would possibly agree to such a crazy idea? What’ll it take for Jesse to go from avoiding April to adoring April?
A Change of a Dress by Hallee Bridgeman
Belle struggles to bury the past and grasp her elusive future. Scarred by an incredible act of heroism, combat veteran Vince longs to courageously walk the road less traveled as an army chaplain. The two unknowingly cross paths time and again until meeting changes everything.
Time for Me by Jan Thompson
When Sheryl tries to get a world-famous sculptor to display his artwork in her gallery, she doesn’t expect him to fall in love with her in this friends-to-more romance.
The Wedding Dress by T. K. Chapin
Alexa Anderson doesn’t want to wear her mother’s wedding dress when it’s time to marry the love of her life, Brad Jackson. Little does she know, the wedding dress has a story of its own to tell…
The Wedding Kimono by Camy Tang
A tomboy massage therapist and her boss discover a mysterious message hidden in her grandmother’s wedding kimono. Can her family legacy help her to see her inner beauty and open herself up to love?
One Vow for September by Liwen Ho
She’s a writer with an unconventional assignment, he’s the jaded coworker playing her husband; together they’re one odd couple about to find out how real love is.
Braver with You by Jaycee Weaver
She’d follow her childhood sweetheart anywhere, but first they’ll need all her courage and all his support to make it through the wedding their mothers have planned.
Grateful for You by Dori Harrell
Jeans-only Libby hasn’t spoken to lawman Jamie since she turned down his proposal. But when she sees a frothy gown in a store window, she knows he’s the guy for her. But winning him back might mean landing herself in jail.
Countdown to Her Cowboy’s Christmas Wedding by Shoshanna Gabriel
A handsome rancher. The girl next door. A childhood promise comes due that could change their lives… for better or worse. When their Christmas wedding preparations bring out painful memories of heartbreak, will Kate be able to forgive Jay—and herself—so they can finally be together?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

The authors of Save the Date joined together for this limited-time collection as an opportunity to bring their readers an excellent reading experience. From California to Kentucky, South Africa to Idaho and everywhere in between, these authors live and write the stories on their hearts to touch the hearts of their readers.

 

More from Chautona

Why One Epic Wedding Set Is about More Than “Just” Romance

“Oh, they say when you marry in June… you’re a bride all your life…”

When my kids were little, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers was a favorite movie, although they used to call it “Dah-dah-dump-dum.” If you’ve never heard “Goin’ Courtin’” then that won’t make sense, but what can I say? Kids. Considering I had seven daughters, it’s no wonder that my kids loved that song sung by girls wearing pantaloons and camisoles the most. My boys never seemed to get that they were watching girls dancing around in their underwear. Much to my relief.

But you know, I’m a desert rat and not a fan of June weddings. Summer weddings are… HOT. I love outdoor weddings and receptions, and they’re miserable here in June, July, August, May… September… To be fair, there are maybe six whole weeks of the entire year that wouldn’t be—too hot, too cold, or just blasting with wind.

The authors of Save the Date all chose their months for different reasons. December, June, and February were obvious favorite choices, but I had three options that called to me. Either April, May, or June. Why? Well, my book title. I needed a woman’s name!

In this collection, you’ll find a couple of marriages of convenience, a friends-to-more, a destination wedding… you name it, we’ve got it. Each author has a meaningful story around the wedding dress, and through the course of each one, we have something especially beautiful.

Love.

I’m not speaking just of love between two characters. In sets like this, beautiful friendships are forged as we write, share, and celebrate. There’s a camaraderie that fills the group with every idea, every milestone, and every frustration.

You’ll also witness one more kind of love—love of craft. See, authors do the long, hard, sometimes tedious work of writing for a reason. We love the creation of characters, settings, and stories that weave all three into a picture that stirs the heart and feeds the soul. You could argue that they are a cheap imitation of the stories God writes on our lives, but because they are an offering to the Lord, they are also beautiful, rich, and a “sweet savor,” or so we hope.

We pray you’ll enjoy your time among the brides of Save the Date. We hope you’ll be blessed.

MY REVIEW 

January Hope by Kari Trumbo

This is a wonderful story of Cleo who has an eye for historical artifacts.it was sad that she had locked herself away and mostly just worked, went home to sew and attend church every Sunday and Wednesday. The dress she sees in a magazine sounded exquisite and I wanted to try it on myself. When Lowell enters her life, he was a breath of fresh air. I loved his patience with Cleo and how he wanted to help her come out of her shell. 

I really enjoyed getting to know them better and following them as they start to develop a friendship. The author does a great job of giving us characters that are relatable and east to like. Just when Cleo needed it most, God brought someone into her life to have her overcome her fear and be more confident.

One Vow For September by Liwen Ho

Oh my is this a fun story to read. Two people who really don’t get along find themselves working together on a story that changes them forever. I loved the idea of these two characters pretending to be married in order to do research for their assignment. The author does a great job of scattering faith elements throughout the story as these two maneuver through a series of laugh out loud situations. 

I loved the lighthearted feel of the story and how the characters become friends. The concept of renewing your wedding vows does take on a feel of getting married as these two find out. I enjoyed following them as they went to the vendors to taste test wedding cakes,  but my favorite was when they went to the jewelers. This part is where I really saw how two people can find happiness if they listen to their heart and follow God. It’s a great story filled with trust and finding true love.

Braver With You by Jaycee Weaver

While this story is about a wedding it is also about being strong and trusting God. Ashlyn  and Conrad are preparing for their big day while trying to deal with a mother who likes to be in control of everything. There is a back story that made me understand Ashlyn’s mother better. After a tragedy years ago, Ashlyn and her mother are still trying to overcome their pain. 

I liked how supportive  and encouraging Conrad is as they get closer to the wedding. He knows Ashlyn’s mother is demanding but with his faith he is able to give her grace. The story is emotional at times and I so wanted Ashlyn to face her past. Her breakthrough comes as they are in pre marital counseling. Living with guilt has caused Ashlyn to be afraid to speak up.  I loved how the author uses this story to illustrate how  to trust God and let go of the past. The beautiful example of forgiving is well represented as two families join together to heal from the past and celebrate the wedding of two faith filled people. 

Countdown To Her Cowboy’s Christmas Wedding by Shoshanna Gabriel 

Oh this story made  me cry so much. It is a real look at two people who have known each other forever. Kate and Jay have been best friends forever. They get along and help each other out. It was fun to read about Kate’s chickens and how much she enjoyed caring for them. Jay is always around to help her with things and I think sometimes Kate may be taking Jay for granted. 

When one thing leads  to another, they decide to get married but little does Jay know that Kate has kept a secret since high school. Little by little that secret begins to bother Kate. How can she marry her best friend knowing that she has not forgiven him for something that happened between them? It is easy for some of us to bury our hurt and never deal with it. God forgives us but we don’t always forgive each other.

The author delivers a great story about forgiveness and being honest with each other. Kate and Jay must deal with the past before they can become one. The emotions are realistic as Kate faces the truth about something she has kept buried for so long. Their love will be tested as the story tackles a sensitive subject for some. I loved the ending and how the author uses this story to show how forgiveness frees us from pride and bitterness

I only received four of the stories but I look forward to purchasing The whole set so I read  the other stories and review them. I enjoyed the ones I read and found a great message in each one of them. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 4

Texas Book-aholic, September 5

Inklings and notions, September 6

By the Book, September 6

For Him and My Family, September 7

deb’s Book Review, September 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 9

Back Porch Reads, September 9

Connect in Fiction, September 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 11

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 11

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 14

CarpeDiem, September 14

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 15

She Lives To Read, September 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 16

Simple Harvest Reads, September 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, September 17

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the Save the Date authors are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/11816/save-the-date-celebration-tour-giveaway


 

About the Book

Book: Bandana Acres: Rascal’s Trip

Author: Kathy J. Perry

Genre: Early Reader Chapter Book

Release date: May 1, 2018

Oh, no! Why didnt I wait? 

Rascal the raccoon is sorry he ignored the warning signs He’s surprised by a whirlwind and he’s taken for the ride of his life. Now it’s up to the Bandana Buddies to help him learn the importance of thinking ahead. Can he stay out of trouble long enough to get back home?

Former teacher, Kathy J Perry has developed this series is for kids to enjoy as they bridge the gap between picture and chapter books. Or, read aloud to the younger. With an easy-to-read font, original watercolor illustrations, the series also packs additional educational helps: a glossary and a “What If” page to help readers think about what they’ve read.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

After the passing of my parents, I re-evaluated what I was doing with my life and my contribution to others. A former classroom teacher and homeschool mom, I’ve always had a heart for educating kids.

In 2016 my daughter and I attended a local arts and crafts fair where I stumbled upon some cute children’s art and thought, “That’s what I can do! Write children’s books.”

I set my mission. I would do my best to affect our youth through wonderful stories full of timeless character struggles.

 

More from Kathy

Even with short attention spans, kids learn to think ahead through consequences. As they mature, they understand that their decisions have a direct bearing on the results.

 

Rascal, a young raccoon, knows it’s about time to go home, but he stretches his exploring time just a few minutes longer. Too long. Suddenly, a storm pops up and a whirlwind whisks him away to the top of a tall pine tree. Now lost, he gets in even more trouble as he tries to find his way home. Through several mishaps, he eventually learns that he must think ahead BEFORE he decides and earns a green bandana to wear as a reminder.

 

 

Special things about this book (and series) include:

  1. Proven easy-to-read font for early readers (Sassoon Primary)
  2. In full-color with original watercolor artwork.
  3. Leveled by Lexile and Fountas & Pinnell (F&P) for dialing in to your child’s reading level.
  4. Red words are the character’s inside thoughts (rather than italics, which I thought would be harder to read). Kids enjoy the color. In fact, struggling readers love to read just the colored parts to start – and then want to continue reading! (Each book has its own color for this.)
  5. A glossary of newer words with definitions.
  6. A “What If” section for discussion with five questions about the story, and five questions of how the theme plays out in real life. (Parents and teachers love these books!)
  7. Rascal’s Trip is available in hardcover and softcover.

 

Help your kids learn to read with this fun story and cute watercolor illustrations. This early reader chapter book is perfect for ages 5-8 and can usually be read alone by 2nd or 3rd grades.

MY REVIEW 

This is a cute book for children to enjoy. The author has written an easy story to follow and beautiful illustrations to enhance the book. Rascal is a fun little animal that doesn’t quite think before he acts. He is adventurous and finds himself in trouble. 

I am enjoying the series and I thought this story had a great lesson on thinking about decisions before making bad choices. The author includes a What If? section at the end of the book to interact with children. There is also a glossary to help children understand words they may not be familiar with. This would make a great addition for a children’s library or gift for a child . 

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

Blog Stops

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, September 2

Cats in the Cradle Blog, September 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 3

Texas Book-aholic, September 4

Inklings and notions, September 5

Blogging With Carol, September 5

For Him and My Family, September 6

deb’s Book Review, September 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 8

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 8

Older & Smarter?, September 9

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 10

Mary Hake, September 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 12

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 13

Vicky Sluiter, September 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 14

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, September 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card, a softcover copy of the book, digital artwork with motivational phrases, and a custom Hoo-Rag (better bandana), covered with artwork from the Bandana Acres series!!

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/116b5/bandana-acres-rascal-s-trip-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 2, 2021

 

About the Book

Book:  Borrowed Lives

Author: Carol McClain

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Release date: March 2021

God Only Lends Us Those We Love for a Season 

 

Distraught from recent tragedy, Meredith Jaynes takes pity on a young girl who steals from her. Meredith discovers “Bean” lives in a hovel mothering her two younger sisters. The three appear to have been abandoned. With no other homes available, Social Services will separate the siblings. To keep them together, Meredith agrees to foster them on a temporary basis.

Balancing life as a soap maker raising goats in rural Tennessee proved difficult enough before the siblings came into her care. Without Bean’s help, she’d never be able to nurture these children warped by drugs and neglect—let alone manage her goats that possess the talents of Houdini. Harder still is keeping her eccentric family at bay.

Social worker Parker Snow struggles to overcome the breakup with his fiancĂ©e. Burdened by his inability to find stable homes for so many children who need love, he believes placing the abandoned girls with Meredith Jaynes is the right decision. Though his world doesn’t promise tomorrow, he hopes Meredith’s does.

But she knows she’s too broken.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Carol McClain is the award-winning author of four novels dealing with real people facing real problems. She is a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith might look like, you will find compassion, humor and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work.

Aside from writing, she’s a skilled stained-glass artist, an avid hiker and photographer. She lives in East Tennessee. Her most recent interests are her two baby goats Peanut & Buttercup. Like all babies, they love sitting on our laps and being bottle fed.

 

More from Carol

People.

Their lives are messy, destructive, full of mistakes.

Mostly, their lives are beautiful.

For years, I worked with recovering addicts. When I first heard their tales, shock and disbelief overwhelmed me. I couldn’t understand the pain inflicted upon them by addicted parents or what they did in their own lives.

Without Christ, no redemption could be found in their misery. Doesn’t sound like a fun read, huh? Many recover from their addictive patterns. In the interim, the foster care system serves their families wonderfully.

All these factors, coupled with the theme that lives are only leant to us for a season create a story of hope, humor and redemption.

Aside from seeing faith in Jesus change people’s lives—there are always goats.

I love goats, but my husband hesitated in including them in our lives. Seeing as I live the lives of my characters (I am daft), I gave my protagonist in Borrowed Lives Nubian goats. I raised them in my younger years, and by including them in my story, I could have goats vicariously.

Couple the above (redemption from addiction, foster care, and my obsession for goats) with my love of East Tennessee where the people are kind and friendly, and the scenery unparalleled, Borrowed Lives was born.

MY REVIEW 

There are some books that entertain you and then there are those rare books that grip your heart and expose the ugliness of the world. Three young children left alone in a shack with no food or supervision is where this story got my tears going. It is hard for me to understand how a parent can do drugs and not have any compassion for their children. I had to stop myself after I wrote the last sentence. Drug addiction is hard, painful and takes away everything that is good. I have seen the ugly side of drug addiction and know how it destroys a family. In the end everyone loses, even the innocent children. 

I appreciate the author writing a story that is raw and realistic. When we are introduced to Bean, Roxie and Crystal tears streamed down my cheeks. These precious gifts from God had now become part of a system that is overcrowded.  In the news we can find stories of abuse and neglect everyday where a child has become the victim of a society where children are shoved from one place to another. But there is hope and this story will make you believe in hope, faith, forgiveness and a new beginning.

Meredith is a woman with a big heart. After losing her husband and daughter she has been alone with her anger and grief. When you are hurt it can be easy to turn away from God. Meredith is a hard worker and I loved learning about her soap making.  I loved how the author gives readers insight into foster care. Meredith finds herself caring for three precious girls who bring joy back into her life. It was nice to read how they began to feel like a family. Being a foster parent has its rewards but there is also the hard part of letting go when the children are placed with relatives. My heart breaks as I read the ending of this story. Meredith has grown so much emotionally and the children have helped her overcome her grief. I loved reading how she reaches out to God in her darkest moment. 

I want to give a big thanks to all those that care for  children who have come misplaced from their homes. The story reminded me how important it is to love your children and know that they  are a gift from God. I would love to have a follow up story to see what becomes of Meredith and a certain someone who likes her. Thank you to the author for writing a story that highlights the care and love that foster families give to those who feel lost and rejected. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 1

Texas Book-aholic, September 2

Spoken from the Heart, September 2

Inklings and notions, September 3

For Him and My Family, September 4

deb’s Book Review, September 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 8

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 9

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 10

Rebecca Tews, September 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 11

Batya’s Bits, September 12

Pause for Tales, September 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/116b2/borrowed-lives-celebration-tour-giveaway