Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Different Like Me Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Different Like Me

Author: Xochitl Dixon

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Release Date: August 4, 2020

Celebrate our differences and uncover what we have in common on this whimsical journey that reminds everyone that no matter how different, all of us are a part of God’s wonderful creation.

Whether in looks, cultural background, physical prowess, or academic excellence, there are no two children exactly alike. Different Like Me helps them know that being unique is good and that God has made them as they are for a purpose.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Xochitl Dixon, author of Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace and the children’s picture book, Different Like Me, serves as a regular contributor to Our Daily Bread and Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures. She equips and encourages others to grow closer to God and others, nurturing spiritual growth through prayerful study and application of Scripture. Sharing God’s truth and love to the ends of the earth, she enjoys serving Jesus with her service dog, Callie. She likes singing, art, photography, hanging out with her husband, Alan, and sons, AJ and Xavier, and connecting with readers at www.xedixon.com.

More from Xochitl

Why I Wrote Different Like Me

What are you?

That question used to trigger anger, frustration, and sadness, especially when people responded in disbelief because my answer didn’t fit the stereotypes they’d accepted as truth. My insecurities deepened, causing me to hate my own light-but-not-white reflection. Years later, when I became a mom of two black sons, I didn’t want them to suffer similar insecurities. I didn’t want them to think their worth as people could be determined by the opinions, expectations, or biases of others. I wanted my sons to love God, to love the way God created them, and to love all the people God created. But my desires and best-intentions couldn’t protect them the ignorance and hate so prevalent in our fallen world.

One day, during a trip to an ice cream shop, an adult male glared at my five-year-old son and said, “What are you?” The sting of his words ripped the scar off the wound on my heart that I thought had healed.

Asking God to help me forgive, I sought ways to help my sons rejoice in their uniqueness and God’s creativity in designing all of His people. While studying my Bible, I began learning how to embrace my identity in Christ. The more I learned about God’s love for me, the more I began to accept I worth loving and the more I began to love others.

I wrote Different Like Me in 2001, shortly after receiving Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Originally, I had planned to use the poem to teach my sons how to celebrate our differences and our sameness as God’s beautifully diverse and purposefully connected people. But the Lord kept nudging me to share the story with others.

In 2016, my agent and an editor read Different Like Me, loved it, but couldn’t move forward with publication. The following year, I signed a contract for my first full-length devotional, Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace. I set Different Like Me aside as I worked on the other projects the Lord had entrusted to me.

In 2018, shortly after submitting Waiting for God to my editor at Our Daily Bread Publishing, my agent and the editor who had loved Different Like Me in 2016 surprised me with two contract offers.

I scrambled to prepare my first children’s picture book proposal with the help of my friend and prolific children’s book author, Crystal Bowman. I submitted the proposal to several editors before prayerfully deciding to accept a contract from Our Daily Bread Publishing.

Then, I began praying for an illustrator who would avoid stereotypes and include children with special needs as heroes, not sideline characters. Bonnie Lui did a fabulous job. She weaved her own beautiful story into the gorgeous illustrations that breathe life into the whimsical rhyming text I’d written almost two decades earlier. Bonnie even created a character inspired by my service dog, Callie, a Border Collie/Hound mix we’d rescued in 2018 from a kill-shelter after God moved us from California to Wisconsin.

Earlier this year, as I prepared for the August 2020 release of Different Like Me, tragedy divided our world. I truly believe God delayed my path to publication so that He could prepare hearts to receive the message of love, unity, peace, and hope that He has brought to life through each page of Different Like Me.

My REVIEW

I was excited to read this book because it is exactly what we need right now. A positive look at children they may look different but are all the same. The illustrations are beautiful and easy to keep a child's attention. I love the way the story rhymes and is easy fir children to follow along. The message is simple yet the World struggles as different to some mean not as important.

We all hurt, laugh, play and love the same regardless of the color of our skin. Some may have disabilities but they are the same as everyone else. The book is a great tool to use to teach children that we are all the same. I loved how the author includes children wearing glasses, in a wheelchair, or other differences all playing together. Children are innocent and don’t judge others because they may look or act differently.

I would recommend this book to every parent, grandparent, church, daycare and school. I will be purchasing a copy of this book for my grandchild. The author includes questions at the end of the book for parents or teachers to use to discuss the lesson taught in the book. Come experience a group of children having fun together as they make friends and experience the message that God loves us.

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

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, September 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 15

Texas Book-aholic, September 16

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 17

Splashes of Joy, September 18

deb’s Book Review, September 18

For Him and My Family, September 19

A Reader’s Brain, September 20

Simple Harvest Reads, September 21 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Mary Hake, September 21

Book Love, September 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 24

Artistic Nobody, September 25

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 26

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Xochitl is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of Different Like Me with a bookmark, sticker, coloring page with a 4-pack of crayons, a key chain, a fish-out-of-water finger puppet, lollipop, and book bag, as well as a $25.00 Amazon gift card to encourage readers to build up their collection children’s picture books that celebrate diversity!!

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/100e3/different-like-me-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, September 14, 2020

About the Book

Book: When Hearts Collide

Author: Sara Beth Williams

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: September 10, 2018

A reckless mistake landed Jacob “Jay” Mathews behind bars, but it was his inescapable guilt that led him to God. Upon his release, with the help of a spiritual mentor and friend, he strives to move forward with his life. Determined to graduate college, get a job, and follow God’s word, the last thing Jay needs or wants is a girlfriend. Until he meets Lacey Bennett.

When fervent prayers for reconciliation between her divorced parents go unanswered, and her older sister tragically dies, Lacey questions how God could allow such tragedies to befall her family. Turning her back on her past and God, she focuses on her future. College and theater are her ultimate goals; falling for the one type of guy she swore to avoid—a Christian—is not. No matter how much she wants to resist, Jay is irresistible.

As their relationship deepens, Jay struggles with Lacey’s unresolved anger and her unwillingness to even discuss faith. All he wants to do is reveal how God changed his life, but doing so would mean revealing his status as an ex convict. Finally, as she begins to rekindle her faith, past secrets collide, threatening to destroy everything they’ve built. Now, Jay must rely on his faith more than he ever has before. Can they learn to forgive—or is their relationship fractured beyond repair?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

This story is at the very root of second chances and forgiveness. We all have made mistakes that we think God will never forgive us for. Jay as a teen does something that will cause his life to unravel with harsh consequences. I liked how the author showed how drinking and driving can cause a chain reaction of grief, bad decisions and the death of an innocent person. Being only sixteen, Jay finds himself behind bars where his freedom is taken away.

Lacey is devastated by the loss of her sister and still struggles every day with anger and pain from that fateful day. Not only is Lacey trying to move on from losing her sister, but also the divorce of her parents. It was hard for Lacey to grasp the idea that her mother could forgive the person who accidentally killed her sister. I think what was even harder for Lacey was the fact that her mother couldn’t forgive her dad for something he did that hurt so much that divorce was the outcome. It brings up a good point of showing how we choose to forgive one person but not another one. God doesn’t say one sin is worse than the other. Sin is sin and not measured by anything. I have been guilty of not forgiving someone . I allowed my pride to interfere and refuse to let go of my bitterness.

The story is very well written and I really liked the journey Jay took as he allowed God to change him from the inside out. It is a very emotional look at second chances and how one person was able to completely change their life through the love of Jesus. I liked how the author had Lacey and Jay become friends. Jay knows that Lacey is angry at God but he doesn’t know why. He does ask Lacey to go to church with him, but she refuses.

The author uses two hurting people and walks them through trials as they both struggle with lingering questions of why. Don’t we sometimes question why God let’s bad things happen? Why didn’t he heal our loved one or why do we struggle so much in our lives? Theses questions are all valid and the author uses examples to help explain sone of the answers to these questions.

I loved everything about this book and how the author takes several characters through a journey to forgiveness and making amends with family and friends. One of the most powerful things in this story is a confession that is made by someone. Even though it will hurt others, I feel that the person was set free from guilt. Never doubt that your testimony is not important. The trials we go through help us become stronger and by sharing what God did in your life can help someone struggling with the same issues. God loves us and wants us to walk in peace and freedom.

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

About the Author

Sara Beth Williams is a wife, mother of two daughters, and temporary caretaker of a lovable old lady pit and a spunky Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix. She lives in Northern California. When she’s not held hostage by the keyboard, she enjoys music, teaching, reading and spending time with her family. She is all about connecting with readers! Find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Bookbub and AllAuthor.

More from Sara Beth

I’d had the beginnings of the story that is When Hearts Collide, in my mind for many years after I graduated high school. There are a number of personal experiences both from high school and after, which have influenced this story. Attending a memorial service for a fellow high school student who died in a car accident heavily influenced the early drafts of my novel; however, over time the accident itself, and the surrounding circumstances morphed into something else entirely.

The more books I read, no matter the genre, the more I am drawn to authentic, broken characters, who long for (and hopefully achieve) a second chance – both in love and in life. This is the essence of When Hearts Collide. Both Lacey and Jay long for a second chance in many aspects of their lives.

One of the key components in my writing and storytelling is creating authentic characters who experience real life challenges while embarking on a journey of faith.

I hope you truly enjoy this story of romance, faith, forgiveness, and second chances.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, September 9

Remembrancy, September 10

Simple Harvest Reads, September 11 (Author Interview)

Godly Book Reviews, September 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 13

Artistic Nobody, September 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Texas Book-aholic, September 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 16

A Baker’s Perspective, September 17 (Author Interview)

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 17

For Him and My Family, September 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 19

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 20

Blossoms and Blessings, September 21 (Author Interview)

Cultivating Us, September 21

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the winner’s choice of one of Sara’s books!!

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/10096/when-hearts-collide-celebration-tour-giveaway

THE CHRISTMAS SWAP by MELODY CARLSON

I love reading Christmas books anytime of the year. It is getting close to the holidays and this charming story put me right in the holiday spirit. I loved the concept of swapping houses at Christmas time. I know I would have picked going anywhere where snow is since I have never seen it. It sounded like it would be fun for Emma to tag along with her friend Gillian and her family to Colorado.

I did not care for Gillian at all. She is self centered and has a horrible attitude. It was clear that Gillian got her attitude from her mother. My oh my did Gillian’s mother complain about everything. The house wasn’t good enough, she was cold, the decorations were not to her liking. I think she and Gillian should have just flown home.

The premise of the story centers mostly around Emma and West. I won’t go into much detail about who West is because I want that to be a surprise. I did like how West and Emma hit it off, but Gillian was green with envy. She finds out a huge secret about West and wants him for herself. The story is cute but lacking in some areas. I did like the back and forth with Emma and West but I wanted more depth to their characters. The story seemed to end abruptly and I feel like it didn’t really have a satisfactory closing. It was too predictable and left me with questions more than answers.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. The review is my own opinion.

Sunday, September 13, 2020

About the Book

Book: W!se Parenting

Author: Drs. Gil and Dana Stieglitz

Genre: Christian Living

Release Date: August 15, 2020

Let’s face it—parenting is hard!

In fact, many parents agree it’s the hardest job they’ve ever had to do. Did you know there are specific reasons why some families do well and others come unglued? Wise Parenting: Creating the Joy of Family offers parents in all stages of parenthood the six essential ingredients that successful and joy-filled families all seem to have. This is more than just another parenting book—this is a book of hope, as well as a practical guide for success in some of the most difficult parenting areas.

For over three decades, Dr. Gil Stieglitz has worked with countless parents and teens involving family issues. He began to see a pattern emerge between families who “did it right” and the absence of that pattern in families who came apart. He, along with his wife, Dana Stieglitz, put this pattern into practice while raising their three daughters. Today, they share an uncommon depth of relationship and joy with each of them. Now they are passing this pattern on to you, so you can create a truly enjoyable family.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I remember the day I had my first child and thinking “Now what do I do?” My husband and I were all alone with no help so off we went to our home as new parents. Boy were we scared with this new responsibility. Many years later, I laugh at our many mistakes we made but through it all we have been blessed with three amazing sons.

This book is one I wish I had all those years ago. It is chocked full of helpful information and encouragement. Children need stability and a deep relationship with their parents. God gave us our children to nurture, love and guide. It is something I have never taken lightly. I liked how the book has scriptures that you can read to help you as you go through raising children.

The authors talk about The Six R’s of Wise Parenting and breaks each one down into their own chapter. Each one builds on the other and I found them to be easy to follow. Children need boundaries and as parents we need to show them the Godly way to live. The book talks about routine and I loved this chapter. We need to be consistent in our discipline and have a united front as parents. It is also important to have a time where you pray with your children. I found it helpful to pray as a family every night before bed.

One of the main goals is to be loving, patient and available. Children will make mistakes, and as parents we need to correct them in a loving way. We want them to feel comfortable enough to come to us with anything. I loved the subject about forgiveness. We want to teach our children to forgive in a Godly way. I also think it is important as parents to ask forgiveness from our children when we make a mistake. I know first hand how powerful it is to hear a parent say “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” I had to swallow my pride and ask forgiveness from my children one time and the freedom I felt was undeniable.

The book has many guidelines and suggestions for parents. Some of the suggestions may not work in your family but overall the book is a tool that could be helpful in some areas.

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

About the Author

Dana Stieglitz has a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Samuel Merritt University. She works as Nurse Practitioner in a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation practice located in Sacramento, CA. Together, they have raised three beautiful young women who exemplify the Six R’s in their own unique ways. For more information and to check out their other books, visit www.ptlb.com or Amazon.com.

More from Dana and Gil

I can remember thirty years ago, when my wife and I had our first child, we picked up a mentor couple who was there to guide us through the first few years of the parenting process. Their guidance and support made all the difference in our parenting, helping us to be more confident in loving, directing, and guiding our baby daughter.

As our other two girls were born, we went to more parenting workshops and gathered more mentor couples. We also read, studied, and devoured all that the Scriptures had to say about the parenting process, especially the book of Proverbs. Another time, when my sister thought I was being too strict with the girls, she recommended a wonderful book that was helpful to us. All the different advice these mentors gave us and the various resources they offered were invaluable. We would have been lost without their help, not knowing what to do in so many situations. It really does take a village to raise kids wisely.

I am confident that God will guide every parent if they are looking for His wisdom. I am hopeful that my collection of all the wisdom we received over the years, and the scriptural underpinnings, will help you in the stretching, delightful, marathon-process of parenting your children. We truly did have a great time. Our kids were not easy but they were wonderful. And just so you know, we actually did have a staff meeting every week to talk through the six key R’s to try and stay ahead of our kids. I hope that this book acts like a gentle encourager on your parenting journey.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 12

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, September 13 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, September 13

Texas Book-aholic, September 14

Inklings and notions, September 15

Stories By Gina, September 16 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 18

Artistic Nobody, September 19 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 20

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 21

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 24

Spoken from the Heart, September 25

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Dana and Gil are giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a set of parenting books!! (including W!se Parenting)

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/10099/w-se-parenting-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, September 11, 2020

About the Book

Book: To Love a Prince

Author: Rachel Hauck

Genre: Royal Romance

Release Date: August 11, 2020

An enchanting new royal romance from NYT bestselling author Rachel Hauck

Daffodil Caron is not a princess, even though she once dreamed of being one. After all, she grew up as a playmate to royal princes, running through the halls of Perrigwynn Palace and dining with the queen. But the day she stumbled upon a royal secret, everything changed.

Flash forward eighteen years, and Daffy’s living a sweet, non-royal life. A skilled art curator for the Royal Trust, she has friends, a flat in the heart of the city, and a handsome, successful fiancée. The last person on her mind is Gus, a prince she once called her best mate.

HRH Prince Augustus is no longer “Prince Pudgy,” as caricaturized by the press, he’s charming and gorgeous, possessing a world-famous smile. But when he’s jilted at the altar by an American heiress as millions of people around the world watched, the spare heir to Lauchtenland’s ancient House of Blue escapes, finding solace on a Florida beach.

A year as a regular bloke allows him to rethink his purpose. He’s half decided his calling is to pour pints at a tiki bar, rather than serving his country and the Family.

Until an accident on the beach with a Frisbee changes his course.

Despite his long hair and beard, Daffy recognizes her prince, and their childhood friendship is renewed. She assures Gus Lauchtenland needs him, giving him the courage to return home.

When Daffy and Gus find themselves on assignment to Hadsby Castle in preparation for his brother’s wedding, their friendship blooms into affection.

But Gus cannot, will not, trust his heart again. Daffy’s engaged. And she also remains a royal family outcast because she knows the Queen’s secret.

When affection grows into love and secrets are exposed, trust is destroyed. Gus must choose which is stronger: the lies of his past or the hope of his future. And Daffy must face every fear to prove she will forever love a prince.

“Another compelling royal story by the master of princely tales!” Susan May Warren, USA Today bestselling, RITA award-winning novelist

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I love reading stories about the Royal Family and as a little girl I dreamed of being a princess. Reading this enchanting story stirred my interest once again in all things Royal. The author delivers a breathtaking account of a Royal Family and gives us a look at their protocols. I loved being swept away in a place where ball gowns, lavish food and spectacular sceneries adorned the pages.

Daffy is such a great character and it is easy to see why Prince Gus was smitten with her even as they were children. Daffy grew up around the Royal Family and played in the palace . One day while hiding in the Queen’s closet, she overheard something that she knows must be kept secret. I had a diary when I was younger and in that diary were my secret thoughts that I didn’t want anyone to know. Daffy writes down the conversation she overheard while hiding and then over the years forgets about the diary. That diary will fall into the wrong hands and thus begins a story of a secret that could crush the Royal Family.

Gus is trying to get over being left at the altar and travels to America to escape the hurt he feels. I loved how Daffy and Gus bump into each other after many years apart. I could sense they still had sparks for each other. Gus is a wonderful character and is happy to see his childhood friend. I won’t say how they end up back at the Royal Palace together but it will bring secrets, surprises and lots of fun reading.

I loved how the author brought faith in the story in a subtle way. Gus and Daffy both have a few things they must work on in their personal lives. I enjoyed the interaction between Daffy and the Queen. There were a few tense moments between them, but God had a way to bring hidden things to the surface. We think our secrets will be hidden forever, but this story reminds us that “all things hidden will be revealed.”

The story has a good message of forgiveness and it shows how letting go of bitterness can set you free. I especially liked the special place called “The Hand of God.” It is significant in the story as someone finds themselves drawn to God while in this spot where peace is found. I would love to have a place like this to go to to be alone and rekindle my faith. The ending is spectacular and fills readers with hope that dreams do come true. I look forward to the next book in this exciting series.

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

About the Author

Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.

Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.

Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.

Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.

A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.

At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.

A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.

She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.

More from Rachel

Hello Royal Rockstar Readers!

I’m thrilled to share To Love A Prince with you. So many of you who loved the Royal Wedding

Series have asked for more royals so as I noodled over new story ideas, my thoughts drifted toward princes and princesses. What’s more romantic than a royal wedding?

This royal story, the first book in a new series, True Blue Royal, is set in a new fictional country, Lauchtenland, in the North Sea. I’m really squeezing all those oil wells currently occupying that body of water.

The beauty of royal stories is they remind us of who we really are: princes and princesses. There is always a point in the story where the royal character, as well as the commoner, must come to grips with his and her true identity! Who God says we are!

Stories are a powerful reflection of life and it’s fun to insert ourselves into the tale. While fiction employs a lot of hyperbole we can find ourselves on the page somewhere, somehow.

Thanks for going on this little tour with me and To Love A Prince. You are so vital to my story as an author. Thank you!

Yours,

Rachel