Search This Blog

Sunday, December 29, 2019

The Wedding Dress FB Banner About the Book

Book:  The Wedding Dress Christmas
Author: Rachel Hauck
Genre: Romance, Christmas
Release Date: October 22, 2019
The Wedding Dress Christmas CoverDecember covers quaint Heart’s Bend, Tennessee with a blanket of white and the glitter of Christmas lights.
For JoJo Castle there’s no place like home. It’s her safe place. Her one-time love of adventure ended when life in the big city shattered her hopes and dreams. Now that she’s returned to Hearts Bend, she never wants to leave again.
Buck Mathews, the biggest country singing sensation in decades, has the world on a string – his guitar strings, to be exact. However, when news of his mother’s illness sends him back to Hearts Bend for the holiday season, he remembers how good it can be to live among family and friends.
Working with her cousin Haley in The Wedding Shop, JoJo has no aspirations of love. Leaving home, surrendering her heart again, is just too risky.
When she runs into her friend and high school crush Buck Mathews, she discovers Love might have other plans for her[BV1] .
Buck’s career is on the verge of an momentous leap. But seeing JoJo awakens feelings he’d buried long ago. Falling in love is easy, but winning her heart will take more than one of his melodic tunes and clever lyrics.
JoJo and Buck want opposite things for their lives, leaving no room for compromise. Can love, especially the kind that touches hearts at Christmastime, overcome her fears andhis quest for greatness?
When a very special gown – the wedding dress – begins to make its presence known, JoJo and Buck’s hearts bend in a way neither ever thought possible.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

rachel-hauck-HR-5Rachel 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 The Wedding Dress Christmas with you. I’ve heard from so many how much The Wedding Dress has touched them, and as I noodled over new story ideas, my thoughts drifted toward the wedding dress and Christmas. What’s more romantic than a Christmas wedding?
This novella is set in Hearts Bend, Tennessee, the fictional town ofThe Wedding Chapel and The Wedding Shop. Even if you’ve never read one of books inThe Wedding Collection, you’ll enjoy this story, the mystery of the dress, and the women whose lives it changed.
I love weddings. They remind us of the purity and the hope of love, the power of commitment. Something powerful is released when two people pledge to spend their lives together, loving and serving one another in both good and bad times. Every wedding I attend reminds me of the vows I made to my husband and I sign up all over again.
Stories are a powerful reflection of life. Yes, fictional stories are often told with wild hyperbole, but that’s what makes them fun to read.
I also love wedding stories because they remind us of God’s love for us, and that one day there will be the grandest wedding of them all. Isn’t it wonderful that God planned a wedding before He created the earth?
In The Wedding Dress Christmas, JoJo and Buck have their issues, but love proves strong enough to conquer them all.
Thanks for going on this little tour with me and The Wedding Dress Christmas.
Yours,
Rachel


Review.jpg


This has been such a nice clean and easy to read story. The characters are flawed but in their weakness, we see God holding them up and giving them strength. Jo was such an inspirational character. It was nice to see her come home to the quaint little town of Hearts Bend, Tennessee. The description of the town makes me want to live there and enjoy all the shops and friendly people. I wondered why Jo had left a great job to come back and work at the  Wedding Shop. The author gives us snippets of why she came home, but we don't find out for awhile. I thought it was nice how the author didn't rush into Jo's past .

The only thing I can say for Buck is wow. He stole my heart with his charm and humble spirit. He comes home for a reason that is hard for him to accept. The flow of his story was good and there wasn't too much emphasis on his celebrity status while he visited his hometown.  I was cheering for him to win Jo's heart but she has put up a wall that is hard to get through. Her fears have taken over her life and she has lost a little of her faith in God. Can Buck break through her barrier and show her how to trust again?

The Wedding Shop is wonderful and the introduction in the story of the wedding dress was enchanting. The dress is very special and I couldn't wait to see who the next bride would be to wear it. The dress mysteriously keeps going on display in the shop and I have a feeling that the dress has picked its next owner. 

I enjoyed reading how Jo struggles with her anxiety and fear. It is a battle many of us deal with daily.  Will Jo find a way to overcome her fear? The ending is perfect and reminds us that love does conquer all. 

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

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, December 18
Livin’ Lit, December 18
Robin’s Nest, December 18
By The Book, December 19
Wishful Endings, December 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 19
Among the Reads, December 20
Genesis 5020, December 20
Life as Lanhams, December 20
Daysong Reflections, December 21
Bigreadersite, December 21
Simple Harvest Reads, December 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Remembrancy, December 22
Britt Reads Fiction, December 22
She Lives to Read, December 23
Empowermoms, December 23
Inside the Wong Mind, December 23
Mia Reads Blog, December 23
Splashes of Joy, December 24
Christian Bookaholic, December 24
Hallie Reads, December 24
Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 25
Blogging With Carol, December 25
For Him and My Family, December 26
Hebrews 12 Endurance, December 26
Mamma Loves Books, December 27
Betti Mace, December 28
Batya’s Bits, December 28
Quiet Quilter, December 29
janicesbookreviews, December 29
A Reader’s Brain, December 30
Inklings and notions, December 30
Texas Book-aholic, December 30
Carla Loves to Read, December 30
Back Porch Reads, December 31
CarpeDiem, December 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a print copy of the book and a Visa gift card for $25. Swag!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Posted by at 1 comment:

Wings like a dove FB BannerAbout the Book

Book:  Wings Like A Dove
Author: Camille Eide
Genre: Historical fiction/romance
Release Date: December 1, 2019
Wings like a Dove coverCan the invisible walls that separate people ever come down?
In 1933, Anna Leibowicz is convinced that the American dream that brought her Jewish family here from Poland is nothing but an illusion. Her father has vanished. Her dreams of college can’t make it past the sweat-shop door. And when she discovers to her shame and horror that she’s with child, her mother gives her little choice but to leave her family. Deciding her best course of action is to try to find her father, she strikes out…hoping against hope to somehow redeem them both.
When Anna stumbles upon a house full of orphan boys in rural Indiana who are in desperate need of a tutor, she agrees to postpone her journey. But she knows from the moment she meets their contemplative, deep-hearted caretaker, Thomas Chandler, that she doesn’t dare risk staying too long. She can’t afford to open her heart to them, to him. She can’t risk letting her secrets out.
All too soon, the townspeople realize she’s not like them and treat her with the same disdain they give the Sisters of Mercy—the nuns who help Thomas and the boys—and Samuel, the quiet colored boy Thomas has taken in. With the Klan presence in the town growing ever stronger and the danger to this family increasing the longer she stays, Anna is torn between fleeing to keep them safe…and staying to fight beside them.
Oh, that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest…

Click here to get your copy.


About the Author

Camille EideCamille writes poignant, inspirational love stories some call “more than a romance.” She lives in Oregon with her husband and is a mom, grandma, office admin, lead foot, cinnamon roll baker, and a bass guitarist. She’s a fan of muscle cars, tender romance, and Peanut M&Ms.

More from Camille

If Only I Could Fly Away…
“Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. I would flee far away and stay in the desert; I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.” -Psalm 55:6-8
What do you think of when you read this passage from Psalms? Does the idea of escape tempt you? Have you ever cried out for relief from life’s storms?
In Wings Like a Dove, Anna faces growing difficulties in her life. Psalm 55:6 is brought to her attention and she ponders it more than once, especially as the difficulties in her life steadily increase.
As Polish Jews in the early 1900s, Anna’s family lived in constant upheaval, so fleeing danger is nothing new to her. The problem is that Anna craves connection and community. While she was often uprooted, at least Anna enjoyed the security of family—until now. As the story begins, she is turned out of her home and must journey across the country alone, a heartache that only intensifies the persecution she faces as a Jew, an immigrant, and an unwed woman with child.
But her journey is temporarily delayed out of necessity, and she quickly falls in love with those who have taken her in. The idea of leaving them is as painful a prospect as leaving her own family, but because of the troubles that follow her, it seems she has no choice.
Psalm 55:6 isn’t tempting Anna to leave her surroundings; it tempts her to escape the negativity that robs her joy.
For Anna, and for the rest of us, we can’t flee trouble any more than we can grow wings and fly. The desire for relief is understandable. But what if there is a purpose in the difficult situations we face? What if we are called to more than simply outlast life’s storms? What if our weakest moment is exactly what God wants to use to show his power, love, mercy, and grace?
What if God is waiting for us to stop fluttering our wings and find joy in knowing that we are in the very place we need to be, for a purpose, for such a time as this?
Quote from Anna:
“If these past months have taught me nothing else, they have taught me that though I am only a seed blowing in the wind, I must still be fruitful wherever I land. I have learned that wherever we find ourselves, we must have the courage to stretch out roots and produce something useful, even in times of difficulty. We must bloom boldly in whatever field our seed has fallen.”
 May you find the sweet spot of joy and purpose in the midst of your storm!

-Camille



Review.jpg


This book is one I could not put down. It is a riveting account of what it was like in 1933. Being Jewish, Anna never once thought her heritage would cause so much discord among others. I instantly liked her never give up attitude and humble spirit. When she becomes pregnant her mother gives her no choice but to leave her home. I can't imagine what it would be like to be all alone with no where to sleep or even be able to find food to eat.

Thomas is a wonderful character who has taken in young boys to raise so they won't be sent to an orphanage. My heart went out to him as he tried so hard to provide for them and try to keep them grounded in the Word. His faith was very strong and his love for the children was unconditional. 

I believe it was a divine appointment when Anna runs into Thomas and he offers her a place to stay in exchange for teaching school to the boys he is in charge of. Anna is hesitant but with a new life growing inside she has no other choice but to accept his offer.  As the story continues the author shows us what racism feels like when people in the little town show how much they don't like anyone but white people. One of the young boys that Thomas cares for moved me to tears. Samuel and Anna seem to build a special bond and I loved how Anna helped Samuel to understand who God was. He is a boy who has seen something that scares him and it rears its ugly head in town one day.

I couldn't believe how horrible people could be to others because of the color of their skin, heritage or religious beliefs. Thomas and Anna are from different backgrounds but it doesn't hinder their friendship. When the town discovers that Anna is Jewish and has kept her pregnancy a secret, hate spews into her life. She is shunned by everyone in town. The author gives a vivid account of what it must have been like for someone living during this time period facing hatred. The mention of the KKK was hard to read and they caused destruction and death in the town. Through all the turmoil going on there God was there protecting those who felt unwanted and judged.

The author has written an epic adventure that illustrates the hard times people faced during this time period with food supplies dwindling and a nation under seize by prejudice and greed. I longed for Anna and Samuel to feel accepted and loved. The faith element in the story is strong and gives characters comfort and shows them that God will never leave them. The story has opened my eyes to the fact that many people even today still find themselves in the face of hatred by those who are blinded by a world that still practices prejudice. The story is filled with many lessons and a beautiful ending that gives us hope for change.

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

Blog Stops

KarenSueHadley, December 17
Mia Reads, December 18
Genesis 5020, December 19
Emily Yager, December 20
Betti Mace, December 21
Christian Bookaholic, December 22
April Hayman, Author, December 22
For The Love of Books, December 23
For Him and My Family, December 25
janicesbookreviews, December 28
Pause for Tales, December 29
Texas Book-aholic, December 29
A Reader’s Brain, December 30
Inklings and notions, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Camille is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon card & a signed book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Posted by at 3 comments:

 About the Book

Book:  The Seductive Slayers of Success
Author: Rosalinda Rivera
Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Women’s Interests
Release Date: November 19, 2019
9781641233217“I am not a neat nut. Let me start with that confession. Don’t let the title of this chapter, Clean the Clutter, fool you into thinking I have all my ducks in a row. If I had ducks, they would not be in a straight line. Or all accounted for.”—Rosalinda Rivera
The snooze button on your alarm clock. The “brilliant shortcut” that makes you late. The unwritten to-do list that you follow from the time you get out of bed till the time you crawl back in it, making each day seem like the last.
These are some of The Seductive Slayers of Success—the little things that add up and try to stop you from moving forward and realizing your dreams. Rosalinda Rivera has been there and she knows just how to help you get up, move on, and Harness Your Strengths to Take Control of Your Destiny.
Using stories from her own life as well as Scripture, Rosalinda offers encouragement to help you kick the negative aspects of life to the curb and jump start your way to a brighter tomorrow. Like a close friend, she gives inspirational, down-to-earth advice with a dash of humor thrown in.

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Rivera_RosalindaRosalinda Rivera is both outspoken and passionate about helping others change their lives and accomplish their dreams. She is a sought-after speaker by major companies, non-profits, and ministries around the world for her high energy, humorous, and down-to-earth motivational style.
She is the executive director of New Life For Adults and Youth, Mercy House, and Mercy Moms House, a place for single mothers to find hope and healing. Rosalinda has been reaching out to families in crisis, poverty, and hopelessness for over twenty-five years.
Using her business skills, she developed a model of social enterprise to sustain the nonprofits she leads by creating businesses that train people in job skills and leadership.
Rosalinda is the founder of Bella Women’s Ministry in Richmond, Virginia, which hosts annual conferences for over five hundred women.
She is also the author of Dare to Begin Again: Let God Write Your Best Future and Wonder Women: Becoming a Hero for Christ.
Rosalinda has been a featured presenter at various events nationwide and has ministered throughout the world. From the White House to the local community, she has been nationally recognized for her impact in bringing hope to the hopeless. Rosalinda was appointed to the Board of Governors of the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Style Magazine selected her as a “Top 40 under 40” leader for her impact in Virginia.
Rosalinda is the daughter of Victor Torres, an ex-gang member from the streets of New York, and his wife, Carmen, the founders of New Life For Youth and pastors of New Life Outreach International Church. She served as an associate producer on Victor, a movie about her father’s journey from drugs and gangs to Jesus and redemption.
Rosalinda and her husband, Carlos, have three children: Alana, Gabriel, and Victor.

More from Rosalinda

Shoot Your Snooze Button
Time doesn’t stop and allow us to make up for minutes wasted. Procrastination is not preparation, no matter what we tell ourselves as we reach for that seductive slayer of success. Think I’m being dramatic? The snooze habit is a symptom of a much bigger problem—one that seeps into many areas of our lives. The struggle is real.
Delay is the destroyer of dreams. It reduces our resolve. Procrastination is the poison that paralyzes our potential. How many opportunities are you hitting the snooze button on? Putting it off until tomorrow can easily become the habit that defines our lives. Instead of building the life we hope for, we are adding another log to the fire of future regret.
Right now, you may recall specific life-goals that have fallen by the wayside. In what areas of life have you chosen to roll over, closing your eyes to what your inner dreams require of you? Look at your gifts. Your talents. Are you harnessing your strengths to propel you in the direction of your desires? Or are you letting that power go to waste?
You’ve likely heard someone say, “She has potential.” Sounds like a good thing, right? In truth, it’s a compliment with a caveat. To say someone has potential is like looking in their pantry and noting there’s ingredients in there to make a cake. It does not mean there’s a cake. It doesn’t mean they will ever bake a cake. It just means this person could make a cake, if they so desired.
If you want to have your cake and eat it, too, you have to do something with what you’ve been given. If you want red velvet deliciousness in your future, remember: it’s not going to bake itself. Potential is pointless until it’s proven in performance. Are you ready to see your possibilities manifest into something tangible?


Review.jpg

From the first pages of the book, I realized this book would give me insights into how to overcome things in my life and help me focus on what really is important. I could relate to the alarm clock so well. I hate when that thing goes off at 4:00 am every morning. It is set for my husband to get up, but he quickly slams the snooze button for the next thirty minutes. He may feel like he is getting extra sleep,  but I lay there dreading the next annoying beeping sound the alarm will make.   I don't like to be rushed and when I was working I was always thirty minutes early to work. It helped me get acclimated for what was ahead of me for the day.

The book is filled with wonderful motivational nuggets that inspired me to rethink what my goals are for the new year. It is not east to achieve your dreams and  I loved when the author says, "Aspire to be a finisher and not a quitter."  We will have rough roads ahead but it is not the time to give up. Keep moving forward and allow God to help you endure the race.

The illustrations she uses from the bible help readers visualize what points the author is making throughout the book. We think shortcuts will get us to our destination faster but sometimes those shortcuts  find us stumbling around lost. It is time to follow God's direction and learn patience.

I love the way the author approaches each chapter with a personal story and then relates it to a story from the bible. She is easy to relate to and gives sound advice on topics that we all go through. I liked the chapter about appearance. I love wearing comfy clothes mainly to hide the extra weight I have gained. I don't wear makeup a lot and I'm sure my husband wonders at times why I look so "natural." I use to wear makeup everyday and dress for success. Now that I don't work I find myself not really making an effort to look my best. I laughed when the author shared how she was treated at a place where she usually comes dressed up.   I still feel that lack of self esteem no matter where I am. In the book the author encourages us to , "Choose what you want for yourself, the conclusion you would like for people to reach about who you really are, and dress your message."

The book covers many areas in our lives and helps readers to improve in areas where they be be struggling. I loved that the author covered topics from how to dress, to finances, to gossip. I think this is a great book that could be used in women's bible studies. 

"When you accept God's plan for your life, you align yourself with the power to succeed.'

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

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, December 24 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, December 25
Simple Harvest Reads, December 28 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, December 29
janicesbookreviews, December 30
My Devotional Thoughts, December 31 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, January 1
All 4 and About Books, January 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rosalinda is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and finished 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.
Posted by at 2 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)