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Friday, April 28, 2017


About the book: 

With readings of encouragement and
 inspirational quotes, this devotional
 helps parents prepare their 
hearts for their children's independence, 
whether their kids are just
 starting kindergarten or graduating from college.

Parents let go of their children every day,
even in ways they don't realize.
 The 52 devotional readings within shine a light
 on all the times readers have loosened their grip
 on their children and encourages them
 to continue to let go in life-giving ways.
 Written by a parenting and education expert,
The Joy of Letting Go will comfort and 
inspire parents in all seasons of parenting.


About the author:
Dr. Vicki Caruana is the author of 20 books and the blog Apples & Chalkdust-named after her bestselling book that has touched the lives of a million educators around the world. Caruana is one of four parenting experts on "Starting Points," Focus on the Family's parenting DVD series. Formerly a public school teacher and a homeschooling mom, Vicki is now an assistant professor of education at Mount Saint Mary College in New York. She lives with her station wagon loving husband, Chip, in Newburgh, New York and has two grown sons in Colorado Springs.
Find out more about Vicki at http://vickicaruana.blogspot.com.



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I have not looked forward to the empty nest at all. Two of my boys are already on their own. I still have one boy at home who will be eighteen in October. It is exciting to here about him looking forward to college, but my heart breaks because then the empty nest starts. One of the hardest things I have had to learn is to let go and trust God. I loved the examples the author gives in the book of how the transition can be made easier . I love the way the devotional is set up with different topics and "thought poke" at the end of each chapter. She includes scriptures and such encouraging words.

I loved when the author talked about milestones. Her story about her son driving long distance would have me on the edge of an anxiety attack. After reading how she handled it, I see that I am hindering my kids' growth by trying to step in and treat them like babies. One of my son's always says, "I'm an adult now." I just laugh knowing that he says that when I start nagging a bit too much. He may be an adult but he will always need his mom and dads support. Another story the author shared was about her kids solving an issue with an airline. I was very impressed by their determination to figure it out on their own. How many times have you stepped in to rescue your child, instead of allowing them to solve the problem  themselves?

The author is so right about relationships. "Tread carefully when your sons  or daughters enter into relationships. Your opinion has the power to make them run toward or away from their future." It can be a very touchy subject, so I try to be careful what I say. I don't want them to get hurt, but sometimes it will happen. I found the book to be full of wonderful insights and I loved the different stories she shared about her family.

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

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Blog Tour Schedule:
4/20
Lady | Little Lady Plays
Michelle | Michelle Close Mills-Finding  the  Beauty
Colleen | ColleenRichman.com
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!

4/21
Denise | Ramblings Of A California Couponer
Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life

4/25
Amanda |  The  Talbert Report
Carrie | Farming On Faith
Heidi | Buzz4Mommies
Sheyenne | Sean & Shey
Stacie | Perfect Chaos

4/27
Amy | Seasons of Opportunities
Laura | Reimagining Relationships
Rachel | Smart Mom Smart Ideas
Tami | This Mom's Delight

4/28
Amanda | Inklings and notions
Cara | Cara Putman
Crystal | Our Perfectly Imperfect Life
Deana | Texas Book-aholic

4/29
Diane | None, Goodreads only
Jennifer | InfertilityMom
Kristie | Moments
Anne | At Grandma's Place

4/30
Debbie | Debbie's Power Blog

5/1
Jennifer | Adventures in Unsell Land
Julie | More Of Him
Laura | Once Upon a Storyville
Leah | As We Walk Along  the  Road
Meg |  The  Caffeinated Librarian
Sarah | Running Through  the  Storms
Todd | Todd Giesen

5/2
Laura | Harvest Lane Cottage
Tricia | Lone Estrogen

5/3
Beth | For  The  Love of Books
Laura | Library of Clean Reads
Lisa | Wicked Good Reads

5/4
Kelly | God's Writer Girl
LeAnne | Rockin' My Mom Jeans
Natalie | Natalie Walters
Wendy | Life at Rossmont

5/5
Bethany |  The  Perfect beginning
Jennifer | A Peace of Mind
Rachel | Reader's cozy corner
Shirley | A Mom After God's Own Heart
Urailak | Fruitbearers
Virginia | My Full Cup
Laura | MemawsStuff 


Wednesday, April 26, 2017


About the book: 

Have you ever considered your life as an audition?
Regardless of who or where we are, we are constantly,
 often unconsciously, auditioning for a part.
 Loving wife. Amazing employee.
 Crafting queen. Socialite. All we really want is to be loved,
 affirmed, and accepted. What if we could learn
 to live the life we have always been auditioning
 for without all the stress?

Chasing Famous is a redemptive book that teaches
 us how to take the focus off ourselves and shift
 it back on to the glory of God. Written by a professional 
actress who readily admits that she is the most
 self-centered person she knows, Chasing Famous
 provides practical and sometimes humorous examples
 of scriptural truth that will help you master 
the natural self-centered tendencies of life.
 Once you've mastered these issues, and you can, your story will turn the spotlight on God where, you'll soon discover, what it means to truly live.



Lisa is a speaker, emcee, actor, and writer. Since receiving her bachelor of fine arts in theater from Southern Methodist University, Lisa has been featured in many major performance mediums. Her television credits include What Would You Do?, Prison Break, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful. You may see her on television commercials, highway billboards, or TV screens at the local airport. She has performed with many theaters, including the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Montana Shakespeare, the Dallas Theater Center, and Casa MaƱana Theater. She is a highly sought-after speaker at women s retreats, conferences, and events across the country. She and her husband Markus live in McKinney, Texas, and have two boys.













Review.jpg



Have you ever wanted to be famous? What would it be like to have people asking for your autograph? In this engaging book the author is an actress who wants to make God famous. I loved how she uses theater sayings to illustrate how we all have a purpose. It will require from us to step out of our comfort zone to make God famous. For some that is not easy, but the author eloquently quoted Isaiah 43:7, " That His name and His celebrity be known throughout the world." 

I think about the different people in the Bible who made God famous by His healing , strength and forgiveness. We all remember David and Goliath and how God equipped David to slay the giant . Through that act David made God famous by trusting Him. Do we fully trust God? Many of us have heard lies throughout our lives that we are not good enough, but that thinking needs to stop. We have been choosen by Him so therefore we are good enough to fulfill our destiny. I loved how the author includes scriptures throughout the book that reinforces His word. There are also questions at the end of every chapter that can be used as a bible study. 

Something the author said really hit me and made me realize my thinking has been all wrong. I always worry that my blog is not as good as others and my reviews are horrible. Does God care about how many followers I have? "But God will hold me accountable for making Him famous while I live- to my kids, my husband , my neighbors, to the cashier at the grocery store, and the employee at the drive-through." I see that my focus has been on trying to make myself famous, instead of living a life that honors Him. The author has written a book that is honest, transparent and encouring. I loved the different topics she uses and how we can become stronger by making God famous. 

"And when we relinquish control, guess what happens to the image of God for those around us? He is made famous. "

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



 Lisa Lloyd's 'Chasing Famous' Prize Pack Giveaway BLOG CODE: Did you know you're constantly, often unconsciously, auditioning for a part? Learn how to master these issues and turn the spotlight on God with the help of Lisa Lloyd's new book, Chasing Famous. Chasing Famous is a redemptive book that teaches us how to take the focus off ourselves and shift it back on to the glory of God. Written by a professional actress who readily admits that she is the most self-centered person she knows, Chasing Famous provides practical and sometimes humorous examples of scriptural truth that will help you master the natural self-centered tendencies of life.

Discover what life really means when the focus is on God and enter to win Lisa's Spotlight on God Prize Pack!


One grand prize winner will receive:
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on April 28. The winner will be announced May 1 on the Litfuse blog.






Tour Schedule:

4/10
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!
Patty | The Me Too! Community
Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life

4/11
Joan | Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

4/12
Alison | Everyday Shortcuts
Amanda | The Talbert Report
Anne | GodDots
Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower
Cassandra | Cassandra M's Place
Gina | Reveal Ministries
Laura | Once Upon a Storyville
Sharee | She Is
Meagan | Meagan Davenport

4/13
Rachel | Smart Mom Smart Ideas
Shannon | Mrsreadsbooks

4/14
Dianne | Sweeter Than Honey

4/15
Amber | snidbits
Denise | Ramblings of a California Couponer

4/18
Amanda | Inklings and notions
Marjolaine | Books, Beautiful Books
Sarah | Running Through The Storms
Tami | This Mom's Delight

4/19
Kay | Kaisy Daisy's Corner

4/20
Natalie | Natalie Walters
Susan | Lean in to the Lord

4/21
Crystal | Our Perfectly Imperfect Life

4/22
Andrea | The Book Girl
Kristie | Moments

4/24
Hope | Finding Joy in Everyday
Jennifer | A Peace of Mind

4/25
Britni | Raising Missional Kids
Jennifer | Jen Around the World
Julie | More Of Him

4/26
Deana | Texas Book-aholic
Lori | Vintage Charm Restored

4/27
Annette | A Well-Watered Garden
Jill | I am believing God
Trish | View from the Birdhouse

4/28
Alexis | God is Love
Bethany | The perfect beginning
Keri | My Table of Three
Rachel | Reader's Cozy Corner
Lisa | Little Writer Momma
Amelia | Rejoice Evermore 

Monday, April 24, 2017

Hello and welcome to The Sound of Emeralds birthday blog tour! I’m posting today about Rachelle Rea Cobb’s third installment in the Steadfast Love series, an inspirational historical romance set during the 16th century!

Rachelle is also the author of The Sound of Diamonds and The Sound of Silver, the first two books in the series. She has also written Write Well, a guide for writers! Last summer, she married a man with the same first name as the hero of the Steadfast Love series! I’m joining in this blog tour to tell you a little more about Emeralds and spread the news about the rocking giveaway Rachelle is hosting—make sure you enter using the Rafflecopter form to win signed copies of all three books!





ABOUT The Steadfast Love SERIES

In 16th-century Europe, the Reformation rages between Protestants and Catholics. Gwyneth, half-Dutch, flees from England to Holland to escape the man who murdered her parents. When he follows her there and insists he came to rescue her, will she trust this man called Dirk? When tragedy strikes, will their steadfast love erode?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Times gone by snatch Rachelle Rea Cobb close, so she reads and writes about years long ago--her passions include the Reformation, Revolutions, and romance. Rachelle wrote the Steadfast Love series during college. Five months after she graduated, she signed a three-book deal with her dream publisher, WhiteFire. She's a homeschool grad, Oreo addict, and plots her novels while driving around her dream car, a pick-up truck. In June 2016, she married a man with the same name as her fictional hero, and they live happily ever after in Small Town, South. She is also the  of Write Well,a guide for writers, which released on March 4th!

AUTHOR LINKS

Instagram: @RachelleReaCobb


ABOUT The Sound of Emeralds

What once was blazing hatred has turned to lasting love, but could the union of a wild heart with that of a lady ever result in more than heartache?
With the help of an old friend with uncertain loyalties, Dirk inches ever closer to clearing his name. Gwyneth throws her faith into good tidings and the promise of a future as a family. But an old evil comes to call, just as tragedy rips apart a fledgling truce. Enemies from the past and grief for the future threaten to tear asunder what God had brought together…
As the date of Dirk’s trial approaches, his fate and his family hang in the balance. Will he be proven innocent of Gwyneth’s parents’ murders—or separated from her forever? How much pain does it take to erode a love steadfast?

Find The Sound of Emeralds on…
Amazon Paperbackhttp://is.gd/F53u5R
Barnes & Noble: http://is.gd/RguS9l
Books a Million: http://is.gd/NdMWGr
Goodreads: http://is.gd/zRI9dg


a Rafflecopter giveaway



INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. When and where did you first get the idea for the Steadfast Love Series?

A song I was listening to on the radio inspired the title of the first book. So I wrote Diamonds, but when I finished it, I realized to my great frustration that the characters weren’t done with their story, even though I had been quite adamant that I would write a stand-alone novel. But the story wasn’t finished, so I kept writing.

2.  Readers often pick out favorite quotes from a novel. Do you have a favorite of your own from The Sound of Silver?

Yes! In fact, my friend Mindy, a calligrapher, even created a beautiful piece of art from one of my favorite quotes: “Within the pages of books one’s heart can be revealed.”

3.  Can you tell us what first drew you to writing Inspirational Historical Romance?

My first exposure to the genre came when I read Heartsong Presents novels when I was twelve. Those small books introduced me to how much I believe in the power of story, especially love stories set in times gone by.

4.  I saw on your website that you also write reviews, articles and offer editing services. What's one of your favorite things beyond writing novels that you enjoy?

Editing is such fun! I daresay I enjoy editing a page full of my own (or others’!) words just as much as I enjoy splashing words onto a blank page. I recently released my first nonfiction book, Write Well, which is a short ebook designed as a guide writers!





Saturday, April 22, 2017


PURSED by LISA HARRIS

The book starts out with terror in the skies and doesn't let up as Nikki is on the case of a missing woman. What would you do if you were sitting on a plane talking to someone and there is no record of them being on the flight? Nikki knows the missing woman was there and will not stop till the mystery is solved.  Who is the man sitting next to him on the plane? I love this character because she is determined, smart , relies on God and is resilient. I loved how the author allows Nikki to be vulnerable at times and allows readers to see in her weakest moments she calls out to God.

I really am not a big fan of flying and the opening scene was so well written I felt like I was on the plane waiting for the crash to happen. The author writes such explosive scenes that pop off the page with heart pounding speed. Nikki has been assigned the case for the missing woman on the plane and gets deeper into a story that had my adrenaline pumping . Nikki and her partner Jack seem to find danger as each turn they take in the case . I began to wonder just  how much Nikki was going to be able to endure when she encounters life threatening injuries . The story is a web of deceit, secrets and twists that keep readers on the edge of your seat.

I enjoyed the interactions between Nikki and Tyler.  After being apart due to work, they finally hope to spend some much needed time together. Will Nikki's job leave Tyler second guessing their relationship? Can Nikki and her team find the missing woman before disaster strikes? Get ready for action at full throttle  in this installment of The Nikki Boyd Files.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Books and Librarything Early Readers Program. The review is my honest opinion.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Cat Got Your Cash
by Julie Chase

Come for the felines and fashion, stay for the fun and flirtations.
~Laura’s Interests
Holy Moly, this book blew the first book, Cat Got Your Diamonds, away, and I LOVED the first book!
~Classy Cheapskate
I absolutely loved Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase…
~Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
Cat Got Your Cash is a fast paced keep you on the edge of your seat as Lacy and friends try to discover the real mysteries without becoming the next victim.
~The Journey Back
Engaging characters, a vivid setting (complete with the Deep-South mood of suspense that clings to the air), a well-plotted mystery, and a brewing romance – Cat Got Your Cash has it all!
~Reading is my SuperPower
…a delightful read.
~Valerie’s Musings
Starting from the cover that I loved, this book hooked me since the first page!
~ Varietats
I adore Julie Chase’s Kitty Couture series and it has quickly become one of my favorites.
~ The Power of Words
This was a very entertaining read with a good bit of humor in it. It was well written and fast-paced, making it an easy read.
~Melina’s Book Blog
Reading this book brought me laughs, smiles, and moments of “did they do it?” it was the perfect mystery!
~Bibliophile Reviews
Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase is a superb visit to the heart of the Big Easy. You get the French Quarter and the Garden District, the distinctive food and music, as well as the magic and endurance of the city and its people.
~Back Porchervations
I really liked the idea of Lacy’s shop. It’s such a unique and cute idea.
~Bookworm Mom
I thought it was a really good mystery with great characters and I can’t wait for the next one!
~Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my!
With a clever heroine, a dash of romance, and cats galore, there’s something in this cozy to please almost everyone.
~The Book’s the Thing
This is a sweet cozy that you won’t want to miss.
~A Chick Who Reads
Julie Chase is an awesome storyteller. These characters really pop and the mystery pulls you right in. The cover grabbed my attention and the story held it from start to finish.
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book 
Cat Got Your Cash is a captivating and fast-paced cozy whodunit tale that has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, romance, drama, danger, and intriguing twists and turns.
~Jersey Girl Book Reviews

Cat Got Your Cash: A Kitty Couture Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Crooked Lane Books (April 11, 2017)
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1683311089
E-Book ASIN: B01MR48G5L

Synopsis

Lacy Marie Crocker’s whimsical pet couture has gained a following in New Orleans’s cozy Garden District, and word of mouth has traveled all the way to her favorite fashion designer, Annie Lane. Lacy’s thrilled when Annie schedules a private session at her home to discuss a companion line for her evening wear, but when Lacy arrives for the appointment, she enters the kitchen to two mewling Siamese cats–and one very dead Annie.
Lacy takes the kittens home to care for them until they can be properly claimed by Annie’s family or friends, but after a busy day of work, she returns home to find them missing. And when Lacy learns the cats are set to inherit Annie’s fortune, she begins to wonder if the killer was after the kittens all along. Now Lacy will stop at nothing to save the Siamese and find justice for Annie–if the killer doesn’t sink his claws into her first.
Luckily, Lacy has the help of handsome NOLA PD homicide detective Jack Oliver to help her catch the cat-napper before its too late in Cat Got Your Cash, the endearing second Kitty Couture mystery from Julie Chase.

About The Author

Julie Chase is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyons Literary Agency.
Julie also writes as Julie Anne Lindsey. Learn more about Julie at http://juliechasebooks.com/
Purchase Links:
Amazon     B&N     BAM!    IndieBound



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I enjoyed the first book in this series and eagerly awaited the next installment. I am thrilled to say it's as good as the first and maybe a bit better. I love cozy mysteries that have animals in the forefront. We are introduced to two cute and adorable Siamese cats named Cotton and Cashmere. They were the attraction for me that made me want to really dive into the book. I love Siamese cats and miss mine terribly. I loved how the author gave them very distinct  personalities. They become very important in this cute mystery.

Lacy is still busy trying to make it big with her speciality pet shop. She has a knack for making bling for pets and yummy treats that are special made with ingredients that won't harm animals.  I have seen some really adorable outfits for dogs and cats so it was easy to picture Lacy's  design with the authors vivid descriptions. It's a big day for Lacy as she gets prepared to meet with Annie Lane. Did I mention that Annie is very well known and can help Lacy become famous in the clothes design  design world for pets? This could be Lacey's chance to make a name for herself.  Some meetings don't turn out like you hope and Lacy's has hit rock bottom. What a shame that Annie is dead when Lacy arrives for their meeting .

I must admit I like Jack Oliver a lot. He cracks me up with his surly attitude and quick banter with Lacy. The author really gives them a complicated relationship which I found very intriguing. Is Jack getting tired of helping Lacy out of trouble? It seems Lacy has a stalker called trouble. Poor thing can't get a break with dead bodies turning up. The author gives readers several suspects which leads to shoddy relatives, jealous workers and an ex that all add up to someone who wanted Annie dead. Let's not forget Annie's prized possessions. The Siamese twins need a new home and will come with a nice hefty allowance. Did someone kill Annie for the kittens?

There is a bit of a love triangle of sorts in the book that kept Lacy on her toes. I did like the fact that the author gives Lacy and her mother time together and perhaps a chance to mend some fences in their strained relationship. The book moves at a nice pace and the characters were well written. It's a great story that pet lovers are sure to enjoy. cozy mystery fans  will love the twists and great ending. Don't forget to check out the recipes at the end of the book.

I received a copy of the book from The Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.


 a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour Participants
April 11 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
April 11 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW
April 11 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 12 – Books Direct – GUEST POST
April 12 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW
April 13 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 13 – My Journey Back – REVIEW  
April 13 – Books,Dreams,Life – INTERVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
April 14 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
April 15 – Queen of All She Reads – SPOTLIGHT
April 16 – Varietats – REVIEW
April 16 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
April 16 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
April 17 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
April 17 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 17 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
April 18 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW
April 18 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! – REVIEW
April 18 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 19 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 19 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW,
April 20 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
April 20 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 21- Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 21- Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW  
April 22 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW  
April 23 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
April 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 24 – Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW
April 24 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
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