Friday, April 6, 2018

RED SKY OVER AMERICA BY TAMERA LYNN KRAFT

William and America confront evil, but will it costs them everything?

In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves.

America’s classmate, William, goes to Kentucky to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation and may not make it home to Ohio or live through the struggle.

Amazon US // Amazon AU // Goodreads

~ About the Author ~

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2ndplace in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novels and novellas in print. She’s been married for 39 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and three grandchildren.

Tamera has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

Connect with Tamera Lynn:Website // Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads // Newsletter // Word Sharpeners Blog

The book is a haunting look back in history when slaves were very prevalent. It was so hard to read how horrific they were treated. I can't imagine the terror they felt when they knew they were going to be beat. The author has done extensive research on this subject and it shows by the vivid picture she paints with her words. There were times I had tears rolling down my cheeks as I read about human beings being traded to work for nothing.

America is one young woman that I would want to be friends with. Her determination to follow what God has placed in her heart was an example of true faith. She had such a heart to free slaves and her biggest challenge was her father. How do you go against your father and refuse to support him? America is a strong willed young woman who will risk everything to see her father's slaves freed.

William is a man with a mission. He has set out to travel to different places and preach about how wrong it is to own slaves. There were times I'm sure he was fearful of what may happen when he stood before men who disagree with his beliefs. There was something that really stuck in my head and it made me look at this story with a heart that hurt for the unjust treatment of men, women and children of color. We are all made in the imagine of God yet during this time period that one sentence was erased from the minds of slave owners.

When America (Merry) finds out about a secret movement to help slaves be free, she must decide if she is willing to help or turn the group in. The story is intense and realistic with each page growing with danger. I really liked how the author showed readers how much faith the characters had. Would it be hard to stand up for the truth if you knew you could be in danger of being killed?

There were times in the story when I felt anger rise up in me. America's father was such a mean spirited man and his sternness overwhelmed me. Even though people said he treated his slaves better than most he still beat them. His treatment of his daughter bordered on control and I feared for America's safety. The author has written a story that is epic and depicts a time when the color of your skin determined your destiny by others. It is one of the best stories I've read about slavery and I appreciate the brutal honesty that the author wrote about a time in history that makes me grieve.

" It's better to lose your life obeying God than pretend slavery doesn't exist and do nothing."

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

Tour Schedule:

A Walk with Heavenly Spirit FB Banner copy

About the Book

Title: A Walk with Heavenly Spirits

Author: J.E. Grace

Genre: Christian Fiction – Inspirational/Romance

Release Date: December 5, 2017

Allison Stevens became a Christian at a young age, but she makes a wrong decision that takes her on a collision course of disappointment and heartache. God loves her and wants her back, but Satan wants to keep her in a life of despair and lies.

Heavenly Spirits are sent by God to instruct and remind Allison of God’s promises. Can she learn to trust God’s word and become the woman God meant for her to be?

A family she didn’t know she had, a man grieving a personal loss, and a felon who wants her dead makes her relationships more complicated than ever. Can she learn to trust God again and walk by faith?

On the road back to God, she discovers that the path doesn’t come without trials but now she realizes she isn’t alone. God is with her. Can she stay strong and follow God’s path?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

J.E. Grace was born and raised in Northern California. At a young age, she was an avid reader which led to her interest in fiction writing and poetry. She writes mainly in the Christian Fiction genre and continues to educate herself in the craft. All of her work has underlying Christian overtones which are a reflection of her faith in God.

In 2000 she moved to the Midwest with her husband and now calls it home. She loves the Missouri countryside and is amazed by the variety of subjects that serve as inspiration for her artwork. She is an oil/pastel painter and digital artist. Her work can be seen at Fine Art America, Society 6 and Zazzle.

She retired from a career in real estate in 2012, to finally concentrate on her writing. She published her first novel, a science fiction titled, “The Zarion-Saving Mankind in 2016 and her Pacific Cove Series of Short Reads: Haunted Visions & Testament of Faith. She is currently working on several new projects: Book 3 in her Pacific Cove Series and a mystery novel.

Guest Post from J.E. Grace

My inspiration for writing A Walk with Heavenly Spirits:

I was thinking about a Christmas Carol and the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future one day. I’m a Christian author, so I thought, why not use Heavenly Spirits to enlighten a person who has lost their way. It just evolved from there. I did a lot of praying for direction during my writing process and consulting God’s word along the way.

I feel God was giving me the inspiration to write it. I found myself getting very emotional while writing certain parts of the book which is something I had never experienced before with any of my other novels. I was feeling the characters pain and /or joy at times.

My purpose for the story was to get the message across, that we are all broken, but God uses the broken for great things. Within the story, Allison’s one decision to finally follow the path God intended for her, not only changes her life but the lives of the all the people who come to know her.

I remember a time when I was angry at my dad and couldn't wait to leave home. Like Allison, I thought I had it all figured out. I would marry the guy I thought I loved and we would live happily ever after. Allison believed that Tom was her knight in shining armor. She had no reason to doubt anything he said. I liked her innocence and trust she had in Tom. Soon she would find out that her hopes of a perfect life don't always happen. I related to Allison so much and could feel her loneliness as her life unravels. It is so hard to have to start over when you think you are living the American dream.

The experience she has with the Heavenly Spirit was so powerful I wanted to soak up the wisdom for myself. We all get to a point in our life when we forget to be thankful for what we have. When we make mistakes we allow it to make us feel unworthy and start to lose control of our thoughts. Allison is a different person when she wakes up the next day. Lurking just in the background is satan ready to tell her lies to discourage her from serving God.

Allison will go through many trials, and her faith in God will be tested. I loved how the author allows Allison to experience so many emotions like joy, disappointment, grief and comfort. There is a powerful lesson about forgiveness illustrated that made me cry. There are so many wonderful things about this book that draw me back to it days after I have read it. As Allison faces challenges she begins to fully trust God. She was brought back to her mom's house for a reason. When she decides to stay, I felt a peace surrond her. I have been through some difficult situations, but I would not change one thing about my past. I believe that everything I went through made me stronger just as Allison is starting to understand about her own life.

I really loved the story and connected with the story on a personal level. It is inspiring to see Allison begin to have confidence in herself and discover the purpose God has for her. The author does a great of showing how a person's life can be changed by His grace and mercy. Thank you for writing a story that captures the essence of forgiveness and how much we are loved by God.

"God doesn't promise we won't have problems, just that He will be there to see us through them."

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

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, April 3

proud to be an autism mom, April 4

A Greater Yes, April 5

Texas Book-aholic, April 6

Bibliophile Reviews, April 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 8

Janices book reviews, April 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 10

Carpe Diem, April 11

A Baker’s Perspective, April 12

Simple Harvest Reads, April 13 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Artistic Nobody, April 14

margaret kazmierczak, April 15 (Interview)

Bigreadersite, April 15

Reading is my Super Power, April 16 (Interview)

Power of Words, April 16 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J.E. Grace is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca38

Thursday, April 5, 2018

CELEBRATE LIT SPRING SCAVENGER HUNT

About the Scavenger Hunt

Spring is here and we are celebrating with a Spring Scavenger Hung featuring Celebrate Lit Publishing’s Spring Collection. Stop by each of the blog stops to learn about a specific author from one of our collections, enter the giveaway for a $50 Amazon card, and collect their secret word. At the end of the week, create the sentence from all the secret words and enter it in the giveaway for NINE bonus entries.

Have fun!

Welcome to Celebrate Lit Spring Scavenger Hunt. I am honored to host Laura V. Hilton on my blog. Enjoy yourself as you find out interesting facts about Laura and read a review of her story The Kissing Bridge from the book Springs of Love published by Celebrate Lit Publishing.

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. Theycurrently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q

visit my blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/

twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

Purchase my books:

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q

CBD: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=laura+hilton&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/laura-hilton?store=allproducts&keyword=laura+hilton

Deeper Shopping http://www.deepershopping.com/index.php?query=laura+hilton&x=0&y=0&module=productsearch&_logmode=Y&querymodule=SPX

The stories in this collection are filled with wonderful characters that touch your heart. They show us how to see people the way God
does , have faith, trust and most of all love unconditionally.

The Kissing Bridge by Laura V. Hilton:

Anna is caught in an abusive relationship and is desperate to get away. I really liked who stepped up to help her and showed how much this person cared about her. When she decides to come back home, it is not easy with rumors that she ran away from the man she was to marry. I wonder why people don't believe someone when they share that they were abused? I felt so sorry for Anna and I admired her for having faith that God would expose the truth. One of the most beautiful parts of the story for me was when Reuben and Anna go to seek counsel. It was like reading a washing away of sin and cleansed in beautiful love. For me it felt like a peace had come over me and God's arms had encircled me. The story is touching and one I won't forget. Thank you for such a wonderful example of unconditional love . The ending found me crying, so be prepared.

Sold On Love by Rachel J. Good

I can remember a time when I was dating and decided I needed to break up with the guy. It was painful but I felt I had made the right decision. Lavina was having the same difficult time as I had. Why did she break off her relationship with Aaron? The truth was too hard for her to share. I liked the illustration the author showed about pride and feeling unworthy. Have you ever felt like you couldn't do a task. Were you ashamed to tell anyone? The star of the story for me was Lavina's little brother Stephen. I chuckled at his antics and energy. He wanted to do good at everything he did, but it didn't always turn out that way. The story reminds us to slow down, think with our hearts and not be afraid of failure.

Cowboys and Amish Girls by Thomas Nye

Can you imagine being a cowboy and see an Amish girl for the first time? Truman is really outside his element when he happens upon Charity? They sure don't hit it off right away and it makes for a very fun adventure. Charity is running away from someone she doesn't want to marry. Truman is hurt by a girl that deceived him and with that they decide to go back to Charity's farm and see if Truman can help reunite Charity with the man she was to marry. Truman thinks working on Charity's family farm will do him some good. I think Truman is in for a few surprises when he gets to the farm. Charity's brothers don't know what to think of this cowboy who has dropped in and wants a job. I loved reading about horse and how they are trained. The story was interesting and I liked how the author focused on how we sometimes can make a person an idol. Truman and Charity struggle with trust and pride. Will Truman fall in love? Can Charity start to believe in herself? It's a good story that made me feel like being at a rodeo and watching the cowboys work hard at outsmarting the animals. Love isn't always easy, but when you find the right one, trust God to show you the way.

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

Laura has included a recipe from her story. I'm sure it would be a great recipe to try in the springtime.

Anna’s Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon

• 5 eggs

• 1/2 cup milk

• 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

• 1/2 cup chopped onions

• 1 small can chopped mushroom stems and pieces

• 1 small green pepper diced

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

1. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside. Saute the onion, mushrooms and green peppers until onions are clear.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 7x11 inch baking dish. (I spray it with cooking spray)

3. In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and milk. Stir in the bacon, hash browns, onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, and 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese. Pour into the prepared baking dish.

4. Bake in the preheated oven 25 to 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese on top, and continue baking for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Remove from oven, and let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Giveaway

To celebrate our Spring Scavenger Hunt, Celebrate Lit is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

https://promosimple.com/ps/cdd6/spring-scavenger-hunt

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 6

Bibliophile Reviews, April 7

Carpe Diem, April 8

Reading is my Super Power, April 9

A Baker’s Perspective, April 10

Simple Harvest Reads, April 11 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

margaret kazmierczak, April 12

Artistic Nobody, April 13

Janices book reviews, April 14

The Celebrate Lit Management Team

www.celebratelit.com

www.celebratelitteam.com

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

About the Book

Title: A Loyal Heart

Author: Jody Hedlund

Genre: Adult medieval romance

Release Date: March 6, 2018

He’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?

When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.

As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.

Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

ody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Guest Post from Jody Hedlund

The Growing Need for Sweet Young Adult Romances

By Jody Hedlund

This past year my youngest daughter turned twelve and entered seventh grade. And she decided that she wanted to read my books.

Of course I was thrilled that she was taking an interest in my writing. But since my adult historical romances are more intense and contain some mature themes, I handed her the young adult series I’ve written.

As she started the first book, I peeked in her room a time or two to ask her how she liked it.

“It’s the best book you’ve ever read, right?” I teased.

“It’s okay,” she replied, teasing me right back.

The true test for how much she liked the series came when she couldn’t put the book down. She hid away in her room and read all day. Then she read the second book the next day and the third book the day after that.

She never did gush over the series. But she didn’t need to. Her serious reading marathon told me all I needed to know! Then when I was writing the fourth book in the series, she asked me if she could read it early before it was published which was another testament to how much she enjoyed the series.

“As long as you promise to say that I’m your favorite author,” I said, teasing her again.

I’m happy to say that she finished A Loyal Heart just as quickly as the others. Although I’m not sure that I’m her favorite author, I’m satisfied that she loved the series.

Even more, I’m thrilled that I could hand her sweet romances full of chivalrous qualities—like courage, sacrifice, honor, and loyalty. As she’s being entertained, she’s learning lessons about character traits that are important in relationships.

My daughter, like other young teens I’ve talked to, really enjoys medieval settings and stories. In some ways, those kinds of stories connect them to the princess fairy tales they used to love when they were little. Let’s face it, even adult readers still love stories about knights and castles and daring damsels!

In a book market for teens that has grown increasingly dark, jaded, and sexual, I only wish I had more to offer my daughter and other young women. It’s my passion to continue providing wholesome, clean romances for teens, books I know will encourage and uplift as well as entertain.

How about YOU? Is there a teen reader you know who needs an alternative to what’s available in the market? I encourage you to gift them with A Loyal Heart. And make sure to enter the giveaway for a chance to win the entire series that you can read, pass along, or even gift to your library.

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. She lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!). When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

I have visions of a knight with armor on a white horse galloping across the pages as I read this adventurous story. The author glistens the scenes with dungeons, knights, ladies in waiting and Lords that oversee castles and surrounding lands. I stepped back in time to an era that is filled with intrigue and characters that jump off the pages.

Lady Olivia is a beautiful young woman with fiery red hair and eyes like emeralds. She sure did surprise me with her skill as an expert with a sword. I would want her on my side when I was in trouble . Her love for her family is very evident and she is willing to sacrifice herself to spare any harm to come to them. Sometimes I thought Lady Olivia was her own worst enemy. She just couldn't stay out of trouble when she and her sister are captured.

Sir Aldric is strong and takes his duties very serious. He has his hands full with Lady Olivia when he finds out she has been retained in the dungeon. What is Lady Olivia trying to find that puts her in danger? Will she stay loyal to her family, or turn her back on them? There is a lot riding on Lady Olivia making right choices. I loved the theme of trust and loyalty. You can't have a relationship without either one. Will Sir Aldric save Lady Olivia and her sister? Don't miss this wonderful story of loyalty and trust.

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