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Saturday, June 2, 2018

About the Book

I am my beloved
Title: I Am My Beloved
Author: Caryl McAdoo
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Release Date: April, 2018
The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. How could the wisest man ever to live turn away from following God? The key is in Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs that King Solomon wrote after his return to the Lord. Who was the Shulamite? And why did he call her his sister spouse? Only God knows all the answers, but the King Solomon left clues. You will never forget reading this anointed story of love and may find yourself setting it down to wipe tears away or simply worship the great I AM.
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Caryl McAdooCaryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and a quick scroll through her novels’ rankings by Christian readers attests to the Father’s faithfulness. She loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs He gives her—look her up on YouTube to hear a few. Her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-two years ago, and now they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.



Guest Post from Caryl McAdoo

I AM My Beloved is a story unlike any I’ve ever written in that it moved me so. Not saying all my stories don’t move me, they do—to tears and laughter. Just today I got all teary writing a scene in my WIP for next September. But I AM My Beloved moved me to worship. I literally would stop typing, bask in God’s presence, and worship.
I believe that it is anointed and of course, as always, pray it will give God glory. I pray that His children will be blessed and drawn closer to the Father reading it. It’s a romance, yes, but nothing like any proverbial historical romances you’ve ever read.
It’s the story of Abishag. Have you ever heard of her? Her name is mentioned only five times in the Bible, all in 1Kings. “So they sought for a fair damsel throughout all the coasts of Israel, and found Abishag a Shunammite, and brought her to the king.” Kings 1:3 They brought her to King David. To keep him warm during his dying days.
Scripture tells us the she cherished David, and also that he never knew her—his virgin queen. You’ll love her heart, creativity, attitudes, intelligence, and spirit of submission. It’s like all God’s beloved daughters can identify with her. Writing her story was akin to writing a love letter to Jesus. So often, it was Him and me, not these characters of olden days brought to life in I AM My Beloved.
This love story of what happens to Abishag after David’s death when Solomon, heir to the Throne becomes King of Israel. And perhaps, you’ll get a whole new take on the wisest man ever to live, as he takes on building the Temple of God, foreign wives, follows after their gods, then returns to serve the One True God and write Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.
At its end, is a section I call “Search the Scriptures” that point out and explain the clues that led to its writing. I hope you’ll enjoy it!



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If you are not familiar with Caryl McAdoo's writing, let me introduce you to a gifted author. She writes with compassion and tells a story that captures beauty and grace. This story is an example of purity and how an author can reach deep into your soul by the stroke of words. You feel as though you are transported into the story and are watching as it unfolds before your eyes.

I loved reading about Abishag and how her life unfolded. Her beauty was  breathtaking and everyone was amazed at her innocence. What would you do if one day you were called to be with King David? I could sense the excitement as she prepared for her life as Queen. Her love for the King is evident as she stays with him. They have a good relationship but it is not  all she had hoped for. She desires a child, but the King will not be intimate with her. When he passes she feels  heavy with grief. I liked how Bathsheba came to her and took her in. Their friendship grew and it was so nice to see how Abishag began to think of Bathsheba as a mother.

Abishag is soon called upon by the new King. King Solomon is wise and is taken with Abishag's beauty. The author writes such a beautiful story of how their relationship slowly matured. Through the years  though, Abishag is still a virgin. I can't imagine the sorrow she feels as she patiently waits for the time she will be called to be with the King. I loved reading how the Song of Solomon was written. It is pure love and devotion written for the one who holds the King's heart. As I read it, I began to cry with joy to see such unconditional love bestowed on a woman who is cherished. What kind of relationship do you have with your spouse? Can you share your feelings with words that reach into the soul?

What I liked most about the story was how Abishag obeyed God's direction and became content with her life. She was highly favored and was loved by many. It must have been difficult for her to be with the King and still have no intimacy. Would we be willing to do whatever the Lord asked of us? I think knowing how much Abishag followed God and His purpose for her life showed me that she sacrificed things, but God always took care of her. She never lacked for a home or love." She was destined to lay with Kings but stay a virgin."

The story is so well written and once again I feel a deeper relationship with God after reading it. The author writes a story that flows like sweet music. She allows the characters to reach you with their actions and emotions. I loved reading a biblical story through the eyes of an author who exemplifies elegance and beauty as the story unfolded.

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

Blog Stops

Novels Corner, June 3
Mary Hake, June 4
Carpe Diem, June 11
Bigreadersite, June 14

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away
GRAND PRIZE : $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st Prize: TWO novels–Choice-of-Caryl’s Titles (print or ebook)
2nd-4th: (three winners) ebook of I AM My Beloved
5th-7th: print copy VOW UNBROKEN!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ceba/i-am-my-beloved-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Journible FB Banner copy

About these Books

Exodus PhotoTitle: Journible: The 17:18 Series
Author: Robert Wynalda (a local businessman) and Dr. Joel R. Beeke (President of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary)
Genre: Non-fiction, Bible study tool
Release Date: Series released in 2009
Why the 17:18 series?
In Deuteronomy 17, Moses is leaving final instructions concerning the future of Israel. As a prophet of God, Moses foretells of when Israel will place a king over the nation (v. 14). In verse 18, the king is commanded to not simply acquire a copy of the law (the entire book of Deuteronomy) from the scroll publishing house, but to hand write his own copy of the law. Thirty-four hundred years later, educators are discovering that students that physically write out their notes by hand have a much greater retention rate than simply hearing or visually reading the information. Apparently, God knew this to be true of the kings of Israel also. From such understanding came the conception of this series of books.

How to Use These Books
Each book is organized so that you can write out your very own copy of Scripture. You will be writing the Bible text only on the right hand page of the book. This should make for easier writing and also allows ample space on the left page to write your own notes and comments. From time to time a question or word will be lightly printed on the left page; these questions are to aid in further study, but should not interfere with your own notes and comments.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

BeekeDr. Joel R. Beeke is president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, a pastor of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, editor of Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited seventy books (most recently, A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life, Living Zealously, Friends and Lovers: Cultivating Companionship and Intimacy in Marriage, Getting Back Into the Race: The Cure for Backsliding, Parenting by God’s Promises: How to Raise Children in the Covenant of Grace, Living for the Glory of God: An Introduction to Calvinism, Meet the Puritans, Contagious Christian Living, Calvin for Today, Developing a Healthy Prayer Life, and Taking Hold of God), and contributed 2,000 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. is in Reformation and Post-Reformation theology from Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia). He is frequently called upon to lecture at seminaries and to speak at Reformed conferences around the world. He and his wife Mary have been blessed with three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia

The 17:18 Series






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I have always liked bible studies because it helps me dig deeper in the word. I also have many journals that I write scriptures and thoughts in. When I saw this wonderful book, I knew I was going to enjoy it. Two of my favorite ways to study the Word in one place. I received the Journible of the book of John. I loved how you copy the scriptures down on one side and the other side there are questions to take you deeper in the word. I liked that I could take my time and write as many scriptures as I wanted. I would stop on some of them, and reread the scripture again. When writing out a scripture, it helps me to understand it better. The questions are good that are provided and very useful as you go through the book of John. I like how the journal is very durable and can last for a very long time. The pages are thick enough to write on and erase if you need to. I would love to get the whole collection and be able to journey through the bible one book at a time. 

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


Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, May 17
Book by Book, May 21
Genesis 5020, May 23
amandainpa, May 24
Bigreadersite, May 24
Multifarious, May 27

Giveaway

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To celebrate the tour, Reformation Heritage Books is giving away a grand prize of the entire set of New Testament Journibles!!


Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Highlands banner

About the Book

Title: Highlands
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Contemporary Fantasy
Release Date: October, 2015
highlandsIntrospection–this place invites it. I’ve never allowed myself the time to pause and get to know myself. My father taught me it was weak. Focus on the prize–eyes off yourself. The goal matters. You are just the instrument to get you there.
Here… Is this what that goal was and I never knew it? The peaks above, the trees that stand tall beside me as if my own personal bodyguards.
I am alive–maybe for the first time in my life–and I think it’s because I’m dead. 
A Journey of Dreams
Welcome to a new world: the world of Highlands.
When Tony Frazier arrives in Highlands, he must come to grips with a world that embraces birth defects as beautiful and to be celebrated–even those easily corrected. Balancing the beauty of utter acceptance and the wisdom of when to alter the “workmanship of God” creates tension between Tony and the Highlanders.
The Journey of Dreams series explores themes in the Christian life from a different perspective–from a world that can’t exist anywhere but in the dreams of the people who live there.
Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

ChautonaThe author of dozens of books in a variety of genres, Chautona Havig lives and writes in California’s Mojave Desert where she uses story to nudge her readers to the feet of the Master Storyteller.






Guest Video From Chautona Havig


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If I was Tony, I would be freaking out right now. He can't figure out where he is and it reminds me of feeling like you are in limbo between two worlds. Tony is one of these guys who is a gifted athlete. All he has known is to push himself and be the best at everything. I liked the idea that he was found almost naked because it reminded me of Adam. Adam was confused and didn't know where he was. God clothed him and gave him directions. Tony seems to be confused and is starting to become a flight risk. I can't blame him. If I woke up in a strange place, I would want to leave as fast as possible. Maybe it's the unknown that makes us want to run, because the unknown scares us. We don't have any control and that makes us feel vulnerable. 
I loved it when Bryn said, " Pride makes us do silly things." It makes us make bad decisions and hurt people . I really liked Bryn and found her to be very intuitive. As I was reading the book something caught my eye and made me stop everything. Tony says , " Even with a houseful of people, you'd be surprised how very alone you can feel." I can so relate to that statement. How many of us have people fooled? Everyone thinks you are on top of the world, but deep inside you are crying out for help?
The book is very deep and I learned so much from this book. Tony having problems seeing colors is a great example of how we see things differently than others. Some people may be handicapped and to us they are flawed. God doesn't make mistakes and what we see as flawed is God showing how a handicap can be a blessing.  We can overcome things if we stop feeling sorry for ourselves and ask God what can we do to serve Him? Tony has much to learn in this place he finds different but God has him here for a reason.  Will Tony accept that he is more than just a good swimmer? Can he see the beauty in things that others find ugly or different?  The story is very good and made me take a look at myself. LikeTony, I have tried to please others. I didn't feel good about myself and was always wanting to do better, look better, be better. What I forgot, was God made me just the way He wanted me to be. I have gifts and I am loved by Him. Don't miss your chance to read this great story.
" We value what we must work for-what we must wait for. That which comes too easily can disappear without regret."
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Mary Hake, May 27
Carpe Diem, June 3
Bigreadersite , June 4
Simple Harvest Reads, June 5 (Spotlight)
Artistic Nobody, June 6 (Spotlight)
Quiet Quilter, June 7

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Chautona has put together a fun giveaway!
Grand Prize: I picture cool mornings in the mountains of Highlands. So, I’ve put together an early morning reading package for our grand prize winner. Even if it’s July, just crank up the AC, grab a lightweight throw (a scarf would even work!), brew up a cup of this delicious tea, and see what happened to Jessa (Prairie) and Tony (Highlands) when they woke up having received the desires of their hearts directly from the Lord in these contemporary fantasy novels. Happy reading!
Over a $50 value including:
Fearfully & Wonderfully Made Mug from Etsy
Tin of Tea
Paperbacks of the first 2 books in the Journey of Dreams Series!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cebc/highlands-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, May 27, 2018

THE HAWAIIAN DISCOVERY BY WANDA BRUNSTETTER
& JEAN BRUNSTETTER


It was nice to revisit the beautiful state of Hawaii through the authors eyes. The beauty of the flowers and beaches were easy to visualize. I never thought of Hawaii having mosquitoes, but it was interesting to find out that they are bad during the summertime. I always picture Hawaii with beauty everywhere and no pesky insects.  I liked Ellen and her friendship she had with Mandy. It was very hard when Mandy and her husband moved to Hawaii. What was really surprising for Ellen was the decision to sell the B&B that Ken and Mandy owned.

I could sense Ellen a bit lost after the B&B sold. She loved working there. She looks for a job, but an unexpected call from Mandy changes everything. Another interesting detail I learned was the Amish had to get special permission to fly somewhere. I just take it for granted that we can hop on a plane and go. A tragic accident with Ken has put Mandy in need of her best friend.

Ellen jumps right in when she arrives and takes Mandy's place at work. I wish I had half the energy Ellen has. She never seems to slow down. Ken has a long recovery ahead of him, and Mandy really needs Ellen to stay for awhile.  I liked the turmoil Ellen faces when she must decide between staying in Hawaii and perhaps finding romance with a certain someone, or going back home where her family is. There is also someone she had started to grow fond of at home, so what will she decide? I liked how the characters prayed through situations and I think it helped them grow spiritually. Overall a good book and nice ending.

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

Bear Witness to Murder (A Teddy Bear Mystery)
by Meg Macy

About the Book 

Bear Witness to Murder (A Teddy Bear Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Kensington (May 29, 2018)
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496709653
Digital ASIN: B075C38DMD
As autumn air settles into the quaint small town of Silver Hollow, there’s nothing more popular than Sasha’s teddy bears—and murder in cold blood . . .
Silver Bear Shop and Factory manager Sasha Silverman is cozying up to the fall season by hosting Silver Hollow’s Cranbeary Tea Party, the opening event of the village’s Oktobear Fest—a too-cute celebration themed around teddy bears. She barely has a moment to agonize over the return of her former high school rival, Holly Parker, whose new toy and bookstore in town could spell big trouble for the Silver Bear Shop and her cousin’s small bookstore . . .
But when Sasha discovers Holly’s shop assistant dead with a knife plunged in her body, the unpleasant woman suddenly looks like a real backstabber. So does Sasha’s ex-husband, rumored to have rekindled the fiery extramarital affair he once had with the victim. Now, before a gruesome homicide case takes the fun out of both the Fest and her personal life, Sasha must identify the true culprit from a daunting suspect list—or risk becoming as lifeless as one of her stuffed bears . . .

About the Author

Award-winning mystery author Meg Macy lives in Southeast Michigan, close to Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Dexter — the area she chose for the setting of her new “Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear” cozy mystery series for Kensington. She is also one-half of the writing team of D.E. Ireland for the Eliza Doolittle & Henry Higgins Mystery series; two books have been named Agatha Award finalists. Meg’s first published book, Double Crossing, won the 2012 Best First Novel Spur Award from Western Writers of America. She’s a graduate of Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction program. Meg loves reading mysteries, historical, and other genre fiction, and also enjoys gardening, crafts, and watercolor painting.
Author Links:      www.megmacy.com      Meg Macy on Facebook      Meg Macy on Twitter

Purchase Links:  Amazon      B&N     Kobo    Google Play   BookBub


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I love stuffed bears. Whenever I see one in a store, I always grab it and give it a hug. I never had a stuffed animal growing up, but I sure did look at them when I saw one in a store. If I could I would have a room full of them now. I so enjoyed reading about the Silver Bear Shop. The tea party was so much fun to read about. I imagined myself as a child sitting there at the table with my pretty bear. We would each take a sip of tea and laugh with the others girls at the table. The author does such a great job of describing the setting and all the wonderful foods and it was evident that everyone was having a great time.

Why did Sasha's  ex-husband Flynn decide that barging in on a tea party and making a scene was a good idea ? I would have gone over there and ushered him out. The children were having a grand time and didn't need some silly man making a spectacle of himself. He seems to be chatting up Gina and the mayor. Not many people like Gina. She seems to be pushy and a bit snotty. When Sasha finds out who Flynn cheated with, she is non too happy. Well she needs to keep her mind on the upcoming Bears on Parade and Oktobear Fest. It is sure to be a success and the town is looking forward to it. 

Sasha sure is not going to have a good day when she discovers a body in the parking lot where she left her car the night before. I thought it was pretty funny when at first she identified the dead person as Holly.  When the body is turned over it is Gina laying dead. That starts a list of suspects right away. I loved how the author gives us a great story with intrigue and an abundance of suspects that all seem to be guilty. Looks like our deceased wasn't well liked. 

Mystery lovers will enjoy this story filled with whimsical themes and fun characters that will have you wanting more. I adored the book and the authors style of writing. The ending is explosive and unexpected. I love when I can't figure out the mystery, because it shows how creative the author is. Don't miss this wonderful 2nd in a series cozy mystery series.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion. 
John Davids Calling FB Banner copy

About the Book

John David's calling
Title: John David’s Calling
Author: Caryl McAdoo
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: May, 2018
When much is given, much is required.
Everything comes easy to David Nightingale. The favored son of Cypress Springs comes of age in the Texas Hill Country with one foot in PawPaw’s Church of Christ and the other in Gramp’s Holiness Church. He loves tilling the soil, traipsing the back woods varmint hunting, and most of all Hannah Claire. But the Lord calls him to leave everything. Will he choose to follow or succumb to his love for Hannah? If he stays, can he have it all?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Caryl McAdooCaryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and a quick scroll through her novels’ rankings by Christian readers attests to the Father’s faithfulness. She loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs He gives her—look her up on YouTube to hear a few. Her high school sweetheart husband won her heart fifty-two years ago, and now they share four children and seventeen grandsugars. Ron and Caryl live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

Guest Post from Caryl McAdoo

At just one-year-old, David John Prescott sat on the hip of his mother, Sandra Louise Harris Prescott in the end of CHIEF OF SINNERS, book ten (and last) of my Texas Romance Family Saga series. His biological father, Buddy Nightingale walked away from them both, choosing obedience to God over the love of his life and his son.
Staunch Church of Christ believers, his mother’s parents took in the baby while her guilt took her to Dallas and eventually France to oversee the care of her mentally deranged husband Harry Prescott. So David grew up in the Texas Hill Country, well loved and cared for, with his mother visiting as often as she can.
David’s paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Nightingale (from Texas Romance’s book eight and nine COVERING LOVE and MIGHTY TO SAVE)—once a famous tent preacher with a healing ministry—has been close, quitting the road to pastor a nearby Holiness Church. As David grows, he sees him occasionally when his father Buddy visits from Alabama and Gramps always came to watch him play sports.
From a long line of people who love the Lord, I thought to write a trilogy titled THE REVIVALIST. JOHN DAVID’S CALLING is book one.
At fourteen years of age, David stepped in to rescue a little third grader being bullied and instantly became her hero. As Hannah Claire grew, doting on him, making him gifts and cards, swooning, she won him over, and PawPaw allowed him to visit her church one Sunday a month.
The second book in the Trilogy will be HANNAH’S WILDERNESS, and then I’ll wrap up their stories with book three, KING DAVID’S TABERNACLE.
I’ve so enjoyed these characters—the Buckmeyers, Baylors, and Nightingales—I find it hard put them on the shelf. They’re like family. I’ve even got one story started that’s a contemporary called THE KING OF TEXAS, with Patrick Henry the III as hero.
As all are written to stand alone, it’s never necessary for readers to know all the ancestors to enjoy JOHN DAVID’S CALLING or any of the series really—though I’m pretty certain reading the Family Saga in order would be the best! So if you love David’s book, you might want to go back to VOW UNBROKEN, book one and read all ten. I think you’re sure to love them all!
One thing I love about this JOHN DAVID’S CALLING is that it takes place in my days. I graduated high school in 1968, same as David, so he lives through the same times as me! That’s really been fun. But I must say I do resent it being called a historical a little J LOL
As always, I pray my story gives God glory and that its readers will be drawn closer to Him through it. He blesses me and highly favors me daily. I cannot thank or praise Him enough! Thank you for reading my stories!


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I loved this story so much. The time period is perfect and although I grew up in the 70's I still remember some of the references the author makes. Like David , I had a Z28 Ccamero. It was a 1974 brand new blue turbo charged Z28. Oh my reading about his brings back memories. Marble Falls is very familiar to me since I live in Texas. Trust me when I say it is a place of beauty. As David graduates from high school he has many decisions to make. He knows God is calling him, but will he follow Him, or take a different route?

I loved how the author talks about the struggle David has trying to please everyone. It's not easy to do that and sometimes we make the wrong choices. Can you remember a time when you didn't listen to God? It was a time when the draft was in place and many young men were called up to serve. This time period has a lot of history and I loved how the author so eloquently shared it in the story.

Hannah sure is a hand full and has declared her feelings for John. I sense a bit of temptation creeping in and I sure hope David is strong enough to resist it. David is definitely a person to be around. He is devoted to the Lord and like all of us, struggles when God tells him to do something. I have argued with God many times, but in the end I had to obey Him. David has a servant's heart just like David in the bible. Oh what a wonderful story the author has given us. I loved how she always puts in sweet southern sayings like,"Bless her pea- picking heart."

Reading the story is so inspiring and I loved how David continues to listen to God. I loved the talks he has with God and the visions he is blessed with. The author describes the different denominations and I really enjoyed learning about them.  David is continuing to get pressure from Hannah to get married. Will he be able to resist temptation and stay on course for what God has planned for Him?  Hannah started to get on my nerves with her constant wanting to get married. I wanted to tell her to be quiet and wait on the Lord. She needs to trust what God has called David for and believe she will be there beside him when the time is right.

This book is one I didn't want to end. I loved reading about David and his calling . He never gave up and always believed that Hannah would be by his side. Does she follow David when revival breaks out? What happens when David hears a call that requires him to go where few have been to minister? It is a beautiful story of following God's call on your life and the blessings waiting for you  as you obey. 

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

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, May 25
Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Spotlight)
Bigreadersite, May 31
Artistic Nobody, June 5 (Spotlight)
Carpe Diem, June 6

Giveaway

e5f4939d-cd96-45de-b748-8fb15bc1a0af
To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away
GRAND PRIZE : $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st Prize: THREE Choice-of-Caryl’s Titles (print–US only or ebook)
2nd-4th: ebook of JOHN DAVID’S CALLING
5th-7th: print copy VOW UNBROKEN
8th-10th: $5 Amazon gift cards!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cee1/john-david-s-calling-celebration-tour-giveaway