Friday, June 22, 2018

About the Book

Title: Points Worth

Author: D.C. Marino

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: March 30

For centuries the small port town of Points Worth has been able to communicate with the ocean in its own language. But the water has just gone silent and its last word has shaken those able to translate it. A knowledge of sea-script won’t be enough to mend the broken relationship between man and the deep. Gil, a young nautical linguist, will have to break rules and search the past to discover why the ocean ceased its tides—or had them stolen.

Points Worth is a novelette set in the world of Kingdom of Ruins, and is a prequel to the first book in the series.

About the Author

D.C. Marino is a dedicated reader of history books and fantasy novels, both of which occupy an equal amount of space on her bookshelves. But it wasn’t until she realized how one breathed life into the other that she became addicted to finding the intersections of the real world and the fairy story. Still more: what those intersections about us as a creative, curious people. Kingdom of Ruins is her debut novel.

Guest post from D.C. Marino

Hi Everyone!

I’m so excited to celebrate the release of Points Worth with you! To start, I’ll share a funny secret: this little novelette was never in the plan. The idea came at the last moment, at the suggestion of my publisher. I had never intended to write a prequel to the Kingdom of Ruins series, but when I began fleshing out this small story, it took on a personality I couldn’t ignore. Not only did I fall in love with the sea-salt setting and gutsy characters, but Points Worth is now planned to continue as a mini-series of novellas, each one to be released between the full-length novels!

Gil, the main character and hero, is who I blame for the speed of my commitment to this storyline. He inspires me. Calamity has befallen his small port town and fear is driving even the wisest of the townsfolk to make dangerous decisions. Instead of swallowing the easiest explanation for the disaster, Gil goes in search of the truth against one of the most powerful men in the town. He’s scrappy, inventive and knows his history. Though born in the hills, he’s a natural seafarer. I wanted to keep following him right off the page. And so, his story has only just begun to sail the unknown ocean.

On the flip side, the Kingdom of Ruins series takes place on land. But this isn’t a default setting. The land is a character in itself and interacts with those that live upon its soil. It even takes sides in war. This same concept was extended to the sea in Points Worth. Which is appropriate, as they are part of the same world. In fact, the town of Points Worth is only a few days’ ride away from where the main novel takes place. Which leads me to the last thing I wanted to share with you. Gil will show up as a supporting character in one of the main novels. I love this because, though the reader will know Gil very well, the main characters in Kingdom of Ruins will not. You’ll suddenly see Gil from another’s perspective, which should be interesting and sometimes comical.

I will say no more. Land and sea must tell the rest of the story.

Thank you for coming! I hope you enjoy the ocean-air and the adventure it inspires!

D.C. Marino

The saying, "Good things come in small packages," is what this treasure of a book is. I love the sea and all the mysteries that can be found there. The waves seems to talk to you as it crashes on the rocks. What happens when the sea becomes quiet? Gil is a wonderful character who loves the sea and feels it talking to him. When he discovers that the sea is in trouble, he can't find anyone to believe him.

Gil wants to warn others but they dismiss him as a silly person who doesn't know what he is talking about. I loved how the author took us on a journey to find out what Gil could do to help the sea. Will he be able to get anyone to listen to him? I'm thrilled to know that there will be more installments in this exciting adventure . I look forward to the next book as I am left intrigued by what the sea is trying to communicate.

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

Blog Stops

Blossoms and Blessings, June 14

Multifarious, June 15

A Baker’s Perspective, June 15

Fiction Aficionado, June 16

Remebrancy, June 17

Ashley’s Bookshelf, June 18

RebekahsQuill, June 19

Mommynificent, June 20

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, June 20

proud to be an autism mom, June 21

Bigreadersite, June 21

Texas Book-aholic, June 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 23

Janices book reviews, June 24

Margaret Kazmierczak, June 25

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 26

Carpe Diem, June 27

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit 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/cece/points-worth-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, June 21, 2018

CELEBRATE LIT PRESENTS A REVIEW PROMO BLAST OF

CORANDRIA STATION BY CAROL E. KEEN

**First Place Winner from CWW and CIAN in the 5000 words Contest; Speculative Fiction Division.**

First Officer Mimsy B'Groves never expected her life to be anything but ordinary. In the wake of a major disaster aboard The Corandria Station, Mimsy must solve the mystery surrounding the place she once called home. The planet below her now holds her only chance for answers - if she can survive without revealing her deepest secret. Can a lone, witty, sentient feline overcome the obstacles placed before her?

Carol E. Keen enjoys fresh coffee, hot tea, and a good book. She was published for several years in FAMA magazine (Freshwater And Marine Aquarium) as a contributing editor. She published her first book on CD, called Simply Seahorses. She now resides in Alabama with her husband and family and spends her time writing, reading, working in photography, and being with her much loved critters.

Authors Social Media:

Book Bub link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carol-e-keen

Amazon:

https://.amazon.com/Carol-E.-Keen/e/B011N0L4NM/

FB Page:

https://www.facebook.com/carolekeenauthor/

Twitter:

@carolkeenauthor

News Letter link - if you need it:

http://facebook.us14.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=57474c2c03ad40d6428eae3a4&id=3101868023

Purchase link:

http://amzn.to/2IFIRqL

Tweet:

Take a trip to another world with Mimzy and learn how what she thought was her worst problem was a blessing in disguise. #TheCorandira Station @carolkeenauthor

This was such a fun book to read with a cat as the main character. Mimsy is intelligent and strangely alone on the ship. I loved how with a simple scan the injuries were found on her and repaired. It can't be easy to walk around with a dislocated hip. I would be petrified if I found myself all alone on a ship in space. It was interesting to read the description of the ship and all the stations it had on board. Wouldn't it be exciting to explore all the different areas and look at the equipment? For Mimsy is isn't so much fun when you find yourself all alone and wonder where the crew is?

The story is filled with fun little quips like, " Look what the cat drug in." I love the humor in the story and it certainly kept my attention. As Mimsy goes to another planet in search of her crew, she finds herself having dreams that are starting to make sense. Being born with a deformity was hard for Mimsy. She wanted to be accepted by others so much, but it was hard for others to see her true beauty on the inside. How many of us have judged someone by their outward appearance?

The book is not very long, but it sure has a powerful message. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" as the saying goes. We tend to look at the outside and not the inside. We judge people because they look different from us but God wants us to treat everyone with love. Through this story the author packs a great lesson in treating others as we would like to be treated.

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

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

About the Book

Title: Tremors of Doubt

Author: Lael Harrelson

Genre: Contemporary Amish Alternative

Release Date: March 19, 2018

Would the will of God ever lead a young woman against the counsel of family and church? For a young Mennonite woman who wants to make a difference in the world, growing up on the mission field in Haiti should be the perfect fit. But not for Callie Zimmerman. Raised by her aunt and uncle after the death of her parents, Callie works beside her aunt cooking, cleaning and sewing each day as the men head off to serve the community. She longs to do more to alleviate the poverty and sickness that surrounds her, but tradition and her uncle forbid it. On the eve of her twenty-third birthday, struggling with hopelessness as another year passes, Callie pleads with God to open a door for her. The prayer has barely left her mouth when she finds a stack of letters with secrets about her parent’s deaths and their excommunication from the Mennonite church. Devastated, Callie cries herself to sleep, only to be awakened a few hours later by her uncle with the startling news the Noah Koehn has asked permission to court her. Is one of these the answer to her prayer? Would exploring her parents past mean losing a future with Noah? Is it worth the risk?

About the Author

Raised by a fun loving, atheist single mom who struggled with depression and mental illness I spent my childhood backpacking around Europe, visiting yoga communes, eating vegan, living on a houseboat, then an old pony express outpost in the backwoods of Montana. My teen years took a drastic turn when my mom got saved, got married, and joined an ultra-conservative Mennonite church. Faith, step parents and unquestioning obedience is a dangerous combination when mixed with mental illness, legalism, and heavy handed physical correction.

I became a confused believer with a heart for Jesus but drowning under a sea of rules, regulations, and legalism. I became a missionary teacher and then a nurse and escaped to the mission field, the one avenue open to single women. I taught VBS on Indian reservations, led school for missionary children in Haiti and Africa. All around me was heartache and disease and glaring need. I longed to make a difference but was limited to working on the mission compound – teaching, cooking, cleaning. Work outside the walls of the compound was reserved for the men.

On a furlough, I met my future husband – a new believer who wasn’t looking for a door mat in a wife but a partner. As he grew in his faith, I reexamined mine and what Biblical womanhood looked like. Timidly at first, but then eagerly, as I discovered a new relationship with Jesus Christ based on grace and not performance. I left the Mennonite church and married the love of my life twenty years ago. We have five beautiful teenagers, two by birth and three through adoption from Haiti. My husband is adopted and God used my time in Haiti to prepare me to understand my children’s culture and language and ease their transitions home.

Two people in my family have mild Asperger’s and one has Reactive Attachment disorder, PTSD, and ODD. Our house is not a quiet, well greased machine but a chaotic, happy, crazy, nerve racking, love filled oasis where we all try to help each other grow and thrive. I am so thankful for my life – the good and the bad. I feel blessed to have experienced so many unique situations and to love and be loved by so many wonderful and eccentric people. It is from these experiences I draw the fiction stories I write. I like to think of them as fiction with grit – fast paced and entertaining stories that make you want to read till the very last page while at the same time tackling real life issues – legalism, abuse, divorce, adoption, Asperger syndrome, mental illness, etc.

Guest Post from Lael Harrelson

To the casual observer, Haiti is a magical island of swaying palms, laughing children, and azure blue oceans, but for one who takes the time to look deeper, a darker truth emerges. Starvation. Desperation. Darkness. Hopelessness.

Callie’s church is a shining beacon of family values, sincere faith, and simple living but, again, for one who takes the time to dive deeper, there is a hidden trail of broken spirits, crushed dreams, and oppressed women and girls.

Drawing inspiration from my experiences as a Haitian missionary and former Mennonite, I hope you will find Tremors of Doubt not only entertaining but life changing as you follow Callie’s journey through self-doubt, crushed dreams, love triangles, life changing secrets, and fragile hope as she navigates being the daughter of Haitian missionaries on an exotic Caribbean Island where danger is lurking just below the surface.

There have been many times I have wondered what I have done with my life. I had all these dreams but they never happened. Callie begins to ask herself these same questions. I really like Callie and her big heart . I was impressed with her living in Haiti and helping people there. As a Mennonite, I'm sure she may have looked a bit out of place. I could feel her yearning to do something more with her life as her birthday approaches. The description of Haiti was fascinating to me and I would love to go to the market and explore all the vendors. I did learn from the author that French is spoken in Haiti.

It is hard to wait on God to answer your questions and desires. Sometimes I have found myself moving ahead of God, and unfortunately things backfired. I loved how the author brought Callie's parents into the story. They led a different lifestyle than their daughter did. What made them leave the Mennonite church? The story really peaks my attention when Callie goes to the states to find answers to what happened to her parents.

As Callie gets acquainted with her family's rustic cabin deep in the woods of Colorado, a stirring begins in her. She found herself digging deeper into the bible for answers and allowing God to speak to her. She wants her life to matter, to make a difference. I loved meeting the Pastor of the little church in town. Tom is quite a humble person. He cares for others but deep inside he is lonely. I have said once to someone, " I can be in a roomful of people and feel alone." It reminds me of Callie and Tom in this story. Will they find their calling? Can God help then overcome their loneliness?

The story is filled with adventure as doors are opened for Callie. I loved reading how she took a leap of faith and followed God's plan for her. The scriptures in the story are uplifting and takes on new meaning for Callie. It was wonderful to read about her hunger to serve God and how she waited on Him for direction. The author does an amazing job of letting readers follow Callie as she gets an unexpected chance to do something she has prayed about. Will Callie be able to let go of some things in order to reach her destination God has called her to? I did cry several times during the story as the people of Haiti go through difficult situations. It is easy to take for granted all the comforts we have. After reading this book, I am reminded that everywhere we look are people suffering, needing help and most of all love. Thank you for writing a book that inspires me to be thankful for what I have and to be aware when God speaks to me. We are always a work in progress.

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

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, June 12

Among the Reads, June 12

Blossoms and Blessings, June 13

Mommynificent, June 13

Bigreadersite, June 13

The Avid Reader, June 14

Blogging With Carol, June 14

Carpe Diem, June 15

The Power of Words, June 15

A Baker’s Perspective, June 16

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, June 16

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 17

Mary Hake, June 17

margaret kazmierczak, June 17 (Interview)

Jen Around the World, June 18

Inklings and notions, June 18

Maureen’s Musings, June 19

Two Points of Interest, June 19

Texas Book-aholic, June 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20

Janices book reviews, June 21

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 21

Have A Wonderful Day, June 22

ansel book blog, June 22

Because I said so – adventures in Parenting, June 23

cherylbbookblog, June 23

Bibliophile Reviews, June 24

Red Headed Book Lady, June 24

A Reader’s Brain, June 25

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lael is giving away a grand prize of an autographed copy of Tremors of Doubt, an adorable set of Amish dolls, a set of handwritten recipe cards with mouthwatering Amish recipes, a handmade Haitian bracelet made by Haitian students, a pound of nationally acclaimed Haitian coffee, a bar of rich Haitian chocolate, and 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/d06c/tremors-of-doubt-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

About the Book

Title: The Captured Bride

Author: Michelle Griep

Release Date: June 1, 2018

Genre: Historical Romance

A war-torn countryside is no place for a lady—but Mercy Lytton is a lady like none other. Raised amongst the Mohawks, she straddles two cultures, yet each are united in one cause . . . to defeat the French. Born with a rare gift of unusually keen eyesight, she is chosen as a scout to accompany a team of men on a dangerous mission. Yet it is not her life that is threatened. It is her heart.

Condemned as a traitor, Elias Dubois faces the gallows. At the last minute, he’s offered his freedom if he consents to accompany a stolen shipment of French gold to a nearby fort—but he’s the one they stole it from in the first place. It turns out that the real thief is the beguiling woman, Mercy Lytton, for she steals his every waking thought.

Can love survive divided loyalties in a backcountry wilderness?

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of historical romances: The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, Undercurrent and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Guest Post from Michelle

A Visit to Fort Niagara

Whether you’re a history buff or don’t have a clue what the French and Indian War was about, there’s a destination in upstate New York that’s fun to visit for the whole family . . .

My husband and I made the trek to this living history site last summer. I had no idea what to expect, other than what was advertised as a “reenactment camp.” For those who don’t know, this is when volunteers who adore history come together to present a particular event, such as a battle. These people usually choose a real person from the era upon whom they fashion their modern day persona. They dress, speak, eat and live as that person might have. Here I am with some of my new friends:

Generally around the 4th of July, the 1759 Battle of Fort Niagara is recreated in a 3-day extravaganza of soldiers, muskets, canons and an entire market place to peruse selling period-related items.

Some of the things that surprised me about stepping back into the mid-eighteenth century were:

How much smoke muskets kick out
Once the battle begins, it’s hard to see who is your enemy or ally
Canons are really loud
Everything wasn’t as black and white as it seems in pictures—gowns and uniforms were very colorful

What makes this event so spectacular is that they take the entire 20 day siege and condense it into 3 days. If you visit every day, you’ll see and experience exactly what happened. You’ll be there to see the British, Colonial regulars and Iroquois allies sneak out of the tree line to shoot at some French soldiers who were pigeon hunting just outside the fort. You’ll hear the war whoops and barrage of angry French epithets roaring on the air. You’ll even get a chance to taste some of their food as you wander around inside the French Encampment set up inside the fort walls.

To experience a bit of the danger, sights and sounds of what Mercy and Elias lived through in The Captured Bride, Fort Niagara really is a fantastic place to visit.

I love reading books by this author because she is able to paint a picture with her beautiful writing style. An example is this sentence in the book; " Rain tapped a tattoo against the canvas'" Readers are able to visualize the rain falling while making a design . That's the kind of writing that keeps me coming back to the author. The story is well written and is vivid in detail and history.

Mercy is a woman to be reckoned with. She is very strong willed and doesn't like being told what to do by anyone. Her job as a scout is perfect for her. She has a special ability that will help her on the journey. Along the way the group encounters danger which heightens the story. At first I wasn't sure who to trust in the story. Elias is a traitor and sure is quick to make a deal to save his life. Is he interested only in honoring his deal, or does he have his eyes on something more valuable to him?

The story is filled with enemies, danger and intrigue that keeps readers attention. I loved reading about the rough terrain they traveled and the unknown that awaited them. There are several scenes in the book that describe an attack that were well written and showed how dangerous it was during this time period. The journey to their destination will turn into a fight for their lives as they encounter enemies that have blood in their eyes. Can Elias keep Mercy safe? I did like the story line where I wasn't quite sure who was a spy and who could be trusted. The story overall is good and I liked how trust and faith was weaved throughout the book. Make sure you grab a copy of this book and travel back to a time when the French and Indian War was dangerous and history making.

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