About the Book

Book: Beating Cancer: One Truth at a Time

Author: Marianne C. McDonough

Genre: Non-fiction, health and disease

Release Date: November 6, 2018

Like eagles soaring above a storm, cancer patients tackle an unpredictable disease. To navigate the turmoil, they must dispel the myths surrounding cancer, understand the facts, and determine how they want their journey to look. Armed with their convictions, they can create a path that achieves maximum health and gives them peace. Although support helps, ultimately, they must make their own decisions.

This book is about choices and the beliefs from which those choices emerge.

Beating Cancer One Truth at a Time encourages patients to:

• Confront cultural myths about cancer
• Clarify their own truths
• Proactively plan treatment and prehab activities
• Acquire positive and hopeful mindsets
• Create a vision worth fighting for
• Develop cancer smarts for survivorship

Designed for self-reflection and/or group discussion, Beating Cancer One Truth at a Time guides readers toward empowerment and freedom for a journey they never wanted but have to master.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Journalist and author of award-winning 8 Steps to Getting Real with Cancer, Marianne C. McDonough believes the way to beat cancer is one truth at a time. She tells patients, “This is your journey. You’re the best person to lead it.” A cancer survivor since 2012, Marianne wants patients to assess the hard questions cancer presents and discover their own truths. She understands patients are stressed, anxious, and exhausted. From her personal experience, she offers a straight-forward book that inspires hope. A Minnesota native, Marianne enjoys lake activities at her cabin with her family, musicals, baseball, bridge, dancing, and walking through the woods or a nearby park.

Guest Post from Marianne

Why did I write this book?

Because I’ve battled cancer, and I know what it’s like to face mortality, fall to my knees, and fight an enemy that has lodged itself in my own body.

Cancer changed me. I don’t know how anyone goes through it without changing. The initial sense of powerlessness is overwhelming. It challenged me to the core. I remember learning words, concepts, treatments, statistics, prognoses, and a myriad of data I had never even heard before.

I was tired and confused. But I was also angry with cancer and determined to beat it.

Right after I was diagnosed, trying to figure out what to do, I went to a class at my oncology center because I wanted to talk to other cancer patients. When I introduced myself and said I had just been diagnosed, the other patients said something I didn’t expect and can now affirm, “You’re going through the hardest part.”

They were right, and as a survivor for six years, I am writing what I wish I could have found during that initial period of cancer. I didn’t have time for long books or theoretical treatises, so I tried to find short, practical, quick-read books that would give me solid tips for the journey. And I wanted someone to encourage me in simple, no-nonsense terms that I even had a future. But I couldn’t find those books.

Most of all, I needed a gut-level confidence that cancer was not in charge of my life, because cancer lies to patients and pompously declares, “From now on I’ll make all your decisions about what you’re going to do, when, and for how long.”

Cancer thrives on myths, misconceptions, and fear. Our best weapons are counteracting truths based on reliable data, firm convictions based on faith, and hope based on clarity of vision.

My first book 8 Steps to Getting Real with Cancer was released in 2016 and won the Midwest Book Award in the health division. I geared that book towards patients and those who love them. This second book evolved because my oncologist suggested my approach would work well for support groups. Since 8 Steps was primarily narrative, I decided to write a second book that could be read or discussed, even journaled if desired. Imagining a one-on-one conversation with my readers, I focused more on cancer myths and specifically addressed patients, although family and friends can surely benefit as well.

Beating Cancer One Truth at a Time isn’t about me or my journey. It’s about patients finding their own truths in their own way to beat cancer on their own terms. The subtitle states the main premise of the book: what you believe determines your journey.

If you are a cancer patient and you are discovering this book today, please know that the fight is worth it. You can do this. Let’s believe together for a journey you can be proud of.

I am sure that everyone one of us knows someone going through or has been through cancer. It is not a fun subject to talk about, but it is important to  get the right information to help you through the journey. " Cancer is a bully that attempts to hijack us." What a profound statement. Cancer is a word that a few of my friends are fighting right now. What is the right thing to say to them? Do they have information that will help them? 

I found this book to be insightful and as the author says, "I will not sugarcoat it." When you get diagnosed with cancer, I'm sure the first thing you think about is what do I do? I love that the author is honest, understands about cancer and gives real answers and actions  to use to fight. The key is to not let cancer win, but to show it that you are ready to fight the battle. In the book she tackles myths about cancer and shares truths that help you have a positive outlook. 

At the end of each chapter is a place to choose one item you will do in the next day, week, month or long term. I found that to be a great idea and one that will help encourage you. I loved this statement the author said, "Anyone who has battled cancer at all is a winner for standing up against it." I admire those who are fighting right now, for they are not alone. There are people around who care and it is important to reach out  to family and friends for support.. Surround yourself with people who will fight with you, pray with you or just sit with you when you need it. 

The book is well written and gives people an opportunity to get real information from someone who had cancer and beat it. I love her encouragement and information she provides to help each person make their own choices without overloading them with stress. I am thankful that there are people like this author who is willing to share their story to help someone who faces the unknown. The best advice she gives is to fight, don't get stressed out and surround yourself with positive people who are there for you. 

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

Blog Spots

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Artistic Nobody, November 8 (Spotlight)

cherylbbookblog, November 9

Bibliophile Reviews, November 10

Carpe Diem, November 11

Janices book reviews, November 12

A Baker’s Perspective, November 13

A Diva’s Heart, November 14

Bigreadersite, November 15

Just the Write Escape, November 16

Reading is my Super Power, November 17 (Interview)

Mary Hake, November 18

margaret kazmierczak, November 19 (Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marianne is giving away a grand prize of a personalized yeti tumbler!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d6b7/beating-cancer-one-truth-at-a-time-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book Title: Sword in the Stars

Author: Wayne Thomas Batson

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Release date: August 16 ,2017

The difference in their uncanny eyes could not be easily discerned. In the rays of the setting sun, both Aravel’s and Morlan’s eyes appeared gold. In the pale moonlight…yellow. Seemingly the same. Such inscrutable likeness is the way of things with identical twins. But all who knew the two brothers well noted unmistakable differences, peculiarities more experienced than seen. Those who stood before King Aravel’s gaze felt the glad firelight of a cozy inn. But those who fell under Morlan’s stare felt the gleam of winter moonlight on the cold, white stone monuments in a boneyard. FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE DOOR WITHIN TRILOGY comes an epic tale of two powerful kings whose rivalry threatens to tear the world of Myriad apart. Into this chaos of treachery and war, strides ex-assassin Alastair Coldhollow whose quest for redemption leads him to the one foe he cannot defeat with a thrust of his sword. Everything may hinge on an age-old prophecy, but after thousands of years, will the Sword appear in the Stars at last? With the aid of Abbagael Rivynfleur, a not-so-naive girl from the forest villages, Alastair will tread forgotten roads, face legendary creatures, and meet mysterious new races of people, all in an effort to find Myriad’s Halfainin. So begins the sweeping seven-volume Myridian Constellation. Read on to discover what happens when the Sword is in the Stars, and the moon is blood red…

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Wayne Thomas Batson is the Bestselling author of seventeen adventure novels including the fan favorite: Door Within Trilogy, the pirate trilogy: The Isle Chronicles, the 7-book fantasy epic: Myridian Constellation, and a supernatural thriller series for adults: GHOST: The John Spector Missions. Batson credits God for every concept, story, word, and phrase (“Except the mistakes,” Batson says. “Those are all me.”) Happily married for 25 years, Batson and his wife have four adult children and make their home in Carroll County, Maryland.

A middle school Reading and English teacher for 27 years, Batson loves to challenge—and be challenged by—his students. So, when he began writing stories to supplement the school district’s curriculum, it was his students who taught their teacher a lesson. Batson’s students were so taken by one of the stories that, over a thirteen-year span, they pushed him to make it into a full-length novel. That story became The Door Within. Since then, Batson’s students continue to be his frontline editors. Says Batson, “Two things you can count on from middle school students: Intelligence and Honesty. Kids are so much more perceptive than a lot of us ‘Big Folk’ give them credit for. And when something’s not right in the story, they’ll tell you about in very clear terms.” With over half a million books in print, Batson believes his books appeal to so many kids and adults because, at a deep level, we all long to do something that matters, and we all dream of another world.

Deep in the depths of imagination is a story that I was challenged with. It was hard at first for me to follow all the creatures and mystical beings. There were times when the battles were graphic but for me it added just the right amount to vividly see the adventure unfold. I really liked the battle with the dragon at the beginning of the story. The author has a way with   descriptive words which place readers  in the arena watching as one by one the dragon prevailed.  

I suddenly found myself really into the story as Alistair became this person who seemed lost and hoping for forgiveness from his past. He is a worthy opponent and does have a soft side which he tries to hide from others.  There is definitely darkness throughout the story and a vast array of creatures that would scare anyone. I began to wonder what all these battles, kings and creatures where trying to project. These are just my thoughts and maybe someone else will see the story in a different way. Alistair is always looking for Halfanin. He is always seeking for that someone, a being , anything that would forgive him. Isn't that what we do? We want forgiveness, but at times don't realize that God is right there waiting with arms wide open. 

There is another part in the story that took my breath away. Lady Abbagael is quite the character. Alistair has called on her to help with a baby he has been given to protect. There are a few laughs when they banter over how to take care of the baby. The most significant part for me was in the midst of the battle, the baby who seemed to be covered in blood was unharmed. Perhaps what Alistair had been searching for all this time, was right there in front of him. A mere infant clothed in cloth, innocent and yet full of hope. 

I fell in love with the Willowfolk and wanted to be in their presence. They had an aura of peace around them, but were fierce when protecting each other. The author has written such a wonderful story that takes readers on a journey like none has ever imagined. The genius of the authors' writing has surpassed many others who write in this genre. It is brilliant and the ending is nothing short of epic. I have become a fan although at first I was overwhelmed by all the characters in the book. Well done story and a series of battles make this book a must read. Don't miss your chance to read a book rich in imagination and filled with truths and lessons.

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

Guest Post from Wayne

Wayne Thomas Batson here. If you’re wondering why I always use my middle name, no, it’s not because I want to sound all stodgy or literary. Thomas is my father’s name. I’ve always wanted to honor him by using the name in my author name, esp. now because he passed away in 2015. If you’ve been reading my books for a while, you probably think The Door Within is my first book. Technically, however, it is not. The concept for Sword in the Stars actually popped into my head before The Door Within. The book actually appeared in two parts: Alastair’s story and Ariana’s story (from Errant King). At first I just didn’t realize they were both in the same HUGE story. In the meantime, Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins published The Door Within Trilogy, and I kept getting contracts, keeping me from Sword in the Stars until 2012. But God was pretty insistent about the story because I kept getting flooded with ideas for what will eventually become the 7-Book Myridian Constellation series. Seriously, you should see the looks I get at church when I sit down during worship to scrawl story ideas on the back of a church bulletin!

Blog Stops

The Lit Addict, October 27

Bibliophile Reviews, October 28

Book by Book, October 29

Aryn the Libraryan, October 30

A Baker’s Perspective, October 30

A Reader’s Brain, October 31

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 1

Multifarious, November 2

Blogging With Carol, November 3

Bigreadersite, November 3

Inklings and Notions , November 4

Artistic Nobody, November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Janice’s Book Reviews, November 8

Carpe Diem, November 9

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Wayne is giving away a grand prize of The Official Bat Book Box O’ Mystery (including some one of a kind, early handwritten drafts of my published books)!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d4ec/sword-in-the-stars-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book Title: Miles from Where We Started

Author: Cynthia Ruchti

Genre: Christian Romance/Family life

Release date: October 16, 2018

These no-longer-newlyweds want out of this road trip—and their marriage. Too bad they can’t find the off ramp.

Weeks away from their one-year wedding anniversary, Mallory and Connor Duncan can’t even agree on how to end their marriage. But when a last-minute crisis lands them on a three-thousand-mile road trip together, Mallory wonders if their story may not be over after all.

The trip begins to unravel before the key is even in the ignition, and an at-risk, trouble-seeking missile of an eleven-year-old is unexpectedly launched into their travel plans. Close quarters get even tighter, and the couple believes this whole experience will spell disaster.

Their first year of marriage hasn’t been the arm-in-arm togetherness they expected. How can they find a new beginning when the road ends?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories of hope through novels, nonfiction, devotionals, and speaking events. She serves as the professional relations liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers and is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences across the country. She married her grade school sweetheart, and the two live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

Guest Post from Cynthia

I have a confession to make. I heart millennials.

My other novels have had a few millennial characters. Some even played starring roles. But I knew there was more to the heart of millennials than I could gain from listening to the often unfair sighing or comedy routines about that generation. As a person, I wanted to know them better—what are they really like? What challenges do they face with which previous generations saddled them? What strengths to they offer our culture?

Until now, I hadn’t written a story about a millennial couple whose marriage was in crisis. Like, serious crisis. I-don’t-want-to-be-married-to-you-anymore. That kind of crisis.

As any good novelist knows, part of what we do to our characters is make the situation worse. So, millennial couple, approaching their one-year anniversary, ready to call it quits because “This marriage thing is really hard. Is it supposed to be so much work?” But what if…? What if they were forced to be together for three weeks…in a micro-camper…on America’s backroads…with an 11-year-old foster boy troublemaker…and both the husband’s AND the wife’s jobs depended on the trip’s success?

Plot idea in hand, I set off to write Miles from Where We Started, not entirely sure when I began the journey where they would end up or how they’d get there. It was an education for me in so many ways. The impact of the turning point of the story? In the words of my millennial friends, “That’s lit!”

Side note: I’m a big fan of a young teen musician at our church. The boy has mad skills as a keyboard artist. He approaches life as if it’s an endless game of Ninja Warrior. Why walk when you can vault into the room? Why walk up a flight of stairs when you can hop four at a time? He also sports a perpetual smile and is famous for his kindness, but his eyes give away that a little mischief may be hiding behind that smile. I asked Judah’s permission to use his name (and a little bit of his personality) as the foster child character in Miles from Where We Started. I can’t wait for him to read the part he inspired.

Can’t wait for you to read it, too.

Hemmed in Hope,

Cynthia

As I finished this book, I realized that I had become a part of their tour to see the country. The author has an elegant way to bring readers in with wonderful easy to relate to  characters. I loved the idea of traveling across country to see the sights and along the way meet interesting people. There were just two small problems to make the trip perfect. We have a newlywed couple wanting to call it quits before their first anniversary. Add to the equation, a young boy who needs to be loved and accepted. This has all the makings for a journey that only God could handle.

Mallory and Conner don't realize it but they have a big pride issue. Neither one wants to give in and try to save the marriage. How can they give up so easily? Maybe this trip for Conner's work will have an impact on them. The people they meet along the way are in some way a blessing to them. There are some wise people out there and all Mallory and Conner need to do is open their hearts to the truth.

Judah is a smart young boy who has not felt the love of a parent. Mallory and Conner hopefully can help him see that there are people out there who do care and do want to make a home for him. I think Judah was my favorite character because he was so hungry to learn about God. His need to be accepted was heart breaking at times. The author does a great job of letting us see how a young child can be affected by their parents choices.

The story is one that is filled with life lessons we sometimes forget. How often do we enjoy the beautiful sky as the sun is rising? Do we tell those we love how important they are to us? Forgiveness begins with us. We have to make that first step and sometimes our pride gets in the way. The author has captured my full attention and swept me away on a journey to redemption, love, forgiveness, trust and the importance of marriage and family.

"Forgive more than you think you should  have to. And that includes yourself."

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 25

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 25

The Power of Words, October 25

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 26

Lighthouse Academy, October 26

Real World Bible Study, October 26

Quiet Quilter, October 27

Kristin’s Book Reviews, October 27

Christian Bookaholic, October 27

cherylbbookblog, October 28

Simple Harvest Reads, October 28 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Remembrancy, October 28

Godly Book Reviews, October 29

Captive Dreams Window, October 29

By The Book, October 29

Maureen’s Musings, October 30

Spoken from the Heart , October 30

SusanLovesBooks, October 30

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31

Mary Hake, November 1

Book by Book, November 1

amandainpa , November 1

Pause for Tales, November 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 2

Just Commonly, November 2

Southern Gal Loves to Read, November 3

Baker Kella, November 3

Two Points of Interest, November 3

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 4

Inklings and Notions, November 4

Bibliophile Reviews, November 4

Texas Book-aholic, November 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5

Janice’s Book Reviews, November 6

Carpe Diem, November 6

A Baker’s Perspective, November 6

A Diva’s Heart, November 7

Reader’s Cozy Corner, November 7

Bigreadersite, November 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cynthia is giving away a grand prize of the Adventure begins” large tote bag, “This way to adventure” travel notebook, “Home is Where We Park It” metal wall hanging, a teardrop camper birdhouse, PLUS a $50 gift Visa gift card…to start your adventure fund!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d4ea/miles-from-where-we-started-celebration-tour-giveaway