Thursday, August 8, 2019

About the Book

Book: Cross My Heart

Author: Robin Lee Hatcher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 25, 2019

Can two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?

When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.

They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?

Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

For more information, visit robinleehatcher.com; Facebook: robinleehatcher; or Twitter: @robinleehatcher.

More from Robin

MY WRITING DESK
ROBIN LEE HATCHER

I have a wonderful home office with a large screen iMac and the perfect place to keep important papers and reminders right in front of me for easy access. There is also a bed for my dog, Boo, because no office is complete without a bed to welcome the dog. Right?

I also do a lot of writing while seated in a big easy chair in the living room. It all depends upon my mood and how many reference books I might need at the time.

My office usually looks neat when I begin a book. By the time I’m writing the end, the room has become a disaster—stacks of papers demanding my attention and a layer of dust are the most obvious issues.

My office also serves as my art studio (where I do decorative planning and Bible art journaling), so every inch that isn’t taken up by writing related items is filled with art related ones—paints, washi tape, stickers, pens galore, etc.

An early riser naturally, I consider sleeping in to be anything after 6 AM. On a normal writing day, I try to get in half an hour on the treadmill first thing in the morning (and often return to it for ten minutes segments a couple other times during the day). Then I sit at my desk or in my easy chair to do my Bible study. And finally I begin writing.

I can usually create new words for about four hours or so a day. The rest of the work day is filled with editing, revising, research, and correspondence with publisher, agent, readers, and other writers. I have an active online presence which needs attention daily, as well.

I am also a late-in-life part time college student, taking my classes online, so at least a couple of days a week, you’ll find me doing assignments and taking quizzes. For some reason, I rarely use my office for that. The kitchen table seems to suit me better. Probably because it is a large table and I can really spread out.

I feel very blessed to be able to work at home. I had a full time job when I wrote my first book. In fact, I wrote nine novels over the course of nine years while still working full time. The month my ninth book released, I quit my job in order to write full time. Seventy books and almost 28 years later, I’m still at it. As I said, I am blessed.

What a wonderful story that captures the hearts of two people dealing with their past and trying to make a fresh start.The author does a great job of giving us characters that are easy to relate to and scriptures that fill your soul with hope. It is easy to fall in love with Ashley and Ben as they find common ground with love of horses and wanting to help hurting people. I loved the story and the message of hope and forgiveness. The story is also a time slip which gives us a glimpse into a war that took many lives. Come join the author as two generations collide on a journey to freedom and unconditional love.

"Follow God and you will never lose your way."

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 27

The Christian Fiction Girl, July 27

The Power of Words, July 27

Carla Johnson-Hicks, July 28

Christian Bookaholic , July 28

Through the Fire Blogs, July 29

A Baker’s Perspective, July 29

Back Porch Reads, July 30

Cultivating Us, July 30

Godly Book Reviews, July 31

For Him and My Family, July 31

God’s Little Bookworm, August 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1

Daysong Reflections, August 2

EmpowerMoms, August 2

Southern Gal Loves to Read, August 2

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, August 3

Moments, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4

Remembrancy, August 4

Pause for Tales , August 5

For The Love of Books, August 5

All-of-a-kind Mom, August 6

Hallie Reads, August 6

Living Life Free in Christ, August 7

To Everything A Season, August 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 7

Wishful Endings, August 8

Texas Book-aholic, August 8

janicesbookreviews, August 8

A Reader’s Brain, August 9

Inklings and notions, August 9

Simple Harvest Reads, August 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a copy of her book!!

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/e5a6/cross-my-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Gators, Guts, & Glory

Author: Lauralee “Blissful” Bliss

Genre: Non-Fiction, Hiking, Adventure

Release date: July 15, 2019

Wander on the wild and humorous side of adventure with long distance hiker Lauralee Bliss (trail name Blissful), hiking the 1,100-mile Florida Trail from Big Cypress National Preserve to Gulf Islands National Seashore. From alligators and cottonmouths to tenting among the palmettos and walking on water, from forests of cypress knees and lofty pine to the help of trail angels along the way, “Blissful” uncovers the hidden gems of glory in this National Scenic Trail with a unique journey unlike any other.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Lauralee Bliss is an avid adventurer, one of only a few women to hike the entire Appalachian Trail both north and south. She is also the published author of over 25 romance novels and novellas. Lauralee’s desire is that readers will come away with both an entertaining story and a lesson that ministers to the heart. She makes her home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

More from Lauralee

Why hike the Florida Trail of all things?

L – I’ve had several adventures under my belt, like completing the Appalachian Trail twice (see book one in the Hiking Adventure Series – Mountains, Madness and Miracles – 4000 Miles Along the Appalachian Trail)! We used to vacation in Florida as many do come winter, and once we came upon the Florida Trail sign. I couldn’t imagine hiking among the palm trees. After talking to other hikers who had done it, I knew it would be a unique experience unlike any other. After all, why should life be boring?

It all sounds kind of dangerous – the alligators, the swamps. Were you scared?

L – I’ll admit there are facets of hiking that can cause scary situations. Once I got stuck in mud-like quicksand. In Florida it’s known as sucking mud, and I thought I’d never get out of it. Can you imagine? I also had some rough weather, dangerous water crossings, and an encounter with a cottonmouth. Btu through it I learned about God’s peace and His saving hand in situations where you really have no control.

What did you do to prepare?

L – I hiked as much as I could. I talked with other hikers and asked questions. I joined online trail forums to find out about the Florida Trail. I bought the guidebook for it. I believe one should always try to prepare and not venture into something blind. But of course there’s always the unexpected, which adds to the adventure aspect.

What lessons did you learn?

L – What one can accomplish in life if you keep going and not give up, despite the challenging situations thrust your way. I like to go on these journeys to witness God’s care in my life firsthand and seeing the kindness of others to help a hiker in need. I’ve had people try to give me money. Folks that invited me into their homes or given me rides. The human spirit is amazing and one of the most valuable things I experienced.

What else can you tell us about yourself?

L – I am an avid adventurer covering thousands of trail miles in the US from east to west including two completions of the Appalachian Trail, the Colorado Trail, the Long Trail of Vermont, the Allegheny Trail of West Virginia, and the Foothills Trail of South Carolina. I have also authored of over 25 romance novels and novellas and when not writing or hiking, I love to talk to others about hiking. My motto is – make your dream come true! (and it has, in more ways than one)

Bugs , backpacks and beautiful trails oh my. I am not a camper nor a hiker so this book intrigued me. Why would someone want to hike for days with weather that changes daily and lack of water becomes a reality?

The author has a lot of determination and a thirst for adventure in this book. It is chalked full of inviting trails which seem to go on forever. It surprised me that she was pretty calm when meeting strangers on her journey and I especially loved her endurance as she traveled to see God’s beauty.

The author really did her research before taking off and I thought how prepared she must have been. I’m pretty sure I would not last an hour on a trail. My idea of hiking is making a trip to the mailbox. Camping for me is in an RV with all the luxuries minus bugs, and bad weather.

I was shocked when she went home with one of the ladies she encountered on her hike. The offer of a soft bed and ice cream is tempting but I would never go with someone I didn’t know. I’m not as trusting as the author and it sounded like she had a great time visiting with the lady and her husband. They do seem to become friends and that encouraged me to have more faith in mankind . There always seemed to be a big issue with water. Staying hydrated is very important and I worried about our hiker throughout the book.

The different places the author visits on her journey were quite interesting . There are good people in this world and it was evident as the author gets help from strangers. I loved that she was able to witness and pray with people along her journey. The book was interesting but I’m still not convinced I want to go hiking.

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

Blog Stops

Lighthouse Academy, July 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 31

Mary Hake, August 1

Inklings and notions, August 1

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

For Him and My Family, August 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 6

Girls in White Dresses, August 7

Texas Book-aholic, August 8

Just the Write Escape, August 9

janicesbookreviews, August 10

A Reader’s Brain, August 11

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, August 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauralee is giving away a grand prize of a $25 REI gift card!!

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/e547/gators-guts

Monday, August 5, 2019

About the Book

Book: Fragments of Fear

Author: Carrie Stuart Parks

Genre: Suspense

Release date: July 23, 2019

From award-winning author Carrie Stuart Parks comes a new novel with danger that reaches from a New Mexico Anasazi archaeological dig to micro- and nano-chip technology.

Evelyn Yvonne McTavish-Tavish to her friends-had her almost perfect world in Albuquerque, New Mexico, come to a crashing end with the suicide of her fiancé. As she struggles to put her life back together and make a living from her art, she’s given the news that her dog is about to be destroyed at the dog pound. Except she doesn’t own a dog. The shelter is adamant that the microchip embedded in the canine-with her name and address-makes it hers.

Tavish recognizes the dog as one owned by an archaeologist named Pat Caron because she did a commissioned drawing of the two of them months earlier. The simple solution is to return the dog to his owner, but she arrives only to discover Caron’s murdered body.

After meeting undercover FBI agent Sawyer Price the mystery deepens as more people start disappearing and Tavish becomes a target as well. Her only solution is to find the links between microchip technology, an Anasazi site in the desert, her fiancé’s death, a late-night radio show, and the dog. And the clock is ticking.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Carrie Stuart Parks is a Christy finalist as well as a Carol Award-winning author. She has won numerous awards for her fine art as well. An internationally known forensic artist, she travels with her husband, Rick, across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law-enforcement professionals. The author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing and painting, Carrie continues to create dramatic watercolors from her studio in the mountains of Idaho.

More from Carrie

Using Art to Solve Crime: Techniques Used by Forensic Artists

Since 1981, I’ve been a forensic artist—an amazing feat since I’m only . . .um. . . well, younger than that. In those years, I’ve seen some shifts and trends, but some things have never changed. Despite the overwhelming prevalence of computers in almost every other field, they have never been able to replace a trained forensic artist. Artists have an amazing toolbox of techniques we use to gather the information we need to help solve crime.

The pencil. Any forensic artist worth her weight in graphite knows the power of the lowly pencil and a sketchpad. Law enforcement would love a photographic image of the suspect, but all we have to work with is memory…and memory is faulty. The more the image looks perfect, the more imperfect it is for helping to identify a suspect. We want the drawing to just suggest a likeness and eliminate those not similar.
Now that we brought up the subject of memory, a forensic artist needs to understand how memory works. The average witness will remember between four and five facial features. When they describe the person they saw, they will do so from their strongest memory to their weakest memory, from most important to least important. We listen carefully to the order of facial features.
Whole vs Parts. We don’t look at faces as individual parts, although a particularly outstanding nose or Marty Feldman eyes might catch our attention. We will remember the face as a whole, with the proportions of the face an unacknowledged part of that. Forensic artist prefer to use reference photographs where the whole face is viewed.

Want more? Check out the rest of my article at The Strand Magazine

Tavish is a very wealthy young woman who doesn't have the best relationship with her mother. I guess if you call your mother by her first name, it is obvious there is a fracture in the relationship. I didn't care for Tavish's mother at all. Maybe her mother is upset that her daughter is independent and doesn't always do what her mother wants her to do. Her mother is always requesting Tavish's appearance at functions she doesn't want to be at. Whatever the reason, the author does a great job of exploring their relationship throughout the story.

The suspense in the book is good and has many twists in it. What would you do if you received a call from an animal shelter saying to come pick up your dog before it is euthanized? Tavish is quite confused with the call because she doesn't own a dog, but I'm so glad she has a good heart. The dog is a clue to something that brings the story to an adventure filled with secrets and danger. I adored the dog and thought it was a great addition to the story.

Sawyer is charming and wants to help Tavish while trying to keep her safe. I love that he is not afraid to share his faith and encourage Tavish to not give up. It was fascinating to read about archaeology and be able to feel a part of the dig that was going on. I love the element of art in the story and have always enjoyed learning about different pieces that an artist has put their heart into.

Tavish has a difficult time trusting people and when her life is in danger, she will have to learn to let her guard down and trust Sawyer. She is thrown into an unexpected turn of events that bring her to a place where she will encounter life and death. I loved how the author keeps readers guessing with her excellent ability to throw in curves that involve intrigue and surprises.

It's hard to figure out who are the enemies and just what they are after which made me want to read as fast as I could. The book is very good with layers of complicated people who are after something of value. I have to say that I loved how intense the story is at times. Overall the story is well written and delves into the art world with drama, heart pounding action and a bit of faith scattered throughout the story.

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