Saturday, December 12, 2020

About the Book

Book: Stories and Songs of Faith

Author: Alexis Goring

Genre: Christian Devotional

Release Date: April 25, 2020

Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God is a 52-week devotional that will bless your heart, soothe your soul, encourage your mind, and strengthen your God-given spirit.

Join author Alexis A. Goring on an inspirational journey. Each devotional builds from real-life experiences that impart many faith lessons learned along the way.

Each day is built on the foundation of a Bible verse or edifying quote, followed by Goring’s personal story and reflection questions for a personalized experience.

All of the devotionals are tied to a song in order to go a little deeper into the heart of the message. A song directory at the end of the book connects the reader with music online to further enhance the study experience and glorify God.

Spend a year on a journey growing closer to the Lord through Stories and Songs of Faith, and discover personal transformation as time with Jesus Christ changes your heart to look a little more like His.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

More from Alexis

Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God was published in April 2020.

However, the idea for this devotional wasn’t a thought in my head until around the beginning of last year. It’s interesting because though I have been writing devotions since recovering from a health crisis at age 16, and have had my devotionals published in books, on blogs and on websites since then, I never thought of putting together a book filled with my original devotions until January 2019.

It’s amazing how God works! Because at the time that God inspired this project, I was actually still trying to recover from writer’s block and work on another fiction book which I planned to have published before the end of that year. But God had other plans.

And His plans were (and always are) perfect!

God put this devotional on my heart and I went to it! First, I gathered all of the devotions that I’d written over the years that were published on other blogs. Since they didn’t pay me to publish my work, I still had the rights to each one. So that meant I now had about 25 percent of the content for my book! Next, I reached out to the women’s devotional book editorial team who had published several of my devotions over the span of about 14 years. I planned to ask permission to re-publish those devotions that I wrote, this time in my own devotional. But later, I decided that it would be a better idea to simply write new material for my book. And so I did! But it wasn’t easy.

At first, I was barely writing more than one devotion every two or three weeks. It was then that I realized that as a trained journalist, I thrive on deadlines (never missed one). So I decided that it would help motivate me to write consistently if I gave myself a deadline for each new devotion. Around that time, I had been writing a few times a month for a friend’s blog called Whispers in Purple. I decided to sign up to write a new devotion for her blog every week until I was done putting my devotional together. So I booked myself for one of my new devotions to be published every Friday from around February 2019 through Summer 2019.

By Summer 2019, I had a total of 44 devotions and thought I was done. However, God knew I was not and He let me know that through two professionals in the publishing industry. The first was a popular book editor who told me, “You know, Alexis, if you wrote 52 devotions then it could be a weekly devotional because there are 52 weeks in a year.” I gave her a nod but wasn’t convinced that was the best idea for me as the author. Not soon after, a literary agent gave me the final push by simply saying, “You need to keep going.” And so I, reluctantly then but gratefully now, did keep writing more devotions. I booked myself to be a guest on Whispers in Purple blog every Friday through the rest of that year and then finally by the end of February 2020 (the next year), I wrote devotional number 52. I was so relieved to be done writing my book!

Not only does God have perfect timing; He positions you perfectly for success! Long story short: My publisher had hired a new editor who has decades of professional experience in editing devotionals and she (Patty) was the editor who my publisher assigned to me! Patty had a wonderful idea that really shaped my book by giving it the perfect title and bonus idea. The title of my devotional, as you can see, is about my real-life stories and faith-based songs that guided me on my journey with God. And the fun bonus idea was to have links to the songs that I mentioned in each devotion. These links were made available for the reader in a song directory at the end of my devotional in both the print and e-book versions. Even better, the link is live if you are using a Kindle to read my book meaning that the reader can just click on the hyperlink and hear the song via YouTube while using their Kindle app or Kindle device, without having to look it up first online. Patty said that there’s really not another book on the market yet with this kind of idea and format. She told me that it may help a lot of people, especially music lovers. As a music lover myself, I loved this idea!

But God wasn’t done directing my steps (praise the Lord!): He allowed 20 professionals from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences to agree to read an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of my book and write an endorsement. We’re talking actresses, journalists, pastors, doctors, teachers, authors, bloggers, singers and a Christian radio show host … a wonderful variety of people who were all behind my book!

The final part of this amazing experience that brings joy to my heart is the fact that this is the first book I wrote where all of the first few reviews were each 5-stars on Amazon.com! That has never happened to me before (I have three other books published though they are all fiction stories but this devotional is my first nonfiction work).

Several of the people who have endorsed and/or reviewed my book have said that it was timely and needed for such a time as this (the Coronavirus pandemic, intense politics, increased racial tensions, and everything else that’s been hitting us hard this year on and off the news). Only God can do that so I give all the glory to Him!

In closing, I’d like to share words from my friend Morgan’s endorsement.

She said: “God has profoundly touched my life through Alexis A. Goring’s uplifting and personable weekly devotional book sharing God’s love through her own experiences and insights. It is so well-written and in a voice that feels as if a close friend is having coffee with you and talking of God. Every entry is backed by Scripture, as well as highlights meaningful songs that God has used to touch the author’s heart. As a fellow journalist, I love how the author uses her talent of observation to see God at work all around her as well as the use of thought-provoking questions at each devotional’s end to further connect our lives to that entry’s theme and the Scripture truth it has been based on. If you are looking for a devotional that is short but powerful, this is it. It would be a perfect gift for a special person in your life.”

Morgan’s words about how reading my devotional made her feel like she was having coffee with a close friend and talking about God is how I want every person who reads my book to feel. And if you don’t like coffee then we can have tea or ice water! At the end of the day, I hope and pray that God uses my devotional to touch your heart and bring you closer to Him.

MY REVIEW

I really like devotionals and thought this one was especially well written. The very first chapter just hit home for me. I think everyone of us has wanted to be part of some group. We try to fit in, follow them around and hope we will be accepted. The author’s point is we already belong to God’s family. In this family we are loved unconditionally. I love how she pairs up chapters with songs. It is a great illustration of the topic and music is a great way to express feelings.

I enjoyed reading her own personal stories and how encouraging the book is. It would make a great gift for someone or to be used as a study for a group. I think I will use this devotional on my own. I can sense this book will open my eyes to struggles I am having while giving me peace as I read how much God loves each of us. One of the topics that really spoke to me was about the author going to an interview at a day care. Her analysis of how babies cry all the time is what we do to Christ. He never tires of us crying out to Him. He wants us to come to Him with our needs and the best thing is He is always there.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11

Spoken from the Heart, December 11

Texas Book-aholic, December 12

Inklings and notions, December 13

Mary Hake, December 13

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 14

Splashes of Joy, December 15

Kathleen Neely, December 15

For Him and My Family, December 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 17

Captive Dreams Window, December 17

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 18

Get Cozy Book Nook, December 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , December 20

deb’s Book Review, December 20

Artistic Nobody, December 21 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 22

Simple Harvest Reads, December 22 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

Godly Book Reviews, December 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Alexis is giving away the grand prize package of a $10 Starbucks gift card, an eBook copy of “Hope in My Heart: A Collection of Heartwarming Stories”, and a signed copy of Alexis’ devotional 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/104a6/stories-and-songs-of-faith-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, December 11, 2020

Covert Amish christmas banner

About the Book

Book: Covert Amish Christmas

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: Inspirational Amish Suspense, Christmas

Covert Amish CHristmas Fleeing to Amish country might be the only way to survive Christmas…

Hiding in Amish country, former CIA agent Victoria Kauffman’s determined to find evidence to catch the corrupt agents who killed her partner. But when her Christmas refuge is discovered, the sole person she can trust is Amish widower Aaron Shetler. With ruthless—and dangerously powerful—enemies after them, Victoria must use all her training to make sure they live through the holidays.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Alford New Photo USA Today Bestselling Author, Mary Alford, loves giving her readers the un-expected, whether it be in a rugged mountain setting or a peaceful Amish community.

Her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestselling List, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling List, and have been finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.

Mary lives in Texas with her husband, two very spoiled cats, and a sweet rescue dog name Cody. Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Face-book and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.

More from Mary

When you think about the Amish, you don’t usually associate their simple ways with spies and covert happenings, but that’s the beauty of the imagination. Anything is possible.

As I sat down to pen Covert Amish Christmas, I wanted to create a story that would bring to life the differences between the two worlds and I wanted it to have a Christmas setting to back-drop the story.

Covert Amish Christmas takes place in the breathtaking world of the Amish of Montana where mountains rise to the sky, and snowy woods create the perfect winter wonderland. Christmas is in the air. And so is danger…

I don’t know about you, but I love Christmas books so much because they allow me to return to my favorite time of the year no matter what day is written on the calendar.

And as Christmas quickly approaches, it means it’s time to bake all those delicious holiday treats we all love so much.

One of my favorites is Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They are both delicious to eat and fun to give away.

So, I hope you enjoy them, and Covert Amish Christmas, and I pray this year, the Spirit of the season will remain with you all year long.

Peppermint Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

◾2 1/2 cups cake flour, plus more for dusting work surface

◾2 tsp cornstarch

◾1 1/2 tsp baking powder

◾1/2 tsp salt

◾1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

◾1/4 cup all vegetable shortening (unflavored), at room temperature

◾1 cup granulated sugar

◾1 large egg

◾1 large egg white

◾2 tsp vanilla extract

◾1/2 tsp peppermint extract

◾Crushed candy canes, for topping

Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

◾4 oz cream cheese, softened

◾4 Tbsp unsalted butter

◾1/2 tsp peppermint extract

◾2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

Sift flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt into a large bowl, then whisk it just a few times, set aside. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, on medium speed, whip together butter, shortening and sugar until very pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes, scrapping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add in egg and mix until combine, then add egg white, vanilla and peppermint extract and mix until combine. With mixer running, slowly add in dry ingredients and mix just until combine. Transfer dough to an airtight container and refrigerate 2 hours. Preheat oven to 375 during the last 10 minutes of refrigeration.

Scoop dough out about 3 Tbsp at a time and roll into a ball. Place dough ball on a lightly floured surface, sprinkle top lightly with flour, then using something flat and smooth (such as the storage container lid), press and evenly flatten dough to 1/2″ thick. Transfer flattened dough to a Silpat or parchment paper lined baking sheet and repeat process with remaining dough (you’ll have to use 2 cookie sheets). Bake in preheated oven 9 – 11 minutes. Allow to cool 5 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool. Cool completely then frost with Cream Cheese Frosting and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

For the frosting:

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip together cream cheese and butter until pale and fluffy. Add peppermint extract and powdered sugar and mix until pale and fluffy.

Blessings always,

Mary Alford

MY REVIEW

I know this was going to be a great book from the moment I read the first few pages. The author has always been consistent in giving a story filled with intrigue, twists, danger and an inspirational message . Victoria is in real danger when men come after her willing to do anything to silence her. She has information that could cost her her life. I loved how the setting is near where she grew up. It was interesting to know that at one time she was Amish.

I’m sure it isn’t every day that you find a young woman shot in your shop. Aaron is shocked when he discovers an unconscious Victoria. Now he knows that the shots he heard during the night must have been directed at this woman. I loved how Aaron took her in and found a safe place for her. He has put his life and others in danger to help someone he doesn’t know. It is a good example of helping those in need.

Victoria is determined to see justice and will stop at nothing to make them pay for the death of not only her partner but the man she loved. To think people in the CIA that she worked with could be tracking her is hard to believe. Whatever evidence she has needs to stay secure until she can turn it over to someone she trusts.

The author gives us a little background on Victoria’s past. Losing her parents at a young age was devastating. Years past and she had almost forgotten about her Amish heritage. She thinks she is not worthy to be forgiven of things she has done. Aaron blames himself for his wife’s death. They both need a touch from God. Through the danger they face with bullets flying and men chasing them, will they find safety?

This is a non stop action story that kept me on my toes. Just as I think Aaron and Victoria are safe, more men surround their hiding place. They are ruthless and are determined to take out anyone who could divulge their secret. Greed, money and power feed their evil side. I think this is the best story the author has written. I couldn’t wait to get to the end because I believed that God would protect those in harms way. It is a great story about letting go of your past, doing the right thing and trusting God.

“Our future will not be defined by the past, but by what we make of it together.”

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

I Blog Stops

KarenSueHadley, December 5

lakesidelivingsite, December 5

For Him and My Family, December 6

CarpeDiem, December 6

She Lives To Read, December 7

deb’s Book Review, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 8

Genesis 5020, December 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 9

Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 9 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridway)

Betti Mace, December 10

The Avid Reader, December 10

Texas Book-aholic, December 11

Blogging With Carol, December 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 12

Mary Hake, December 12

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 13

Hallie Reads, December 13

Older & Smarter?, December 14

Artistic Nobody, December 14 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 15

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 16

Blossoms and Blessings, December 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 17

Pause for Tales, December 17

Splashes of Joy, December 18

Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of Covert Amish Christmas along with a gift basket containing Spa Gift Basket – Bath and Body Set with Vanilla Fragrance by Lovestee (Bath Gift Basket Includes Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Hand Lotion, Bath Salt, Eva Sponge and a Bath Puff)!!

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/10459/covert-amish-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Something Borrowed banner

About the Book

Book: Something Borrowed

Author: Weaver, Dawn, Boyd, Tysinger, Shiloh

Genre: Christian/Contemporary/ Romance / Holiday

Release Date: October 20

Something Borrowed Cover FINAL 6x9 Old friends, new loves, and a borrowed tiara.

Always Been Yours — Hanady’s planning her dream wedding, but her injured best friend Keenan isn’t the groom. If she can’t see she’s marrying the wrong guy soon, his leg won’t be the only thing broken.

All the Moore — Leilah Anderson has been living behind the screen to hide her disability, then she meets Reggie Moore face-to-face. Can their relationship survive the truth and distance between them?

A Holly, Bolly Christmas — A dream wedding venue at Christmas? Sign Chahna Kapoor up. Even if her fiancé doesn’t know it…

Somehow, This Christmas — When not-so-merry mishaps threaten wedding planner Cate Forsyth’s holiday wedding and reputation, will her own happily ever after with sweetheart Noah Bennett melt away?

A Promise So Sweet — Lydia Osborn hasn’t heard from her ex in ten years, so imagine her surprise when he shows up proposing marriage. Tis the season for love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

JayceeWeaver_HeadShot Jaycee Weaver Author
Lover of Jesus, family, books, coffee, music, and crafting (in that order), Jaycee Weaver is perpetually pursuing at least one of her passions. She writes contemporary Christian romance with realistic characters in everyday situations where they always find a happy ending. Visit her at www.jayceeweaver.com.

toni Toni Shiloh Author
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. Visit her at www.tonishiloh.com.

MikalDawn_HeadShot Mikal Dawn Author
Mikal Dawn is an inspirational romance author, wedding enthusiast, and military (retired) wife. When she isn’t writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest (with coffee in hand!) for wedding ideas for her characters.

Mikal lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two of their three children. Visit her at www.mikaldawn.com.

TeresaTysinger_HeadShot Teresa Tysinger Author
Teresa Tysinger is a wife, mother, and communications director for a national non-profit. She writes charming Christian romance, inspired by grace. Teresa now resides in Texas, though part of her heart remains in North Carolina. She loves Jesus, coffee, and happy endings. Visit Teresa at www.teresatysinger.com.

AndreaBoyd_HeadShot Andrea Boyd Author
Each of Andrea Boyd’s series represents a different genre but all fall into the category of romance. All offer an element of her own brand of humor. And all are a tribute to God. Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible. Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC. Visit her at www.andreaboyd11.com.

More from the Something Borrowed Authors

Dear Readers,

Thank you for stopping by the Celebrate Lit blog tour of Something Borrowed.Before we share our excitement for the collection, we’d like to give a brief history of how it came to be.

Last year, the five of us crafted the Once Upon a Christmas collection, but Teresa needed to step down and we were blessed to have Angela Ruth Strong join us in her stead. Early this year, we rejoiced as Teresa was able to resume her place, and then our hearts broke as we learned of Angela’s breast cancer battle. Through all life has thrown our way, we’ve formed a beautiful friendship and have plans to write more collections together!

In January, we decided on a Christmas weddings theme, but we wanted it to be different and unique. Ideas sprang to life and six college roommates emerged, each from a different walk of life but bound by friendship. And then, we found ourselves missing our sixth. With prayers and a blessing over Angela’s health and a writing endeavor that’s been a dream for years (read her story on Facebook!), we found a way to include her in the form of a sixth roommate who no longer needed a love story.

Enter Ruth Ann. Married right out of college, she’s been busy cranking out babies like nobody’s business. And when the next bride, Jaycee’s character Hanady, brings them together for a girls’ reunion weekend, it’s Ruth Ann who produces the perfect something borrowed for this circle of friends.

Hanady’s planning a wedding to the wrong groom—just ask Keenan, the injured best friend who’s loved her for years. Wheelchair-bound Leilah doubts she’ll wear the tiara, but her online gaming friend might be too wonderful to resist. Chahna “Ana” Kapoor just knows she’s going to wear the tiara, so she books her dream venue—she just needs her boyfriend to propose and her parents to tone down the drama. After being engaged to Noah for years, Cate is more than ready for the tiara to be hers, but not-so-merry mishaps the week of the wedding threaten a happily ever after. And finally, having watched all of her friends marry and start their families, when Lydia’s ex shows up on her doorstep with an outrageous proposal, she finds it hard to believe her turn might finally have come.

We are so happy to present to you this collection of five interconnected stories where friendship and faith take center stage. For some, it’s new love. For others, it’s finally sealing an old one. Each tale is unique and yet together they weave one overarching message of love, joy, hope, and peace through the Christmas season.

As you read these stories, we pray they touch your heart. We pray they entertain you and maybe even make you laugh a time or two. And lastly, we pray the Christmas truths bless you this holiday season.

Blessings,

Jaycee, Toni, Mikal, Teresa, and Andrea

MY REVIEW

This collection of stories follow a group of friends as they find love and happiness. I loved the tiara that was passed to each woman and the meaning behind it. There is laughter, tears and joy as each author blends their story together to make a wonderful collection . I liked how we get to see each of the friends share their ups and downs with each and how a treasured item is passed to each woman on a special day.

Always Been Yours by Jaycee Weaver

I loved this story so much and thought that Hanady was the perfect character. She is smart, funny, beautiful and ready to be married. Oh I laughed when she was the one to propose to Marco. I didn’t like Marco at all and found him to be selfish and irritating. Isn’t it funny that everyone around Hanady knew Marco was wrong for her?

Hanady starts to see little hints that Marco isn't happy. I cringed when he talked about her weight and wanted to give him a big slap in the face. Hanady has been friends with Keenan forever and the poor guy is hopelessly in love with her. Will she finally realize that the man of her dreams is not Marco? Through Hanady we see what it is like to feel uncomfortable about our weight, our looks and being accepted by others. Keenan is a great example of loving someone not for their looks but for who they are inside. It’s a great story filled with lessons on listening to your heart, trusting God and accepting that you are wonderfully made.

All The Moore by Toni Shiloh

Leilah spends all her time in her home. She teaches online classes to children which she loves. Her past time is playing games online. I have a son who loves to play online as well. It seems to be a great social outlet for people and it works well . Leilah has become great friends with a certain someone while gaming and I laughed so hard when she mentioned she was coming to Denver. Did she forget that Reggie lives there?

Meeting him in person made her uncomfortable but not for reasons we would think. She has a big secret that she has never told Reggie. How long can she hide her disability from him? What I loved about this story was how Leilah had to learn to never give up and trust God. She is angry that God never healed her and I sensed a little bitterness coming up in her. Will Reggie be able to show her that she is a wonderful person who could be loved by a man? There are many lessons in this story and I was reminded that what we are on the inside is more important than our outer appearance.

I loved how Leilah’s friends are supportive and help her with her fear of failure. Maybe there is hope that she can walk again, but is she willing to trust God? I can’t say enough great things about Reggie. His compassion is contagious and his love for Leilah is evident . The scriptures the author includes in the story are some of my favorites. “Be anxious for nothing....” is a great reminder for all of us.

A Holly, Bolly Christmas by Mikal Dawn

With excitement at finding the perfect venue for her wedding someday Ana books it not knowing an unexpected cancellation happens. Now in two months she and her fiancé are suppose to be there to get married. I think she forgot to tell a certain someone about the upcoming date. Poor thing has some explaining to do. What’s a girl to do when her dream wedding may not happen?

Mag is a fun character and has his hands full with Ana’s parents trying to marry her off to someone else. I did laugh a few times when Ana’s parents brought an unannounced guest to dinner. Mag is gracious but you can tell he is steaming inside. Will he ever be accepted by Ana’s parents? I enjoyed learning about the Indian culture and how important it was for Ana to have the blessing from her parents to marry Mag. It sounds like a storybook tale, but one thing is missing. Will Mag ever get around to asking Ana to marry him? Special note: The hotel Ana wants to get married at sounds divine. I looked it up and yes I would love to visit it sometime.

Somehow, This Christmas by Teresa Tysinger

Cate is so excited that very very soon she will marry the man of her dreams. Planning her own wedding had to be a chore . After all she makes a living as a wedding planner. I guess if things go wrong at her wedding she has only herself to blame. Noah is a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. I loved how he always sees the bright side of everything.

With less than a week to go, Noah and Cate go to pick up his suit for their wedding. There is a slight problem with the jacket as thus begins a chain of events that may ruin Cate’s perfect wedding. To add to her stress a very big boost to her career is about to happen. Now how will she pull off the biggest job of her career? Her own wedding is going to be featured with a spread in a very important blog. This could mean more business but I have to wonder if it’s the right thing to do.

Oh my but Cate is in for a trying week as her wedding nears. It seems that everywhere she turns, more problems arise. Is her wedding starting to turn into a disaster? I loved how the story shows us that we need to learn to trust God . Cate learns a valuable lesson in keeping her focus on important things and that she can’t control everything. There is always a reason things happen. I loved how Cate learns that not everything has to be perfect.

A Promise So Sweet by Andrea Boyd

Lydia is a fun character. Her hopes of getting married seems to diminish each year. She finds herself alone and sad at times. Now this story is a fun one to read. Out of the blue an old boyfriend comes to see Lydia. I couldn’t believe what Bruce has asked Lydia to do. It certainly isn’t flattering knowing he is doing it to become a senior pastor. What is he thinking? Surely Lydia won’t fall for his scheme or will she?

What I really liked about this story was how Bruce listened to God and followed His direction. Sometimes we desire something, but maybe God has a better plan. I loved reading how Lydia and Bruce found their way back to each other. The best part of the whole story was when Lydia and Bruce’s mother sit down to talk. There is a reason why Bruce’s mother isn’t happy with his choice in a bride. Will Lydia be able to win Bruce’s mother over?

The story is a look at two people who once thought they were perfect for each other. After ten years they reunite and start to share their feelings with each other. When you love someone, never give up. God knows who your perfect mate is and when you wait on Him, love never fails.

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