About the Book

Book: Everard

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian / Fantasy / Fairy Tale

Release date: October 2, 2012

A Prince, a friend, and a lizard walk into a trap…

Everard of Havilund—fierce warrior, brave soldier, loyal friend, heir to the throne, and painfully shy.
The war is over! Or is it? After four long years fighting in a war that has spanned a millennium, Everard is finally going home. He has faced everything he fears most—he thinks. Alas, trouble is brewing in the little hamlet of Hidden Hollow and he has only himself to blame.
Follow Everard as he tries to slay the Dragon of Ironia, face the Giant of the Tripp Mountains, bring the Enchantress of Enervatia to justice… just for starters.
Will he succeed? Will he overcome his personal demons that threaten all he is working for?
Find out in this second installment of the Not-So-Fairy Tales.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

“Can you write a short story for Kaira’s birthday? Something about a paisley princess? We’re doing a medieval theme, and Cathe is making the most scrumptious dress…”

A short story. Sure, I could. Why not? I’d throw in some things that fit Kaira and her family and some to make it not a bad attempt to write about a girl I only knew through her mother’s eyes. I’d make her hopelessly ordinary (which Kaira certainly was not). I’d give her lovely skills with a harp (which Kaira definitely has), and I’d give her the name Paisley Paisley so that, as her father, the king of Jackalopany, said “She’d be eager to marry and change it someday.”

Seventy-thousand or so words later the “short story” was done.

The silliest thing I’d ever written, but man… that was fun. Complete with a human chess game, frog pox, and heartbreaking bravery, it wasn’t great literature—Andersson would never approve—but it was mine.

It also gave me a thirst for something more… something… real. Okay, so that sounds a little weird writing about a fairy tale as “real” but in truth, it’s how I felt. I wanted to write a deliberate one, not just a wild romp through story ideas. Some elements of the first book would have to stay. For example, I’d given the first book a cheeky narrator who did a lot of “explaining” about “fairy tale terms” and definitions. She had to return.

But this time, I wanted quests daring dos, and well… yeah. I wanted something a bit more structured. I also wanted it to reflect another family I loved and cherished. In this one, a prince returns from a war lasting almost a thousand years (he didn’t fight the whole time, never fear) to report victory and does something so out of character that it sends his life in a totally different direction.

In my opinion, it has the most truly romantic scene I’ve ever written in it, but even most boys of very tender years (who still think girls are “yucky”) haven’t complained. THAT is my kind of romance!

But more than anything, Everard has honor, bravery, self-sacrifice, and every kind of love you see in the Bible. It’s the second book in the Not-So-Fairy Tales, but it won’t be the last. Leicelin has something she wants to share with the world, too.

MY REVIEW 

Oh my . Where do I begin with this story that had me laughing, wanting to rescue the beast myself and being set during a time period where knights were fierce and their heart was ready to fall in love. Wait, what? Oh yes my readers there is romance but it is so pure and graceful that I wept. Yes I said wept. The author amazes me every time I read a book from her. I love fairy tales but this  one is so much more than your average fable. 

 My favorite character without a doubt is the dragon.  With charm oozing from the flames the beast seems to capture Everard’s attention. The dragon is quite cleaver and has outwitted all the clumsy soldiers who have tried to slay the crafty beast. The gift of gab is definitely a trait of the sneaky little beast. She goes on for days I think just to tire her enemies. But let’s follow the trail and see where we end up as Everard tries to overcome something  that has held him for so long. Does he fear that the woman he desires will reject him? 

Everard has three tasks he must complete in order to marry the woman he wants. Her father is gruff and for some reason I think wants Everard to fail. How sad that someone would set up another for failure. I think we may have come across someone like that sometime during our life. They take pleasure in humiliating you so they feel better about themselves. Roana has been very quiet while the exchange between Everard and her father take place. Don’t you wonder what she is thinking? Well I sure am curious. Let’s just say she does fancy the charming prince but there is hesitation. My oh my are we playing hard to get Roana?

Oh I see pride sneaking into our dear Everard. Why must he prove himself to others? Is it that he doesn’t want to fail? Does he think he is weak if he doesn’t complete all three tasks? And what about his shyness that makes him keep from  speaking to the woman who has captured his thoughts? The story is so much fun and along the way the author  cleverly gives us lessons we all need. Slowly the author peels away the flaws in our dear prince. I loved how he sought godly advice and prayed for wisdom. My big question is “Who is he trying to get approval from?”

I thought this statement was very powerful and I had to include it in my review . “A kiss sealed the fate of Jesus. Now it has sealed the fate of our prince as well.” Do you remember the kiss that started this tale ? Well let it be said that a kiss can be deadly if it comes with deceit behind it. Must I remind you of the kiss from the traitor  that sealed the fate of Jesus? The story has adventure, wisdom, sassy characters and a lesson in conquering your fears. Does the prince win his fair maidens hand? The answer is waiting for you when you grab a copy of the book. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Blogging With Carol, January 27

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

deb’s Book Review, January 29

Inklings and notions, January 30

Rebecca Tews, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 1

Connect in Fiction, February 1

Lots of Helpers, February 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 4 (Spotlight)

Sodbuster Living, February 4

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

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 6

Mary Hake, February 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of the book and a $25 Amazon 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/193c4/everard-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: High-Wire Heartbreak

Author: Anna Schmidt

Genre: Christian/Romance/History

Release date: January 1, 2022

In 1936–A party at the Ringling mansion Ca d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida, leads to a robbery–and possibly death.

A successful historical mystery writer, Chloe Whitfield comes to Ca’ d’Zan to research her next novel. Chloe’s fascination with the circus is rooted in family stories of her great-grandmother Lucinda Conroy, who reportedly was a trapeze artist of some renown. She’s heard hints of scandal—and perhaps larceny, but no details.

Chloe’s grandmother—rumored to be Lucinda’s only offspring—was raised in an orphanage and never knew her mother. Intrigued as she is, Chloe has no intent of writing about Lucinda until she sees a poster featuring Lucinda as the star performer for a 70th birthday gala for John Ringling in May of 1936. From there the trail goes cold.

Who was Lucinda and what happened to her?

 

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Anna Schmidt is the author of over twenty works of fiction. Among her many honors, Anna is the recipient of Romantic Times’ Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the RITA award for romantic fiction. She enjoys gardening and collecting seashells at her winter home in Florida.

 

 

 

 

 

More from Anna

It’s hard to split time living between Wisconsin and Sarasota Florida and NOT get caught up in the circus world! The Ringlings are icons in Sarasota where a LOT of things are named for them! But the five circus brothers got their start right here in Wisconsin. So, when the opportunity to create a story for DOORS TO THE PAST came my way, it was pretty much a no-brainer that I would go with John and Mable Ringling’s incredible home, Ca ‘d Zan as the setting. Then somehow, I stumbled on this picture:

and I knew she was my character of Lucinda, the trapeze artist whose story would drive my novel. I hope you fall in love with her—and Chloe—as I did, and most of all I hope you’ll be in touch to let me know what you thought at http://booksbyanna.com.

HAPPY READING and all best wishes, Anna

MY REVIEW 

This  book has been so good that I really did not want it to end. I love time slip stories where we get to travel backwards in time. The author does an excellent job of connecting the two time periods together. When we travel back to the past we are in the midst of a famous  circus. I was mesmerized by the dangerous trapeze act that Lucinda was a part of. Her performance drew crowds in and they gasped as she flew through the air. But behind  the scenes was a drama playing out. Lucinda is in love with someone who can only  be described as a scoundrel. The tale weaves throughout history where secrets abound. 

As we travel to the present we are introduced to Chloe. She is a famous writer who has come to Ca’d’Zan where the past will expose family secrets.  She is determined to find out what happened to her great grandmother. I was fascinated by the beauty of the museum and all its hidden treasures waiting to be found. It was very ingenious of the author to have Chloe’s grandmother be a part of the story where she finally finds closure to her past. The clever hints that Chloe discovers brings us excitement as she puts the pieces together. 

My favorite part of the story was following Lucinda as she picks  up the pieces of her shattered life when someone accuses her of a crime. My heart was heavy as she tried to prove her innocence. When a baby becomes part of her story I desperately wanted her to find happiness.  It was easy to connect with her character because she was vulnerable and felt alone. Will anyone come to her aide? Can she prove that her accuser is hiding something? 

When Chloe is able to find the last clue to the past, the two worlds collide with truth and justice. This is truly a well written story that illustrates forgiveness, hope and truth that allows the past to find peace.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Remembrancy, January 25

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 25 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 26

For the Love of Literature, January 26

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 26

Genesis 5020, January 27

Texas Book-aholic, January 27

Inklings and notions, January 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 28

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 28

Austen’s Angle: Jane Austen’s Influence in Modern America, January 29

For Him and My Family, January 29

Rebecca Tews, January 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 30

deb’s Book Review, January 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 31

Wishful Endings, January 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Bizwings Blog, February 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 1

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, February 1

Older & Smarter?, February 2

Connie’s History Classroom, February 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 3 (Spotlight)

Bigreadersite, February 3

Blogging with Carol, February 3

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 4

Life of Literature, February 4

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 5

Joannabair, February 5

Blossoms and Blessings, February 6

Pause for Tales, February 6

Labor Not in Vain, February 6

Splashes of Joy, February 7

Through the Fire Blogs, February 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anna is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and paper copy of the 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/186c0/high-wire-heartbreak-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Flipping Hearts Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Flipping Hearts

Author: Chautona Havig

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

When a hurricane rips through Hooper Island, a tidal wave of TV crews follows and upsets the locals.

Brooks Crawforth agreed to volunteer crews helping to clean up and repair things on the island, not a whole home and garden series on the total renovation of several houses and a bit of cleanup on the side. He’s furious, and the show host is spitting nails at the person who blew it in the first place.

His and his father’s jobs are in jeopardy, the islanders are about to kill him, and that crazy show host blames him for her assistant’s last-minute, “you’ve-got-to-sign-this-now-or-we-can’t-come” contract.

One more thing. Did she have to be so cute?

He’s got even more trouble, though. Islanders are starting to blame Mallory Barrows for the invasion. Not only that, there are rumors of dismantling the association and allowing tourism on the islands. How’s he supposed to fix this mess?

They can’t stand each other, but if they can manage to flip off the enemy switch and flip on some cooperation, maybe their hearts’ll get flipped, too.

This “enemies to romance” novel introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW 

If you are a fan of audio books, this is must to get. Christa is very gifted in reading books that make them come to life. I love how she uses her voice to illustrate emotions of the characters. The way she gives emphasis in areas that are important really keep my attention. Having this story as an audio makes it more exciting and a nice way to enjoy an already wonderful book. What I like about audios is that it reminds of something that was popular years ago. Families would gather around the radio and listen to their favorite shows as it was read alive . It was exciting to them because they could imagine what was going on by the way the actors read their scripts. Now we have gifted people who back books come to life by reading it for audiences who enjoy visualize what they hear. 

I really wish that this series would continue forever because I love visiting the people and setting. They have become like family to me. It was interesting to have the story centered on a renovation television show. There are many of those type shows now and I have always wondered how they get the work done. I liked that the show was there to help the islanders recover from a storm that did a lot of damage. 

The townspeople were not very happy about the television crew and it is not well received when it gets out that they have been deceived. I wonder why Brooks didn’t look over the contract better? Was he too busy or too trusting? It does open the door for a great conflict between Brooks and Bailey. Poor Brooks has the town upset with his decision and now has to deal with the woman in charge of the project. 

I liked Bailey because she really had a heart to help others but everywhere she turned, opposition followed her. The mystery of who was sabotaging the project was ruining her reputation and if she didn’t find out who was behind it, it could be the end of her career. Bailey, you have your work cut out for you. 

At first I was not connecting with the characters well and didn’t like the story but then nestled in the pages were two very important lessons I needed. It is very true that opposites attract. When I first met my husband we didn’t like each other at all. We argued a lot and said some pretty mean things to each other. I’m happy to say that after thirty-eight years together enemy to friends does work. Brooks and Bailey have this love/hate thing going and I enjoyed reading the banter between them. It was obvious that they liked each other but who was going to swallow their pride and admit it? When they spend more time together it gives them a chance to share their faith and help Bailey understand how God is there to be her guide. It is hard when everyone seems to be against you, but Bailey will need to trust God and allow Him to show her that she is worthy to be loved. I’m glad that I was reminded that God loves me even when my attitude is not good. 

The other lesson was about grace. It is funny how we want grace when we mess up, but when someone else makes a mistake we are quick to want them punished. Finding out who was behind the sabotage didn’t surprise me, but the punishment did. I was all for wanting them to go to jail and be publicly humiliated. Now where was my grace? Well it disappeared as that ugly thing called revenge and judgmental attitude came out. Yes I am guilty of doing that in my own life but after reading this story I have had to ask God to forgive me. We may not think someone deserves grace, but God is in control not us. I think I have gotten stale in my walk with God and this story has given me a fresh outlook. Grace is something I have expected for myself but not others. I have a critical spirit and realize that I need to ask God to help me overcome this critical, jealous and woe is me attitude. Thank you Chautona for writing a story that I needed at this moment. 

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

About the Author

Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller.

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

 

More from Christa

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 26

Texas Book-aholic, January 27

For Him and My Family, January 28

Inklings and notions, January 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 2 (Spotlight)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 3

The Sacred Line, February 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 4

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 6

deb’s Book Review, February 7 (Spotlight)

The Author Reads, February 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 8

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Chautona and Christa are giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book in winner’s choice of format!!

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/193c2/flipping-hearts-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

OVERCOMING FAMILIAR SPIRITS SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY 

About the Book

Book: Overcoming Familiar Spirits

Author: Kynan Bridges

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Spiritual Warfare

Release date: January 25, 2022

Have You Invited Demonic Enemies into Your Life?  

Many Christians are being tormented by unseen demonic powers called “familiar spirits” that operate inconspicuously within the fabric of people’s thoughts, emotions, and mindsets—working so secretly that they usually remain undetected. These demonic spirits can be attached to specific individuals, families, or bloodlines.

Familiar spirits hinder believers’ lives in numerous ways, diminishing their spiritual vision and seeking to prevent them from fulfilling their destinies. They may block people’s ability to overcome negative patterns, attain lasting success, and even marry and conceive children.

Without realizing it, we can invite such unseen enemies into our lives. We may have left open a door to their influence due to personal trauma, unforgiveness, bitterness, or false thinking. Then, we become trapped in a type of spiritual debt. We are restricted from being fully free in Christ so that we constantly live with frustration, worry, anger, or a feeling of hopelessness.

Overcoming Familiar Spirits by pastor and teacher Dr. Kynan Bridges powerfully exposes Satan’s demonic agenda so you can be set free. You will learn to detect familiar spirits like the spirits of sabotage, calamity, premature death, delay, and perversion. You will gain a fresh revelation of who you are in Christ and your authority as a believer and be equipped with the tools to enjoy lasting freedom.

Through his books, preaching, and counseling, Dr. Bridges has shown thousands of believers how to address hindrances in their lives. Discover how to eradicate unseen familiar spirits and be released from spiritual bondage and debt!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Dr. Kynan T. Bridges is the senior pastor of Grace & Peace Global Fellowship in Tampa, Florida. With a profound revelation of the Word of God and a dynamic teaching ministry, Dr. Bridges has revolutionized the lives of many in the body of Christ. Through his practical approach to applying the deep truths of the Word of God, he reveals the authority and identity of the new covenant believer. A highly sought speaker and published author of several books, including Unlocking the Code of the Supernatural, School of the Miraculous, The Power of Prophetic Prayer, Invading the Heavens, Unmasking the Accuser, and Kingdom Authority, Dr. Bridges is also a committed husband to Gloria and father of five beautiful children: Ella, Naomi, Isaac, Israel, and Anna.

 

More from Kynan

Many Christians are being tormented by unseen demonic powers called “familiar spirits” that operate inconspicuously within the fabric of people’s thoughts, emotions, and mindsets—working so secretly that they usually remain undetected. Familiar spirits hinder believers’ lives in numerous ways, diminishing their spiritual vision, blocking their success in life, and seeking to prevent them from fulfilling their destiny. Overcoming Familiar Spirits by Dr. Kynan Bridges powerfully exposes Satan’s demonic agenda. You will gain a fresh revelation of who you are in Christ and your authority as a believer and be equipped with the tools to enjoy lasting freedom.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 24

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Inklings and notions, January 26

Fiction Book Lover, January 26

For Him and My Family, January 27

deb’s Book Review, January 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 31

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 1

Blossoms and Blessings, February 1

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Artistic Nobody, February 4

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5

Spoken from the Heart, February 6

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Kynan is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and copy of the 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/186be/overcoming-familiar-spirits-celebration-tour-giveaway