Friday, June 9, 2023

About the Book

Book: The Smell of Summer

Author: Mary Ann Hake

Genre: Picture Book

Release date: May 15, 2023

Explore the smells of summer with April, a blind girl, and her menagerie of pets.

Visit the county fair, the seashore, Grandpa’s farm, and the zoo, and camp with April’s family in the woods—each place has its unique fragrances.

“As summer thoughts stir in my mind,

I wonder what new smells I’ll find.”

The back of the book contains activities using the sense of smell.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Ann Hake, author of the Smells of the Seasons picture book series, has loved learning, reading, and writing for as long as she can remember. She has scribbled stories and poems since she first learned to write and has published hundreds of stories, articles, poems, puzzles, devotions, and more for both children and adults plus written hundreds of book reviews. She loved working in a bookstore and as a librarian and enjoyed reading to children at story times and conducting summer reading programs. She continues to work as a freelance editor. Visit her website, www.maryannhake.com, and sign up to receive monthly activities for children and updates on future books.

More from Mary Ann

My mother introduced me to books at a very young age. Mom read to me nearly every day—beginning with picture books then adding longer stories and poetry. I loved books and soon memorized the text of favorites so I could turn the pages and “read” them myself. (My own daughters did the same.) I could hardly wait until I went to school and learned to read so I could devour books on my own. In honor of my mom, The Smell of Summer’s release date is her birthday, May 15. I am her firstborn and her only summer baby. She always encouraged my writing.

My four-book Smells of the Seasons series are told in rhyme because that appeals to children. The Smell of Summer shares summer scenes from the life of April, a blind girl who uses her sense of smell to help her experience her world. The story includes elements that offer a fun companion text for connection to science including the senses, nature settings, animals, flowers, vegetable gardening, and other food. This is the second book in the series with April and her menagerie of pets.

Most people love summertime. This delightful picture book will stir up memories of summer experiences and offer some you may wish to enjoy this year. As the final page says:

I love the many summer smells.

So many stories each one tells.

MY REVIEW

I am enjoying this series of books because it is very well written and appeals to young and old alike. The story follows a sweet young girl who is blind. She discovers the smell of summer on her journey. I love how we are reminded of all the smells that make us happy and remind us of what God has created.

I could smell the honey from the bees and the fresh smell of a barbecue grill with hamburgers and sweet corn waiting to be eaten. I was drawn back to when I was a child and remembered being outside when summer was here. The author writes with a flair for vivid details that bring the story to life. This series is a must have for children and should be in every school library. I am purchasing each book in this series to give to my grandchildren so they can enjoy the adventure with April.

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

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 2

Sylvan Musings, June 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 6

Lots of Helpers, June 7

Lily’s Book Reviews, June 8

Vicky Sluiter, June 9 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 11

Artistic Nobody, June 12 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, June 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 13

Guild Master, June 14 (Author Interview)

Walking Fruitfully, June 14

Blossoms and Blessings, June 15 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary Ann is giving away the grand prize package of a signed hardcover copy of The Smell of Summer 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/263ec/the-smell-of-summer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

About the Book

Book: Shadow Dancing

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction/Southern fiction

Release Date: April 18, 2023

Wading through grief is like dancing with shadows.

Bekah Casey’s been on a tear for near a year, and the anger clings to her like cheap perfume. If only the Lord would wash it away like He did with her sins, she might could find her way out of the mire. Instead, she escapes from the one person to blame for all her ills—her husband Mitch.

Now she’s living with her mama and daddy, working two jobs, and facing a future that looks bleak as a middle-Tennessee winter. Her mama’s all the time telling her that the good Lord works in ways too confounding to comprehend, and if she’d learn to trust in Him, her life will look a might brighter. Easy for her to say.

When things go from dark to disastrous, Bekah figures she’s got two choices—sink in her sin or dig her way out.

Mitch Casey never did put a whole lot of stock in faith. Didn’t appear it helped Bekah any either since hers went sideways the minute things got hard. Still, he’s willing to take whatever abuse she throws his way if it helps her muddle through the grief. Then one poor decision, a night in jail, and a divine assignment with a local pastor puts Mitch on an unexpected path.

When you’re dancing with shadows, who gets to lead? Find out in the next book in the Bedford County series.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing–and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies–two in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

More from Jennifer

Last year I was interviewed on a Christian podcast, and the host asked me, “How do you come up with your story ideas?” There are as many answers to this question as there are authors, but he wasn’t satisfied with mine. I told him they truly come from the Lord. I think he wanted tips to encourage would-be writers. I’m sorry to disappoint, but although I might have a story sketch in my mind, it never matches the completed project. Why? Because I’m not in control.

Over the last several years, I’ve discovered that my writing journey is as much spiritual as it is creative. Shadow Dancing is a perfect example. It started with my intention to fictionalize the past marital difficulties of a young couple in my church. But before I finished the first chapter, it became clear the Lord had other ideas. The initial plot I’d fixed in my head doesn’t resemble the finished novel in any way—unless you consider the main characters are separated. The theme of my novels always reflects what I’m wrestling with in my heart at the time I’m writing it.

The major theme in Shadow Dancing is God’s sovereignty. Most of us have no problem accepting His will as long as our lives are going well. It’s when something difficult happens we begin to doubt His goodness. How often have you seen a tragedy pull a fellow Christian away from the Lord? The question, “Why would a loving God allow bad things to happen to good people?” has been a stumbling block for many people—both Christians and non-Christians alike.

But sometimes it’s the tragedies in life that draw people closer to God as they realize He’s the only hope they can cling to. This was the case for me. I believed in God, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, when my ex-husband of 23 years abandoned me. This was on the tail-end of my daughter’s near-fatal car accident that left us with months of rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury. It’s when I realized that believing I was in control of my life and that of my children was a lie from the enemy. We cannot protect those we love by hovering over them or keep a marriage intact by sheer will.

I wanted these truths to play out in the lives of Rebekah and Mitch Casey. In the light of heartache, Rebekah’s spiritual walk goes in one direction while Mitch’s goes another. But through it all, they are left with hope. That’s what I desire every word I ever write to point to. The hope we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And isn’t it the greatest gift to know our loving and merciful God has us in the palm of His righteous right hand—forgiven and free? So much better than relying on our own flawed and sinful selves.

I pray Shadow Dancing reminds you of everything we have and will continue to have as adopted sons and daughters through Jesus Christ. Hope of eternal life in a world where heartache and sin will be a thing of the past.

MY REVIEW

If you have not read a book by this author yet, please do so. Her style of writing is like a fresh summer rain where everything is peaceful and you can feel God’s presence. The story in this book is tragic and uplifting at the same time . I just saw a post on Facebook where my friend was remembering her little two year old who passed away twenty- four years ago. The pain is still there for her just like it was yesterday.

That leads me to Bekah and Mitch who lost their sweet little boy at the tender age of five. The emotions run from anger to bitterness as they face the days without their son. Bekah is angry at God but seems to blame Mitch for their sons death. Running away from her problems she decides to move in with her parents. I have to say God had ordained everything that was taking place as Bekah faced another tragedy that took everyone by surprise.

Mitch is simply lost not knowing how to fix his marriage or even try to come to terms with the death of his son. I liked how he never gave up on his marriage and decided that he needed someone to help him. He does go through a bit of making wrong choices but it leads him to a pastor. The moment he spends with the pastor are nothing short of redemption for him. He has kept a secret from his wife about the death of their son which he knows he can’t hide any longer.

With a journey through grief, finding God and an unexpected blessing that changes several lives, we experience the depth of forgiveness and a new beginning. We never know what God’s plan is for our lives but this story encourages us to never give up. Don’t miss the great message of healing a broken heart and trusting God .

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

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 28 (Author Interview)

Holly’s book corner, May 28

Splashes of Joy, May 29

An Author’s Take, May 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 1

By the Book, June 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Older & Smarter?, June 5

The Lit Lady, June 5

Sylvan Musings, June 6

lakesidelivingsite, June 7

Back Porch Reads, June 7

Texas Book-aholic, June 8

She Lives to Read, June 9

Books I’ve Read, June 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & a 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/266f2/shadow-dancing-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, June 4, 2023

About the Book

Book: Amish Wilderness Survival

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: (Amish) Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 28, 2023

To stay alive, she must escape a killer’s clutches. . .

When her brother goes missing, Leora Mast will do anything to find him…even if it means putting her life in danger. Upon arriving in Montana, she finds an ally in Fletcher Shetler, but almost as soon as they meet, they’re running for their lives. With Fletcher’s help, Leora must unravel the truth about her brother’s disappearance…before the man who wants them dead tracks them down.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a preteen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

More from Mary

Before the Story Begins

Every good Christian romantic suspense has a beginning where the hero and heroine are introduced to each other and to the danger they’ll be facing, followed by an ending where everything (usually) is tied up nicely.

In Christian (and Amish) romantic suspense, there must equal amounts of danger, romance, and faith.

As a reader, one of my favorite parts of the book is when the hero and heroine have backstories that draw me in and have me pulling for them to overcome their pasts as well as the villain chasing them.

In AMISH WILDERNESS SURVIVAL, the heroine, Leora Mast has a heartbreaking backstory. As a teenager, Leora’s and her twin brother Tanner’s parents were killed in a fire that was later ruled arson. They relocated to Colorado to be closer to their aunt and uncle and grandparents. Soon after, Leora’s brother left the Amish faith and joined the marines.

As an adult, Leora has gone through 2 separate rounds of breast cancer. She’s just finished the final round of chemo when her brother goes missing and Leora travels to West Kootenai, Montana to find Tanner’s marine lieutenant hoping to get answers about her brother’s disappearance.

Instead of finding her brother or Ethan Connors, she runs into Fletcher Shetler and the danger unfolds quickly from there.

Fletcher Shetler’s family has seen their share of heartaches as well. They have lived in West Kootenai for several generations. Fletcher’s grandfather started the furniture making business and the family mill their own timber for the pieces they create. Fletcher has a big heart and has been taking care of his mother since his father passed away.

Fletcher can’t imagine living anywhere else but his West Kootenai community and being part of a close family. But that loyalty cost him the love of his future bride when she chose to leave the community and break his heart.

Both Leora and Fletcher must put aside their pasts to try and find out what happened to her brother and Ethan before it’s too late.

From facing down armed kidnappers, to almost being swallowed alive by a sinkhole, to being forced to hideout in a cave in order to avoid being captured, Leora and Fletcher face one trial after the other, and yet they persevere thanks to each other, Ethan’s K-9 German Shepherd dog, Molly, and their faith in God that is unshakable.

MY REVIEW

From the first page the author delivers an action packed story complete with danger, deceit and greed that could cost someone their life. I loved how the story brings a young Amish woman together with a trained man who will do anything to help them survive. I enjoyed Molly the dog who is trained for search and rescue. Having her in the story was a plus because she never gave up finding her owner.

Leora is way over her head trying to find her brother after he disappears. The background of Montana heightens the story as we find Leora and Fletcher running through terrain that is difficult to maneuver at times. They had to find shelter when the rain and cold was too much as they tried to stay one step ahead of danger. I liked that the author shows Leora as a strong person who has battled an illness not once but twice. I understand her hesitance to not want to get involved with anyone because her fear consumes her right now. What if her cancer comes back? How can she put someone she loves through the emotional toll it would take on them both?

Fletcher is my hero in this story because he never hesitated to help Leora find her brother and his friend. His skills prove to be very useful as he takes them through the mountains to find shelter. I loved that his faith is evident in the story and his compassion for others is seen by his actions. There is a lot of danger ahead as they face bullets flying, men who will do anything to make someone talk and a risky rescue that has twists that took me off guard.

The author has once again given readers a story rich in faith, a lesson on trusting God, overcoming fear and an action packed ending. I loved reading how well the story flows with strong characters who never give up and following God’s direction.

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