Friday, November 28, 2025

Start Little, Dream Big Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Start Little, Dream Big – Grow The Ministry You Were Born To Build

Author: Linette Rainville

Genre: Christian Books, Women’s Spiritual Growth, Adult Ministry, Ministry and Evangelism, Church Leadership

Release Date: August 7, 2025

“Start Little, Dream BIG” is Linette’s personal story of how God turned one bag of skinny jeans into a million-dollar outreach.

Learn how the smallest step of faith could change your life!

Linette Rainville knows this truth firsthand. A proud Buffalo native and U.S. Navy veteran, Linette began with one simple act of obedience—a bag of skinny jeans she tried to “trade in” for things her family needed. That humble beginning sparked a million-dollar outreach ministry that now serves over 40,000 families every year with food, clothing, hope and Jesus.

In Start Little, Dream Big, Linette shares her redemptive journey and practical wisdom for women ready to step into their God-given calling. It’s filled with real-life moments—some laugh-out-loud funny, some bring-tears-to-your-eyes kind of raw—but all with one goal: to provide you a guide and a blueprint to build your own meaningful ministries, projects, and movements from the ground up.

Whether you’re just dreaming or ready to launch, Linette invites you to join her and a growing sisterhood of modern-day Esthers who are answering their call with courage, faith, and Godfidence.

You don’t have to do this alone. Your big dream starts with one little step.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linette Rainville, Jesus girl, USN Veteran and Movement Leader, is on a quest to raise up the next generation of Esthers and Movement Makers. As a podcast host, speaker, mentor and founder of Daughters United, a global equipping ministry, she empowers women to build projects and start ministries from the ground up. With 25 years of hands-on poverty outreach experience, Linette has reached thousands of Kingdom women, guiding them to pursue their callings, lead movements, and build missions.

More from Linette

Friend, can I just take you back for a moment?

I never thought I’d find myself here in this place. After serving my country in the U.S. Navy, I came home with a spinal injury that ended the career I had dreamed of. Suddenly, the uniform I loved was gone, and I was simply doing my best to care for my family on an income that barely covered the basics.

It stung. It carried a stigma I swore I’d never face. You see, as a young girl my mom and I had lived on welfare, and I had made a promise to myself that my children would never have to experience that. But then life happened. A “disabled” label got stamped on my record, and just like that, my best intentions seemed to evaporate.

A few years later, I was blessed with the gift of motherhood and the challenge of disability. My husband and I were making it on one single blue-collar income, just trying to survive.

And then—God.

One ordinary day, walking out of a thrift store, the Lord planted a seed in my heart. That tiny whisper turned into a vision. That vision grew into a mission. One obedient baby step at a time—one yes, one phone call, one event, one open door—the Lord built something so much bigger than me.

Over the years, what started as a little prayer has grown into clothing programs, a pregnancy help center, food pantries, a soup kitchen, domestic abuse support, homeless outreach… and an army of volunteers who joined me along the way.

What’s wild is this: that one “yes” in 1991 has rippled out for over 30 years—locally, regionally, and now even globally… reaching over 50,000 lives each year—meeting real, practical needs.

And here’s where you come in.

Because this story—it isn’t just about me. It’s about you too. I believe God is stirring dreams and assignments inside of my sisters today. Maybe you’ve walked through storms. Maybe you’ve carried labels that felt heavy. Maybe you’ve stood staring at the “skinny jeans” of your life—dreams or abilities that no longer seem to fit.

But here’s the truth: all is not lost.

I see you.

I see you walking out of those valleys and climbing mountains, becoming warrior-ready and equipped to make a difference. I see you searching for a guide, a compass, and a roadmap for your mission.

That’s why I wrote this book. It’s the first in my Skinny Jeans Series, and I pray that it will become a companion for you—to remind us that God’s plans are never finished, even when ours feel broken.

Because as Jeremiah 29:11 declares: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

So take heart, friend.

God can take your little and build something bigger than you ever imagined…

one small YES at a time.

With BIG LOVE,

Linette

MY REVIEW

I remember a few years ago I found myself in a new season. I wasn’t sure where God wanted to use me, but I waited on Him. Oh it was not easy but I was determined not to step out without his direction. I appreciate this book and how transparent the author is as she shares her story.

Her zest for life and God is evident as she embraces her desire to encourage others. Each of us has a testimony to share and in this book we see how God wants us to use it to reach others. There are some people that only you can reach because you have walked where they are at right now. As you seek Him be sure to pray and ask for His guidance. The best news is that He has a 0plan for each of us.

I think about different people in the Bible that God used when they were broken, desperate and lonely. Have you ever felt like you couldn’t be used by God? Remember we go through trials to grow us, strengthen us and give us wisdom.

I like how the book illustrates how we need to use what we have overcome to get to where God can use us. When the author talked about journals I laughed. I have so many journals filled with dreams, Words from God and thoughts that have been waiting for my dream to come to pass.

After reading this book I find myself energized, pumped up and ready to go. Those words that say, “I have a purpose,” gives me hope to follow my dream and listen to God as He shows me where to minister to next. I love how the author’s ministry started and how it has changed many lives. Never give up on your dream is what I kept hearing as I read the book.

Thank you for sharing your heart and love for others. Your book has given me a renewed hope and bigger dream of where God is taking me. “Stop dreaming and start doing,” oh how that phrase makes me want to yell from the mountain top. I encourage every woman to grab a copy of this book. It can be used as a small group Bible study as women come together to encourage each other. Just think of the ministries that could happen as you share this book in your small group?

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

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 19

Simple Harvest Reads, November 20 (Author Interview)

The Mommies Reviews , November 20

Artistic Nobody, November 21 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, November 22 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 23

Fiction Book Lover, November 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25

Stories By Gina, November 26 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 27 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, November 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 30 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 1

Books Less Travelled, December 2 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, December 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linette is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dc76/start-little-dream-big-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, November 23, 2025

The Red Cottage Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Red Cottage

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Regency Romance

Release Date: November, 2025

She forgot she loved him.
He would die to make her remember.

Meg Foxcroft has never minded the tattling village gossip or her uncle’s ill-tempered rebukes. After all, she has Tom McGwen—and one day, they will build their own cottage, paint it red, and live a wonderful life.

But then the unthinkable happens. Meg is attacked, her uncle’s apothecary shop goes up in flames, and when she wakes up in the arms of an eloquent lord, she remembers nothing. Not even her own name.

In a frantic race against time, Tom plunges into dangerous water, bent on sheltering Meg from harm and discovering who wants her dead. Even if she despises him. Even if it’s now the handsome lord she casts her smile upon.

As danger swells and truth comes crashing around them, Meg must confront the past and decide who she trusts—and loves—before the enemy makes the final strike.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, a 2023 Angel Book Award third place winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse.

More from Hannah

We’re made for someone. I think I’ve always believed this—that it was never about proximity, or happenchance, or who you know, or where you are.

But that God, in His infinite wisdom, created a second half for each of us.

Someone who fits in the curve of your neck when you hug.

Who laughs at the things you laugh at.

Who speaks to you in a language your soul understands.

I think that’s why I love The Red Cottage so much. Circumstances would have never mattered with Tom and Meg. They loved each other. They were linked. And even if everything had been different, if they had been born hundreds of years before, they would have found their way back to each other.

If the age was ancient Egypt, and he had been a Pharaoh, and she a slave, they would have discovered each other.

If the year was 1920, and he a factory worker, and she the daughter of an oil tycoon, they would have defied the rules of society.

In any other place, in any other time, in any other way, Tom would have loved Meg. And Meg would have loved Tom. That is the beauty and the mind-blowing magic of real love.

So, when you fall into the pages of The Red Cottage, I hope you aren’t so foolish as to imagine this was an accident. That Tom said the right things, or that Meg felt vulnerable in just the right places, and that their bond—both the first and second time—was a mere hapless stroke of luck.

They would have loved each other anyway.

We’re all made for someone.

MY REVIEW

Oh my what a beautiful story. I loved the sweet innocent relationship between Meg & Tom. A young couple pledges their love for each other that starts our journey in this gripping story of mystery, secrets and danger. I didn’t expect the action to start so soon, but the author delivers an epic tale of unconditional love.

Meg faces a long hard road when a tragedy occurs. Without warning she has no memory of anything. Secluded in a place that is not familiar to her, she must regain strength to overcome the harm someone has caused her. Meg will face many decisions but most importantly she will need to trust again.

Tom the hero of the story remembers that moment when finally he and Meg say those words that bring a future to them. A promise of marriage rings in his ears as he suddenly finds himself surrounded by flames. Can he rescue Meg before she perishes? This is where the mystery starts. I had so many question. Who started the fire? Did everyone get rescued? Why is Meg suddenly missing ?

The author had me on the edge of my seat as the story unfolds into a look at redemption, forgiveness, and faith. There were moments I wasn’t sure if our characters would ever find each other again. With hints scattered throughout the story, it gives readers a chance to see if they can figure out the mystery. I loved the raw emotions and how each character faced different challenges that bring them back to faith.

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 21

Devoted Steps, November 21

Sydney Schmied Books, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22

Sylvan Musings, November 22

Texas Book-aholic, November 23

Min Reads and Reviews, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 24

Lily’s Corner, November 25

She Lives to Read, November 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 26

For Him and My Family, November 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 27

Stories By Gina, November 28 (Author Interview)

Mrs. Ryan Moser’s Book and Movie Reviews , November 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 29

Cover Lover Book Review, November 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 30

The Mommies Reviews, November 30

Betti Mace, December 1

Book Looks by Lisa, December 1

Bizwings Blog, December 2

Mary Hake, December 2

Holly’s Book Corner, December 3

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 3

Pause for Tales, December 4

To Everything There Is A Season, December 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, December 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dd06/the-red-cottage-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, November 22, 2025

A Daughter’s Choice Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Daughter’s Choice (The Heart of the Amish Book Ten)

Author: Kelly Irvin

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: November, 2025

Henrietta Is Set Against Love

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.

Henrietta Miller loves animals—especially her goats. She wants to marry and have children someday, but right now her goal is to have her own business selling snacks made from goat’s milk and goat’s soaps. Against her the wishes of her father–who’s also the bishop—she applies for a job as a veterinary assistant to earn money. Then newcomer Nicholas Byler snatches the job out from under her—or so it seems to Hen. Now Nicholas is treating Hen’s beloved animals as if he knows more than her. Hen turns her frustrations toward expanding her business to include wool-producing goats, even while her aunt hatches matchmaking plans—with Nicholas Byler, no less.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award-winning author Kelly Irvin has published more than 30 novels and a dozen novellas. The bestselling novelist worked as a newspaper reporter before spending 22 years in public relations. She now writes fiction full time. She and her husband live in Texas. They are the parents of two kids, four grandkids, and an ornery senior cat.

More from Kelly

Research for A Daughter’s Choice leads to goats nips and cow cuddles

By Kelly Irvin

Each time I come up with a new story concept, I’m super excited about it. When a publisher lets me know the “pub” committee has approved a contract for the story, I get even more excited. Then I sit down at my computer, open a document, and zoom, my fingers take off on the keyboard . . . . nope . . . not exactly.

What really happens is that I suddenly realize this fabulous story idea will require a ton of research. In the case of A Daughter’s Choice, featuring goat lover Henrietta “Hen” Miller, I needed to be an “expert” on raising goats and tending to a horse with colic and making candy from goat’s milk, and delivering a foal that isn’t positioned correctly (and treating a crotchety cat!). The story also required a deep dive into several other kinds of livestock, veterinarians’ clinics and vet assistants, and facets of the Amish faith that I wanted to make sure I addressed properly.

Much of this information is easily available on the Internet and in the many reference books about the Amish I’ve acquired over the years. But on-line research doesn’t allow me to get up close and personal with key characters in my story—the animals. I especially wanted to hang out with some goats. To my surprise, I had trouble finding a place in the San Antonio area where I could interact with these frolicking creatures.

Then my daughter-in-law came to the rescue. She found Cavalry Farm, a nonprofit organization that takes in and cares for all sort of livestock animals in little Adkins, Texas, just south of San Antonio. They have frequent open houses where—for a nominal fee—the public can visit, pet, feed, and yes, cuddle some of the animals. My response? ROAD TRIP!

The farm is home to a small herd of pygmy goats as well as larger dairy goats. I have never been close to a goat, so I didn’t know what to expect. They were as curious about me as I was about them. They crowded around me, climbed up my rollator, chewed on my purse strap, nibbled at the zipper on my shorts’ pocket, and prodded my hands with their noses. I had a fabulous time!

The volunteer who stayed with us in the goat pen shared all sorts of tidbits about the care of goats. My grandson, who’s two and a half, chatted with them. I took lots of photos for marketing purposes. Most importantly, I gained an understanding of why Hen is so enamored of goats. They’re lively, friendly, and determined to learn all about their visitors.

Of course, Hen isn’t simply a “goat whisperer.” She also loves horses, which leads to her first encounter with vet assistant Nicholas Byler, a newcomer to Smicksburg, PA, and many other animals, including cats and dogs. At Cavalry Farm, I also was able to visit with

Research/Kelly Irvin/2

horses, pigs, donkeys, alpacas, chickens, turkeys, and cows. I’m from Kansas so I’ve had my share of livestock sightings. However, I’ve never been offered an opportunity to snuggle a cow. Who knew that is a thing? My farmer family members will find it humorous, I’m sure.

The cows lounge on the grass just waiting for a visitor to come along, sit beside them, and snuggle up. It’s so stinking cute!

No cow snuggling occurs in A Daughter’s Choice. However, I can assure readers there is plenty of fun with a runaway puppy up for adoption, goats on the loose tearing through a wedding prep tent, and more. The story also moves beyond the humorous as Hen overcomes past losses and grief , allowing her to make important choices about her future. Nicholas too has to make hard choices about his occupation and his life as a faithful Amish believer. What they decide will determine if they find their happily-ever-after!

If you’d like to know more about Cavalry Farm and their mission, check out the website at www.cavalryfarms.org.

MY REVIEW

I appreciate a good story about animals and how important they are to a farm. They are hard work but the rewards out-way the long hours needed to tend to them. Not knowing much about goats, I loved learning more about them and how important it is to care for them. They must be high priority in order for them to produce milk.

Hen became my favorite character because she had determination to see her dream come true. Her love of animals inspires her to continue to at times defy her father who happens to be the Bishop. I didn’t miss the humor in the story such as Hen thinking that manure was a sweet fragrance. Oh my does she need to pay a bit more attention to herself. Her appearance does not set well with her father. There is a definite stubborn streak in Hen when it comes to choosing animals over marriage or house chores.

Nicholas has no idea when he goes to Hen’s farm to care for a sick horse that Hen would argue at every suggestion he has to get the horse feeling better. I liked how he stood his ground and insisted that he knew what he was doing. He has his own battle to deal with that causes him to try even harder.

I did find something very interesting in the story between these two characters. They both battle tradition when it comes to their future. Hen is expected to get married, have a family and be content to stay at home. Long days of household chores, children that need care everyday and staying on top of anything related to the house doesn’t appeal to Hen at all. It may be what her father wants, but Hen is not your typical Amish woman.

Nicholas wants to go to veterinary college but would have to go against his culture. With a deep longing to follow his desire he will have to make hard choices that could hurt how others look at him. Going against how he was raised weighs heavy on his heart. I don’t think he was impressed by Hen at their first meeting either.

With an impressive look at two people who want to follow their dreams, this story gives readers a chance to see how God works in people’s lives. Faith is an important part in their decision and I loved how the author slowly develops a relationship that I was not sure about at first.

Aunt Ginny’s arrival is filled with laughter and family time. Aunt Ginny gives great advice to Hen like, “ it gives me comfort to think God is in charge. We don’t have to understand. We simply have to believe.” Hen knows that her father brought Aunt Ginny here for a very specific reason. Will Hen surrender to God with her whole heart? Can she learn to trust others and allow them to show her how much she is loved?

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 23

Simple Harvest Reads, November 24 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

She Lives to Read, November 25

lakesidelivingsite, November 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 28

Stories By Gina, November 29 (Author Interview)

Nighttime Reading Center, November 29

For Him and My Family, November 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 1

Fruitfully Planted, December 1

The Avid Reader, December 2

Holly’s Book Corner, December 3

Vicky Sluiter, December 4

The Mommies Reviews, December 5

Mary Hake, December 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kelly is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3dd0d/a-daughter-s-choice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, November 21, 2025

Dueling Hearts Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Dueling Hearts

Author: Vickie McDonough

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: November 11, 2025

She blames him for her brother’s death, and he’s determined to make amends. But as family secrets and forbidden longing pull them closer, they must choose between pride and the chance to heal.

Carina Zimmer has spent years hating the Bishops for destroying her family. Now managing Tanglewood Plantation and caring for her bedridden father, she wants nothing to do with Reed Bishop—the man who killed her brother. But when Reed returns from medical school and begins treating the injured and vulnerable, Carina can’t ignore the compassion behind his actions or the growing pull between them.

Reed Bishop came home to start a medical practice and make amends for past mistakes. But when he treats an injured slave at a neighboring plantation, he comes face-to-face with Carina Zimmer—the sister of the man he believes he killed in a duel years ago. He never expected to fall for the fiery woman struggling to keep her family’s plantation alive. Yet every encounter with Carina challenges his guilt and deepens his desire to earn her trust.

As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, Carina and Reed must decide if love is worth risking everything—even the legacy of those they’ve sworn to honor.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA and Amazon best-selling author of 54 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best, OWFI Best Fiction Novel Award, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, making cards, gardening, and traveling.

More from Vickie

While I was researching ideas for Dueling Hearts, my third book in the Windswept Weddings series, I stumble across some information about dueling in America. I hadn’t read a Christian book that had characters who were in a duel, so I thought that would be an interesting premise. Reed Bishop, my hero in Dueling Hearts, is the grandson of Cooper Reed from Secrets of the Heart. He finds himself forced into a duel on the eve of his leaving for Scotland to become a doctor. I’ll let you read the book to find out what happens.

Dueling in the United States had mostly been outlawed by 1850. The Broderick-Terry duel, fought in California in 1859, is often considered the last notable duel in the United States. U.S. Senator David Broderick and California Supreme Court Chief Justice David S. Terry engaged in a pistol duel near Lake Merced, resulting in Broderick’s death. Sadly, the two were once friends.

Here’s what Dueling Hearts is about:

She blames him for her brother’s death, and he’s determined to make amends. But as family secrets and forbidden longing pull them closer, they must choose between pride and the chance to heal.

Carina Zimmer has spent years hating the Bishops for destroying her family. Now managing Tanglewood Plantation and caring for her bedridden father, she wants nothing to do with Reed Bishop—the man who killed her brother. But when Reed returns from medical school a more mature man and begins treating the injured and vulnerable, Carina can’t ignore the compassion behind his actions or the growing pull between them.

Reed Bishop came home to start a medical practice and make amends for past mistakes. But when he treats an injured slave at a neighboring plantation, he comes face-to-face with Carina Zimmer—the sister of the man he killed in a duel years ago. He never expected to fall for the fiery woman struggling to keep her family’s plantation alive. Yet every encounter with Carina challenges his guilt and deepens his desire to earn her trust.

As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, Carina and Reed must decide if love is worth risking everything—even the legacy of those they’ve sworn to honor

MY REVIEW

The story provides a look at life when plantations thrived with the help of men and women who didn’t know what freedom was. It is always hard for me to read books about slaves. Most were not treated well and had little hope of ever tasting the glorious feeling of being free. The author does n excellent job of describing this time period and allows readers to see that some people treated others without prejudge.

I liked how the story faces two families against each other in a battle where secrets, deceit and second chances thrive. Carina has a burden of trying to keep the plantation running while caring for her father. She also has to deal with bitterness whenever she thinks about the death of her brother. The author illustrates how not forgiving can cause chaos in your own life. My observation was that Carina has insecurities that allow her to think that she is not good enough at times. She carries a big burden of keeping her family in comfort while fighting against those she believes have done her family wrong.

Reed returns home after being away for a few years. He has worked hard to become a surgeon but being back reminds him of a tragic memory. One moment in time changed his life forever. It is hard to believe that duels were popular at one time. Your reputation was at stake when challenged and at that time Reed seemed to have no choice. I don’t think he realizes how much bitterness someone feels toward him. A true gentleman, he tries to mend a relationship but pride and unforgiveness stands in the way. I like how the author reminds us of this scripture; “Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

I loved following the two main characters as they work through their differences. Carina realizes that Reed is really a nice, caring person who wants to help her out. Can she let go of her bitterness and allow Reed into her life? Carina has been mad at God for a long time and thinks that He is not there with her anymore. What a beautiful illustration the author uses to show how God forgives and loves each of us unconditionally.

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