WELCOME TO THE REVIEW PROMO BLAST OF A LOVE LETTER FROM JESSA

PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT

A clean and wholesome western historical romance full of excitement, romance, & faith with vivid characters...I can't wait to go back to Willow Wood."Amazon reviewer
"...One of those books that makes you feel good while you’re reading it, and after you’re through!! I’m so ready for the next one in this series!”Amazon reviewer
When Jessa Endicott began writing to her sick friend Ada’s pen pal, she never dreamed she’d fall in love with the man on the other end of the letters. Rodney Hammersmith has fallen in love with the writer of the letters. The only problem is, the woman he thinks he loves is someone else.
When Rodney’s job brings him to Willow Wood, he can’t wait to meet his pen pal face to face. Jessa is equally anxious to meet Rodney, but he doesn’t know she exists. He’s here for Ada, the woman he thinks he’s been writing to.
Jessa never meant to mislead Rodney when she agreed to write the letters. Now she risks watching him fall in love with Ada, whose lies could destroy all their lives.

I love reading, writing, laughing, learning new things & falling in love. Creating clean and wholesome western romances where rugged cowboys sweep feisty, independent heroines off their feet was an easy choice. I write stories to entertain, edify & inspire from my home in southern Ohio home that I share with my husband Ralph, rescue dog & rescue cat. 

Drop me a line anytime at teresa@teresaslack.com, visit my website www.teresaslack.com, & follow me on FaceBook & Instagram.

MY REVIEW 

I love stories that take me back to the late 1890s where towns were popping up and people were  helping each  each other out. Jessa is the type of character you can’t help but like. She has a sweet heart and is always there  to help friends and family out. I was sad to read about the losses she suffered at a young age. I think Ada should feel blessed to have Jessa as a friend. Ada was deceitful, rude, selfish and the one I wanted to kick in the shins. Oh she made me mad but I have to say well done to the author for making Ada so realistic that I felt sorry for her. There must be a reason she is so spiteful. Maybe she is insecure or jealous? 

I knew right away when Ada convinces Jessa to write to a young man so Ada wouldn’t have to, there was going to be problems. Who would guess that the man , Rodney comes  to their town to work. Jessa knew she needed to tell him the truth about the letters. I loved how they first met at a place where Jessa finds comfort. Their conversation is fun and lighthearted. Poor Jessa I think she may be infatuated with Rodney. What is she going to do? 

I have always heard that lies catch up with you. This story is a good example of what happens when lies and truth  clash  as the author takes us on a journey that tugs at your heart. Will Jessa do the right thing and let God guide her to tell the truth? What will happen if Rodney finds out he has been deceived? The story is good and I enjoyed the struggle within the characters as they must make a choice that could change their future. 

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

About the Book

Book:  Irish Encounter

Author: Hope Toler Dougherty

Genre:  Sweet, inspirational romance

Release Date: May 7, 2015

After almost three years of living under a fog of grief, Ellen Shepherd is ready for the next chapter in her life, perhaps an adventure during a visit to Galway. Her idea of excitement consists of exploring Ireland for yarn to feature in her shop back home, but the adventure awaiting her includes an edgy stranger who disrupts her tea time, challenges her belief system, and stirs up feelings she thought she’d buried with her husband.

After years of ignoring God, nursing anger, and stifling his grief, Payne Anderson isn’t ready for the feelings a chance encounter with an enchanting stranger evokes. Though avoiding women and small talk has been his pattern, something about Ellen makes him want to seek her—and God again.

Can Ellen accept a new life different than the one she planned? Can Payne release his guilt and accept the peace he’s longed for? Can they surrender their past pain and embrace healing together or will fear and doubt ruin this second chance at happiness?

Click here to get your copy!

 MY REVIEW 

I have always wanted to go to Ireland. In fact it is on my bucket list. In a small way I think I can check Ireland off my list. The author took me on a glorious tour of Ireland where I saw beautiful farms, quaint little shops and memories of a place that holds beauty and hope. 

Ellen is such a wonderful character that I felt I was walking beside her as she went to the shops and discovered beautiful yarn to order for her shop back in the states. The details of yarn and the vast array of colors fascinated me. I have never taken up knitting or crocheting but I admire the work that goes into it. It was a perfect place for Ellen to relax and enjoy herself . I love divine appointments and God sure had one for Ellen waiting for her in Ireland. 

Payne is a handsome man with sad eyes that say I’m hurting to those around him. He may pretend that he is fine, but the eyes tell it all. His past is heartbreaking and painful. When he and Ellen meet I could feel that something good would come from their encounter. It was interesting to see how the author included Ellen’s daughter in the story. I laughed when her daughter was a little upset seeing her mother having lunch with a strange man. 

One of the best things about this story is how Ellen was able to share her faith with Payne. They both have lost loved ones but one of them was still holding on to anger and guilt.  I thought the part where Payne goes to church and really listens to the message was a turning point for him. The story is not only about finding happiness but also letting go of the past. Guilt can destroy someone if they don’t deal with it and Payne has allowed that emotion to dictate his life for too long. 

I loved following Ellen and Payne on their journey to getting to know each other. One week could change their lives forever. Will Ellen be able to open her  heart again? Can Payne forgive himself and allow God back into his life? To find out these answers you will need to read this well written book. Readers will  discover how healing brings hope, forgiveness and unconditional love.

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

About the Author

Hope holds a Master’s degree in English and taught at East Carolina University and York Technical College. Forever Music is her fourth novel. Residing in North Carolina, she and her husband enjoy visits with their daughters and twin sons.

More from Hope

Inspiration Behind Irish Encounter

A few years ago, I was staring at the first day of the rest of my life. My oldest daughter was set to graduate high school in less than a month. Two years later, her sister would march right behind her, followed in two years by their twin brothers.

Life as I’d known it for the preceding eighteen years was about to change enormously.

Throughout my tenure as a stay-with-my-children mom, I’d written for publications—sporadically—but I had a portfolio of articles with my byline in print.

That May afternoon, I decided to write something for Guideposts, a magazine filled with inspirational, faith-filled stories. I’d just completed “The Life of Moses” with Bible Study Fellowship, and I envisioned sharing wisdom and insight gleaned from thirty two weeks of study.

I penned What I learned from Moses on the top line of a yellow legal pad. As soon as I wrote this fascinating title, I immediately began daydreaming—about Ireland, not Moses.

In my daydream, a woman in an Irish café scribbled in a journal. A little old man in a tweed vest approached her, introduced himself, and began talking about his late wife.  I saw the wooden buttons on his vest and the Irish cap clutched in his hands.  Suddenly another man, dressed in dusty safari clothes, appeared to the woman’s left, lounging at his table and eavesdropping on their conversation.

This scene interested me infinitely more than the Moses idea. I turned the page to a fresh sheet and wrote everything I saw and heard in that Irish coffee shop.

Irish Encounter began that day. I didn’t know it yet, but God did. I just hurried back every morning to my desk to see what happened next. Before writing, I’d recite Bible verses from the Moses study, like Exodus 3:12 “And God said, ‘I will be with you’” and Exodus 4:12 “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (NIV)

I’d pray for guidance and help, and then I’d travel to Galway.

God led me onto this writing journey with a lot of prodding and pulling and nudges toward those interesting characters. I’m thankful every day He did, and I hope readers will enjoy the trip to Ireland with Ellen and Payne, too!

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, July 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 28

Inklings and notions, July 29

deb’s Book Review, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 30

Genesis 5020, July 30

For Him and My Family, July 31

The Collaborative Press, July 31

Through the Fire Blogs, August 1

Godly Book Reviews, August 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 2

Older & Smarter?, August 3

Writing from the Heart Land, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 4

Reflections From My Bookshelves, August 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 5

Betti Mace, August 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 6

Locks, Hooks And Books , August 7

Maureen’s Musings, August 7

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 8

Pause for Tales, August 8

Just the Write Escape, August 9

Read Review Rejoice, August 9

Emily Yager, August 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour Hope 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/fe36/irish-encounter-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Direct Threat

Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 1 2020

One little girl. 

Two bodyguards. 

Only one chance to guard their hearts.

Protection Inc. co-owner, Carissa Jones, an ex-cop turned bodyguard, has one goal—keep her young client safe. When her business partner brings in a new guy to help, she discovers her heart desires more. Can she still do her job and follow her heart without compromising her client’s safety?

Marc Olsen, a former Military Police officer, struggles to find his way as a civilian. He agrees to help out an old friend for the summer. He gets more than he bargained for when he’s assigned to work with the feisty co-owner of Protection Inc.

When sparks fly faster than bullets, will the bodyguards be distracted from their task, or will they work together as an even stronger team?

Click here to get your copy!

 MY REVIEW 

Readers are in for a treat with this romantic suspense. The author does a great job of slipping in surprises throughout the story. Carissa is a determined woman who will stop at nothing to protect her client. I don’t think she was exactly thrilled to find out her client she would be protecting was a stubborn young girl.  I liked the idea of a bodyguard business and how dangerous it can be at times. 

Olivia is a handful right away as  Carissa comes in to be her “nanny.” I knew Olivia would figure out soon that Carissa was not really a nanny. The premise of the story is surrounded by something Olivia’s dad is working on.  It reminds me of an espionage where the bad guys want to get hold of a secret and use it for bad. I hoped as the story progressed we would find out what was so important that people were willing to kidnap Olivia over. That was never revealed so I’m not sure if that was intentional or if it is addressed in the next book. One thing is for sure, I will be reading the next book to find out. 

Marc was a good character but I thought his attraction to Carissa was a bit rushed. There were times when his attention was more on Carissa than his job. The faith element is good and I was especially pleased with one character’s desire to rededicate their life to Christ. That part of the story was well written and showed that God is always there to comfort us . 

I had several suspects on my radar and couldn’t wait to find out if I was right. The author did a good job of throwing me off track a few times which made me read faster. It is a very clean read with intrigue that does keep you guessing. The ending is suspenseful and I loved how the author wrote Carissa as a strong female who could handle difficult situations. 

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

About the Author

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.

Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

You can sign up for Kimberly’s newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

More from Kimberly

Direct Threat is the first book in the Protection Inc. series. The series follows a group of bodyguards who are all either former cops or military police. They are on location in Lincoln City on the Oregon coast in book one, but their business is based out of Seattle.

I’ve been to Lincoln City more times than I can remember, but I took a research trip there with my husband, specifically for this book.

While in Lincoln City my husband and I walked the same beach my characters walk. I studied the access points to the cliffside homes from the vantage point of the beach, as this was an important aspect in the story. We also visited the ice cream shop mentioned in the book. You’ll understand significance of the shop when you read the story.

My writing career has taken some twists and turns. When I first began writing in 2006 I wrote romantic suspense. Then switched over to writing contemporary romance, which turned out to be the genre of my first contracted book and many more after that. After writing several romantic mystery novels for my publisher, I decided to dust off my romantic suspense manuscripts and publish them. Direct Threat is one of those manuscripts.

I absolutely love reading and writing suspense as well as romance, so joining the two together comes naturally for me. I hope you will read and enjoy this story.

You can learn more about Kimberly Rose Johnson and her books at https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, July 25

deb’s Book Review, July 25

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 26

A Baker’s Perspective, July 27

Texas Book-aholic, July 28

reviewingbooksplusmore, July 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 29

Because I said so – adventures in parenting, July 29

Quiet quilter, July 30

Inklings and notions, July 31

Maureen’s Musings, July 31

For Him and My Family, August 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 2

Read Review Rejoice, August 2

Daysong Reflections, August 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 4

Batya’s Bits, August 5

Mary Hake, August 5

Simple Harvest Reads, August 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Betti Mace, August 6

Just the Write Escape, August 7

Blossoms and Blessings, August 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of 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/fe34/direct-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book:  Inspired Artistry

Author: Pamela Poole

Genre:  Non-fiction, Devotional

Release Date: March 30, 2020

Spirit-filled creative expression is an outreach for Christians to be ambassadors of the Kingdom.

This insightful devotional explores how the imprint of our Creator on all mankind makes it natural for Christians to embrace their unique gifts. Through Scripture, true stories, prayer, and study questions, readers will explore how every person born has a meaningful gift to contribute joy and beauty in the world. Led by the Holy Spirit, believers can live higher than the corrupting influences that distort Christ’s intent for our personal Inspired Artistry.

The pages of Inspired Artistry contain delightful illustrations and pages for readers who journal to write their own “Inspired Musings.”

Click here to get your copy!

 MY REVIEW 

This book will inspire you to discover your gifts and use them to honor God. I know I can raise my hand and say I have no artistic talent. My husband is very gifted in airbrushing and painting. He has used his talent to do murals for churches and homes. I’m in awe of his ability and how he gracefully sees a blank canvas come to life. Now what is my artistic talent? Do I even have any? 

 While reading this book, I found that I have artistic talents but never thought of them as that. I am very creative and can take a song and do a dramatic interpretation of it. Many of the Children’s Christmas plays I directed was from a script that I enhanced and expanded on. Wait a minute? I do have abilities and never realized that I was using my gifts to share His Word. 

The book is very well planned out and gives readers not only examples but scriptures to help us discover what God has given us to use for His glory. What about the person who said words of encouragement to you and brought a smile to your face. Their gift is a way of expressing feelings that bring comfort and joy. I began to look at artistic abilities in a new light. We all have a gift that can be used to be His hands and feet. 

I love to do reviews for authors to bless them for their hard work. I never thought of it as a gift until now. It is easy for me to put into words how I feel about something, but verbally expressing is difficult for me. This book is very encouraging and I appreciate how transparent the author is as she shares her struggles with being an artist. I hope everyone will grab a copy of this book to find encouragement, your artistic talent and joy in everything you do to honor God

“Our creativity is valuable as we are shaped by Him and as we live wisely to make time for it. Creative initiative comes when we understand the power and dominion in creativity.”

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

About the Author

Pamela Poole’s love for the South inspires all her books and paintings. She and her husband Mark currently live in Raleigh, NC, but she’s hoping to get back home to the Lowcountry of SC someday.

If making her fictional stories public was a step of faith, writing her first devotional was a leap! Believing all Christians have a sphere of influence, she wanted to be certain that sharing her views was a process grounded in Scripture. Pamela believes nothing is wasted for a child of God. Using examples learned through challenging experiences, she reveals accounts of true events that only her family knew about before. Years of teaching art, teaching Bible Studies, leadership roles, membership in guilds and associations, mentoring, painting, exhibiting, and writing books has provided her with a wealth of hard-won lessons to share.

Pamela lives life loving Jesus and her family as a wife, mother, and Gigi, and she is blessed with true friends. She is a member of the National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society and PaintNC. Readers and art enthusiasts alike can enjoy her Youtube channel for painting demos, art history lessons and projects, and peeks into an author’s life. Her blog can be found on her art and publishing websites. Her illustrations for FREE coloring pages are her contribution to a cause she cares about, the healing that happens through art, and they can be downloaded on her websites. To enjoy the latest content, sign up for her newsletters and follow Pamela Poole, Artist and Author and Southern Sky Publishing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

More from Pamela

“I don’t have a talented bone in my body.”
“I can’t even make stick people.”

“I’ve never taken art classes.”
As an artist, teacher, author, and craft lover, I’ve heard statements like these all my life. My favorite is when my art students came to the first class saying, “I can’t even draw a straight line!” Flashing them my most engaging smile, I would respond brightly, “Me, either! I always use a ruler.”
Every person on the planet has a special gift of creativity. It is the stamp of our Maker, in whose image we are made. From the opening verses of the Bible, creativity is the first attribute that God reveals about Himself to mankind.

Christians have talents, but they do not think of them as creativity or as having any value in their faith or outreach to the world. Inspired Creativity—Embracing the Creative Calling is my first devotional, written to encourage my sisters and brothers in Christ to discover and develop their unique gifts. I base the book on the authority of Scripture, and I use personal stories to apply the biblical principles to real situations.

Many people shy away from their talents because of the rejection and ridicule they could face from those whose tastes run differently. I understand this well and have the scars to prove it after decades of participating in professional organizations, art exhibitions, classes, art galleries, and the online book market. Readers can look at any author’s reviews and see they will range from mean and scathing to helpful and glowing. By publishing this devotional, I have set myself up for criticism by sharing what I’ve learned and how it all fits into a biblical Christian worldview. Knowing how vulnerable creative Christians feel, I point out in this book that if we are abiding in Christ and following His lead, our work is inspired as both a healing, spiritual growth activity for our souls and something He may call us to share. We must get past our dread and remember we work to please Jesus, not mankind. Since when did Christ’s enemy not attack those who talk about Him or reach out in His name?

When writing Inspired Artistry, I faced a few scary moments when relating experiences in my creative life that only my husband and son knew had happened. But nothing is wasted when believers walk with Christ, and I obeyed the tug on my heart and the spiritual certainty that I traveled those roads for such a time as this. It is my prayer that readers will discover and embrace their creative gifts for their role as ambassadors of the Kingdom to come!

Note to readers who color and journal: the print version of this devotional has coloring and journaling pages.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 23

For Him and My Family, July 24

Texas Book-aholic, July 25

Bizwings Blog, July 26

Holly Jo Morris, July 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 27

Inklings and notions, July 28

Emily Yager, July 29

Godly Book Reviews, July 30

deb’s Book Review, July 31

Splashes of Joy, August 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 2

Captive Dreams Window, August 3

Mary Hake, August 3

Artistic Nobody, August 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pamela is giving away the grand prize package of Inspired Proverbs Coloring Journal, Tin of Colored Pencils, and a print copy of Inspired Artistry – Embracing the Creative Calling!!

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/fe30/inspired-artistry-celebration-tour-giveaway