Sunday, August 20, 2023

About the Book

Book: A Little Christian’s 123s

Author: Lila Noffsinger

Genre: Christian Children’s Picture Book

Release Date: October, 2022

A Little Christian’s 123s is a fun and playful read that teaches kids numbers with rhymes and Bible stories. This charming bite-sized book is packed with Biblical truth, and children learn not only their numbers but also the foundations of Christianity!

Big, bold, colorful numbers help little ones with number recognition, and kids of all ages learn about key biblical stories in this endlessly re-readable book. The pictures are inspired by real, geographic places, and they give adorably illustrated glimpses of what Jericho, Mt. Siani, and the Sea of Galilee actually looked liked!

Kids love this charming book for the colorful and engaging illustrations, and parents love that it teaches numbers wrapped in Biblical truth, and that, with every read, their kids are reminded that Jesus loves them.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lila Noffsinger grew up in a lazy beach town and now lives in an energetic city with her husband and two daughters. She has always loved sharing her Christian faith through the written word, and she is now excited to share her debut children’s book.

In looking for books for her first daughter, she had difficulty finding options that were not only educational but also spiritually enriching and visually engaging. After having her second daughter, she had some midnight hours to let her mind wander, that wandering turned into what became A Little Christian’s 123s. She looks forward to publishing more books in the Little Chrsitian series, teaching preschool level learning concepts with Bible stories. A Little Christian’s Animals is

currently in the works and expected to be available Fall 2023.

When Lila isn’t writing or researching what camel saddles looked like for a future book (true story), she is playing with her girls, cooking, crafting, reading, and adventuring with her family.

More from Lila

My first daughter was a good sleeper. As an infant, she would wake up, eat, and 20 minutes
later we’d be snuggling into our respective beds to return to dreamland. My second daughter
was a different story. When she woke up and ate, it was only the start of our time together.
To stay awake, I thought of traits of my family for each letter of the alphabet. My daughter is
Adorable, Bubbly, Caring, and so on. After nights of this, it morphed into things from the Bible
for each letter, and then later for each number. I enjoyed dwelling on these thoughts through
the midnight hours.

Meanwhile, in the daylight hours, I struggled to find books I wanted to read to my 1.5 year old.
We read and enjoyed a lot of books! But I desired to find a book that was cute, biblically
enriching, and educational. We had plenty of books that met one or two of the categories, but I
had this unexplainable urge to find a book that hit the trifecta.

Through God’s prompting and my own sleep deprivation, my nighttime musings and my daytime
seekings merged into the idea of writing my own book: A cute, Bible-based book about
numbers 1-10. The trifecta!

The book idea grew, and within the year people were reading published copies of A Little
Christian’s 123s! I am eternally grateful to illustrator Lucy Shin, who took my awful sketches
and pages and pages of historical and geographic reference pictures, and turned them into such
cute and engaging art! Without her, the book may have been educational and biblically
enriching, but I promise you that nobody would have wanted to look at it.

Since publishing the book, it has sold hundreds of copies and been enjoyed by kids all across the
country. My daughter loves to tell me that Jesus loves her and that He is her friend, which she
learned from the last page. I hope and pray that similar experiences are happening in other
homes as well!

It is an honor to be on tour with Celebrate Lit, and to celebrate this tour, I hope that you will
enjoy these coloring pages inspired by the art in A Little Christian’s 123s. Thanks!

MY REVIEW

I thought this was such a great way to teach children about the Bible using numbers. Not only do they learn their numbers, but get a glimpse into the stories from the Bible. At the bottom of the pages the author has referenced the book in the Bible as well as the chapter related to the pictures.

It is an easy and simple little book that will entertain small children. The pictures are nice and colorful which will help keep children’s attention. Best of all, they find out at the end of the story that Jesus loves them.

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

Blog Stops

Lots of Helpers, August 16

Girls in White Dresses, August 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 18

Vicky Sluiter, August 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 20

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 23

Older & Smarter?, August 24

The Book Club Network, August 25

For Him and My Family, August 26

Artistic Nobody, August 27

Cover Lover Book Review, August 28

Labor Not in Vain, August 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lila is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a signed hardcover book, and an accompanying activity & coloring 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/27323/a-little-christian-s-123s-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Legacy of Love

Author: Kathy Mills

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Release Date: January 31, 2023

Legacy of Love is a heartfelt memoir that delves into the author’s personal journey of facing troubles and finding peace in the midst of adversity. Drawing from the powerful scripture of John 16:33, the author shares her experiences of praying for protection and blessings, only to realize that God’s answer may not always come in the way she expects.

When her husband Brad is diagnosed with cancer, the author’s faith is put to the test. She grapples with questions and doubts about God’s love, but eventually comes to understand that God’s presence and strength can be found even in the midst of difficulties. Through prayer and praise, she learns to rely on God in critical moments, discovering the true heart of God and experiencing His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Legacy of Love is a story of hope and courage, reminding readers that God’s love never wavers, even when faced with trials and tribulations. It encourages readers to shift their hearts from the temporal things of this world to the eternal love of God, and find peace in His unwavering presence. This memoir will inspire and uplift anyone who is going through challenges, reminding them that overcoming is possible through faith in God’s enduring love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathy Mills is a former Flight Attendant who started her flying career at age 19 and flew for nearly 33 years before retiring in 2005 with US Airways. Traveling is still one of her favorite things to do.

Kathy is a member of Kempsville Christian Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where her husband Brad served as their church’s worship minister until his death in 2008.

To those who know her best, she’s an eternity-minded daughter of the King, who loves to share her message that with Jesus, there is nothing this world can do to a child of God, that God can’t use to empower them to bring Glory to God.

More from Kathy

Comfort is found in God’s Love and Promises

My longing for more time with Brad is as strong today and will remain in me until I see Him again. I have not experienced one day since Brad’s death that I have not had at the least a moment (usually many moments) of longing for Brad to be with me still. I find comfort in knowing that God who knows my heart understands.

As Believers, we are blessed to have Jesus who understands firsthand the pain of separation that death presses into our souls. I have often felt Jesus sit alongside of me and just grieve with me when I am overcome. I believe Jesus hates death more than we do. I like knowing this. In fact, I need to know this; it comforts me. Our Father is always at work…and He has purposed for good to come from even the most heartbreaking losses. I would never say Brad’s death is good. Yet from the amazing and most gracious love of God, He lifts me up from my anguish and invites himself into my sorrow with His unique joy and transforms me.

God has brought good out of my sorrow. It took my sorrow for the good to be done. I wouldn’t have planned it this way, but I trust God’s plans more than I trust my ways. God will do no less with your sorrow. It’s one of His promises, and God keeps all His promises.

“He heals the brokenhearted. And binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].” Psalms 147:3 (AMP)

God’s love tells us this: I have my heart set on you.

MY REVIEW

I love how transparent the author is as she shares her story. She lets readers know that she had this fear of losing those she loves. I can relate to that so well. That fear has kept me from making friends, trusting and giving unconditional love to others. Over the years God has helped me see that fear is not from God.

The author was excited to start a new season in her life as her husband is offered a worship minister position at a church. They would have to leave behind friends they have known for awhile, but believed that God had big plans for them. I can sense their excitement as they prepare for this change.

Through emails we follow their journey as the author’s husband was diagnosed with cancer. That one word can shake you into fear and depression. I liked through their trial how they continued to grow in faith and find out how strong they were. In our darkest moments, we find Jesus there to comfort us.

Opening up to her friends, the author finds not only encouragement but people who will stand with them in this battle. Brad endures many treatments that I’m sure zapped him of energy. The author soon realizes that Brad is doing all this so that “he could give me the rainbow I was praying we would one day enjoy together in his healing.” To me this is a beautiful illustration of love that Brad had for his wife. He was not afraid of dying, but wanted to help his wife as she goes through the pain of losing him.

This has not been an easy book to read as it reminded me of my brother’s battle with cancer. He came to live with us three years before he was diagnosed with cancer. I had no idea at the time that God was preparing me for a journey I never thought I could handle. In my brother’s last moments I took his hand and asked him if he was saved. With tears running down his cheeks he said no. I led him in the prayer that would bring him to heaven. He couldn’t talk at this time but uttered one word. “Jesus.”

I appreciate the author sharing her story and how she leaned on friends and family to help her. The book shows how God is always close by. He knows our pain and gives us comfort and strength. “God understands better than we ever will our need for encouragement along life’s journey.”

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 18

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 19 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 20

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

Splashes of Joy, August 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 24

Beauty in the Binding, August 25 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, August 26

Blossoms and Blessings, August 27 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 27

Cover Lover Book Review, August 28

Artistic Nobody, August 29 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and 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/27326/legacy-of-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, August 19, 2023

About the Book

Book: Bold and Brave

Author: K.A. Cummins

Genre: Picture Book

Release Date: August 31, 2023

Sometimes courage is loud like an elephant, and sometimes it’s quiet like a llama.

Lily, a young autistic girl with a vivid imagination, wants to sing the solo in the school’s choir show. However, the thought of standing at center stage turns her heart a gloomy grey. School is overwhelming enough when no one is watching. Now all eyes will be on her. Will she overcome her fear and be bold and brave?

Bold and Brave is a whimsical picture book showcasing the heartwarming bond of family while visually drawing readers into Lily’s experience and inspiring them to be bold and brave. It’s aimed at readers aged 3 to 8.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

K.A. Cummins is an author and an artist. She explores storytelling in a variety of mediums, blending the wonders of science with the possibilities of what if. When not crafting stories, Cummins loves spending time with her family, collecting fun socks, and venturing outside her comfort zone to try new things—at least once!

Connect with her through her website at https://authorkacummins.com, where you can sign up for emails about upcoming releases.

More from K.A. Cummins

“Bold and Brave” is about a young autistic girl who wants to sing a solo in the school’s choir show. While a colorful pair of socks initially inspired the fiction story, it was my personal experiences as a woman and as a mother that most influenced it.

Stories often use words to draw readers into what a character experiences, but I wanted to do something different for this story. I wanted the illustrations to show readers the parts of the young girl’s experience that are often harder to explain.

For some, the smallest actions can take effort and courage, and their boldness and bravery doesn’t always show on the outside.

I hope “Bold and Brave” inspires readers, and provides an accessible insight into one autistic experience.

MY REVIEW

The book is a nice way to illustrate how to overcome fear. I liked how Lily was excited about her solo in the choir, but nervous that she wouldn’t be able to perform it. Being autistic she reacts to sounds and other things a little different than others. She puts on a brave face but around her she looks for encouragement.

This is a great book for little ones to understand that when we are brave we can do anything. It is important to let children know that they are surrounded by family and friends who are there to support them. The illustrations were very nice with bold colors and fun scenes. I would recommend this book for school libraries, church libraries and to grab a copy for your home.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 22

The Book Club Network, August 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 26

A Reader’s Brain, August 27 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 27

For Him and My Family, August 28

Vicky Sluiter, August 29 (Author Interview)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, August 29

Pause for Tales, August 30

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, August 31

Cover Lover Book Review, September 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, K.A. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and 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/2716e/bold-and-brave-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, August 18, 2023

About the Book

Book: Sky of Seven Colors

Author: Rachelle Nelson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: August 8, 2023

In a strange part of the forest, the divide between worlds grows thin.

After the accident, Meg would do anything to wake her best friend from his deadly coma. At least, that’s what she whispered into the woodland shadows. She never imagined her wish would trap her in a gray other-earth, void of any color.

Meg’s vibrant humanity is a priceless artifact in the gray kingdom, coveted by the royal court. All she wants to do is find a way back home. Until she discovers the other-earth contains healing powers that can save her friend. But only if Meg becomes what the gray people need—a human bride for Kalmus, the powerful king of the capital city.

With her heart torn between earths, Meg’s choices may cost more than she knows.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Rachelle Nelson grew up reading fantasy novels and getting her clothes muddy in the pine forests of Idaho. These days, she still loves hiking through mountains and libraries, though she is a bit less fond of mud. She doesn’t write true stories, but she writes about truth. When Rachelle is not reading and writing, she sings in a band with her talented husband, who makes her happier than should be legal. If you like adventures, good food, and honest conversations, you are her favorite kind of person.

More from Rachelle

Sky of Seven Colors is a story, in part, about beauty. I wrote it for my younger self, and for all the women I love.

When I was twelve years old, the girls in my neighborhood frequently weighed themselves and ended up forming an “under-100-club”. I have no idea why the arbitrary measurement of one hundred pounds was chosen, but I do know I was the first to outgrow the standard. A fact that was made known to the neighborhood boys during a driveway basketball game.

A chant began. “One hundred, one hundred.” And I didn’t play basketball again for the rest of the summer.

At the time, I didn’t know I would soon grow to my full height of 5’9” and would always be “bigger” than the other girls. I was convinced I could never be beautiful if I was the biggest, and I desperately wanted to be beautiful. You will probably think I was vain if I tell you I prayed every night before bed that God would make me prettier.

Now, as a woman well into her thirties, I am much more comfortable with the body God gave me. I have been a youth mentor for over a decade, and while getting to know some amazing teens, I have come to appreciate that every girl wants to be beautiful.

And they are.

I’m not just saying that in the “everyone is pretty in their own way” sense. I mean it. It’s an indisputable truth.

Femininity is beautiful.

Youth in and of itself is beautiful.

And powerful. You don’t have to look far in the world to see that these things are desired, commodified, admired, sometimes cherished, and more often exploited. And every girl possesses them.

I have watched as generations of girls desperately long to be something they already are. They diet and compare and shop for anything to help them look their best. In our youth, we blindly walk out the perils and the gifts of beauty.

In my debut young adult fantasy novel, Meg travels to a colorless other-earth where she is the only human in a royal city of strange, gray people. The elites of society prize Meg’s color for its rare traits, and seek to control it, even pressing her into an ancient, binding agreement with their king.

Her color is intrinsic, like all of our bodies, not something she chose. And it is what everyone sees when they look at her. The color puts her in danger, and it is a gift she carries. But she must decide who she will be in spite of that gift, and also because of it.

Just like all girls must choose to respond to a world that sees them for their bodies.

The Bible has something profound to say about the connection between our outer and inner selves in this verse from 1st Peter:

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self….”

Meg is a very flawed character and doesn’t make all the right choices along the way. (I don’t know many people in life who fully have, even if we’re trying.) But she does come to understand that being desired and being loved are two different things, a truth I want every girl in my life to grasp deeply. And if Meg’s identity comes from within, she will have to choose the path of loving others, even when it seems impossible.

Especially then.

MY REVIEW

The opening pages set the stage for a step into a world where there is no color. I’m going to date myself here by saying I remember watching black and white television. It was fun but when we finally got a color television, it seemed like the world of beauty opened up to me. When Meg finds herself in this strange place without color, she kinda wishes she could take back what she said. She whispered in the woods where her friend was injured, “I will do anything,” if he is saved. Now what has she gotten herself into. The woods are different when she came the first time. Who does she hear whispering around her?

Meg is trapped between Earth and another place that is near to Earth. These creatures she has come in contact with have a mission for her. She is to travel with them to marry their king in order for them to achieve what they need. The world seems nice but is there danger waiting for Meg? Will she do as they ask and in return her friend who lays in a hospital bed in a coma? Are they telling her the truth or tricking her into staying in this world where no color exists?

I like how the author incorporates symbolic symbols like the number seven n the book. When Meg is ready to heat the king she is given seven ornaments. The number represents wholeness . How was the time for Meg’s real adventure begin. The journey is easy since she is being carried. She is suffering from some illness but is assured she will be healed. I loved this sentence from the book; “there is power in a name.” Oh how I know the name that is most powerful of all.

It is interesting that in the world Neg has been pulled into, that there is murmurs of jealousy and distaste for others. Sone consider the Croppers are clumsy, dirty and loud. How sad that this world is just like Earth. Meg starts to wonder if the king will stick to his word. I felt a little uneasy as Meg is placed on display as the king welcomes her to his place where he conducts business. The interaction between Neg and the king are filled with tension. There is where I began to worry that Meg was being deceived and should not trust the king.

Meg is only interested in getting her friend healed and is so occupied with that , she misses some vital hints that all is not what it seems. It was weird that no one could heal Meg but needed constant rest and attention. She is losing herself in this world slowly and she knows that something is not right. The author draws readers in with the mystery of what will happen to Meg. I had to read faster so I could find out for myself how the book would end.

Be prepared for some suspense as the story heats up and Meg realizes that the king is hungry for power. His promises are empty ones as he tries to force Meg to do things she know is not right. Meg will soon learn that a , “king’s purpose isn’t to be great. It’s to serve the people.” The best lesson I took away from this story was the sacrifice someone made to save another. Without hesitation healing that person was the most important task and whatever it cost was worth it.

“Broken things can be turned into something new.”

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

Blog Stops

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Texas Book-aholic, August 19

Through the Fire Blogs, August 20 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, August 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 23

The Book Club Network, August 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 25

Blogging With Carol, August 26

Labor Not in Vain, August 27

Simple Harvest Reads, August 28 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Beauty in the Binding, August 29 (Author Interview)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, August 29

Of Blades and Thorns, August 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachelle is giving away the grand prize package of a hardback copy of Sky of Seven Colors, a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed bookplate, a set of 3 bookish themed waterproof stickers, and a bookmark with exclusive Sky of Seven Colors character art!!

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/2716b/sky-of-seven-colors-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

About the Book

Book: A Path to Forgiveness

Author: Lisa M. James

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release Date: January 21, 2022

Reckless. Extravagant. Wasteful. These were all words that could describe Esther. Thirteen years of careless living had left Esther and her young son destitute. When her husband disappears at night, leaving Esther with the full burden of their debt, Esther has no choice but to claim her husband is dead and enslave herself and her child to stay alive. So severely had she broken the relationships in her life, she never expected a man from her childhood to speak on her behalf and carry the weight of her debt. Yet Esther soon realizes that escaping the demons of her past would not be be so easy.

Levi had little interest in seeing Esther again. When a promise to her father leaves him honor-bound to take her as his wife, he struggles with the bitterness he holds toward her for allowing her addictions and selfishness to derail her life. Yet, he could not hide the deep desire within him to be a husband and a father, even to a woman he did not love and a child that was not his by blood.

Discover the story of a reckless woman in A Path to Forgiveness.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lisa M. James is an independent author, product marketing manager, and former Sunday School teacher. She is also a regular guest blogger for various IT digital publications. She is committed to creating fantastical worlds with clean romances and diverse female leads. Her novels have hit the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous categories, including: Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Christian Romance. Her fictional writing is inspired by Historical Fiction, Fantasy genres, and Biblical Fiction. When not writing, Lisa loves talking about her faith, Disney movies, and football while drinking chai lattes.

More from Lisa

I have always loved historical romances, especially ones that take place in Biblical times. However, I am not a historian and I love to make things up, which is why I write fantasy novels. A Path to Forgiveness was my first venture into Christian Romance set in a Fantasy world. If you enjoy historical romances, you will get a feel of that in the world I created since I am so greatly influenced by Biblical history.

A Path to Forgiveness is a story of repentance inspired by the parable of The Prodigal Son. Esther is a woman who feels unworthy of forgiveness. She believes she deserves to be punished for her choices. Levi is a man from her childhood, who does not disagree with her. His heart has grown hard from his own life experiences. In A Path to Forgiveness, they both go on a journey learning how to accept and receive God’s overflowing mercy and grace. I hope you enjoy reading Esther and Levi’s redemption story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

MY REVIEW

In this fantasy world the Gourd is a place that is hard and unforgiving. There is quick punishment for those who dare to defy the Grandmasters. Esther has been brought before the powers that are ready to pass sentence on her. Oh how she knows that she has done many things wrong, but won’t someone stand up for her? I could feel her hopelessness start to slip away as she stood before her fate.

The story illustrates how some choose power over forgiveness and have no desire to reform those who have strayed. Simon is the only one who speaks up on behalf of Esther. Simon is determined to rescue her and find someone who can save her. He is given three weeks till they decide her punishment.

Some think Esther does not deserve mercy and therefore does not want to offer any help. Her debt is large and Simon has turned to Levi for help. He ponders what her fate will be such as being enslaved where her life will be full of hard labor and perhaps be taken advantage of by her owner.

I admired Levi for his compassion for Esther. He is not happy with the arrangements but his devotion to her father and a promise he made prompts him to take on the responsibility of Esther and her son. There is tension between them as they start their journey. Levi is stern when he tells Esther he will not stand for any of her past indulgences. What must it feel like to know that the man who has rescued you does not care for you at all? I couldn’t wait to see if their relationship changed.

The story is filled with secrets that will cause many to suffer and change their destiny. Esther is desperate to find a better life for her and her son. What will the cost be when her secret is discovered? A beautiful illustration of redemption and forgiveness awaits those who read this story.

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