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Tuesday, November 7, 2017
With a PhD in English literature (Renaissance), Donn Taylor taught literature for 18 years at two liberal arts colleges. Now retired, he has published suspense novels, mysteries, and poetry. His historical novelLightning on a Quiet Night was a finalist for the 2015 Selah Awards. He is a frequent speaker at writers' conferences. In a prior incarnation, he led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. He now lives in the woods near Houston, TX, where he writes fiction, poetry, and essays on current topics.
Monday, November 6, 2017
CARRIE TURANSKY
What a wonderful Christmas novella the author has written. I loved the rich history she shared about the Civil War. Being out on the battlefield was hard and many lifes were lost. I could see the beautiful town of Nashville as she described the place where the lovely Rachel and her family resided at. It is hard not to like Rachel with her tenderness and compassion for others. I very much enjoyed the interactions between her and her sister . I did have to laugh a bit at Susan. She is a bit younger, but she sure does try to compete with her older sister.
James finds himself waking up with bandages on and in a strange bed. As he struggles to remember how he was hurt, his eye catches Rachel . I could feel in that one instant an electrifying glance between them. The author does a lovely job of developing their relationship. They each have trust issues that could prevent them from sharing their feelings for each other. I was very intrigued by the job James had. During that time period they didn’t have much to rely on for getting the news except for what the war correspondents were able to share. James was a very gifted artist and great with details.
I loved the way the author shared how the characters turned to God to show them their weakness and how they could always depend on Him. There is a part in the story that made me cry. I won’t share what it was, but I will say the author wrote the scene with such raw emotion I wanted to rush in and hug the person. When you can write a scene like that you have my admiration. Are you looking for a great Christmas story filled with history, emotions and exceptional characters? I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this book. Each story this author writes I come away with a feeling of warmth and contentment. Thank you for writing a story that stirred my emotions and gave me a glimpse into how important family is at the holidays .
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
My Heart Belongs in Castle GATE
PLUS GIVEAWAY
About the Book
Name of book: My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah
Author: Angie Dicken
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: November 1, 2017
Schoolteacher Leanna McKee plans on leaving the coal mining town of Castle Gate, Utah, and never looking back. Good riddance to coal dust, rugged men, and the fatal mine that took her husband’s life.
Until the widow meets a widower who awakens her heart…and she finds herself inexplicably falling for miner Alex Pappas which stirs up a whole heap of trouble.
Alex’s Greek parents have arranged a more traditional match for him. When the schoolteacher’s association with the Greek family begins to anger the American miners, they threaten Alex and his family. Leanna has received an offer to teach elsewhere and feels she has no choice but to leave Castle Gate. . .though she will be leaving her heart behind.
Click here to purchase Angie's amazing book!
About the Author
Angie Dicken is a third generation Greek American, the granddaughter of strong men and women who endured hardship to grow American roots. My Heart Belongs In Castle Gate, Utah is set near the birthplace of her grandfather, a Greek coal miner’s son, and published 100 years after his birth. Angie is a contributor to The Writer’s Alley blog and an ACFW member since 2010. She lives with her husband and four children in the Midwest where she enjoys exploring eclectic new restaurants and chatting with friends over coffee. You can connect with Angie at www.angiedicken.com.Guest Post from Angie Dicken
My Publishing Story: A Journey of Perfect Timing
“Wait for the LORD;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14
I wrote a story five years ago. My footing was finally solid on how to write, after a couple ACFW conferences and connecting with my bestie writing sister, Ashley. So in 2012, I poured my heart out within the parameters of what I’d learned.
The story I wrote stemmed from my heritage. From a very young age, I’ve been inspired by my grandfather. He was the son of a Greek coal miner who came over from Greece in the 1910’s. My grandfather always had wonderful stories to tell–he stirred up my intrigue for WWII era as he was a Purple Heart recipient (twice), and spoke of freeing concentration camps and invading Hitler’s homes; my grandfather lived a rags to riches legacy, having been born in a tent in a coal town, and then becoming a successful home and commercial builder–I declared I’d be an architect at age eleven…even majoring in Landscape Architecture in college.
immigrated to Utah in 1910’s.
Papou was one of my greatest heroes. And my novel was a tribute to him, to my Greek roots, to an American legacy.
So, at ACFW 2012, I took my novel to conference with more confidence than I had before. This story caught the attention of an agent– and I signed a contract with the Steve Laube Agency in November of that year. That was amazing…I chuckle now because the name of the room that I interviewed with Tamela was the “McKee” room–the last name of my heroine. A sign? Maybe. When she sent my story out for all publishers to see that next month, I thought my time for that book was just around the corner.
And…
Now it’s 2017, and that story is under contract with a publisher as of Fall 2016.
What timing, right?
Why the heck did it take so long? Not for lack of trying. My agent and I took every possible measure.
Why did I get rejection after rejection, and write two other books in the wait?
What happened between then?
Only in looking back, do I see why I had to wait for this book. And when I look back, I realize just how much Timing is His and there’s nothing I can do to speed it up or make it mine. All I can do is take courage, and wait.
I’ll give you a quick recap of what happened between 2013–when the book was put in the proverbial drawer of unwanted manuscripts–and now, 2017, the year it will get published (um, after a few rewrites and edits–always learning…).
In looking back, this is what I see:
My Community was Built. I fell in love with my writer friendships. A bit dramatic? Maybe, but it’s the truth. I connected with ladies who knew my heart as a writer, and allowed me into their lives in an authentic, Christ-loving way. I found hope in the writing journey because my friends held my hands and rubbed my back when all seemed lost. And in this, I grew not as a writer, but as a heart. My heart became soft for the needs of others and the value of authenticity in this short, precious life.
There was a Pride Monster, and He needed to kill it. Oh, Lord, if ever there was a pride monster, it was me. My gut reaction in every rejection, every criticism, every other person’s success was a measurement against them according to me. Yuck. Do you know what the best way to kill a Pride Monster? Starve it. Even though I had my sweet friends and my agent encouraging me along the way, my heart was set on publication and I was not getting that. I wanted it so badly that I turned ugly when it seemed to slip through my fingers with every rejection. And I spiraled and I came up for air to those authentic friendships speaking Truth in love. God knew what He was doing when He built my community, and He knew He would use it to lift me up and tear down my ugly.
There was a Pride Monster, and He needed to kill it. Oh, Lord, if ever there was a pride monster, it was me. My gut reaction in every rejection, every criticism, every other person’s success was a measurement against them according to me. Yuck. Do you know what the best way to kill a Pride Monster? Starve it. Even though I had my sweet friends and my agent encouraging me along the way, my heart was set on publication and I was not getting that. I wanted it so badly that I turned ugly when it seemed to slip through my fingers with every rejection. And I spiraled and I came up for air to those authentic friendships speaking Truth in love. God knew what He was doing when He built my community, and He knew He would use it to lift me up and tear down my ugly.
The Darkest Valley Was Ahead. Everything stood still in 2014. My personal crisis gave me little room for any true focus on my writing success. If anything, it made the effort seem petty. When you go through your days wondering if you’ll make it to the next morning without a complete mental breakdown, you can’t really dream. My dream in those moments was to crawl out of my skin and run away. This was not about my writing, this was about God’s faithfulness to someone who was losing faith–in the person she loved, in the life she constructed, in the heart that was broken. Looking back (I did climb up and out of this valley), I needed this valley walk (or crawl) to happen when it did–without a book on the shelf, without confidence in something that I had accomplished. I needed brokenness to become stronger and know that my strength has nothing to do with me.
There are several other moments and signs that I see as I look back, but I’m not going for the longest blog post of 2017, but I do want to share two sweet confirmations that the timing really is His.
First, I got a book contract! You know this, but, the contract came at a time when I had grown peaceful in the journey–the pride monster lay slain, and I picked up a pen and took an opportunity. My Oklahoma Land Run book with Love Inspired Historical won the Manuscript Matchmakers contest…and WAS coming out in Spring 2018.
I had secretly told those closest to me, that it would’ve been nice for it to come out in September instead…just because that’s when the book opens–September, 1893–the historical date of the Land Run.
So, what happens after I turn in my complete book a few days before its deadline? My editor tells me they bumped up my date to September of 2017. And I am sure, for them, it had nothing to do with the history, but for me, it was everything to do with the history–and His timing. Look for my debut novel, The Outlaw’s Second Chance this September!
There’s more…
My second contract came in! And this was a wonderful surprise. My agent and I had found out last spring that a new series was being launched based on geographical places around the U.S. I immediately thought of my Coal country story. So, I put together a proposal for a book I’d written long ago…and got a contract with Barbour this Fall for my novel, My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah.
But, the timing? November 2017 is my release.
God’s Timing in its finest…The book comes out during the centennial year of my grandfather’s birth. He was born in Dec. 1917 in Carbon County, Utah. My hero and my inspiration for this very book.
I just can’t stop smiling at the chance to honor my late grandfather with a story written by his third generation Greek American granddaughter who was inspired by his roots grown a century ago.
If only he could be here now. But I know he’s smiling, too.
A century.
It took a CENTURY.
Only by God’s grace, and His perfect timing.
Giveaway
What a pleasant surprise I had in store for me as I began the story. I loved the setting in Utah and found it to be quite intriguing. I especially liked the time period , but most of all I loved learning about the Greeks. The author has done an amazing job of sharing racism in America by opening my eyes to a culture I never thought of. The book is rich in Greek heritage and I could hear the laughter and fun in the background as they shared meals together.
Leanna is a woman who is trying to make it on her own. She has come to the small town to get away from her family. She is accustomed to the finer things, but her parents are hard to deal with. I loved how her faith really helped her make decisions that were difficult at times. There were a few times I did want to scream at her because she made things harder on herself. She was quite a mess at times by always making sure she doesn’t offend anyone. I wanted her to stand up for herself a bit more.
Alex was my favorite character. I loved his strong family values and his hard working ethics. As a Greek , he knew people in the town didn’t like him. His heart was heavy at times and I wanted him to find peace. It’s funny I have always thought we can’t help who we fall in love with, and this story really follows that thinking. Leanna and Alex definitely have an attraction to each other, but they both see prejudice working in the town.
The story centers on will the couple get together or not. For me this one was a bit different because of the minor characters that play such a key role in Leanna and Alex's life. There are a few that speak wisdom to them and others that share their heart. For all of us, we want to provide for our family and be happy. Will the town accept Leanna as she explores her relationship with Alex? Can Alex find a way to make his parents happy and find true love? This is one story that is a must read for everyone. It is rich in history, faith and reminds us that prejudice can happen to anyone.
“I pray that one day we will all see one another for our hearts and not our origins,”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program . The review is my own opinion
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Angie is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of her book The Outlaw’s Second Chance!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c1ff
Blog Stops
A Baker’s Perspective, October 31
Faithfully Bookish, October 31
Caffeinated Reads, October 31
Captive Dreams Window, November 1
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 1
A Greater Yes, November 2
Janices book reviews, November 2
Daysong Reflections, November 2
Red Headed Book Lady, November 3
Books, Books, and More Books., November 3
Just the Write Escape, November 3
Carpe Diem, November 4
Christian Bookaholic, November 4
Radiant Light, November 5
History, Mystery & Faith, November 5
Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, November 6
Texas Book-aholic, November 6
Babs Book Bistro, November 7
Kristin’s Book Reviews, November 7
Singing Librarian Books, November 8
Connie’s History Classroom, November 8
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 9
J.E. Grace Christian Author Blog, November 9
Neverending Stories, November 9
Have A Wonderful Day, November 10
Pause for Tales, November 10
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 11
Mary Hake, November 11
Splashes of Joy, November 11
Bigreadersite, November 12
Blossoms and Blessings, November 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12
Vicky Sluiter, November 13
Bibliophile Reviews, November 13
Sunday, November 5, 2017
I’m trying to gather my thoughts after finishing this outstanding book. The story could be taken from the front page of any newspaper. A young black man is shot and a white police officer is responsible. This seems to be the hot topic right now as tension is high among people. The author wtites a story that shows both sides of this controversy and digs deep into your emotions.
I liked Adisa right away because she wanted to do right for her client no matter what race either one of them were. She knew there would be speculation from reporters why she was representing Luke, the police officer involved in the shorting. Being a black woman and defending Luke did cause some backlash, but her integrity was very impressive. The story is very tense at times and I loved how the author showed how someone can be unbiased no matter what race they are.
It was interesting to see how divided people were on this shooting and Adisa was determined to stand up for the truth. I loved how the author explored racism in a way that makes us think how easy we jump to conclusions just by looking at the color or one’s skin. I encourage everyone to read this book and examine ourselves. Are we guilty of being prejudice?
“If you want to stamp out prejudice, there has to be an admission that it exists.”
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
Thursday, November 2, 2017
About the book:
Give your Christmas a makeover with this practical approach to help your family learn what it means to truly celebrate their Savior.
In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it's important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ's birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.
Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.
In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God's grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season.
About the author:
Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women's conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God's Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of the "First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree," "Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness," and "Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible" studies and "Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home" book. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.
Find out more about Melissa at http://melissaspoelstra.com.
I remember the days when I first got married. Each holiday we went to my husband’s parents house for Thanksgiving and Christmas. After each meal, we then had to drive to his aunts house for dessert. I felt like I was gonna burst at the seams. All I wanted to do was go home and forget the holidays. My family didn’t do anything for holidays so it was hard to watch my husband’s family all cheery and bright. I have learned over the years that holidays are only as good as you choose to make them.
I really enjoyed this devotional a lot. I loved the stories she shares and how encouraging it is to know that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. I think about the Norman Rockwell paintings. I will never have the perfect table setting, or the perfect family Christmas photo, but I do have a family that comes together each year to make memories. I thought the authors idea about praying for the family or individual who sent you a Christmas card was awesome. I usually put mine on the mantle when I get them and forget about them being there. Now I can pray for one of them each day and thank God for bringing special people into my life.
On day twenty she talks about patience. That is something I am still working on. It is a great reminder for me to learn to be more patient with others and to thank Him for His patience with me. Make sure you check out the Questions for Reflection and A Practical Approach after each chapter. I loved everything about this book and encourage you to grab a copy.
I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my own opinion
.Landing page:
Blog Tour Schedule:
10/19
Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Mary | The Mary Book Reader
Jennifer | A Glimpse of Our Life
Jalynn | A Simple Life, really?!
Stacey | Books,Dreams,Life
10/20
Gayle | BOOKS REVIEWS ETC
10/21
Michelle | To Everything A Season
Stacie | Pursuing Stacie
10/23
Paphapin | Feeling in Red
Lena Nelson | A Christian Writer's World
Laura | Lighthouse Academy
Cassandra | Cassandra M' s Place
Kathryn | MysteriesEtc
Kav | Best Reads
10/24
Sherry | My Journey Back
Michelle | Counselor Thoughts
10/25
Jackie | One Redeemed Mom
Karen | Karen's Korner
10/26
Alex | Inspiration Clothesline
Tami | This Mom's Delight
10/28
Amanda | Inklings and notions
10/29
Kristie | Moments
10/30
Terra | Heck Of A Bunch
Sarah | The Pajama Chef
11/1
Shondra | Give Me Today
Jennifer | This Gal's Journey
Erika | Pray Species
Julius | The Little Friar
Denise | The Help Meet Wife
Kelly | Leafy Not Beefy
Lisa | A Rup Life
Sarah | Running Through The Storms
Becky | In The Pages
11/2
Rachel | EmpowerMoms
Deana | Texas Book-aholic
Tima | Book Reviews by Tima
Carrie | Reading Is My SuperPower
11/3
Julie | More Of Him
Lauren | A Beautiful Inheritance
Emilie | Thinking Thoughts
Ramona | Create With Joy
11/4
Sara | SK Bell
Bree | Bibliophile Reviews
Penny | Hope for Today's Heart
Jennifer | Books, Bargains, Blessings
11/5
Jennifer | Jen Around the World
Amanda | The Talbert Report
Zac | Buy, Borrow, Skip
11/6
Beckie | By The Book
Kim | Kcreatives
Mindy | A Room Wihtout Books is Empty
Michelle | New Horizon Reviews
Kelly | God's Writer Girl
Mimi | Woven by Words
Missica | Through the Open Window
Laura | Once Upon a Storyville
11/7
Heidi | Buzz4Mommies
Keri | My Table of Three
Amy | A Day of Small Things
bethany | The perfect beginning
Nancy | sunny island breezes
Jill | I am believing God
Urailak | Fruitbearers
Leslie | Did YOU hear About the morgans?
Emilee | Sweetly Made (Just for you)
Randi | A Modern Day Fairy Tale
Savannah | The Modern Rules
Amelia | Rejoice Evermore
April | Dixie n Dottie
Crystal | Reflections of a Thankful Heart
Andrea | The Young Girl Who Loved Books
Carrie | Farming On
Sunday, October 29, 2017
MICHÈLE PHOENIX
The book was mesmerizing and chocked full of history about France that kept my attention. There were times I think I was lost in the book but the author does a great job of bringing it all together at the end. What happens to Jessica at a concert was eerily close to something that happened just recently in the States. It was hard to read and I cried as I know many lost their lives that day. If only Jessica hadn’t given in and gone to the concert, things would have been so different for her.
The time she spent recovering was gripping and the trauma was hard to overcome. The author does a great job of detailing her recovery that leads her on an adventure that completely had me intrigued. What would you do if you found a document from a long time ago? Like Jessica, I would want to track down it’s origin and find out everything I could about it. The details of the Huguenot persecution was so hard to read and I could feel the pain and suffering of the people.
I really enjoyed when Jessica tracks down what the meaning of a piece of paper long forgotten means. To think that people suffered because of what they believed in was so heartbreaking. The story is well written and I was surprised at some of the twists the plot took. It is sure to keep you guessing. I love the way the story was filled with compassion and characters that I was able to connect with. What I loved the most about this book is the theme of being courageous , moving on and finding closure.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
AMY LILLARD
The book is a wonderful setting where women get together to sew and fellowship. Each story is short but filled with so much emotion and a sense of family. I loved each one and didn’t want the stories to end. Amy knows how to put the right touches on a character to make them come to life. Readers feel like they are sitting in the ladies quilt circle listening to each other share their thoughts. I loved how characters from each story appear in the other stories to make a circle of sorts. They all are friends and share the good and the bad with each other. It is truly a Quilting Circle.
More Than Friendship
I loved this one because Clara Rose was genuine in her relationship with her best friend who happens to be a man. They have known each other forever . Obie is one of those guys you can’t help but like. He is always there to lend a hand and bring a smile to Clara Rose. What happens when Obie finds out that Clara Rose is getting married? Will he step aside and keep his feelings to himself? The story is chocked full of what ifs and trusting yourself. I loved how the author showed us that sometimes we do things thinking it will make us happy. We tend to rush into things without really thinking through how we feel. Don’t miss this lovely story of friendship and true love.
More Than A Promise
Mariana has just lost her husband and is trying to deal with what to do next. Her friends mean well, but sometimes you just need to be alone to grieve. Her friends at the Quilting Circle become concerned when Marianna faints. What secret is Marianna hiding from everyone? The news she gets from the doctor is quite a shock and now she has to have bed rest. How can she do all this on her own? The stress is dangerous for her health and her friends step in to help. I loved her friends and thought they were so supportive of Marianna. I thought her friend Rueben was such a great person. He was her husband’s best friend and I think he felt that he needed to step in and help her out. I cried when Rueben gave her a special gift. My heart went out to Marianna knowing that her road ahead would be hard at times but her trust in God was helping her cope. What I loved about this story is a decision that Marianna makes will have some people questioning her actions. Will Marianna find love again? Will her secret divide the community ? It is a great story about trust and finding happiness .
More Than A Marriage
Tess longs to have children with her husband Jacob. She feels lonely around her husband with him being on a cell phone all the time. I found it strange that he would have a phone but I guess with his work it was a needed item to have. The problem is Jacob spends more time on his phone than quality time with Tess. He seemed to be distracted a lot and Tess soon feels like she wants to go visit her family for awhile. How will Jacob take the news that Tess wants time away from him? When Tess sees how happy her friends are , she longs for the same in her marriage. This made me think that sometimes we run from our problems instead of staying and working them out. Will Tess realize she and Jacob need to communicate their feelings before it is to late? I love when Clara Rose tells Tess, “Don’t let pride get in the way of your marriage.” How many of us are guilty of staying mad because our pride gets the best of us? I really related to this story the most. I always thought things were greener on the other side. Guess what? They aren’t and I really had to swallow my pride and admit I was wrong. This story will give you hope and remind you that God and communication is the key to a good marriage .
I received this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
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