Tour and Giveaway for Her Every Move by Kelly Irvin

Her Every Move

by Kelly Irvin

February 8 – March 5, 2021 Tour

Synopsis:

Her Every Move by Kelly Irvin

He’s a cop trying to stop a serial bomber. And she’ll stop at nothing to clear her own name.

When a deadly bomb goes off during a climate change debate, librarian and event coordinator Jackie Santoro becomes the prime suspect. Her motive, according to Detective Avery Wick: to avenge the suicide of her prominent father, who was accused of crimes by a city councilman attending the event.

Though Avery has doubts about Jackie’s guilt, he can’t exonerate her even after an extremist group takes responsibility for the bombing and continues to attack San Antonio’s treasured public spaces.

As Jackie tries to hold her shattered family together, she has no choice but to proceed with plans for the Caterina Ball, the library system’s biggest annual fundraiser. But she also fears the event provides the perfect opportunity for the bomber to strike again.

Despite their mistrust, Jackie and Avery join forces to unmask the truth—before the death toll mounts even higher.

Book Details:

Genre: Suspense

Published by: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: February 9, 2021

Number of Pages: 352

ISBN: 0785231900 (ISBN13: 9780785231905)

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Everything seems to be going well at the climate control debate that Jackie Santoro organized. That is until a loud bomb goes off and kills several people, injuring many and little did Jackie even think she would be a suspect in the bombing. Sure her family a past with the police force but that didn’t mean Jackie was a criminal. If she goes along with police questioning, Jackie hopes Detective Wick can see she in innocent. But she keeps being in the wrong place at the wrong time. And she keeps looking guilty. 

Author Kelly Irvin does and excellent job writing this romantic suspense thriller. And she sure kept me on the edge of my seat and re-reading some of the scenes to make sure I was taking in all in. There is so much tension and drama going on and I love it. This is what makes Her Every Move such a great story to read. And re-read. The characters created my Ms. Irvin were so well thought out and developed so well in the story she did a great job keeping the bomber from exposing himself. I was so back and forth, I thought it could be this one or the other one and it turned out that….well you have to read the story to find out much more about this and everything going in. I kept trying to figure out and then it take a dead end turn. The romance part of the story was kinda slow coming, but it is there and comes to focus with much passion. Over all thus is am awesome read. If you enjoy suspense, this is a must for you.  

¯A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read an excerpt:

A steady stream of patrons stood and edged toward the center aisle. A low murmur swelled to the sound of hundreds of people all talking at once. Soon they’d be in front of Jackie, impeding her progress from the parking garage and on the narrow, one-way downtown streets of San Antonio.

“Great job, Jackie. Looks like your boss was wrong.” Sandoval’s constituent services director, Tony Guerra, sauntered up the aisle toward her. “Climate change opponents can coexist amicably in the same space. And so can city manager and city council staff.”

“Thanks, but it took a whole host of partners to make this happen. And it’s not over yet.” Jackie stuck her hand on the door lever that would release her to the Tobin’s massive lobby.

She liked Tony, which was a good thing since he’d asked Estrella to marry him. However, he wore his political ambitions like an obnoxious neon-pink tie.

“I have to go. I want to make sure there are no last-minute snags with the reception. Then it’s back to fine-tuning the altars for the Catrina Ball. It’s only a week away, and I’m behind because of the debate.”

“You never let up, do you? Are we still on for the Spurs game tomorrow—”

A powerful force knocked Jackie from her feet.

Her skull banged on the hardwood floor.

Sharp projectiles pelted her face in a painful ping-ping.

What’s happening?

Estrella? Tony? Bella?

Muffled screams and even her own moaning seemed strangely distant. “Estrella? Tony? Bella?”

If they answered, Jackie couldn’t hear them. She dragged herself onto her hands and knees. Glass and sharp metal pierced both. She forced open burning eyes.

Heavy black smoke shrouded the hall. Metal and debris like deadly confetti showered her. She raised her arm to her forehead to protect her face from the remnants of folding chairs and electronics.

Warm blood dripped from her nose. The acrid taste of smoke and fear collected in her mouth. Her stomach heaved. Her pulse pounded so hard dizziness threatened to overcome her.

No, no, no. Do not pass out. People need help.

Shrieking alarms bellowed.

Water, like torrential rain, poured from above. Rain, inside? Her ricocheting thoughts made no sense. Jackie shook her head. Neither the smoke nor the clanging in her brain subsided.

Sprinkler system.

The smoke had triggered the sprinklers.

Where there’s smoke there’s fire. The old cliché ran

circles in her mind like a children’s nursery rhyme.

Estrella’s mama and papa would never forgive Jackie if something happened to their sweet daughter. Mercedes and Mateo always saw Jackie as the instigator of trouble. And they were usually right.

Ignoring pain and panic, she crawled forward. Sharp metal bit into her skin. Where were her shoes?

Finally she encountered a warm, writhing body. “Tony?”

“What happened?” He struggled to sit up. Blood poured from an open wound on his scalp, his nose, and a cut on his lip. “I have to get to Estrella and Diego.”

He might have yelled, but Jackie could barely make out the words. She leaned back on her haunches. “You’re hurt. Does anything feel broken?”

“No, but I can’t hear anything.” He wiped at his face. Blood streaked his once crisply starched white shirt. “Why can’t I hear?”

“It’ll pass. We have to get everyone out.”

With a groan, Tony leaned over and vomited on the floor. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “Okay, let’s go.”

“Everyone out. If you can walk on your own, evacuate.” One of the contract security guards hired for the debate loomed over them. “The bomb squad is on the way. Go, go.”

“We’re fine. We’ll help get the others out.”

“Negative. Get out, there could be more bombs.”

Bombs.

 

***

Excerpt from Her Every Move by Kelly Irvin.  Copyright 2021 by Kelly Irvin. Reproduced with permission from HarperCollins. All rights reserved.

Author Bio:

Kelly Irvin

Bestseller Kelly Irvin is the author of 19 books, including romantic suspense and Amish romance. Publishers Weekly called Closer Than She Knows “a briskly written thriller.”  The Library Journal said of her novel Tell Her No Lies, “a complex web with enough twists and turns to keep even the most savvy romantic suspense readers guessing until the end.” The two-time ACFW Carol Award finalist worked as a newspaper reporter for six years on the Texas-Mexico border. Those experiences fuel her romantic suspense novels set in Texas. A retired public relations professional, Kelly now writes fiction full-time. She lives with her husband professional photographer Tim Irvin in San Antonio. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two ornery cats.

Visit Kelly Irvin Online:

www.KellyIrvin.com

Goodreads – kellyirvin

BookBub – @KellyIrvin

Instagram – kelly_irvin

Twitter – @Kelly_S_Irvin

Facebook – Kelly.Irvin.Author

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

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Giveaway!:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Kelly Irvin. There will be 3 winners. Each inner will receive (1) physical copy of Her Every Move by Kelly Irwin (U.S. addresses only). The giveaway begins on February 8, 2021 and runs through March 7, 2021. Void where prohibited.

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Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours

 

 

Tour for: BE A SUPERHERO IN THE KITCHEN by Donna Glass

BE A SUPERHERO IN THE KITCHEN by Donna Glass
Be a Superhero in the Kitchen by Donna Glass

Join us for this tour from Feb 22 to Mar 5, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  BE A SUPERHERO IN THE KITCHEN by Donna Glass
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 6-10),  48 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Cook Book
Publisher:  Mascot
Release date:   March 2021
Format available for review:  print, ebook (PDF)
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: Feb 22 to Mar 5, 2021
Content Rating:  G. This children’s book is for everyone.

Book Description:

Every caregiver knows the trials of feeding a picky eater. Some nights are truly a battle. Nerves are frayed, and a pleasant, relaxing dinner can quickly be filled with tears, tantrums, and some nights, a battle of wills. Well, my goal with this book is to tip the scales in our favor. One surefire way I’ve discovered to get my picky eaters to eat is to let them help make the meal. After all, food tastes better when you’ve had a hand in fixing it. Let your child try their hand with the recipes in this book. A child who becomes the superhero of dinnertime is one who eats super well.

BE A SUPERHERO IN THE KITCHEN by Donna Glass isn’t just a children’s book it is a unique cookbook with recipes that kids can make with their mom’s help. I’ve made several of recipes kind of likes these over the years but there are a lot of really neat and different recipes. I really like that the recipes and so very easy to make, with only a few ingredients. The directions are easy enough to understand that older children can understand them fine. I would suggest an adult help with making these. When my niece comes, I plan to make some of these with her. I love the oh so fun recipe names, like Boomtastic Butter Cookies, Magical Cereal Bars and Powerful Potato Cakes. And I love of layout of the book and how the recipe with the ingredients, directions and Super Hero Tips. Author Donna Glass does such a outstanding job putting this book together and writing this awesome story. This is a much needed book for teaching children how to cook, and teaching them how to get around in the kitchen.

And Alejandro Chamberlain does a fabulous job with the illustrations of the kitchen and children working to make the yummy recipes. The characters are so very adorable, and everything in the kitchen is so amazing. I love the colors, so fit for children to love looking at. I even love looking at the pages and reading the story. And as always I love when the illustrations and words on each page fit so perfectly well together, like they do on each page in this book. After listening to the story, little ones can look at the pictures and tell their own story. I highly recommend this amazing book for you and your children. You will have many fun times in the kitchen with your kids.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.


Buy the Book
Amazon
B&N Mascot

There are many books out there about….What makes yours different? 

I believe Be a Superhero in the Kitchen stands out from the crowd for several reasons. I’ve never seen a children’s cookbook with children wearing capes, having comic-inspired recipes, and/or representing the adults as the sidekicks. Be a Superhero in the Kitchen also embraces diversity in characters. I want children to see themselves as one of the Super Chefs in the book. 

The recipes do not have a lot of ingredients or steps. However, I stress in the Superhero Tips that it’s okay to ask for your sidekick’s help. We all need help sometimes! 

I know money is tight, so I made sure every recipe won’t cost a fortune. Plus, there’s a good chance these meals will have leftovers for lunchboxes. Superheroes need their strength to fight crime…or to stay focused in class. 🙂

Author Links:

Website: https://superherointhekitchen.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/superchefseries

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superherointhekitchen/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/donna_glass

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperHeroInTheKitchen/

Amazon Author Account: amazon.com/author/donnaglass

Purchase Links

Amazon Hardcover: https://amzn.to/38Py6zx

Kindle: https://amzn.to/2TGrRaj

B&N: http://bit.ly/2TE7ESG

Signed copies: https://superherointhekitchen.com/purchasinginformation/

Target: https://bit.ly/39FDxjq

Walmart: https://bit.ly/2UC0TSS

Book Depository: http://bit.ly/2wu7iWI

Indigo: http://bit.ly/2xdqh8o

BAM!: http://bit.ly/2Ip2S6m

iBooks: https://apple.co/3cxwFHN

Mascot Books: bit.ly/3cxYboy

Be a Superhero in the Kitchen by Donna Glass

Meet the Author:

I am a wife, mother of two kids, a lover of comic books, and a home cook. I believe in making mealtime an enjoyable experience through joint cooking and kid-friendly meals. I also believe kids that help with the cooking process are more likely to eat their meals, which leads to a happy, peaceful dining experience. Be a Superhero in the Kitchen is my first children’s cookbook, but I strive to publish more.

connect with the author:  website  ~  twitter  ~  facebook instagram goodreads


Tour Schedule:

Feb 22 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / guest post
Feb 23 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / guest post
Feb 24 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / guest post
Feb 25 – Library of Clean Reads – book review / guest post
Feb 25 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review / guest post
Feb 26 – Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post
Feb 26 – Pause for Tales – book review / guest post
Mar 2 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book review / guest post
Mar 3 – The Momma Spot – book review / author interview
Mar 4 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post
Mar 5 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post

Tour and Giveaway for Love and Other Moods by Crystal Z. Lee

Love and Other Moods by Crystal Z. Lee
Love and Other Moods by Crystal Z. Lee

Join us for this tour from Feb 24to Mar 10, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Love and Other Moods by Crystal Z. Lee
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +), 18 yrs +, 322 pages
Genre:  New Adult, Own Voices, Multicultural Romance
Publisher:  Balestier
Release date:   December 2020
Tour dates: Feb 24 to Mar 10, 2021
Content Rating:  PG + M for drugs (only two pages), suggested sex scenes (nothing explicit), some triggers (assault)
Book Description:

Love and Other Moods is a coming-of-age story set in contemporary China, about falling in love, learning to adult, discovering strength and finding one’s place in the world. Naomi Kita-Fan uproots her life from New York to China when her fiancé’s company transfers him to Shanghai. After a disastrous turn of events, Naomi finds herself with no job, no boyfriend, and nowhere to live in a foreign country. Amidst the backdrop of Shanghai welcoming millions of workers and visitors to the 2010 World Expo, we meet a tapestry of characters through Naomi: Joss Kong, a Shanghai socialite who leads an enviable life, but must harbor the secrets of her husband, Tay Kai Tang. Logan Hayden, a womanizing restaurateur looking for love in all the wrong places. Pan Jinsung and Ouyang Zhangjie, a silver-aged couple struggling with adapting to the ever-changing faces of their city. Dante Ouyang, who had just returned to China after spending years overseas, must choose between being filial and being in love. All their dreams and aspirations interweave within the sprawling web of Shanghai. This multilayered novel explores a kaleidoscope of shifting relationships — familial friction, amorous entanglements, volatile friendships — in one of the most dynamic metropolises of the twenty-first century.
Buy the Book:
Amazon
Book Depository ~ B&N ~ IndieBound
Booktopia ~ Waterstones



Thank you so much Crystal Z. Lee for stopping by my blog for an interesting interview about writing your books.

Topic: Writing Process

What does your writing space look like?

I have two young children who tend to sneak into my writing nook and misplace my papers and books. Needless to say, my writing space can get messy! I don’t always write in the same exact spot. Whenever an idea pops into my head I jot it down anywhere. I always have pens and paper in my purse!

Favorite and least favorite part of the writing process?

Favorite process is the writing journey itself.

Least favorite process is pitching the manuscript.

What’s your favorite reading or writing drink?

I like to settle in a good book with mostly tea–milk tea, boba, or hot tea such as matcha, pu’er, tieguanyin. However during the many, many 3am writing sessions (when the majority of my book was written), then I’d resort to coffee.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

For me, visualization is an essential element to my writing. I try to visualize what my characters look like, where they live, how they grew up etc. Once I have that picture established, the rest of the writing flows a bit more easily. 

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

I think writing can be both exhilarating and exhausting. When I’m on deadline then I get stressed out. But personally I can’t imagine NOT writing. It’s integral to my everyday now. 

How can one improve on writing skills?

Read and write every single day. Even if it’s just a paragraph. 

How did you come up with a title for your book?

I had at least thirty potential titles for my book. Ultimately I narrowed it down to several and conducted a poll with family and friends. 

What is the most valuable piece of advice you would give aspiring writers?

Never give up. Keep on writing even if you only have one person reading your work. Also, be kind to yourself.

About the book

Synopsis:

Love and Other Moods is a coming-of-age story set in contemporary China, about falling in love, learning to adult, finding strength, and discovering one’s place in the world. 

Naomi Kita-Fan uproots her life from New York to China when her fiancé’s company transfers him to Shanghai. After a disastrous turn of events, Naomi finds herself with no job, no boyfriend, and nowhere to live in a foreign country. 

Amidst the backdrop of Shanghai welcoming millions of workers and visitors to the 2010 World Expo, we meet a tapestry of characters through Naomi: Joss Kong, a Shanghai socialite who leads an enviable life, but must harbor the secrets of her husband, Tay Kai Tang. Logan Hayden, a womanizing restaurateur looking for love in all the wrong places. Pan Jinsung and Ouyang Zhangjie, a silver-aged couple struggling with adapting to the ever-changing faces of their city. Dante Ouyang, who had just returned to China after spending years overseas, must choose between being filial and being in love. All their dreams and aspirations interweave within the sprawling web of Shanghai.

This multilayered novel explores a kaleidoscope of shifting relationships—familial friction, amorous entanglements, volatile friendships—in one of the most dynamic metropolises of the twenty-first century.

Author Bio:

Crystal Z. Lee is a Taiwanese American bilingual writer. She has called many places home, including Taipei, New York, Shanghai, and the San Francisco Bay Area. She was formerly a public relations executive who had worked with brands in the fashion, beauty, technology, and automotive industries. Love and Other Moods is her debut novel. She’s already hard at work on her next novel and a children’s book.  Follow the author on Instagram @ Crystal.Z.Lee

Links:

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56120911-love-and-other-moods

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/crystal.z.lee

Amazon:

Barnes & Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-and-other-moods-crystal-z-lee/1138082526?ean=978191389101

Meet the Author:

Crystal Z. Lee is a Taiwanese American bilingual writer. She has called many places home, including Taipei, New York, Shanghai, and the San Francisco Bay Area. She was formerly a public relations executive who had worked with brands in the fashion, beauty, technology, and automotive industries. ‘Love and Other Moods’ is her debut novel.

connect with the author: amazon ~ instagram


Tour Schedule:

Feb 24 –
Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 24 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 24 – Viviana MacKade – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 25 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 26 – The Book View – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Mar 1 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book spotlight / author interview
Mar 2 – The Paper Reels – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Mar 2 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 3 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 3 – Pine Enshrined Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Mar 4 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Mar 4 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 5 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 8 – Westveil Publishing – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Mar 9 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Mar 9 – Sadie’s Spotlight – book spotlight / giveaway
Mar 10 – Deborah Adams – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway


Enter the Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/518e7284137/

Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue by Steve Searfoss

Picture

​ KidVenture: Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue by Steve SearfossCategory: Middle Grade Fiction (ages 8 – 12)Genre: Fiction (Business Adventure Story)Publisher: Self-Published/KDP, 125 pagesRelease date: January 2020Content Rating: G – I am a parent and pay close to attention to the media my children consume. I set out to write a book series that was clean and family friendly. KidVenture teaches the value of hard work, the importance of saving money, how essential it is to keep your word, and the need to find cooperative solutions with partners in order to be successful at business. This is a book that entertains but also educates and inspires.Book Description:​Chance Sterling launches a pool cleaning business over the summer. Join Chance as he looks for new customers, discovers how much to charge them, takes on a business partner, recruits an employee, deals with difficult clients, and figures out how to make a profit. He has twelve weeks to reach his goal. Will he make it? Only if he takes some chances. KidVenture stories are business adventures where kids figure out how to market their company, understand risk, and negotiate. Each chapter ends with a challenge, including business decisions, ethical dilemmas and interpersonal conflict for young readers to wrestle with. As the story progresses, the characters track revenue, costs, profit margin, and other key metrics which are explained in simple, fun ways that tie into the story.Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Book Details:


Meet the Author:
​       I wrote my first KidVenture book after years of making up stories to teach my kids about business and economics. Whenever they’d ask how something works or why things were a certain way, I would say, “Let’s pretend you have a business that sells…” and off we’d go. What would start as a simple hypothetical to explain a concept would become an adventure spanning several days as my kids would come back with new questions which would spawn more plot twists. Rather than give them quick answers, I tried to create cliffhangers to get them to really think through an idea and make the experience as interactive as possible.
        I try to bring that same spirit of fun, curiosity and challenge to each KidVenture book. That’s why every chapter ends with a dilemma and a set of questions. KidVenture books are fun for kids to read alone, and even more fun to read together and discuss. There are plenty of books where kids learn about being doctors and astronauts and firefighters. There are hardly any where they learn what it’s like to run small business. KidVenture is different. The companies the kids start are modest and simple, but the themes are serious and important.
        I’m an entrepreneur who has started a half dozen or so businesses and have had my share of failures. My dad was an entrepreneur and as a kid I used to love asking him about his business and learning the ins and outs of what to do and not do. Mistakes make the best stories — and the best lessons. I wanted to write a business book that was realistic, where you get to see the characters stumble and wander and reset, the way entrepreneurs do in real life. Unlike most books and movies where business is portrayed as easy, where all you need is one good idea and the desire to be successful, the characters in KidVenture find that every day brings new problems to solve.
Connect with the Author:
​ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads


GIVEAWAY DETAILS:One winner will receive a print copy​of KidVenture:Twelve Weeks to Midnight Blue anda $15 Amazon gift card (US, UK, Canada only)Ends March 2, 2022

Tour and Giveaway for The In-Between Place by Kat Armstrong

The In-Between Place JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The In-Between Place by Kat Armstrong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The In-Between PlaceTitle: The In-Between Place

Author: Kat Armstrong

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: January 5, 2021

Genre: Christian Life/Spiritual Growth

Jesus’ journey to the woman at the well in Samaria offers insights and hope for women today to make peace with the past, find hope in the present, and step into the future.

God wants us to move toward the goodness He has planned for us. But what do we do when challenges stop our forward momentum? What’s the next step when we fall into a pit of despair with the determination knocked right out of us?

On his way from Judea to Galilee, Jesus traveled through Samaria, a broken place everyone knew to avoid. In Samaria he stopped in Shechem, where evil had gained such a foothold of power that it eventually reigned. Yet the place once condemned as somewhere no one wanted to visit—let alone hang out in for a while—was the location of one Samaritan woman’s most hope-filled encounter with the Savior.

The In-Between Place offers deeply important insights to anyone who feels stuck and can’t see a way forward. It is for the person who feels that if she looks left, her face will be scraped by an immovable boulder, and if she looks right, she’ll see nothing but hard to handle. It’s for the person who feels lost and is not sure she is worth the effort to be found, for the person who feels overlooked and unfulfilled. Because sometimes Jesus saves our greatest spiritual breakthroughs for our in-between places.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

EXCERPT 

Have you ever felt frozen in time while everyone else seems to be moving ahead at Mach speed? Like you’re the only one who’s crashed on some turn in life while the rest of the crowd speeds through detours like future thought- leaders and experts? The feeling is mutual and, I think, universal. Using text messages to poll my friends, I asked if anyone else had experienced feeling stuck—like there was no way out of their current situation and it didn’t make one ounce of sense how their family/work/church happenings were unfolding. Turns out, everyone in my life feels stuck, at least in some form or fashion.

Singles, marrieds, mothers (both single and married), widows, divorcees, stay- at- home moms, gig- economy workers, corporate executives— all the women I asked, even the ones “running in their lane,” mentioned their struggles with decision fatigue, the feeling of being overwhelmed when barraged by constant decision making.

Every single person who confided in me asked, “Is there something wrong with me?”

This is where my tendency to challenge comes into play. I’ve got to push back on these assumptions. Being stuck is normal because you are not a robot. You are a human. Part of being human is living through unwanted and unexpected change, wading through confusion, and persevering through seasons you wish were much shorter. Although my group of friends expressed concern that their in- between places corresponded with their deficiencies— a lie I wholeheartedly rejected— another pattern emerged. The whole lot of us testified to supernatural experiences with God in the middle of testing times.

Taken from “The In-Between Place” by Kat Armstrong. Copyright 2020 by Kat Armstrong. Used with permission from Thomas Nelson.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kat Armstrong

Kat Armstrong has been emboldening women to be all-in for Jesus for twenty years as a speaker, Bible teacher, author, and podcast host. As cofounder of The Polished Network, a nonprofit connecting and gathering professional women to navigate career and explore faith, her mission is to create holy curiosity.

Kat holds a master of Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Aaron, have been married for eighteen years, and live in Dallas, Texas, with their son, Caleb. They attend Dallas Bible Church, where Aaron serves as the lead pastor.

CONNECT WITH KAT: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The In-Between Place and No More Holding Back!

The In-Between Place JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 22, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 1, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Tour and Giveaway for LEMAR AND HER MAGICAL PETS by Nesrine Sleiman

Lemur and Her Maginical Pets by Nesrine Sleiman
LEMUR AND HER MAGICAL PETS by Nesrine Sleiman

I WANT TO SPOTLIGHT THIS BOOKJoin us for this tour from Feb 22 to Mar 5, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  LEMAR AND HER MAGICAL PETS by Nesrine Sleiman
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 30 pages
Genre:  Fiction Pets General
Publisher:  Self-Published
Release date:   September 25, 2020
Tour dates: Feb 22 to Mar 5, 2021
Content Rating:  This children’s book is rated G.


Book Description:

Perhaps, Pets are more than best friends, they are a huge responsibility. Lemar and her Magical Pets teach simple facts about pets and give children a glimpse of what it means to own a pet; that pets require lots of care and are hard work. Lemar finds a gemstone in her backyard. She will use it to ask for a pet. Little did she know that the gemstone will unfold the truth of owning a pet. With a little bit of time left to try over and over again, will magic work for her after all? This children’s book is full of unexpected magical Outcomes! Children will love to read it over and over again.
Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to Goodreads


Meet the Author:

Nesrine is a full-time preschool teacher for more than ten years. Nesrine holds a degree in child development and is currently working on a master’s degree in Family and Human Development. Nesrine loves to read fantasy books and believes in the magic of hard work! Currently, she is working on books two of ,both, the Magical Gemstone Series and Learning Through Reflection Series. More on the personal side, Nesrine loves white flowers, horses, birds, and is fascinated with ants’ teamwork.

connect with the authors:  website instagram goodreads


Tour Schedule:

Feb 22 – 
Splashes of Joy – book spotlight
Feb 22 – Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight
Feb 22 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight
Feb 23 – The Bespectacled Mother – book spotlight
Feb 23 – Pick a Good Book – book review
Feb 24 – Reading is My Passion – book spotlight
Feb 24 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight
Feb 24 – Laura’s Interests – book spotlight
Feb 25 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight
Feb 25 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Feb 25 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book spotlight
Feb 26 – Lisa Everyday Reads – book spotlight
Feb 26 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight
Mar 1 – Chit Chat with Charity – book spotlight
Mar 1 – I Read Kid’s Books – book spotlight
Mar 2 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight
Mar 2 – Adventures Of a Travelers Wife – book spotlight
Mar 3 – I’m Into Books – book spotlight
Mar 3 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight
Mar 4 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight
Mar 4 – Instagram – @late_blooming_wallflower – book spotlight
Mar 5 – Westveil Publishing – book spotlight
Mar 5 – Books for Books – book spotlight

Tour and Giveaway for They Turned the World Upside Down by Charles Martin

They Turned the World Upside Down JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for They Turned the World Upside Down by Charles Martin, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

They Turned the World Upside Down

Title: They Turned the World Upside Down

Author: Charles Martin

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: January 5, 2021

Genre: Christian Life/Spiritual Growth

In the aftermath of Jesus’ resurrection, the testimonies of those who had followed him were so bold and so powerful that they turned the world upside down. What would happen if we lived with that same kind of faith today?

Walk in the shoes of the disciples, as New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin brings their stories to life with his storyteller’s perspective.

In the first century, believer didn’t just mean someone who heard and agreed with Jesus; it meant someone who acted on that belief. And when the outside world saw the faith of these new believers, they declared “they turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).

That’s the kind of believer Charles Martin wants us to be. The kind who understands that the truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is so powerful, it reshaped history. The kind of believer who lives with that same world-changing faith today.

In his second non-fiction work, he uses his talents as a novelist to walk you through the lives of the disciples in the aftermath of the Resurrection and as they spread the message of the Gospel and “turn the world upside down”, leading up to Paul’s ministry in Thessonalica. In his beloved lyrical style, Martin illuminates key moments from Scripture and shares stories from his own life as a disciple.

With the same depth, sensitivity, and emotion that have made his novels beloved to millions, Martin will helps you engage with your faith in a new and inspiring way.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

EXCERPT 

What Exactly Do You Believe?

Throughout the earthly ministry of Jesus, and leading up to and through the resurrection, the apostles’ problem was our problem. Belief. This has always been the problem.

So, let me dig at you a bit: What exactly do you believe? Let me put some teeth into this question.

• If God asked you to build an ark, would you?

• If He asked you to sacrifice your son, would you?

Okay, let me bring it closer to home.

• If He asked you to pray for the sick— someone who was in a coma on life support attached to a ventilator, moments from being “unplugged”— would you?

• If He asked you to cast out a demon, would you?

• If He asked you to pray for a dead person, to bring them back to life, would you?

Still too tough? Okay, what if He asked you to:

• Forgive someone who didn’t deserve it— at all. Would you?

• Tell the Muslim with the prayer rug in the cubicle next to you about Him. Would you?

• Risk a relationship with someone you love to tell them that their sin is not righteousness— even though they adamantly and defiantly claim that it is. Would you?

• Go to a friend’s house to pray for their child who is a cutter. Would you?

• Tithe before you pay taxes and your bills when money is already tight. Do you?

According to Jesus, the kingdom of heaven has come to us (Rev.12:10).If you are in Him, then you are in the kingdom. He also tells us that unlesswe become like a child, we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt.18:3). Why is that?

“Taken from They Turned the World Upside Down by Charles Martin. Copyright ©2020 by Charles Martin.

Used by permission of Nelson Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charles Martin

Charles Martin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of fifteen novels and two nonfiction books. He and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, Florida.

CONNECT WITH CHARLES: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of They Turned the World Upside Down and What If It’s True?!

They Turned the World Upside Down JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 16, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 23, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Tour and Giveaway for Bookers on the Rocks by Chautona Havig

About the Book

Book:  Bookers on the Rocks

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

If it ain’t broke, why’s she so intent on fixing it?

Tessa Booker hates romance.

For twenty-five years, Tessa Booker has insisted that romance is something Hollywood cooked up to sell books and movies. Yes, she knows the word existed before movies.  She doesn’t care. That’s her story, and she’s sticking to it.

So when Ross gets a gentle nudge from Mallory Barrows to look into what Tessa’s doing every day while he’s at work, he discovers a romance in the works–one that sounds a little too “ripped from the pages” of his life!

Who is this woman, and what has she done with his wife? 

Armed with advice from 101 Ways to Romance Your Wife and a copy of the manuscript he printed while she was napping, he’s determined to figure out what’s up with his wife… and if maybe a little romance wouldn’t be a good thing after all.

In a twist of the “on the rocks trope,” this book introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!







Is the first Elnora Island book in the Independence Island Series and it is different from most romances I have read. Tessa had a problem with romances herself because to her, they were not realistic at all. After several people suggesting for her to write her own romance, one like she like, she decided to start writing. But it didn’t turn out the way she thought.

I always enjoy Chautona Havig’s books and this one is another really good ones from her. I enjoyed getting to know Tessa and Ross, though Tessa got on my nerves with her attitude about romance books. But as I continued reading, the more I understood where she is coming from. She and her husband did have a relationship that so many have. They had gotten so use to each other and the way life was going. The two really didn’t realize how they were ignoring each other and their feelings. Ross, determined to find out what was happening with Tessa reads the book she has been secretly writing and was surprised, prompting him to maybe see what a little romance would do in his life. And the rest is for you to find out when you read the book.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

About the Author

Chautona Havig ⁰lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

Who Needs Romance? My Marriage Is Great as It Is!

Writing a book about a couple who are in love, devoted to each other, and don’t have marriage problems is… challenging. Let’s face it. Most books about married couples, especially ones “on the rocks,” are going to have fights, an affair (at least of the emotional variety), or some big thing threatening to send them straight to divorce court.

Mine doesn’t.

In fact, Bookers on the Rocks shows what happens when couples become too comfortable in their routines—so comfortable, in fact, that they become blind to each other’s needs. If you asked Tessa Booker if anything is wrong in her marriage, she’d say no. If you asked her if she wanted anything different, she’d say no. The age old, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality.

Still, if you look at stories in Scripture, you see deep love and even romance in some places. Elkanah, who loved his wife enough to say, “Am I not more to you than ten sons?” Jacob who worked fourteen years to marry the woman he loved. Solomon and his love for the Shulamite woman. While the first two do not make me squirm, Solomon does. That book… oh, that book.

What I think Song of Solomon does is remind us of the Lord’s wooing of His people and how invested the Shulamite woman was in being delighted in her beloved—in all of him. If that isn’t a picture of how we should devote ourselves to our Lord, I don’t know what is.

In Bookers on the Rocks, I explore the possibility that those of us who aren’t naturally romantic might just be missing a vital ingredient in our marriages. A body can look and feel perfectly healthy for years—even decades. But if some essential nutrient is missing in a person’s diet, eventually that body will show it in some way. A lack of calcium can create brittle bones. No one sees the problem until a slight stumble turns into a nasty break.

Did it change how I view my marriage? No… not yet. Then again, yes it did, too. I’m more… aware of what is going on in my marriage these days. I doubt candlelight and roses will ever become a thing in our relationship, but translating what romance might mean and look like to my husband has become something I do think about from time to time. That probably means more Wienerschnitzel and less broccoli, but hey. He did a lot of dishes, dinner, and diapers (my perfect three Ds of romance) when our kids were small. I can endure a hot dog or three thousand, right?

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10

Livin’ Lit, February 10

lakesidelivingsite, February 11

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 11

She Lives to Read, February 12

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Book of Ruth Ann, February 12

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 13

Rebekah Reads, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

Batya’s Bits , February 14

Inklings and notions, February 15

Simple Harvest Reads, February 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 16

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 16

Robin’s Nest, February 16

Lots of Helpers, February 17

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 17

Splashes of Joy, February 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 18

Artistic Nobody, February 19 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 19

For Him and My Family, February 20

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 20

CarpeDiem, February 20

deb’s Book Review, February 21

Connect in Fiction, February 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 22

Blogging With Carol, February 22

Blossoms and Blessings, February 23

Godly Book Reviews, February 23

Pause for Tales, February 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and 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/10740/bookers-on-the-rocks-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tour and Giveaway for Gen SeXZY by Jeff Grenell

About the Book

Book:  Gen SeXZY

Author: Jeff Grenell

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Ministry/Youth

Release date: January 19, 2021

“Corrupt the young. Get them away from religion. Encourage their interest in sex.…”—Vladimir Lenin, 1921, How to Destroy the West

Going through each of the prophetic statements made by Lenin in 1921 shows why America is where it is today. Only 4 percent of Gen Z think about life through a biblical lens. To them, sexuality is more important than friends, family, or their faith.

Jeff Grenell’s goal in Gen SeXYZ: Love, Sexuality & Youth is to reach youth, youth leaders, and the church with a message that kicks the devil to the curb and restores sexuality to its God-given origins.

When the church failed to respond to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and the present one of the 21st century, its role in society crumbled. The media stopped censoring, the government redefined marriage, schools taught progressive sex education, and the list of genders grew. We’ve experienced generational loss because we’ve gotten further away from the source of our original knowledge of sexuality: the Bible.

Jeff points out that our understanding of sexuality must be anchored to the fact that God is love and the devil stole sex. He provides direct quotations from teenagers and leaders, practical knowledge, and tools to launch a spiritual revolution of love and truth that will grow the church to reach younger generations and combat the loveless, godless sexuality ethic in our culture that’s misleading them.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jeff Grenell is a nationally recognized youth ministry veteran who inspires youth leaders across denominations.

After four decades in youth leadership, Jeff and his late wife, Jane, founded ythology to both reach and teach youth and train youth leaders to prepare the next generations to lead in the church and the world.
He served as a youth pastor at churches in Michigan and Ohio, taught at North Central University’s Church Leadership School, and has traveled around the world to teach youth ministry and development at large churches, conventions, universities, and leadership training conferences.

Jeff attended Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, where he received his B.A. in Communications and Theology and his M.A. in Organizational Leadership.
He is the older brother of Richard Grenell, the U.S. ambassador to Germany. The father of three adult children, Jeff makes his home in Minneapolis.

More from Jeff

Corrupt the young. Check. Gen Z has a 4 percent biblical worldview. Get them away from religion. Check. Only 25 percent of Gen Z sees attending church as “very important.” Encourage their interest in sex. Check. Cause the breakdown of the old moral virtues like honesty, sobriety, and self-restraint. Check.

We could go on through each of these prophetic statements from Lenin in 1921 and see why America is where it is today.

XYZ

Just look at the title of the book. This project is a compilation of the sexuality handoff from Generation X (the adult parents of young people today), to Generation Y (the Millennials), and finally to Generation Z (teenagers and early twenty-somethings). We can learn a lot from this generational handoff—mostly that it has failed to pass the Christian faith along to the following generation.

The narrative throughout this book is a clear picture of how we have gotten here as a nation: by abandoning God as the center of our lives in the past few generations. And while we will do some commentary about Generation X and their influence upon our society, most of this study is about the Generation Y/Millennial and the Generation Z young people in America.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Fiction Book Lover, February 7 (Spotlight)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 7

Texas Book-aholic, February 8

Booksy, February 9 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions, February 10

For the Love of Literature, February 11 (Spotlight)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 12

Through the Fire Blogs, February 13 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, February 14

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, February 15 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 16

Splashes of Joy, February 17 (Spotlight)

deb’s Book Review, February 18

Simple Harvest Reads, February 19 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Jeff is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and 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/10710/gen-sexyz-celebration-tour-giveaway

Spotlight for The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola by Melissa Muldoon

Join us for this tour from Feb 1 to Feb 26, 2021!

Book Details:

  • Book Title: The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola – the most famous woman you’ve never heard of by Melissa Muldoon

Category Adult Fiction (18+), 345 pages

Genre Historical Fiction, General Fiction

Publisher Matta Press

Release date December 2020

Book Description:

Set in the sixteenth-century, The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola tells the story of a woman’s passion for painting and adventure. In a world where women painters had little to no acknowledgment, she was singled out by Michelangelo and Vasari who recognized and praised her talent. Gaining the Milanese elite’s acclaim, she went on to become court painter to Spanish King Philip II and taught his queen to paint.

One can’t live such an extraordinary life without having stories to tell, and tell them Sofonisba does to Sir Anthony Van Dyke, who comes to visit her toward the end of her life. During their meeting, she agrees to reveal her secrets but first challenges the younger painter to find the one lie hidden in her tale. In a saga filled with intrigue, jealousy, buried treasure, unrequited love, espionage, and murder, Sofonisba’s story is played out against the backdrop of Italy, Spain, and Sicily. Throughout her life, she encounters talented artists, authoritative dukes, mad princes, religious kings, spying queens, vivacious viscounts, and dashing sea captains—even a Barbary pirate. But of all the people who fell in love with Sofonisba, only one captured her heart. The painter may have many secrets but the truth of her life is crystal clear from the beginning.

Always a strong, passionate woman with a dream, she was an intelligent artist who knew her self-worth and in the end, as Michelangelo had done for her, Sofonisba passed her brush to a new generation.

BOOK TRAILER LINK

 Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ B&NBookshop 

Autographed from Author

Add to Goodreads 

Thank you Melissa Muldoon for stopping my for this interesting interview about your books. 

You first experienced Italy as a young woman studying art in Florence. The art, of course, was your passion but was this experience what led to your passion for all-things-Italian

Yes! I fell in love with Italy, her art, her people, and the language after spending a semester abroad in Florence. I am an artist and painter and went to Italy to immerse myself in Renaissance Art. While living in Italy, I was required to take a beginning language class. I didn’t consider myself very proficient in foreign languages, and when I returned home, I threw away my Italian dictionary, assuming I’d never need it again. Still, after launching a successful design career and starting a family, I realized something was missing in my life. That “thing” was the connection I’d made with Italy and the friends who I had met there. Living in Florence was indeed a life-changing event! Wanting to reconnect with Italy, I decided to start learning the language again from scratch. As if indeed possessed by an Italian muse, I bought a new Italian dictionary and began my journey to fluency—a path that has led me back to Italy many times and enriched my life in countless ways. Many dictionaries and grammar books later, I dedicate my time to promoting Italian language studies, further travels in Italy, and sharing my stories and insights about Italy with others in my novels.

You have written a novel about an obscure 16th century female artist—Sofonisba Anguissola. What made you focus your novel on her?

 Sofonisba Anguissola is most famous for being one of the first critically acclaimed female portrait painters of the sixteenth century. It was highly unusual for a woman to be recognized professionally in male-dominated art circles. But due to her father’s encouragement, Sofonisba received a classical education and apprenticeships with local painting masters in her hometown of Cremona, near Milan. Her early training helped hone her sharp mind and level the playing field. Aided by her father’s social connections and his desire to see his daughter succeed, Sofonisba was introduced to Michelangelo in her early twenties. Delighted by her sketch of a boy bitten by a crayfish, Michelangelo took her under his wing, offering to critique her work and offer advice. Il Maestro then introduced her to his friend Giorgio Vasari who was so impressed with her paintings that he included her in his book, highlighting the most influential artists of the 16th-century. Sofonisba, who traveled throughout Italy in her youth, became a celebrated portrait artist in Milan and later the court painter for Philip II of Spain, where she taught his queen, Catherine de’ Medici’s daughter, to paint.

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

If I could go back in time, I would choose Renaissance Florence. I am fascinated by art and history and would love to experience firsthand what it was like to live during a period in which so much change was occurring, and the city was alive with art and artists. This is why I base my novels on the past, to live vicariously through my heroines. Like Sophia, Isabella, Artemisia, and Sofonisba, I’d like to walk the streets they walked and meet prominent Florentine citizens like Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Lorenzo de’ Medici! 

“The Secret Life of Sofonisba” includes healthy doses of intrigue, romance, betrayal, love, war, politics – truly something for everyone. Which storyline did you have the most fun writing?

I enjoyed exploring all of Sofonisba’s life from a young girl to an old woman. Still, I confess I enjoyed writing the book’s middle section, which takes place in Madrid during Sofonisba’s days as court painter in Spain. Very little is known about the time the artist spent at the Spanish court, other than the fact that she spent several years there, became a lady-in-waiting and confidant to Queen Elisabeth of Valois, and taught her to paint. As I was doing my research, I was fortunate to happen upon a compilation of Queen Elisabeth’s original diary entries put together by Martha Walker. It opened my eyes to the antics of court life and Philip’s son Don Carlos’s disturbing character. As it is well-documented that Sofonisba painted a portrait of the “mad” prince, I knew full well she would have been privy to Don Carlo’s troubling behavior. It also pleased me to incorporate a bit of spy-craft into the plot, as espionage and intelligence gathering were very much a part of covert court life during the sixteenth century. The premise of spying, coverups, and unconventional lifestyles fit nicely into the theme “the secret life” of Sofonisba and untangling her life’s true story.

Do you have another profession besides writing? 

I have a master’s degree in art history, but instead of teaching, after finishing grad school, I began my own design firm and became a graphic designer and marketer. I worked for many years as a designer, illustrator, package, book, and website designer. Ten years ago, when I began the StudentessaMatta.com Italian language blog to promote the study of Italian language and culture, I started a new chapter in my life. I now focus my attention on writing my Italian website that has grown to include a podcast, Tutti Matti per l’Italiano, and the Studentessa Matta, YouTube channel, Facebook page, and Instagram feed. I have also created Matta Italian Language Immersion Programs, which I co-lead with Italian schools in Italy to learn Italian in Italy. Through my website, she also offers them opportunities to live and study in Italy through Homestay programs.

There are so many elements to your novels: art, art history, Italian history, characters both living and imagined from the past, the vivid descriptions of the Italian landscape, the food, and so much more. That’s a lot to incorporate in a book, but you’ve certainly succeeded at it! If you had to squeeze it down to one or two thoughts, what is your goal, your desire for the reader to walk away with.

My goal with all my novels is to inform, entertain, and pique the reader’s curiosity about Italian art, history, and culture. I want the reader to experience the Italy I know and love and get a glimpse into all the innumerable things that make Italy unique: the sights, sounds, and tastes, as well as the legends and cultural anecdotes. I want the reader to realize that art isn’t a “dusty” subject and that it can “speak” to them as it does to my heroines. But most of all, I want to illuminate the reader about some strong female heroines so that their unique stories my live on through future generations.

Note from Melissa. Thank you for this interview! Thanks also to those who will read my novel or have read my previous ones. I hope the adventures of my heroines, and especially those of Sofonisba, will keep you entertained. I sincerely appreciate each moment you spend turning the pages and getting to know all my characters. When you finish the novel, please consider leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads. I check all reader comments, and they inspire me to continue writing, and they also encourage other readers to discover my novels. Look for all my stories also in print and as Audiobooks.

Find more on Melissa at melissamuldoon.com and studentessamata.com 

Connect with Melissa on all her Social Media Platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Youtube, LinkedIn, etc.) on Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MelissaMuldoon 

Discover Melissa’s books on Amazon in print, epub, and audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Muldoon/e/B01LYC7163

You May Also Enjoy:

Book Details:

Book Title: Eternally Artemisia—some loves, like some women, are timeless by Melissa Muldoon

Category Adult Fiction (18+), 305 pages

Genre Historical Fiction, General Fiction

Publisher Matta Press

Release date March 2019

Content Rating: PG-13 + M. includes mature themes (suicide, adultery, sexual relations, murder)

Book Description:

They say some loves travel through time and are fated to meet over and over again. For Maddie, an art therapist, who wrestles with the “peculiar feeling” she has lived previous lives and is being called to Italy by voices that have left imprints on her soul, this idea is intriguing. Despite her best efforts, however, proof of this has always eluded her. That is, until one illuminating summer in Italy when Maddie’s previous existences start to bleed through into her current

reality.

When she is introduced to the Crociani family—a noble clan with ties to the seventeenth-century Medici court that boasts of ancestors with colorful pasts—she finally meets the loves of her life. One is a romantic love, and another is a special kind of passion that only women share, strong amongst those who have suffered greatly yet have triumphed despite it. As Maddie’s relationship develops with Artemisia Gentileschi—an artist who in a time when it was unheard of to denounce a man for the crime of rape, did just that—Maddie discovers a kindred spirit and a role model, and just what women are capable of when united together.

In a journey that arcs back to biblical days and moves forward in time, Maddie encounters artists, dukes, designers, and movie stars as well as baser and ignoble men. With Artemisia never far from her side, she proves that when we dare to take control of our lives and find the “thing” we are most passionate about, we are limitless and can touch the stars.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Audible

B&NBookshop ~ BookBub

Autographed from Author

Add to Goodreads 

Book Details:

Book Title: Waking Isabella—because beauty can’t sleep forever by Melissa Muldoon

Category Adult Fiction (18+), 271 pages

Genre Historical Fiction, General Fiction

Publisher Matta Press

Release date November 2018

Format available for review:  ebook (mobi for Kindle, epub), and audiobook (audible download

Tour dates:  Feb 1 to Feb 26, 2021

Content Rating: PG-13 + M. includes mature themes (suicide, adultery, sexual relations, murder)

Book Description:

Waking Isabella is a story about uncovering hidden beauty that, over time, has been lost, erased, or suppressed. It also weaves together several love stories as well as a few mysteries.

Nora, an assistant researcher, is a catalyst for resolving the puzzle of a painting that has been missing for decades. Set in Arezzo, a small Tuscan town, the plot unfolds against the backdrop of the city’s antique trade and the

fanfare and pageantry of its medieval jousting festival.

While filming a documentary about Isabella de’ Medici—the Renaissance princess who was murdered by her husband—Nora begins to connect with the lives of two remarkable women from the past. Unraveling the stories of Isabella, the daughter of a fifteenth-century Tuscan duke, and Margherita, a young girl trying to survive the war in Nazi-occupied Italy, Nora begins to question the choices that have shaped her own life up to this point. As she does, hidden beauty is awakened deep inside of her, and she discovers the keys to her creativity and happiness. It is a story of

love and deceit, forgeries and masterpieces—all held together by the allure and intrigue of a beautiful Tuscan ghost.

Buy the Book:

Amazon ~ Audible

B&N ~  Bookshop ~ BookBub

Autographed from Author

Add to Goodreads 

Meet the Author:

Melissa Muldoon is the author of four novels set in Italy: Dreaming Sophia, Waking Isabella, Eternally Artemisia, and The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola. All four books tell the stories of women and their journeys of self-discovery to find love, uncover hidden truths, and follow their destinies to shape a better future for themselves.

Melissa is also the author of the Studentessa Matta website, where she promotes the study of Italian language and culture through her dual-language blog written in Italian and English (studentessamatta.com). Studentessa Matta means the “crazy linguist” and has grown to include a podcast, Tutti Matti per l’Italiano and the Studentessa Matta, YouTube channel, Facebook page and Instagram feed. Melissa also created Matta Italian Language Immersion Programs, which she co-leads with Italian schools in Italy to learn Italian in Italy.

Through her website, she also offers the opportunities to live and study in Italy through Homestay programs. Melissa has a B.A. in fine arts, art history, and European history from Knox College, a liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, as well as a master’s degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She has also studied painting and art history in Florence. She is an artist, designer, and illustrated the cover art for all four of her books. Melissa is the managing director of Matta Press

Connect with the author:  Website Facebook ~ Twitter ~Instagram ~ Pinterest ~ Goodreads


Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 – The Pen and Muse Book Reviews – spotlight of all 3 books / giveaway

Feb 1 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – spotlight of all 3 books

Feb 2 – Working Mommy Journal – review of Sofonisba / giveaway

Feb 2 – Books for Books – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 3 – Working Mommy Journal – review of Isabella / giveaway

Feb 3 – Books for Books – review of Isabella

​Feb 4 – I’m All About Books – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 5 – History from a Woman’s Perspective – review of Sofonisba

Feb 8 – Olio by Marilyn – review of Sofonisba / author interview / giveaway

Feb 8 – Literary Flits – review of Sofonisba / giveaway

Feb 9 – History from a Woman’s Perspective – review of Artemisia

Feb 10 – Sadie’s Spotlight – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 10 – Gwendalyn’s Books – review of Sofonisba / author interview / giveaway

Feb 11 – History from a Woman’s Perspective – review of Isabella

Feb 11 – Books for Books – review of Artemisia

Feb 12 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 12 – Stephanie Jane – spotlight of all 3 books / giveaway

Feb 15 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author Blog – book spotlight / giveaway

Feb 16 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Feb 16 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – review of Sofonisba / guest post / giveaway

Feb 17 – Gwendalyn’s Books – review of Isabella

Feb 17 – Locks, Hooks and Books – review of Sofonisba / giveaway

Feb 17 – Splashes of Joy – spotlight of all 3 books / author interview / giveaway

Feb 18 – Locks, Hooks and Books – review of Isabella / giveaway

Feb 18 – Books and Zebras @jypsylynn – review of Sofonisba / giveaway

Feb 19 – Locks, Hooks and Books – review of Artemisia / giveaway

Feb 19 – 30-something Travel – review of Sofonisba / guest post / giveaway

Feb 19 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – review of Sofonisba

Feb 22 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – review of Isabella

Feb 22 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – review of Isabella / giveaway

Feb 23 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – review of Artemisia / giveaway

Feb 23 – Jazzy Book Reviews – spotlight of all 3 books / giveaway

Feb 24 – Library of Clean Reads – review of Sofonisba / giveaway

Feb 25 – Olio by Marilyn – review of Artemisia / giveaway

Feb 26 – High Society Book Club & Reviews – review of Sofonisba + spotlight previous books / guest post / giveaway

Feb 26 – 30-something Travel – review of Isabella / giveaway

Feb 26 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – review of Artemisia

Enter the Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/518e7284115/

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Tour and Giveaway for The Adventures of Forkman: What’s That Noise? by Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie

THE ADVENTURES OF FORKMAN by Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie
THE ADVENTURES OF FORKMAN: What's that Noise? by Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie

Join us for this tour from Feb 1 to Mar 5, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Adventures of Forkman: What’s That Noise? by Tiffany Caldwell and W.R. MacKenzie
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Jan 2021
Format available for review:  print (USA only), ebook (PDF)
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: Feb 1 to Mar 5, 2021
Content Rating:  G. This children’s book is for everyone.

Book Description:

When poor manners are present, Forkman will be there to save the day! Join Kathryn and William as they learn how to load the dishwasher properly and avoid inappropriate distractions at the table with the help of all their utensil friends. This second book in the Adventures of Forkman series is a great introduction to mealtime etiquette for readers of all ages.

Buy the Book
Amazon.com
B&N
Mascot Books

What’s that noise is Chapters 3 and 4 of The Adventures of Forkman series. In this book, Forkman is teaching the children to load the dishwasher properly and proper manners at the table. In chapter 3, I love the way Forkman teaches to load the dishwasher, putting each piece in its proper place. In chapter 4, Forkman is teaching the right manners at the table. No burping or other rude noises!

What a great way to use eating utensils to teach our children the right things to do in helping in the kitchen and using our best manners while at table eating with the family. I like the emphasis on how meals are a family time where family can talk about things important to them.

And the illustrations created by Vanessa Alexandre are so adorable. I love the characters, the family, the vivid colors, all fit so well and work perfectly with the story that’s written. The faces are so cute that smaller children will love looking at the pictures throughout the book. All in all this is a wonderful book inside and out. And I give this one Five Stars!

This book and all of the books in the Adventures of Forkman are a must in you child’s home library. It is well worth your purchase.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Thank you so much Tiffany Caldwell for stopping by for this Interview 1

If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would you be? I can relate to the mom’s character, but I’d probably be a cleaning tool since I seem to clean our house often! 

Do you have another profession besides writing? I was in the teaching field for about 14 years and I am currently in Account Management for a healthcare company. I am also in my final few months of Grad School!

How long have you been writing? My passion for writing began when I was in second grade. I still have a few of my old stories! I always wrote about our family trips. When my sister and I were little, I would tell her stories at night! I always had a big imagination! 

Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it? My dad and I worked really well when we wrote our stories. If one of us gets stuck, we brainstorm and work through what we are thinking together! It has been a really great project for the two of us to work on, even living so far apart!

What is your next project? Our next project is going to be polishing up chapters 5 and 6 of the Adventures of Forkman and getting them into production! 

What genre do you write and why? I would say Realistic Fiction. While the setting and concept is real, a fork coming to life is not!

What is the last great book you’ve read? A children’s book that I received just a few weeks ago – “The Search for the Scepter” by Julie Dinges. My kids and I really enjoyed this story!


Meet the Authors:

Tiffany Caldwell: I have worked with children for over thirteen years and every year basic manners become less evident. When I was growing up, my sisters and I took etiquette classes during the summer while we visited our grandparents. Etiquette was always a big part of our upbringing. ​ When we would have our family dinners, my dad, W.R. MacKenzie, would make our utensils come to life as we were eating. Forkman became a part of our dinner routine! ​ I am a mother of three great kids and military wife to my hero. A few years ago, I told my dad we needed to start writing our story. We are so excited to share Forkman with the world!

W.R. MacKenzie: I spent thirty-nine years in the bakery business. After I retired and my four children were grown, I felt it was time to share the importance of the family meal with the world. ​​​​​The Adventures of Forkman teaches children how to properly conduct themselves at the table. Our books are filled with characters all children can relate with and I believe Forkman and his crew will help children of all ages learn manners and table etiquette.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 – Because I said so and other adventures in Parenting – review/guest post/ giveaway
Feb 3 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 4 – Fantastic Feathers – book review
Feb 4 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 5 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Feb 9 – The Adventures Of A Travelers Wife – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 9 – Westveil Publishing – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Laura’s Interests – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 10 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 12 – Lisa’s Reading – book review / giveaway
Feb 15 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review
Feb 15 – Sandra’s Book Club – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 16 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
​Feb 16 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 16 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / giveaway
Feb 17 – Library of Clean Reads – book review / giveaway
Feb 18 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 19 – Icefairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 23 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Feb 24 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 25 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 25 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway
March 1 – Reading is My Passion – book review
March 2 – Bigreadersite  – book review / giveaway
March 2 – StoreyBook Reviews – book review / giveaway
March 4 – I’m Into Books – book review / giveaway
March 4 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/518e7284133/

Tour and Giveaway for Twinkle by Patricia Leavy

Twinkle by Patricia Leavy
TWINKLE by Patricia Leavy

Join us for this tour from Jan 25 to Feb 19, 2021!

Book Details:
Book Title:  Twinkle by Patricia leavy
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  161 pages
Genre:  Women’s Fiction
Publisher:  Brill/Sense
Release date:  December 1, 2020
Tour dates: Jan 25 to Feb 19, 2021


Book Description:

Twinkle follows Tess Lee and Jack Miller after two years of marriage. Tess is a wildly successful and world-famous novelist. Her inspirational books explore our innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Jack is a federal agent. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. As they both heal from past trauma, their epic love, fostered by their ability to truly see one another, has brought them true happiness. However, when an anonymous threat is made against Tess’s life, everything changes. Will they learn to lean on each other, or will they fall apart into the darkness? Their friends are along for the ride: Omar, Tess’s sarcastic best friend, who calls her Butterfly; the female president of the United States, who Tess visits regularly to discuss politics and bake cookies; Joe, Jack’s friend from the Bureau, who understands the sacrifices he’s made; and Bobby, Jack’s younger friend, who never fails to lend a calming presence. Twinkle is a novel about the nature of doubt, the struggle to feel worthy of love, the relationship of the small part to the greater whole, and the ways in which love – from lovers, friends, or the art we experience – can help us move from trauma to healing and redemption. Written as unfolding action, Twinkle is a poignant novel that moves fluidly between melancholy, humor, and joy.


Buy the Book:
Amazon

You May Also Enjoy the Previous Book in This Series:


Book Details:
Book Title:  Shooting Stars by Patricia leavy
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  137 pages
Genre:  Women’s Fiction
Publisher:  Brill/Sense
Release date:  June 15, 2020
Tour dates: Jan 25 to Feb 19, 2021
Content Rating:  Rated R. A few sex scenes (not explicit) and discussion of sexual assault in the protagonist’s childhood


Book Description:

Tess Lee is a novelist. Her inspirational books explore people’s innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Despite her extraordinary success, she’s been unable to find personal happiness. Jack Miller is a federal agent. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. He’s dedicated everything to his job, leaving nothing for himself. The night Tess and Jack meet, their connection is palpable. She examines the scars on his body and says, “I’ve never seen anyone whose outsides match my insides.” The two embark on an epic love story that asks the questions: What happens when people truly see each other? Can unconditional love change the way we see ourselves? Their friends are along for the ride: Omar, Tess’s sarcastic best friend who mysteriously calls her Butterfly; Joe, Jack’s friend from the Bureau who understands the sacrifices he’s made; and Bobby, Jack’s younger friend who never fails to lighten the mood. Shooting Stars is a novel about walking through our past traumas, moving from darkness to light, and the ways in which love – from lovers, friends, or the art we experience – heals us. Written as unfolding action, Shooting Stars is a poignant novel that moves fluidly between melancholy, humor, and joy.


Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N


Add to Goodreads

Thank you Patricia Leavy for stopping by for an interesting interview

How would you describe Twinkle?

It’s a grand love story that explores the nature of doubt in our lives and relationships. It’s a mix of romance, drama, suspense, and humor. There are moments that make me laugh out loud and others that are tearful and even painful. The ultimate message is hopeful and meant to feel like a big hug. 

Twinkle is a sequel to Shooting Stars but can also be read as a stand-alone novel. What inspired you to keep writing about Tess Lee and Jack Miller?

I absolutely love these characters, not only Tess and Jack, but all their friends. When I finished Shooting Stars, I knew there were more stories to tell and I hoped readers would enjoy following their journey as much as I love writing about them. I’m using these characters to explore love, to write a love letter to love, one that will unfold over at least five books. Shooting Stars explored love and healing. It also had a theme of darkness and light. These themes are still a part of Twinkle, because the characters are who they are, but this is a new exploration. Twinkle explores love and doubt, and investigates the relationship of the small part to the greater whole. When all five books are released, readers will see that really the whole serial is a grand love letter to love itself. Even though it’s a serial, it was important to me to write each as a stand-alone so that readers can pick up any of them, if they choose. 

Who is the ideal reader for Twinkle?

Tess Lee dedicates her novels “to everyone, everywhere” and that’s exactly how I feel about Twinkle. It’s for everyone. Given the female protagonist and love story element, it will probably appeal most to women readers, my main audience, but anyone looking for a love story with humor and suspense and perhaps a little inspiration, can give it a read. Ultimately, it’s a story about love and doubt. It’s a deeply human experience for people to think, on some level, that they aren’t enough. This belief causes so much pain which we often experience in silence. The characters in this novel use love to confront this innately human fear and help one another learn to more fully love themselves and those around them so it’s very much a story about self-worth. It shows that we each have the ability to rewire our brains so that we know in the depth of our souls that we are okay, we are enough. Those messages probably resonate with most people. In the end, it’s a feel-good read with humorous and tearful moments with a takeaway about letting go of doubt. 

What do you hope readers will take away from Twinkle?

We are enough, exactly as we are. We need to breathe into who we are and breathe into love. Sometimes, truly accepting love is the hardest thing to do, whether it’s from a lover, friends, family, or even the art we experience, but accepting it brings the greatest rewards. Breathe. Just breathe.

Will you keep writing love stories?

Definitely. While there are romantic relationships in all my novels, it’s never been central before Tess and Jack. Their epic love has completely inspired me. Writing their story has been like going into a world where you’re held in the warmest embrace and I’m just having so much fun. There are five Tess Lee novels in total. Due to the pandemic, I’ve been writing far more than usual as a means of keeping busy while stuck in quarantine. I have a few more love stories in the works, focused on new characters, that I can’t wait to share. 

What’s your writing schedule?

Normally, I write for a half to a full day Monday through Friday, and in the mornings on weekends. However, during the pandemic, I’ve been writing full days seven days a week. Fiction has gotten me through this challenging time. Going into these story worlds where people are incredibly affectionate with one another has allowed me to feel a sense of closeness that so many of us have been missing. 

What’s your number one piece of advice for writers?

Develop your own relationship with your work that isn’t dependent on anything external. 

Author Patricia Leavy

Meet the Author:

Patricia Leavy, Ph.D., is a bestselling author. She was formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Chair of Sociology and Criminology, and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College in Massachusetts. She has published over thirty books, earning commercial and critical success in both fiction and nonfiction, and her work has been translated into many languages. She is also series creator and editor for ten book series with Oxford University Press, Guilford Press, and Brill/Sense, including the ground-breaking Social Fictions series. Patricia has received dozens of accolades for her books. Recently, her novel Film won the 2020 American Fiction Award for Inspirational Fiction, her 3-novel set Candy Floss Collection won the 2020 American Fiction Award for Anthologies, and her novel Spark won the 2019 American Fiction Award for Inspirational Fiction and the 2019 Living Now Book Award for Adventure Fiction. She has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2016 Mogul, a global women’s empowerment network, named her an “Influencer.” In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” She has residences in Maine and Massachusetts where she lives with her husband, daughter (when she’s not away at college), and her dog. Patricia loves writing, reading, watching films, and traveling.

connect with the author: 

website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram


Tour Schedule:

Jan 25 – Working Mommy Journal – books spotlight / giveaway
Jan 25 – 411 ON BOOKS, AUTHORS, AND PUBLISHING NEWS – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 26 – Cover Lover Book Review – books spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Jan 26 – BookishKelly2020 – books spotlight / book excerpt
Jan 27 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight 
Jan 27 – The Author’s Harbor – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 28 – Jazzy Book Reviews – books spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 29 – Book Corner News and Reviews – books spotlight / giveaway
Feb 1 – Locks, Hooks and Books – books spotlight / giveaway
Feb 2 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author Blog – books spotlight / giveaway
Feb 3 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – books spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 4 – Falling Into A Good Book – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 5 – I’m All About Books – books spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Feb 9 – Sadie’s Spotlight – books spotlight / giveaway
Feb 10 – Laura’s Interests – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 10 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 11 – Stephanie Jane – books spotlight / giveaway
Feb 12 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book spotlight 1/ giveaway
Feb 15 – Celticlady’s Reviews – books spotlight / giveaway
Feb 16 – Splashes of Joy  – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 17 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book spotlight 2 / giveaway
Feb 19 – High Society Book Reviews & Club – books spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/518e7284130/

Tour and Giveaway for Mommy’s Oven by Brandi Pearce

Mommy's Oven by Brandi Pearce
Mommy's Oven by Brandi Pearce

Join us for this tour from Feb 2 to Feb 15, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Mommy’s Oven by Brandi Pearce
Category:  Children’s Non-Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children’s Non-Fiction Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   Feb 2021
Format available for review:  print (USA), ebook (PDF)
Tour dates: Feb 2 to Feb 15, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone. Suitable for all ages,

Book Description:

In this true story, young August learns about how he will get a new little brother. He learns of how his little brother will grow in someone else’s tummy, not his mommy’s. Will he look like Augie? Will he grow for too long? Will Augie get to take his little brother home once he is born? Join August on this new, exciting adventure of getting a new little brother in a very unique way. If you are looking for a way to help your children understand that families can be created in many different ways, this is a story to keep on your bookshelf!


Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N
Mascot Books

This is such a unique book, a true story written by the author about her own life’s story and using surrogacy as a way of having children. Mommy’s Oven is told through her son’s point of view while waiting on his baby brother to be born. Questions he has about his new brother are answered in this book. If you or someone you know have gone though this same thing, or maybe this is something you may have to do, this is a great book to read to your child. This book takes all of the fears a child may have. Its an amazing story. One I wanted to read over and over again.

I love the illustrations created by Nazar Horokhivskyi and how they look so realistic. They are so beautiful, and visually bring the story to life. The colors on each page is so pretty, the characters so beautiful your child will love looking at the pictures. The book is hard cover and so beautiful and it goes perfectly with the story. All in all this is the most wonderful book, a book that tells children there are alternative ways to have brothers or sisters.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.


Thank you Brandi Pearce for stopping by for an interview to tell more about your book.

Why I wrote it?

When my husband and I started trying to have children, I already knew my medical history would play a big role in that endeavor. I didn’t realize how big until I received the call that ripped my heart out. I would never be able to carry a child. But God has a way of bringing beautiful miracles out of some of our worst nightmares. As scary and hard as surrogacy was, it turned into one of the most amazing life changing experiences I have ever had.

The impact the book has had?

I have received such incredible feedback from those who have read Mommy’s Oven. I am amazed and beyond thrilled that it is truly helping others. What is really shocking, is that the responses are not only coming from those who are going through surrogacy. I have received messages from those who are going through miscarriages and trying to explain it to their children, people who are going through adoption who want their children to understand that families are made in several different ways. Even friends who are trying to teach their children life lessons about accepting, understanding, and appreciating families for their differences. The gratitude these families have shown for Mommy’s Oven as a tool for teaching, has been unbelievably humbling.

How can my story help others?

When I was sick in the hospital with Crohn’s, a woman from my church embroidered an angel design and told all her followers they could have the design for free, if they would send one to me and let me know they were praying for me and thinking of me. I received 1,000’s of angels from all over the world. I want Mommy’s Oven to help others in the same way those angels helped me. I want to give hope, support and encouragement in facing this hard reality. These families are not alone.

Where you can find Mommy’s Oven?

Mommy’s Oven is available in Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Mascot books. It is also available on my website http://www.mommysovenisbroken.com, where I hope to soon have a ton of resources for those looking into surrogacy as an option for growing their own families.

Will I be writing more stories?

This book has meant so much to me and my family and has led me to a world of writing that I had no idea I loved so much! There may soon be a series called The Adventures of Augie and Ollie that helps kids comprehend difficult life struggles, as well as an inspirational personal story of my life-long battle with Crohn’s disease.

Thank you for your time!

Brandi

Meet the Author:

Having battled Crohn’s Disease for most of her life and after undergoing 82 abdominal surgeries, Brandi Pearce knew she wouldn’t be able to carry children of her own. After a successful surrogacy resulted in her son, August, years later, she wondered how to explain to August that he was getting a new brother who was growing in someone else’s belly. That’s when Mommy’s Oven, Pearce’s debut children’s, book was born. Pearce wants other parents to be able to teach their own children that every family creation is unique and special. She hopes to inspire hope in overcoming adversity, as well as true miracles with this book.

connect with author: website ~ amazon


Tour Schedule:

Feb 2 –Cover Lover Book Review– book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 2 –Westveil Publishing– book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 3 –Rockin’ Book Reviews– book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 3 –Books for Books– book review / author interview
Feb 4Locks, Hooks and Books– book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 5 –Lisa’s Reading– book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 8 –Ice Fairy’s Treasure Chest– book review / giveaway
Feb 9 –Reading is My Passion– book review / giveaway
Feb 10 –A Mama’s Corner of the World– book review / giveaway
Feb 10 –The Momma Spot– book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 11 –Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting– book review / giveaway
Feb 11 –Jazzy Book Reviews– book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 12 –Nighttime Reading Center– book review / giveaway
Feb 15 –Splashes of Joy– book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 15 –michellemengsbookblog3– book review / author interview / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/518e7284134/

Tour and Giveaway for Duplicity at the Lowell House by Caryl McAdoo

Duplicity

About the Book

Book:  Duplicity at the Lowell House

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery

Release date: January 20, 2021

Duplicity, At The Lowell House Ebook Cover Large

There’s nothing covered that won’t be revealed.
Greed weaves a tangled web at the Lowell House in downtown Dallas, 1866, but a murderer must get up pretty early in the morning to outfox the hotel’s proprietor. With the help of his friend and former sergeant, Morgan Lowell sees through the duplicity . . . but can he prove it? And will Charity, the love of his life, ever give up her matchmaking web? Enjoy an exciting mystery.

Click here to get your copy!

It’s always fun to solve a mystery along with the characters and that what we get to do in Duplicity at the Lowell House where someone is found murdered in their room. It was total chaos because it’s never been a murder there before. Morgan is beside himself and Charity is excited about solving this mystery. I haven’t read a lot of Caryl McAdoo’s books but that needs to change for me because I am really loving this series. I also need to go back and read Texas Romance Family Saga series to be up to date with the characters brought from this earlier series from McAdoo.

I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next book from Caryl McAdoo. I love her realistic characters and the way she writes them straight into the readers hearts. I enjoyed watching these characters grow as they strive to find the mystery person who pulled this murder off without no one knowing. If you love historical fiction with a mystery flair to it, Duplicity at the Lowell House is a great book for you to read. This one gets Five Stars from me. Wish I could give it more!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

About the Author

leopard 5

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over fifty published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and twenty-to-be grandsugars with Ron, high-school-sweetheart-husband of over fifty years, Caryl and Ron live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

Something new for this author! I call it a historical, romantic mystery! If you’ve read QUINCY & PRISCILLA At The Lowell House, then you know a favorite couple–Morgan and Charity Lowell (book four, LEAVING TEXAS) own the hotel.

In the twelve years since they opened the Dallas hotel, there had never been a murder until—of all people—a Mister John Smith is found dead in room three-thirteen, and his clandestine demise needs to be solved posthaste.

The chief deputy sheriff in town, Tatum McCarthy, served as sergeant alongside Captain Lowell under General Henry Buckmeyer during the war, and the men remain good friends. So guess who comes to Dallas as a character witness . . . Henry! Along with his beautiful wife May Meriwether (book three HOPE REBORN) Buckmeyer!

That’s right! The patriarch of my Texas Romance Family Saga series!

What fun to discover the wonderful connection of these Texas heroes! I’ve never enjoyed anything more in my writing career than to link these two series! Cross Timbers and Texas Romances make DUPLICUITY At The Lowell House a rip-roaring good time as Charity pulls out all the stops entertaining her favorite author—other than Morgan, that is!

This first mystery will be followed by others that Morgan and Charity will work on together. I’ll promise you now, there’s no telling who might pop up when there’s a murder to be unraveled! I pray you will all enjoy the fun and seeing these characters, natural friends in early Texas, come together for new stories!

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, February 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

Splashes of Joy, February 12

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 12

Texas Book-aholic, February 13

Inklings and notions, February 14

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 15 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 15

For Him and My Family, February 16

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 17

deb’s Book Review, February 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 19

Artistic Nobody, February 20 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 22

Pause for Tales, February 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl 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/10743/duplicity-at-the-lowell-house-celebration-tour-giveaway

Spotlight and Giveaway for THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF JIMMY CRIKEY by Wallace E. Briggs

Join us for this tour from Feb 1to Feb 19, 2021!

Book Details:
Book Title:  THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF JIMMY CRIKEY: Worlds Beneath And Above The Stars by Wallace E. Briggs
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  302 pages
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Publisher:  Independent
Release date:   June 2020
Tour dates: Feb 1 to Feb 19, 2021
Content Rating:  G.


Book Description:

Do you want to know a secret? Beneath the very ground on which you walk and beyond the stars above your head, are more worlds than you could ever dream of. There are monsters. Be afraid. Magic, wielded by witches and sorcerers. Epic adventures in worlds far across the ocean. And fearsome weapons which threaten to destroy everything. Jimmy Crikey is a brave soul who faces some pretty scary challenges. Solving mysteries and averting mayhem, his incredible courage allows him to free up his abilities to shine and rise above every challenge in his path, on his way to discovering why he looks so very strange. With a bright red mop of unruly hair, big blue eyes, a small snub nose, pointed ears and enormous feet, poor Jimmy is ridiculed by the neighborhood children and runs away in search of a world where he fits in. Following a midnight flight through the forest, he stumbles into a lost, underground world called Roombelow and magic, adventure, danger and excitement await. From the little lady who lives at the bottom of a well, a starship that wants to take him home, trolls, little people, traders and diamonite stealers to water sprites, witches, helpful dolphins, and interplanetary warfare, Jimmy learns the biggest lessons of his life.

A Special Thanks to Wallace E. Briggs for stopping by for an interview

Where do you come from?

Born on the outskirts of Durham City, in NE England, my family never moved as much as 5 miles away from the beautiful cathedral city – until I reached my early 40’s.

 I married my childhood sweetheart who I first met at the age of 11, walking the same route homeward after attending different schools. We had to wait until we were 21 yrs old (then the age of majority) before we were married. 

What do you do for a living?

I Started off as a lab technician in the chemistry dept. of Durham University. I left aged 23 to become a Technical Sales Rep for a scientific instrument manufacturer. After a very happy decade during which out two sons were born, I was offered a job in S.Africa. Our house was sold, furniture was in storage, we were awaiting air tickets but three weeks prior to travel my employer promoted me to UK Sales Manager and moved the family to Sussex, on the south coast of England.

In my last job I was Export Sales Manager and latterly Business Support Manager -i selling toxic gas analysers.

Where do you live now?

Work was responsible for a move along the south coast to Hampshire before ending up here in the beautiful rural landscape of Lancashire in NW England.

Why do you write children’s stories in particular?


When I was a youngster, being brought up in a loving family environment, books were in short supply. Minds, including those of my siblings, were not broadened by international travel, nor indeed by local travel, to visit new horizons. Television programmes to show a glimpse of the wonders of the world hardly existed. TV sets were rarities.


I yearned to be transported into a world where cash was not a limiting factor.
Escapism? Yes, but also a release of pent up emotions being able to enjoy the fruits of life on equal terms as other children.


So, when I began to write it was to satisfy a desire to entertain children in alternative worlds. Stories that would transport a child into another world where the presence of physical limitations did not limit the flights of imagination.


When imagination roams free wonderful worlds can come into existence and boundaries to vision are destroyed.


Give young minds the freedom to soar then there are no limits to what an active mind can achieve.

Who are your favourite Authors?

Tolkien, JK Rowling, Dan Smith, Kathy Reichs, Karen Slaughter and even Jim Patterson – for a light holiday read 

If truth be told my wife is the reader in our house – she probably gets through four or even five books a week. It may take me a week or more to get through one.

Name your favourite book/s?

Lord of the Rings, When the Lion Roars, and fav children’s book Enid Blighton’s The Magical Faraway Tree ( a regular bed time request from my sons)

Dune by Frank Herbert ranks alongside the very best. in my opinion.

Tell me three interesting facts about yourself?

I was Producer Director of a Junior Operatic Society in Spennymoor, Durham producing light entertainment like: Wiz of Oz, Sound of Music and West Side Story.

I play an electronic Hammond organ. I used to be more than proficient but last year or so writing has taken over and my music making is a little less musical.

My current hobby is painting scenes/.animals/ fairies and Heinrich Schlitt gnome reproductions on plates- firing the paints onto china in a kiln.

What tips/advice would you give to any new writers

Be sure. If you are not driven it can be a thankless task and the writer must develop a thick skin to absorb the pain of rejection after rejection. Persevere. If you give up after the first attempt you are not and never will be a writer. Don’t expect to earn a fortune or even a living. But there is nothing in the world better than seeing your words in print and even one reader saying, ‘I enjoyed that’ fills your heart with pride. 

What genre do you write under and what are you writing at the moment?

Because my original stories were written to entertain children I haven’t strayed far from the orginal middle grade fantasy adventure. I am more than half way through writing the second book in the series of Jimmy Crikey stories.

I have an unfinished YA novel and am close to finishing a memoir about how my life developed out of poverty into a comfortable retirement with the lady I still love.

Please give me the titles of any books you have published/are due to publish 

‘Romney Hole’ is a MG/YA fantasy about two Yorkshire Dales siblings who disover the remnant of an ancient colonising probe buried deep in caves they go pot-holing in.

The Last Footsies is short  children’s story about a boy attempting to preserve the lives of the last living specimens of an unusual life form being driven to extinction by human activity

Where can people buy your books from

My books are self published on Kindle via Amazon;

Do you have a WEB site 

My Web site, for further information and a free short, children’s story ‘And the Cow…’ visit  www.wallaceebriggs.com

(the middle e stands for Eddy – a family surname)

Love to all.

Wallace


Buy the Book:Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Author Wallace E. Briggs

Meet the Author:

My formative years were experienced in and around Durham City. Married in 1964 to a girl I first met at the age of eleven, Pat and I spent many happy years in the North East before employment almost took us off to emigrate to Jo’berg, South Africa but plans were changed in the final weeks and instead the company moved me to Sussex.After more than twenty years in Sussex, then Hampshire, employment was again responsible for the move to beautiful rural Lancashire. Jimmy Crikey was born one rainy day, many years ago, during a family holiday in Great Yarmouth, to entertain my son and his new found friends for an hour or so. The story expanded over the following wet afternoons in the cramped confines of a beach tent, and more and more adventures were required to keep the children entertained. Many years later I decided to commit to the written word. Now retired I look forward to sharing The Amazing Adventures of Jimmy Crikey with a wider audience. These began as several short, twenty minute duration, stories but after an encouraging review from a major Publisher I brought them together in this offering and hope they will bring a sense of wonder and enjoyment to another generation.

Connect with the author:  website


Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 –Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 1 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 – Character Madness and Musings – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 3 – Lisa’s Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 5 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 8 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 10 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 11 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Feb 12 –Splashes of Joy  – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 15 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 16 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 17 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 18 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 19 – Laura’s Interests – book spotlight / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/518e7284131/

Tour and Giveaway for A Rendezvous to Remember by Terry Marshall, Ann Garretson Marshall

Join us for this tour from Feb 9to Mar 1, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  A Rendezvous to Remember: A Memoir of Joy and Heartache at the Dawn of the Sixties by Terry Marshall, Ann Garretson Marshall
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18 +), 378 pages
Genre:  Memoir, Romance
Publisher:  Sandra Jonas Publishing
Release date:   Feb 2021
Tour dates: Feb 9 to Mar 1, 2021


Book Description:

In June 1964, Ann Garretson skips her college commencement to tour Europe with Lieutenant Jack Sigg, a tank commander on the German-Czech border, with the hope of returning as his fiancée. A month into their rendezvous, her best friend, Terry, proposes marriage—by mail—throwing all their lives into turmoil.

Jack offers the military life Ann grew up with. Terry, a conscientious objector, will leave for the Peace Corps at the end of the summer—unless the draft board intervenes and sends him to jail. Her dilemma: she loves them both. Caught between the old mores and winds of change, Ann must make an agonizing choice. 

In alternating voices, A Rendezvous to Remember presents firsthand accounts by the two who eventually married, enriched by letters from the rival, whose path led him elsewhere. Provocative and delightfully uncensored, this coming-of-age memoir, anchored in the tumult of the sixties, is a tribute to the enduring power of love and family.

Buy the Book:
Amazon BAM ~ B&N ~ IndieBound
add to Goodreads


Meet the Authors:

Terry Marshall and Ann Garretson Marshall taught English in the Philippines as Peace Corps volunteers and later served as Peace Corps country co-directors in the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Tuvalu. Back in the States, they worked side by side as community organizers and activists in Colorado. Terry went on to write fiction and nonfiction works on discrimination, poverty, rural development, and intercultural conflict. Ann has thirty years of experience as a writer, editor, and community-government go-between for issues related to nuclear and hazardous waste cleanup. Always seeking adventure, Terry and Ann have traveled to forty-three countries. They live in Las Vegas, Nevada.

connect with the authors:  website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram


Tour Schedule:

Feb 9 –
Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 9 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 10 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 11 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 12 – Splashes of Joy – books spotlight / giveaway
Feb 12 – Laura’s Interests – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 15 – Read and Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 16 – Lisa’s Everyday Reads – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 17 – Westveil Publishing – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 17 – Sadie’s Spotlight – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 18 – Pine Enshrined Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 19 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 19 – Books for Books – book spotlight / author interview
Feb 22 – Kam’s Place – book spotlight / author interview
Feb 22 – Bookish Ramblings – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 23 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 24 – Books Lattes & Tiaras – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 24 – I’m All About Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 25 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 25 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book spotlight
Feb 26 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Mar 1 – High Society Book Club & Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Mar 1 – BookishKelly2020 – book spotlight

Enter the Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/518e7284136/

Tour and Giveaway for Journey To A New Earth: Penelope Panda and Kobi Koala Discover A New Earth by Zeiny Sher

JOURNEY TO A NEW EARTH by Zeiny Sher
Journey to the New Earth by Zeiny Sher

Book Details:

Book Title:  Journey To A New Earth: Penelope Panda and Kobi Koala Discover A New Earth by Zeiny Sher
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  30 pages
Genre:  Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Zeiny Sher
Release date:   Oct 30 2020
Format available for review:  print, ebook (PDF)
Will send print books out:  USA
Tour dates: Jan 25 to Feb 12, 2021
Content Rating:  G. This children’s book is for everyone.


Book Description:

Penelope Panda and Kobi Koala Discover a New Earth is an exploration in preservation through connection. Penelope and Kobi are connected through life changing events, which helps them learn how to love and preserve the earth, and how to deeply connect with each other and others along the way.


Buy the Book Amazon
add to Goodreads

The horrible wildfires of Australia brings Penelope Panda and Kobi Koala together and they decided to help do what they can to help save the earth. I love these two adorable animals and the message they have to the world. What a wonderful and beautiful way to teach these truths to children, using the adorable panda and Koala. I enjoyed this book and read it over several times just to view the beautiful colors throughout the book.

The illustrations here in this book are so very adorable and each page of the story and illustrations fit so well together and tell this wonderful story perfectly. Even young children can look at this book and make up their own story withe the illustrations. My niece use to do this and it was so adorable. Zuzana Svobodová does an amazing job capturing the mood of the story just right.

I’m keeping this sweet book for my Granddaughter. This is a book that should be in every library and classroom you will find children. Maybe give this book as a gift to your child’s classroom? I think all children will benefit from reading this book. I encourage you to pick up a copy of this book for your child.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

GUEST POST: Zeiny Sher/JOURNEY TO A NEW EARTH

I started reading Children’s Picture books at the age of fifteen years to my nieces and nephew who were only toddlers then. I enjoyed the hidden messages the books had, and how each book carried wisdom of its own.

After having my daughter, my love for reading the genre was rekindled as I started to read to her different stories every night. The enthusiasm she had for our story time inspired me to write her and my son a story of my own which in turn will inspire them to love and connect with each other, the earth and the universe.


Meet the Author:

Zeiny Sher is a children’s book author whose journey began while writing a journal of life’s little love and connection experiences for her three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son. With a very close-knit family, Sher has always been passionate about the universal connection we all have and teaching this to the younger generation. She has coached teenage girls on self-esteem and self-worth. Sher enjoys meditation in nature, CrossFit, Safari holidays and baking with her little ones.

connect with author: amazon


Tour Schedule:
Jan 25 –Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Jan 26 Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Jan 27 – Books, Tea, Healthy Me – book review / author interview / giveaway
Jan 28 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review / giveaway
Jan 28 – 100 Pages A Day – book review / giveaway
Jan 29 She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 – I’m All About Books – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 2 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 3 – The Book Review Crew. – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 – The Momma Spot – book review
Feb 4 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 5 – Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – I’d Rather Be At The Beach – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 – I’m Shelf-ish – book spotlight / guest post /giveaway
Feb 9 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 9 – High Society Book Review – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 9 – Ice Fairy’s Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Chit Chat with Charity – book spotlight / author interview
Feb 10 – Westveil Publishing – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – The Pen and Muse Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Reading is My Passion – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 – Library of Clean Reads – book review /giveaway
Feb 11 Splashes of Joy – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 12 – Lisa’s Reading – book review / giveaway
Feb 12 – pickagoodbook – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 12 – One Frugal Girl – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/518e7284121/

Tour and Giveaway for Maryann’s Hope by Molly Jebber

About the Book

Book: Maryann’s Hope

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Amish Historical Romance

Release Date: January 26, 2021

The pleasing warmth of fresh-baked maple cookies…the sweet, buttery flakiness of a raspberry jam pastry. In 1913 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is beloved by locals and visiting Englischer alike. And its understanding community always provides help, healing–and new chances for love…even for a widow faced with an impossible choice between her head and her heart.

Secrets devastated Maryanne Harding’s marriage to an Englischer–and took away her untrustworthy husband. Now the young Amish widow has found contentment cooking up treats at the bakery, raising her little girl, and comforting her ailing mother. And when Andrew Wittmer asks her to marry him, Maryanne is over the moon with happiness that she and the kind furniture maker will put down roots in her hometown…

Until Andrew’s uncle becomes ill, and Andrew must permanently take over his store in a town hours away. Though she would go anywhere to be Andrew’s fraa, Maryanne can’t abandon her mother–or the family that depends on her so much. And when she discovers Andrew harbors secrets of his own, Maryanne’s hard-won trust is shaken. Now, can she risk difficult choices and take a leap of faith into the loving, joyful future she longs for most?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Molly Jebber is a best-selling & award-winning Amish Historical Romance author whose books have made the Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten List, media worldwide, and in USA Today. She’s a national speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and keynote and guest lecturer for many groups on writing, publishing, & marketing. She loves God, family, friends she is grateful for her readers.

I’ve grown to love Molly Jebber’s Amish stories, and Maryann’s Hope is another awesome read. I love Maryann and Andrew. Their friendship quickly turned courtship just fit the two, and they got along so well. Even though Andrew has said he may have to move elsewhere to open his furniture store, Maryann just knows he will open it in their little community for her and Betsy. There is no way she can leave her mom and dad, especially after she’s just been back home to them a short while. But then life happens and Andrew is called away to run his uncles furniture store. Can this really be happening? How will Maryann handle this situation?

After reading other genre’s for a while, I love settling in with a good, fun Amish story. I love the calm Amish lifestyle and though they do have unsettling problems, it’s still calming to read. I love the characters I have already met as well as new characters introduced in this story. Ms. Jebber always writes her characters lives to be so realistic, it’s like meeting old and new friends alike. I loved little Betsy and had many fun laughs with this adorable little one. And the bakery, this place had me wanting to eat sweets, especially baked goods the entire time I was reading. I could even smell the sweet bakery as I was reading about the ladies baking all of the good food. I plan to try some of the recipes in the back of the book. That custard pie sounds like my grandma’s old recipe. As you can tell. I love everything about this book. I’m looking forward to the next book by Molly Jebber to come out. If you love Amish fiction, this is a must for you! And if you just love a sweet clean read, this is the pick for you. I give Maryann’s Hope 5 Stars all the way.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

More from Molly

Hi Readers!

You are the reason I write. Your inspiration and encouragement on social media posts brighten my mood and on those hard days of writing, keeps me going. Thank you!

I’ve been fortunate to have a close family. I hear so often, you can choose your friends but not your family. Maryann in MARYANN’S HOPE loves her mother, but finds her a challenge with her unpredictable moods. When she meets Andrew, they both must make difficult decisions throughout their courtship relating to family and seeking God’s will for their lives. Maryann’s toddler, Betsy, will make you laugh, as well as other children of her friends in the story. The bakery desserts will make your mouth water, and you’ll imagine the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and warm bread.

The Amish Charm Bakery is where friends come to enjoy a break, share secrets, solve problems, and laugh and cry.

On a personal note, this year has been an exciting one for our family in spite of COVID-19. My daughter, Misty, is getting married, and we love our future son-in-law, Kevin. They are having a small wedding due to the virus, but it hasn’t dampened any of our enthusiasm for this special day. God has blessed all of us with making all the plans go smoothly, and they’ve enjoyed their marriage counseling with Pastor Roger.

Pastor Roger asked them to put their first name in the verses in Corinthians Chapter 13 of the Bible, as an example of how they should feel about each other. Such as Misty is patient, and Misty is kind. I thought about that in my marriage to Ed. He is all those wonderful things to me. But I need to be more patient! So I’m learning along with Misty and Kevin! LOLp

I pray that MARYANN’S HOPE will bring you a fun escape into the small Amish town of Charm, Ohio during the period of 1913-1914!

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 28

The Avid Reader, January 28

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, January 28

Bigreadersite, January 29

lalkesidelivingsite, January 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

EmpowerMoms, January 31

Lighthouse Academy, February 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Artistic Nobody, February 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, February 2

Reviewingbooksplusmore, February 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 3

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 3

Older & Smarter?, February 4

For Him and My Family, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 5

Britt Reads Fiction, February 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 6

Batya’s Bits, February 6

She Lives To Read, February 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Ashley’s Bookshelf, February 7

Connie’s History Classroom, February 8

Simple Harvest Reads, February 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Pause for Tales, February 9

Splashes of Joy, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and an Amish doll!!

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/1068a/maryann-s-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

King James Version Study Bible

King James Version Study Bible

Full Color, Leathersoft, Brown/Red cover

Description:

Standing apart from all other KJV study Bibles on the market, the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition is the only Bible featuring extensive commentary, doctrinal notes, archaeological insights, and time-tested study aids developed exclusively for the King James Version. Now available with stunning full-color designs, Holy Land images, classic works of art, charts, and maps, the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition guides you through the vivid beauty and authority of God’s Word as you grow in your biblical knowledge.

For over a quarter of a century, Thomas Nelson has earned the trust of millions with the best-selling King James Study Bible, offering the standard of conservative KJV scholarship. Our tradition and commitment to KJV study continues with the release of the King James Study Bible, Full Color Edition.

Features include:

  • Beautiful full-color throughout
  • Easy-to-read 10-pt type large print
  • 5,700 authoritative and study notes
  • Center-column references with translation notes
  • Hundreds of color maps and charts
  • Over 100 archaeological notes
  • Over 100 personality profiles
  • Over 200 notes on Christian doctrines
  • Easy-to-navigate topical indexes
  • Book introductions and outlines
  • Word-study concordance
  • Time-honored KJV Bible text

Learn more about the Bible here:  https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/kjv-study-bible/

Tour and Giveaway for Amelia’s Heartsong by Blossom Turner

Amelia's Heartsong

About the Book

Book:  Amelia’s Heartsong

Author: Blossom Turner

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 2, 2021

Ameliasheartsong

Richmond high society isn’t at all what she expected, neither is the man who’s captured her heart.

Amelia Williams is only a humble farmer’s daughter, so her move from the Shenandoah Valley to stay with her grandparents in the big city of Richmond, Virginia opens a host of new opportunities. 1868 is shaping up to be her best year ever, especially when her new friendship with the genteel Bryon Preston grows into more. But when his mother catches wind of their courtship, Amelia learns the hard lesson that her humble roots will never be enough for the future Preston heir. Love might not see boundaries between the aristocrat and the pauper, but the high society of Richmond surely do.

Reeling from the pain of half-truths and broken promises, Amelia packs her heart away. Life will be much safer if she pours her focus into nursing. Yet, like a beautiful tapestry, God weaves Bryon back into her life. When her nursing duties bring her face to face with the pain of her past, is it too late to stitch the threads of trust and love back together?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Blossom Turner_small

Blossom Turner is a free-lance writer published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, former newspaper columnist on health and fitness, an avid blogger, and published novelist. Her authentic understanding of the power of love in the darkest of circumstances is woven masterfully through her first novel Anna’s Secret (a contemporary romance), in book one of the Shenandoah Brides series, Katherine’s Arrangement and again in this second book, Amelia’s Heartsong. Being a hopeless romantic, Blossom, endeavors to give you, the reader, entertainment value with an inspirational twist. She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Read more at blossomturner.com.

Wow! Another amazing read from author Blossom Turner. She is quickly easing her way to my very favorite authors list. I love her writing style, I love that she puts so much passion into her book that you can feel it while you can feel it while you read her books. Amelia’s Heartsong is about two people falling in love who are as different as day and night. She comes from a farming family, he was born into one of the high society, wealthy people in Richmond. The two fall in love, but it is everything but easy because Bryon’s mom wouldn’t have this farmers daughter for her son. My heart was breaking with these characters because of what life was throwing at them. I like that Turner gives Amelia such a strong and determined personality. And I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the story. This book runs two stories parallel to each other in the happenings to Amelia’s sister Katherine, one of the main characters in book one. Everything in this book is amazingly written. This story is so intense, at times when I was reading I felt I could see straight through my kindle into the very hearts of these characters. If you love a good historical romance with a whole lot of passion, dashed with the Christian life woven into these characters, this one is for you. You will love this story as much as I do. I can’t say enough about how wonderful this book is. I give Amelia’s Heartsong Five Stars, and it is worthy of many more.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

More from Blossom

Are You a Romance Reader Like I Am?

Long before I even knew I could write, I loved to read. Being a hopeless romantic I gravitated to all romance stories either contemporary or historical. I soon realized that finding clean fiction but still written with the passion of love that God created humans for, was hard to find. (Just read Song of Solomon, God was not afraid to express passion without being explicit.)

Given the gift of a writing career later in life one thing was for sure…I wanted to write clean romance, with a Godly message, but realistic romance depicting real passion. My favorite theme was an arranged marriage…so birthed the first book of the Shenandoah Brides that has now morphed into a series of 5 sisters and their 5 love stories. February 4th 2020 is launch day for book two called Amelia’s Heartsong. Every six months, another book in the series will be available.

Where-as book one was set in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, post-civil war, Amelia’s story takes place in the big city of Richmond Virginia where balls, debutants, pomp and circumstance matter. Though Amelia has aristocratic roots, she has been raised a farmer’s daughter and has much to learn about the ways of this much different and often unkind world.

However, Amelia is not easily dissuaded, especially when the handsome Bryon Preston comes calling. Born to please with a genteel personality and quick mind she throws herself into this new life, far from the corn fields of the Shenandoah Valley and a recent heart break. Finding love with the goal of being a mother and wife consume her days until…heart break finds her once again. Seems there are those who cannot abide the notion that not all are born into privilege. They demand those lines are clearly drawn and absolute.

Amelia surprises everyone including herself when she finds that she is far more capable than she gave herself credit for. Nursing becomes her new trusty love, one that will not let her down. Will Bryon and Amelia ever find their way back together?

Although this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, if you read book one and wondered what happened to the handsome Colby, there is a surprise awaiting you.

Writing historical fiction is my new passion. At the ripe old age of 58, I finally know what I was born to do.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the read as much as I enjoyed the write. I love to hear from my readers. Contact me at http://blossomturner.com

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 4

Artistic Nobody, February 5 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, February 6

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 7

Splashes of Joy, February 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 8

Texas Book-aholic, February 9

For Him and My Family, February 10

deb’s Book Review, February 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 12

Simple Harvest Reads, February 13 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

CarpeDiem, February 14

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, February 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Blossom is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/1068e/amelia-s-heartsong-celebration-tour-giveaway

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