Wednesday, March 25, 2020

The Blue Cloak Celebration Tour!


About the Book


Book:  The Blue  Cloak
Author: Shannon McNear
Genre:  Christian Historical/Suspense
Release Date: March, 2020

Evil Incarnate Leaves a Trail of Destruction across the Frontier

 Book 5 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

How many will die before peace can return to the frontier? Rachel Taylor lives a rather mundane existence in 1797 at the way station her family runs along the Wilderness Road in Tennessee. She attends her friend Sally Rice’s wedding only to watch the marriage dissolve into horror has the groom, Wiley Harpe, and his cousin Micajah become murderers on the run, who drag their families along. Declaring a “war on all humanity,” the Harpes won’t be stopped, and Ben Langford is on their trail to see if his own cousin was one of their latest victims.

My Thoughts: This is a story that will not be forgotten.  This is book 5 in the True Color Series.  It is almost hard to believe that this novel is based on a true story of two serial killers  Micajah "Big" Harpe and Wiley "Little Harpe" These men wreaked havoc and fear to the people of  Tennessee and Kentucky.   Shannon McNear has done an excellent job bringing the novel the Blue Cloak alive to her readers.  Based on events that happened in 1797 in the early days of Tennessee, we are introduced to a young woman on her wedding day, who had no idea what kind of life she was getting into.  This is a novel that the reader will not want to put down.  It's full of suspense, and not to forget the romance written into the story as well.  There is something for everyone in this novel.   For those who like historical fiction, this is for you as well.   

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Click here for your copy.

About the Author


Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.

More from Shannon

How dark is too dark for a Christian to write?
That was the question I wrestled with when deciding whether or not to take on the story of the Harpes. The histories in Scripture itself aren’t rated G, but writing fiction requires a level of detail and depth of emotion I wasn’t sure would be wise, or helpful, to explore in this case. But as I prayed and sought the counsel of those whose discernment I trust, the answer came back, overwhelmingly …
Is God stronger than the darkness, or not?
Well, of course He is. And nothing in human history has ever escaped His notice, or taken Him by surprise.
So, was there something redeeming to be found in the tale of the Harpes?
For the first few weeks of research, I walked around in a state of shock at the horror of the historical accounts, but details surfaced that helped me shape my fictional characters Rachel and Ben. With Rachel working in her family’s trading post near the wild frontier town of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Ben a lawyer who recently passed the bar, the real-life Hugh Lawson White provided a handy connection point between them. Many other details fell together in ways I had not foreseen when I began developing the story. Sally Rice Harpe, however, rose to the forefront. This was more her story than anyone’s, but realizing I couldn’t properly write the book without using her point of view? That was scary. I knew the moments I’d have to visit, some of them in real-time.
Despite the tragedy, however, I could see an overarching story of spiritual warfare. Felt a growing conviction that prayer must have played a vital role in bringing the Harpes’ reign of terror to an end. So it is my hope that against the backdrop of one of the most chilling episodes of our country’s early history, the hand of God shows clearly, and that yes, the reader finds it redemptive.

Blog Stops

Emily Yager, March 25
Genesis 5020, March 26
Remembrancy, March 26
Among the Reads, March 27
Betti Mace, March 30
Older & Smarter?, March 30
Robin’s Nest, March 31
Stories By Gina, April 1
By The Book, April 2
Artistic Nobody, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Pause for Tales, April 5
Hallie Reads, April 6

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of The Blue Cloak and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! 


I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


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Friday, March 20, 2020

Byrd's Eye View Celebration Tour


About the Book


Book:  Bird’s Eye View
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre:  Fiction / Christian / Historical / Mystery
Release Date: February 18, 2020

If everything looks so perfect, how does she know it’s all wrong?

 Madeline just wanted to learn to develop her own pictures. It seemed an innocent enough pastime until she sees something in the developer’s tray that piques her meddlesome curiosity.
Now she’s on the hunt for clues to spare a man’s life, and she might just land her father in hot political waters while she’s at it.

The fifth book in the Meddlin’ Madeline Series, Byrd’s Eye View sees Madeline back at home in Rockland and determined to stay out of trouble, although that’s not likely to happen, is it?

My Thoughts:  This is a well-written story that will entertain readers.  Even though this is the fifth book in the series, first-time readers will enjoy Madeline and her adventures.  I enjoyed this story and I am sure it will not disappoint readers.  If you love mysteries this is  one to read.

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



Click here for your copy!

About the Author


Chautona Havig lives 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 on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

It’s Like This Book Didn’t Want to Be!
It’s an hour and a half from my mother’s old house in Missouri to the Springfield airport—a perfect distance for plotting out a book. So, when I had to drive back to swap out rental cars, I decided to work on the early 2020 books.  Up first… Madeline #5.
Often when I’m plotting out a new book, the first few minutes are kind of jumbled messes as I consider this plot point or that and get into a work flow, and that day was no exception.  However, by the time I hit the interstate again, I’d done it. Madeline would learn how to develop pictures in this one. The plot would revolve around that new skill.
By the time I hit Noel, I’d really come up with a cool book idea. I was so excited.  You have no idea. Then, as I passed Noel on my way to the hospital in Gravette, Arkansas, I stopped on the side of the road so I cold turn off the voice recorder and start working on another book.
The recorder was off.  All my “brilliant ideas” were gone.
Sometimes, I wish I was a crier. It would have been appropriate right there.  Just sayin’.
Determined to record the ideas all over again before I forgot them, I started the first few things, watching the recorder bars rise and fall with the inflection of my voice. It worked great.
The only problem was I couldn’t remember anything I’d come up with.  Photography. That was it.
That’s when I called my friend and wailed.
Look, it had been a hard couple of weeks, a rough day, and now this. But, complaining about it offered enough catharsis that by the time I went back to Springfield the next week, I was able to record most of it again.  Some of it was actually better.
Little hint:  it usually is the second or third round of ideas.
By the time I’d finished, I knew what happened and what havoc it would cause, but not to whom or why. Enter Clark.
You know, the guy who made me split the first book into two separate books (you can read about that HERE), and the guy who tried to make things get really gruesome in book four (you can read about that HERE—halfway down the pageish—and be assured that I didn’t do it).
So, just as I was getting into Byrd’s Eye View, Clark and I met up at Denny’s to figure out how to make all the elements I had work.
My one issue became another one. Why became totally different from anything I’d considered. Who became a great reason for it to make things tough on Madeline’s father, and a previous thing I’d thought was a bit excessive became more so… and more believable at the same time.  How cool is that?
There was still one problem, though.
I wasn’t done with the book I needed to finish before I could immerse myself in this one.
And this book needed to be done yesterday.
Look, I had actually considered not doing this book until later in the year. For a few minutes, I wished that I had. But Madeline always comes out in February/March and I’d kind of like to keep it that way.  So…
Despite losing my notes, having plotter’s block, having Clark upset everything I’d planned and making it better… again.  It’s here.  And I think it’s my favorite one yet.  Who am I kidding?  Of course it is!

Blog Stops

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of all five paperbacks in the Meddlin’ Madeline Series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! 


I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Welcome to the Shivoo Celebration Tour!


About the Book


Book:  Welcome to the Shivoo
Author: Laura Bartnick
Genre:  Inspiration/Christian Living/Education
Release Date: January 1, 2020

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A CREATIVE, A WRITER, A MEMBER OF THE MAKER COMMUNITY?

In the beginning, God created. Should this matter?

Do you find incredible value in your creativity, that is, a reason for being and doing that you could never imagine giving up? Okay then. This book will inspire you to join a spiritual party like no other.
Perhaps you’ve heard that the impulse to create is a reflection of the Creator’s image in you and His will for you. Your impulse to create is paramount! The chapters in this book will provide you pages of new perspectives for evaluating your craft. It will help you communicate what you experience with others. It will transform your creative future. Motivation. Spiritual Gifts. God’s own blessing.

 My Thoughts:  This is an interactive book for creative people to understand where their gift  comes from or should I saw Who it comes from.  To me, this is an interesting study for the creative types.   It is not to be read all at once; the reader should work their way through this book, digesting each chapter and assignment slowly and carefully.   This book is well thought out and the teachings are wonderful.

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author


Bartnick has been a youth counselor with Youth for Christ, and a worship musician for many years. She is the managing partner of Capture Books, a small but mighty boutique Christian publishing group. She loves creativity and words. She loves to explore the deeper meaning of the things we casually say to one another, the things we write down.  She earned a double degree in Bible and Composition from Montana Bible College and Colorado Christian University and is a truth-seeker and recipient of God’s love.

More from Laura

ARE YOU A WRITER OR PART OF THE MAKER CULTURE?
This beloved book explains why it matters that “In the beginning, God created.”
A reader coined this title, “The Creator’s Manifesto.”
When you need to find the place of belonging as a creative, look no further than the heart of God. He’s the One Who formed you to be creative in talent, and adventurous in the wild unknown.
Welcome to the Shivoo! This party belongs to Someone bigger than you. Because you are created in God’s image and given specific creative gifts and a life of purpose, you are very special to Him.
Many creatives feel that there is a monkey on their backs, and sometimes that nagging feeling includes the doubt that maybe the terrible distraction is God Himself not wanting them to succeed as a writer or artist. Nothing is further from the truth.
This book is a party and a prayer for the creatives in town.
In Welcome to the Shivoo! creativity begins with the priorities of the greatest Creator, and in that sense of wonder, it moves us into a place of gratitude and thanksgiving.  Creativity always begins with a sense of wonder and awe, even a sense of meekness, “Can I do this?  I have to try…”  In Welcome to the Shivoo!, I try to show that God is the center of a creative’s world, and because of His love and goodness, we have a home and a place to belong. Creativity erupts from that place.
From there, the book shows how there is a Biblical theology for being creative and a means to thrive in creativity. It challenges Christians to be authentic, to focus, to communicate, and to transform.  It explains how there is a kingdom language we are charged to learn, as believers, and to use not in a sloppy way, but responsibly. And, it sends us off with an exuberant blessing to go create something and enjoy the process!

Blog Stops

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Laura is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift certificate!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! 


I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Enduring Love Celebration Tour


About the Book


Book:  Enduring Love
Author: Danyelle Scroggins
Genre:  Christian fiction
Release Date: March 16, 2018

No one ever truly realizes the power of their love, until love is tested and they have to endure things unimaginable and sometimes hurtful. And if the truth is declared, no one wants to but…
Sometimes we find ourselves standing in the test of love and this is exactly where Priscilla Marshall finds herself. Married to Steven since she graduated college, together they were the perfect couple. Both making successful business moves, both loved their choices, but one had a secret that could change their lives.

Priscilla, now forced to make a plan to secure her future, finds out that a plan without God involved is not a plan at all because “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

What will God use to make this woman’s plan come full circle with His own, and after the test, will they find that they truly do have an Enduring Love?

My Thoughts:  This is a charming story about love that is tested.  Can love survive the tests of life without God?   It certainly makes it harder and less likely to survive.   When  Priscilla finds herself with some decisions to make about her life and marriage, she finds her answers when her beloved friend turns her back to God.    This book is not long, it is an easy read, full of lessons that we all can glean from.  The characters and the storyline are very believable and easy to relate to.  This is a book that will be hard to put down.

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐


Click here to get your copy!

About the Author


Danyelle is the Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana. She is a dynamic author of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books. She studied Theology at Louisiana Baptist University, has a Psychology Degree from the University of Phoenix, an Interdisciplinary Degree in Psychology /Biblical Studies, and a Masters in Religious Education from Liberty University. She owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC.

More from Danyelle

I am so elated that you are a part of this awesome Enduring Love blog tour. I’ve always been a love child per se…loving all things romance. When my second grade teacher introduced me to Amelia Bedelia books by Herman Parish, I knew I would write. Then my mom introduced me to romance by Danielle Steels and the bad girl of books—Jackie Collins. Finally, I decided I’d be the Danyelle with the “y” who will write books about love.
Life has been so rewarding as I finally realize that everything I’ve ever faced was simply for my good. The good, bad, and the ugly now find itself woven in the corridors of my books and I’m grateful to be able to share stories with the world of God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and love.
And you know what’s even greater? We don’t have to be perfect to be a part of His family, to receive His love, or to be a recipient of His grace.
He has shown me that I can write about love, problems, situations, and circumstances that we face as humans but also show how we overcome the situations and circumstances we face, by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony.
As you read this book or any of my books, understand that they are in fact a testimony to God’s goodness, grace, mercy, and love towards His people.
Be Blessed, Danyelle Scroggins

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, March 14
Artistic Nobody, March 15 (Author Interview)
A Diva’s Heart, March 18
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 19 (Author Interview)
SusanK. Beatty, Author, March 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Danyelle is giving away the grand prize package of all five (5) of the books from the E Love Series!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!



 received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”



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Saturday, March 7, 2020

Praying Women



Prayer is one of the most powerful, life-changing things we will ever do. Yet we often struggle. It's hard to find the time. It's repetitive. We get distracted and sometimes even bored. And the answers often feel few and far between.

The good news? There is a simple, powerful way to reignite your conversation with God.

In Praying Women, bestselling author Sheila Walsh shares practical helps directly from God's Word, showing you how to

· know what to say when you pray
· understand how to use prayer as a weapon when you are in the midst of a struggle
· pray as joy-filled warriors, not anxious worriers
· let go of the past and stand on God's promises for you now

Prayer changes you and it changes the world. You may have tried before, but if you're ready to start again in your relationship with God, let Sheila Walsh show you how to become a strong praying woman.

 My Thoughts: Prayer is one of the most important weapons that we have against our enemy; not only that it is a beautiful way to communicate our worries, wishes, and thoughts to the Lord.  Sometimes we just don't know what to say, and in her book, Sheila Walsh helps the readers through that process.  Written by a powerful speaker and Bible teacher, Sheila Walshe will guide you through the process of praying.  This is an amazing book for all Christians to read, especially the prayer reminder of when God seems silent.  Readers will enjoy this book, that will be hard to set down.

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Courageous




Christians today face relentless attacks from an ungodly culture, a formidable spiritual adversary, and our own fallen natures. Yet we cannot afford to surrender to these very real enemies. Because if we do, we fail in our mission to share the hope of Christ with the world.

Just as survivalists use strategies to overcome threatening situations, Courageous explains ten biblical strategies for surviving--and thriving--in a world that is hostile to our faith.

If you've felt your faith is under attack, if you're struggling with the temptation to follow the crowd despite biblical teaching to the contrary, or if you're just feeling weary, the ten strategies in Courageous will provide fresh fire and new hope.

 My Thoughts:  Dr. Jeffress has written a wonderful book for Christians to help them stand firm in their faith in such a messy mixed-up world.    He gives the reader 10 very good survival tips to help them succeed; beginning with "Don't Panic".   These tips give a firm foundation for the readers to put their faith.   The author gives the reader the courage to have faith in this day and age and how to stand up for what they believe in.  This is a wonderful read, one that all Christians should take time to read.  This is great to be read alone, or maybe to pick up and read in a group study situation.

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am  disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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