Saturday, December 12, 2020

A Home for Her Daughter Celebration Tour

About the Book

Book: A Home for Her Daughter

Author: Jill Weatherholt

Genre: Inspirational Romance

Release Date: September 1, 2020

Inheriting a house, money and a camp is the fresh start Janie Edmiston has been praying for. But the will stipulates Janie must work with her childhood friend—and crush—Drew Brenner, to get the camp running…or lose it all. The newly divorced mother and the widower aren’t looking for love, but sometimes it takes a child to show two broken hearts the way forward…together.

My Thoughts: This is a compelling story of love and redemption. It's a story about healing. Can two people who hurt find true love? The author has written a wonderful story that draws the reader into the storyline. This will be a novel that the reader will remember for a long time. This is a well written and easy to read novel that most readers will be able to identify with. This was a very insprational read. I will be looking for more from Jill Weatherholt in the future.

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Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired.

Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia.

She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.

She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.

Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

More from Jill

I have a confession. I own a collection of journals. A huge collection. At last count, there were sixty-two beautifully bound books, some with plain covers, others with verses or artistic designs. You could say I’m a hoarder, but I find comfort in knowing I have an unlimited number of blank pages to record my hopes, dreams and prayers. That’s exactly what I did on June 22, 2008. On that day, I wrote the following:

I want to be a writer, not just a writer who keeps a journal or casually writes stories. I want to be a published writer. Lately, I’ve become obsessed with reading author’s websites, their bios, how they got started writing and how difficult or easy it was for them to get published. This is what I want to do with my life. This is what I will do. I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. God has put this dream in my heart and now I will pursue this dream.

Fast forward to March 31, 2015. I made a last-minute decision to enter Harlequin Love Inspired Blurb to Book Contest. I submitted a one sentence blurb, along with one page of the first and only book I’d ever written.

On April 13, 2015, I was stunned to learn I had advanced in the contest. I then submitted a synopsis and the first three chapters.

On May 15^th, I was notified I had moved on in the contest. I was required to submit the entire manuscript. At that time, the book was merely a rough draft, so a lot of rewriting was required before my deadline.

On August 17, 2015, I received a call that forever changed my life. While working my day job, my cell phone rang—it was New York calling. An editor from Harlequin had called to offer me a contract on the first book I’d ever written. My first book Second Chance Romance was released on March 1, 2017.

Five published books later, I still fill my journals with my dreams and prayers.

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 1

Britt Reads Fiction, December 1

Texas Book-aholic, December 2

Batya’s Bits, December 2

Vicky Sluiter, December 2

She Lives To Read, December 3

Inklings and notions, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 4

Labor Not in Vain, December 4

deb’s Book Review, December 5

lakesidelivingsite, December 5

Pause for Tales, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6

Reviewingbooksplusmore, December 6

Older & Smarter?, December 7

Remembrancy, December 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 8

Artistic Nobody, December 8 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Hallie Reads, December 8

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 9

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 9

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 10

Captive Dreams Window, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 11

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 11

Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Splashes of Joy, December 12

Godly Book Reviews, December 12

Through the Fire Blogs, December 13

EmpowerMoms, December 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jill 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 Here to Enter!

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.”

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Snuffed Out

About the Book

Book: Brought to Book

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Christian cozy mystery

Release Date: July 24, 2020

Picnics can be murder… scenes.

What was supposed to be a romantic picnic at “their spot” turns criminal when Katrina and Todd stumble—almost literally—over a body.

What’s the college chef doing under a bush up in the mountains? Other than being dead, that is.

Who killed him? Why?

All clues point to people who Katrina is certain didn’t do it. Especially the one who ends up dead himself.

Uh, oh.

Thanks to a slow-burning romantic relationship that can’t seem to get past chapter one, and a determination to save her friend from false arrest, Katrina joins Todd again as they riddle out bizarre clues, weed through unlikely suspects, and learn to communicate on a more personal level.

What do you get when you combine literary humor, sweet romance, and a practical helping of faith? A cozy mystery that’ll keep you guessing. Barbara Cornthwaite’s second Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.

Snag Snuffed Out today.

My Thoughts: In book two of the Wilkester series, we join Todd and Katrina for another mystery plaguing the college. Barbara Cornthwaite has done an excellent job bringing us back to Wilkester to join in the search to solve the mystery of the murder. It's a murder mystery that is enveloped around the budding romance of Todd and Katrina. The reader will enjoy all the characters from the first book: Brought to Book: Brought to Book Review. It's a warm cozy story of friends who care about each other, living life as God intended. It's a book about love and being selfless. I enjoyed that the author did put in some Bible teachings, and kept the characters grounded in their faith. I will certainly be looking forward to more from Barbara Cornthwaite.

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Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

Teaser for Snuffed Out

Todd closed the folder with the Franklin case paperwork in it and laid it on top of the stack of folders waiting to be filed. He almost reached for the Delaney case notes again but resisted the impulse. There was no new information in there, and he’d gone over everything a dozen times in the last few days. He had promised Katrina he wouldn’t give up, but without any new leads to pursue, there wasn’t much he could do.

He shook his head, impatient with himself. He’d been doing so well at putting her out of his mind—hadn’t thought of her all day until this moment. Now he’d probably be struggling for the rest of the day.

John Ortega poked his head into Todd’s office.

“Hey, we just got a call from the librarian at Wilkester College about the theft of a manuscript. The chief said either one of us could go, but I thought you might like to take it.”

“Why?”

“Oh, come on,” said John. “You think I’m blind and deaf?”

“It’s no use. Nothing’s going to happen between Dr. Peters and me.”

John leaned up against the door frame and grinned at him. “’Dr. Peters,’ huh? She was ‘Katrina’ for weeks.”

“Well, that was before. Now that I know a relationship isn’t possible, I need to keep my distance.”

“She turned you down?”

“I didn’t ask, but trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”

“Hmm,” John said. “You don’t usually give up on things so easily. Well, do you mind handling this anyway? I’ve got that other robbery case to deal with, and I’m supposed to be interviewing that guy from Tacoma in a couple hours.” Todd hesitated and John added, “She’s an adjunct professor, right? She’s probably not even on campus now, and she certainly won’t be in the library.”

“Oh, okay.” Todd sighed. He pushed back his chair and stood up.

“’Attaboy. Thanks for taking the call.” John turned to go and then looked back. “It will get easier, you know.”

“I know.” As long as I don’t see her again.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

Nancy E Wood, November 29

The Avid Reader, November 30

Genesis 5020, November 30

For the Love of Literature, November 30

Sodbusterliving, December 1

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

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 2

deb’s Book Review, December 2

Remembrancy, December 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 3

Splashes of Joy, December 3

Inklings and notions, December 4

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 4

For Him and My Family, December 5

Blogging With Carol, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6

Emily Yager, December 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 7

Lis Loves Reading, December 7

Labor Not in Vain, December 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 8

Mary Hake, December 8

She Lives to Read, December 9

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 10

Godly Book Reviews, December 10

SusanLovesBooks, December 10

Daysong Reflections, December 11

Bizwings Blog, December 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card

and a paperback of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

Click Here to Enter!

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

52 Weeks of Gratitude A One Year Journal

Infuse spirituality and thankfulness into your daily life with this beautiful gratitude journal that offers a simple way to lower stress and improve happiness.

Scripture says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” But we could all use a little help actually making room for gratitude among our everyday busyness and concerns. 52 Weeks of Gratitude offers you a space to record and reflect on your blessings each week as you focus through the year on four major themes: Home, Community, Faith, and Beauty.

With its lovely full-color photographs and illustrations, this textured hardcover book is a perfect keepsake. The weekly format offers just the right amount of encouragement to inspire, motivate, and create a grateful heart in all who write in its pages.

My Thoughts: Publishers Ink and Willow have come up with a beautiful journal to help us reflect our gratitude. It's a 52-week devotional where the reader can write down their thoughts as they go through their devotional time every day. This journal is beautiful. This would make a lovely gift for any woman. It is printed on high-quality paper and is a hardback book, that will withstand a lot of reading. Don't forget to pick one up for yourself as well.

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Saturday, November 28, 2020

Her Merriweather Hero Celebration Tour

About the Book

Book: Her Merriweather Hero

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 27, 2020

He just wanted a place to rest and recuperate.

She only needed a repairman to help fix up her beach house.

For marine sergeant, Tyler Banner, nothing could be further from the memories of his time in Iraq than the slow, easy pace on Merriweather Island. Taking up a job as a physical trainer serves to keep him in shape while he enjoys a little downtime. Making friends with the local vet—veterinarian, that is—on his morning jog is just a bonus.

When Kendall’s sister tricked her into recruiting Tyler’s help one day, she didn’t fortify herself against a breach to her heart. Making friends with the marine was easy, but helping him overcome the PTSD that holds him captive isn’t. As she picks her way across a minefield of memories and horrors Tyler endured, Kendall begins to hope he could be the man she’s prayed for.

Falling in love wasn’t in Tyler’s orders, but a new deployment to Iraq is. How can he convince Kendall not to go AWOL when she hears? What can he do to convince her that they’ll make it… together?

This “Merriweather book” is the fourth in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

My Thoughts: This was a really enjoyable read. This is a book about letting God lead in our lives, trusting in the Lord to show us what is best. This has to be my favorite book in the Merryweather Island series. We take a look into the lives of a veterinarian, and a military veteran; both have had some hard trials in their lives, but learn to lean on each other. The author tackles the hard topic of PTSD and she did an excellent job of presenting it to the readers. Readers will love the characters in this novel, so take a trip to Merryweather Island and relax, and have a great time!

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Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming, Brides of Pelican Rapids and Independence Island Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

More from Rachel

Her Merriweather Hero has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding stories I have written. Often when I am starting a new book, I immerse myself in the world-building process, which involves a lot of research and notetaking. This time around, I had the amazing opportunity to work with Celebrate Lit and the authors in the Independence Islands Series to map out these beautiful island stories. It has been an exciting journey so far.

This story was inspired by my parents who met through letters while my dad was in the Marine Corps. They both came from different backgrounds, with my mom being from Massachusetts and my dad from a small town in Iowa, but their differences didn’t stop them from falling in love. For Her Merriweather Hero, I used themes of opposites attracting, New England, and the Marine Corps from my parent’s love story.

Kendall is a young veterinarian who moves to the Independence Islands with her sister to start a new mobile clinic. There, she meets Sergeant Tyler Banner who is on medical leave after a tour overseas. She tries to avoid Tyler at first, determined to concentrate on making her business a success, but over time she can’t ignore the handsome military guy who keeps ‘accidently’ crossing her path. It doesn’t help he lives a few doors down from her fixer-upper beach house. Can she continue to try to ignore him or is it true that opposites attract?

This romantic island tale is also inspired by the verses from Hebrews 6:18-19 which describe God as our anchor. The characters feel tossed around by waves of difficulties at certain parts of the story, but He is always the anchor who keeps them secured.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 16

Daysong Reflections, November 16

Texas Book-aholic, November 17

lakesidelivingsite, November 17

Inklings and notions, November 18

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 18

Joanne Markey, November 18

For Him and My Family, November 19

Emily Yager, November 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 20

deb’s Book Review, November 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 21

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 21

Artistic Nobody, November 22 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Rebecca Tews, November 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 23

The Cafe Scholar, November 23

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

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 24

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 24

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, November 25

She Lives To Read, November 25

Simple Harvst Reads, November 26 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Livin’ Lit, November 26

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 27

Rebekah Reads, November 27

Connect in Fiction, November 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 28

Life, Love, Writing, November 28

Blossoms and Blessings, November 29

Batya’s Bits, November 29

Godly Book Reviews, November 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card

and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

Click Here to Enter!

Thursday, November 26, 2020

What You Said to Me Celebration Tour

About the Book

Book: What You Said to Me

Author: Olivia Newport

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release Date: November 2020

Book 4 in the Tree of Life Series: A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Faith Journeys on Family Trees

When 15-year-old Tisha Crowder gets caught shoplifting, attorney Nolan Duffy tries to protect her from consequences that could rattle her already troubled life. His daughter, Jillian, feels like she’s the one being punished instead—by having Tisha assigned to work with her on a backlog of genealogy files. Tisha doesn’t seem interested in taking the job seriously, and Jillian’s patience wears thin. Besides, everyone in Canyon Mines knows the Crowder family has experienced generations of brokenness. Then a sliver of hope turns up in long-ago words in plain sight, challenging shrouded assumptions about Tisha’s family. Now Jillian is the one who can walk with Tisha back to 1893 and uncover where everything went wrong in the first place—and save her from the past.

What You Said to Me is the fourth book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.

My Thoughts: Olivia Newport has done it again! She has written another book in the "Tree of Life Series" that is hard to put down. The author takes the reader through history ( genealogy of a family) to show the reader important lessons about how words can hurt or uplift. It's hard being a teenager, but when you come from a dysfunctional family it can make it even harder. I love the characters in this series, and the topics that are covered are all ones that we, the reader can relate to. This book teaches us that we can overcome past history, and come out a winner. This book is part of a series but can be read on its own. I do recommend reading the other 3 books in the series.

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Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak.

More from Olivia

Careful Words

“You didn’t just say that.” Or, “I can’t believe you said that.”

Have you ever said that in retort to someone whose comment offended or wounded? I know I have. But what cuts me even more deeply is when I say to myself, “I can’t believe I just said that.”

The words of a parent at wit’s end, a spouse harboring hurt, a friend saddened by misunderstanding, an employee feeling undercut—they have all been my words. And they came out too fast to swallow back before they did their damage.

I hope I have also had the words of a parent who set aside busyness to listen, a spouse offering loving encouragement, a friend checking in with someone going through a tough patch, a coworker curious to see how I could help rather than compete. Those are the kinds of words I’ve never regretted, never had to repent of, never had to do rebuild from.

I certainly didn’t write What You Said to Me because I think I get it right all the time or even most of the time. Far from it! In our culture of rushing and achieving and—let’s face it, sometimes just getting through the demands of the day—sometimes our words are the last thing we are careful with. Yet they have the longest lasting consequence in our relationships and families—sometimes for generations. The dual-timeline story traces how words that injure became a pattern in one family line until one girl finally fought back to find healing for her future.

My challenge for myself, and all who read What You Said to Me, is to be the person who speaks healing words of hope so that “I can’t believe you said that” becomes “Thank you for saying that.”

If you have a particularly poignant experience of how another’s words impacted you, I’d love to hear from you.

Olivia Newport