Takeover Thursday: "A Thousand Sleepless Nights" by Teri Harman (SLB Blog Tour)

Is love stronger than grief?

After the death of her Aunt Jetty, the woman who raised her, Matilda White packs a single suitcase, leaving behind her home, her small town in Kansas, and the man she's supposed to marry.

Henry Craig is a writer--if only he could find the right words. While sitting at a worn table in a Detroit library he sees a new librarian, Matilda, and suddenly the world erupts with words.

Six years later, Matilda and Henry load their young daughter Lucy, two antique typewriters, and a box of Henry's love letters into the car and head off to a new life. But one snowstorm and a slippery road take it all away. In that black moment of tragedy Matilda turns to Henry and says, "I wish I'd never met you."

The world goes dark.

Matilda wakes up in Jetty's dilapidated house with no memory of the last six years. Beside her on the bed, a book and an antique typewriter.

Henry wakes up in his familiar spot in the library, a book and old typewriter squatting on the table beside him. He can't remember the last six years.

Can words on a typed page, sent from one typewriter to another, push aside tar-thick pain and resurrect love?

Goodreads / Amazon

About Teri...

Teri Harman has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. She's the author of three previous books: Blood Moon, Black Moon, and Storm Moon. She also writes about books for ksl.com and contributed regular book segments to "Studio 5 with Brooke Walker," Utah's number one lifestyle show. She lives in Utah with her husband and three children. Visit her at teriharman.com.

Facebook / Instagram / Website

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Giveaway is subject to policies.

Tour schedule...

May 28 - Christian Bookaholic / cherylbbookblog

May 29 - Blooming with Books / Heidi Reads

May 30 - Reading is My SuperPower / Reading, Writing, and Stitch-Metic

May 31 - Singing Librarian Books / Edits and Reviews by Leslie / Fiction Aficionado

June 1 -   Paulette's Papers / Pause for Tales

June 2 -   Radiant Light / Why Not Because I Said So

Tuesday Tip: Complement or Compliment?

Complement means that something goes well with something else or is a complete amount. A good way to remember this is that complement and complete both have E's. For example:

• Ice cream complements cake.
• The team had its full complement of players.

Compliment is a word of praise. If something is complimentary, it is free. For instance:

• It it nice to receive a compliment.
• The bank gave out complimentary pens to people opening a new account.

"Loving Grace" by April Smith Blitz Tour!

Welcome to the Loving Grace blog blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Loving Grace  
Author: April Smith  
Publisher: Ambassador International  
Release Date: March 20, 2018  
Genre: Christian Fiction, Young Adult Romance

Grace Summer lands herself in a melon load of trouble when she becomes torn between the boy of her dreams and the boy almost next door.

As the newly crowned Watermelon Queen, she is thrust into the spotlight, meets the dreamy Warren Hartley, and continues trying to get over an accident that rocked her world. Mix in working with Beau Baron who Grace happens to fight with just about as much as breathing and the metaphorical sparks fly.

Like most things in life, Grace must learn to take the good with the bad. While the good is the handsome and fun Warren Hartley, the bad is Beau Baron—or at least being around his annoying and rude self way more than she would like. For Beau, Grace is nothing more than aggravating and an irritating reminder from the night of the accident.

Tensions soar as Grace and Beau fight to love themselves and maybe, just maybe, each other.

PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | CBD

EXCERPT

One of the really nice things about the office is that it’s an old farmhouse. Mrs. Baron stocks it with just about everything because, like all southern girls, she likes to be prepared.

Warmed from the shower and in sweats, I drink my tea. Bennett sits at the table with me, while Mrs. Baron hums in the background. She’s throwing something together for us to eat while we wait out the storm.

“Well, Watermelon Queen, was your first day all you expected it to be?” Bennett asks.

“Let’s just say it was more than I planned for,” I dryly reply.

Bennett laughs.

“This is going to be a fun year. I’ve always wanted a little sister, and now I have one,” he says.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

April Smith grew up spending summers working on her best friend’s family watermelon farm and she was one of those watermelon queens she writes about. She has her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching.  

CONNECT WITH APRIL: website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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GIVEAWAY

Ambassador International is giving away:  

Grand Prize: (1) print copy of Loving Grace (US Only)  
PLUS 4 more winners will receive an ebook copy of Loving Grace (open internationally, except where prohibited by law)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 26, 2018 and last through 11:59pm June 2, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Check out the schedule at JustRead for a full list of stops & more chances to win! 

CLICK HERE

Friday Reads: "Where Hope Begins" by Catherine West ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Catherine has graciously offered to give away a copy (US ONLY) of this new release. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends June 1, 2018. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.) 

How Where Hope Begins Was Born...

Honestly? I didn’t want to write this book.

In fact, I almost pushed the idea aside. Except I could see the story playing out like a movie, which doesn’t usually happen until I have a few chapters written. So I figured I better pay attention. And I began to write.

I believe stories are God-breathed. I ask God to give me the words, to show me the story, and it’s always a collaborative effort. But, as Savannah’s story began to unfold, I had questions. Like, really? Adultery? You really want me to write about this? But even as I questioned, the words flowed. Never have I written a book so quickly and so easily, though I worried about the subject matter. Adultery. The loss of a child. Suicide.

You can see why I didn’t want to write it, can’t you?

I wrestled with this story on a soul-searching level, praying for the sensitivity needed to address such tough issues. As always, God was faithful. Unbeknownst to me, while I was writing, two dear friends were dealing with the unimaginable—learning they were no longer loved, no longer wanted, by the person who had promised to love them forever.

Maybe you know the pain that kind of betrayal brings. As we walked alongside our dear friends on this unexpected journey, I knew our lives would also be forever changed. Sometimes forgiveness seems out of reach, doesn’t it? Impossible. We put up walls of protection. And it becomes harder to believe in happily ever after.

So that’s really how this story came to be. I believe God had a purpose for it, for such a time as this, and I pray it blesses and encourages every person who picks it up. I’m so grateful for the stories we can tell and the freedom we have to tell them.

Synopsis...

Sometimes we’re allowed to glimpse the beauty within the brokenness . . .

Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.

But soon, Savannah is given a challenge that she can’t run away from. Forgiving the unforgiveable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all.

Where Hope Begins is the story of grace in the midst of brokenness, pointing us to the miracles that await when we look beyond our own expectations.

Link to my review on the RTBookreveiws website

(I rated it 4 1/2 stars - TOP PICK! out of 5 stars.)

Amazon purchase link

About Catherine...

Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband have two grown children and one beautiful granddaughter. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew). Her most recent novel, The Memory of You, released March 2017 and Where Hope Begins releases in May 2018. Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com

Where you can find her online...

Website – http://www.catherinejwest.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CatherineJWest

Twitter - https://twitter.com/cathwest

GoodReads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4715219.Catherine_West

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/cathwest/

Google + - https://plus.google.com/u/0/108781711729974539211/posts

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cathwestwrites/

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Catherine-West/e/B004RWZUHK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

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Writing Prompt Wednesday

If you're feeling stuck in your WIP (work in progress) or just want to shake things up a bit, here's something different to try today:

I still remember the day the invasion began.

Happy writing!

Monday Motivation

"You can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page."

— Jodi Picoult

Have a wonderful week!

"Enough of Me" by Priscilla Peters ... and a GIVEAWAY! (JustRead Blitz Tour)

Welcome to the Enough of Me blog blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Enough of Me: Winning the Tug-of-War Between Our Flesh and Our Mission, an 8-Week Bible Study  
Author: Priscilla Peters
Publisher: Ambassador International  
Release Date: May 11, 2018  
Genre: Christian, NonFiction, Bible Study  

I'm living the dream in my fancy-pants world, and I've got the Instagram feed to prove it.  

Who am I kidding? I'm literally holding it together with one more cup of coffee, yesterday's dry shampoo, and a prayer.  

So I finally said enough. Enough of me. I'm bidding farewell to chasing emptiness and exchanging it for more of Jesus.

If we agree with Paul in Acts 20:24 that our lives are worth nothing unless we use them for finishing the work of telling others the Good News - where are we in our quest to get busy for Jesus? In our world of hashtags, hair color, and having it all together, chances are we aren't accomplishing much.  

Enough of Me is an 8-week Bible study for women focused on what God's Word has to say about the tug-of-war between our flesh and our mission. The study explores the barriers that stand between where we are today and where God wants to use us to finish His work.

Do you have a nagging in your heart for more purpose? Are you right smack dab in the middle of a tug-of-war between your flesh and your mission?

 Often we want to live out the purpose and mission God has for us, but we're too distracted, exhausted, and empty. Maybe it's time to say enough to the excuses, anxiety, and interruptions that get in our way. Could it be we're so busy chasing emptiness and playing the people-pleasing game, that we can't find time to live on mission?

It's time to take a deep breath and do some inventory. Let's dig in and see what God's Word has to say about this tug-of-war between our flesh and our mission. Let's figure out ways to quit chasing emptiness and take bold steps of obedience. Let's discover how we can glorify God and steer people to Jesus in our cubicles, at our dinner tables, in our mom-groups, and with people we encounter every day.

What would happen if we said Enough of Me . . . more Jesus.  

PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

EXCERPT

The super bowl of the comparison game is played out on our social media newsfeeds every day. If we’re not careful, the highlight reels of our friends and followers hijack our thoughts and consume us in every possible way.

As I’m writing this, it’s the first official week of summer, and the vacation posts in my Facebook feed have me in a funk. I have friends in Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, the Gulf Coast, and various other fabulous vacay destina­tions. Meanwhile, I’m unloading the car from our staycation an hour south of our home. Tiny umbrella drinks and poolside service were not on the menu. #ArkansasPartyof7

I’m caught up in it all—focusing on how I can make a humble lake house look like an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean through Instagram filters and selfies with just the right angle. I’m chasing likes, comments and shares, instead of chasing a God that’s sitting back waiting for the whistle to blow on this comparison game.

Here’s what I’ve learned about the comparison game:

I will never win.

It’s no fun. Ever.

Even on the off-chance that I do win a round, it feels icky and does not fulfill me.

It’s exhausting, demoralizing, and toxic to my soul.

When I surrender my spot as the MVP of the comparison game, I can breathe. I can finally fulfill my duties on the roster I was meant to play for, in a game focused on eternities.

(from Week One, Day One of Enough of Me Bible Study) 

MY REVIEW

Peters' latest is a relatable, practical eight-week Bible study that would be perfect for individuals or small groups. The author includes a number of personal stories and points that are likely to hit home with many women. Peters combines humor and honesty to reinforce the reminder that we need "enough of me and more of Jesus." She leads the reader in identifying the barriers that could be holding them back from being where God wants them to be. There is so much information provided to think about, and there are numerous activities for self-reflection.

Some of my favorite quotes:

• "We can't accomplish the mission God has for us when we're caught up in our excuses."
• "The need for control produces anxiety, and when you're overcome with anxiety, it's difficult for God to do a work in us and through us."
• "His peace can replace our anxiety even in the most difficult of circumstances."
• "When our prayers are consistent, the voice of God in our life is constant."

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the JustReads Blitz Tour. I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Priscilla Peters is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University with a B.A. in Mass Communications and a Minor in Speech Communication. She has been married to her husband Coby for 10 years, and they have a blended family of six children. Priscilla is the Vice President of Marketing for the largest advertising agency in the transportation industry, and she’s been in the marketing and advertising business for 20 years. She serves as the Assistant Leader for the Real Women Ministry at That.Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. She speaks often, both in her professional career at industry conferences and trade shows, and at women s ministry speaking engagements. When Priscilla isn’t at the office working, speaking at Real Women events, or blogging, she is busy cheering on her Arkansas Razorbacks, chaperoning her daughter at her competitive dance events, and laughing way too loud about pretty much anything and everything.

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR: Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

GIVEAWAY

Ambassador International is giving away:  

Grand Prize: (1) print copy of Enough of Me (US Only)  
PLUS 5 more winners will receive an ebook copy of Enough of Me (open internationally, except where prohibited by law)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 19, 2018 and last through 11:59pm May 26, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

LAUNCH @ JustRead

Book Reviews by Steph 

Remembrancy 

Bookworm Mama 

 Singing Librarian Books  

The Fizzy Pop Collection 

Edits and Reviews by Leslie 

 Maureen's Musings 

By the Book 

Too Read or Not Too Read 

Because I said so - and other adventures in parenting  

robin's nest 

Christian Bookshelf Reviews 

Reading Is My SuperPower

Takeover Thursday with Carolyn Walker ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Carolyn is here to discuss her latest release. She's offered to give away an electronic copy of her book. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends May 24, 2018. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) Here's Carolyn...

About the book...

Immortal Descent is a supernatural thriller about one man’s journey into a dark world of ancient creatures, secret societies, and the origin of immortality. Ethan West hopes for a fresh start in college, after a lifetime of pain and loss. But instead he gets a curse—a rebirth that closely resembles a death sentence. Wielding a rare and powerful, yet unpredictable, ability, Ethan becomes a savior and a danger to his world all at once. Buried throughout history, a hidden lineage of immortal ancients are at war. And Ethan’s ability can put an end to it. The only problem is that power this great always comes with an unspeakable price…

Excerpt...

What if one man’s beginning meant everyone else’s end?

Ethan didn’t realize he was screaming until he felt Rue shaking him. His eyes flew open and he stared up at her face and into those bright silver eyes. For the briefest instant, all his fear melted away when he looked up at her. He remembered the shadowed eyes of the woman from the alleyway. These eyes were so different. Never had he seen eyes as hers before, so intense—so bright, so capturing. He held her gaze, almost afraid to look away. If he looked away, what would he see?

Praise for Immortal Descent...

“So much detail and such complex characters! It’s a multi-layered storyline with plenty of twists and turns that really take you on a journey.” – Cindy Walker

Other fans have called Immortal Descent “amazing” and “completely original,” and say it’s a read that is “absolutely impossible to put down!”

Q & A with Carolyn...

Q: Why did you write Immortal Descent?

A:  Immortal Descent originally came to me as a short story idea about a glimpse into the life of an immortal, witnessed by an ordinary man. But after sitting on the idea for a while, I realized the story deserved so much more. I’d read plenty of stories about immortality, but few addressed the origin of it and why. That’s when I thought this would make a great story, so I began researching it. Add to that: dark factions, secret societies, an underground war, plus magic, and you’ve got the world of Immortal Descent.

Q:  Will this be a standalone novel or a series?

A:  This story took on a life of its own. It’s become an epic tale involving ancient lore, taboo history, and the idea of immortality existing in the real world. I’d written a paranormal thriller novel revolving around a (seemingly ordinary but not) young man named Ethan West and his experiences with the supernatural, but there is SO much more. Because of the scope of Immortal Descent’s universe and the extensive history it pulls from, readers can expect a series of books. We’ll be seeing more of Ethan, learn more about the original immortals known as the Lorns, as well as dig deeper into the stories of the antagonists of this book.

 Q:  This book is at the threshold of New Adult with the protagonist Ethan West being just 20 years old. Was this intentional?

 A:  When the idea came to me as a short story, I was in my early twenties. I was still growing up and the feelings I had during that time in my life were very strong. I always knew I wanted to write a story with a protagonist at that particular age—there isn’t quite a time like it. Just as the teen years are a remarkable time, so is that short span of years thereafter. Ethan suffers from anxiety, struggles with his identity, and has other concerns common for someone his age. He’s turbulent, impetuous, and lost at times, but evolving—all elements that are pivotal to this dark story. 

About Carolyn...

Carolyn M. Walker grew up surrounded by books and has a particular soft spot for fantasy stories and psychological thrillers. With a Bachelors degree in both English Literature and Psychology from Florida State University, Carolyn loves exploring the many sides of the human psyche and building worlds that address some of life’s greatest “what-if” questions. In addition to being a creative writer, Carolyn is also a certified copywriter, copy editor, and marketing consultant.

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/carolynmwalkerwrites/

https://twitter.com/MissWriteWise

Author Website:

https://carolynmwalker.wordpress.com/

Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koGpNlfFqto

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Love Inspired Blog Tour

Feel comforted and at peace when you read these uplifting romances of faith, forgiveness and hope from Love Inspired. There are twelve new books each month: six from Love Inspired for those who love contemporary romance and six from Love Inspired Suspense for those who like some danger with their romance stories.

My review of Primary Suspect by Laura Scott:

Widowed ER nurse Dana Petrie meets Mitch Callahan, a fire investigator, after he’s attacked at t a crime scene. He believes someone is setting him up for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, but Dana believes in his innocence. Unfortunately, that belief has now placed her in danger, too. Is it possible that her former husband’s family could be connected to a string of warehouse fires? And who hates Mitch enough to set him up for murder?

Scott’s latest is the fifth installment of her “Callahan Confidential” series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. The pace is active throughout, and the action stays steady, so it holds the reader’s attention. There is a nice mix of mystery/romance, so the romance doesn’t dominate the story. A few things tie up a bit too quickly, but, overall, this is a nice addition to the series. The cover is a great fit, as well.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

My review of The Wedding Quilt Bride by Marta Perry:

After the death of her husband James, Rebecca Mast returns home to her Amish community with her six-year-old son Elijah, “Lige,” in tow. It doesn’t take long for her childhood friend Daniel King to realize that she’s not the same person she was a few years ago. It’s apparent that something happened to while she was gone, but he’s not quite sure what. Lige is withdrawn, especially around strangers. He wants to help her get settled, along with helping her set up her quilt shop, but Rebecca is independent and wants to do it on her own. Can she come to realize that it’s okay to accept help and trust another man?

It’s easy to connect with the characters in this book where love, faith, healing, and redemption are key themes. It’s the second book in the “Brides of Lost Creek” series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. Perry has a way of adding realism to her stories. Some parts are a bit predictable, but this is still a quick, enjoyable read with a satisfying ending.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

Blog Tour Giveaway:

There is a Blog Tour sweepstakes giveaway, courtesy of the publisher. The prize is a $100 Visa gift card. The link to enter is: https://gleam.io/gLe4I/love-inspired-blog-tour-sweepstakes

Tuesday Tip: Elude or Allude?

While the two words may sound alike, and even come from the same Latin root word, they really are two very different words.

Elude means to avoid capture, such as:

• The criminal ran to elude the police.

*A good way to remember this is that both elude and escape start with the same letter.

Allude means to indirectly refer to something. For example: 

• The patient alluded to some health problems, but he wasn't specific.

365 Trivia Twist Devotions: Fun Facts and Spiritual Truths for Every Day of the Year by B&H Kids

My review...

I couldn’t wait to receive this book. I love devotionals, and this one sounded unlike any I’ve ever read. It contains fun facts and spiritual truths for every day of the year. Each day lists a devotion pertaining to an event for the day. For instance, September 12^th is celebrating the fact that in 1984, Michael Jordan signed a contract to play basketball with the Chicago Bulls. It goes on to outline some highlights from Jordan’s career, then moves on to how we all have dreams and plans for our future. The Bible verse for the message is Psalm 138:8. The other “fun fact” for the day is that it is Video Games Day.

The book is a bit larger than most devotional books, and there are fun illustrations throughout. Even though the book is geared toward children, any trivia lover (including adults) will enjoy this.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from B&H Publishing Group as part of their Blogger program. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"More than These" Blog Blitz ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to the More Than These blog blitz and giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: More Than These
Author: June Kimmel
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: May 11, 2018
Genre: Christian, NonFiction, Women's Issues

More Than These: A Woman's Love for God addresses the question that every woman who desires to walk with God must face. How can a woman love God as she should and keep the rest of her life in its proper place? Innumerable responsibilities fill her life and seek to take control of her time, energy, and focus. In spite of her best intentions, these worthy concerns can slip into a place of prominence in her heart-a place only God deserves. These people and situations that capture her love can quickly become idols when priorities go unchecked.

More Than These: A Woman's Love for God addresses the issue of a woman's love for God. Each chapter considers a different aspect of a woman's life that can become an idol-family, friends, possessions, fears, accomplishments, etc. More Than These: A Woman's Love for God clearly presents biblical truths and personal illustrations to teach why a woman must surrender these areas to the Lord for Him to remain her ultimate love.

Women are searching for the secret to balancing their lives. More Than These: A Woman's Love for God declares that loving God supremely is the answer.

PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

EXCERPT

Total trust leads to total commitment that brings Him glory in everything we do every moment of every day. Complete commitment will change how we wipe runny noses, do the laundry, answer the phone, or carry out our responsibilities at work. God deserves and desires our total unreserved surrender. It is easy to piously say, “Lord, I love you and I’m serving you,” and then continue to control the rest of our lives without a thought to include Him. Struggles come when we let people, things, or responsibilities take our focus off of God. No matter what the distraction, keeping Him first is essential. Many times pride overtakes our heart as we compare our spirituality with that of someone else.

Anything we love more than God is an idol that must be dethroned. This superlative love requires a daily surrender to the Lord for Him to remove the idols from our hearts.

 (from pg. 28-29 of More Than These by June Kimmel)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

June Kimmel is a pastor’s wife, author, mother of three, and grandmother of seven! She and her husband have been in ministry for over forty years. June’s greatest joy is teaching God’s Word to ladies of all ages and walks of life. She regularly speaks at ladies’ conferences and retreats, educators conferences, and other special events in the United States and internationally. Through their ministry, Training the Nations, June and her husband are training pastors, their wives, and Christian educators around the world.  

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter

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GIVEAWAY

Ambassador International is giving away:  

Grand Prize: (1) print copy of More Than These (US Only)  
PLUS 5 more winners will receive an ebook copy of More Than These (open internationally, except where prohibited by law)

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 12, 2018 and last through 11:59pm May 19, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

LAUNCH @ JustRead

Book Reviews by Steph 

Remembrancy  

Bookworm Mama 

Singing Librarian Books 

All-of-a-Kind Mom  

The Fizzy Pop Collection 

Edits and Reviews by Leslie 

Maureen's Musings 

By the Book 

 Reflections From My Bookshelves 

Reading Is My SuperPower

"Becoming the Talbot Sisters" by Rachel Linden ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Rachel and her publisher have graciously offered to give away a copy (US ONLY) of this new release. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends May 18, 2018. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.) 

The story behind the story...

     I adore Becoming the Talbot Sisters because so much of my real life is threaded into this book! I love to write stories about hope, courage, and connection with a hint of romance and a dash of whimsy, all set in beautiful locations around the world that are meaningful to me.

     The main themes of the story -- infertility, miscarriage, and the exploitation of women are all deeply personal. While living in Budapest we lost our first baby through miscarriage, so I really connected on an emotional level with Waverly's struggle to have a baby. For years I've wanted to write a story about the very common but often unspoken struggle with infertility and miscarriage that so many women endure.

     I also worked with many women in trauma while in Central Europe. Some of them had been trafficked and all had endured sexual trauma of some kind. Hearing their stories gave me authentic insights for the plotline involving Charlie's past trauma and her dilemma about helping these vulnerable women. I always planned to write a story that addressed this issue in a relationally, woman-centered way, and am thrilled to have finally done so!

     I set the story mainly in Central Europe where I lived and worked for five years with a faith-based organization. It's a beautiful, somewhat undiscovered region of the world, rich with history, culture, and delicious food! It was a total delight to allow sisters Waverly and Charlie to experience so much of what I encountered there. My love for the region and the wonderful memories of life there definitely contributed to my desire to write this book!

     The overarching them of the story, women being every day brave, is one I am deeply passionate about. As women, we face so many challenges in life, and I wanted to write a story that encouraged women everywhere to be "every day brave," that is to face each challenge with hope, courage, and strength. This theme of bravery resonates strongly with me, and I hope it will encourage all readers to be every day brave!

Back cover blurb...

Twin sisters Waverly and Charley Talbot have drifted far apart as they pursue opposite dreams of stardom and service to the poor. On an astonishing journey across Central Europe, they must come together to face their fears, find their courage, and fight for what they love.

Celebrity chef Waverly Ross has built a successful career with her home-entertaining show Simply Perfect. Yet she and her husband, Andrew, have never been able to realize the true desire of Waverly's heart: to become a mother. Meanwhile, Waverly's twin sister, Charlie Talbot, buries her bitter disappointment and shattered idealism beneath a life spent serving others as an international aid worker in Budapest, Hungary.

When the beloved aunt who raised them passes away, Waverly and Charlie come together in their grief after living years on separate continents. Struck by a fierce desire to bridge the distance between them, Charlie offers Waverly and her husband the selfless gift of surrogacy.

But soon the sisters find they are each in danger of losing their jobs, seemingly putting their dreams on hold once again. When Waverly shows up unannounced in Budapest with a plan to rescue Simply Perfect, the sisters embark on adventure across Central Europe that could save them both from occupational hazards. Though the twins haven't had to rely on each other since childhood, an unforeseen dangerous turn in their journey across Europe forces them to stand together to save their careers, the baby, and each other.

Link for my RT Bookreviews Magazine review
(I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.)

Purchase links...

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books a Million

Indiebound

ibooks

About Rachel...

Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures living and traveling in fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her stories. She holds an MA in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College and a BA in Literature from Huntington University, and she studied creative writing at Oxford University during college. Currently, Rachel lives in beautiful Seattle, Washington with her husband and two young children. Rachel enjoys creating stories about hope and courage with a hint of romance and a touch of whimsy

Where you can find Rachel online...

Website:   Rachellinden.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005100049437

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