Thursday, May 30, 2019

Takeover Thursday with Pam Hillman ... and a GIVEAWAY!




Pam has offered to give away a copy of the book. (Winner's choice of any book in The Natchez Trace Novel series. Print - US ONLY; ebook - international or US) You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends June 6, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) 


Natchez Trace Novel Series Overview
By Pam Hillman

I’m excited to that the third and final book in my Natchez Trace Novel series, The Crossing at Cypress Creek makes its debut June 4, 2019. The thing is, I learned so much about the 1790s during the Natchez Mississippi Territory that I don’t hardly know where to begin.

The Promise of Breeze Hill kicked off the series with my characters on a derelict plantation that needed major repairs after a devastating fire. Indentured servant and hero Connor O’Shea was a master craftsman who loved working with wood and his job was to repair the family home. The plantation owner and his son had dipped their toes into cutting timber to haul along the dangerous Natchez Trace to Natchez for the booming construction, but their sawmill fell into disuse when the son was killed. Our hero Connor resurrected that endeavor, saved the plantation from ruin, and got the girl in the end, which is the ultimate goal, yes?

Hero #2 came along in The Road to Magnolia Glen. Quinn O’Shea was Connor’s brother and he had a background in mining back in Ireland, but he’d also apprenticed as a blacksmith for the mine. Even though Quinn longed to shake the dust of Natchez and familial responsibility off his feet, his loyalty to family and his training was perfect for helping with his brother’s burgeoning logging operation. In the end, he found the hearth and home and adventure he’d been longing for, without having to travel the world. And, yes, he got his girl as well.

And that brings us to The Crossing at Cypress Creek where the two eldest O’Shea brothers have partnered with their friends, the Wainwrights, to clear a path and cut timber in the wilderness between the Natchez Trace and the Mississippi River. It’s an exciting and dangerous venture, with men snaking logs out of the forest, highwaymen plying the primitive roads, and crews battling river pirates, to navigating unwieldy timber rafts down the Mississippi.

Caleb O’Shea, brother number three and our intrepid hero, arrives in the Natchez Territory after criss-crossing the globe as a sailor and a mercenary in the far-off African continent. This prodigal is the perfect brother to have in the fight to come as well as the new challenges of navigating the river with timber rafts. Timber rafting is fascinating, and I can’t wait to share all I learned with you.
My heroine, Alanah Adams, is an herbalist living in the dark forest close to a rough river community called Cypress Creek. Anyway, it’s just all great fun, although I was sad to get to the end of the series. We’ll talk about some of the medicinal plants and herbs that grow in Mississippi and their uses. 

Remember, this whole series is set in the 1790s in a largely unpopulated part of the country. There were no railroads, few passable wagon roads and homesteads and plantations were few and far between. Generally, it took half a day to a full day to get from one place to the other.

While my characters at Breeze Hill, Magnolia Glen, and Cypress Creek are fictional, the rest is pulled directly from the rich and varied Mississippi history that I claim as my own.

Have you read my Natchez Trace Novel series? What fascinates you the most about this time period in south Mississippi?





The story behind the story...

The Crossing at Cypress Creek grew up organically from the series overview. Set in the Natchez District in the 1790s, the series deals with indentured servants, the raw frontier of the South, immigration to the new world, and survival. Caleb is the embodiment of the prodigal son, and herbalist Alanah is loyal and dedicated to her world in the wilderness along the Mississippi River. Much like the herbs, roots, and flowers Alanah harvests to keep her family alive, their story grew organically from the ground up.


Blurb...

Sailing and soldiering around the world has taken Caleb O'Shea far from his native Ireland, so he never imagined that a promise to see a fellow crewman safely home would practically land him on his brother's doorstep. After spending years away from his family, Caleb isn't certain what kind of reception he will receive when he steps foot in Natchez, Mississippi. The one thing he knows for sure is that he won't stay long.

Since her sister was kidnapped by river pirates six months ago, Alanah Adams has taken special care to avoid drawing attention to herself. Those living in the rough-and-tumble settlement of Cypress Creek might even think she's addled. But when she stumbles into Caleb and his friends in Natchez, she appears to be the picture-perfect lady.

Caleb only catches glimpses of the mysterious and beautiful Alanah before she disappears. But a chance encounter with her at his brother's logging camp near Cypress Creek leaves him uncomfortable at the thought of the young woman traversing the dangerous area alone. At a crossroads in his life, Caleb must decide whether he wants to give up the worldly adventures he's been seeing for one closer to home.







About Pam...



CBA Bestselling author Pam Hillman was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. I those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of.

Where you can find her online...

                Pam’s website - http://www.pamhillman.com
Newsletter Signup - http://bit.ly/PamHillmanNEWS
Twitter - @PamHillman https://twitter.com/PamHillman


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Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Tuesday Tip:Specially or Especially?



Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be posting about some common words that can be confusing.


Specially means it's for a specific purpose. 

The dress was made specially for the bride.

Especially means particularly or "above all." 

The boy loves all animals, especially turtles.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

"Here, Now" by Kate Merrick




My review...

I’ve never read anything by Merrick before, but I thought this one sounded interesting. I found Merrick’s writing to be relatable, with real-life examples that will resonate with many readers. This book may cause the reader to reflect on their daily life and determine where they need to disconnect in order to engage more fully in other areas. A key reminder is to focus on the moment versus worrying about missing out on something. The author talks frequently in the book about her belief that readers should get rid of social media, as it pulls us in so many directions instead of giving us peace. This concept could be of interest to some readers, but it may not sit as well with others in today’s society, where so many feel the need to be connected all the time (though that’s exactly why some concepts in this book are important). At times, it felt like the author got a bit off-topic before coming back around, making some parts feel like filler information to reach a certain word count. I do think there are some important takeaways in this book, but I was a bit surprised that it didn’t include any reflection questions or journal prompts.


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






About the author...


Kate Merrick writes, speaks, and helps plant churches. Although she turned away from social media at one time, you can now find out more and follow her blog at http://kmerrick.com/.

Friday, May 24, 2019

"The Medallion" by Cathy Gohlke ... and a GIVEAWAY!


Cathy's publisher has offered to give away a print copy of the book. (US ONLY). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends June 1, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) 

My review...

I love WW2-era stories. I’ve read other books by Gohlke, and she never fails to immerse the reader in the story, so I was excited to read this one, which is inspired by real events. The author has a way of creating characters that connect with the reader, even after the story is finished, and The Medallion is no exception.

Gohlke’s latest follows the stories of Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich, a young married Polish couple during Nazi occupation, and Sophie Kumiega, a British woman whose husband Janek is with the Polish Air Force. While there is a romance angle, it does not overpower the historical details of how lives were impacted and destroyed in Warsaw.

This is an emotional read, with heartbreaking details at times, as it’s hard to even fathom the horrors people endured. I’ve only read a few books about the Polish Jews during the Holocaust, so this book provided a different perspective. I enjoy being educated when I read historical novels, and that was certainly the case with this book. Despite the circumstances the characters faced, Gohlke shows that God is still there, shining a light in the darkness. Courage and unconditional love are woven throughout the story, and the power of prayer and faith in God is inspiring.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to write a review.




About Cathy...


Three-time Christy and two-time Carol and INSPY Award-winning and bestselling author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren.


Where you can find her online...

website:      http://authorcathygohlke.com/
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Wednesday, May 22, 2019

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:

As he took in the view from the twentieth floor, the lights went out all over the city...


Happy writing!

Monday, May 20, 2019

Monday Motivation



"I think all writing is a disease. You can't stop it."
— William Carlos Williams


Have a wonderful week!

Saturday, May 18, 2019

"Final Grains of Sand" by David Harder ... and a GIVEAWAY! (JustRead Tours blog tour)

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Final Grains of Sand by David Harder with JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Final Grains of Sand  
Author: David Harder  
Publisher: Ambassador International  
Release Date: April 23, 2018  
Genre: General Fiction

How well do we truly know people?

When James Kreider receives the devastating news his life is being cut short with cancer, he is immediately filled with shock and disbelief. At 60 years, Jim is too young to die and believes he has a whole life ahead of him. When the reality of his impending demise sinks in, Jim methodically prepares for his final days, including trying to heal old wounds. With a dash of life’s regrets and unfinished business, Jim’s hours are spent pondering the legacy he will leave for his friends and children.

In preparing for the end, Jim selects five individuals to represent his life at the funeral service. This group includes Jim’s boss, his personal physician, a neighbor, the pastor of his church, and a woman whom Jim was involved with in a long-term affair. None of the individuals know each other or why they were chosen. Summoned to the office of Jim’s attorney, the representatives disclose emotions and information few individuals want to hear. Reluctantly, they agree to share every facet of their friend.

Jim’s story not only transforms the five representatives but alters the lives of the funeral guests.

At the heart of Final Grains of Sand,this thought-provoking novel gives readers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the way they see others, as well as how they portray themselves to those around, and to help readers realize the value of one's life is less about the length of time, but rather how we touch other people through our actions and words.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christian Book


Q&A WITH DAVID

Q:   Can you tell me the "story behind the story" for Final Grains of Sand? 
A:  I was speaking with someone, and they described their father who had died recently. As they shared his story, I discovered a lot about a man I never knew, but wish I had met. He accomplished quite a bit in his life and I thought, how unfortunate we don’t really get know some people until they’re gone. This became the genesis for the book. I wanted to convey the message that we really don’t understand a person without sharing all the facets of that individual and unfortunately, we wait until it’s too late. We can make a difference every day with the people we encounter.

Q:    So true! How would you react if you were given the same news James receives?
A:  I actually thought about your question while writing the book. I once had the unique experience of witnessing an Irish wake. For three days, the deceased lie reposed on the dining table while friends, family, and guests sat around singing, toasting, and telling stories about the person who died. If I received the same news as James, I would make every minute count, and I would plan a similar wake (with my ashes of course).

Q:   What do you hope readers takeaway from the story?
A:  Value every relationship, even the obscure, sporadic, casual encounters of daily living. We have a positive or negative impact with the people around us. Second, life is a limited commodity; make your life count for something.

Q:  I love that. Good takeaways. What's something about you that would surprise your readers?
A:  I’ve been married four times. It wasn’t until recently, that I discovered I was married three times to someone with my father’s personality—all in hopes of changing the outcome of the relationship. My current wife is an unexpected gift from heaven because prior to her, I had given up all hope of ever being in a relationship again. While I selected the first three, God appointed Emily for me, and with her, I’ve discovered what unconditional love is.

Q:  That's beautiful. Who are three authors who've inspired you?
A:  John Grisham, James Michener, and Jerry Jenkins – all of these authors tell a great inspiring and engaging story.

Q:  Yes, they do. I have read many books by those authors. What advice do you have for beginning writers? 
A:  Never give up! Always pursue your dream! Make every word count! Most of all, realize writing takes time.

Q:  Great advice! You have a military background (Thank you for your service!). When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
Thank you. I served in the Navy during the Vietnam conflict 1970-1974.

I entered college at age 40, and there the roots of writing began. Growing up, I squeaked by school English with just passing grades. I’m sure most of my high school teachers are turning in their graves knowing I’ve become a published author. I was part of a learning experiment early in my life where they taught speed-reading in primary school. We were tested every year and by time we reached high school graduation, nearly all of the group failed English. The state canceled the program. As a result, I didn’t learn to read until I entered college. Reading was a tortuous experience until someone had me slow down and read aloud. Then I discovered the richness of stories and books. Now, I constantly read multiple books. I received high grades for my written work in college and began writing stories for fun. The feedback fueled my passion for writing and the critiques motivated me to improve.

Q:  What would you be doing if you weren't an author? 
A:  I once thought about being a custom, hands-on lingerie designer, creating one-of-a-kind secret underwear. I don’t believe the market exists, so I would be a pioneer. I’m kidding of course. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an archeologist. I love the outdoors and have the beard. Instead, though, life took a different turn. One of my side passions is watching programs and reading about archeology discoveries around the world.

Ha! You would be a pioneer for sure! Archeology would be interesting, too.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm sure my readers will enjoy getting to know a bit more about you and your book.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

David Harder has been writing for more than twenty-five years. His novels are inspiring stories about individuals who influence their world in unique ways.

David grew up in southern California and served in the US Navy during the Vietnam conflict. He traveled the world for businesses with cutting-edge technologies in computer and data-storage. As part of his career, he wrote for trade journals and created marketing materials within the computer industry. A graduate of San Jose College with a degree in business, he also studied at Santa Clara University towards a degree in international business.

After retiring, David focused on two passions: writing and clay art. He uses his wheel and clay during demonstrations in churches to deliver a powerful testimony, visualizing how God shapes our lives for different purposes-no matter how old we are, and even if we seem to be a failure.

David is a graduate of Vineyard Institute in biblical studies and leadership. He resides in the Prescott area of Arizona.  

CONNECT WITH DAVID: Website | Facebook | Twitter


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive 1 print (US only)

AND (1) winner will receive 1 ebook (open internationally except where prohibited by law)  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 14, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm May 21, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks 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


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

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Thursday, May 16, 2019

Takeover Thursday with Tabitha Bouldin ... and a GIVEAWAY!


Tabitha is here to share a bit about her latest release. She has offered to give away an electronic copy of the book. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends May 23, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) 


How the story came to be...

When I wrote book one, Trial by Courage,  I had no idea it would become a series. I wrote THE END and moved on. Halfway through my second manuscript, I had a hero with no name and no backstory. I’m a pantser, which means I sit down and write without an outline. Out of the blue, it hit me, this was meant to be a return to Trial by Courage, picking up two years after Trial by Courage ended. Only, instead of following Cheyenne and Willie, Trial by Faith focuses on Cheyenne’s brother, Kane. Trial by Faith is a story about family. The goal was to showcase a family’s love and their willingness to sacrifice for one another.


Excerpt...

The interior of the SUV was charged with electricity as Faith felt his disapproval. There was no excuse for her actions.
She knew it.
What she’d attempted to do was crazy. Faith understood that now, but in the fury of the moment, she had felt the desire to attempt the impossible. Refusing to allow herself to be defensive, Faith turned to face him. Finally able to get a decent look at him, she realized she liked what she saw. There was a shiver of shock at the feeling.
The military cut and clean-shaven face suited his strong jawline and crooked nose. She’d bet a month’s salary that nose had been broken more than once.
Lines of tension left his eyes looking tight. He looked angry. Faith had the feeling that not many things had made this man smile. She was unable to see the color of his eyes in the dim light.
His large hands wrapped around the steering wheel with a force that immediately reminded Faith of what it felt like to have one of those strong arms wrapped around her. Even through the rush of adrenaline, Faith had recognized the strength he possessed.
Faith took a deep breath and apologized, “I’m sorry.”
The lines cleared between his eyes, a brief flash of surprise taking the place of the anger.
“What were you trying to do?” he asked with a quick look over at her.
She looked longingly at the mountain and sighed. “I need to get home,” she said in lieu of an answer.
He shook his head. Exasperation colored the tone of his voice. “What could possibly be so important that you would try to climb a tree across a raging river?”
Faith turned back to face him, her shoulders shrugging automatically. “My kids. I need to be with them.” 


About Tabitha...




Tabitha was born, raised, and still lives in the same small town in middle Tennessee. A member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she has been writing for nearly five years but only recently began publishing her work. She is in her last year of college before obtaining her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. Her books are meant to encourage others through the trials of life. While the stories are fiction, they come from situations that many of us face.

Where you can find her online...


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Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Tuesday Tip: Stationary or Stationery?



Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be posting about some common words that can be confusing.


Stationary means unmoving

The traffic was stationary due to the accident.

Stationery is a word for office supplies or writing materials. 

The bride discovered that blank invitations were less expensive than those found at a fancy stationery store. 

Sunday, May 12, 2019

"She Dreams" by Tiffany Bluhm (Read with Audra blog tour) ... and a GIVEAWAY!



Say yes to the dreams God has planted in your heart.

Every woman was born to dream--to live a life of beauty, passion, adventure, and purpose. No matter how big or how small they are, our dreams push us to become women of courage, grace, and grit. God in His goodness breathes new dreams within our hearts and revives the dreams that have died, inviting us to trust Him as we dream impossible dreams that only He can bring to pass—because God not only gives dreams; He fulfills them.

In this six-we study we will look at Moses' journey to live out the God-sized dream given to him, exposing the ancient wisdom and truth God offers for every woman with a dream beating in her heart. With timely truth and encouraging accounts of God's heart and hand in the life of Moses as well is in the lives of ordinary women, author Tiffany Bluhm will dare you to dream the impossible dreams the Lord is stirring in your heart, reclaim and broken dreams, and trust God for the victory. Throughout the study will identify:


  • The role of prayer as you grow into your dreams.
  • The importance of obedience as you pursue what God has for you.
  • Why your dreams are a blessing not only to you but also to others.
  • How your failures can be a gift that help your dreams become a reality.
  • The life-changing love, power, and wisdom of the Dream Giver.
Get ready to discover the role you are designed and destined to play as you partner with God for the impossible!

In addition to the book, there is a a Bible study guide with leader helps and DVD available.





My review...

If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration to follow your dreams, then this book is for you!

Bluhm shares her personal stories, including her dreams and fears, and mixes in some Scripture verses and biblical stories to illustrate her points. In doing so, the author has made this book quite relatable to most, if not all, women, as so many put their dreams aside to take on other roles and help those around them reach their goals. Bluhm reminds the reader not to give up on their God-given dreams but to keep the faith and press forward. An associated study guide and DVD are also available.

Some of my favorite quotes are:

·        “Our messy moments aren’t the defining line of our story. They are merely twists in the narrative.”
·        “As we dream God-sized dreams, let’s refuse to be boxed in by labels or cultural norms that do not encourage us to be who God created us to be.”
·        “Knowing your why is critical to the life of your dreams, because without it you may be tempted to give up or give in when the going gets tough.”
·        “…trust that the Lord is still at work in the midst of the changes. Because He is.”
·        “As we pursue our God-sized dreams, it is imperative that we fight the urge to compare our beginning or middle with someone else’s later chapter in the story.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the Read with Audra blogger program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.




About Tiffany...


Tiffany Bluhm, author of the She Dreams hey book and Bible study, is a speaker and writer who is passionate about helping women come to know their value and purpose because of a loving, redeeming God. In the style that speaks to women right where they are, she shares insights from a life spent chasing after Jesus while walking alongside women from suburbia to the inner-city, jails and brothels, and the slums of Kolkata. She speaks regularly at conferences and events and writes for a number of websites, print publications, and popular blogs, including the YouVersion Bible app, Deeply Rooted Magazine, and ScaryMommy.com. She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and two sons and blogs at TiffanyBluhm.com.

Learn more at www.SheDreamsBook.com

Where you can find her on social media...

Facebook (@TiffanyABluhm)
Twitter (@TiffanyABluhm)


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Friday, May 10, 2019

Friday Reads: Upcoming Releases ... and a GIVEAWAY!


A reviewer's life is never without books ... thankfully 😊 I love introducing readers to new (or new-to-them) authors, so, I thought I'd do something a bit different for today's #FridayReads post. I'm going to share some of the books in my TBR pile (and, hopefully, help you add to your pile!)

At the end of this post, be sure to enter for your chance to win one of TWO copies of Whose Waves These Are by Amanda Dykes. (US ONLY. Two different winners. Contest ends 5/17/19. If you're one of the randomly chosen winners, I'll contact you for your mailing address.)



My TBR pile (which includes print and Kindle books) is generally overflowing. That's something that makes my reader heart very happy 🌝 I enjoy reading a variety of genres, and my TBR pile reflects that. Here are a few upcoming releases I'm excited about, in no particular order...


 Amazon purchase link

Welcome to the string, a game of impossible decisions and deadly consequences. Let's go over the ground rules.

Rule #1: Participation is mandatory.
Rule #2: If anyone refuses to play, all threats will come to pass.
Game on.

Get ready for a deadly social experiment as a sociopath known as The Conductor delivers disturbing threats and twisted moral dilemmas to unsuspecting students and staff.

As a powerful instinct for self-preservation sweeps through the campus, one man has a grave decision to make. Will university copy Markus Haas play the game to protect those he loves? Or will he break the string and incite massive chaos—and even death?

In the great suspense tradition of Ted Dekker and Steven James, Caleb Breakey's explosive debut novel will have you turning pages into the night.





In the midst of the Great War, Margot spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But after a sudden loss, her world is turned upside down. Drake returns wounded from the field, followed by a destructive enemy. Immediately smitten with Margot, how can Drake convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life's answers lie in the heart?





Between the years of 1869 to 1939 more than 100,000 poor British children were sent across the ocean to Canada with the promise of a better life. Those who took them in to word as farm laborers or household servants were told they were orphans—but was that the truth?

After the tragic loss of their father, the McAlister family is living at the edge of the poorhouse in London in 1908, leaving their mother to scrape by for her three younger children, while oldest daughter, Laura, works on a large estate more than an hour away. When Edna McAlister falls gravely ill and is hospitalized, twins Katie and Garth and eight-year-old Grace are forced into an orphans' home before Laura is notified about her family's unfortunate turn of events in London. With hundreds of British children sent on ships to Canada, whether truly orphans or not, Laura knows she must act quickly. But finding her siblings and taking care of her family may cost her everything.

Andrew Fraser, a wealthy young British lawyer and heir to the estate where Laura is in service, discovers that this common practice of finding new homes for penniless children might not be all that it seems. Together Laura and Andrew form an unlikely partnership. Will they arrive in time? Will their friendship blossom into something more?

Inspired by true events, this moving novel follows Laura as she seeks to reunite her family and her siblings who, in their darkest hours, must cling to the words from Isaiah: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God."





Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave their town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy, meet an aspiring athlete who's pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a newfound friend, John becomes the least likely coach helping the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.





When a damaged young woman is given a chance to reclaim her life in a small South Carolina town, she must reckon with the dark secrets she left behind in order to accept the love she deserves.

On the run from a violent past, Leah Allen arrived in tiny Rivertown, South Carolina, battered and broken, but ready to reinvent herself. By a stroke of fate, Leah is drawn to the Southern hospitality of a small cafe, looking for a warm meal but finding so much more. Lulu, the owner, offers her a job, a place to stay, and a new lease on life. Through Lulu's tenacious warmth and generosity, Leah quickly finds herself embraced by the quaint community as she tries to put herself back together. Given she's accustomed to cruelty, the kindness is overwhelming.

Soon Leah meets Crowley Mason, the most eligible bachelor in town. A lawyer and friend of Lulu's, Crowley is wary of Leah's sudden, mysterious arrival. Despite his reserve, something sparks between them that can't be denied. But after all she's been through, can Leah allow herself to truly love and be loved, especially when her first urge is to run?

Exploring the resiliency of both the heart and the spirit, Lulu's Cafe gorgeously illustrates how old scars can finally heal no matter how deep they seem.







Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London's east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares. 

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within--and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.




The secrets of those closest to us can be the most dangerous of all.

Months after her husband, Sean, is killed by a hit-and-run driver, physicist Georgie Brennan discovers he lied to her about where he had been going that day. A cryptic notebook, a missing computer, and strange noises under her house soon have her questioning everything she thought she knew.

With her job hanging by a thread, her son struggling to cope with his father's death, and her four-star general father up for confirmation as the next Secretary of Defense, Georgie quickly finds herself tangled in a political intrigue that has no clear agenda and dozens of likely villains. Only one thing is clear: someone wants her dead too.

The more she digs for the truth, the fewer people she can trust.

Not her friends.

Not her friends.

Not her parents. 





Sometimes a shattered dream leads to an amazing journey.

At twenty-six, apprentice baker Mia West has her entire life planned out: a Craftsman cottage in Seattle, a job baking at The Butter Emporium, and her first love, her boyfriend Ethan, by her side. But when Ethan declares he "needs some space," Mia's carefully planned future crumbles.

Feeling adrift, Mia joins her vivacious housemate Rosie on a humanitarian trip around the world funded by a reclusive billionaire. Along with a famous grunge rock star, a Rwandan immigrant, and an unsettlingly attractive Hawaiian urban farmer named Kai, Mia and Rosie embark on the adventure of a lifetime. 

From the slums of Mumbai to a Hungarian border camp during the refugee crisis, Mia's heart is challenged and changed in astonishing ways--ways she never could have imagined. As she grapples with how to make a difference in a complicated world, Mia realizes she must choose between the life she thought she wanted and the life unfolding before her.

In a romantic adventure across the globe, The Enlightenment of Bees beautifully explores what it means to find the sweet spot in life where our greatest passions meet the world's great need.






A young woman arrives at the grand ancestral home of her husband's family, hoping to fortify her cracking marriage. But what she finds is not what she expected: tragedy haunts the hallways,whispering of heartache and a past she never knew existed.

Inspired by the true titans of the steel-boom era, Bethlehem is a story of temptation and regret, a story of secrets and the cost of keeping them, a story of forgiveness. It is the story of two complex
 women--thrown together in the name of family--who, in coming to understand each other, come finally to understand themselves.







Cassie Kendrick is on the run. Her abusive father arranged her marriage to a despicable man, but she's discovered an escape. Disguised as a man, Cassie enlists in the Union army, taking the name Thomas Turner. On the battlefields of the Civil War, keeping her identity a secret is only the beginning of her problems, especially after she meets Gabriel Avery, a handsome young photographer.

Anxious to make his mark on the world and to erase the darkness and guilt lurking from his past, Gabriel works with renowned photographer Matthew Brady to capture images from the front lines of the war. As Gabriel forges friendships with many of the men he encounters, he wonders what the courageous, unpredictable Thomas Turner is hiding.

Battling betrayal, their own personal demons, and a country torn apart by war, Cassie and Gabriel learn to forgive themselves and trust their futures to the God who births hope and healing in the darkest places?







When her father buys an island off the coast of Maine with the hope of breathing new life into it, Camden Grayson thinks he's lost his mind. An unexpected event sends Cam this rescue, and she discovers the island has its own way of thinking… and loving.






From award-winning author Carrie Stewart Parks comes a new novel with danger that reaches from a New Mexico Anasazi archaeological dig to micro- and nano-chip technology.

Stolen art. A New Mexico archaeological dig. An abandoned dog. And a secret that's worth killing for.

Evelyn McTavish's world came crashing down with the suicide of her fiancé. As she struggles to put her life back together and make a living from her art, she receives a call that her dog is about to be destroyed at the pound. Except she doesn't own a dog. But the shelter is adamant that the microchip embedded in the canine with her name and address makes it hers.

Evelyn recognizes the dog as one owned by archaeologist John Coyote because she did a commissioned drawing of the two of them. The simple solution is to return the dog to his owner — but she arrives only to discover John's murdered body.

As Evelyn herself become the target, her path crosses with undercover FBI agent Sawyer Price. But the more he gets to know her, the more personally invested he is in keeping her safe. They're desperate to find the links between these disparate pieces. And the clock is ticking.





What if our truest life is the one right in front of us?

Does life sometimes seem to be passing by? Are you so busy — with email to check, Instagram to scroll through, and friends to be envious of — that you become disconnected from your actual life? You know, the one that you are living right here, right now?

With hilariously relatable confessions and profoundly beautiful insights, Kate Merrick invites us to stop running away from the lives were living today and instead walk in peace and fullness God offers moment to moment. She shows us how to:

  • kill your Wi-Fi, put down the tech, and find deeper contentment,
  • redirect the FOMO so you don't miss out on your own life, and
  • go on a diet of fewer choices to discover the blessings of the quiet, slow, and intentional.
Only when we look honestly at our hearts and have the courage to live truly present do we receive the gifts of God found in all of life's seasons — the painful ones, the big and beautiful ones, and even the ordinary ones.






Josephine Is Forced to Spy for Grave Robbers
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

In Massachusetts in 1824, Josephine Clayton awakes on the table of the doctor she's assisted all these months. She was presumed dead by all and has become the doctor's next corpse for his medical research. Frightened, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. A deal is struck — Josie will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, she will await her true mission — posing as a mourner to help his body snatcher procure the replacement. At the mill though, Josie is praised for her medical remedies among the mill girls, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager Braham Taylor. Yet when Braham's own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.

What price will Josie pay for love when her secrets begin to unravel?







For three years, Penny Ercanbeck as an opening other people's mail. Dead ends are reality for clerks at the Dead Letter Office. Still she dreams of something more — a bit of intrigue, a taste of romance, or at least a touch less loneliness. When a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love falls into her hands, Penny seizes this chance to do something heroic. It becomes her mission to place this loss letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

Thomas left his former life with no intention of ending up in Azure Springs, Iowa. He didn't expect a happy ending after what he had done. All he wanted to do was run and never look back. In a moment of desperation, he began to write, never really expecting a reply.

When Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter and yet she finds herself caring — perhaps too much — for the one who wrote it.





From the critically acclaimed author whom Publishers Weekly has called a "master storyteller" comes a taut new thriller where things are not always as they appear to be.

Thirty years in the future, when AI is so advanced that humans live side by side with cognizant robots called Artificials, Kestrel Hathaway must come to terms not just with what machines know, but what they believe, is hope real for them, or merely an illusion?

Soon after experiencing a personal tragedy, Kestrel witness is a terrorist attack and is drawn into a world of conspiracies and lies that she and Jordan, her Artificial, have to untangle. With a second, more brutal attack looming on the horizon, their best chance of stopping it is teaming up with federal counterterrorism agent Nick Vernon.

But the clock is ticking — and all the while, Jordan is asking questions that Artificials were never meant to ask.

Deftly weaving suspense and intrigue into a rich, resonant tale that explores faith and what it really means to be human, Steven James offers us a glimpse into the future and into our own hearts.

Synapse is an unforgettable, gripping story of dreams shattered, truth revealed, and hope reborn.




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