Stop by to learn about the book, read a Q&A with Tara, and enter to win a print copy of the book (US ONLY).
Showing posts with label #NewRelease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #NewRelease. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
"The Amish Teacher's Dilemma" by Patricia Davids
Stop by my new site to learn about The Amish Teacher's Dilemma by Patricia Davids.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Takeover Tuesday with Carla Laureano
You can learn the about Carla Laureano's latest release, The Solid Grounds Coffee Company, and enter to win a print copy of the book (US ONLY) on my new website/blog. Giveaway ends February 25, 2020.
https://wp.me/pbwWRr-6L
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Takeover Tuesday with Melony Teague ... and a GIVEAWAY!
Melony has agreed to give away an electronic copy of this book to one lucky blog reader (US/Canada ONLY). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends January 28, 2020. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.)
Here's Melony...
I am an avid
reader and a romantic at heart. There’s no one that loves a happy ending more
than me, I confess, I cry happy tears. My husband just shakes his head at me. I
like to read stories that transport me out of my day-to-day life into a world
where I can laugh and be entertained. I love reading because I can set my imagination
free to bring to life to what the words on the page are telling me. These are
the same reasons I write. Every day we read bad news, fake news, weird news,
sad news and if we focus on that, we’ll all be miserable. I wanted to put out a
story full of hope and good news. If I can get the reader to giggle at my
quirky character’s antics, all the better. My “day job” is a freelance writer,
and I get to work on many and interesting projects. These projects satisfy my
inquisitive nature, because as a journalist or interviewer, I get to ask a
bunch of questions. (Really, I’m nosey, so I want to know how people think, and
what motivates them.)
Savannah and
Michael’s story first started with the idea of a 20-year high school
reunion, and what would happen there. Savannah and Michael soon began to tell
me their stories, and I wrote out a synopsis which mostly stayed the same
except that Donavan Radcliffe pushed his way in and demanded attention. I drew
my inspiration from real-life events in the news. From goods news stories.
These
characters are 100% fictional—even though you may relate to them—they are not
real. Gasp! Sometimes they feel so real to me and I need to remind myself that
I don’t have to have a prayer meeting on Savannah’s behalf.
Rest
assured, A Promise to Keep has a
happy ending.
Blurb...
A
Promise. A High School Reunion. And a pact that proves harder to keep.
Research librarian Savannah
Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels
with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband
has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly
punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to
hide behind the décor to do it.
Once a reckless troublemaker,
Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical
rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon
comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah.
Before the night is over, a pact
between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted
emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the
courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and
risk her heart on a real-life hero?
Excerpt from Chapter 1...
It
took about three seconds for him to realize she was running away—from him. How
ironic. He should let her go. He should get on a plane and never look back, but
then, history would repeat itself. He didn’t want that. The time had come to
pursue her, even if it was just down the corridor through his old stomping
grounds.
Michael
followed the squeak of her sneakers as they echoed down the hallway.
“Oof!” There were
sounds of a struggle.
What
in the world?
He
rounded the corner to find the janitor on the ground with his mop and pail,
trying to untangle himself from Savannah. Frothy soapsuds slid down her face,
proof the mop had won this round. The janitor in his blue coveralls, showing a
row of white teeth, enjoyed the attention a bit too much. Michael couldn’t stop
the guffaw that escaped his lips or the chuckle that followed—until she
straightened, her fiery eyes narrowed and her arms folded over her chest. “It’s
not funny, Michael McCann.”
Uh-oh. He swallowed.
Before he could think of what to say, she lunged for the fire-safety exit and
set off the emergency alarm. That was Savannah for you. She still had a knack
for the dramatic, and he loved her for it. Michael shook his head. A flight out
of town was looking more and more appealing. His feet begged to flee to his
rented four-by-four.
BUY LINKS:
About Melony...
Melony Teague is a freelance writer
who believes everyone has a story to tell. As co-author of As the Ink Flows,
she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words. With foamy
lattes in-hand, she writes Contemporary Romance with a dash of humor. Though
she has no hobbies outside of reading, writing, and eating chocolate, she is a
member of ACFW and teaches seniors in her community to write their memoirs. She
confesses with no shame that she has a strong belief that pumpkin pie is an
acceptable breakfast food since it’s mostly vegetables. Melony was born in
South Africa and now lives in Toronto with her husband, their two teenagers,
and two cats who think they’re humans.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
"Penguin & Moose" by Hannah C. Hall
My review...
This is an adorable story about an unusual pair of friends who much work together to reach a goal: teach Penguin to fly.
Penguin is determined to fly, but he needs the help of his good friend Moose, who also provides kindness and support through the trials. Along the way, Penguin learns important lessons about friendship.
This story is likely to be of interest to children of all ages (and even adults). The images, by Anna Chernyshova, are colorful and engaging. The words are simple, making it perfect for young readers. A key Bible verse about friendship is included (Proverbs 17:17, A friend loves at all times.).
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Takeover Thursday with Karin Beery ... and a GIVEAWAY!
Karin has agreed to give away an electronic copy of this book. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends November 7, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.)
Story behind the story...
I love historical
romances—especially marriage-of-convenience stories. I have no desire to write
historical romance, but I wanted to try writing my favorite trope. That
inspired the question:
What would have to happen for two people
in modern-day America to decide to get married for practical reasons instead of
for love?
That actually required a bit of research,
as well as some creativity. The end result? Well …
“It isn't hard to keep turning pages when you
have swoon-worthy characters who find themselves in potentially crushing
circumstances. Unexpected chemistry and fast friendship make this story a
delightful read, and author Karin Beery’s deft words, wisdom, and wit make it a
memorable one.” (Kaley Rhea, co-author
of Turtles in the Road and Messy to Meaningful)
Blurb...
Ashley moves to a new town to
marry her fiancé. Instead, she buries him.
Ashley Johnson moves
to northern Michigan to finally meet her fiancé face-to-face, but she arrives
in time to go to his funeral. With no home back in Ohio, she decides to stay in
what would have been their house, except his cousin Russ lives there too, and Russ
has never heard of Ashley. To complicate matters, her fiancé accidentally willed
her the family farmhouse. Eager to please everyone and desperate to disappoint no
one, she proposes a marriage of convenience that could solve her and Russ’s
problems, if they can get past her aunt, his sisters, and an ex-girlfriend.
Excerpt...
Ashley
wrapped her hands around the white coffee mug. The hot ceramic warmed her
chilled fingers. If only it would warm her heart. She could forgive Tom for the
missed phone calls, possibly even for forgetting to pick her up, but she’d been
in Boyne Heights for two hours and still couldn’t find him. Her patience had
walked out with the last diner patron.
The waitress returned, refilling the mug. “Are you sure I can’t get you
anything? At least let me get you a piece of pie.”
Ashley smiled at the kind woman. Her name tag said Pearl. Judging by the salt-and-pepper
hair and creases around her mouth, Ashley guessed she was her mother’s age,
probably had kids of her own. Maybe grandkids. Taking care of people most
likely came second nature to Pearl. “Thank you, but I’m fine,” Ashley said. “I
won’t be here much longer, I promise."
“Take as long as you need. You look a little worried is all. Are you
waiting for someone?”
“How could you tell?”
Pearl’s laughter rolled through the dining room. “Most strangers pass
through. I make a decent cup of coffee, but no one’s ever stayed two hours to
enjoy it.”
“I’m waiting for my friend. He’ll be along soon. I hope.” Maybe. Ashley
offered another smile, but the waitress didn’t smile back.
“I’ve lived here my whole life and know pretty much everyone. Tell me who
you’re waiting for, and I can probably find him for you.”
“I’d appreciate the help. I was supposed to meet Tom—”
“Tom Russell?” The waitress frowned.
“You know him?” Sweet relief! “Thank goodness. I don’t have his home
address, only his cell number, but he’s not answering. Could you tell me where
I can find him?”
“You stay right there.” Pearl set the coffeepot on the table and pulled
the apron over her head. “Get whatever you want. It’s on the house. Lou! Get
this girl some food!” Pearl leaned over, eye to eye with Ashley. “I’ll be right
back. Don’t go anywhere.”
Ashley didn’t have a clue where she’d go, and she didn’t have time to
ask. Pearl ran down the hall before she could say anything. As soon as the
waitress disappeared, a skinny teenage boy set a giant sandwich in front of
Ashley. “Are you Lou?”
“No, that’s my dad. He said to fill you up. Sorry about Tom.”
“Uh, thanks. I really don’t need all of this food, though.” The kid
shrugged, took the coffeepot, and walked back to the kitchen. Tom had joked
about the solitude of his hometown and the characters who lived there, but he’d
never mentioned how hospitable they were.
Ashley’s stomach growled. She checked her watch. It had been four hours
and eighteen minutes since she found her luggage, rented a car, and finally
made her way to Boyne. Maybe she should eat something.
She made quick work of the sandwich, popping the last bite into her mouth
as Pearl emerged from the back of the restaurant. Behind her walked a tall,
brooding man. Dark hair stuck out from under his ball cap, and dark whiskers
shadowed his face. Like Pearl, he looked at her without smiling. Warning tingles
raced over Ashley’s spine. She kept her eyes on the frowning man who slid into
the booth across from her.
Ashley forced a smile. “Can I help you?”
The man nodded, his brown eyes locked on hers. “Pearl said you’re waiting
for Tom.”
Ashley’s pulse kicked up. “Yes. And you are?”
“Russ. I’m his business partner.”
That’s right. Tom’s cousin. “He’s mentioned you. Can you tell me where to
find him?”
Russ looked up at Pearl, then back at Ashley. Suddenly the booth seemed
too small, too crowded. The stranger across from her didn’t flinch. “I’m sorry,
ma’am, but there was an accident. Tom’s dead.”
About Karin...
Karin Beery grew up
in a rural Michigan town, where she wrote her first novel in high school. Today,
she writes contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not
writing fiction, she’s reading, editing, or teaching it. In her free time, she
enjoys watching University of Michigan football and action-adventure movies
with her husband and fur babies.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Monday, October 28, 2019
"Take the Day Off" by Robert Morris
My review...
When I read the book description, I knew this book was one I had to read. This is such a timely book ... just the reminder I needed to hear at this point in my life. It's very hard for me to "just be" and take time for rest, but Morris pointed out things that made me realize how I need to add this to my schedule ASAP before complete burnout occurs.
Morris's book is helpful and easy to understand. There are some chapters that I will go back over from time to time, whenever I need the reminders. The book changed my perspective on rest. It's quite different than society's misguided perception (for example, that resting - laziness).
The foreword is by Max Lucado, another author who writes books that strike a chord with me. Scripture verses are woven throughout, along with relatable stories.
One quote that really stuck out to me:
"Work is not the enemy. The temptation to not rest is the enemy."
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Friday, July 5, 2019
"The String" by Caleb Breakey ... and a GIVEAWAY!
Caleb's publisher has agreed to give away one print copy of this book (US ONLY). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends July 12, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.)
Q & A with Caleb...
Q: The String is a spine-tingling novel that plunges readers into a sociopath's deadly game. How did you come up with the idea for it?
A: The first books I ever wrote were epic fantasies with big worlds and timelines. Then I asked myself, "What kind of story might take place within a small footprint and forty-eight-hour timeframe?" The next thing I knew, I was feverishly writing notes while riding shotgun in a 4Runner belonging to a university police officer, and a man who called himself the conductor began speaking to me about The Sting.
Q: Why did you choose a university campus for your setting?
A: The story came to me while doing a ride along with an officer at University campus. The details I jotted down that day made the fictional university town of Trenton come to life in my mind.
Q: What type of research was required to accurately write about the sociopath's tendencies?
A: The book The Psychopath Whisper: The Science of Those without Conscience by Kent A. Kiehl as helpful as I tried to navigate the mind of the conductor. You can imagine the looks I received while reading this book in coffee shops.
Q: I bet! Although you have written other books, this is your debut novel. Why did you decide to write a fiction book?
A: Fiction writing has been my blood since the start. My wife and I spent our wedding money on fifty-two books about writing fiction. Then, for years, I spent my days off penning fiction for sixteen hours straight. I just love story, as great stories shed light on the truth of who we are as humans. They teach of us without a lecture, inspire us without a speech, and entertain us without any problems. Show me a writer who can resist such a noble undertaking!
Q: You have been compared to Steven James and Ted Dekker. How do you feel your writing is similar to or different from these authors?
A: Writing styles are like vehicles: a different make, model, and year, but they're all designed to take you on an adventure. Where I hope readers find similarity is in abandonment to story. These incredible writers have a way of making you feel in step with their characters, exploring as they explore, experience as they experience, and transforming as they transform. What an honor it is aspiring to such a legacy of masterful fiction.
Thanks so much, Caleb. I'm sure my readers will enjoy getting to know a bit more about you and The String.
My review...
A sociopath called The Conductor is orchestrating a social
experiment on a college campus. University cop Markus Haas is unwilling looped
in, and he has to decide how far he’ll go to protect those he loves.
It’s hard to believe that this outstanding story is Breakey’s
debut novel! It grabs the reader from the first page and pulls them along for a
thrilling ride. Short chapters fuel the fast pace. It’s interesting to watch all
the pieces connect as the story unfolds. The characters are smart and focused
on the ultimate goal: strangle the conductor with his own string. I was telling
myself, “Just one more chapter,” as I was anxious to discover who was behind
everything. Unexpected twists will have the reader on the edge of their seats, eagerly
anticipating the next book in the series. (I know I am!)
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book
from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
About Caleb...
Caleb Breakey is the CEO of Sermon To Book and Speak It To Book, the premier ghostwriting agencies for faith-filled influencers and thought leaders. He is an ECPA Award finalist and a winner of the prestigious Genesis Contest for fiction writers. Caleb was exploring truth through story and writes in the beautiful Pacific Northwest along with his wife, Brittney, enjoying visits from a mischievous mini husky and a smiley Shibu Inu.
Where you can find him online...
Thursday, June 13, 2019
"The Tinderbox" by Beverly Lewis ... and a GIVEAWAY!
To celebrate the release of Beverly's latest book, her publisher has agreed to give away a print copy of the book (US only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends June 20, 2019). If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and and pass your information along. Good luck!
Q: More than two decades have passed since your first Amish novel, The Shunning, was published, establishing what became an extraordinarily popular new genre of fiction. What have the years since taught you?
A: Creating stories set in Amish country has been such a source of delight! This journey has taught me the importance of meticulous research and shown me just how universal some subjects truly are—love and loss, the need for hope, friendship, faith, and family. My constant prayer as a writer is to lift the spirit and stir the heart. I think this approach allows readers from all walks of life to relate to my Plain characters, however cloistered and unalike they may initially seem.
Q: The Tinderbox is your newest novel. Tell us a bit about it.
A: With her parents’ twentieth anniversary approaching, eighteen-year-old Sylvia Miller finds her father’s cherished brass tinderbox left unlocked. Against her better judgment, she opens the heirloom, not realizing that what she is about to discover will alter everything for her close-knit Old Order Amish family. As a long-kept secret emerges into the light of day, can the Millers find a way forward through the turmoil to a place of forgiveness?
A: At its core, The Tinderbox is a story about a secret that should never have been kept, and the damage done when the truth finally comes out. The importance of honesty and trustworthiness cannot be overstated—they’re foundational to every relationship, and ignoring that can bring a world of hurt to others. Fortunately, God’s grace and forgiveness provide a means of restoration, but it may take time and patience before we see the healing we hope for, and even then, it might not look like what we envisioned. God always has a better plan!
Q. With your fondness for writing, you must have another new project in the works right now. Can you reveal anything about that?
A: The Miller family’s story will continue in The Timepiece, which releases in September 2019. As the only daughter, Sylvia has always held a special place in her Old Order family, one Adeline Pelham jeopardizes when she shows up at the Millers’ Hickory Hollow farm. It isn’t that Adeline means to be a threat, but her very existence is a reminder of the painful secret that has so recently upended the Miller household. And with Sylvia and her mother still struggling to come to terms with that news, this is a challenging time to welcome an outsider—especially this outsider—into their midst. Can God allow something good to come out of the mistakes of the past? Or does Adeline’s arrival mark one too many surprises for the Millers and their Amish community?
Q: Over the many years of your successful writing career, your books have been fixtures on bestseller lists like the New York Times, and to date you have been published in twelve languages. How do you explain the widespread appeal of your fiction?
A: Honestly, only God could have orchestrated all I’ve experienced as a writer. I’m a storyteller at heart, and there are no words to express how touched I am by the opportunity to hear from so many lovely people from around the world. It’s a blessing to have such dedicated reader-friends!
Q: Is there an easy way to keep up-to-date on your current news?
A: There are many great ways for me to stay in touch with my delightful reader-friends! Readers can visit my Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/officialbeverlylewis, or my website, beverlylewis.com, to sign up for my free newsletter. The website also includes book excerpts and trailers, photo galleries, my monthly blog, authentic Amish recipes, and news about upcoming appearances, in particular my Spring 2019 Book Tour, which will take me to library and bookstore events throughout northern Illinois and Wisconsin, April 4 through 11. Touring is always a highlight for me because it gives me an opportunity to meet so many wonderful readers!
My review...
I’ve been a fan of Lewis’s books for years, so I’m always excited
to see she has an upcoming release.
Sylvia Miller decides to peek at her father’s tinderbox’s,
the contents of which her father has kept locked up for years. She had no idea
that doing so would unlock her father’s past and secrets two decades old that
would change her family and her relationship with her father forever.
This book takes the reader through a variety of emotions as
the family and community come to terms with the fact that all they knew to be
true isn’t as it seemed. Yet, through it all, the family’s faith in God and His
promises doesn’t waver. The characters and struggles are realistically drawn.
And the ending provides a cliffhanger that will leave the reader eagerly awaiting
the sequel, The Timepiece, which,
thankfully, comes out in September 2019.
Disclaimer: I received
a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a
positive review.
Amazon purchase link
About Beverly...
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Beverly...
Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, has more than 17 million books in print. Her stories have been published in 11 languages and have regularly appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado, where they enjoy hiking, biking, making music, and spending time with their family You can learn more at http://www.beverlylewis.com/
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
Goodreads - http://bit.ly/PamHillmanGR
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/
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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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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