Tuesday, October 8, 2019

What A Great Read By Tamara Cooper! Make sure that you enter the giveaway!

"The Vacant House"
By Tamara G. Cooper

About the Book:

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: June 3, 2019

She knows she didn’t do it, but everybody thinks she did.

It all begins when best-selling author Sophie O’Brion is the last person to see a murder victim alive. She looks even more guilty when a woman from her church is beaten, and Sophie was seen with her just hours before. Suddenly, people she has known her entire life begin pointing accusing fingers at her.

Marine Master Sergeant Burke Maguire, an old flame who dumped Sophie years ago, has recently been hired as a police officer in Forman Falls, Texas, and is assigned her case. She doesn’t want his help.

As she gets deeper and deeper into trouble, though, she must rely on him, but trusting him is another matter.

Will they be able to work together, maneuver dangerous twists and turns, and finally clear her name?

A clean romantic suspense novel that grips you from the very beginning and won’t let you go! The Vacant House is an unforgettable adventure. Read it today, if you have plans to stay up all night.

Click here for your copy.

My Thoughts:

As this author is new to me, I was not sure what to expect when I picked up my book. As always, I stressed, will I be able to write a positive review or not! I have to say that after reading one chapter, I knew I was in for an enjoyable ride, although somewhat rocky, travelling alongside Sophie, the main character.

The action and mystery commenced immediately, with unexplained murders, break ins and missing animals. All fingers are pointed at Sophie! Why?! She doesn't seem to know! As a mystery writer herself, Sophie is completely puzzled as to why anyone would accuse her of such crimes. My attention was grabbed and I was drawn in by these somewhat humorous accusations. Sophie was so realistically and well described that I was immediately drawn into her life filled with ups and lots of downs, as well as funny situations! The police officer who was investigating just happened to be a former flame adding complications to the investigation of the crimes.

The plot teasers kept me glued to the page as the author creatively used humor to enhance the mystery! What a great talent Tamara Cooper has! The many twists and turns kept me glued to the page. It was a difficult task to put this book down!! Every page was packed full of humor and action. I would be giggling and then in the same breath be shocked and completely blown away by the next surprise event.

I must admit that the style of writing was unusual to me, however, this book was one that I highly recommend. It just proves that when we spread our wings and read new authors, it can result in a positive experience. I now am eagerly awaiting Tamara's next creation!

This book was a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

About the Author

Tamara G. Cooper lives in Texas with her husband, three sons, five dogs, and loves writing mysteries with a touch of romance.

More from Tamara

Book 1 of Sophie O’Brion Mysteries introduces us to Sophie O’Brion, a quirky, funny, and reclusive mystery writer who lives in a small town in East Texas. Because Sophie looks at life through a lens of humor, funny moments appear often. There are frightening moments, too, in her quest to clear her name from pointing fingers accusing her of murder and attempted murder. Sophie is vulnerable, yet strong; reclusive, yet kind; funny, yet serious. And she is determined! It doesn’t help that added to all this is the return of her high school sweetheart who dumped her 12 years before to join the Marines. As a new police officer, Burke is assigned her case, but she doesn’t want his help. Sparks fly, trust doesn’t, and love stays comfortably in the past. Will Sophie and Burke be able to save her reputation and re-ignite their love for each other? I hope you enjoy this book! Happy reading!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 3

Godly Book Reviews, October 3

Pause for Tales, October 4

Emily Yager, October 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 6

Mary Hake, October 6

Texas Book-aholic, October 7

CarpeDiem, October 7

janicesbookreviews, October 8

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 8

Quiet Quilter, October 9

Betti Mace, October 10

Blogging With Carol, October 10

Remembrancy, October 11

A Reader’s Brain, October 12

For Him and My Family, October 12

Moments, October 13

Inklings and notions , October 14

Maureen’s Musings, October 14

My Devotional Thoughts, October 15

HookMeInABook, October 15

Daysong Reflections, October 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamara is giving away a copy of the book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/eeaa/vacant-house-celebration-tour-giveaw

Saturday, October 5, 2019

Read and relax with a new book of "Happily Ever After" Tales!!

"Happily Ever After"
By: Andrea Boyd
Mikal Dawn
Toni Shiloh
Angela Ruth Strong
Jaycee Weaver

About the Book:

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Embrace the magic of the Christmas season with these contemporary twists on timeless tales.

Upon a Dream — A rare sleeping disorder keeps Talia from performing, but when Philip recognizes her gift, he’ll do whatever it takes to see her onstage.

Claim My Heart — Li Na and Colin Wen face off in a Mulan-esque courtroom battle where the real win might be losing their hearts.

A Snow White Christmas — Sheltered heiress Amala White flees her conniving stepmother’s plans and finds refuge with a handsome orchard owner and his seven quirky uncles.

Christmas Ella — Reality TV meets Cinderella story when a location director is swept off her feet by a rising star.

A Splash of Love — Las Vegas glitz meets Land of Enchantment culture in A Splash of Love, a modern twist on the Little Mermaid.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

For those who have always loved fairy tales but are tired of the classics , look no further! In this collection, each story is extremely well written, modern day twists on familiar. well loved tales. Each author has managed to weave the importance of God's love through a simple , inspiring work.These stories , although each a stand alone, all take place around Christmas, putting the reader in the Christmas spirit, making one wish for a blazing fireplace and a mug of hot chocolate. The authors have done an excellent job of having their creation lead right into the next.

The characters are all realistically described, thus easy to identify with. Each tale has a young lady who strives for love and happiness. Of course, a young man has to enter the scene, sometimes welcomed more than others.
What is a fairy tale without a hero and heroine?? God's love and purpose is clearly exhibited throughout the characters' lives.

Although somewhat short, each author manages to create a plot that moves quickly, satisfying a reader's quest for action, some rather unexpected. If I was asked to describe these stories in a few words, I would have to compare them to mini Hallmark movies with the sole purpose of preparing you for the Christmas season.

Five stars ! A little something for everyone is in this book of retold tales , all successfully putting on a modern twist that I quickly fell in love with!! Fun and easy to read!!

This book was a gift. The opinions and thoughts expressed are honest and my own.

About the Authors:

Andrea Boyd Author–Each of Andrea Boyd’s series represents a different genre but all fall into the category of romance. All offer an element of her own brand of humor. And all are a tribute to God. Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible. Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC. Visit her at www.andreaboyd11.com.

Mikal Dawn AuthorMikal Dawn is an inspirational romance author, wedding enthusiast, and military (retired) wife. When she isn’t writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest (with coffee in hand!) for wedding ideas for her characters.

Mikal lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two of their three children. Visit her at www.mikaldawn.com.

Toni Shiloh AuthorToni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. Visit her at www.tonishiloh.com.

Angela Ruth Strong Author

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon bestsellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK. Visit her at www.angelaruthstrong.com.

Jaycee Weaver Author

Jaycee Weaver is a wife, mother, and substitute teacher living inAlbuquerque, New Mexico. Jaycee writes contemporary Christian romance with lifelike characters in everyday situations who always get their happy ending. Visit her at www.jayceeweaver.com.

More from the Authors

Dear Readers,

Thank you for stopping by the Celebrate Lit blog tour of Once Upon a Christmas. We are so excited to bring you this Christmas collection. All of us had a lot of fun writing it as we delved into the fairy tales of Sleeping Beauty, Mulan, Snow White, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid.

What we discovered when writing is that in the heart of every girl is the desire to be a princess. Now, I’m not talking about dressing up in a beautiful gown and wearing a crown while twirling around (although I, Toni, admit I would do that in a heartbeat). No, we discovered that in the heart of every girl (sister, mom, daughter, etc) is the desire to be loved and accepted.

Can Talia find someone who can accept all of her, including her health issues? Can Amala find someone who will love her for her and not her money? Can Li find acceptance for who she truly is and not the façade she presents? Will Ella find a familial kind of love? And Gabrielle, can she find a love so powerful that all her dreams will come true?

As the heroines of our stories journey down their path to love and acceptance, they all come to realize a deep-seated truth. They are loved. They are princesses. They have a love of a King who laid down His life for theirs. A King who is preparing a home for them. A King who sees who they truly are and loves them without hesitation.

As you read these stories, we pray they touch your heart. We pray they entertain you and maybe even make you laugh a time or two. And lastly, we pray the Christmas truths bless you this holiday season.

Blessings,

Andrea, Mikal, Toni, Angela, and Jaycee

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 2

Back Porch Reads , October 2

Activating Faith, October 2

A Baker’s Perspective, October 3

Genesis 5020, October 3

Among the Reads, October 4

Just Your Average reviews, October 4

Through the Fire Blogs, October 5

Adventures of a Travelers Wife , October 5

Quiet Quilter, October 6

Blogging With Carol , October 6

Stories By Gina , October 7

Batya’s Bits, October 7

Cordially Barbara, October 7

Melissa Henderson, October 8

Connect In Fiction, October 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 9

A Diva’s Heart , October 9

A Reader’s Brain, October 10

Maureen’s Musings, October 10

Hebrews 12 Endurance, October 10

Remembrancy, October 11

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 11

For Him and My Family, October 12

She Lives to Read, October 12

Inklings and notions , October 13

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, October 13

Blossoms and Blessings, October 13

Simple Harvest Reads, October 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Texas Book-aholic, October 15

janicesbookreviews, October 15

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the Once Upon a Christmas authors are giving away the grand prize of a Kindle Fire!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ed0e/once-upon-a-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, October 4, 2019

Another Winning Novel from Suzanne Woods Fisher! Don't forget to enter the fabulous giveaway!

"A Stitch in Time"
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the Book:

Genre: Contemporary Amish fiction

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Detachment had worked well as a life strategy for horse trainer Sam Schrock. Until he met Mollie Graber . . .

New to Stoney Ridge, schoolteacher Mollie has come to town for a fresh start. Aware of how fleeting and fragile life is, she wants to live it boldly and bravely. When Luke Schrock, new to his role as deacon, asks the church to take in foster girls from a group home, she’s the first to raise her hand. The power of love, she believes, can pick up the dropped stitches in a child’s heart and knit them back together.

Mollie envisions sleepovers and pillow fights. What the 11-year-old twins bring to her home is anything but. Visits from the sheriff at midnight. Phone calls from the school truancy officer. And then the most humiliating moment of all: the girls accuse Mollie of drug addiction.

There’s only one thing that breaks through the girls’ hard shell–an interest in horses. Reluctantly and skeptically, Sam Schrock gets drawn into Mollie’s chaotic life. What he didn’t expect was for love to knit together the dropped stitches in his own heart . . . just in time.

Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to the little Amish church of Stoney Ridge for a touching story of the power of love.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Whenever I hear that Suzanne has written a new creation, I feel the intense need to get it as quickly as possible. I KNOW that I will love it! My expectations for any work by this author is very high!! This book was no disappointment. Suzanne weaves an endearing tale using her unique, outstanding talent as a storyteller, one that keeps the reader engrossed from beginning to end. Although this is book two in The Deacon's Family, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. As I had read the first in this series, I felt that I was returning home to visit my dear friends.

Stitches in Time deals with aspects of life that we rarely think of taking place in a peaceful Amish community. alcoholism, infertility , childhood abandonment , dealing with a past full of hurt. This author capably combines these topics together into a tale that appeals deeply to ones' emotions. The use of the twenty third Psalm takes on special meaning, as Izzy shepherds her flock of sheep . Relating this to knitting indeed conveys a very clear message to all of us.

The characters are so realistically described that you immediately become their best friends, feeling their emotions deep within. They are people who could easily be our neighbours , flawed, real and yes, lovable too. The pain of not being able to have children had special meaning to me. we were also unable to have biological children and took the adoption route. My heart hurt for the foster girls who each had their own particular quirky and different characters.

The plot moves at a quick pace with unexpected twists and turns that I must admit at times had me close to tears. Not all events were joyful! The book ends with everyone coming together in the way that God wanted them. He was there to shepherd them through their valleys that were often so deep , there appeared to be no way out! Following the good shepherd is an example of which we all need to be reminded.

Suzanne Woods Fisher has once again left a message deep within my heart. As in all of her other books, she has caused me to examine my life. Am I following and trusting the good Shepherd as I should??

This is a book not to be missed. Just have a few tissues nearby to blot the tears that come to the surface as these dear people travel a rocky road called life.

This book was received as a gift. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.

About the Author:

Carol-award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes untold stories about inspiring people. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World to the historical novel Anna’s Crossing.

More from Suzanne

Have you ever felt the tug to become a foster parent?

On any given day, there are nearly 438,000 children in foster care in the United States. Most states have a critical need for more foster parents, and the number of children placed in foster care increases yearly.

There are plenty of assumptions about having foster children, but most are incorrect. The media has a tendency to focus on the negative, but from all the research I conducted to write this book, for every bad news story, there were two good ones. Good stories just don’t make the news.

Below are some of the most common assumptions about foster care, with corrected information that is applicable across the United States (but keep in mind that each state has their own requirements).

Myth: Kids in foster care are bad or troubled.

Truth: Children in foster care are good kids taken out of a troubled situation. They need a caring foster parent who is patient and understanding. When given the opportunity, most of these children begin to thrive.

Myth: To be a foster parent, you need to be married and own a home and be a college graduate.

Truth: You don’t need to be married or to own a home or even be a college graduate. That means if you’re single or renting, you can be a foster parent.

Myth: I can’t afford to be a foster parent.

Truth: There are monthly reimbursement rates for children in foster care based on the level of care you provide. Medical and dental care is paid through state Medicaid programs.

Myth: Most kids in foster care are teenagers.

Truth: The average age of a child entering foster care is seven years old.

Myth: Most kids are in foster care because their parents have abused drugs.

Truth: Now, this one is not a myth. It’s true. There are fifteen categories that can be responsible for a child’s removal from a home. Drug abuse from a parent has had the largest percentage increase.

Myth: Fostering could require a commitment until the child turns eighteen.

Truth: Generally, children remain in state care for less than two years. Only six percent spend five or more years in foster care.

Myth: It’s too hard to give a child up to his biological family.

Truth: Most children are in foster care for a short time, returning to their biological families. Reuniting a child to his family is the ideal situation. Foster families provide a safe haven for a child. Healthy grieving is to be expected, but it’s for the right reasons. It’s healthy.

Myth: You can’t adopt foster children.

Truth: In 2016, more than 65,000 children—whose mothers and fathers parental rights were legally terminated—waiting to be adopted. Also in 2016, more than 20,000 children “aged out” of foster care without permanent families. Research has shown that those who leave care without being linked to a “forever family” have a higher likelihood than the general youth population to experience homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration as adults.

Is there room in your heart and family for a child in need? There are many ways to get involved, some that do not even require foster care. One recommendation: volunteer with The National CASA Association (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children. You can find out more information here: www.casaforchildren.org.

Or consider small ways to connect to children in need—after school tutoring at your public library. Volunteering at a community center. Buy Christmas gifts for a family in need through an Adopt-a-Family program with a local church. Support a family who does provide foster care with respites—babysitting or meals. There’s many ways to get involved to care for children in need. And every little bit makes a difference.