Saturday, August 19, 2023

My Thoughts - A Path to Forgiveness Author: Lisa M. James

About the Book

Book: A Path to Forgiveness

Author: Lisa M. James

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release Date: January 21, 2022

Reckless. Extravagant. Wasteful. These were all words that could describe Esther. Thirteen years of careless living had left Esther and her young son destitute. When her husband disappears at night, leaving Esther with the full burden of their debt, Esther has no choice but to claim her husband is dead and enslave herself and her child to stay alive. So severely had she broken the relationships in her life, she never expected a man from her childhood to speak on her behalf and carry the weight of her debt. Yet Esther soon realizes that escaping the demons of her past would not be so easy.

Levi had little interest in seeing Esther again. When a promise to her father leaves him honor-bound to take her as his wife, he struggles with the bitterness he holds toward her for allowing her addictions and selfishness to derail her life. Yet, he could not hide the deep desire within him to be a husband and a father, even to a woman he did not love and a child that was not his by blood.

Discover the story of a reckless woman in A Path to Forgiveness.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lisa M. James is an independent author, product marketing manager, and former Sunday School teacher. She is also a regular guest blogger for various IT digital publications. She is committed to creating fantastical worlds with clean romances and diverse female leads. Her novels have hit the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous categories, including: Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Christian Romance. Her fictional writing is inspired by Historical Fiction, Fantasy genres, and Biblical Fiction. When not writing, Lisa loves talking about her faith, Disney movies, and football while drinking chai lattes.

More from Lisa

I have always loved historical romances, especially ones that take place in Biblical times. However, I am not a historian and I love to make things up, which is why I write fantasy novels. A Path to Forgiveness was my first venture into Christian Romance set in a Fantasy world. If you enjoy historical romances, you will get a feel of that in the world I created since I am so greatly influenced by Biblical history.

A Path to Forgiveness is a story of repentance inspired by the parable of The Prodigal Son. Esther is a woman who feels unworthy of forgiveness. She believes she deserves to be punished for her choices. Levi is a man from her childhood, who does not disagree with her. His heart has grown hard from his own life experiences. In A Path to Forgiveness, they both go on a journey learning how to accept and receive God’s overflowing mercy and grace. I hope you enjoy reading Esther and Levi’s redemption story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

My Thoughts

A Path to Forgiveness is written by Lisa M. James. This is book one in the Prodigal Woman Series. This is the first book that I have read by this author, and it will not be my last. I really liked that the author took the "prodigal son" from the Bible and placing a female in the prodigal status.

Esther has lived a carefree life - she now has a young son and does not have much else. She has accumulated a large debt and her father turns to childhood friend Levi to help. Levi is not thrilled about taking Esther for his wife. However, Levi has great respect for her father.

This is a story of second chances, redemption and forgiveness. The author grabs your attention as soon as you start reading. The story is well written, the characters engaging. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13

Guild Master, August 14 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, August 14

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Simple Harvest Reads, August 16 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 19

Through the Fire Blogs, August 20 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 22

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 24

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 25 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize package of a plum pansies print Vera Bradley bag and a copy of the book!!

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/2716a/a-path-to-forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, August 18, 2023

My Thoughts - Quest of Fire: Desperation Author: Brett Armstrong

About the Book

Book: Quest of Fire: Desperation

Author: Brett Armstrong

Genre: Christian, Epic Fantasy

Release Date: September 13, 2022

Guarding his nation’s last hope, a teen must escape enemy lands.

While Anargen, Caeserus, and Bertinand are held captive in Stormridge, the war to restore Ecthelowall’s Commonwealth has been waged for months. Their friend Terrillian is on its frontline and hopes are high.

For Barons Fenwrest and Sornfold the fight is too close to their children, whose union represents the only viable challenge to the Monarchists claim to Ecthelowall’s ancient throne. Enter Thomas Fenwrest, an orphan and page to Sir Hurstwell, who is captain of Baron Fenwrest’s guard. The pair must escort the teens to Castle Yerst expecting boredom to be their only danger. Everything quickly spirals out of control when the Monarchists somehow deliver a devastating blow to the Restoration army and Thomas and Sir Hurstwell face the increasingly difficult task of keeping their charges alive. Ancient sorcery and bitter grudges combine to ensnare them. As desperation sets in for the Restoration and Thomas, to where will they turn for hope?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

More from Brett

There are three things I’ve come to learn that define what Quest of Fire is and means to me. When I first started writing the Quest of Fire series years ago, I knew I wanted to tell a big story set in an even bigger world. One with all the depth and breadth of my favorite series: Lord of the Rings and Star Wars and Chronicles of Narnia. Over time, the main story of Quest of Fire and the Lowlands it’s set in have grown every bit as big and fantastical as I always dreamed.

But there was a second something I realized I wanted to do with the series as much and more than tell sweeping stories. I wanted people to be able to zoom in on the sprawling maps and look closer and closer, and see people who look real, relatable. People with struggles and questions and who don’t always feel prepared for what comes next. So, I wanted to make even numbered books in the series novellas that zoom in and tell very personal and targeted stories.

Like Thomas’s in Book 4, Desperation. Unlike Anargen in the main entries, he wasn’t raised by Knights of Light and had a rough childhood. He has plenty to be bitter about and in Desperation his world is imploding around him. He’s overwhelmed at first and then he meets a Knight of Light, Terrillian, who steps out of the main storyline to be a mentor and shows Thomas what the life of one in service to the High King of All Realms looks like. How there is light even on the darkest of nights. We never know how much and how many will be impacted when we make a stand for Christ and we model his love and teachings before others. Likewise, Terrillian may not realize how profound his faithfulness will affect Thomas.

I write Quest of Fire to tell stories to encourage believers to stand firm in the faith, to join the fight against monsters in the pages of books so that when’s life’s beasts come against us we’re better equipped to face them. At least that is my hope and my prayer. Because the most important thing I learned I wanted Quest of Fire to be is a story that helps people better understand and join in the Greatest Story written by the Author and Finisher of our faith.

My Thoughts

Quest of Fire: Desperation is written by Brett Armstrong. This is a Christian Fantasy book - which is not my go to genre, but I found myself drawn in within the first few pages. This is book four in the Quest of Fire series. I have read the whole series, and would recommend reading the books in order. The book is set in two different time periods, but the story intertwines with the other.

There are lots of battle scenes to keep you engaged. Then there is Tom and Mia. Tom tries so hard to keep Mia safe - but Mia has been through a lot and is questioning every move that is made. I liked that the author wrote in the inner struggle here - Mia thinks that all she knows are gone - and she has lost her will.

There is plenty of battles, greed and jealousy in this book. In the whole series this may be my favorite one. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 10

By the Book, August 11

Blogging With Carol, August 12

Artistic Nobody, August 13 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, August 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 16

Through the Fire Blogs, August 17 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 19 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, August 19

Holly’s book Corner, August 20

Guild Master, August 21

The Book Club Network, August 22

Splashes of Joy, August 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Brett is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, copy of Desperation, and digital extras (exclusive map and music)!!

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/27731/desperation-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, August 13, 2023

My Thoughts - Love’s True Calling Author: Lori DeJong

About the Book

Book: Love’s True Calling

Author: Lori DeJong

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release Date: June 27, 2023

After years of jumping through other people’s hoops to be all they thought she should be, and enduring a tragedy no mother should, self-described “newbie” Christian, Harper Townsend, has finally found her true calling … and her true love. Until it appears that to follow one may mean leaving the other behind.

Adolescent Psychologist, Wyatt McCowan, is beyond delighted to have the-girl-that-got-away back in his life, and his heart. But even as they fall more in love, he realizes that being obedient to God’s calling on each of their lives may pull them apart. She rejected him once in favor of another, which left him hurt and angry. But this time, he can’t fault her for following hard after the God she loves with all her heart, even if it means leaving him once again.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lori enjoys writing stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire hope, joy, laughter, and perhaps even touch a soul or two to get to know Him better. She resides in Georgetown, Texas, with her husband and two fur-babies and is the mother of one grown daughter. Love’s True Calling is the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance.

More from Lori

I’ve had a dream for a very long time. In fact, I had this dream long before I was even doing anything to achieve it! Turns out I’ve wanted to be a published author since the 1990’s. And I didn’t even start writing, join writers’ groups, or attend conferences to learn the craft until 2002. Something inside me apparently knew more than I did when I put on my 1996 long-term goals list: To be a published author.

Fast forward to 2023 and my debut novel is being published. I’m not great at math, but even I know that’s A LOT of years that have gone by since I first identified that long-term goal. So the take-away from that should be, if you set a goal, no matter what it is, make a plan. Immediately. Not years later. Seriously. Don’t be me.

So, I chugged away at this writing goal for a few years, until my husband was laid off when the economy tanked in 2009 and our lives turned upside down. I didn’t write again until 2020, when we found ourselves empty-nesters and I started listening once again to those voices in my head begging me to write their stories.

Which brings me to how my first published novel was born. Would you believe it was homework? True story! When I came back to writing in 2020, I needed to re-hone my skills. So I took an online class that required us to plot an entire manuscript based on our characters’ motivations. What do they want out of life and why do they want it?

That’s how I came up with Wyatt, the high school geek now an accomplished and handsome college professor and adolescent psychologist, and Harper, the high school Miss Everything who’d weathered plenty of storms in her life before going back to school a decade after graduation to finally get her degree. What happens when Wyatt sees the girl who broke his teenage heart sitting in his class?

I plotted out this story as homework, never intending to write it. But I fell in love with these two and they were clamoring for me to tell their story. Two years later, that story won the ACFW Genesis award and is now being published by Scrivenings Press. Best takeaway from that? Never. Ever. Give. Up.

Who knew that a class assignment could bring about the realization of a twenty-some-odd-year-old goal? Make a dream come true? God did. And I’m so glad I listened to Him as I put this story to paper.

I hope you’ll read and enjoy Love’s True Calling, a story of love rediscovered, the joy of finding purpose, and the blessing of obedience.

My Thoughts

Love’s True Calling is the debut novel that is written by Lori DeJong. This was a sweet heartwarming Christian Contemporary Romance. Her characters are well developed and the author has captured realistic situations.

Harper Townsend and Wyatt McCowan had some experiences that scarred them. However, they are in a different point in their lives. I love that the author has put topics in that are realistic. This includes: Bullying, suicide, and kids from broken homes. Both Harper and Wyatt want to make sure they are living out their calling from God. They are thrilled to be reunited - but what happens if God makes it clear they both need different paths.

I hope to read more from this author. This book was a good read. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 10

Texas Book-aholic, August 11

Artistic Nobody, August 12 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 13

Guild Master, August 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 15

A Reader’s Brain, August 16 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, August 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 18

Back Porch Reads, August 19 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, August 19

For the Love of Literature, August 20 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, August 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 22 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

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

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/272f8/love-s-true-calling-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, August 11, 2023

My Thoughts- Picture Imperfect Authors: Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger

About the Book

Book: Picture Imperfect

Authors: Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger

Genre: Christian Sweet Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 5, 2021

Can a struggling career woman and a procrastinating artist save a beloved nonprofit?

Aspiring novelist Caroline Penn expected a promotion, not a picture book assignment. But when her employer, the non-profit Helping Hope, runs into financial trouble, this book might be the solution. With the company struggling to stay afloat, she and the illustrator will need to collaborate on a strict deadline—no problem for a workaholic like Caroline, right?

Andy Jackson, a “starving” artist, pays the bills by taking on graphic design gigs, but his perfectionism gets in the way. If only he could focus on a project for once, perhaps he could achieve his dream to make art for children for a living.

When the two are thrust together to create a book, Caroline can’t seem to write for children, and Andy can’t meet a deadline to save his life. As time ticks down to release day, the two must face their pasts and insecurities. If they can avoid strangling one another for long enough, they may just bring to the table what the other is missing.

If not, the fate of their careers—and a beloved nonprofit—hangs in the balance.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Hope Bolinger is the managing and acquisitions editor at End Game Press and the author of 25+ books. When she isn’t accidentally writing a book in seven days, she likes to model, do theater, and hike around northeast Ohio. Find out more about her at Hopebolinger.com

Alyssa Roatis a multi-published author and has worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as an agent, editor, writer, and publicist. When not reading and writing, she likes to swordfight, rock climb, throw axes, and generally engage in tomfoolery with her silly cats. Her name is a pun, so you can find more about her at alyssawrote.com.

More from the Authors

Alyssa and I never thought we’d write a sweet romance book together. Sure, we’d done a superhero romance during the summer of 2018, but we didn’t think we had the prowess or mastery of description to make a jump into the genre.

Long story short, we were perfectionists. We wanted everything to be just right. We knew that our publisher was in need of filling a hole that some romance authors had left behind.

So we tried.

We really struggled with the first draft of Picture Imperfect. We felt shaky about it at first.

But then we learned along with our characters. That there is beauty in imperfection. That there is hope for all of us.

We decided to let go and embrace the book for what it was. Messy, but still beautiful in its own way.

Looking back, as the final book for the series releases this week, I am so happy that we jumped into the world of Picture Imperfect. We learned a great deal from these characters, and it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the world of Roseville.

If you’re looking to see a story of redemption, hope, and embracing life’s hiccups, I hope you absolutely fall in love with Picture Imperfect.

It was funny because we both took on characters that we felt reflected our coauthor. When I (Hope) wrote Andy, I saw many aspect of Alyssa in him. And when she penned Caroline, we saw many glimpses of “Hope” as well.

There was something so beautiful and emphatic about jumping into the shoes of characters who felt different from us. We could understand other creative processes and embrace people for all their intricacies.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and hope that you love Andy and Caroline as much as we did when we first wrote them.

Sincerely,

Hope and Alyssa <3

My Thoughts

Picture Imperfect is another sweet contemporary read written by Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger I love reading books that this team writes because I know it will be engaging, heartwarming and a sweet contemporary romance

A aspiring novelist, Caroline isn’t thrilled when she is told to write a kids picture book however her employer is struggling financially and they are hoping that the book will turn them around. She finds herself paired with Andy. Andy is a graphic designer and he’s a bit of a perfectionist They need to work together and iron out their differences to make this work

I loved these characters. The authors did an amazing job creating realistic characters who have flaws. They are young and still navigating adulthood.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 5

Bliss, Books & Jewels, August 6 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 8 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, August 8

Texas Book-aholic, August 9

Back Porch Reads, August 10 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 11

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 12 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 13

Beauty in the Binding, August 14 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 14

The Book Club Network, August 15

For the Love of Literature, August 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 18

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Alyssa and Hope are giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/2772d/picture-imperfect-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

My Thoughts - Freedom in Friday Harbor Author: Annee Jones

About the Book

Book: Freedom in Friday Harbor

Author: Annee Jones

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 25, 2023

Will the 4th of July fireworks light the way to freedom from the past and perhaps the blossoming of new love for Summer and Ace in Friday Harbor?

Seattle marketing specialist Summer Connelly welcomes the assignment to supervise the construction of a company float for the annual 4th of July parade in Friday Harbor, WA. Not only will it be a chance to prove her leadership skills to her boss, but an opportunity for a much-needed escape, especially since she hasn’t taken any time off since her divorce was finalized over a year ago.

Ace Lockhart works himself to the bone at his Portland contracting company, but something in his life feels off. When doctors tell him his elderly father has taken a turn for the worse, he heads to Friday Harbor to be with the old man, simply because no one else in the family will even speak to him.

As fate would have it, Summer’s plans for the parade look like they could go up in smoke before any fireworks are even set off. Can Ace be the ticket to light at the end of the tunnel? Will their days together lead to fireworks in more ways than one?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Annee Jones is an international bestselling author of romance, fantasy, and mystery. She is passionate about writing stories where dreams come true and love wins!

Professionally, Annee works as a disability counselor where she is honored to help her clients navigate through complex medical and legal systems while rediscovering their wholeness in Spirit.

Subscribe to Annee’s newsletter to stay up to date on new releases, sneak peeks, author parties, and exclusive giveaways: https://www.anneejones.com/newsletter

More from Annee

Friday Harbor is a real place located on San Juan Island off the coast of the Pacific Northwest: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/friday-harbor

I visited Friday Harbor several years ago and loved its quaint charm & the people I met who live there year-round. My visit was the inspiration for this book.

My Thoughts

Freedom in Friday Harbor is written by Annee Jones. This is a short novella that is a light hearted romance. Summer Connelly is sent to Friday Harbor, Washington to help with a float for a client. She needs a change of scenery since she is still healing from her divorce. Ace Lockhart has returned to Friday Harbor to see his elderly father. He has been working a ton and needs to reset himself.

I loved seeing the characters getting to know each other - Summer with trust issues, and Ace just being there to handle his father. Both are struggling with their faith - and both are in desperate need of a reset on their lives. The author does a great job describing her scenes. I felt like I was watching the story unfold around me.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.