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Friday, August 26, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway - A Match to Call Ours Author: Merrillee Whren On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 


About the Book

Book: A Match to Call Ours

Author: Merrillee Whren

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: January 21, 2020


Brittany Gorman needs a job, but nanny to six-year-old twin girls isn’t exactly what she’s looking for. Their single father, Parker Watson, isn’t sure hiring Brittany is the right move, but he’s desperate for help.

Soon Brittany is charming the twins and their father as well. But Parker still clings to the bitterness of his past, a past that has made him a recluse on his isolated Montana ranch, distanced him from God, and kept him from finding love.

Can Brittany’s prayers and two little matchmakers soften Parker’s heart and help him find love with his perfect Montana match?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Merrillee Whren is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romance. She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America. She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of forty- plus years, and has two grown daughters. She has lived in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Florida but now makes her home in the Arizona desert. She spends her free time playing tennis or walking while she does the plotting for her novels. Please visit her Website and signup for her newsletter and connect with her on Facebook.

 

More from Merrillee

One of my writing goals is to set at least one book in every state in which I have lived. So far I have written books set in Washington State, Texas, Florida, South Dakota, Georgia, Ohio, Montana, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. I still have to write books set in Illinois and Arizona to complete my goal. Just for fun I’ve gone astray and have written a couple of Christmas novellas set in Maryland, where my older daughter lives. I’m currently working on the third book in that series.

A Match to Call Ours is my Montana book. I lived there when I was a little girl. We lived near Billings from the time I was four until I was ten, when we moved to South Dakota. So as you can imagine my memories are vague, but I’ve visited Montana numerous times as an adult.

Brittany Gorman, the heroine of the book, is originally from Washington State, and if you read my Pinecrest series, you first meet her as a teenager in Second Chance Gift. I have three teenagers in that series, and I wanted to write their adult stories. Brittany’s story comes first, followed by Max’s story, then Amanda’s story in the Front Porch Promises series. The characters take the reader from Montana to Massachusetts, then Tennessee, where the series includes Amanda’s younger sister, Kelsey.

In A Match to Call Ours the hero’s twin daughters are based on my memories of my fourth grade friend Rose. She belonged to the Crow Tribe and had long dark braids just like the twins in the story. I remember the snowstorms and having fun in the snow, sledding, and making snowballs. I got to put those memories to use in the story.

Because I’m what they call an organic writer, I don’t plot my stories. I start writing and see how things unfold. I’m always thankful that somehow God brings everything together when I write a book.

My Thoughts

A Match to Call Ours is a Contemporary Christian Romance that is written by  Merrillee Whren. I really enjoyed this book. I love this author's atyle of writing. Her stories are heartwarming, humorous and you're always drawn in within the first few pages. 

Brittany Gorman moves to be with her boyfriend, then they break up. So then she accepts a job watching Parker Watson's 6 year old adopted twins. Parker has a lot of bitterness and hurt bottled up. He stays on his Montana ranch. The town he lives in, has their minds made up about him. They have judged him for a crime he did not commit. 

Brittany notices that Parker is very withdrawn and has fallen away from his relationship with God. She notices that the twins are not able to go many places because of this. I just loved the way the author built these characters. Their chemistry, their relationship, their traits, it was all perfect. I love how Brittany was patient and kept planting the seed to for Parker to open his heart to Jesus. The story is well written. The characters are well developed. This is sweet story. 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 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Inklings and notions, August 19

lakesidelivingsite, August 20

Vicky Sluiter, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 22

For Him and My Family, August 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 27

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 28

Cats in the Cradle Blog, August 28

Pause for Tales, August 29

Spoken from the Heart, August 30

Giveaway

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

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/20e0c/a-match-to-call-ours-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway - Every Good Gift Author: Urcelia Teixeira On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 


About the Book

Book: Every Good Gift

Author: Urcelia Teixeira

Genre: CHRISTIAN MYSTERY SUSPENSE THRILLER

Release date: September 15, 2020


Find the truth, or die trying!

A childhood tragedy almost destroyed his life. A tragedy everyone thought was just an accident.

So, Adam Cross rebuilds his life in a small coastal town on the East Coast, pastoring The Lighthouse mission. The close-knit community of Turtle Cove surrounds him, he has his beautiful wife, Ruth by his side, and the delight of their little girl, Abigail. And he has his faith. Life could not be more perfect.

Until another accident happens. Except, this time, all evidence indicates that something far more sinister is behind it.

And while Adam struggles to pick up the pieces once again, he sets off in search of the truth behind the accidents—oblivious to the danger that awaits him. But what he discovers during his soul searching journey far exceeds anything he could have ever imagined.

Lurking in the shadows is an enemy no one knew or saw coming. One who has been waiting decades to take what is his, to take revenge.

If you enjoy reading faith-filled suspense fiction that grips you from the first page, then you will love this inspirational, fast-paced Christian suspense! Full of mystery, twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end, this first in series will not disappoint!

Are you ready to see why readers could not put this book down?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Award winning author of faith-filled Christian Suspense Thrillers that won’t let you go!®

Urcelia Teixeira writes gripping Christian mystery, thriller and suspense novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Firm in her Christian faith, all her books are free from profanity and unnecessary sexually suggestive scenes.

She made her writing debut in December 2017, kicking off her newly discovered author journey with her fast-paced archaeological adventure thriller novels that readers have described as ‘Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne.’

But, five novels in, and nearly eighteen months later, she had a spiritual re-awakening, and she wrote the sixth and final book in her Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series. She now fondly refers to The Caiaphas Code as her redemption book; her statement of faith. And although this series has reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists, she took the bold step of following her true calling and switched to writing what naturally flows from her heart and soul: Christian Mystery and Suspense.

The first book in her newly discovered genre went on to win the 2021 Illumination Awards Silver medal in the Christian Fiction category and the series reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists!

While this success is a great honor and blessing, all glory goes to God alone who breathed every word through her!

A committed Christian for nearly twenty years, she now lives by the following mantra:

“I used to be just a writer. Now, I am a writer with a purpose!”

For more on Urcelia and her books, visit www.urcelia.com

Sign up to her Newsletter to receive updates – https://signup.urcelia.com

or

Follow her on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urceliabooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UrceliaTeixeira

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/urcelia-teixeira

 

More from Urcelia

Many years ago God gave me a prophetic scripture through which He named me Hephzibah (meaning ‘My delight is in her’). Some time after that, life happened and for a long while I felt unworthy of that name.  But, God showed me grace in this area for the nearly ten years that followed and, although I never aspired to be a writer, I wrote my first ever book on a bucket list whim in December 2017. Somehow it evolved into a series, but, while writing the fifth book in my Alex Hunt adventure thriller series, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging and directing me into using my God-given talent for enhancing His Kingdom instead.  I obeyed and wrote the final book in that series, The Caiaphas Code, as my statement of faith before switching to writing Christian mystery and suspense instead.  Two days later, the idea for Every Good Gift was born and the day I finished writing the last sentence of this book, I heard the Lord whisper in my ear, Hephzibah, Hephzibah, over and over.  That has been the most noteworthy highlight of my short career so far: knowing that I have pleased God.

Every Good Gift is the first book in my three-book Adam Cross Christian Suspense series. I loved writing this book!  It’s a poignant but suspenseful tale about a young pastor who had lost both his parents in a car accident as a child, then faces adversity for the second time when a horrific accident claims the lives of his wife and daughter.  As he clings to his faith, searching for answers, he discovers his parents’ accident wasn’t an accident after all.  The more he digs for the truth, the more secrets he uncovers and the more he learns of his past, God’s grace, and ultimately, his gifting.  There are lots of twists and turns and a few tears along the way as the mysteries unfold.

This book went on to win the silver medal for Christian Fiction in the 2021 Illumination Awards.

 

May you be blessed with reading this book, just as I have been while writing it.

My Thoughts

Every Good Gift is a Christian Suspense book that is written by Urcelia Teixeira. This is the first book in the Adam Cross suspense series. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and it won’t be my last. This book took me on such an adventure that I wasn’t prepared for. I would think that it was going one way, and boom it would go in a complete different direction.

There’s so much to unpack. Adam Cross has been a pastor at the Lighthouse for awhile. Every morning he goes to and spends time with God by the shoreline of Turtle Cove. One morning this turns tragic. Adam feels like he has lost his will to live. He also feels he is losing his faith. Those who are close to him rally around and try to bring him back to God.

Then other secrets start to come to light. Weird and scary things start happening to those who have found healing in Turtle Cove. While this is a Christin suspense story, the author created characters that have damaged and broken pasts. I love books that don’t have cookie cutter Christian characters. They have layers we start to peel back. Layers of hurt, anger, and sadness.

We also learn that Adam’s parents were killed in a car accident. We learn that it may not have actually been an accident. Adam has really no memories of them just fragments of memories. After the devastating tragedy he starts to remember more and more. Which leads him to wonder who he was and where he came from.

The author did a good job Biblically backing up the story. While Adam is a pastor it shows him also wrestling with God and showing he’s human. There’s definitely a lot of layers to our characters and I’ll be on the lookout for the next book. I’m hooked! I’ve gotta know what happens.

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

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 16

Pause for Tales, August 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Genesis 5020, August 18

Betti Mace, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Inklings and notions, August 21

For Him and My Family, August 22

Mary Hake, August 22

deb’s Book Review, August 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 25

Vicarious Living, August 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 28

Spoken from the Heart, August 28

Blogging With Carol, August 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Urcelia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback 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/20a8d/every-good-gift-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway - On Heaven’s Doorstep Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers On Tour With Celebrate Lit

 


About the Book

Book: On Heaven’s Doorstep

Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

Genre: Christian Inspirational

Release date: May 1, 2018


In Life or Death, There’s Only One Guarantee—God Will Be There

Medical emergencies are among life’s most unexpected and terrifying realities. But isn’t it reassuring in times of crisis that you can find hope and comfort in the hands of a loving God?

Encounter heart-stopping drama in these real-life stories of everyday people like you who found themselves on heaven’s doorstep—fully dependent on the skilled and courageous efforts of first responders and on the mercy of God.

As you read these firsthand accounts of perilous situations with uncertain outcomes, you will experience a full spectrum of emotions, from tender heartache to tremendous joy. Through it all, you will witness God’s amazing love and care for His children, both for those who are brought back from the edge and for those He welcomes into eternal fellowship with Him.

Be inspired as you go on call with veteran EMT Andrea Jo Rodgers and other brave professionals dedicated to helping when humanity is at its most frail.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author


Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for over 25 years. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for over 30 years and has responded to more than 9,000 first aid and fire calls. She lives on the east coast with her husband, two children, and two fur babies. At Heaven’s Edge, On Heaven’s Doorstep, and Help from Heaven include true inspirational stories based on her experiences as a volunteer EMT. Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues: True Stories from a First Responder will be released November 1, 2022. Her middle grade adventure novels, Saving Mount Rushmore and Saving the Statue of Liberty are fun yet educational books that teach faith, courage, patriotism, and friendship. Visit Andrea Jo at www.andreajorodgers.com.

 

More from Andrea Jo

Miracles Exist

Miracles exist. They surround us. Just open your heart and mind to the presence of God to observe them. How do I know miracles exist? I’ve witnessed them.

I’ve been a volunteer emergency medical technician on my local first aid squad for 35 years. I joined in high school, and I’ve been blessed to be answering calls ever since. During my time with the squad, I’ve answered over 9,000 first aid and fire calls. I’ve witnessed miracles and answered prayers. I’ve shared in some people’s faith-filled last minutes on earth. I relate some of these experiences in my books, At Heaven’s Edge, On Heaven’s Doorstep, and Help from Heaven. My fourth book, Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues, will be released November 1, 2022.

I recently had the honor of being a guest on two episodes of “At Home with Jim and Joy” on EWTN. During the shows, I shared stories of faith and miraculous rescues that I’ve witnessed on emergency calls. If you’d like to hear about them, you can watch the episodes at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqylPNYpsbI (Part 1) and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diedm4TelrM (Part 2).

Rescue personnel are with people and their families during times of unimaginable crises. I’ve seen firsthand how God’s handiwork puts people in the right place at the right time to create miracles. Sometimes, God miraculously rescues people. Other times, He leads them home to Him. As volunteer ETMs, we are blessed to help others in their time of need.

Sometimes, we take our health for granted. People don’t normally think about EMS until they need their services. First responders are in the unique position of being able to serve others when they need help. Being a volunteer EMT allows me to act out my faith by being a Good Samaritan.

Some question if miracles exist anymore. They do. Have faith and place your trust in God.

My Thoughts

On Heaven’s Doorstep is written by  Andrea Jo Rodgers. I have read books by this author before and have always enjoyed them. I love the show Nightwatch. I am fascinated by it. EMTS and first responders have very stressful jobs. They see people at their worst. They see a lot of good bad and ugly. I also love the show 911. 

There are so many stories. Some are heartbreaking where the patient did not make it, some are heartwarming. They are all first hand accounts of situations where they don't know the outcome when they first show up. I am thankful for our first responders who stay calm in stressful situations. 

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 18

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, August 19 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Inklings and notions, August 20

For Him and My Family, August 21

deb’s Book Review, August 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 26

An Author’s Take, August 27

A Reader’s Brain , August 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 29

Rebecca Tews, August 30

Spoken from the Heart, August 31 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift card and a signed copy of On Heaven’s Doorstep!!

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/20e0d/on-heaven-s-doorstep-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway - You Can Shine So Bright! Author: Jeremy & Jinger Vuolo Hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours

 Welcome to the Blog Tour for You Can Shine So Bright! by Jeremy & Jinger Vuolo, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


You Can Shine So Bright

Title: You Can Shine So Bright!

Author: Jeremy & Jinger Vuolo

Publisher: WorthyKids

Release Date: August 23, 2022

Genre: Christian, Children's Picture Book

Help little ones learn to live by faith and love others well with this picture book from beloved television stars Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo.

This sweet and inspiring book encourages children to let their light shine as they move about the world. As they read along, little readers will be introduced to the fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22–23. Written in lighthearted verse, the story follows a group of children as they model love, joy, patience, peace, and more in everyday, relatable scenarios. This book, straight from the heart of the Vuolos, is perfect for families looking for a faith-based story to share together.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indie Bound | Christianbook

 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo are known for living out their faith and family values during their years of television stardom. Jinger first appeared on TLC's 19 Kids and Counting, and later, the couple appeared together on Counting On. Hailing from Springdale, Arkansas, and part of the Duggar family, Jinger is an avid home cook, gifted pianist, and violinist who uses her talents to support the non-profit organization Swan 4 Kids. Jeremy is a former professional soccer player from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, now enrolled in the graduate program at The Master's Seminary. The Vuolos live in Los Angeles, California, with their two children.

Connect with Jinger and Jeremy at their website to follow them on social media or sign up for their newsletter.


My Thoughts

When I saw that Jinger and Jeremy were writing a children's book I was really excited for the release. I have followed 19 kids and counting and eventually Counting on for a long time. Their faith is a powerful example of Jesus and His love for us.

You Can Shine So Bright is written by Jeremy and Jinger Vuolo. It is illustrutrated by Naomi C. Robinson. It is published by WorthyKids. The book is 32 pages in length.

The Vuolo's present the Fruit of the Spirt in a way that early readers (ages 4-7) can understand. Each of the Fruit is given two pages and are given clear examples for kids to understand. I felt that the way that each was presented are ways that will stick with kids as they move forward into the world. The book is well written and is filled with colorful illustrations. I read this with my 9 and 11 year old sons and we enjoyed it. This would be a great addition to any library.

Thank You to the authors, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this story - all thoughts are my own.




TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive signed copies of You Can Shine So Bright, The Hope We Hold, and a $50 Visa gift card.

(9) additional winners will receive signed copies of You Can Shine So Bright and The Hope We Hold.

You Can Shine So Bright JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 23, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 30, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.