Thursday, August 26, 2021

SPOTLIGHT TOUR and GIVEAWAY - Summer Plans and Other Disasters Author: Karin Beery On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Summer Plans and Other Disasters

Author: Karin Beery

Genre: Women’s Romantic Fiction

Release date: April 2021

Elementary school music teacher Callie Stevens thinks she’s finally figured out God ’s plan for her life—she even made a list to keep her on track. Moving in with her brother and reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend are at the top of the list. What ’s not on the list is running into her childhood crush, Ryan. God wanted her to connect with Kyle, right? Trying to figure out God ’s plan is hard enough. But a dating-averse older brother, the young blonde who adores him, a pregnant best friend, and Callie ’s continual mishaps make her wonder whether her best-laid plans were truly God-inspired.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karin Beery grew up in a small, rural Michigan town where she wrote her first novel in high school. She’s still writing today, telling contemporary stories with a healthy dose of romance. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s editing or teaching it. And when she’s not doing that, she enjoys time at home with her husband and fur babies, once again living in a small, rural Michigan town.

More from Karin

I discovered audiobooks two years ago, and they have changed my life! Now I look forward to long car rides and endless hours cleaning and cooking. Well, I don’t really look forward to the cleaning and cooking, but at least the chores are tolerable because I just turn on a new book and listen to a story while I work! I know I’m not the only one who multitasks with audiobooks. I had a few friends ask me when my books would be available in audio form so they could listen—with long commutes and families at home, they prefer listening to their books in the quiet of the car.

That’s why I’m so excited to bring Summer Plans and Other Disasters to audiobook, and I’m just as excited about my narrator, Jasmine Zhwalen. Summer Plans was my first published book, and now it will be Jasmine’s first too. As soon as I heard her audition, I knew I wanted her to give Callie, Jack, Stacey, and Ryan their voices. Considering it’s the first go-round for both of us, I think it turned out pretty well!

Thanks for listening!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Cats in the cradle blog, August 20

Inklings and notions, August 21

For Him and My Family, August 22

deb’s Book Review, August 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24

By The Book, August 25

The Sacred Line, August 26

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

CarpeDiem, August 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 29

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karin is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Audible 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/112e5/summer-plans-and-other-disasters-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Rhapsody in Red Author: Donn Taylor On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Rhapsody in Red

Author: Donn Taylor

Genre: Mystery

Release date: September 2018

“IT WAS A BAD DAY TO FIND A CORPSE ON CAMPUS.”

Preston Barclay is a reclusive history professor with musical hallucinations. The feisty Mara Thorn is a newly arrived professor with a strong desire to be left alone. But finding the body of a murdered colleague shakes them out of their quiet lives. Worse yet, police accuse them of her murder, forcing the ill-matched pair into an uneasy alliance for their defense. However, that proves more perilous than they’d thought. To succeed, they have to outwit the police, avoid discipline by the college’s incompetent administration, and escape threats and attacks by the unseen and ruthless forces behind the murder. It’s a one-in-a-hundred chance, and if they fail, they’ll end up unemployed, behind bars, or worse . . .

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Donn Taylor led an Infantry rifle platoon in the Korean War, served with Army aviation in Vietnam, and worked with air reconnaissance in Europe and Asia. Afterward, he earned a PhD in Renaissance literature and taught literature at two liberal arts colleges. His published works include six suspense novels and a book of poetry. He is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. He lives in the woods near Houston, TX, where he writes fiction, poetry, and essays on current topics.

More from Donn

About Rhapsody in Red: From teaching eighteen years in small denominational colleges, I knew that part of the academic world well. So when I came to write the Preston Barclay Mystery Series, that’s where I turned. What would happen if someone dropped a murder into that placid environment?

That was the basic question. But that part of the college world also has internal conflicts and tensions that even the best-intentioned people can’t avoid. That leads most faculty into being discreet. But what would happen if one professor kept saying openly what the rest of the faculty were only thinking? That’s why the series protagonist, Professor Preston Barclay, is always in trouble.

In writing the series I wanted to mainly to give readers an interesting story about a murder and the complications leading to its solution. But I also wanted them to enjoy the story’s interplay of strong and often quirky personalities navigating the varied conflicts of the small-college world.

Whether I’ve achieved those objectives will be decided by each individual reader. But CBA Retailers and Resources Magazine wrote that Rhapsody in Red is “peopled with academia’s most intriguing eccentrics and snobs,” and Christian Review of Books wrote that it’s “a delightful change from the clichés of most novels.”

Readers who enjoy Rhapsody in Red may want to look at its two sequels, Murder Mezzo Forte and Murder in Disguise.

My Thoughts

Rhapsody in Red is a mystery written by Donn Taylor. This is book 1 in the Preston Barclay Mystery series. This is the 2nd book that I have read by this author. This book was an interesting read. This is more of a mystery then a Christian Fiction book. While there is mention of church and some mention of the Gospel, the Gospel message is not overly pronounced. It is a clean read with no intimacy or cursing.

Preston Barclay is a professor and a Christian. Mara Thorn is a new edition to the university and a wiccan. Another professor is murdered and the police seem to have Preston suspected of their death. Preston and Mara team up (a very unlikely pair) to figure out who is really behind it. However they will bend a few rules in order to get this done. Now as a Christian, I had a problem with this.

The suspense is great, I was kept guessing until the end. The characters are well written, I enjoy the author's writing style. The author sprinkles wit and humor throughout the whole book and I enjoyed that.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 19

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 20 (Author Interview)

Daysong Reflections, August 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 21

For Him and My Family, August 22

deb’s Book Review, August 23

Inklings and notions, August 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 25

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

Texas Book-aholic, August 27

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 1 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, September 1

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Donn is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card plus one paperback copy of Rhapsody in Red!!

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/1141d/rhapsody-in-red-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, August 23, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway - Trail to Forgiveness Author: Cheri Swalwell On Tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Trail to Forgiveness

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Women’s Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: March 9, 2021

Even though he knew most of the pictures and accusations were planted, and false, people’s perceptions of what happened is what would decide Jace’s fate, not the facts themselves.

When it comes to dating, Holly has never settled…and she’s not going to start now with something as important as marriage. Jace lives with the weight of failing his wife, Simone, and refuses to repeat history. So, when Holly and Jace tentatively move toward a dating relationship, they know it won’t be as easy the second time around.

Rumors and lies about an affair spread in the church which could jeopardize Jace’s career and their reputations. In the midst of their own problems, they discover an even bigger threat trying to destroy the youth group.

What happens when evil is allowed to spread unchecked? It takes the skills of an undercover cop to reveal the sinister plot seeking to gain control of the entire church.

Will Holly and Jace find God’s trail to forgiveness…or are some actions deemed unforgiveable?

If you like wholesome fiction with a faith-filled message, step out with Trail to Forgiveness, Book 3 of The Redemption of Green Pines series today…to find out if Jace’s career and their love can survive.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, writer and speaker, in that order. Cheri loves to encourage people through her fiction series and many nonfiction books including devotionals, Bible studies, and compilation books. For a full list of books visit www.cheriswalwell.com. If you want to sign up to her newsletter to stay updated on all the latest news, you will also receive a free gift as her way of saying thanks for joining! To read one of her many articles on life from a Christian perspective, visit her blog at www.cheriswalwell.com. She loves to interact with her readers, so send her an email at clSwalwell99@gmail.com. You can “like” her on Facebook as well here or join Heart Speaks with Cheri Swalwell, a private Facebook group where we encourage each other and share life together.

More from Cheri

Journey Back Home, Book 2 in The Redemption of Green Pines, was supposed to be a stand alone book. When I finished writing it, I realized there was so much more to the community of Green Pines, and also so much more to Holly. Who was Holly? Why was she able to help Jace through his grief? What brought her to Green Pines?

As a result, I wrote a prequel to Journey Back Home, sharing with readers Holly’s story which became Book 1, Adventure’s Invitation. That book shares the backstory of Holly and her family and I highly recommend reading it. It will make Trail to Forgiveness, Book 3 in The Redemption of Green Pines, that much more meaningful when you get to spend more time with Holly’s family!

Trail to Forgiveness picks up literally two hours after Journey Back Home ends. God unfolded the storyline as I was writing it. While Jace and Holly are busy dealing with false rumors and a church that wants to fire him, Noah and his friends are dealing with members of the youth group who are out to get them too. Thankfully, though, Officer Dave, now a new believer, sticks around and helps Jace and Paul uncover what’s happening. It’s not what you think … but worse!

Also in Trail to Forgiveness, we get to discover more about the foursome who works for Holly, former youth group members of Jace: Addie, her best friend Wynn, Zane and his sidekick Owen. Not only are there secrets circulating in the youth group, but Wynn has some strong secrets of her own.

Pre-order Book 4, Road to Freedom, to discover what secrets Wynn’s been hiding from Holly, her mentor, as well as her friends. Is Zane hiding something from Wynn also?

There is so much more to discover about the community of Green Pines. I hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as I do!

My Thoughts

Trail to Forgiveness is written by Cheri Swalwell. This is book 3 in the Redemption of Green Pines series. I have read book 2 but not book 1. This is the second book that I have read by this author. One of the things that I have enjoyed by this author is the real world situations she brings into her stories. This book will take you on a emotional journey. The characters are real feeling.

Jace has a lot of guilt and regrets with losing his first wife. He is raising their children on their own. He is still deeply hurt and lost and unsure on how to move forward. Holly has been watching Jace's kids. Jace is a youth pastor, Holly is a volunteer with the children's ministry. However, there is someone that is out to get Jace. An elder in the church wants to see Jace fired. He goes out and tries to spread rumors about Jace and Holly and it spirals out of control.

Trigger warning - this book does touch on tough subjects such as: bullying, child pornography and affairs. However, the author as she did in previous books she handles it with grace. What a excellent way of showing God's love in the midst of our sins. What a great reminder of the forgiveness that was extended to us, and that we need to extend to others.

Well written characters, real feeling situations, beautiful reminders of God's grace and mercy. I love how this author writes. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, August 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 16

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18

For Him and My Family, August 19

deb’s Book Review, August 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 21

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 24

Susan K. Beatty, Author, August 25 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 26

Pause for Tales, August 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cheri is giving away the grand prize of a $20 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/112e2/trail-to-forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway - Finding Common Ground: One Octogenarian’s Quest to Help Our Nation Heal Author: Robynne Elizabeth Miller & Marilyn Siden On tour with Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Finding Common Ground: One Octogenarian’s Quest to Help Our Nation Heal

Author: Robynne Elizabeth Miller & Marilyn Siden

Genre: Narrative Nonfiction/Memoir

Release date: April 2, 2021

Because she’d had enough. Enough anger. Enough hatred. Enough division.

Marilyn Siden has lived through much: the aftermath of World War II, Korea, and the horror of Vietnam. She’s navigated good political administrations and struggling ones, a thriving economy and want. Her eight decades of experience living in the US have shown her the best America has to offer and, unfortunately, the worst. But she never thought America would become a place of vitriol and despair.

So, she decided to do something about it.

Through a series of epic journeys across America, Marilyn discovered what she was after: practical advice on how to help our nation heal.

But she found something she wasn’t expecting . . . something far more powerful.

Marilyn found our common ground.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Robynne Elizabeth Miller is wife to an amazing Brit and mother to a glorious brood of adopted and biological kids. Her adventures have led her to over twenty-five countries, from Malta to Russia, and she’s lived about a quarter of her life in the English countryside. She currently makes her home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, spending much of her time telling locals they don’t need to apologize for the rain.

With dozens of articles, essays, and blog posts to her credit, as well as eight books and collaborations on several more, she’s put her B.A. from Westmont College and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction & Fiction from Ashland University to good use She’s an experienced speaker, editor, and writing coach, and teaches regularly at conferences and writer’s workshops. She currently serves as President and Director of Leadership of Inspire Christian Writers and hosts The Art of Semi-Fiction podcast, where she explores every corner of the written word.

On quieter days, Robynne can be found meandering back roads with her family, cooking up some grand adventure with her friends, singing at the top of her lungs, or making bacon from scratch.

Marilyn Siden is blessed with a wonderful family—four grown children, twelve beautiful, talented, Godly grandchildren, and an amazing husband.

More from Robynne and Marilyn

Hello Dear Readers!

Feeling a little discouraged about the state of our nation today? Convinced you have no hope of being part of the solution?

Good news!

Not only are you ABLE to be a part of helping to heal our nation, but you are both called AND equipped to do so, right where you are. No matter your skillset or resources, you can start being a light for Jesus right now. And that light, however small you perceive it to be, WILL shine in these dark times.

Taking this journey at nearly 80 and crossing the country in search of practical solutions to start reversing the hatred and hurt blanketing our nation was challenging.

But it was worth it, too.

Not only is the book filled with stories of hope and encouragement, it’s filled with practical steps we can all take to start healing hurts, restoring our communities, building a safer future for our children, and bringing light back to our nation.

Are you ready?

We are standing on common ground!

My Thoughts

Finding Common Ground: One Octogenarian’s Quest to Help Our Nation Heal is a memoir that is written by Robynne Elizabeth Miller & Marilyn Siden. This is a very inspirational book that was easy to read at 271 pages. I love memoirs. I love reading about other people and their life stories. The way that this is written it feels like you are sitting down with a friend listening the their adventures. The writing was warm, flowing and kept my attention the whole book.

Can we be honest that our world is not a good place right now. There is so much going on that hurts my heart. I do not watch the news. To read a story about a 80 year old woman wanting to change thing was refreshing and made me feel hopeful. I love that she just threw her sleeping bag into her vehicle and set out on her adventure.

Each chapter is a new adventure. A new person that she meets at a different walk of life. The chapters are filled with encouragement. Each person that she encounters has a different ideas on how to fix the division. There's a lot wisdom woven into these stories. This will be something that I read again.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program. All thoughts are my own.