Book Review and Giveaway - Sunflowers and Suspicions Author: Karen Malley On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Sunflowers and Suspicions

Author: Karen Malley

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: October, 2021

A Deception Revealed…

When Julie Wagner’s identical twin Jade goes missing, Julie travels to New York intent on pretending to be her sister so she can unravel the truth. There, she meets the the only person who has ever been able to tell them apart. Together, can she and her sister’s neighbor unravel a shady restaurant owner’s mysteries and find Jade?

A Fractured Family Healed…

Matt Callahan has lived across the hall from Jade Wagner for a year, but never understood the pain behind her eyes. When her sister appears in his apartment building, he is amazed at the differences he sees in the twins. As he helps Julie find her twin, he discovers that she just might be the answer to helping his own fractured family.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Karen Malley lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. She works full-time as a scientist but fits writing in her spare time whenever possible. This usually means writing in her pajamas on weekend mornings while the rest of the family is asleep. When not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, playing board games, and especially reading! She loves reading faith-based stories because we can all use a happy ending.

Karen loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her on her website:

www.KarenMalley.com. Sign up for her newsletter and you’ll receive a free short story in your mailbox each week.

 

More from Karen

Sunflowers and Suspicions is the third full book in the Pine Springs series. While you may discover some spoilers from the previous books, this book can be read as a standalone. I wrote Sunflowers in Suspicions because I loved the characters so much, I wanted their stories to continue!

This was a fun book to write. Julie was a minor character in the previous books in the series, and her story needed to be told. Living in the shadow of a glamorous twin sister hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm for life, but her self-esteem suffered a hit, making it difficult to believe a guy could be interested in her instead of her sister. Most of us have been there! God promises He’s given gifts to all His children, but if our gifts don’t seem to measure up to those we perceive others have, we lose our joy.

 

Granted, Julie has a lot more than that to deal with – her twin sister goes missing, and her former boss may know more than he’s letting on. Couple that with feelings of inadequacy since all her friends have special guys and the fact the guy Julie starts to fall for seems more interested in her sister, and it’s easy for her to feel second rate. God never wants that for us. While Sunflowers and Suspicions is a tale of suspense and romance, it also taught me a thing or two about accepting myself for who God made me to be. I hope it does the same for you!

My Thoughts

Sunflowers and Suspicions is written by Karen Malley. This is book three in the Pine Springs series. I have read book 2 - and feel they can be read as stand alone books. There are some characters that were featured in previous books, but the author did a good job with filling in the gaps. 

This is a Christian Fiction book with mystery written in. One of the things that I love about this author is how she weaves in God's Grace and love into her stories seamlessly. Julie is more grounded then Jade. Julie has a job at a pregnancy crisis center. Jade desires to be an actress. When Julie has not heard from Jade - she knows something is up. 

Matt has lived across from Jade the last year. He knows that there is something that Jade has not healed from. Matt is a good character and helps look for Jade. 

I love the romance written into the story. It's the perfect amount and building. The author did a good job creating this world that the characters live in. 

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, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15

Inklings and notions, March 16

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

For Him and My Family, March 18

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 19 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 19

Inside the Wong Mind, March 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Splashes of Joy, March 25 (Author Interview)

By the Book, March 25

Blogging With Carol, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of e-copy of Sunflowers and Suspicions, an 11 x 14 canvas print of a sunflower, and some jewelry: two beaded bracelets, one bangle bracelet, a heart necklace, and a keychain!!

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/1b8bb/sunflowers-and-suspicion-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway- Roxie Applesauce Written by Tonya Matthews On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Roxie Applesauce

Author: Tonya L. Matthews

Genre: Faith-based Christian Fiction

Release date: August, 2021

God takes broken pieces

 and brings them together 

for something amazing

Marcella Ciscal enjoyed few good days. The reason she knew she could live another day, the way she stayed sane, the friend who never left her side was Roxie Applesauce.

Homeless and beaten, Marcella awakens to the care of Haleya Kage who’s going through a difficult season—a demanding career, two teens, and her husband Thomas’s business a casualty of the 2009 economic downturn. Yet, with life unstable and the future unknown, it’s the unpredictable that propels His greater plan.

In a story of reconciliation, love, and legacy, we are reminded that life’s not always perfect or predictable, but God can make all things beautiful – in His time.

Life is full of scenes: some short, long, seemingly insignificant—others life-changing. Woven together, these scenes reveal a person’s heart. His or her life-story shared by a heart blessed, unforgettable. – the author.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Tonya grew up on a family farm in Riverside, Kentucky. Her father recognized early on that hoeing tobacco and running hogs weren’t in her skill set. He opted to send her to college. Graduating from Western Kentucky University with honors, Tonya went on to support the business community for two decades as an executive for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce where she served a primary role in the organization’s multiple national honors.

Tonya has found writing to be a healthy escape and effective therapy in tough seasons throughout her life. Tonya began writing Treasure atop the Mountain 15 years ago when she and her husband were trying to start their family and encountered multiple disappointments. Ultimately, they signed up to be foster parents and adopted.

Tonya’s been married to Todd Matthews for 25 years. They have two grown daughters. In August 2019, she published Treasure atop the Mountain—a fiction novel based on real-life emotions that can be related to by many. Tonya’s second novel in the TREASURE series, Roxie Applesauce, released in August 2021. She’s currently writing the series’ third book, Get Will. Additionally, in 2022, she will debut the first two books in her children’s book series.

 

More from Tonya

THE STORY behind the story—Tonya L. Matthews

As many of you know, Todd and I adopted our two girls from foster care. I remember hugging Haley one night after a tough day (she was a handful…well, still is) with tears in my eyes. Tears of sadness in my heart for what had brought us both together and tears of hope that we could help each other move forward. Todd and I had experienced multiple failures at trying to have a baby, and she’d experienced failure after failure of what is best for a little girl who needs a stable home-life. Roxie Applesauce, published and release this month, is dedicated to her. Though little has gone as we’d planned, God was and is still in control. I often say, ‘God had her before we did; he’s still got her!’

Life’s road isn’t always fair, but along the way there are those undeniable, unexplainable occurrences where without question the only answer is that it had to be God. That’s the message of hope I needed when I wrote Roxie Applesauce (and still need today.)

I began writing as an outlet for my emotions years ago as nothing seemed to work. I sat down and started writing, not knowing that I could write a novel and not set on it as the end goal. My goal was to find something that would take my thoughts away from the never-ending cycle of worry, anger and confusion over why there was no baby when for so many it just happened so simply.

I enjoyed reading fiction with an inspiring message. I remember when I finished a good book, I’d hold it for a minute after I closed it and even sometimes say out loud, “Wow, that was good!” I’d think about it the next day and the characters in the book were more like people that I knew or wished I knew.

After I read several that didn’t deliver, and inspired by those that did, I thought…I’ll just write what I like to read. So, I sat down and started typing and then I just never quit on the book. In the background of a busy, busy life, it was always there. Then when I walked away from the Chamber to be a better mom to my teen girls, I yet again, needed an outlet for all the ‘I am not equipped to raise these two!’ emotions that followed. Slowly, keeping my family as priority for really the first time ever, I worked toward the publication of Treasure atop the Mountain. Since its release, I can say the greatest joy has been the people that I’ve met! We all struggle. The emotions are the same, though the circumstances may be different. We need to know that we are not alone. We need to know that God’s plan is at work, even through the difficult times. If you haven’t had a chance to read Treasure atop the Mountain yet—first in the series, I hope someone passes it along to you as part of God’s plan as the existence of these books is beyond me!

If you didn’t know, my daughters are named Haley and Aleya. Not biological sisters. Born to two birth mothers who don’t know each other. One named her daughter HALEY and the other named her daughter ALEYA. If you put their names together you have HALEYA. Put you hand over the A on the end and it’s Haley. Put your hand over the H and you have Aleya. I have to remind myself on the toughest of days as a mother of two now adult-age girls in this world full of lies and heartache that God does know what he’s doing, and I know that God’s hand is at work! So, I write the third novel in the series, Get Will, yet again, as a healthy escape for my mind that is often unrelenting when so much is out of our control.

My Thoughts

Roxie Applesauce is written by Tonya Matthews.  I’ve recently been introduced to this author and I’ve loved both stories I’ve read. There is a book prior to this one, Treasure atop the mountain that I would recommend reading first, just so you can get the whole back story. 

The author has written a very emotional story. You’ll want to have tissues close by. Marcella Ciscal is not treated well by some of the other characters. My heart broke for her. She’s endured physical and emotional abuse. Those scars run deep. I love that the author created a realistic character. She wrote some tough subjects but shows how God’s mercy prevails. 

Haleya Kage is going through some difficulties of her own. Her children are moody and distant. Her husband seems so unhappy. Haleya is struggling. She’s exhausted too. 

The two characters meeting and seeing what happens is truly magical. I love how God takes the brokenness of our lives and turns it into something beautiful. There’s so many realistic topics the author has written about and Gods love shows through all of it. 

 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, March 9

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 10 (Author Interview)

Miriam Jacob, March 10

Texas Book-aholic, March 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12

For Him and My Family, March 13

Inklings and notions, March 14

deb’s Book Review, March 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16

Older & Smarter?, March 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 18

Pause for Tales, March 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tonya is giving away the grand prize of 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/1b8b4/roxie-applesauce-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway - Blended Lives Author: Melissa Wardwell On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Blended Lives

Author: Melissa Wardwell

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: February 22, 2022

Wedding bells are ringing on the islands, but more than romance is in the air.

Seth Mikels experienced a fulfilling marriage with his wife until her sudden death left him alone to raise their two daughters. As they approach their teens, it’s obvious that they need a woman’s influence. He’s not looking for love, but he could use the partnership of a wife. Between his handyman business and playing Mr. Mom, time is fading fast.

Sarah Reid has spent the last four years caught in the middle of one island drama after another. Following the most recent fiasco, she hopes to find refuge on Sparrow Island with her two little boys. Climbing bills and a dwindling bank account leaves her no choice but to sell out and move to the mainland. Enter Seth’s handyman skills and an unexpected romance.

With Beth and Scott planning their own Merriweather wedding (complete with a Momzilla), will wedding bells ring out on Sparrow, too?

Read the next Sparrow Island novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Melissa Wardwell doesn’t mind alternating between the world of writing and the reality of being a mother, but she would rather sit with a good book or a good friend and a cup of coffee.

When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads.

To see more from Melissa Wardwell, visit www.melissawardwell.com

 

More from Melissa

I want to thank you for taking the time to follow this tour. This book was written during one of the most difficult times in my life but, as Beth said, God has turned the mourning into gladness. We are never promised the next breath we breathe or the freedoms that we enjoy, but He does promise that will be with us through every change in our lives.

 

Sarah and Seth’s stories are tragic and unimaginable for many. They have been brought to the lowest points in their lives but must continue to move on for their children.

 

Writing this story helped me work through some of my own struggles. Some areas of my life were burning to the ground and I found myself looking for answers as to how to pick up the pieces. Instead, God taught me some pretty important lessons.

I learned to be a woman who spoke clear and true. I learned to show the people around me how much I love them and appreciate them. I learned that only God could fix those broken pieces of our lives and stitch them back together. And lastly, I learned of the beauty of friendship and how important it is in our daily lives. Even though I am glad that journey is over, I will forever cherish the lessons.

 

I think Gram summed it up nicely for me though.

 

“When we blend our lives with others, whether in marriage or friendships, we open the door to carry each other’s burdens in life. God gives us certain friendships to help us through tough times to teach us how to be a shoulder for others.”

 

Fiction is a reflection of reality, so expect some  of the lessons I learned to be reflected in Blended Lives as Sarah and Seth figure out how to navigate the changes I put them through.

My Thoughts

Blended Lives is written  Melissa Wardwell. This is part of the Independence Island Series. The series is written by multiple authors and are all stand alone books. They are all tied together by the Island theme. They are a fun, easy romantic read. 

In Blended Lives Seth is a widower with two daughters. They are approaching a crucial part of their lives where a woman's influence can help. Sarah has come from a fractured, shattered past. She has two boys of her own and is struggling to try and make ends meet. The author has wrote some realistic characters and did a good job portraying that not every single parent is well off.

This book also features characters that were introduced in previous  books. Scott and Beth are planning their wedding. Seeing their upcoming nuptials and the stresses that goes along with that has been fun to follow. 

I love that the characters rely on God and pray to him. Especially being a widower with kids. There is a lot that goes into that that I will never know of. The author took some tough subjects and created a beautiful story with it. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 11

Texas Book-aholic, March 12

Simple Harvest Reads, March 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Inklings and notions, March 13

For Him and My Family, March 14

Library Lady’s Kids Lit, March 15

deb’s Book Review, March 16

Connect in Fiction, March 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 18

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

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 20 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, March 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 21

Blossoms and Blessings, March 22

Aryn the Libraryan, March 23

lakesidelivingsite, March 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card 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/1b8b7/blended-lives-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review -- Malicious Intent(Defend and Protect #2) by Lynn H. Blackburn

 

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Dr. Ivy Collins, founder and CEO of Hedera, Inc., is ready to begin clinical trials of her company’s cutting-edge prosthetic. Her work has been heralded by government, medical, and advocacy groups and everyone hopes the device will be a success. Well, almost everyone. Someone is trying to sabotage Hedera and the launch, but to what purpose--and how far will they go to get what they want? Meanwhile, U.S. Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon can’t believe he’s finally been reunited with Ivy, his childhood best friend. Now that he’s found her again, Gil intends to spend the rest of his life with her. But it will take all his skill to uncover the truth in time to save Ivy’s life’s work, her own life, and the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.Perfectly balancing chilling suspense and uplifting romance, award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn delivers a story of revenge, greed, and overcoming that you won’t want to put down no matter how late it gets.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lynn H. Blackburn loves writing romantic suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she’s a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters and loves putting them into all kinds of terrifying situations while she’s sitting at home safe and sound in her pajamas! 

Lynn’s titles have won the Carol Award, the Selah Award, and the Faith, Hope, and Love Reader’s Choice Award. Her newest series kicked off in March 2021 with Unknown Threat, Book 1 in the Defend and Protect series. 

She is a frequent conference speaker and has taught writers all over the country. Lynn lives in South Carolina with her true love and their three children. You can follow her real life happily ever after by signing up for her newsletter at LynnHBlackburn.com and @LynnHBlackburn on Bookbub, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

MY THOUGHTS

Malicious Intent is book two in the Defend and Protect series. I have not read book one but I had no problem following along. The series is written by the talented Lynn H. Blackburn. This book focuses on childhood friends, Dr. Ivy Collins and Secret Service Agent Gil Dixon. They have not been in each other's lives for awhile and Gil has to talk to her in regards to counterfeit money that her company, Hedera has deposited. When they show up, Dr. Collins is being attacked. 

Gil and his team make it their mission to protect Ivy. They need to find out why someone wants to get information on Hedera so bad. They do not seem threatened or scared when the Secret Service Team is constantly with Ivy. 

The amount of action and suspense is constant with this book. Books that keep my heart pounding throughout and have me turning pages fast are my favorite books to read. This book takes you on a wild, adrenaline filled ride to unravel who wants into Hedera's system so bad. 

The author always has such well written characters, you get to know them so well in the span of the book. She will keep you on your toes. I cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out. 

Thank you to Revell Reads for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own. 

Book Review and Giveaway - Elijah Goes to Cleveland Written by Mark Darden Hosted by Children's Book Review

 Elijah Goes to Cleveland Awareness Tour sponsored by Mark Darden

The Children’s Book Review

Join us on this virtual book tour for Mark Darden’s Elijah Goes to Cleveland!

Elijah is in Cleveland visiting his grandparents when he finds out that his favorite music band will be performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The tickets are free, but there is a catch: You have to do a scavenger hunt to find band members at various landmarks throughout Cleveland!

To learn more, follow along on the virtual book tour and enter the giveaway below for the chance to win one of ten autographed copies of Elijah Goes to Cleveland—5 books will have a gift card to one of the following places: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, West Side Market, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Karamu House!

About the Book

Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Written by Mark Darden

Illustrated by Anh Bui

Ages 4+ | 32 Pages

Publisher: Buckeye Muscle Media | 9871736703007

Publisher’s Synopsis: Elijah is in Cleveland visiting his grandparents when he finds out that his favorite music band will be performing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The tickets are free, but there is a catch: You have to do a scavenger hunt to find band members at various landmarks throughout Cleveland. With the help of his grandparents, will Elijah be able to secure tickets to see his favorite band perform? Pick up a copy of Elijah Goes to Cleveland to find out.

Buy the Book

AUTHOR’S WEBSITE

About the Author

Mark Darden is an author, sports travel blogger, and Chief Content Creator for Buckeye Muscle Media, LLC. Since 2017, Mark has documented his sports travel adventures on his blog, buckeyemuscle.com. Originally from Cleveland, Mark’s first book is IT’S GAME TIME FOLKS!: Quest for 30, a travelogue of his journey visiting all 30 MLB ballparks during the 2017 season. He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).

For more information, visit https://buckeyemuscle.com.

Thanks for following along with us on Elijah Goes to Cleveland awareness tour!

My Thoughts

Elijah Goes to Cleveland brought me home to my roots. I was born and raised in various suburbs to Cleveland. I loved seeing a book featuring a scavenger hunt with familiar places. Elijah is in Cleveland visiting his grand parents. His favorite band is giving away free tickets, but you have to go on a scavenger hunt to get them. His grandparents know their way around the city and help Elijah try and track down the band. Unfortunately every time they make it to the next clue, the band member is gone. Elijah gets frustrated but his grand parents push him to keep going. They travel all over Cleveland looking at all the different attractions that Cleveland has to offer. I loved the pictures in the book, I loved all the sites they visited. Cleveland is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. 

Thank you to the author, publisher and Children's Book Review for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

** This is a paid partnership with Buckeye Muscle Media and The Children's Book Review --- All thoughts expressed are my own** 

Elijah Goes to Cleveland Book Giveaway

How to Enter

• Fill out the required fields in the form above. It may take a moment to load.
• You can also gain daily bonus entries.
• The giveaway begins March 7, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends April 7, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
• The giveaway is only open to legal residents of the United States and is void where prohibited by law.
• Full Terms & Conditions above.

Elijah Goes to Cleveland Tour Dates

Monday, March 7, 2022 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off

Tuesday, March 8, 2022 The Fairview Review A book review of Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 The Momma Spot A book review of Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Thursday, March 10, 2022 Life Is What It’s Called An interview with Author Mark Darden

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 icefairy’s Treasure Chest A book review of Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Wednesday, March 16, 2022 Barbara Ann Mojica A book review of Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Thursday, March 17, 2022 Because I Said So A book review of Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Friday, March 18, 2022 Crafty Moms Share A book review of Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Wednesday, March 23, 2022 Tales of a Wannabe Superhero Mom A beyond the book activity for Elijah Goes to Cleveland

Thursday, March 24, 2022 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers A guest article by Author Mark Darden

Friday, March 25, 2022 Lisa’s Reading A book review of Elijah Goes to Cleveland