Book Review and Giveaway - Everyday Prayers for Joy Author: Gina L. Smith On Tour With Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Everyday Prayers for Joy

Author: Gina L. Smith

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Devotional Journal

Release date: January 4, 2022

Jesus promises us that the world will give us trials and tribulations, but our hearts should not be troubled. James urges us to “count it all joy…when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

In Everyday Prayers for Joy, author Gina L. Smith shares the life-changing lesson she learned to lament in prayer in order to find joy during hard times and changing circumstances.

When she found herself in a difficult season and cried out to God, “He opened my eyes to the fact that often I find joy in the blessings He has provided for me more than I find joy in Him, the provider of the blessings. I needed to begin the process of learning what it meant to find joy in Christ alone.”

Biblical joy, Gina explains, “is something that exists even when we are suffering or going through a heavy trial because it’s based on the knowledge that God is present, walking with us in our trials, and is producing good fruit in us as we go through them.”

In this thirty-day devotional, Gina offers powerful prayers of lament to move past our problems and focus on the source of all love and goodness.

“The prayer of lament is the prayer for a suffering soul,” she says. “It is our fight with our soul to remember there is a future.…God gave us the prayers of lament to help us process the suffering we face in this life. When we don’t use or understand them, we’re actually missing out on the experience of going to the One who loves us most and can actually heal our hearts and help us to get to the point where our gaze breaks through to eternity. Lamenting is the way we come to God when life is overwhelming.”

Each daily entry includes something to think about, space for journaling thoughts, prayer, and praise, and questions for deeper reflection.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Gina L. Smith is an author, podcaster, and a prayer mentor for Million Praying Moms.

Gina and her husband Brian have been married for more than three decades. They served as the on-campus parents at a Christian college for more than twenty years while Brian was a professor and dean of students. They mentored hundreds of college and seminary students as well as young couples over the years.

Gina has a degree in Bible studies from Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary. She has written for several organizations, including Million Praying Moms. She is also the author of Grace Gifts: Practical Ways to Help Your Children Understand God’s Grace.

Gina and Brian have two grown children and reside in the metro area of Washington, D.C. To connect with Gina, visit www.ginalsmith.com.

 

More from Gina

I am excited about what God has been teaching me and am looking forward to what He has in store as I move forward, one day at a time, following His leading in the most amazing calling I could ever imagine! Won’t you join me?

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:3-5

My Thoughts

How hard is it for you to find Joy right now? The world is full of chaos, anger, hurt and bitterness. Has your world changed a lot in the last 2 years? Everyday Prayers for Joy is a devotion that is written by Gina L. Smith. This devotion is a good blend of personal experience and Biblical Scripture to back up her points. 

If you are feeling like you have lost your job, this is the devotion for you. It's easy to read, easy to unpack and understand. I could see this being used in a women's small group study. Jesus knows that we may have lost our joy - and this book shows us how to find it again. I love how the topics are broken up. 

This book is 30 days on how to find that Joy that we may be missing. It's well written and has great Biblical backings. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

For Him and My Family, February 1

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

Inklings and notions, February 3

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, February 3

deb’s Book Review, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

By the Book, February 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 8 (Spotlight)

Mary Hake, February 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10

Cats in the Cradle Blog, February 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 12

Splashes of Joy, February 13

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks 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/193d0/everyday-prayers-for-joy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway-The Sword and the Song Author: Carla Laureano On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: The Sword and the Song

Author: Carla Laureano

Genre: Fantasy (Celtic Fantasy – adult)

Release date: January 11, 2022

THE SHADOW OF WAR

Seare is at war. The Red Druid has continued to gain strength and power, and the people of Seare suffer beneath the ravages of the isle’s unbound spirits. The Fíréin are all that stand between the land and certain disaster. But there is strife within the Brotherhood as well: Eoghan still refuses to claim his rightful throne, leaving the responsibilities of rule to Conor and creating an uncomfortable distance between the sworn brothers.

When Conor leaves Ard Dhaimin to find the key to defeating the Red Druid, he delves into a world of shadows and danger which will bring him to the brink of madness and back. All the while Eoghan and Aine are left to pursue their own mission to defeat their adversary through her magical gifts.

But as the final battle looms ever closer, they realize that the cost of defeating the Red Druid may be greater than they’re willing to pay… and that nothing—and no one—is as it seems.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Carla Laureanois the two-time RITA® award-winning author of over a dozen books, spanning the genres of contemporary romance and Celtic fantasy. A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked in sales and marketing for more than a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write full-time. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, two sons, and an opinionated tortoiseshell cat named Willow.

 

More from Carla

Why We Should Read About Difficult Things

I’m not going to lie—a lot of my past reading has fallen into the feel-good category. Don’t get me wrong—I like my stories to have some depth, but there’s generally enough turmoil in everyday life that I often feel the need stories with predictably happy endings and not a lot of angst.

But I don’t necessarily think that’s the best approach in times of trouble. Which is why ever since the pandemic hit, I find myself gravitating toward messy, intense reads. Stories where everything goes wrong and it seems like nothing is going to ever work out in the end… until it does. I think it’s a way to work through my own feelings about the state of the world while still being assured that justice will be done, that hope is within reach, that the dawn will still come.

The Sword and the Song is that kind of book. As the third and final volume in the Song of Seare trilogy, things have come to a dangerous tipping point: the rightful High King has been revealed, tensions within the Brotherhood have reached their boiling point, and the Red Druid is slowly but surely moving toward his deadly endgame. Meanwhile, Conor finds his good heart and gentle nature becoming strained by the demands of leadership and the memory of the things that he’s seen and done to survive. It seems that even if victory is still possible—however distantly—it may come at a high personal cost for everyone involved.

There is no doubt that this is the darkest, most dangerous, and most exciting book of the Song of Seare trilogy: on every page, alliances are tested, friendships are shattered, and resolve is stretched to the breaking point. But I would argue that this is the kind of book we need right now. We may finally be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but there’s no arguing that we’ve emerged from it changed in unexpected ways. Some of us may not yet see the light through the darkness. That’s why we find catharsis in reading about difficult things and take hope in their final resolution.

In both this book and in real life, we can be assured that hard times are all part of a bigger plan in the hands of our Creator…and while we may still need to walk through them, there is always One who stays by our side to the very end.

My Thoughts 

The Sword and the Song is book three in the Song of the Seare series that is written by Carla Laureano. I have read the other two books and would recommend reading them in order. 

During the series we’ve followed Conor throughout his training. Now Seare is at war. The Red Druid has been working towards gathering power and strength. The Red Druid is now ready to take on the Firein Brotherhood. Eoghan and Conor have some differences and there’s some tension between them.

Conor knows he needs to find the key to beat the Red Druid. There’s so much danger he has to contend with. I love how the previous books prepares him for this. 

This is a well written story, with a intriguing story like. It would be recommended to read the books in order. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28

Worthy2Read, January 29

By the Book, January 29

A Reader’s Brain, January 30

Inklings and notions, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, February 1

deb’s Book Review, February 2

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

For Him and My Family, February 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 6

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 7 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, February 7

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Simple Harvest Reads, February 10 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carla is giving away the grand prize package of a hardcover set of the series (Oath of the Brotherhood, Beneath the Forsaken City, The Sword and the Song) and 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/193c8/the-sword-and-the-song-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway - Everard Author: Chautona Havig On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Everard

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian / Fantasy / Fairy Tale

Release date: October 2, 2012

A Prince, a friend, and a lizard walk into a trap…

Everard of Havilund—fierce warrior, brave soldier, loyal friend, heir to the throne, and painfully shy.
The war is over! Or is it? After four long years fighting in a war that has spanned a millennium, Everard is finally going home. He has faced everything he fears most—he thinks. Alas, trouble is brewing in the little hamlet of Hidden Hollow and he has only himself to blame.
Follow Everard as he tries to slay the Dragon of Ironia, face the Giant of the Tripp Mountains, bring the Enchantress of Enervatia to justice… just for starters.
Will he succeed? Will he overcome his personal demons that threaten all he is working for?
Find out in this second installment of the Not-So-Fairy Tales.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

“Can you write a short story for Kaira’s birthday? Something about a paisley princess? We’re doing a medieval theme, and Cathe is making the most scrumptious dress…”

A short story. Sure, I could. Why not? I’d throw in some things that fit Kaira and her family and some to make it not a bad attempt to write about a girl I only knew through her mother’s eyes. I’d make her hopelessly ordinary (which Kaira certainly was not). I’d give her lovely skills with a harp (which Kaira definitely has), and I’d give her the name Paisley Paisley so that, as her father, the king of Jackalopany, said “She’d be eager to marry and change it someday.”

Seventy-thousand or so words later the “short story” was done.

The silliest thing I’d ever written, but man… that was fun. Complete with a human chess game, frog pox, and heartbreaking bravery, it wasn’t great literature—Andersson would never approve—but it was mine.

It also gave me a thirst for something more… something… real. Okay, so that sounds a little weird writing about a fairy tale as “real” but in truth, it’s how I felt. I wanted to write a deliberate one, not just a wild romp through story ideas. Some elements of the first book would have to stay. For example, I’d given the first book a cheeky narrator who did a lot of “explaining” about “fairy tale terms” and definitions. She had to return.

But this time, I wanted quests daring dos, and well… yeah. I wanted something a bit more structured. I also wanted it to reflect another family I loved and cherished. In this one, a prince returns from a war lasting almost a thousand years (he didn’t fight the whole time, never fear) to report victory and does something so out of character that it sends his life in a totally different direction.

In my opinion, it has the most truly romantic scene I’ve ever written in it, but even most boys of very tender years (who still think girls are “yucky”) haven’t complained. THAT is my kind of romance!

But more than anything, Everard has honor, bravery, self-sacrifice, and every kind of love you see in the Bible. It’s the second book in the Not-So-Fairy Tales, but it won’t be the last. Leicelin has something she wants to share with the world, too.

My Thoughts

Everard is book two in the not so fairy tale series that is written by one of my favorites, Chautona Havig. I have not read book one - and fear not - that is not a problem. They booth can be read as stand alones. The book starts out with humor and that continues throughout the book. Which is one of the reasons that I love this author so much. This book is written as if the narrator was talking directly to you, as a play by play. Which I thought was going to be weird, but ended up loving. 

Everard has been fighting in a very very very war. He is now returning home. He wants to do the next thing and get married, but will have to accomplish a few things before that happens. Should be easy right? However the father of Roana, seems to be setting Everard up to fail. Everard who is a very brave soldier - does not seem to be brave when talking to Roana. I like the pace that the romance built, and all the humor that was sprinkled in to get there. 

There are life lessons written into the book, and a dragon who was probably my favorite. The characters are well written and I enjoyed the story line. 

Thank you to Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read this book, all thoughts are my own. 

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Blogging With Carol, January 27

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

deb’s Book Review, January 29

Inklings and notions, January 30

Rebecca Tews, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 1

Connect in Fiction, February 1

Lots of Helpers, February 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 4 (Spotlight)

Sodbuster Living, February 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 6

Mary Hake, February 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of the book and 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/193c4/everard-celebration-tour-giveaway

Audio book Review and Giveaway -Flipping Hearts Author: Chautona Havig Narrator: Christa DelSorbo On Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Flipping Hearts

Author: Chautona Havig

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

When a hurricane rips through Hooper Island, a tidal wave of TV crews follows and upsets the locals.

Brooks Crawforth agreed to volunteer crews helping to clean up and repair things on the island, not a whole home and garden series on the total renovation of several houses and a bit of cleanup on the side. He’s furious, and the show host is spitting nails at the person who blew it in the first place.

His and his father’s jobs are in jeopardy, the islanders are about to kill him, and that crazy show host blames him for her assistant’s last-minute, “you’ve-got-to-sign-this-now-or-we-can’t-come” contract.

One more thing. Did she have to be so cute?

He’s got even more trouble, though. Islanders are starting to blame Mallory Barrows for the invasion. Not only that, there are rumors of dismantling the association and allowing tourism on the islands. How’s he supposed to fix this mess?

They can’t stand each other, but if they can manage to flip off the enemy switch and flip on some cooperation, maybe their hearts’ll get flipped, too.

This “enemies to romance” novel introduces the next island 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

Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller.

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

 

More from Christa

My Thoughts 

Flipping Hearts is written by the ever so talented, Chautona Havig. This book is narrated by Christa DelSorbo.  It is book 13 in the Independence Island Series. The series is a multi-author series that is linked by a chain of Islands. They are all able to be read as stand alone books. However previous characters make appearances throughout the whole series. I feel like every book that I read gets better and better. 

The author always writes such amazing characters. Brooks and Bailey were fun characters to read. They are both bossy and stubborn and butt heads. In the aftermath of a hurricane, Brooks is worried about the television crew that comes rolling in. The locals, who are trying to clean up and get back on with their lives are not thrilled. Bailey has a big heart and wants to genuinely help, but someone is determined to undermine her and ruin her reputation. 

I love that there is a mystery to be solved. Why is Bailey being targeted? What do they gain from attempting to help clean up after a hurricane. Brooks and Bailey have a very love/hate relationship. I really enjoyed watching them grow throughout the book. The author also writes in the lesson of Grace. Something that we all need to remember. We are NOT perfect. We mess up. 

I am glad that I’ve been able to listen to this book also. I believe this is the 4th book that Christa DelSorbo has narrated that I’ve listened too. Her voice is so perfect for audiobooks. I could listen to her read to me all day. Her voice is calming. Her words flow so nicely. I love how she’s described as having “the voice of a friend”. I truly can feel this. 

The author has written great characters, a storyline that will draw you in right away, and you will not want to put it down. Pair that with the lovely voice of Christa DelSorbo and you’ve got an amazing team.  I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program, all thoughts are my own.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 26

Texas Book-aholic, January 27

For Him and My Family, January 28

Inklings and notions, January 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 2 (Spotlight)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 3

The Sacred Line, February 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 4

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 6

deb’s Book Review, February 7 (Spotlight)

The Author Reads, February 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 8

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Chautona and Christa are giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book in winner’s choice of format!!

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/193c2/flipping-hearts-audiobook-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review and Giveaway --Snowbound Amish Survival by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Snowbound Amish Survival by Mary Alford, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


Title: Snowbound Amish Survival
Author: Mary Alford
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: Jan 25, 2022
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Christian

She’s caught in a snowstorm…

with a target on her back.

When armed men burst into her patient’s house looking for her, Amish midwife Hope Christner barely escapes with her pregnant friend. Now running through a snowy forest with enemies in pursuit and a blizzard raging, Hope has no choice but to turn to the closest neighbor, her ex-fiancé, Hunter Shetler. But facing the heartbreak of their past is just as frightening as the attackers on her trail…



PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub

ALSO AVAILABLE











ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Mary Alford is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty novels. Her books have been finalists in the Selah Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and the HOLT Medallion Contest. As a writer, Mary is an avid reader. She loves to cook and can’t face the day with-out coffee. She and her husband live in the heart of Texas in the middle of 70 acres with two very spoiled cats and one adorable rescue dog. Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.

CONNECT WITH MARY: Website | Facebook | Twitter


MY THOUGHTS

Mary Alford is one of my favorite Love Inspired Suspense Authors. I have read her last several releases. There are several things that you will get when you read one of her books. You will be drawn in within the first few books, you will have heart pounding suspense and action throughout the whole book and there will be a message of faith throughout the whole book. 

In Snowbound Amish Survival, it opens with Hope helping one of her clients who is nervous about having her first baby. Suddenly everything changes when armed men burst through the door looking for Hope. Naomi and Hope are suddenly running for their lives through the snow and blizzard and end up on Hope's former fiancé's doorstep. Hunter and Hope have been apart for awhile, but Hunter knows that he needs to do whatever he can to keep Hope and Naomi safe. 

Why do these men want an Amish Midwife? They are looking for someone that Hope had previously helped. Hunter and Hope both are broken 5 years later after their break up. They have to work together to keep everyone safe and alive. The author has thrown in some good twists in the book and it left me guessing. 

As always the author has created well written characters. The storyline is suspenseful. This is part of the series that follows this Amish community - however they can all be read as a stand alones. A special thanks to the author and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift card and a print copy of Snowbound Amish Survival!

(2) winners will receive a print copy of Snowbound Amish Survival!



Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 1, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 8, 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