Monday, November 29, 2021

Behind Love's Wall Blog Tour & Giveaway by Carrie Fancett Pagels

 

 


About the Book

Book: Behind Love’s Wall

Author: Carrie Fancett Pagels

Genre: FICTION/ Christian/Romance

Release date: November 1, 2021

Two successful women, a hundred-and-twenty-years apart, build walls to protect their hearts. Modern-day Willa, a successful interior decorator, is chosen to consult for the Grand Hotel’s possible redesign. She discovers a journal detailing the struggles of a young woman, Lily—which reveals dark secrets. The renowned singer wasn’t who she pretended to be. As Willa reaches out to Lily’s descendant, a charismatic and prominent landscape artist, she lets down her guard. Should she share the journal with him, or once again erect a wall as she struggles to redesign both the Grand and her life?

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW
The dual-time in the story created a very interesting insight into the past. I loved seeing the story evolve through two time periods and how everything was woven together with plenty of secrets.

The Grand Hotel was a wonderful backdrop for the story. The characters from both time periods are well-developed and all brought their own personalities and expertise to the story. The mystery and suspense of the story had me engaged from the beginning.

Behind Love's Wall is a page-turner and I couldn't put it down. The Christian aspects added to the story well. Highly recommended.

I was provided with a complimentary copy and willingly choose to review it. 


About the Author

ECPA-bestselling author Carrie Fancett Pagels, Ph.D., is the award-winning author of over a dozen Christian historical romances. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn’t “cure” her overactive imagination! A self-professed “history geek,” she resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia but grew up as a “Yooper” in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time! You can connect with her at www.CarrieFancettPagels.com.

 



More from Carrie

Why I Wrote This Novel

 

I got a chance to write another novel set on Mackinac Island!!!

 

I’m the author of over twenty published stories. I have many books, both novel and novella length, set at the Straits of Mackinac including Maggie Award winner and Romantic Times Top Pick My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island. In the summer, I go up to the area and I’m blessed to sign books at the Island Bookstore—sometimes hundreds of books which is such an amazing thing I can’t tell you! Now that MHBoMI is out of print, Barbour has been helping by doing limited print runs for while I am up there.

 

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island was originally part of a full series that I pitched but it didn’t get picked up for all three stories. MHBoMI got picked up as part of the My Heart Belongs series that Barbour put out a few years ago. The second book in my original Brides of Mackinac series was heroine Sadie’s story, which was published as a novella “His Anchor” in First Love Forever collection.  So I had two of my book babies delivered out into the world and Lily’s story sat there for a while.

 

In the Covid summer of 2020, I arrived in my home state of Michigan and over dinner with a close friend I learned that the folks at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island were having legal trouble with their previous long-time designed Carlton Varney suing them. I’d been disappointed that the Mussers, who’d owned the Grand for generations, had sold the hotel but this new development really bugged me.  While I was in the Upper Peninsula, I finished an Indy book, Dogwood Plantation, which only figures since I often write my Michigan stories while I am in Virginia and vice versa! I knew the only other book I wanted to work on was to complete my Brides of Mackinac trilogy (not exactly since they aren’t all in one series!) with Lily’s story. I also had a manuscript about 70% done that was my very first contemporary Women’s Fiction novel. When my agent encouraged me to submit a Mackinac Island story set at the Grand Hotel to Barbour’s Doors to the Past series, I knew immediately that the only story for historical I wanted to write was Lily’s. That meant that I needed, for this dual-timeline series, a contemporary story. That wasn’t just a chance sharing at dinner—I believe the info about the lawsuit was meant to be passed on to me one of those God-incidences. My modern-day heroine then became an established resort designer who had a trunkful of issues just like Lily did.

 

Was I ever glad that I had finally written my first contemporary Women’s Fiction (Butterfly Cottage) because that skill set came in very handy in writing the modern-day 2020 story of Willa in Behind Love’s Wall! This was the most difficult novel to write that I have done so far as I write in character and going back and forth between the 1895 and 2020 timelines could be draining. I tried to write each character and setting on separate days but that couldn’t always be managed.

 

I pray that this story will touch readers’ hearts. I pray that someone, like the young waitress I meant on Mackinac Island who had been spiritually moved by My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island (she read her grandmother’s copy after her grandma passed away!), will read this book and feel that connection to our Maker. That’s what Christian Fiction is all about!

                                Blog Stops

Life of Literature, November 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 19

Cats in the Cradle Blog, November 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 19

Inklings and notions, November 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 20

For Him and My Family, November 21

Mary Hake, November 21

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 22

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

For the Love of Literature, November 22

deb’s Book Review, November 23

Betti Mace, November 23

Genesis 5020, November 23

Older & Smarter?, November 24

Remembrancy, November 24

Blossoms and Blessings, November 25

Stephanie’s life of determination, November 25

Connect in Fiction, November 25

Rebecca Tews, November 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 26

Through the fire blogs, November 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 27

Pause for Tales, November 27

Bigreadersite, November 28

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 28

Connie’s History Classroom, November 29

Bizwings Blog, November 29

Labor Not in Vain, November 29

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 30

To Everything There Is A Season, November 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 1

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, December 1

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 1

                                  Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Carrie 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/137e9/behind-love-s-wall-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Diamond Art Painting Co- 20% off Sale on Etsy-Finished Diamond Paintings, Plus Digital Downloads!

 


My Etsy store, Diamond Art Painting Co is having a 20% off Cyber Sale from November 20th- December 1st on all my designs.  Most of the designs are my own original art but I do use pre-ordered kits of designs that are appealing to me.

For those of you who aren't familiar with diamond painting, it is a form of mosaic art where you apply acrylic beads (called diamonds) onto a pre-glued canvas to complete a painting. It's a fun and relaxing way to be creative.

If you are looking for that unique gift for that special someone, give my store a try.  I have a variety of something for everyone. 

Sample of art FOR SALE in my store:





                 





These are completed paintings ready for framing.  They will be rolled and shipped in a mailing tube for delivery.  I ship to U.S. ONLY. 


New paintings are added as they are completed so come back often.

*** I now sell digital downloads of all my designs to use for craft projects, diamond paintings, greeting cards, scrapbooking, and more.  $1-4 per download.

Have a blessed day and a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Julie Grace






Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Cover Reveal for Horses Hounds & Happily Ever After and Giveaway

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours
 

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
Horses, Hounds & Happily Ever After

Coming May 2022 . . .

Horses, Hounds & Happily Ever After
By Various Authors
Historical Romance, Romantic Comedy
May 3, 2022, by Carpe Vitam Press

Escape with over 20 Historical Romance stories with all the feels!

✔ Horses, animals, and love, oh my!
✔ Happily ever afters

This sweet rom-com collection contains over 20 original historical romance novellas from best-selling authors.

All proceeds benefit animal rescue All Seated In A Barn

Don’t miss this limited edition box set, featuring some of your favorite authors, is both heartwarming and inspiring.

(Affiliate links included.)
 
The Contributing Authors


Tour Giveaway


Four winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card

Ends November 20, 2021

 
Grab Our Button!


Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Yukon Justice Blog Tour & Giveaway by Dana Mentink

 

 


About the Book

 

Book: Yukon Justice

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: October 26, 2021

Sabotage on a family ranch…

Newfoundland Ella and her Alaska State Trooper partner is on the case.

When her estranged uncle attempts to sabotage her family’s reindeer ranch, K-9 team assistant Katie Kapowski heads home to help save it—and becomes his target. With their rocky past, Alaska State Trooper Brayden Ford and his furry partner are the last team Katie wants assigned to protect her. But with the ranch under siege, they must work together…or risk falling victim to a killer.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Yukon Justice is a wonderfully written suspense novel set in Alaska at a reindeer ranch. The descriptions of the everyday activities of the ranch brought the story to life for me.

The character of Katie is a strong-willed and independent person like her Aunt Addie, who rely on each other. When Addie's brother threatens to take the ranch, they must rely on Brayden and his K-9 unit to protect them.

There are lots of twists in the story that kept me guessing. Definitely, a page-turner that had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the faith element that seemed to touch the lives of Brayden, Addie, and Katie. All around wonderful suspenseful read that I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly  and Amazon bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

 


More from Dana

Up on the housetop, click, click, click, down through the chimney with good St. Nick. Does anyone know that line from the famous Christmas song? I’ve been singing it for years but only recently did I learn that the clicking is a real reindeer phenomenon. Those reindeer ankle joints make a clicking sound so they can find the rest of their herd if they are separated in a blizzard. It’s just one of the many things I learned about reindeer while researching to write Yukon Justice. In the novel, Katy has to take over running her aunt’s reindeer ranch and protect it from threats by a dangerous intruder. I had the pleasure of “Zoom” interviewing the owner of the Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks, Alaska! Jane helped me learn all kinds of interesting things about reindeer. How much do you know about these critters? Take my quick three question trivia quiz to test your knowledge!

 

  1. What’s the difference between caribou and reindeer? They are the same animal but caribou are the wild variety and the domesticated version are called reindeer.

 

  1. Do males or females grow antlers? Both! Reindeer are a type of deer and the only species where the female grows antlers as well as the males.

 

  1. How come kids put out carrots for Santa’s reindeer? Good question! Carrots are not, in fact, part of a natural healthy reindeer diet. The animals don’t even have front teeth! A much better treat would be willow or birch leaves, or their favorite food…lichen, which they find by scraping the snow away from the ground with their hooves.

 

So how did you do? If you want to know more about these amazing creatures, snag yourself a copy of Yukon Justice!

                                Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 6

lakesidelivingsite, November 6

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 7

Gina Holder, November 7 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, November 8

Daysong Reflections, November 8

Genesis 5020, November 8

For Him and My Family, November 9

Lighthouse-Academy, November 9

Bigreadersite, November 9

For the Love of Literature, November 10

Remembrancy, November 10

Betti Mace, November 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 11

deb’s Book Review, November 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 12

Blogging With Carol, November 13

To Everything There Is A Season, November 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 13

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 14

Simple Harvest Reads, November 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 15

Vicarious Living, November 15

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 15

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 16

Blossoms and Blessings, November 16

Bizwings Blog, November 16

She Lives To Read, November 17

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 17

Splashes of Joy, November 18

Through the Fire blogs, November 18

Kayem Reads, November 18

Labor Not in Vain, November 19

Pause for Tales, November 19

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 19

                                  Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and an eBook copy of the book OR a signed copy of the book (U.S. Only)!!

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/12f8a/yukon-justice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, November 8, 2021

New Release- Hidden Danger by Jerusha Agen- Page Turning Christian Suspense!

 

The greatest threat to this K-9 team is the one they don't see coming.

Cora Isaksson’s guilt has shadowed her life ever since drugs ensnared her brother and he disappeared. When Bradley suddenly returns, Cora and her narcotics detection K-9 are thrust into a battle against the drug cartel that wants him back.

DEA Special Agent Kent Thomson has his own personal reasons for bringing justice to the cartel. Cora and her drug-sniffing K-9 will only get in his way. Or are they assets that will enable him to right the wrongs of the past?

When the cartel targets Cora, she and Kent join forces with her teammates at the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency to end the cartel before it ends her. They’re prepared for danger, but when more lives than their own hang in the balance, can they trust God for the rescue that’s out of their reach?

Hidden Danger continues the thrilling story of the elite Phoenix K-9 Security and Protection Agency that began with prequel Rising Danger. (Each book can stand alone or be read as series installments.)

Get Your Copy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

With a B.A. in English and a background in screenwriting, Jerusha is a speaker, writing instructor, and Fear Warrior who sounds the call to battle against fear in our everyday lives.

Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats. You’ll often find her sharing irresistibly adorable photos of them in her newsletter and on social media.

Get a free suspense story from Jerusha at FearWarriorSuspense.com and find more of her thrilling, fear-fighting stories at www.JerushaAgen.com







MY REVIEW



Hidden Danger is filled with danger and adventure but also warmth, uplifting and inspirational moments. The main characters find themselves in one situation after another forcing them to use their cunning and wits to keep ahead of the people that are after them. Lots of action and surprises will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The main characters, Cora & Kent, are exciting and quirky at times. The author showed their weaknesses as well as their strengths which made them more relatable and by the end of the book, I felt as though I really knew them.

The Christian aspect was woven into the story perfectly. The main character's faith grew making them strong when they needed to be. Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Spotlight of "1% Better" & Giveaway by Chris Nikic & Nik Nikic and Don Yaeger

 

What would life look like if you measured your success by improvements instead of victories? Nik Nikic shares the incredible story of his son Chris’s journey to become the first person with Down syndrome to ever complete an IRONMAN® triathlon, inspiring others to achieve their goals by getting 1 percent better every day.

From the moment Chris Nikic was born, his parents knew he could achieve anything he set his mind to do. So when he became involved in triathlons with the Special Olympics, his dad, Nik, took on the role of coach and encouraged Chris to aim even higher. Together, they set their sights on making history—Chris becoming the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN® triathlon.

Written from Chris’s father’s perspective, Nik shares the 1% Better mindset that has helped Chris achieve many of his goals—and the underlying principles of the 1% Better system can help you pursue and achieve your dreams too! Through Chris and Nik’s story, learn the benefits of applying the model to your own life and discover how to:

  • Overcome the mental hurdles of pain
  • Stay motivated using three irrefutable laws of motivation
  • See failures as opportunities for improvement
  • Form a lifelong habit of success

You may never be the best. But you can be better than your best when you stop imposing self-limitations and begin the journey to reach your goals—one confident step at a time.

Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to ever complete an IRONMAN triathlon, inspires others to achieve their goals by getting better 1% at a time.

If you have read only one article about Chris Nikic, you were likely hooked and wanted to read more. This inspiring young man, who in November 2020 became the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN (and verified by Guinness World Records), has become famous. All across the globe, people followed his pursuit and cheered him on, but in this book Chris and his father, Nik, will give the how-to behind his success—getting better 1% at a time—which is something everyone can do in any area of their lives.

“My mission is to honor God by being the best me I can be so I can be an example to others,” states Chris. “I want to change the perceptions and raise expectations for others like me so we can reach our God-given potential.” In 1% Better, Chris and Nik share the motivating principles that can be applied by anyone trying to realize a dream and reach their full potential—whether they are young or old, in shape or out of shape, and even if living with a disability.

Publisher’s Note: 1% Better is written in Nik Nikic’s voice. Chris and his accomplishments are the focus of 1% Better, and Chris is a co-author of the book as he was interviewed by his father and the writer.

 

Purchase



MY REVIEW

1% Better, is not only the story of Chris Nikic's difficult life living with Downs Syndrome, but focuses also on his accomplishments in spite of it, going on to become the first person to complete an Ironman Triathlon. 

Chris' mom, Patty, gives us a glimpse into the medical aspect of taking care of his medical needs. She also shares Chris' many years of trying to fit into the basic school system, to finally discover a system that worked.  There is a wealth of knowledge that can help other people deal with the same thing.

It's an uplifting and inspirational story of the sacrifices his parents make in order to give Chris a better qualify of life.

The story was an eye-opener for me, not knowing much about Down Syndrome and how to motivate and encourage a child with it. I now how a broader sense of the disability and a great admiration for the strength and determination one needs to take on that challenge.   The references to the 1% Better system used for Chris give me a better idea of how to improve my own quality of life.  

I was provided with a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.


Book Giveaway




Monday, November 1, 2021

Review of "The Engagement Cover" A. M. Heath's New Release


He nearly ruined her life. Now he’s the only one who can help her.

After a disastrous dating app experience that nearly destroyed her modeling career, Teresa Bradford knows what she wants, and Justin Reynolds seems to check every box. But when her family pressures her to bring him home as her fiancé in order to ease the mind of her dying grandmother, their relationship takes a weird turn, and his absences create the need for a fill-in fiancé.

Since his mom’s passing, and with his dad working out of state through the holidays, Alex Landry misses the feeling of home. So, when his friend Marc Bradford asks him for a strange favor with the promise of family for the holidays and all the tamales he can eat, he’s all in. What he didn’t expect was Marc’s sister to be the girl he’d gone on an awful date with two years ago.

Committed to a fake engagement to fulfill a dying woman’s wish, Alex and Teresa form a rocky friendship. As first impressions change and it becomes clear that Alex fits in better with her family than Justin does, Teresa is forced to reconsider what she wants. She’s drawn to both men for different reasons, but the one who nearly ruined her life might be the one to help her find what truly matters.



Purchase 






MY REVIEW



The Engagement Cover is an entertaining read. The main characters are well-developed and so diverse in character. They kept me engaged with all the family moments, deception of relationships, and a Christian-based theme.

I enjoyed Teresa's growth in the story and how she finally figured everything out. The story wrapped up nicely for an inspirational and uplifting love story. Thoroughly enjoyed every moment I spent reading it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR




A.M. Heath writes contemporary and historical Christian fiction to feed the soul while entertaining the reader. She’s passionate about cheering on fellow Christian authors. She volunteers as president of Word Weavers South Middle Tennessee, has founded the yearly writing event Author Olympics, and runs the Facebook group Christian Fiction Writers’ Clinic.

When away from her desk, she’s a faithful member of her local church where she teaches a ladies Sunday School class. She is happily married and raising four kids while embracing the small-town lifestyle and southern standard of back porch relaxing, sweet tea, homemade comfort food, strong Christian values, and tightly woven family bonds.

You can visit her at christianauthoramheath.net