Thursday, December 16, 2021

Revived & Renovated Giveaway by Victoria Duerstock and Paige Rien

 


Have you ever stopped to think about the words we use to describe HOME IMPROVEMENT?

Revived & Renovated is a conversation on well-loved topics between two great friends.

When we long for God's healing, we long to be revived with His spirit.

When we find ourselves on the wrong path, we pray for the Lord to change us, to renovate us according to His will.

When we are restored by grace, we feel refreshed.

Victoria and Paige delight in all the dovetails found among the parallels of the work we do in our homes and our souls. Covering topics of home renovation with corresponding Biblical wisdom and perspectives from their personal walks with God, Revived and Renovated will be an encouragement to young and old alike.



To Order





MY REVIEW


Being a fan of renovation television shows, this book made a connection in a real way. Victoria and Paige have created an informational and heartwarming book relating their home improvement terms to how God forms our lives into who we are supposed to be.

Each chapter goes into detail with a definition of the term and how it relates to scripture. The writing is easy to understand, light-hearted, and uplifting. The Bible verses in each chapter bring a truer meaning to the theme of each chapter and tie it into our lives.

The message in the book is enlightening and lets us know that maybe we are different, but then maybe we are exactly how God means for us to be. Highly recommended.

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











A multi-passionate creative fueled mostly by coffee, VICTORIA DUERSTOCK relentlessly pursues her dreams. She is the author of the Heart & Home Series and Extraordinary Hospitality for Ordinary Christians. Victoria's mission is to create beauty, cultivate community, and leverage all the resources to impact others and leave a legacy. 



PAIGE RIEN is a wife, mother, author, and designer who believes our homes are sacred places. Paige had a television career on HGTV with the hit show, "Hidden Potential" and is the author of Love the House You're In:40 Ways to Improve Your House & Change Your Life.

















Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Generation to Generation-Passing on a Legacy of Faith to Our Children by Yael Eckstein



It's my pleasure to introduce Generation to Generation. As I read through the pages, I felt a deeper connection to my Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ.  Their many celebrations and traditions became clear. The values and rituals observed became evident how important it is to instill in our children, the habit of asking questions. 

Faith and courage are two aspects of becoming the type of person God wants us to be and passing the importance of them down to our children. They can then determine what is right and what is only popular within our world.

The book gave me a chance to review those values that have been important to me as a Christian and determine that although the Jewish traditions may be different, we all share the same God.

The workbook is Free on the website and I would suggest you at least take advantage of that resource. It covers everything in the book with suggestions on how to enjoy the material as a family. 

 

Generation to Generation: Passing on a Legacy of Faith to Our Children



One of the greatest gifts we can pass on to our children and our grandchildren is the legacy of faith. In Judaism, this is known as l’dor v’dor, “from generation to generation,” and expresses how faith is passed down from one generation to the next through the holy observances and traditions that happen within the life of the family.

In Generation to Generation, Yael Eckstein shares the lessons of faith instilled in her by her parents that helped her to persevere following the sudden death of her father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, and gave her the hope and courage she needed to follow in his footsteps as President and CEO of The Fellowship.

Generation to Generation unlocks these holy observances and traditions and reveals the key values each one reinforces. These are the values that Yael Eckstein and her husband are now passing on to their four children, and that will allow you to pass on a strong and living faith to your children and grandchildren.

Purchase the Book



 FREE Workbook

Discover how Christians can pass on these lessons of Faith to their children and grandchildren with this companion workbook.   This family-friendly workbook is filled with Bible lessons, activities, and discussion questions for all ages.

https://bit.ly/ifcjworkbook

 

Coloring Book

Coloring books for adults are wonderful stress-relievers — and our Holy Land Moments Coloring Book will not just help you relax, but also help you to focus on the beauty and wonder of God’s Creation and His Word.

This coloring book pairs 12 timeless inspirational devotions from Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein with illustrations based on biblical scriptures. So pick up your crayons, markers, or colored pencils to create your own unique masterpiece — and also be encouraged spiritually!

https://store.ifcj.org/collections/books/products/holy-land-moments-coloring-book




Thursday, December 9, 2021

Dachshund through the snow & Giveaway by Michelle Medlock Adams-Christmas Children's Book


The size of your stature is not the measure of your heart. For one tiny Dachshund, this was a mighty big lesson.

Crosby was teeny. Even for a miniature dachshund. In fact, he was the teeniest dachshund in the whole town. But his small stature and big heart made Crosby one of the best burrowers in all of the North Pole. That’s why he couldn’t wait to enter the North Pole Animal Olympics and burrow his way to a gold medal. Finally old enough to compete, Crosby goes to town to register on Dec. 23, but when he encounters lots of hecklers and bullies who make fun of his small size, Crosby loses his confidence. With his tail tucked between his legs, he burrows as fast and far away from town as he can, running smack dab into a stranded Santa and his divine destiny.

Will this unlikely hero save Christmas?

Four to eight-year-olds will be on the edge of their seats as this holiday picture book page-turner unfolds.



Get Your Copy 
















































ENTER THE GIVEAWAY




ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Michelle Medlock Adams is a best-selling author and an award-winning journalist, earning top honors from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Hoosier State Press Association.

Author of over 100 books with more than 4 million books sold, Michelle is also a New York Times Bestselling ghostwriter and has won more than 70 industry awards for her own journalistic endeavors, including the prestigious Golden Scroll for Best Children’s Book in 2020, 2019 and 2018 for “How Much Does God Love You?” “Dinosaur Devotions” and “My First Day of School”. And, over the past three years, she has added several first-place honors from the Christian Market Book Awards, the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, and the Illumination Book Awards in multiple categories.

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Finding Love in Bridal Veil Oregon Blog Tour & Giveaway by Miralee Ferrell

 

 


About the Book

 

Book: Finding Love in Bridal Veil Oregon

Movie Title: Finding Love in Mountain View

Author: Miralee Ferrell

Book Genre: Historical Romance

Movie Genre: Contemporary Romance (Loosely based on the book)

Release date: March 6, 2015

Against a backdrop of thievery and murder in the historic logging town of Bridal Veil, Oregon, a schoolteacher is torn between the memories of a distant love and the man who could be her future.

Margaret Garvey had promised her heart to Nathaniel Cooper the night he disappeared from town. Four years later, just as she’s giving love a second chance with Andrew, a handsome logger, Nathaniel returns to town and delivers a devastating secret. While grappling with the betrayal of those she trusted most, Margaret risks her reputation and position by harboring two troubled runaways who might be involved in the murder of a local man. And as disaster strikes the town and threatens the welfare of its citizens, Margaret will be faced with the most important choice of her life.


My Review

Bridal Veil, Oregon in 1898, is a lumber community of caring and hard-working people. I enjoyed the main characters very much, especially Margaret who was struggling with the loss of her father and first love. The story is about God's role in your life and how he knows best. Margaret's life takes a strange turn of events when her first love returns home after many years. Lots of suspense, drama and a time of forgiveness make this story a wonderful and uplifting, emotional read which I highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.


About the Movie

Margaret Garvey (30s) is a successful architect whose relationship with her boyfriend has become distant due to their different work schedules. Having not talked with her estranged cousin, Susan, for years, Margaret is told that Susan has died in a car accident, and that she is entrusted by Susan to take care of her children and estate in Mountain View, AR. After her initial reluctance, Margaret decides to give it a try and gradually grows to love her life in Mountain View. While taking care of the children, Margaret gets to reunite with Andrew, an old love of hers, and reawaken their feelings for each other. Now she must decide which is more important to her – continuing with her old life, or honoring her cousin’s wish and make a new life with Andrew in Mountain View.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Miralee Ferrell is a traditionally published, award-winning, best-selling author of 25 books. Her most recent novel, From the Heart, released in October 2020 as an eBook and print as well as airing on The Hallmark Channel. She has two other books releasing as movies, including Finding Love in Bridal Veil, Oregon, a historical romance, which was remade as a contemporary romance for Hallmark, in October or November of 2021. She is the owner and publisher at Mountain Brook Ink, as well as the speculative line, Mountain Brook Fire, a traditional house in business since January 2014. She is also the lead acquisition editor at MBI and loves encouraging debut authors. Miralee lives in the Pacific N.W. with her husband, two black cats, sixteen chickens, and one very spoiled little dog.

 

More from Miralee

I thought it might be fun and interesting for readers to learn how this journey toward having a book made into a movie came into being—as well as to see how much God had a hand in it all.

In the spring of 2015, I received a phone call from a Hollywood producer. Imagine my surprise when she asked if I’d be willing to write a book for them. They were no longer producing the Love Finds You books into movies and were working on a different project for UP TV, a possible three-movie series, and she hoped I might be able to work with them. Of the thirty-five or so titles she’d read of the line, Finding Love in Sundance, Wyoming, was her favorite (retitled and re-released as Outlaw Angel). However, most channels didn’t want historical or old west movies, so she shelved it for then.

I’d gotten my rights returned to all of my LFY books and had retitled them Finding Love in Last Chance, California, Finding Love in Tombstone, Arizona, and Finding Love in Bridal Veil, Oregon. Finding Love in Sundance, Wyoming, became Outlaw Angel, and all four are still in print.

Here’s the amazing part. I came very, very close to turning down that contract with Summerside for Sundance. They sold the line to Guideposts, and that company didn’t continue the line much longer. Understandably, sales waned on their final releases. For a long time, I wished I hadn’t taken the contract and instead held out for one with another company for a three-book series. However, had I done that, I doubt Runaway Romance or the sequel, Follow Your Heart would ever have been written. It was Sundance that grabbed Chevonne’s attention and caused her to contact me.

It took several tries of sending ideas to UPTV for various storylines before they approved Runaway Romance, then the serious work began. Writing fifteen-page summaries of the book/movie idea, reviewing the script after it was written, and writing the book.

Since then, I’ve gone on to have two more books-to-Hallmark movies, with another one in the works. My newest (and it’s tied to the book being featured in this tour) is Finding Love in Bridal Veil, Oregon, which was renamed Finding Love in Mountain View for the movie.  And is currently airing on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel. Again, Hallmark wasn’t interested in a historical, so the book was re-invented (with my help) as a contemporary romance. It’s been an exciting, amazing journey and I give God all the glory for bringing it to pass!

                                 Blog Stops


                                 Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Miralee is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/13d01/finding-love-in-bridal-veil-oregon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, December 6, 2021

Protecting Annie Blog Tour & Giveaway by Jodie Wolfe

 



About the Book

 

Book: Protecting Annie

Author: Jodie Wolfe

Genre: Western Historical Romance

Release date: November 12, 2021

After twenty years living along the trail as a deputy U.S. Marshal, Joshua Walker takes a job as sheriff in Burrton Springs, Kansas so he can be closer to his sister. Only problem is, she no longer requires his protecting.

After the death of her father, Annie McPherson needs a change. She accepts a position as a schoolmarm hoping her past won’t catch up with her. Life is good, except for the pesky lawman who creates confrontations at every turn and continually questions her ability to adjust to life in the west.

When the irritating schoolteacher’s past and present collide, dragging Josh into the turmoil, he has to decide who he’s willing to defend.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Meeting in an unusual way, Joshua and Annie have tension between them from the start. They both can't imagine liking each other.

There are lots of humorous moments, as well as, sweet tender unexpected ones. Joshua & Annie both have a secret past that still haunts them. It gets more intense when Annie's past catches up with her.

I loved the Biblical content of the book with Joshua and Annie both struggling with their faith. Everything wrapped up nicely in the end.

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

About the Author

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, and COMPEL Training. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

 

More from Jodie

I’ve always been fond of reading mail-order bride books. Not that I would have ever had the courage to do something so brave. 🙂 But it’s fun writing and reading them. I also love perusing historical journal entries of women who decided to marry a complete stranger. Sometimes it worked out great, other times, not so much. In most cases, the heroine traveled across country to arrive in the west to meet her potential groom. Often they had no idea what each other looked like before they met for the first time. Not that looks matter.

At times the woman was given the opportunity to get to know the fella for a while before they actually married. Other times, they tied the knot as soon as the potential wife arrived at their destination. Some women fled desperate situations in the east, hoping for a better outcome only to find themselves embroiled in another bad position. All of the different scenarios I’ve read about helped to prime the pump for Protecting Annie.

 

In book one of my Burrton Springs Brides series, Taming Julia, I had the heroine’s brother, Josh set Jules (Julia) up as a mail-order bride. As I was writing that story, I knew it would be fun to change things up in book two and have Jules return the favor by ordering a mail-order bride for Josh. That’s the premise for this new story. Josh isn’t exactly thrilled to learn of his sister’s interference in his life and decision to remain single.

 

I hope you’ll enjoy the story of two unlikely people who are thrown together.


                                 Blog Stops


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 1

Inklings and notions, December 2

For Him and My Family, December 3

deb’s Book Review, December 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 7

Bizwings Blog, December 7

Connie’s History Classroom, December 8

Mary Hake, December 8

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 9

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 10

Stephanie’s life of Determination, December 10

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 12

Vicky Sluiter, December 12

Labor Not in Vain, December 13


                                       Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away the grand prize of an audio CD of 12 historical novels and novellas. Stories of chivalry, adventure, and romance!!

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/13cfe/protecting-annie-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Promise of Forgiveness Takeover Tour & Giveaway by Jo Ann Brown

 



Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Promise of Forgiveness by Jo Ann Brown, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!


ABOUT THE BOOK


Title: A Promise of Forgiveness

Series: Secrets of Bliss Valley #2

Author: Jo Ann Brown
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: November 30, 2021
Genre: Christian, Amish, Contemporary Romance

“Jo Ann Brown’s writing is both powerful and charming. She provides a respite from the cares of the day and gives the invitation to join her for a journey of peace that lingers in the heart.”
—Kelly Long, national bestselling author

Every little secret is a chain to the past…

For Amish widow Naomi Ropp, moving back to her parents’ Bliss Valley home—with her boisterous twin toddler boys—is a chance to start over and bury the painful secrets of her marriage forever. But her life is turned upside down once again when she learns she’s not the only one hiding things. The parents she believed were always open and honest have been keeping a secret her whole life. And now her only confidant is her father’s new employee—a handsome Amish man who was once her childhood tormentor.

Samuel King knows more than anyone should about mistakes—and the way he treated Naomi is at the top of his list. But the shock of seeing her pretty face again is quickly overshadowed when they find a slumbering boppli abandoned on his porch. Caring for the sweet newborn together is finally bringing some peace to their troubled pasts. But when a spark leads to growing feelings as they start to look toward the future, Samuel must find a way to convince Naomi to trust the man he’s become…and the promise of new love.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Walmart Exclusive | Amazon Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

The trade paperback version of A Promise of Forgiveness is available now exclusively at your local Walmart or Walmart.com. Preorder available everywhere.


My Review

A Promise of Forgiveness is a tale of Amish life and the way of the Englisher. When Samuel "jumps the fence" years ago and suffered greatly for it, he struggles to forgive himself for the mess he made for his Amish family. Naomi, trying to recover as a widow of a betrayal by her husband, struggles to put it behind her. Upcoming, events test her strength and ability to forgive.

The storyline is a touching one, at times gut-wrenching, and brings forth lessons of forgiveness and redemption. The characters are well-developed and show weaknesses as well as a great strength to do God's will in spite of hanging on to the guilt.

There are lots of twists that kept me wondering about the mysteries woven within the pages. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.

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

                                                              

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

     



ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Jo Ann Brown has published over 100 titles under a variety of pen names. A former military officer, she enjoys taking pictures and traveling. She has taught creative writing for more than 20 years and is always excited when one of her students sells a project. She has been married for more than 40 years and has three children and two rambunctious cats. She lives in Amish Country in southeastern Pennsylvania. She enjoys hearing from her readers. Visit her at www.joannbrownbooks.com.

CONNECT WITH JO ANN: Website | Facebook

                                                                   

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!



Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight December 6, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 13, 2021. 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: https://gleam.io/xA3FX/a-promise-of-forgiveness-blog-tour-giveaway