Wednesday, June 8, 2022

A Promised Engraved Blog Tour & Giveaway by Liz Tolsma

 



About the Book

 

Book: A Promise Engraved

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction/Romance

Release date: May, 2022

Can Promises Made in Times of Struggle Endure 200 Years?

Visit historic American landmarks through the Doors to the Past series. History and today collide in stories full of mystery, intrigue, faith, and romance.

Young, spirited Josie Wilkin's life is about to take a turn when faced with political turmoil and forbidden love in San Antonio of 1836. John Gilbert has won her heart, despite being a Protestant preacher who is forbidden to practice his faith in Texas. Will either of them survive an epic battle for liberty to create a legacy of love?

Nearly 200 years later, Kayleigh Hernandez takes breaks from her demanding job as a refugee coordinator working with Mexican migrants to attend flea markets where she has found a uniquely engraved ring. Enlisting the help of appraiser Brandon Shuman, they piece together a love story long forgotten. But will dangers linked to Kayleigh’s work end her own hopes for leaving a legacy built on hope, faith, and love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My REVIEW
The dual timeline of 1855 and present time was laid out well and I feel enhanced the story. It was an easy transition between the two. The story set around the battle at the Alamo was well-researched and the embellished fictional aspects were well done. The character of Josephine is amazing- a strong woman, wild at heart and courageous, who risked her life to do her part in the battle as a spy.

The Christian overtones are well introduced into the story and the romance was sweet.
This story will fill you with inspiration, compassion, and renewed faith. The time period of 1855 was depicted well and the description of the town and battle is well-written.

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

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

 


More from Liz

The Story of Susannah Dickinson, Alamo Survivor

When asked how many died at the Alamo, many would answer that everyone did. While it’s true that all fighting on the side of Texas independence perished, there were survivors, all women and children, and one slave. The only white woman (the rest were of Mexican descent) was Susannah Dickinson, along with her daughter Angelina. Susannah had followed her husband, Almaron, to Mexican Texas in 1831. They had married two years before when Susannah was just fifteen. She never learned to read or write.

 

She and the other women hid in the sacristy of the church, one of the surviving buildings in the mission and what we now think of as the Alamo. Her husband died, but Mexican General Santa Anna found them and spared their lives, sending them to Sam Houston with $2 each and a blanket.

 

She married again the following year but divorced him almost immediately on the grounds of cruelty. She married a third time the following year and was married for five years until her husband died of alcoholism. A fourth marriage occurred in 1847, but she divorced again in 1857, this time allegedly because she was having an affair. That same year, she married for a fifth time. This marriage lasted until her death in 1883.

 

The ring in A Promise Engraved is based on a cat’s eye ring supposedly given to Angelina by William Travis before the battle. Angelina was Susannah’s only child. She married and had three children, but that marriage ended in divorce. She gave the ring to a man she’d become involved with in New Orleans. She married again and had one more child but died in 1869 from a uterine hemorrhage.

 

Today there are many descendants of Susannah Dickinson. If you visit the Susannah Dickinson house in Austin, you’ll see a quilt that is signed by many of her living descendants.


                                  Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 28

Bigreadersite, May 28

The Write Escape, May 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 29

Christina’s Corner, May 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29

lakesidelivingsite, May 30

Texas Book-aholic, May 30

Rebecca Tews, May 30

Inklings and notions, May 31

Blogging With Carol, May 31

Splashes of Joy, May 31

Betti Mace, June 1

Southern Gal Loves to Read, June 1

Genesis 5020, June 2

Daysong Reflections, June 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 2

Remembrancy, June 3

Books, Books, and More Books, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 3

Older & Smarter?, June 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 5

deb’s Book Review, June 5

Mary Hake, June 5

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 6

Blossoms and Blessings, June 6

Connie’s History Classroom, June 7

Life of Literature, June 7

Back Porch Reads , June 7

Bizwings Blog, June 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 8

For the Love of Literature, June 8

Through the Fire blogs, June 9

Pause for Tales, June 9

Labor Not in Vain, June 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 10

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 10


                                 Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and 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/1e37a/a-promise-engraved-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, June 7, 2022

Rhapsody of Realities FREE Daily Devotional


Rhapsody of Realities is no ordinary book: It’s a classic love note from God to you, with the message of life! Oftentimes, referred to as the “Messenger Angel,” the devotional is a life guide designed to enhance your spiritual growth and development by bringing you a fresh perspective from God’s Word every day. With features like the day’s topic, a theme scripture, the day’s message, the daily confession, and the Bible reading plan segment, it brings the richness of God’s Word into the lives of millions on a daily basis.


There is a copy for all ages and available in over 5,900 languages.


For Adults- The adult daily devotional is filled with daily scriptures in subjects that relate to everyday life and our Christian walk. There are further studies listed for a more in-depth reading of that day's devotion. There are blank pages in the back of the devotional for note-taking. 

To Get Your FREE Copy



 TeeVo- For Teens, is filled with daily readings, extra scriptures for a more in-depth study, a prayer, daily bible readings, and a call to action to apply what they have read.

To Get Your FREE Copy





















The Early Readers devotional has bible facts, games and activities for interaction, tidbits, and is finished up with a Prayer for Salvation.


    


For Kids- 3 to 5 years- Storybook devotional which narrates a story from scripture and has eye-catching colorful illustrations.




Monday, June 6, 2022

A Walk with Heavenly Spirits- FREE Today through June 9th- Christian Inspirational Romance

 


Allison Stevens became a Christian at a young age. Then she makes a wrong decision that takes her on a collision course of disappointment and heartache. God loves her and wants her back, but Satan wants to keep her in a life of despair and lies.
Heavenly Spirits are sent by God to instruct and remind Allison of God’s promises. Can she walk the path God intended for her and find the joy that’s missing in her life?

A family she didn’t know she had, a man grieving his personal loss, and a felon who wants her dead makes her life more complicated than ever. Can she find happiness outside of the chaos?

On the way back to God, she discovers that there are still struggles, but now she knows she isn’t alone. God is with her. Can she stay strong and ward off the lies of the devil?


Purchase on Amazon FREE

Sunday, June 5, 2022

Attention Authors: Need to Sell More Books? Readers- Looking for a New Author?



Are you a new author just getting started or looking for a new site to list your existing books?
You can list your book series even. Also, if you aren't exclusive to Amazon, you can list your books in the Crave Bookstore online.

It’s great for indie authors like us because you can manage a whole range of promotional tools from one easy dashboard. The promotions are affordable. Check it out.

Readers can also find great reads. So give it a look.

You can find more info here: https://cravebooks.com/author?rfid=CB50292AFT.






Thursday, June 2, 2022

The Paramedics Forever Family by Tanya Agler




Title:
The Paramedic's Forever Family 
Series: Smoky Mountain First Responders #2 
Author: Tanya Agler 
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 
Release Date: March 29, 2022 
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance 

Sometimes “good friends” 

Just isn't enough… 

Bachelor paramedic Mason Ruddick doesn't know what he'd do without Lindsay Hudson. The widowed mom is his sounding board, his neighbor and, since the death of her husband and his best friend, his lifeline. Only lately, Mason can't stop noticing just how beautiful and special Lindsay is. Or how often he thinks about her. Now Mason's heart is caught between the best friend he lost…and the one he's falling for.

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


My Review

Lindsay, a widow with two young children tries to move on after her husband, a paramedic, dies in an accident. Mason, his best friend moves in next door to watch over the family. Little does he know what he is opening himself up to. Can he get over the past?

The storyline had me engaged from the beginning. I loved the characters and chuckled at Grandpa Joe's antics one minute and was filled with emotion on the roller-coaster ride of intense moments between Lindsay and Mason the next.

The book is filled with family support, community and friends that have one another's backs, and a time for a show of great faith. Highly recommended.

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tanya Agler 

An award-winning author, Tanya Agler makes her home in Georgia with her wonderful husband, their four children, and a lovable rescue beagle. When she’s not writing, Tanya loves classic movies, chocolate, and a good cup of tea. Visit her at www.tanyaagler.com or email her at tanyaagler@gmail.com.

CONNECT WITH TANYA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Wildfire Threat Blog & Review Tour by Cathy McDavid

 

Wildfire Threat JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Wildfire Threat by Cathy McDavid, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Wildfire Threat
Title: Wildfire Threat 
Series: Mountain Rescue Collection 
Author: Cathy McDavid 
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: May 24, 2022 
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Christian 

As flames race toward her ranch 

She must rely on an old enemy… 

An out-of-control blaze has single mom Rayna Karstetter scrambling to protect her little boy, grandparents and their cattle. Forest ranger Aden Whitley offers his help, but Rayna doesn’t want to accept. Her feelings for Aden haven’t gone away…and neither has the sting of his betrayal. But when the wildfire forces an evacuation order, can they work together in order to survive? 


Excerpt

A bell rang from the direction of the house, the same bell the Deweys had used
for generations to call the family inside for a meal.

“Grandma has breakfast ready.” Rayna pushed off the stall door and started
forward. “Let’s go. You can finish cleaning the stalls later.”

Aden went with her, his appetite having deserted him. He couldn’t decide if
finding her a route to drive the cattle was helping her or sending her straight into a
danger.


MY REVIEW

A man with a past he is trying to live down and a woman who hates him for it makes for a great storyline.

The author tells the story in vivid detail and transports you to the center of the action. The characters are well-developed and I loved their journey through a wildfire and their courage to move forward even though things seemed impossible. Their strengths during hard times were amazing.

There are lots of tense moments with a wildfire as a backdrop. The Christian aspect conveyed that prayer gives us hope to forgive and even find love again.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cathy McDavid 

In the third grade, NY Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author Cathy McDavid made it her goal to read every Black Stallion book ever written. Who knew such an illustrious ambition would eventually lead to a lifelong love of all things western, owning a stagecoach pulled by six mules, and a career writing contemporary romances for Harlequin? With over 55 titles in print and 1.6 million books sold, This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins is married to her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world eight years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about handsome cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give the cowboys a run for their money.

CONNECT WITH CATHY: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a print copy of A Secret Christmas Wish and Her Cowboy Sweetheart, a cowboy coffee mug, a $5 Starbucks gift card, and author bling!

Wildfire Threat JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 31, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 7, 2022. US only. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Saturday, May 28, 2022

Bride of the Rockies Blog Tour & Giveaway by Angela Breidenbach

 

 


About the Book

 

Book: Bride of the Rockies

Author: Angela Breidenbach

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: January 1, 2022

For botanist, Bettina Gilbert, mining is an offense against God’s green earth. With the shortage of women in Montana, Luke travels to Chicago to manage the Montana mining exhibition hoping to also find a wife. Only that pretty botanist keeps disrupting his mining presentations … and his chances of meeting the right woman! A city girl who despises his way of life would be the worst choice for a miner’s wife, wouldn’t she?

Uplifting, wholesome romance set in the Gilded Age during Chicago’s World Fair. Written by bestselling author and professional genealogist, Angela Breidenbach. Accurate to history while entertaining, inspiring, with a lovely ambiance of hope.

 

Click here to get your copy!
 

About the Author

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, conference speaker, bestselling author of eighteen books, and screenwriter. Angela lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angela can also. Catch her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

 




More from Angela

Rabbit trails. The paths that draw a writer away from her planned research. That’s what happened when I started researching Queen of the Rockies. I hopped down a rabbit trail that took me into an entirely different story. Here I was writing about the beginning of Montana as a state, the real people, and the unusual stories of the Gilded Age. Then a thread of the Chicago World’s Fair kept popping up like little bunnies in the middle of the field that darted here and there.

Well, those little rabbit trails captured my fascination. I couldn’t stop chasing them. I wanted to know more about why people who were busy carving out a new state would want to travel halfway across the country and live in Chicago for five months. Why would they care? What were their goals? Who were these unusual people? So, I did the smart thing. I started a new document to think about writing a later story.

The more I researched the first book in this series, Queen of the Rockies, the more I found tidbits of names that reappeared in newspapers. Then I followed a few of those names just to see what had become of them. I found a lot more than I expected. From the social pages in newspapers to club minute books to journals the stories of some really interesting women came to light. Their goals were much more than for one family or one town. These people found a cause bigger than themselves. They found a bond in forging a state that held respectability in the world’s eyes. These people were tired, and offended, of the constant slur — the Wild West. And they were going to change that erroneous misconception!

The rest of civilization didn’t understand how modern, elegant, and valuable Montana was in the 1890s. But the people of Montana were about to prove their infant state was the shining star on the American flag. She was no infant. This beautiful state, whose capitol was fully electric already, could hold her own among the elegant countries slated to be at that fair in 1893.

Come turn the pages of Bride of the Rockies and find out what these people, and especially the women, did to put Montana in the world headlines. See why they were stunned with never before seen discoveries displayed in their pavilion during the Columbian Exposition. Can you imagine being given 10% of the budget while the men had 90%, in essence, set up as the underdog, and blowing the world away with what you do with it?  Walking away with the win? Not just one win…seven!

Bride of the Rockies took me on a fabulous rabbit trail of research. I hope this story will be fun for you, too!


MY REVIEW

Bettina Gilbert, a botanist, heads to the 1893 Columbian Exposition where she meets Luke, a mine owner. He has one agenda and she has another. He wants a wife and she wants to further her career.

I enjoyed the playfulness of the characters, as well as, the tense moments of differing opinions. The technical language of botany and the exhibits were interesting. The author did her research well.

The ending was surprising and wrapped everything up nicely. My only complaint is that it ended all to soon. I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

                                 Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 18

An Author’s Take, May 19

Blogging With Carol, May 19

Betti Mace, May 20

Texas Book-aholic, May 21

Mary Hake, May 21

Inklings and notions, May 22

For Him and My Family, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 23

deb’s Book Review, May 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 25

Blossoms and Blessings, May 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 27

Spoken from the Heart, May 27

Bizwings Blog, May 28

Connie’s History Classroom, May 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 30


                                Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize of a pair of beautiful opal earrings set in fair trade sterling silver!!

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/1db54/bride-of-the-rockies-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, May 26, 2022

The One Who Loves Me Book Tour & Giveaway by Joan Embola

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The One Who Loves Me
(Sovereign Love #2)
By Joan Embola
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 340 Pages
May 21, 2022 by Love Qualified Press

IS GOD SOVEREIGN OVER LOVE STORIES?

Amara Ikezie is a new grad nurse who is thrilled to start her dream job in Atlanta’s biggest children’s hospital. But when her best friend gets engaged, Amara is faced with the looming pressure from her mom to find her own man. Determined to escape the pressure to marry, Amara takes on a task to find the ‘perfect’ man who ticks all the boxes on her list.

Raymond Aderinto is a pediatric cardiologist with a wall of accolades and a string of failed relationships. After his fourth girlfriend dumps him, Raymond vows to get confirmation from God first before entering into his next relationship—even though he’d love to find his bride before turning thirty.

When Raymond spills coffee on Amara’s scrubs, he becomes certain she’s the woman God wants to be his wife. But unfortunately for him, Raymond doesn’t tick Amara’s boxes, and worst of all, Amara is sure her Igbo mom would never approve of a marriage to a man from the Yoruba tribe.

Despite Amara’s efforts to stay away from Raymond and convince herself he is not the one for her, her growing attraction for his character, values, and vision gives her more reasons to wonder if she was wrong about her prejudices toward him. When another doctor walks into Amara’s life who ticks all her boxes and shows interest in her, she is caught between running into his ‘perfect’ arms, or going with Raymond who is turning out to be more perfect than she thought.

The One Who Loves Me, book two in the Sovereign Love series, is a beautiful standalone novel about surrender and learning to take comfort in the sovereign goodness of a loving God who writes the best love stories.


Excerpt


“God has a wonderful way of using our mistakes to teach us lessons and draw us closer to Him. It’s not the mistake that matters, Tessa. It’s God’s grace and forgiveness through it and what that tells us about His love for us.”

Tessa sighs. “I agree with you, but it’s hard when my mom keeps rubbing my mistakes in my face. Will it ever get easier?” Her dark gaze pleads for some words of hope and I cast my mind back to my relationship with Mom. I’m hoping that we’ll learn to understand each other more from now on, but dealing with her endless criticisms while growing up wasn’t easy. 

“I think we should be hopeful, but I can’t promise things will get easier.” I shake my head “Our parents are human beings too and they make mistakes. Have you asked God to forgive you?”

Tessa nods. “Yes, I have and I don’t want to do it again.”

“That’s great. Are you willing to live your life fully as a Jesus girl?”

Tessa nods again. “Yes, I am.”

“Then that’s all that matters because God now sees you as flawless.”

“He does?” She asks as tears pool in her eyes.

“He sure does, girl. So even if your mom reminds you of it, remind yourself that Jesus has forgiven you and that’s all that matters.”


Excerpted from The One Who Loves Me by Joan Embola, Copyright © 2022 by Joan Embola. Published by Love Qualified Press.



MY REVIEW


The One Who Loves Me took me on a ride into Nigerian culture. I enjoyed the characters of Amara & Raymond. 'The Christian aspect of the story went further than just stating their faith in God but had an in-depth relationship message as well. I enjoyed following their relationship as it grew and also the related to the everyday issues that arose. God's love is what makes a relationship grow. The story spoke of praying for guidance while single and letting God lead you to that special someone. We are reminded to take things slow and embrace God's special plan for our life. The language phrases/slang were sometimes challenging but well worth the effort. A humorous rom-com and enlightening romp through a different culture. Couldn't put it down. I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.



(Affiliate links included.)






Other Books in the Series

The One Who Knows Me
(Sovereign Love #1)
By Joan Embola
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 318 Pages
July 21, 2021 by Love Qualified Press

IS GOD SOVEREIGN OVER TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY?

Bullies and family disasters have left eighteen-year-old Teeyana Sparks filled with anxiety and doubt. She feels pressured to believe in God, but as she embarks on her college journey in the hope of one day working at Google as a graphic designer, the only thing she believes in is controlling her own life. Things change when she meets Jayden Williams—the guy with a charming smile and kind heart.

Struggling with grief and recovering from a season of depression, nineteen-year-old Jayden is determined to help Teeyana believe in God’s goodness again. But when yet another tragedy strikes close to home, Teeyana’s response exposes Jayden’s unhealed wounds and tips him into a mental health relapse.

With the looming possibility of not getting her dream life, Teeyana is caught between holding on to her illusion of control and surrendering to a God she’s rejected. And as Jayden strives to break out of his despondency, he has to face that letting God in may involve him letting go of his friendship with Teeyana. Teeyana and Jayden must wrestle with uncomfortable truths, and the pride in their hearts, in order to face their biggest giant—God’s sovereignty over both triumph and tragedy.

The One Who Knows Me, book one in the Sovereign Love series, is a heart-warming standalone novel about hope and learning to take comfort in the sovereign goodness of a loving God who knows all things.

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Joan Embola is a UK-based Cameroonian-Nigerian Christian author who is passionate about spreading God's love one word at a time. She is a Bible teacher, a blogger, a YouTuber, a podcaster, a dancer, and a poetess. Her book Outpourings Of A Beloved Heart; a 30 day poetry devotional about God's love, is available for purchase and her debut contemporary Christian Fiction novel--The One Who knows Me released on September 10th 2021.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $25 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)

Ends June 1, 2022

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