Adventures of Harmony "The Elegant Emu" Blog Tour & Giveaway by Karen M. Bobos

 

 

Join us for this tour from June 14 to July 8, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title:  THE ELEGANT EMU (a Harmony Adventure) by Karen M. Bobos
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 40 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book, Fairy Tale
Publisher:  Bobos Babes, Ltd.
Release date:   June 2022
Content Rating:  G for everyone.  

 

 

Book Description:

The magical sisters are enrolled in an etiquette class when their manners are not fit for the king and queen of the enchanted land of Harmony. Can Elizabeth the Emu help the royal sisters?

In the beautiful and peaceful land of Harmony, three magical sisters, the Bobos Babes, uproot the kingdom's tranquility with some not-so-polite actions -nose-picking, belching, and other noisy...expulsions. Their parents, the King and Queen, enroll the sisters in the elegant Elizabeth the Emu's etiquette class where they learn manners and other ways to self-improve like being on time, politeness, and proper personal hygiene.

Elizabeth the Emu explains to Angel Scarlet, Princess Daphne, and Fairy Cora that having proper etiquette is more than good manners, it's about being kind and courteous. And for the sisters? Well, let's just say that they will be needing more than one lesson from Elizabeth the Emu's etiquette class.

MY REVIEW

The Land of Harmony is a place of magic. The King and Queen raise Scarlett, Daphne & Cora with grace and good manners, but then things just happen. The addition of Elizabeth, the Emu, makes for a very cute and entertaining story. You see, Elizabeth's pet peeve is manners, and she is about to teach the girls etiquette.

The illustrations are bright and cheerful, well-drawn and a nice eye-catching addition of soft colors that draw your attention. Any child would be engrossed in the images. It's a well-written easy to read story that involves lessons for a child to learn. I enjoyed the message. It's a short story that will hold a child's attention.

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

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
Walmart

 

Meet the Author:

Karen M. Bobos is the multi-award-winning author of the Adventures in Harmony series, which was created in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. While living in a city of unrest, her family left Chicago to stay with her mother in Northwest Indiana for several months. She and her husband were determined to keep life filled with wonder and magic for their three daughters, Scarlett (6), Daphne (5), and Cora (3). The Adventures in Harmony series was created to entertain her daughters during their stay at Gigi’s home and is filled with characters from the sisters’ world. Everyone deserves to escape to a land filled with love and adventure where creatures co-exist and happiness awaits.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Author Interview

What is your favorite part of The Elegant Emu?

I had fun writing the end of the book when Elizabeth comes home from a long day of teaching the royal sisters.  She’s this elegant creature that these sweet young sisters flipped into a hot mess after one day with them.  This is how I feel most days after taking care of my three children.  My sister-in-law truly has a wonderful, doting husband and their children are precious.  I could only imagine them running to take care of her after a long day at work.

Where do you write?

I prefer to write in my office when the kids are in school, and I have quiet to think.  Unfortunately, that is not always the case.  Unfortunately, that is often not the case … LOL.  With three children under eight years old, my quiet time is far and few between.  I often write while sitting at a table at their gymnastics studio while they are in class.  It’s not super quiet, but I can zone into my writing there.

Do you write every day?

I would LOVE to write every day.  I try to as I notice that the more often that I write, the better and more creative my stories are.  It’s true for writing as for anything else, practice makes perfect.

What do you do for fun when you aren’t writing?

Well, I am a very busy mom of three.  When I am not doing “mom stuff,” I love working on decorating our home.  We have a 1929 vintage condo in Chicago that I am constantly working with contractors to restore.  We recently bought a lake house in Indianapolis, so I am so excited to begin working on decorating and renovation projects on that home.  I also love hanging out with our giant Bernese Mountain Dog, Luke.

Luke, your giant Bernese Mountain Dog, is also in your books.  Is he really “giant?”

Yes!  The real Luke weighs 140lbs.  The average male Bernese Mountain Dog weighs around 100lbs.  He’s a big boy.  When he was younger, we would put the girls on his back and pretend to have them ride him.  Now that he is 9 years old, we just shower him with lots of love.

What do you think makes a good story?

I love adding humor to my stories.  I often find myself giggling while I write.  My hope is for mom and dad to enjoy reading the books as much as the children do.

What do you hope your readers learn from The Elegant Emu?

Well, obviously some etiquette tips that are wrapped into the story.  I think it’s important to know that no one is perfect, even royal, magical sisters.  There is always room for improvement in our lives.  Having proper etiquette is more than behaving well, it’s about being kind to others.

 

Tour Schedule:

June 14 – Faith And Books – book review / giveaway
June 14 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 15 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
June 16 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
June 16 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
June 16 - Kam's Place – book review
June 17 – icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
June 20 – Bizwings Blog – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 20 - Lisa Everyday Reads – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
June 21 - Library Lady's Kid Lit – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 22 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / giveaway
June 23 – Older & Smarter? – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 24 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
June 28 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 29 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / giveaway
June 30 – My Reading Getaway – book review / giveaway
July 5 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
July 6 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
July 6 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
July 7 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway
July 8 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
 

Enter the Giveaway:

 

BOBOS BABES ADVENTURES: THE ELEGANT EMU by Karen Bobos Book Tour Giveaway

 

 

Love in Disguise Blog Tour & Giveaway by Penny Zeller

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Love in Disguise

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 22, 2022

Who knew concealing one’s true identity could be so disastrous?

Who knew asserting one’s independence would cause such embarrassment? If only Almira “Emilie” Crawford Wheeler hadn’t insisted upon carrying her own stack of parcels, she wouldn’t have landed in an unladylike heap on the boardwalk. And what about the half-truth she told the handsome stranger who came to her aid? The stranger she never expected to see again?

Thad Alexander Evanson should have been paying closer attention to the boardwalk, rather than the newfangled automobile motoring down the street. Had he been more astute, a collision with the beautiful parcel-laden stranger might never have happened. And if it never had happened, he wouldn’t have told a partial-truth he figured wouldn’t matter.

Before long, Emilie and Thad are arranging to meet for a noonday meal each weekend in Missoula under the guise of different names. But what happens when their true identities are revealed? When half-truths are exposed? Could God have a plan even in the midst of a tangled web of lies?

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Emile, a widow and rancher lives next door to another rancher whose cattle are continuously breaking through her fence and getting into her flower and vegetable garden. She has never met the man but dislikes him. Mr. Thad Evanson, her neighbor is out of town a lot and unaware. She thinks she confronts him later but doesn't realize it's his hired hand.

The story has many unexpected moments. I can say that I have never laughed so hard. The storyline is witty, holds a Christian message along with a beautiful love story.

There is forgiveness, redemption, and times where things aren't as they appear. By far Love in Disguise is one of the best historical books set in 1911, that I've read in a long time.

Highly recommended inspirational and inspiring story written with great characters, vivid descriptions, and lots of humor. I was given a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it.

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of several inspirational books. She is also a homeschool mom and a fitness instructor.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, cycling, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website www.pennyzeller.com and her blog, random thoughts from a day in the life of a wife, mom, and author, at www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com.

 

More from Penny

In Love in Disguise, the two main characters, Emilie and Thad, are both fond of pie a la mode. It plays a prominent part in the book, especially during Emilie and Thad’s courtship. My inspiration behind the dessert? My aunt’s famous, old-fashioned pie a la mode recipe, which is a family favorite.

                                Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, June 8

Labor Not in Vain, June 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 9

Texas Book-aholic, June 10

Inklings and notions, June 11

Of Blades and Thorns, June 11

For Him and My Family, June 12

deb’s Book Review, June 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 14

Mary Hake, June 14

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 15

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 16

Connie’s History Classroom, June 17

Pause for Tales, June 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 18

Bizwings Blog, June 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 20

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 20

Splashes of Joy, June 21

                                 Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/1eb77/love-in-disguise-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wonders In the Deep Blog Tour & Giveaway by Chuck Carr

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Wonders in the Deep

Author: Chuck Carr

Genre: Christian Fiction, Inspirational

Release date: April 29, 2021

Love. Loss. Hope. Heroism. Is there safe passage through the torrents and storms of life?

Wonders In the Deep is a dramatic illustration, an emotionally charged depiction of the elements that keep us human, fuel our spirit, and give us the courage to continue.

The life of eighteen-year-old Brandon Lawrence is one riddled with questions. Pained sore inside, he seeks answers that have been swallowed deeply by his own grandfather, whom he lovingly calls Pap. How did his parents and grandmother die? Why does his grandfather resent Natalie, Brandon’s best friend since childhood? Why is he forbidden to step foot on a boat, to ride the waves of the sea? Will he ever find answers?

Pap’s journals. Could they hold the secrets?

Set in the rocky and rugged coastline of Maine, the story uncovers Brandon’s world in the summer of 1998. The 1930s and 40s of his grandfather’s world are now over, along with the flat plains of a corn-belted Illinois town he had decided to leave as a young man. What had happened to cause a man to run from a life he couldn’t handle? What had turned Pap into a man withdrawn from life? A man holding tight to the secrets of his life.

Sitting alone on the same weathered dock Brandon had come to with Pap every Thursday growing up, he tries to piece together the puzzle of an unspoken life. Face to face with the only solution he knows, he must choose between honor and answers; an act of thievery plagues him hard, haunting and jolting his conscience. If his grandfather is too brokenhearted to speak of such things, could Brandon steal the answers he needs from the journals?

Wonders In the Deep is a soothing balm, medicine to a hurting and wounded soul. Faced with the harsh realities of grief and loss, two men embark on a great journey to find healing in the deep and uncertain oceans of life. As you journey with Brandon and Pap, you may identify with their struggles.

Is there true triumph over adversity? How far will one go for answers? How far will you go?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Wonders In the Deep is a story of loss, redemption, and finally peace. With a background of sailing and a person's desire to fulfill his destiny and great love in his life, the author paints a picture of Alan that is filled with pain, heartbreak, and breaking away from God. Alan's grandson, Brandon, is searching for answers that his grandfather is not willing to give.

The author's writing style is a lot different than others I have read. His descriptions of settings and feelings are more in-depth. It gives you a lot to digest while reading. The storyline is uplifting but also heart-wrenching at times and will give you a lot to ponder about. The ending wrapped everything up nicely and answered questions I had as I went on their journey.

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

 

About the Author

Inspired by life events, Chuck Carr takes lessons learned over his years and forms them into words and phrases meant to lift others from the same hardships he has faced himself. He wraps and weaves the essence of what life is all about into this, his fourth book, a novel. Filled with his own energy, blood, and tears, Chuck combines this powerfully lifting message with one of his greatest passions in life¾his passion for the sea. As a former youth pastor, Chuck Carr has influenced hundreds of people throughout his life. He desires to help others live effectively despite hardships, as his testimony proves that sufferings can be changed into blessings. Losing a spouse in 2008, he strives to help those hurting from the same pain. A life altering accident in 2018 left him with a traumatic brain injury, and his vision and life goals have been refocused to help others heal from devastating traumas. He is a writer of both fiction and nonfiction, publishing The Convergence, Navigating Grief, and All That the Locusts Have Eaten, which carry the message that one can live the abundant life God desires for us regardless of hardships and shortcomings we face. His audience at www.Chuck-Carr.com has been blessed by inspirations about topics such as Christian faith, overcoming loss and grief, and achieving purpose in life. Now remarried to a woman of shared life goals, Faerie, he has chosen to live with purpose despite his injuries, being an inspiration to others, residing in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania.

 

More from Chuck

There was never a time in my life so confusing, so emotionally raw and puzzling as when my first spouse passed away in her twenties in 2008.  She had to say goodbye to our two boys ages 5 and 3.  The event changed everything about me in one way or another.  The things I was forced to face since that day are things that unfortunately so many other people are also forced to face as well.  It isn’t fun.  Thus, the birth of my desire to help those who know what I’m talking about.

Initially, I was attacked with the obvious and the daunting question of “why.”  It never fails.  We all ask it.  Sooner or later, that single question begs our attention, and how we answer it will determine our outlook on everything else in life.  It is an unavoidable roadblock that cannot be dodged or taken lightly.  If not properly handled, that monster will bite you from behind and consume you it is a foe one cannot play around with.  But not all things are black and white.  Another thing I learned out real fast, was that some things don’t have a right or wrong answer in life.  Yes, I avoided it like the plague.  Almost a certainty, those who meant no harm would bring it up and shove it in my face unknowingly.  It came with incredible pressure, the prod or question no survivor ever wants to look at.  “You’ll find love again.”  Maybe.  But should I love again?  The prompt comes in various forms, yet none look pleasant to the one who has tasted loss.

These two insurmountable difficulties are what prompted me to write the novel Wonders In The Deep: A Tale of Healing.  I wanted others to learn that the “why” is a tremendous opportunity for us if we allow ourselves to go on the journey God promises to walk beside with us.  Only there in this incredibly intimate and personal space can we understand the richness of a God whose heart is broken right along with ours.  I also wanted to show readers that some may choose to honor those they have survived¾and that is ok.  Some, choose to love again.  It is a deeply personal choice that is extremely hard to navigate.  This book illustrates it well, a way to sort out feelings one might not be able to do alone.

Wonders In The Deep.  A place where one can cross the great divide of heartache to healing.  A journey of a lifetime.  One I hope you will cross with me.

                                Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 3

Through the Fire Blogs, June 4 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 5

Inklings and notions, June 6

For Him and My Family, June 7

deb’s Book Review, June 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 9

Bizwings Blog, June 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 13

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 14 (Author Interview)

Rebecca Tews, June 14

Blogging With Carol, June 15

Beauty in the Binding, June 16 (Author Interview)

                                 Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Chuck is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & 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/1e7e2/wonders-in-the-deep-celebration-tour-giveaway

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