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Sunday, October 6, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: All an Act by Melissa Wardwell





 

Book: All an Act

Author: Melissa Wardwell

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 27, 2024

Not all weddings end in marriage. Not all hurting hearts remain broken.

In the year since Something Suamalie started, the dynamic trio Kiana, Lulu, and Meilani have accumulated a glowing reputation at home and abroad for brides and their wedding day dreams. But when a triple-booked weekend forces Lulu to manage the wedding of the Onirique events coordinator by herself, panic sets in. Her lack of confidence and ADHD, not to mention the return of a devilishly handsome man, could easily spell disaster.

When André left the Suamalie Islands to pursue a career in Paris, he never dreamed of returning. The islands hold a treasure chest of memories he wishes to keep locked away, but recent changes in his life force him to face those very things. And a choice for his future that will break more than one heart.

With neither of them able to talk about their feelings, how will Lulu and André be able to set aside their pasts and move on?

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!


I LOVE Christian Contemporary Romance books and I enjoy books that are part of a series. All An Act by Melissa Wardwell is Book 15 in the Suamalie Islands series which is written by 9 different authors. I have read many books in this series and have enjoyed them all. I was excited to see Melissa Wardwell with another book in this series. 

WOW, this storyline really had me reeled in from the very first few pages. Lulu runs a Wedding Coordinator business with her 2 friends. Lulu ends up being in charge of an event by herself one weekend, after the business overbooked for a weekend. Lulu is really worried that she won't do a good job as she has ADHD and the Bride isn't very pleasant. Lulu really worries when she discovers the Groom is someone whom she had a previous friendship with. Andre has returned to Suamalie Islands after being gone for some time and he is a new Christian. He wants to live his life for the Lord and do what aligns with his newfound faith. His Bride to Be is not a Christian and he wonders if he should go ahead with the wedding. I really LOVE how Lulu and Andre are able to open up to another and seek forgiveness for the things from the past. Andre really shows how he has grown in his Faith throughout the Book. I was truly happy for Lulu and Andre in the end! This book is about having a new Faith in God,  LOVE, and Second Chances. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance books! WONDERFUL BOOK!




Melissa Wardwell resides in Owosso, Michigan with her husband and three teen-aged children.

She doesn’t mind alternating between the world of writing and the reality of being a mother, but she would rather sit with a good book or a good friend and a cup of coffee.

When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads.

 

 

More from Melissa

All An Act is probably the most honest form of self-representation this author has ever created.

How could I say such a thing if I put my heart and soul into every single story I create? It’s a pretty straightforward statement when I have kept most of myself out of the stories. I tried to tell stories about the people I admire around me —my best friend in high school, my first boyfriend, or the men and women who serve our country both at home and abroad. These are the kind of people I typically write about. But when I developed Lulu’s character and found the picture that you see on the cover, my first thought was, “I bet she’s just like me… a little scattered, a lot wounded, and putting on a mask to hide that she fears that no one would like her.”

One of my beta readers, who was a teacher when I was in high school, picked up in the first two chapters that Lulu had undiagnosed ADHD. I know some people don’t like to put labels on themselves that make them have unusual behaviors, but like myself, being able to put a label on it gives Lulu a little clarity. Lulu and I both understand that it doesn’t give us the OK to get away with certain things or to use them as excuses. However, it shines a light on why we do those things (like knowing fine details from high school, but you can’t find your A5 binder that you just saw the day before).

It’s not just forgetfulness that is an issue; sometimes, we mask how we feel through anger or frustration because those emotions are more accessible for the rest of the world to understand. Again, that doesn’t mean that it’s OK.

Like Lulu, I went through a season of holding onto unforgiveness that lasted 15 years. You can imagine that that unforgiveness quickly turned into bitterness. My bitterness wasn’t towards a man but instead revolved around church hurt. Learning to forgive and let go of the things that hurt me took a long time. Lulu and I both discovered that forgiveness is like peeling an onion. There are a lot of layers to it, depending on how many years you’ve held on.

Lulu also deals with a lot of thoughts in this book. Many of them revolve around her feelings of being inadequate compared to her friends. I’m sure many of us can identify with that. Eventually, she learns that she brings her own kind of knowledge to the Something Suamalie team. This is what makes this trio work – they each bring their own traits to the table to make this wedding planning business top-notch in the islands.

Like An Unexpected Gift, All An Act is loosely based on another one of my favorite romcoms—The Wedding Planner, featuring Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey. I wonder if you will be able to see it. Let me know if you do.

I hope you enjoy this one. It really was a joy to write, even when I was faced with some of my own issues.



Texas Book-aholic, September 25

Stories By Gina, September 26 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 26

Library lady’s Kid Lit, September 27

Karen Baney Reviews, September 28

For the Love of Literature, September 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 1

Through the Fire Blogs, October 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Acdemy, October 3

Fiction Book Lover, October 4 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 4

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 6

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Guild Master, October 8 (Author Interview)




To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5453/







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Saturday, October 5, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Immortal Abyss by Katherine Briggs





Book: Immortal Abyss (Duology Book 2)

Author: Katherine Briggs

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: September 17, 2024

Seize the throne. Seek the legend and conquer the Abyss.

Nations rise and fall in the aftermath of war over the Eternity Gate. The corrupted desert throne stands empty, and the Immortal Abyss awakens. Drought ravages the continent, and people long for the rebirth of a starpalm, who will rise from among mortals and end their judgment.

Orphaned at birth, Tol grew up hiding in the farthest corners of the desert, training under powerful rebel fire wielders. She now dedicates her life to the Rebellion’s cause to seize the throne and Abyss from the surviving dynasty and deliver both to the coming deity.

Chosen as the Rebellion’s messenger, she travels to reach sympathizers capable of identifying the starpalm. Familiar figures haunt her dreams, and her path twists with every step she takes. Can Tol fulfill her purpose and summon a legend? Or will her country perish under the judgment of the twin gates?

 

Click here to get your copy!


Youth Fantasy is not a genre that I usually read. The Immortal Abyss by Kathrine Briggs is Book 2 in the Threshold Duology series. I was intrigued to read this book as I have Read Book 1 already. 

I was able to get reeled into the book and storyline within 2 chapters. Tol is the main character in the book and she has had an interesting life. Orphaned at birth and raised in the desert. Tol discovered her special love for Fire Wielding. Tol is able to wield fire from her palms and she enjoys it. Tol's main purpose is to deliver of message to others, one that could be life changing. She has finally come to the realization that she can't do everything on her own and she needs God's direction and help to get her through life. I believe the message in this book is "Trust in God's plan not our own". There are many twists and turns in this book and it keep me interested in this book. Katherine Briggs has a GREAT style of writing and I enjoyed this book! I I HIGHLY recommend this to fans of Youth Fantasy. INTRIGUING BOOK!




About the Author



Katherine Briggs crafted her first monster story at age three. Since graduating from crayons to laptop, she continues to devour and weave fantasy tales while enjoying chai tea. She, her coadventurer husband, and rescue dog reside outside Houston, where she classically educates amazing middle school students, teaches ESL to adults, and enjoys studying other languages.

 


More from Katherine

Hello friend!

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t overcome something difficult in your life? Maybe it was a bad habit you wanted to outgrow, a closed door you wished to open, or a choice you needed to make.

Within God’s will, Jesus in Matthew 19:26 says, “With God, all things are possible.” (ESV)

This is why I wrote The Immortal Abyss. Like you, I have felt stuck in my limitations and circumstances. My protagonist Tol, an orphan, strives to carve a new life for herself by joining a rebellion and bringing reform to her corrupted country. But how can she serve her cause if she can’t overcome her weakness in her fire gifting?

Like Tol, we can’t rise above challenges alone. So, what do we do?

  • Ask God for help and thank Him for promising to never abandon us.
  • Seek friends who will reciprocate spurring one another on to persevere.
  • Remain focused on our purpose.

If you’re looking for an adventure fantasy that will encourage you to never give up on what is good, please enjoy The Immortal Abyss, sequel to The Eternity Gate and conclusion to The Threshold Duology.

Cheers to journeying across forbidden lands, meeting new friends, taming dragons, and overcoming the impossible!

~ Katherine Briggs

P.S. If this encouraged you, please join my story newsletter by visiting my website. As a welcome gift, you also will receive my science fiction and fantasy short story collection, Experiments and Enchantment.



The Lofty Pages, September 28

Artistic Nobody, September 29 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

Inspired by Fiction, October 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 2

A Reader’s Brain, October 3 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, October 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 6 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, October 7 (Author Interview)

Min Reads and Reviews, October 7

Inklings and notions, October 8

Fiction Book Lover, October 9 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, October 10 (Author Interview)

Denise L. Barela, October 11 (Author Interview)




To celebrate her tour, Katherine is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a hardcover copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5451/







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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Season for Grace by Stacy T. Simmons





Book: A Season For Grace (Briar Creek Love Book 3)

Author: Stacy T. Simmons

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: August 20, 2024

How much love does it take to melt an icy heart?

Grace Fuller has dreamed of being a writer for as long as she can remember. As the deadline for submitting her first novel looms, she has six months to finish and won’t let anything stand in her way. Renting a cabin nestled in the mountains of Briar Creek, North Carolina, Grace plans to buckle down and get to work with no interruptions. Except the young man she once flirted with at her sister’s wedding lives just below her. And he’s distractingly handsome.

Logan Whitlock was captivated by Grace two years ago but let his pride and fear of rejection get in the way of their budding romance. Beneath his imperious façade, the former quarterback and homecoming king is riddled with doubt. How could this beautiful, confident woman love him for who he is, apart from the trappings of the Whitlock wealth and privilege?

Love can conquer many things, but a cold heart unmended and unmelted is harder to break open than even a diamond.

How will Grace chip away Logan’s icy exterior and melt his heart instead of just being another glossy page in the book of his life?

 

Click here to get your copy!


I really LOVE Christian Fiction Romance books. A Season for Grace by Stacy T. Simmons. It is Book 3 and the final book in the Briar Creek Love series.

I was reeled into the storyline from the very beginning of the book.   The 2 main characters are Grace Fuller and Logan Whitlock. Grace is a writer and rents a cabin in the woods for a Writing retreat by herself. She is surprised to find out the gentleman she is renting from lives downstairs and is someone who met a couple years ago, Logan. The 2 had a brief relationship 2 years prior but lost contact. Grace seems to want to reconnect with Logan, although he is unsure of her acceptance of him. I LOVE how Logan is a simple man, even though he comes from an affluent family. I really LOVE that Small Town setting and that the pair are noticably falling for one another again. I feel the message of this book is "Trust God with all your heart and lean not on your understanding". I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance Books. AMAZING BOOK!

Many THANKS to Beth Collins, sister of Author Stacy T. Simmons. Stacy unexpectedly passed away in October 2022. She had already written the first half of this book before her passing and her sister promised to finish the book for release. It has been a BLESSING to read the entire series! 









Stacy T. Simmons wrote uplifting fiction that delights the reader’s romantic sensibilities. Her thirty-four years of marital bliss was a great contributor. She was a mom of two grown children, and she loved her menagerie of pets she liked to call her “Noah’s Ark.” In October of 2022, Stacy was called home to be with the Lord.

 

More from Beth

A Promise for Stacy

My sister, Stacy T. Simmons, was incredibly proud to become a published author. The day her first book, A Promise for Faith, was released was one of the happiest of her life. Stacy didn’t start writing until she turned 50 but once she began pursuing her passion, she was unstoppable!

Her commitment to nurturing and promoting other authors while working full time and writing her novels was a testament to her strong faith and kind heart. Stacy was the sweetest, most thoughtful, loyal, and faithful person I have ever known, and her loss was heart-wrenching. It was only after she passed away that I learned about the tremendous impact this gentle soul had throughout the Christian fiction community.

As Stacy lay on her deathbed after experiencing surgical complications, I promised her two things. First, I would be a second mother to her daughters. Second, I would finish writing the final book in her Briar Creek Love trilogy, which was halfway complete.

What was I thinking? In that agonizing moment, knowing her time on earth was slipping away, I wanted my sister to know that I would look after her most precious loves – her girls and her “book babies.”

The months that followed were a haze and, in my sorrow, it was difficult to even read Stacy’s words, much less try to write in her style. But “fueled by faith and caffeine,” and with the Lord’s unwavering support, I was able to fulfill my promise to Stacy.

A Season for Grace is full of love and laughter and brings the stories of all three Fuller sisters to a close. I hope I’ve done Stacy’s memory justice, and that you enjoy your final visit to Briar Creek!

Blessings,

Beth Collins


Stories By Gina, September 24 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25

Vicky Sluiter, September 26 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, September 27

Fiction Book Lover, September 28 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 29

For the Love of Literature, September 30 (Spotlight)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 1

Artistic Nobody, October 2 (Spotlight)

DevotedToHope, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Guild Master, October 4 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 5

Back Porch Reads, October 6 (Spotlight)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 6

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)




To celebrate the tour, Beth is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5452/







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Thursday, October 3, 2024

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Emeline Series by Kathy Perry

Emeline JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for the Emeline series by Kathy J. Perry, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



A Journey

Title: A Journey
Series: Emeline #1
Author:
Kathy J Perry
Publisher:
Chickadee Words, LLC
Release Date:
November 1, 2023
Genre:
Christian Young Adult 19th Century American Historical Fiction

A promise made to her dying father; a struggle that tests her faith; a journey that pushes her resilience and resourcefulness to their limits 

Emeline, a thirteen-year-old Missouri orphan, must set off on a quest across frontier America to fulfil her father’s last to find her grandfather in Boston. 

Crossing this dangerous and unforgiving land alone, she must face challenges without losing her faith, rising to every test ahead if she’s to survive and find a home at the end of her adventure. 

Will Emeline’s journey bring her the family she longs for? 

Readers of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Louisa May Alcott will delight in this fast-paced adventure.  



Young Adult Christian Historical Fiction is a "new to me" genre. A Journey by Kathy J. Perry is Book 1 in the Emeline Series. I had the opportunity to read it recently. 

WOW, this storyline starts out emotional, but is also encouraging. Emeline is an orphan by age 13 and is on a quest to honor her dying father's wish. She wants to find her Grandfather, but he is in Boston and she is in Missouri. I really LOVE her determination and resilience as she makes her way through many States to make it to find her lost family! The encouraging part of the book is how strong Emeline is in her faith. I truly love that a young teenager is dutiful in daily devotionals and relying on God to get it through daily challenges of life. The adventures for Emeline in this book are amazing! I HIGHLY recommend this book to those who enjoy YA Christian Historical Fiction. AMAZING BOOK!



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Kathy J Perry | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub



Finding Strength

Title: Finding Strength: During the Panic of 1893
Series:
Emeline #2
Author:
Kathy J Perry
Publisher:
Chickadee Words, LLC
Release Date:
March 1, 2024
Genre:
Christian Young Adult Historical Fiction 

When the world around you is falling apart, you must find strength within yourself. 

Three years after her father’s death, Emeline has settled into life in Indianapolis. 

Then an urgent visit to her childhood farm in Missouri changes everything. Her manager dies, the economy is in recession, and the caretakers are moving back to Wisconsin. Emeline is suddenly responsible for the farm… and she’s out of her depth. 

With the help of her closest allies, Emeline sets out to turn the farm around until disaster strikes and she must start again. Emeline faces her biggest challenge finding the courage to have confidence in herself. 

Can Emeline’s faith and resourcefulness bring her the joy and security she’s worked so hard to find? 

This coming-of-age tale is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction.  



Young Adult Christian Historical Fiction is not a genre that I normally read. Finding Strength: During the Panic of 1893 by Kathy J. Perry is Book 2 in the Emeline Series. I was happy to continue to read this series. 

WOW, this book really takes the series up a notch. Emeline is now 17 and has found life in Indianapolis to be good. She is now having to go back to Missouri for an urgent family matter. Her life then turns chaotic when she gets to Missouri. Changes in the world economy and at her Childhood Farm really put Emeline into making major Adult Decisions I really LOVE that the author has researched the time period of the book and the Historical info in the book is very informative. Emeline once again relies on her Faith in God to get her through the Challenges and help her FIND Strength during the turmoil that she is currently experiencing. I am looking forward to more books in this series! I HIGHLY recommend this book to those who enjoy YA Christian Historical Fiction. WONDERFUL BOOK!





PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Kathy J Perry | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub




Kathy J Perry

Of the many jobs she’s held in the past, including thirty-five years of designing and constructing stained glass windows part-time, teaching was one of the most enjoyable for Kathy J. Perry because investing in kids is so important. To this end, she continues to encourage good character with clean, moral stories kids and teens love to read. Good books make such an impact. Writing is hard work, but there’s nothing like a good story to run off with your imagination. When things are flowing, it’s like a vacation. Sometimes the best ideas come in the middle of the night. When not writing, you’ll find her painting with watercolor, doing school visits, writing a blog, interviewing other writers, designing websites, working as an administrative assistant part-time, and renovating houses. Is this retirement? Apparently so! She loves every minute of it with her husband of 43 years.

Connect with Kathy by visiting kathyjperry.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.




(1) winner will receive signed print copies of A Journey and Finding Strength, companion journal, bookmarks, and a $25 Amazon gift card plus a code for free audiobooks for both titles!

Emeline series JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 1, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 8, 2024. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours






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