Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: 'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season by Chris Posti

Book: ’Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season (Next Act Series: Book Three)

Author: Chris Posti

Genre: Women’s Fiction with Elements of Faith & Later-in-Life Romance

Release date: October, 2024

Welcome to tiny Port Mariette, Pennsylvania, where three women in their late fifties reunite at Christmastime, facing tangled relationships with one another and the men in their lives.

Marla rushes from Manhattan to her daughter’s side in a quiet Port Mariette hospital, determined to strengthen their relationship by backing her daughter’s dream project, no matter the cost. She wins support from the town’s general contractor, but fierce local opposition arises, spearheaded by her longtime friend Rachel.

Meanwhile, newlywed Suzanne, scarred by fears and heartbreaks, returns to Port Mariette from California, where the earth subsiding beneath her home threatens both her retirement savings and her marriage. Seeking refuge in the familiar embrace of friends, Suzanne finds herself boxed into a financial corner while navigating the delicate dynamics of friendship and rivalry.

Amidst the holiday cheer and twinkling lights, Rachel stands as a pillar of the community, deeply rooted in the small town she’s never left. Yet her steadfastness falters as she grapples with her own insecurities and desires. Unwittingly, she stirs a pot of conflict that strains her relationships with everyone who matters to her.

In this small town tale of love, friendship, faith, and forgiveness, these women will discover growth can emerge from the ashes of the past and that change is possible at any age.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Christian Fiction books. 'Tis the Time, 'Tis the Season by Chris Posti is the latest in this genre that I have read. It is Book 3 in the Next Act series. I have been enjoying this series and was excited to read this book also.

I truly LOVE this series. It is the Christmas Season and Suzanne, Rachel, and Marla, are back for another story. The friends are scattered across the country but end up back in their hometown of Port Mariette, Pennsylvania for Christmas. Marla's daughter is in the hospital and Marla is trying her best to mend the relationship with her biological daughter. Suzanne is seeking comfort from her friends as she struggles with finances and her newlywed marriage. Rachel has been a amazing citizen to their hometown but is going through some life situations and needs the support of her friends. I really LOVE the bond these women have and they are there for each other. The book is really heartwarming and has a strong faith message. The book is one of friendships, bonds, family and Faith. I HIGHLY Recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction, especially the over-50 crowd! WONDERFUL BOOK!

Chris Posti writes award-winning fiction about real-life women experiencing the joys and challenges of friendships, families, careers, and later-in-life romances. Before pivoting to novels, she was a self-employed career & executive coach, newspaper columnist, and nonfiction author.

More from Chris

I wrote “’Tis the Time, ‘Tis the Season” (third book in the “Next Act” series) for women in the second half of their lives – age 50 to 100 – who want characters they can relate to, women who are facing challenges and overcoming them – along with a mix of faith, fun, and later-in-life romance.

When the Lord gave me the idea for the first book in this series, I had no idea it would morph into a trilogy. That’s the way it is with our Lord. He lights our path, we keep walking. Now, He has directed me to write a pilot for a TV series, and that’s what I’m working on right now. I pray one day you will see these characters come to life on your television screen. If you have a moment, would you offer up a prayer right now for that to happen? Thank you so much.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26
Stories By Gina, November 27 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, November 27
Artistic Nobody, November 28 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, November 29
Karen Baney Reviews, November 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, December 1
For Him and My Family, December 2
The Avid Reader, December 3
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 4
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 5 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, December 6 (Author Interview)
Leslie’s Library Escape, December 6

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

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/00adcf54106

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Sunday, December 1, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Falling for a Smart Cowboy by Karen Baney

Book: Falling for a Smart Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 4)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: June 25, 2024

She’s on a mission to bring orphaned children hope. He wants off his family’s ranch for good. Will they survive his shocking family secrets?

Devon Vargas longs to be more than just a cowboy. After finishing his teaching degree, he plans to leave his family’s guest ranch for good. Between his growing affection for the new children’s program director and a huge family secret revealed, he second guesses everything about his life.

Raina Crawford lost her parents at a young age. Through the grace of God, she survived life in the foster system. She desperately wants to bring children the life-changing faith that gave her hope. The job at Vargas Ranch was supposed to be a steppingstone. Except she’s losing her heart to the smart, ambitious cowboy bent on leaving his family’s ranch—and her—behind.

Will Raina finally find the family she’s always wanted? Will family secrets unravel his new dreams? Will those same secrets tear them apart?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Romance books are a favorite Genre of mine. Falling for a Smart Cowboy is Book 4 in the Vargas Ranch Series and the latest book in this genre that I have read. The series has been a good one as I have enjoyed them from the first book!

WOW, this series is just amazing! I feel like I have gotten to know the Vargas family through the books! The 2 main characters are Devon Vargas and Raina Crawford. Raina is hired to help with the Kids Program at the Ranch. Devon is getting things together to go overseas for a Missions trip. Raina and Devon become friends and slowly allow a relationship to build. I found them both to be very interesting characters. Raina was orphaned at an early age and she really loves the family feeling on the Ranch. Devon finds info out about himself while looking for paperwork for his upcoming Missions Trip. The pair really encourage one another and lift each other up. My heart was breaking as I read Raina's story about her childhood. Devon needed answers about his identity upon finding the paperwork. The author has a great style of writing and makes me feel like I am there in the midst of the story. The characters had to get through their past and they did it together as friends and a couple. The book is very faith based and the message is God's plan is greater then our own plans. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enoys Christian Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen

Big Family Drama

I love writing big family drama in my novels! It provides such great material for the relationship between characters.

Part of this comes from my family’s drama. My mom was the youngest of eight kids, making my extended family huge. I remember going to the Independence Day family reunions as a kid. It was both fun and a little intimidating. Most of my cousins were adults by the time I was a tweener. So, my siblings and I tended to hangout with my “oops!” cousin since we were only a few years apart.

And boy, did we have drama! There was the aunt who seemed to be offended and left early year. Someone always ended up injured, but only once do I remember an ambulance showing up. There were cliques and turf wars and so much more.

As an adult, though I’ve rarely been able to fly clear across the country to see my extended family, the drama of my husband’s big family serves as inspiration too. He is the oldest of five kids. My first introduction to his large family was at his sister’s wedding. I had no idea what I was getting into. We’d only been dating for about six weeks. Everyone kept pushing me to join the family photos, and I kept trying to gracefully get out of the pictures. I didn’t want him to regret having me in the pictures if we broke up. In the end, my hubby and I outlasted that marriage.

In Falling for a Smart Cowboy, I introduce a new character to the series, Raina Crawford. She was orphaned as a young girl and has longed for a forever family, even into adulthood. Devon Vargas, the fourth out of five sons, learns a family secret that makes him want to avoid his large family. I loved writing this juxtaposition between Raina and Devon over family relationships. It helps each of them see a new perspective. It was also fun writing new friendships for Raina—even if all the friendships tied to Devon’s family. My experience with both my family and being a newbie to my husband’s family provided inspiration for both Raina’s and Devon’s characters.

If you like big family drama, the Vargas Ranch Series provides it in spades. Enjoy!

Stories By Gina, November 20 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, November 21
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22
Guild Master, November 23 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, November 23
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 24
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 25
Denise L. Barela, November 26 (Author Interview)
Devoted To Hope, November 27
Artistic Nobody, November 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Simple Harvest Reads, November 29
For Him and My Family, November 30
Fiction Book Lover, December 1 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1
Labor Not in Vain, December 2
Back Porch Reads, December 3 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/00adcf54103

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Saturday, November 30, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Canine Christmas by Jennifer Sienes

Book: A Canine Christmas

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance, Christmas Fiction, and Southern Fiction

Release date: November 18, 2024

What do you get when you mix a mail carrier, a monstrously large canine and his surly owner, and a mysterious death?

Amelia Hutchinson can’t seem to find her place in the world. Or maybe she’s just watched too many Christmas Hallmark movies. But come on, how come Aurora Teagarden and Hallie Dean get more exciting careers and all Amelia gets to be is a mail carrier? Not to mention, she’s living in her sister and brother-in-law’s guest house and the only man she could find was one who didn’t appreciate the purity ring her daddy gave her.

Rayce Jasper just wants to sell his late granddad’s farm and throw away the painful past that comes with it as soon as possible. But the memories of the man who betrayed him, a ditzy mail lady, and a strange request put a kink in his agenda.

As Rayce’s and Amelia’s worlds collide, neither of them can deny that God must be weaving His own Christmas story for the two of them.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Christian Romance books and Jennifer Sienes is one of my favorite for this genre. A Canine Christmas is Book 5 of The Bedford County Series. I have been enjoying this series and recently read this book.

I am so excited for a new release that has a Christmas theme as we enter the Christmas season. The 2 main characters in this book are Amelia Hutchinson and Rayce Jasper. Amelia and Rayce encounter each other when Amelia has to deliver a mail package to Rayce. Amelia has a fear of dogs as she is mail carrier. Rayce has a large dog named Porter and Amelia really is uncomfortable around Porter. Rayce and Amelia begin spending time with one another as they have agreed to help one another with some projects. Rayce is going to train a puppy for Amelia's niece before Christmas arrives. Amelia is going to help Rayce clean his Grandfather's house of the clutter before he puts it on the market to sell. A HUGE misunderstanding almost ruined their growing friendship. I really LOVE how both Amelia and Rayce recover from this misunderstanding. Rayce doesn't plan on staying in the small town after he sells his Grandpa's estate, but will God change his mind. I have to say I started reading this book and finished it within 3 hours as it is short but very intriguing and sweet! The story is one of Faith, LOVE, Forgiveness and Second chances. I I HIGHLY recommend this Clean, Sweet Christian Romance. AMAZING BOOK!

Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing–and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies–two in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

More from Jennifer

I’m often asked where inspiration comes for my books. Does it start with a character or a setting or maybe something from my own life? The answer is, “Yes.” Each of those have sparked story ideas. A Canine Christmas is my fourteenth book, but it’s the first (and possibly last) novel/novella motivated by a dog.

You would think it would be my own canine that inspired one of my books—but that’s not the case here. I have a short story in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons from the Dog titled “Soul Sniffer” based on my late Bichon Friese, Einstein. He was also in Providence—and his name was Dashiell. I have another short story in Inspire Joy titled “Canine Redemption” about Cheyenne, a rescue dog we had for a short time. But an entire book? Never.

It started with my granddaughters’ Cano Corso, Porter. The biggest (and I mean that in every sense of the word) baby I’ve ever encountered. He’s massive, and yet hides behind eight-year-old Kennedy at the slightest loud noise. His size alone is enough to intimidate the average person, but he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. However, he wasn’t the only inspiration for this Christmas novella.

The setting was influenced by my affinity for old family farms and historic cemeteries (of which there are over 33,000 in the state of Tennessee.) Add a ditzy mail lady who has an intense fear of dogs, and a disgruntled man trying to put his past to rest, and A Canine Christmas was born.

This is romance through and through, and it was a pure joy to write. I hope you’ll come to love Amelia and Rayce as much as I did—and of course, Porter, the canine matchmaker.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 22
Stories By Gina, November 23 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, November 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25
She Lives To Read, November 26
An Author’s Take, November 27
Guild Master, November 28 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 29
A Reader’s Brain, November 30 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 30
MrsK Books to Go, November 30
Texas Book-aholic, December 1
For Him and My Family, December 2
Holly’s Book Corner, December 3
Back Porch Reads, December 4 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift 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/00adcf54104

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Friday, November 29, 2024

FrontGate Media Blog Tour: Walking in Wonder: A Devotional Journal for Moms of Toddlers by Catherine Claire Larson

Embrace the independent and energetic toddler year with this weekly devotional journal—a keepsake memory book created with your spiritual growth in mind as you watch your child grow day by day.

In this beautiful companion to Waiting in Wonder and Watching in Wonder, popular blogger Catherine Claire Larson encourages moms to receive God's peace and grace during the intense and joy-filled toddler year.

Designed to help you discover God's love in a new way as your little one discovers their world, Walking in Wonder includes:

Three Scripture-based devotions each week centered on spiritual and parenting themes such as resting, feeding, and speaking
Monthly "Memories and Milestones" sections to document your toddler's growth
Thoughtful journaling prompts with space to record stories and prayers during this busy and delightful year

With its invitation to draw near to God as you navigate your child's second year of life, this is a unique and thoughtful gift for adoption parties, birthday celebrations, or simply for yourself and future generations.

Savor the transformation happening in your faith life as you enjoy the remarkable changes in your toddler.

READ A SAMPLE OF the Walking in Wonder Book

I am an avid reader of Devotionals and enjoy them for all phases of life. Walking in Wonder: A Devotional Journal for Moms of Toddlers by Catherine Claire Larson is the latest Devotional book that I have read.

WOW, this Devotional is amazing and well writen. This is more than a Devotional Book, it is also a Memory Book. Memory Books are not so popular anymore, due to technology. I personally prefer a written book version as they are easier to access and keep for long. A Mom needs encouragement through all stages of Motherhood, the young years are truly important time for encouragement for Moms. Walking in Wonder is for the important Toddler Years. I really LOVE the look and layout of this Book. The Devotional begins when your child turns 1 year old. Each Devotional section covers a week at time and has Scripture for encouragement, a place to record memories from that week and write down important happenings. I truly wish I had this book when my Boys were little ones!

I STRONGLY recommend this for Moms of Toddlers. It reminds them even through the busy time of life, it is good to be in the Word and receive God's grace and encouragement! GREAT BOOK!

After graduating with a Master's degree in Biblical Studies, Catherine Claire Larson spent seven years writing with Chuck Colson for BreakPoint radio, Christianity Today, and Newsweek online. Today, she writes amidst the clatter and curiosity of her six boys. To find out more, visit: www.catherineclairelarson.com