Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays by Jean Marie Alfieri

Book: Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays

Author: Jean Marie Alfieri

Genre: Kid-lit Activity Book

Release Date: June 17, 2023

Three fun Zuggy the Rescue Pug stories in one action-packed activity book! First, Zuggy goes ‘Costume Crazy.’ How many does he model before finding the perfect Halloween outfit? Color them all. Then, Zuggy must save dinner from racing out the door, in ‘The Great Turkey Chase.’ Finally, Zuggy can’t stand the thought of the family having no presents this holiday. Can he work some Christmas magic? Only if the cat keeps his secret.

Packed with book club questions, puzzles, and games, this activity book makes a paws-itivly perfect gift for parents, teachers, and kiddos!

 

Click here to get your copy!

The Holidays are fast approaching and Children's Books are fun for kids during the Holidays. Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays by Jean Marie Alfieri is a Children's Book I recently read. 

Zuggy the Rescue Pug loves the Holidays and he especially enjoys costumes for Halloween. Thanksgiving Dinner is also a favorite. Christmas he wants to make sure there are presents for everyone. Zuggy the Rescue Pug is the star of the book and each holiday is fun for him, the activities in this book will be fun for Kids and Adults to enjoy together as a family. 

I really thought this book was well-developed and fun. The Book is filled with Coloring Pages, Fun Activities, Puzzles, Tic Tac Toe and so much more. The Illustrations in the book are outstanding and lovely! I really enjoyed seeing Zuggy the Rescue Pug be a part of the activities and games in this Book! I know Children will enjoy this, especially 3 through 10 year olds.  The book would make a great gift before the Holidays so it can be enjoyed during the Holiday Season! I HIGHLY recommend this for Kids and families to enjoy! 

When Jean’s eyes locked with those of a smooshy-faced little dog who sat inside a kennel at the Humane Society, it was love! He captured her heart. She captured their many adventures in short story poems starring Zuggy the Rescue Pug. An author, speaker, and advocate for the adoption of senior dogs, Jean and her husband currently live with their three fur-kids in Colorado. They joke that although the humans pay the mortgage, it’s really the dogs’ house! Jean finds much of her writing inspiration from her “vintage puppies” and work at the Pikes Peak Humane Society.

 

More from Jean

Pug-Lovers Magazine recently sat down with America’s favorite rescue pug to interview him on the new trio of Howl-iday stories and activity books that were released last month. Here’s what Zuggy had to say.

 

Q: This is book #11 in an award-winning collection. How do you continue to be your Mom / Jean’s most influential writing inspiration?

Zuggy: Oh, that’s easy. I just jump on her lap and wiggle around until I almost fall off and she tells me to settle down. Then I sit and stare deeply into her eyes and subliminally ask for a snack. She thinks I’m giving her story ideas, but it works for her, so I don’t ruin it.

 

Q: What is the best activity in these special edition books?

Zuggy: The puzzles and games and coloring pages where you can decorate me! The book club questions are also a great feature. (Mom said she got the idea from her own reading club – thanks, Auntie Karen!)

 

Q: What is your favorite holiday?

Zuggy: This pug is all about love and hugs, so Valentine’s Day is my fave. (I should have been named Very-Valentino, or Vee-vee for short! It’s so Ooo-la-la.)

 

Q: Do you ever get writer’s block?

Zuggy: Every day around breakfast and dinner time I simply can not focus. I scour the kitchen for lost and forgotten kibbles and wait impatiently for my chef (I mean, Momma Jean) to prepare my next meal. Who could write in such conditions?

 

Q: Which story from this collection is your favorite?

Zuggy: That’s ruff. ‘Costume Crazy’ is based on a true story and I really enjoyed all the belly-rubs between wardrobe changes. ‘The Great Turkey Chase’ starts out sad but is so exciting, and I score a drumstick in the end, so that’s a super story. And ‘Santa Paws’ is full of surprises. I love them all!

 

Q: Where can friends and fans get this new book?

Zuggy: The whole collection is available on Amazon and Jean will be signing copies on September 16, 2023, at the Humane Society’s Pawtoberfest, in Colorado Springs. Grab a beer and a book! And remember, she loves visiting schools (in person or remotely) so drop us an email to schedule a class visit: ZuggythePug@gmail.com

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 18

lakesidelivingsite, September 19

Texas Book-aholic, September 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 23

Blossoms and Blessings, September 24 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, September 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 25

Blogging With Carol, September 26

For Him and My Family, September 27

Artistic Nobody, September 28

Cover Lover Book Review, September 29

Guild Master, September 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 1 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, October 1

To celebrate her tour, Jean is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a print-copy of the newest special-edition activity book, “Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays”!!

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/27fb2/zuggy-the-rescue-pug-happy-howl-idays-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays by Jean Marie Alfieri

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Finding True North by Dianne Beck

Book: Finding True North

Author: Dianne Beck

Genre: YA Fiction

Release Date: January 31, 2023

Finding True North

North Carolina Simon hates her name. As a fourteen-year-old girl growing up in the 1970s, she has a lot of challenges. People not only make fun of her name, but also scoff at her eccentric family. Dad’s a hoarder, Mom’s an unpredictable artist and her older sister lives with an autism diagnosis.  After a humiliating middle school event shatters her confidence as a singer, North is determined to break free from the stigma surrounding her family.

As she starts high school, North tells people to call her Carol. Armed with a new name, she updates her hair and clothes, befriends a popular boy in hopes of joining his band, distances herself from her two longtime friends, and avoids being seen with her adoring and dependent sister. Everything seems to be going according to plan until her sister suddenly disappears.

Carol is forced to face the fact that fitting in and being popular have come at a cost, and that the sister she might lose could have the answer to what she’s been looking for all along.

Finding True North is a prequel to Sticks and Stones, but each can be read as stand-alone novels.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

Young Adult Fiction is a genre I read every once in a while. I recently read Finding True North by Dianne Beck. The synopsis and book cover intrigued me. 

The time is the 1970's and North Carolina Simon is a 14-year-old girl who loathes her name. Her family life is also so different from those around her. Her mom is an Artist, her Dad a Hoarder and her older sister has Autism. She is in Middle School and has a traumatic event that has lowered her confidence that she has a beautiful singing voice. North is now ready to enter High School and she now goes by the name Carol. She also gets a makeover and becomes friends with a popular boy. Her longtime friends are not so close to her anymore and Carol also tries to avoid associating with her Older Sister. Carol is finally enjoying life and then her older sister disappears. Carol is really worried about her sister and feels her own changes might be the reason her sister is missing. Will Carol find her Sister safe? Will Carol be able to find her own true identity? 

I am very glad that I read this book. The storyline is very relevant in today's society. North/Carol was being bullied and ridiculed due to many things that she could not control. She really only wanted to be liked and to live a "normal" life and set out to change herself. I really love how the Author addresses self-worth with Scriptures and Encouragement. I feel that Teen Girls will be encouraged by this book, as will adults. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction. GREAT BOOK!

Dianne Beck spent much of her career teaching students ranging from Kindergarten through adult before achieving her dream of publishing her first novel, Sticks and Stones.  She hopes young people and adults can find faith and strength in her stories. When not writing or reading a good book, she savors every moment possible with family and friends, and loves a good steaming cup of coffee or tea.  Visit her author website at diannebeck.com.

 

More from Dianne

One of the things I love most about being an author of Christian fiction is showing readers how God is working in the lives of my characters, just like he’s working in each of our lives. While I hope readers see how my main characters are wrestling with and growing in faith, my side characters actually play a huge role. In both my novels I have a supporting character who is unique and often viewed as quirky or weak to the world around them. By showing how God loves, guides, and equips these characters, I hope to encourage anyone who has ever felt weak or out of place, which I think all of us have at some point. I also hope it reminds readers that God is often found in unexpected people and places.

In Finding True North, I spent a significant amount of time developing the character of Aria, who is main character North’s older sister. Aria is autistic, and during the 1970s, the time this book was set, autism wasn’t well understood. Because of this, many people don’t give Aria much of a chance, and miss out on all the depth and beauty she has to offer.

My inspiration for Aria came from two Bible verses: 1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV), which says, “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong,” along with “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV). Aria may be the kind of character who would be looked down on by many in the world, but she is used powerfully by God. One of the ways she does is with her extreme joy and bold love of the Lord.  These characteristics are what ultimately impact and shape North as the story moves forward.

If you enjoy Finding True North, check out my first novel, Sticks and Stones, and stay tuned for the Sticks and Stones sequel, currently in the works!

Texas Book-aholic, September 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 16

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 17

Cover Lover Book Review, September 18

Artistic Nobody, September 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 19

lakesidelivingsite, September 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 21

The Book Club Network, September 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 24

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 25

For Him and My Family, September 26

Girls in white dresses, September 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 28 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 28

To celebrate her tour, Dianne is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/27de6/finding-true-north-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Finding True North by Dianne Beck

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God by Christa Joy Spaeth

Book: Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God

Author: Christa Joy Spaeth

Genre: Christian non-fiction, devotional

Release Date: February 22, 2023

Powerful Whispers gives you a glimpse of how awe-inspiring God’s whispers of His love are for you. He desires to capture your heart, to communicate personally with you, to encourage and strengthen you.

Each daily devotional offers God’s life-giving words, suggests powerful worship, and provides an activation step applying that day’s principle to your life. Let the Lord fill your cup to overflow as you embark on this amazing 7-week journey.

Whether you have been walking with the Lord for years or have been recently saved, you will discover in fresh new ways that: God Knows You – God Loves You – God Fights for You – God provides for You – God Chose You – God’s Peace is for You – God’s Powerful Whispers Can Change your Life

 

Click here to get your copy!

Those who know me, know that Devotionals are a part of my daily life. I am always looking for a themed devotional that pertains to my life. Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God by Christa Joy Spaeth is the latest Devotional that I have come across and added to my Devotional stacks. 

Powerful Whispers is a 7-week Devotional that helps the reader grow closer to God through hearing his Whispers. The Devotional is divided into 7 Chapters. Each day includes a Scripture, a God Whisper, a Personal Message, a Worship Song, an Activity, a prayer, and a time of Reflection. The 7 Chapters include: 

• God Knows You 
• God Loves You 
• God Fights for You 
• God provides for You 
• God Chose You 
• God’s Peace is for You 
• God’s Powerful Whispers Can Change Your Life

I really like the Layout and how easy it is to follow. The Devotional is filled with Encouragement and uplifting sections. I feel quiet time with God is an important time of the day and the Devotional is one that expresses that. Growing closer to God takes us being willing to sit and listen to him "whisper" to us and acknowledge him. I think this is great for individuals, but it could also be used in a Small Group setting. I would recommend this Devotional. FANTASTIC Devotional! 

Christa Joy Spaeth is the founder of Christa Joy Ministries. It was in 2022 when Minnesota-based author Christa received a compelling message from God. In a prayer cabin called “Whisper,” He prompted her to write a seven-week devotional.

Since then, Christa’s eyes, heart, and ears were opened to more whispers, so that she may start fulfilling her new purpose of helping the hurting and share the love of Christ.

This blessed wife, mother of two, and businesswoman is passionate about living up to God’s plans for her every day. So much so that in 2022, she stepped down from her decades-long career as a Registered Dietitian at a large food manufacturing company to pursue the promptings of the Lord and encourage others in Christ.

Today, Christa owns and operates Christa Joy Ministries where she publishes her own books, writes daily encouragements and God whispers on her social media accounts. In addition, she does guest blog posts for various social media accounts.

 

More from Christa

One morning while I was away at a prayer cabin, the Lord laid on my heart that I was to write a book. My first thought was, “Oh, my!  Lord, I have never written anything other than work-related documents.  Where do I begin? What do you want me to write?”

I am so honored and humbled that the Lord placed amazing book experts in my path over the next year to launch this unique devotional book in a mere 55 weeks. This feat is spectacular as I didn’t know anything about the publishing business.

Two components of Powerful Whispers that my readers love are the suggested worship and the activations. After each devotional was written I searched for the perfect worship song. You will find several suggested indie artist songs and a few popular worship songs too.  Daily you will find an activation which engages your entire body to be able to get the daily truth deeper in your soul.

The Bible verse I read before I starting to write Powerful Whispers is found in James 1:5, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God continually showed His faithfulness to me by providing wisdom to share with my readers.

My heart’s desire is that readers will soon learn through this daily devotional that God chose them, He loves them, and He wants to share His powerful whispers daily for their life.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 13

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15

A Reader’s Brain, September 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17

Texas Book-aholic, September 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 19 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 20

Its Mama Safe, September 21

The Book Club Network, September 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 23

Artistic Nobody, September 24 (Author Interview)

By The Book, September 25 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 25

Lots of Helpers, September 26

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Powerful Whispers devotional book, and a hand-crafted leather bookmark!!

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/27de3/powerful-whispers-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God by Christa Joy Spaeth

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JustRead Tours Blog Blitz: The Art of Writing Webinars 2023

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Art of Writing 2023 webinars, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

The Art of Writing 

Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT 

online October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9

This virtual conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators includes access and recordings to four webinars organized by publishers.

Session One: Dispelling the Myths Around Christian Fiction Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m. central Kelsey Bowen, Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Rachel McMillan

Christian fiction is alive and well and this will be a great opportunity to hear more. Join a panel of publishing experts as they dispel myths surrounding this genre. This session will encourage you to replace unsettling rumors with exciting truths and be reminded of the unique and powerful place that Christian storytelling has in our world. 

 

Session Two: How Great Books Can Improve Your Novel and Your Life 

Thursday, October 26, 7 p.m. central 

Claude Atcho, Jamie Lapeyrolerie

This session will provide dynamic conversation with authors and publisher sharing great works that provide excellent examples of authentic scenes, character arcs, characters with varying life experiences, and more -- to help you write a really great book. Come away with a few must-reads and a list of excellent writing examples to inspire your own craft. 

Session Three: Publishing Doesn’t Have to Terrify You! 

Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m. central 

Stephanie Broene, Tamela Hancock Murray, Barb Roose, Laura Wheeler

Writing a book is only the beginning of the publishing process and it can feel overwhelming. After you sign a contract or decide to self-publish, what comes next? With a panel of publishing experts, we’ll cover publishing aspects everyone needs to know, such as: How do I get endorsers? If I need an authenticity reader, where do I start? How can an agent help me in the process? If I’m just starting to build a platform, what should I focus on? Come away with tips and tricks that cover all areas of publishing! 

Session Four: Going Deep with Award-Winning Authors 

Thursday, November 9, 7 p.m. central 

Patricia Raybon, Steven James, Becky Wade

Hear and learn from the life songs of three award-winning authors who will weave their real-life tales about writing fiction later in life, moving from nonfiction to fiction, then gaining a “seat” in the Christy Hall of Fame. Find out what motivates them, how they stay inspired, and what encouragement they have to pass on to fellow writers. Patricia, Sean, and Becky will provide a peek into their world to help you, with pen in hand.

Added Bonus

All registrants to the Art of Writing sessions can opt to “add-on” a publisher consult. Choose one or more of these small group sessions with a publisher: Pitch & Publish, Ask Me Anything, Strengthen Your Proposal & Get Your Foot in the Door, Calling All Debut Authors. Time/dates are determined based on attendee and moderator schedules. Space is limited. First come, first served.

Learn More about The Art of Writing 2023 Webinar Series

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Register

Save the dates for The Christy Award Finalists Webcast & Winners Gala Webcast on October 12 and November 16, respectively. Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA's Jeff Crosby will be announcing the 2023 finalists on October 12 at 11 a.m. CT. Janette Oke, Davis Bunn, and other award-winning novelists will be featured and winners announced during the 2023 Winners Gala Webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. The Christy Award webcasts are free but registration is required.

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

Register Now for The Art of Writing & The Christy Award web events

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

JustRead Tours Blog Blitz: The Art of Writing Webinars 2023

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