Friday, November 29, 2019

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Melody of the Mulberries by Tonya Jewel Blessing

Book: The Melody of the Mulberries
Author: Tonya Jewel Blessing
Genre: Historic Southern Romance
Release Date: September 16, 2019

This sequel is set in the late 1920s Appalachia, where granny witches and spiritualism often show the path for wanderers to take, especially in matters of the heart.

Coral sat in contemplation under a mulberry tree. It was spring, and the fragrant female blossoms promised the mid-summer arrival of first white, then pink, then crimson, and finally deep purple berries. The white berries were hard and tart and enjoyed by the quail, wild turkeys, mocking birds, and blue jays. The blackish purple berries were soft and sweet – perfect for pies and jams.

When the berries turned white, Coral would thank the good Lord for providing food for the birds, and when the berries ripened she would thank the good Lord for the sweetness savored in her mouth and curse the birds for wanting more than their share.

Where Emerald Ashby’s story leaves us in the last pages of The Whispering of the Willows, pure and innocent sixteen-year-old Coral Ashby’s story begins. Like the changing mulberries, Appalachian siblings Coral and Ernest Ashby, navigate their lives and loves through the Spanish Flu epidemic, poverty, and various as sundry prejudices. Coral is determined to visit the family nemesis, Charlie, who now stews in prison.When Ernest’s previous love interest, Mercy, returns to the holler of Big Creek, she discovers that Ernest has a new romantic attraction. He is singing a melody for Charlotte, the older Ashby brother’s widow. No matter, Mercy has brought along her own spiritual tools to circumvent the inconvenience and a special friend who guides her way.

Accompanied by friends and foes, matters of the heart complicate life for Coral and Ernest. Relationships must be journeyed carefully.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy books that are set in Towns or Attractions that are familiar or historical. The Melody of the Mulberries is set in the Appalachian Mountains. Mountain settings are calm and serene and I LOVE that setting and the Appalachian Mountains are very familiar with many!

The Melody of the Mulberries is book 2 in the Big Creek Series. I have not read Book 1 yet, The Whispering of the Willows, but I plan to do sosoon. I think book 2 can be a stand alone book. I dove right into reading the book and it caught my attention from the beginning.

The Melody of the Mulberries is such a great book and tells a great story. The author touches on some topics are real life: Prisoners, UnWed Mothers, Grief. The author does a really good job at describing life in the Appalachian Mountains in the early 1900's. The book has lots of twists and turns in the relationship between Mercy and Ernest. Ernest is a strong character in this book and he is very involved in many of the twists that are throughout the book. I love when a book has Characters that are throughout the book, it is almost like following their life. Will Mercy and Ernest ignite a relationship or will it burn out? Grab a copy of the book and ENJOY!!

The Melody of the Mulberries is a WONDERFUL read for those who like Christian Fiction and love a book that has many twists and turns that it grabs your attention to the end and then wanting more!

More about Tonya Jewel Blessing: Growing up Tonya spent numerous vacations and holidays in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. Most of her adult life has been spent in full time ministry with a focus on helping women. She has traveled nationally and internationally as a conference speaker. For a number of years, Tonya and her husband operated a retreat facility in Colorado for pastors and missionaries. She and her husband currently live in South Africa. They are the founders and directors of Strong Cross Ministries, a non-profit organization that assists local churches, pastors, cross-cultural workers, and others in Christian leadership in providing spiritual reconciliation and humanitarian relief to the poorest in the world. Tonya writes monthly devotionals for women in ministry. She is the award-winning novelist of The Whispering of the Willows, which is Book 1 of the Big Creek Series. She is the co-author of Soothing Rain, a discussion starter handbook/devotional that provides women with important tools for sharing biblical truth.

More from Tonya

Greetings From Author Tonya Jewel Blessing

The Melody of the Mulberries is book two in the Big Creek Series. Both books are set during the late 1920s in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia. The Appalachian Mountains were untamed in the 1920s and remain so in part today. The wonder of the hills is breathtaking, magnificent, and glorious. The term “wild wonderful West Virginia” was used as early as 1969 before being adapted in the 1970s as the state slogan. In 1937, my mother, Virginia Ashby, was born in the rural hills of West Virginia. She spent several of her formative years in an area known as Big Creek. I have borrowed my mother’s maiden name, several names from her past, and the name Big Creek. The morning mist hanging in the lowlands, the dew on the ground, along with the green of spring and the deep red, sparkling gold, and brilliant oranges of fall draw me visually, emotionally, and on some level spiritually to its feral fascination. John Denver recorded in his tribute to West Virginia, “Take me home country roads to the place I belong…” Certainly, there are seasons in my life where I long for the steep, curvy country roads of my youth. This is one deeply satisfying reason for writing about hope with connections to West Virginia, a life held close to my heart. It is a pleasure and an honor to share this story with the Celebrate Lit family. My southern story is an authentically derived historical romance for young adults and for women of all ages who love Appalachian lore and West Virginia history. It contains some depictions of spiritualism and traditional Christianity during the 1920s in West Virginia. It continues with the inter-racial dealings between two communities, where, some are friends and some are foes. If anyone would enjoy a free sample of the first audiobook, The Whispering of the Willows, please go to the link and click “play sample”. This amazing voice actress, Courtney Patterson, will start reading you my story so that you will feel like you are eavesdropping on the Ashby family. Enjoy! Enjoy an excerpt from Tonya’s first book in the series, The Whispering of the Willows, here.

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27

For Him and My Family, November 28

Christian Bookshelf Reviews, November 29 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29

Older & Smarter?, November 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 1

For the Love of Literature, December 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 3

Pause for Tales , December 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 5

Texas Book-aholic, December 6

janicesbookreviews, December 7

Betti Mace, December 8

A Reader’s Brain, December 9

Inklings and notions, December 10

To celebrate her tour, Tonya is giving away the grand prize package of a special pillow and reader’s choice of an eBook or Audiobook of The Whispering of the Willows!!

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/f19f/the-melody-of-the-mulberries-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Choice is Yours by Barbara Dahlgren

Book: The Choice is Yours

Author: Barbara Dahlgren
Genre: Religion/Christian Living/Devotional
Release Date: November 2019

Do you stress over making decisions? Does the possibility of making the wrong choice paralyze you? In The Choice Is Yours: 52 Choices for Happier Lives, Barbara Dahlgren explores decisions we face daily. She does so with the spiritual insight and practicality developed through fifty years of ministry. The Choice Is Yours is drawn from Dahlgren’s blog, Barbara’s Banter: taking my faith but not myself too seriously, and is suitable for a devotional or a Bible study tool. Each chapter includes practical suggestions, a key Bible verse, and the option for the reader to jot down their own tips for making better choices in daily life.

Click here to purchase your copy.

We are faced with many "Choices" on a daily basis. Some are easy to make, while some are more difficult and tiring to come to a final Choice.

The Bible has many scriptures and instructions on making wise Choices that are inline with God's will for us. I know I tend to sometimes just "speed through a Choice" just to get it done. I sometimes regret that and I need to get better at making Choices that align with Bible principles and not choices made on a whim.

The author has written a GREAT book that has 52 Chapters that can be used as a weekly devotional, covering one chapter a week for a year or as a Bible Study with a group. I read through it and it is very thought provoking. Each chapter has a Bible Verse to read, a "Consider this" section that is meant to provoke thought. There is also a small spot to write down thoughts. The book is well written and I love the sense of humor the author has!

Some examples of the choices are:

• Choose to believe in God

• Choose to forgive

• Choose to make prayer a priority

• Choose not to offend

• Choose not to be offended

• Choose to celebrate life

The New Year is upon us and many are probably looking for a Devotional or new Bible Study to read in the New Year or even now. I would HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone looking to make better Choices in life!!

Barbara Dahlgren is a humorist, freelance writer, and speaker whose articles have appeared all over the world. Married to a pastor, she and her husband have served churches in Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, Washington, Michigan, and California where they currently reside. She blogs at Barbara’s Banter: taking my faith but not myself too seriously and is the author of Zorro and Me, a humorous look at the couple’s adventures in ministry.

More from Barbara

When my granddaughter was in preschool, she came home one day and was sad. Her mom asked what was wrong. Sophia replied, “My teacher said I didn’t make good choices today.”

I always felt her teacher had a great deal of wisdom. Instead of saying Sophia was naughty or bad, she planted a seed of thought into her little life about making better choices. Better choices lead to happier lives. In a way, that was the inspiration for my latest blog theme which led to this book.

My first book was called Zorro and Me. It was about my husband, whom I’ve nicknamed Zorro, and our experiences in 50 years of ministry. Usually known as a humorist, I try to intersperse a lot of personal experiences in my speaking and writing. My philosophy is to take my faith, but not myself, too seriously. I think we would all be happier if we chose to laugh more and criticize less.

Here’s a little quiz to get to know me better. Which one do you think is false?

I was born many years ago in the foothills of the Ozarks in a town with a population of 10.
While on a mission trip to Nigeria, our children were held captive by the police for a few hours.
My son was unexpectedly born in a hotel room while we were traveling, so we used a dresser drawer as a baby bed.
I’ve mounted a camel near the Great Pyramids in Egypt, climbed the Great Wall in China, leaned with the Tower of Pisa in Italy, and been on safari in Kenya.
While on a teen trip touring the White House, one of my children became ill, so the Secret Service took him outside where he barfed behind a big bush on the White House lawn. It’s the one on the left when you look at pictures of the White House.

Guess what! They are all true. There’s more, but I don’t want to give all my secrets away today.

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23

Jacquelyn Lynn, November 24

Mary Hake, November 24

For the Love of Literature, November 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , November 26

Older & Smarter?, November 27

My Devotional Thoughts , November 28

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29

CarpeDiem, November 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 1

Texas Book-aholic, December 2

janicesbookreviews, December 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 4

A Reader’s Brain, December 5

Inklings and notions, December 6

To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/ed97/the-choice-is-yours-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Saturday, November 23, 2019

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Significant by Carol McLeod

Book: Significant
Author: Carol McLeod
Genre: Christian Living, Women’s Interest
Release Date: November 5, 2019

In the midst of our busy, stressful lives and the increasingly chaotic state of our world, we can lose sight of—or never really discover—our personal significance. We desire meaning and fulfillment but battle the stress and loneliness that often push their way into the forefront of life.

What makes you significant as an individual? As a woman? As a wife, mother, daughter, or friend? No matter what your age or current course in life, you can come to know your remarkable significance and eternal value. As you thirst for relief from stress and loneliness, you can build a foundation on what is divine and eternal, while also immensely practical for this life on earth. The truths God says about you as a woman are powerful and glorious!

In Significant, you will discover that you are the steward of your own self and will be challenged to embrace every season of your life. What is God calling you to do through the power of His Holy Spirit? The days of cowering in fear, hiding behind insignificance, and wallowing in lack of opportunities are over. God is blowing doors wide open for women as never before. It is time for women to march forward in grand anticipation of all that God can do through even one woman submitted to the call of God and filled with His Spirit.

So often we look for identity, purpose, and comfort in all the wrong places. We have sought lasting meaning from temporary fixes, immature voices, and cultural Band-Aids. This book is a call to women who possess a relentless desire to discover their unique purpose, to embrace their true identity, and to be comforted by irrepressible hope.

Significant reminds women from every generation that identity, confidence, and purpose come from who God is—not from how we feel at any given time. How wonderful to know that we are allowed to be both God’s masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time!
You never know your true self until you know yourself in God.

Click here to get your copy.

Women wear many "hats" throughout and are constantly busy as a wife, mom,

employee, volunteer, etc, that we many times put ourselves last. Women

struggle to find how they really fit into this world and to be the Woman

that God has designed us to be. 

Carol McLeod has written a book that helps Women realize they have

Significance in the world as an Individual Woman. Significant is a Non-Fiction

book that has got to be the BEST Non-Fiction book I have read this year.

Carol McLeod uses Scripture and Biblical principles to point Women in

the direction of searching for our Significance. 

I am always doing for others and I most certainly have put myself last for many

years. Significant made me realize that God has a plan for me as an Individual

Woman and I need to take care of me. I have Significance outside of being a "

Wife, Mom, and all the other hats I wear". I have been extremely encouraged

in reading this book. 

Significant is a WONDERFUL book that can be read as a Group Bible Study

or alone or used as a Devotional. I HIGHLY recommend it for all Women!

Significant is the book that I have yearned to write ever since I was a young woman in college and was deeply impacted by Elisabeth Elliot’s classic work Let Me Be a Woman. That book, which Elisabeth wrote in the form of advice to her daughter, Valerie, on the brink of her marriage, taught me, in every way that mattered, how to be a woman of value and purpose. Elisabeth knew that the only way a woman could exert any lasting influence on her culture was to embrace the truths found in the Word of God.

I remember longing to have a profound influence on a generation of women the way Elisabeth did on the young women of my own generation. I aspired, even at the naive age of twenty-two, to be a voice of wisdom and purpose for the women who would come after me.

The years flew by, and soon I was a young mother who was homeschooling her brood of five creative, active children. Every school-day morning at ten, I sent the children off to read alone or to go outside to play so that I could turn on my little transistor radio and listen to Gateway to Joy, the thirty-minute program that Elisabeth Elliot hosted for many years. In that season of my life, I was smitten by her knack for calling me out of the daily routine of dishes, laundry, and little sleep to a sacred place of loving and serving the Savior. Elisabeth reminded me time after time that even the mundane can be transformed into a place of beautiful worship. Even today, I can still hear her voice saying, “Anything, if offered to God, can and will become your gateway to joy.”

Isn’t it interesting to realize that a person you have never met has the ability to change your life? As I have learned from so many people whom I have never met in person, I hope that my voice will not just be static in your world, but that you will clearly hear and take to heart the life-changing truths I present in this book. You can be assured that these truths have been gleaned by a real woman who has embraced the fulfillment and joy that comes from submitting her life to God’s abundant calling.

Genesis 5020, November 13

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 14

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner , November 15

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 15

CarpeDiem, November 16

Moments, November 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 18

For Him and My Family, November 19

Mary Hake, November 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 20

For the Love of Literature, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 23

Inklings and notions, November 24

A Reader’s Brain, November 25

janicesbookreviews, November 26

To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away a copy of Significant and a $20 Starbucks gift card!!

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/f0bc/significant-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Thursday, November 21, 2019

Just Read Tours: A Match for Emma by Pepper Basham

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for A Match for Emma by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: A Match for Emma
Author: Pepper Basham
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 21, 2019

Emma Mitchell may enjoy sprinkling romance into the lives of others, but her own plans involve a single first-class ticket to culinary school in Europe.

When her best friend, Jon Noble, suddenly moves back to Ransom, Emma’s fairly certain her life can’t get any better…until her matchmaking schemes nosedive, her culinary future falls flat, and a life-long friendship begins to teeter on the brink of something unexpected.

With a little inspiration from Jane Austen’s classic and a touch of Blue Ridge charm, will Jon and Emma discover that what they need the most may be the last thing they’re trying to find?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

“I stopped by to talk to Fleet about some part-time work and thought I’d come see you.” His gaze settled on her face as her smile softened with an unspoken understanding. “I didn’t want our little argument the other day to stay between us.”

She pointed the popcorn bag toward him in offering. “Do arguments usually stay long between us?”

He tossed a handful of popcorn in his mouth as answer and closed the door behind him.

“Besides.” Emma turned to walk back to the roomy living area. “We both want good things to happen to these people, so that’s at least something. I’m trying to help them find love and you’re trying to protect them from me.”

His shoulders slumped even as he chuckled and followed her into the living area. “I’d hoped you’d gotten the matchmaking bug out of your system with Rainey and Reese.”

“Are you kidding me? When you have a talent, use it, right?” She maneuvered around a large chair that was a cross between dark purple and navy blue.

“Not if the talent is misapplied.” He stepped around the chair and caught sight of the television on pause. “Oh, wait. You’re watching Mission Impossible again?”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

He shook his head, giving in to her habit of re-watching movies ad nauseum. “You can only watch so many Tom Cruise movies before it gets weird, Emma.”

Her bottom lip dropped. “Now you’re speaking heresy.” But then she winked and he lost the fight with his grin. “Have a seat and I’ll get you something to drink to go with that popcorn.”

The glittering sequin hearts on the two back pockets of her jeans caught his attention again and his face warmed. Was she even aware what type of attention those little hearts brought? He’d seen the guys in the restaurant admiring her...jeans the other day. He shoved his hands into his pockets, ignoring a rush of heat up his neck, and looked away, his attention landing on the large decorative quilt wall hanging on the biggest wall in the living area.

His mother’s handiwork. Oh, how she’d loved Emma.

“Wait.” Emma’s face popped around the door of the refrigerator. “Did you say you met with Fleet?”

Ah, she finally processed that bit of information. His grin stretched into his cheeks. “I did.”

She slammed the refrigerator door shut and stared at him. “To work with Fleet?”

“He needs the help.”

She squealed and ran toward him, a bottle of water in each hand, and flung her arms around him. “Oh, that’s just fantastic. He’s so overworked and there’s such a need in Ransom and the surrounding counties with all the broken families and drug abuse. And you could earn a little extra money, which is great.”

“It’s just until his partner gets back on his feet, Em.” He pulled her arms from around his neck because she was bouncing up and down so hard he was starting to get whiplash. “I already have a business.”

“I know.” She sobered and placed a bottle into his hand. “But I can still be excited that you’re using your talents right here in Ransom.”

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her most recent historical romance, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge, showcases her Appalachian heritage and family history, as well as her love for humor and family.

She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her upcoming release, A Match for Emma, is the third book in her popular Mitchell’s Crossroads series.

Pepper loves getting to know readers and other authors through social media. You may also learn more about her on her website!

CONNECT WITH PEPPER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

(1) winner will receive a Paris cube decorative tote, paperback copy of Jane Austen's Emma, paperback copy of A Match for Emma (or another one of the Mitchell's Crossroads books, if preferred), a 'love' ornament, a mug that reads "You're my cup of tea", and Misty Mountain handcrafted soap (made locally) - the scent is Mountain Berries!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 19, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 26, 2019. Open internationally except where prohibited by law or logistics. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Thursday, November 7, 2019

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour and Giveaway: Choices by Jacquelyn Lynn

Book: Choices
Author: Jacquelyn Lynn
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Release Date: April, 2019

In a horrifying moment of inattention on a dark morning, lives change forever.

When college student Samantha Lawrence takes her eyes off the road for just a few seconds to send a text, she swerves out of her lane and hits Kevin Wyland as he rides his bicycle. In a panic, she drives away.

After the crash, Samantha tries to find out who the rider is and the status of his injuries. She is shocked to discover that she knows him. Not only does she shop at the pet supply store he and his wife own, they are both regular customers of Joyful Cup, a popular neighborhood coffee shop, and friends with the owner, Joy Shepherd.

Consumed with overwhelming guilt and fear of criminal charges, Samantha decides to do whatever it takes to avoid being identified as the hit-and-run driver. Kevin struggles with anger, bitterness, and a crisis of faith as he embarks on the slow process of recovering from his serious injuries.

As their lives intertwine with increasing frequency, Samantha and Kevin both turn to Joy for advice and guidance. Can she help them find the forgiveness and peace they need?

This is a heartwarming story with a powerful message of forgiveness that will make you smile even as it brings tears to your eyes.

Click here to get your copy.

I was very interested in this book from the first time I read the synopsis. I began reading it and it was slow going at first and I almost put it down. I continued reading and I am VERY glad I did. The storyline picked up around Chapter 3 and from there I couldn't put it down.

I really enjoyed reading this Novel by Jacquelyn Lynn. The author really brings the characters to "real life" situations and "real life" consequences and decisions throughout the book. The main character, Samantha, hits a pedestrian and then hunts down the person she hit. She knows the guy, Kevin, and even visits the same Coffee Shop as him. She doesn't want to face Criminal charges for the accident, so she is trying to find ways to make sure she is not "found out". Kevin does discover her and is going through physical issues due to the accident, but now emotional issues due to meeting her. Will the 2 form a friendship or something more? Will Samantha continue to try make "Consequential Choices" or will she make "Wise Choices"? Will Kevin forgive her?

Choices really has a "Small Town" feel when reading the book. The Coffee Shop atmosphere is just beautiful. Choices is a book about facing life and making right Choices. It is also about forgiveness. I really enjoyed this first book in the Joyful Cup series and VERY much looking forward to book 2 in 2020! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Jacquelyn Lynn finds joy in her faith, family, and friends, and in the knowledge that she is living God’s purpose for her life. In addition to Choices, she is the author of more than 30 non-fiction books including Finding Joy in the Morning and Words to Work By, as well as the meditations in the Christian Meditations and Faith Words Adult Coloring Books.

More from Jacquelyn

The idea for Choices first came to me more than five years ago. Though I’ve written (or ghostwritten) more than 30 non-fiction books, the process of writing a novel was both intriguing and intimidating. Once I voiced my desire, my wonderful husband Jerry Clement became my biggest champion, encouraging and even nagging me along the way as I talked but didn’t write. And when I finally began to write, he listened, offered suggestions, and proofread. Every time I voiced a doubt, he shot it down. As the manuscript neared completion, he designed the cover and supported me through the myriad of details that are essential to finishing and publishing a book. Had it not been for him, Choices would not be in readers’ hands today. As Choices began to take shape, I realized that Joyful Cup, the coffee shop where much of the story takes place, had many more stories to tell. The next book in the Joyful Cup Story series will be released in 2020.