Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Connecting with Christ by Yolanda Tonette Sanders

Book: Connecting With Christ

Editor: Yolonda Tonette Sanders

Genre: Nonfiction, Inspirational

Release date: November 30, 2021

Self-care is a buzzword often mentioned when people seek to optimize their health. Suggested self-care practices tend to include activities such as exercising, getting a massage, or eating a healthy diet. While all of these actions have their place, none of them are sufficient enough to provide the soul-care we need to maximize our self-care. Self-care without soul-care equates to temporary solutions that leave us searching for the next new thing. However, when Christ becomes the center of our holistic health journey, we not only find fulfillment in Him but also a dependency on and trust in Him to truly live our best lives-emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Click here to get your copy!

Devotionals are a big part of my daily life. I do a devotional every day and I am always looking for new devotional books. Connecting with Christ: 52 Weekly Devotionals to Nurture Spiritual Growth by Editor Yolanda Tonette Sanders is one that I recently went through.

I am enjoying this Devotional so much. It is a little different than other Devotional books that I have used in the past. I like the format of the Book: The book contains 52 Devotions, one per week. Various Contributors to the book. It is divided into 12 Different Themes(one per month). The Author of each weekly devotional has personal experiences that they talk about and they also have Scripture and Prayer that correlate to their devotional. Each week has a blank journal page so the reader can write down their thoughts and reflections for the week.

I have been extremely encouraged in my Christian faith through this devotional. I am still going through it and have taken it as my new Devotional book. I truly believe I will go through it a couple of times, as it is that encouraging. I really like the various authors and how the different themes throughout are so pertinent for so many people. I believe this Devotional book would make a GREAT Gift for someone or even to be discussed in a group setting. ENCOURAGING BOOK!

About the Editor

Yolonda Tonette Sanders is the CEO of Yo Productions, LLC and co-founder of the Faith & Fellowship Book Festival. Her writing portfolio includes academic papers, novels, short stories, poems, and other creative works. She is an editor for a national publication, a professor, and serves on several boards and associations. Yolonda holds two bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degree, and is currently completing her Ph.D. in organizational leadership. She treasures her relationships with family and close friends. Yolonda is blessed to be the wife of David; mother of two adults, Tre and Tia; “Nini” to her grandchildren, Khari and Khia; daughter of Eddie; sister to Milton; and dog mom to Paco.

More from Yolonda

Have you ever started a daily devotional but didn’t finish because you found yourself getting behind schedule and frustrated? One missed day turns into two, then the missed days pile on until we often do one of two things: a) have a marathon session to “make-up” the missed days’ readings; or b) abandon the devotional altogether. Neither of these options help with our spiritual growth. When we have marathon sessions to catch up, reading the devotional becomes a checklist item instead of us taking the time to glean the spiritual message or lesson to be learned. When we abandon reading the devotional, we miss everything still. Those great books end up collecting dust until we try again the next year only to repeat the same process.

Yep, I’ve been there! Having had such experiences, I sought to create a devotional that people could actually finish. Plus, let’s face it . . . we should read our Bibles every day, but devotionals are optional. Yet, sometimes people replace devotionals with reading the Bible. I didn’t want that either! So, Connecting with Christ is a 52-week devotional with just one reading each week. Not only was this a practical approach, but it was also purposeful. The desire behind this technique is for readers to have time to meditate on Scripture! Connecting with Christ is a devotional that readers can and will complete that will inspire them to dig more into the Word!

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 25
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 26
Mary Hake, August 26
Texas Book-aholic, August 27
Inklings and notions, August 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 29
For Him and My Family, August 30
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 31
deb’s Book Review, September 1
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 2
Older & Smarter?, September 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 3
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 5
Cats in the Cradle Blog, September 6
Divine Perspective, September 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 7

To celebrate her tour, Yolonda 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/210c8/connecting-with-christ-celebration-tour-giveaway

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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Cowgirl’s Redemption by Mindy Obenhaus

The Cowgirl's Redemption JustRead Blog + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for The Cowgirl's Redemption by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Cowgirl's Redemption

Series: Hope Crossing #1

Author: Mindy Obenhaus

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: August 23, 2022

Genre: Christian, Contemporary Romance

She came home to make things right

Will she be given a second chance?

Gloriana Prescott has returned to her Texas hometown to make amends—even if the townsfolk she left behind aren’t ready to forgive. But when her mother’s ranch manager, Justin Broussard, is tasked with saving the struggling rodeo so his teen daughter can compete, Gloriana sees a chance to prove she’s really changed. But can she prove to Justin, and the town, that she’s trustworthy?

I really enjoy LOVE Inspired books. The books are short, easy to read, and a quick read. I also enjoy reading books by Author Mindy Obenhaus. The Cowgirl's Redemption is the latest book by Mindy Obenhaus that I have recently read. The book is the first book in the Hope Crossing Series.

Gloriana Prescott has returned home to Hope Crossing, Texas to care for her ailing mother. She also has the opportunity to show the Towns people that she has changed since she was a teenager. Gloriana understands that many not be willing to forgive her just yet or ever. Upon arriving back home she is introduced to the Ranch Manager her mother has hired, Justin Broussard. Justin and his daughter, Kyleigh, are trying hard to save the Rodeo that might not happen. Kyleigh really wants to compete in the Rodeo. Gloriana sees this as an opportunity to help them and it might be the one thing that she needs to help prove how much she has grown and changed. Will Justin be able to Trust Gloriana? Will the Town forgive her for all her past mistakes?

WOW, another GREAT book by Mindy Obenhaus. The book was an easy read and I couldn't put it down and finished it in about 3hrs. I really LOVE how Gloriana knows in her heart that she needs to ask the Town to forgive her for her past mistakes and sets out to do that. The relationship between Gloriana and Justin was so sweet to read and see how they both grow throughout the book. The book has a Christian message of how a new life in Christ will help us grow and mature and gives us Second Chances. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching the Hallmark Channel.

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

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Cowgirl's Redemption and $20 Amazon gift card.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 7, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 14, 2022. 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 except books available internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

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Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Sojourner's Solace by Jennifer Sienes

Book: A Sojourner’s Solace

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Women’s Christian Fiction/ Romance

Release date: July 12, 2022

Is an old love letter the key to her past… and her future?

When Kate Mallory’s mother is killed in a tragic car accident, she’s left with nothing but dead-end jobs, an on-again, off-again boyfriend, and a craving for something… more.

Despondent, she clears out her mom’s apartment and discovers an old love letter from a William Wheaton of Bell Buckle, Tennessee. Could this be the father her mom refused to discuss? With nothing left to lose, she decides to find out.

Noah Wheaton honed the gift of discernment the hard way—through a twenty-year military career and an unfaithful ex-fiancé. So, when gutsy Kate Mallory shows up at the family restaurant and applies for a waitressing job, his internal lie-detector flies off the charts. Why would a native New Yorker seek out a job in small-town Tennessee? Whatever she’s up to, messing with his family is not an option.

Kate could never have imagined that a spontaneous journey to search out an absentee dad was not spontaneous after all. A force bigger than both Kate and Noah is at work, and they may get more than they bargained for.

Click here to get your copy!

Jennifer Sienes is a favorite author of mine, I have read many of her books. I am always excited when she releases a new book. I recently had the chance to read her newest book, A Sojourner's Solace.

Kate Mallory recently lost her mother and is in the process of cleaning out her mother's apartment. She grew up without a father and it wasn't something her mother ever talked about. Kate comes across a letter addressed to her mom from William Wheaton from Tennessee who she believes might be her biological father. Kate has always wanted to know her Biological dad, so she decides to move to Tennessee to see if she can have a relationship with her Dad. Noah Wheaton owns a restaurant in small-town Bell Buckle, Tennessee. He is cautious and curious as to why someone from New York would apply for a waitress job at his Restaurant. Noah is a former Military, so he senses that Kate is up to something strange but he will do anything to protect his family. Will Kate find out who William Wheaton is and will it be her long-lost father? Will there be a relationship between Noah and Kate?

WOW, Jennifer Sienes has put out another GREAT book! The book is only 126 pages long and I was caught up in the book from the first page until the last. The book is a definite page-turner. Kate is one determined young woman who wants nothing more than to know her Biological Father. Noah is a wonderful man who is a little difficult to get to know in this book, but he also has had a difficult past. I love how Noah's family helps Kate get settled when she arrives in town. The author did a wonderful job at showing the Christian message throughout the book. A Sojourner's Solace is a book about finding your place in the world, family, and faith! FANTASTIC 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 including several 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 grew up with three sisters and a brother, and although life could be chaotic and a little crowded, I can’t imagine any other childhood. We spent summers camping with my grandparents and great uncles, and holidays with lots of cousins, aunts, and uncles. Being part of a large family was central to my life. I thought about this as I created the Wheaton family for my Bedford County summer novella. Four siblings—two sons and two daughters—who often rub each other the wrong way, but at the same time, would lay down their lives for one another.

Noah is the oldest sibling in the Wheaton clan—retired military who’s been badly burned by a woman in the past. Trust doesn’t come easy, and he’s as loyal to his family as they come. Born and raised in the small Middle Tennessee town of Bell Buckle, he’s not a fan of the big city—or of people from the big city. His family owns and operates a restaurant in a nearby town where everybody knows everybody. He’s suspicious of outsiders, especially those of the female persuasion.

And that’s where our heroine, Kate Mallory, comes in. A native New Yorker, raised by a single mother, she never knew who her father was. She arrives in Bell Buckle on a quest to find what she’s missed all her life—family. What she discovers is far more than she bargained for, and her mother’s words come back to haunt her—“Be careful what you wish for.”

You may wonder why I chose New York City for Kate’s upbringing. My son lived in Tokyo for five years—a city of almost 14 million people. He told me on several occasions that living there, he never felt more alone or isolated. I wanted Kate in A Sojourner’s Solace to experience the same thing. Plopped into Middle Tennessee, she discovers a world as foreign to her as Tokyo was to my son—just in the opposite way.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 24
Christina’s Corner, August 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 25
Texas Book-aholic, August 26
Books, Books, and More Books., August 26
Inklings and notions, August 27
For Him and My Family, August 28
Genesis 5020, August 29
Book Looks by Lisa, August 29
deb’s Book Review, August 30
lakesidelivingsite, August 31
Sylvan Musings, August 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 1
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 2
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 3
Back Porch Reads, September 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 4
Splashes of Joy, September 5
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 6

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & 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/210c7/a-sojourner-s-solace-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Saturday, September 3, 2022

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller

Forgotten Memories JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Forgotten Memories

Series: Wyoming Sunrise #1

Author: Penny Zeller

Publisher: Maplebrook Publishing

Release Date: August 30, 2022

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Some memories are best forgotten…

The Wyoming Territory is rife with lawlessness and disorder, something Annie Ledbetter and her parents discover when their wagon train is robbed. Seven years later, Annie settles into her lifelong dream as a teacher in the small town of Willow Falls. When she meets handsome rancher Caleb Eliason through a humorous misunderstanding, she is quickly drawn to his kind heart and charming smile.

Former outlaw Caleb Eliason embraces his chance at a fresh start. Gone are the days of robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains. When he falls in love with the new Willow Falls teacher, he doesn’t realize they’ve met before—under much different circumstances. When his past comes to light, will it put the growing love between them at risk?

Can forgiveness and redemption heal two broken hearts or will the past keep them from sharing a future?

Christian Historical Romance is one of my favorite Genres. Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller is Book 1 in the Wyoming Sunrise series. I recently had the chance to read this book and it is only the second book by Penny Zeller that I have read.

The setting of this book is the 1880s in Wyoming. Annie Ledbetter and her parents are traveling on a Wagon Train when it is robbed. The Family realizes how rough the Wyoming Territory can be. 7yrs later, Annie is so happy to be starting her dream job as a Teacher in the small town of Willow Falls. She meets a local Rancher, Caleb Eliason and the 2 become instant friends. Annie loves his Charming Smile and kind heart. Caleb is enjoying life as a Rancher and has left his previous life behind, one that included robbing wagon trains. Caleb and Annie come to the realization that they have met previously many years ago. It takes them a bit to remember exactly where, but Annie suddenly realizes Caleb is one of the Wagon Train Robbers from 7yrs ago. Caleb has fallen in LOVE with Annie and Annie has feelings of LOVE toward Caleb. Will the realization of Caleb's past hinder a Romantic Relationship between the pair? Will they choose to leave the past in the past and move forward in life?

WOW, Penny Zeller is fast becoming a favorite author. This is only the second book I have read by Penny Zeller and I am amazed once again by the storyline and writing style. I truly enjoy books that are set in Small Towns so that was a draw for me to read the book. I really LOVED the 2 main characters, Annie and Caleb. Annie has worked hard to achieve her dreams of being a Teacher. Caleb enjoys his job as a Rancher and has worked hard to overcome his rough childhood and past. Caleb knows he was given a Second Chance at making his life right and he does not take that for granted. The author incorporates scripture into the book about Forgiveness. The book has some twists and turns that the reader doesn't see coming. The ending was sweet and loving. This book is one about Forgiveness, Second Chances, and Inspiration. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves Christian Fiction and Romance. I am very much looking forward to new books in this series. FANTASTIC BOOK!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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

Today Penny is a multi-published author of numerous inspirational books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

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

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website.

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

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Forgotten Memories and a $25 Amazon gift card.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 30, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 6, 2022. 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

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Thursday, September 1, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Sugar Baron's Governess by Elva Cobb Martin

Book: The Sugar Baron’s Governess

Author: Elva Cobb Martin

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: August 23, 2022

She needs a new start…He knows a reckoning is coming.

Banished from Charleston for his misdeeds years earlier, Joshua Becket built a new life on both sides of the law in Jamaica. As a sugar plantation owner and member of the governing British Assembly, he’s known and respected on the island. But he guards a secret identity. As swashbuckling Captain Jay, he leads daredevil privateering exploits on his ship, the Eagle, when the mood suits him. Currently, he needs a governess for his young daughter whose mother has passed.

Widowed gentlewoman Abigail Welch accepted the governess position, leaving behind her disintegrated life in Charleston. This new start in Jamaica might finally help her find healing for her broken heart after losing her husband in the Revolution and their infant son to yellow fever.

Joshua’s precocious, undisciplined daughter is the drawing card that brings him and Abigail together like clashing cymbals of disagreement…and fiery attraction. Can love and the miracle power of God give them a new beginning and a happily ever after?

Click here to get your copy!

The Sugar Baron's Governess by Elva Cobb Martin is Book 4 in the Charleston Brides series. I read Book 3 in this series. I was excited to read this book to continue with the series.

Joshua Becket is a Sugar Plantation owner in Jamaica, formerly living in Charleston. He is also a member of the British Assembly and very well respected on the Island. He also hides the other part of his life which is being known as Captain Jay on his ship where he has daredevil stunts and more. Most importantly, he is a Single Dad to his daughter as her mother passed away. He is currently looking for a governess to help care for his daughter. Abigail Welch is a widow and has been hired to be the Governess for Joshua's daughter. She is hoping for a new start and healing after losing her husband to the war and her son died due to Yellow Fever. She leaves Charleston to go to Jamaica to begin her new life. Abigail really loves her job and finds herself falling in LOVE with Joshua and he is falling for her also. Abigail is not comfortable with his Privateer Lifestyle nor the fact that he has strayed from his faith. Can Abigail help Joshua renew his faith in God? Will the pair become a couple?

WOW, so many twists and turns in this book from the very beginning! I am so glad I read this on a day when I had nothing else going on as I could not put the book down. Abigail and Joshua both had some healing to do from their past relationships. I LOVE how encouraging Abigail was to Joshua. Joshua's daughter was needing discipline and love and she found that with Abigail as her caregiver. I HIGHLY recommend this book to those who enjoy Christian Historical books! Sweet and GREAT BOOK!

Elva Cobb Martin is a wife, mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband and a mini-dachshund. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. Connect with her on her web site at https://www.elvamartin.com/ .

More from Elva

I had an amazing thing happen when first beginning The Sugar Baron’s Governess. My precious husband had booked a week for us in a comfortable condo at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to help me concentrate on my plotstorming—without the “do me” call of our vacuum, washing machine, or phone calls when at home. Of course, he likes to fish from a pier while I’m writing.

The first morning I sat at the kitchen table overlooking the Atlantic, with my laptop, researching Jamaica and especially the historic Maroon settlement of warriors and escaped slaves in the mountains that could play a part in my story. I was also praying for the Lord to help get a good start on this fourth novel in my series. Should I even be including the fierce Maroons in my plot?

A knock came at the door. I had requested no room service, so I was surprised to be interrupted. When I answered it, a black male employee asked if we needed any cleaning done or fresh linens. I almost gave him a short answer, wanting to get back to my laptop, but my ear discerned a British accent. –Here’s our amazing conversation:

“Where are you from?”

“Jamaica.”

I opened the door wide and invited him in. “That’s most interesting. I’m writing a novel set in Jamaica.”

His eyes widened. “You are?”

“Yes, in fact,” I gestured to my laptop, “I’m right now researching a group of warriors in historic Jamaica, called the Maroons. Know anything about them?”

His mouth fell open. “I’m a descendant of the Maroons.”

I got a tingling chill up my arm. How likely was this kind of thing to happen? He further told me he never worked the 15^th floor but for whatever reason, had been assigned our floor that day. He told me was a Christian, and he shared several things with me about the Maroons and how they finally won their independence and rights the British government of Jamaica had long withheld. At times, because of their desperate existence, they did hurtle down from their mountain strongholds and burn sugar plantations, as history records.

I decided I had a definite confirmation to include the Maroon warriors in my Jamaican story. They are instrumental in convincing my hero Joshua Becket to turn back to God when his life and plantation are sorely threatened. Whoops, there I go giving away some of the story! Hope you enjoy Joshua and Abigail’s exciting, romantic adventure in Jamaica. Can they survive and make it back to Charleston and a happily ever after?