Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Being Content God’s Way and the Being Content God’s Way Workbook by Scott LaPierre

Book: Being Content God’s Way and the Being Content God’s Way Workbook

Author: Scott LaPierre

Genre: Christian Nonfiction

Release date: May 21, 2024

Philippians 4:12 reveals a profound truth: there is a “secret to learning contentment.” As Paul declares in the next verse, the secret is the strength Christ provides: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Just as a tree’s unseen root system gathers vital resources for the tree, the unseen part of contentment is being “rooted and built up in Christ” (Colossians 2:7).

With Being Content God’s Way, you will…

learn to “be content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5)
enjoy personal stories and application to daily life
be equipped to put off covetousness (Colossians 3:5)
receive biblical answers to common questions
discover why “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

Contentment is not an elusive concept. Instead, it is a tangible reality within our reach through a relationship with Christ.

Click here to get your copy!

I LOVE when books come at just the right moment in life. Being Content God's Way by Scott LaPierre is just the book at the moment.

I have always been one to be content with God's provisions and more for my life. Contentment is something that many struggle with strongly, myself included at times. The world, Christians included, is at time where Contentment is a struggle. So many have an "I want" and will go to extent to get what they want, including luxury items. I am a "Plain Jane" girl and for the most part I am content with life. I have my struggles and wants though.

Being Contents's God Way is a MUST READ for so many. I really LOVE how this book is Biblically sound. The author really gets the message across through Scripture references. The 10th Commandent comes to mind while reading this book "You shall not covet". Coveting material things is wrong, but it seen so much all around me. The author points to the fact that Contentment is a choice and we can choose to be content with God's provisions and blessings.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves Biblically sound books and encouragement to be Content. GREAT BOOK!

About the Workbook

The perfect companion to Being Content God’s Way!

James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” A common mistake with God’s Word is believing we have done enough by learning without applying. Our responsibility goes much further than simply obtaining information.

This 13-week in-depth Bible study will reinforce the teachings from the book so you can be not just a hearer (or reader) but a doer (or obey-er). You will be given the tools to apply the reading and cement the teachings in your heart.

Inside, you will find:

Helpful guidelines for deepening your relationship with Christ
Thoughtful questions for self-reflection
Insightful observations to help you grow spiritually

The workbook is a 3-month study to help you become rooted and built up in Christ. This great tool is perfect for individual use or group study.

Click here to get your copy!

James 1:22: Be doers of the Word and not Hearers only, deceiving yourself has been a verse that has stuck with me from the age of 14. It was the verse of a weekend Teen Retreat and it was engraved in m y heart and mind since that time. Scott LaPierre focuses it on this verse and a few others in this 13 week Workbook. I read through the Workbook and was extremely excited to see a Workbook that focuses on Contentment and Building a true relationship with Christ. I appreciate that the author shows that lack of Contentment is showing that a relationship with Christ needs growth. The Workbook is set up in a manner that it is solid Biblical teachings and also thought provoking study. It can be used as a Standalone or with the book. Individuals or as a Group study. I HIGHLY recommend this Workbook! AMAZING!!

Scott LaPierre is a teaching pastor, author, and popular conference speaker. He holds an MA in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. God has blessed Scott and his wife, Katie, with ten children.

More from Scott

We all want to be content, but should you trust what I, Scott LaPierre, have to say about this topic? Yes, for these three reasons…

First and foremost, I am not asking you to trust me but God. My book is not simply a collection of my thoughts and opinions but God’s words revealed in Scripture, which is why the book is filled with so many verses. God knows how we can be content and overcome covetousness. I want readers to understand what He says about these topics.

Second, I have preached extensively on contentment and covetousness to the church I serve. The sermons involved hundreds of hours of Bible study, which I used to write Being Content God’s Way.

Third, much of the counseling I perform is related to contentment and covetousness. When couples come for marriage counseling, they want to see their spouse change. More often, I help them be content with each other. When people have financial problems, I help them overcome covetousness to be better savers and givers. In other words, I have experience assisting people to become content.

I poured my heart into the book and workbook because I am passionate about this area of Scripture and life. I am convinced that applying the biblical principles can change your life.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 23
She Lives To Read, June 24
Artistic Nobody, June 25 (Author Interview)
Its Mama Safe, June 26
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 27
Texas Book-aholic, June 28
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 29
Guild Master, June 30 (Author Interview)
Barb Howe, June 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2
Fiction Book Lover, July 3 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, July 3
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, July 4
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, July 5
Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Author Interview)

To celebrate his tour, Scott is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book and workbook!!

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/00adcf54245

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Tuesday, July 1, 2025

iRead Book Tours Blog Tour: The Things They Didn't See: A Novel by Angela Shaeffer

Book Details:

Book Title:  THE THINGS THEY DIDN'T SEE by Angela Shaeffer
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 358 pages
Genre: Women's Fiction, Family Saga
Publisher:  Wander Lane Press
Release date: June 2025
Content Rating:  PG + M: Mild profanity with some mature themes (self harm, suicide attempt)

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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Fire Chief's Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt

The Fire Chief's Surprise JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Fire Chief's Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Fire Chief's Surprise
Author: Chris Maday Schmidt
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

He wasn’t looking for love…

Until one little boy came into his life.

Fire chief Josh Rogers has just three months to get married or risk losing custody of his late foster brother’s infant son. So when Annie Greene offers to help him find a wife in exchange for repairs at her bakery, it seems like the perfect solution. As the three spend time together, Josh can’t help but feel that Annie’s the only person he can picture filling the role of Finn’s mother. But can they set aside their past insecurities and embrace a chance at happily-ever-after?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Christian Romance is a genre that really picques my interest. I absolutely am interested in the LOVE Inspired series of books. The Fire Chief's Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt is the most recent book in the LOVE Inspired Collection that I have read.

The storyline in this book is OHHHH, so sweet. The 2 main characters are Fire chief Josh Rogers and Annie Greene. Josh and Annie have been friends for a long time. Josh is the Fire Chief of the town and Annie owns a bakery in town. Josh is assigned to do an inspection on Annie's Bakery. The inspection doesn't go well for Annie and she asks Josh to help do the work needed to pass. Josh is in a situation that he only has 3 months to resolve. He needs to find a wife or lose custody of his nephew, Finn, that he hopes to adopt in the future. Josh lost his brother recently and wants to adopt the son his brother left behind. Annie and Josh make a "barter", Josh fixes the Inspection issues and Annie helps Josh find a wife. I really LOVE how the story takes a beautiful change. Josh and Annie are beginning to have feelings for one another. Josh also observes how caring and tender Annie is with Finn. Annie is holding onto frustation toward Josh over the failed inspection, but soon realizes that the "hunt for a wife for Josh" might just need to be inside her heart. I really LOVE how Annie realizes she wasn't opening her heart fully and they both could have an instant family for Finn. The story is one of Friends, Faith, Family and trusting God's plan over our own. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance. GREAT BOOK!

Also Available

Chris Maday Schmidt

A self-professed princess and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Chris Maday Schmidt believes it's always the “write” time for real-life fairytales brimming with hope, humor & heart. She's a member of Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers, and her debut novel—A Father’s Vow—received a 5-star reader review in the 2024 Readers' Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest. The Fire Chief’s Surprise is Chris’s second inspirational romance for Harlequin. She also writes heartwarming stories for Woman's World, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts, and assorted magazines. She and her real-life hero reside in a cabin in Northern Arizona.

Connect with Chris by visiting chrismadayschmidt.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

(1) winner will receive a Reader's Prize Bundle which includes a scented candle, bookmark, and bookish socks, glass cup, and canvas bag, as well as a print copy of A Father's Vow, also by Chris Maday Schmidt!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 1, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 8, 2025. 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

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

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Following the Clues by Dana Mentink

Book: Following the Clues (Security Hounds Investigations Book Four)

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Release date: May 27, 2024

A search-and-rescue mission
reveals a lethal secret.

After K-9 handler Kara Wolfe witnesses her childhood friend Beau O’Connor survive a targeted hit-and-run, she’s shocked to learn his mother’s missing. And Beau, who can no longer recognize familiar faces after an earlier attack, can’t shake the feeling these terrifying incidents are somehow connected. With the tracking skills of her blind bloodhound, Kara will help Beau locate his mother—but someone will do anything to sabotage their search. With the culprit on their trail, can they uncover a sinister plot…before their rescue mission turns into a fight for survival?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Suspense Romance if one of my favorite genres. Dana Mentink is one of my favorite authors for this genre and I have read MANY of her books. Following the Clues by Dana Mentick is Book 3 in the Security Hounds Investigation Series. I have been enjoying this series from Book 1 and was excited to learn this book has been released.

The Mystery and Suspense was very prevelent from the very first pages and continued throughout the storyline. Kara Wolfe and Beau O’Connor are the 2 main characters in this story. Kara and Beau are childhood friends and Beau needs Kara's help to find his missing mother. Kara is part of the K9 Investigator team and agrees to help her friend Beau. The hunt for Beau's mom becomes interesting because Beau has a facial disorder that he can see faces, but doesn't recognize them, therefore identifying his mom could be problematic. Kara has the help of 2 wonderful and cute K9 dogs, Phil and Millie, who truly were an amazing help. I really love that Kara's family is part of every investigation and help so much. The relationship between Kara and Beau grows from friendship to Romancitic throughout the book. I was on the edge of my seat many times throughout the story as the twists and turns kept coming. The book is part of a series, but also reads great a standalone. I look forward to reading future books in this series! The book contains Faith, Romance, Mystery and so much more! I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction based books! WONDERFUL BOOK!

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Revell and Poisoned Pen Press.

More from Dana

The only thing more fun that writing about bloodhounds, is adding in some colorful new canine characters who aren’t quite your standard tracking champions. In this book, you’ll get to know Phil who was introduced at the end of book #3. He’s a livestock protector who steps in as a guide for Millie the bloodhound when her vision becomes impaired. Phil takes his job VERY seriously. He flat out refuses to wear a vest, or play with toys, and he doesn’t particularly like people, but he will lay his life down to protect Millie and Kara Wolfe. It was so much fun having this unlikely hero rise to the challenge as Kara and her ex-boyfriend must root out a saboteur on the local fish hatchery property. The secret they unearth will shock you, I hope! Please enjoy the adventure with Millie, Phil, and the rest of the Wolfe pack!

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 24
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 24
Bizwings Book Blog, June 25
Carla’s Book Crush, June 25
Bigreadersite, June 26
The Avid Reader, June 26
Vicky Sluiter, June 27
Texas Book-aholic, June 27
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 28
Devoted To Hope, June 28
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29
Betti Mace, June 30
Locks, Hooks and Books, June 30
Labor Not in Vain, July 1
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 1
Stories By Gina, July 2 (Author Interview)
EmpowerMoms, July 2
Blogging With Carol, July 3
Because I said So – adventures in parenting, July 3
Simple Harvest Reads, July 4 (Guest Review from Donna)
For Him and My Family, July 4
Lily’s Corner, July 5
Blossoms and Blessings, July 5
Holly’s Book Corner, July 6
Pause for Tales, July 6
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 7
Lights in a Dark World, July 7

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize of a $75 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/00adcf54246

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Sunday, June 29, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Aftermath by Tamera Lynn Kraft

Book: THE AFTERMATH: Ladies of Oberlin Book 3

Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft

Genre: Historical

Release Date: February 1, 2025

Betsy loves her husband, Nate, but losing his leg in the Civil War has changed him. He never touched alcohol before the war, but now he’s turning into a drunk. She doesn’t know how to help him, but to save their marriage, she’s going to do everything she can. If only she can figure out how.

Tormented by the loss of his leg, Nate feels worthless. His drinking only makes things worse, but he can’t stop. It’s only a matter of time before he drives Betsy away. Why did God allow this to happen? What does he owe God now, after this betrayal?

Nate’s anger and bitterness are building a wall that neither he nor Betsy can break down of climb over. Only God can help them, but Nate is no longer on speaking terms with the Lord. Is there any hope for them?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. The Aftermath by Tamera Lynn Kraft is Book 3 in the Ladies of Oberlin series. I read the first 2 books in this series and have been anxiously awaiting this release.

WOW, the wait for Book 3 was definitely worth it. The book is set in the Civil War Era and the main characters are Nate and Betsy Teagan Nate has become a changed man after the Civil War. The major change is that he has become an alcoholic as he is very distraught about being an amputee due to war injuries. Betsy, his wife, is a Godly wife and LOVES her husband. She is concerned for the safety of herself and children when Nate seems to get worse, especially after a HUGE Anger outburst. Betsy knows she cannot help Nate on her own and seeks advice and counsel from Godly friends. Nate has a hardened heart toward God and he has to know that God is not the enemy. God will not forsake you nor abandon you, it seems that Nate has forgotten that at the moment. Betsy encourages Nate to turn to the Lord, as that is where the healing will begin. I LOVE how the Author approaches the sensitive topics of Alcoholism and Spousal Abuse. Betsy is a strong Godly Wife and her strength for the Children and herself is amazing. This story is one of Family, Courage, Trusting God's plan, and Healing. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction! GREAT BOOK!

In her spare time, Tamera Lynn Kraft loves to watch classic movies, drink quality teas, and ride on roller coasters, but not while drinking tea. She does drink tea while writing and working as managing editor for Mt Zion Ridge Press, a traditional Christian publishing company. She has always loved adventures and loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. Forks in the Road, The Aftermath, Lost in the Storm, Red Sky Over America, Anna’s Christmas Promise, Alice’s Notions, and Resurrection of Hope are among her published works, some of which have won awards.

Tamera has been married for a very long time to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and the most adorable and smartest grandchildren in the world. She was a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is now the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors and coaches children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist. She has written children’s church curriculum including Building Foundations and is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

More from Tamera

Oberlin College: Ahead of It’s Time

All three of my Ladies of Oberlin books feature women who graduated from Oberlin College shortly before the Civil War. Oberlin College, founded in 1833 in Northern Ohio, was a college ahead of its time in many ways. In 1835, it became the first college in the United States to regularly admit African Americans. It’s also the oldest co-educational college in the US. In 1837, it admitted four women, three of whom graduated and earned a college degree. Mary Jane Patterson, another Oberlin graduate, became the first African American woman in 1862 to earn a Bachelor of Arts college degree.

One of Oberlin’s founders once bragged that “Oberlin is peculiar in that which is good”. Oberlin was peculiar in many ways in advancing the causes of the time. Charles Finney, the second president of the college, helped it earn its controversial reputation. He was the founder of the Second Great Awakening, a Christian revivalist movement in the early and mid 1800s.

Oberlin College was the hotbed of abolitionist activity and a stop for the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. It was once called “the town that started the Civil War” because of its participation in the Oberlin Wellington Rescue in 1858. Slave catchers came to Oberlin to capture an escaped slave and return him to Kentucky. Most of the town came to the slave’s aid and rescued him. For their trouble, over twenty were arrested and put on trial for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. During the raid on Harper’s Ferry by John Brown, three men from Oberlin participated.

Oberlin graduates have been involved in all of the movements of the late 1800s including abolition, women’s suffrage, the suffrage movement, and education as well as many charities and helped shape the nation for the twentieth century.

Oberlin was also very well known in the missionary movement of the late 1800s. Between 1860 and 1900, 90% of missionaries sent overseas by the American Missionary Society were graduates of Oberlin College. Between 1899 and 1901, thirteen missionaries from Oberlin were martyred during the Boxer Rebellion of China. An arch in Tappan Square at the center of Oberlin pays honor to their sacrifices.