Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Figs in Bloom by Bobi Gentry Goodwin

Book: Figs in Bloom

Author: Bobi Gentry Goodwin

Genre: Bible Study Curriculum for Girls Small Group Leaders/Parents

Release Date: June, 2023

The Bible is rich with families, communities, songs, poems, principles, and power. It allows the reader to learn of God and His ultimate plan for His people through the coming of Jesus Christ. Stories of heroism, courage, perseverance, and pain fill its pages and are often displayed through the lives of Biblical characters.

The FIGS in Bloom Bible Study and Group Curriculum seeks to foster independence, growth, and spirituality in God’s precious girls by highlighting Bible personalities. FIGS is comprised of twelve lessons complete with Bible study, teacher tactics, scripture memorization, group games, journal writing prompts, and more. Biblical stories of hope, uniqueness, sacrifice, and love seek to encourage each student to blossom and take God with them as they learn to navigate the twists and turns of life.

Click here to get your copy!

I truly believe that Bible Studies for everyone of all ages is important. Teenage Girls are especially in need of a good Bible Study in their growing years. FIGS in Bloom: Bibley Study by Bobi Gentry Goodwin was designed for Girls.

The book consists or 12 Bible Studies and lessons. The first half of the book is geared towards helping the leaders with advice and info on how to teach the lessons. The actual lessons are intended for Group study with Scripture Memory, Discusson Questions, Games, Crafts and Journaling. Each lesson is short and encouraging.

I feel the Bible Study would be great for Middle School Girls in a group setting. I did like the layout and the lessons, although I feel the lessons could be more "hearty.". I would recommend this for a small group study. GOOD BOOK!

Bobi Gentry Goodwin is a native San Franciscan. The Bay Area was where she first discovered her love for people and their stories. She has held a passion for writing since early childhood and as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, her mission field has been working with women and children. Bobi is a spiritual growth enthusiast that writes inspirational fiction, Bible Studies, and blog articles. She has been a contributing writer to Chicken Soup for the Soul and her story “Gentrified” was featured in the anthology Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis. She is a wife, mother of two, licensed minister, and an avid member of her local church. She hosts the Finding Forever Podcast and in her free time enjoys dancing, walking, and spending time with her fur baby.

More from Bobi

Parenting a teenager is hard work! Finding ways to communicate with a teen can feel like finding a safe place to step into a field of landmines. One wrong word, one wrong look, and one wrong directive can lead to a literal explosion. With so much on their minds as they navigate hormones, social groupings, social media, and academics. How can parents find the space to sit them down and share the Word of God?

As a parent of two teenage daughters, many times I felt stumped. I couldn’t even get my words to move them, let alone God’s. But I knew His Word was exactly what they needed. What He says about them is much more valuable than anything I could offer, and that is how FIGS was birthed. FIGS in BLOOM is a Bible study guide centered around a social group approach to learning God’s Word in a non-threatening way. It is centered on a socialization approach that invites kids into a community grounded in food, fun, and fellowship.

FIGS served as a template to pull my teenage girls close while so many things sought to pull them apart. Hosting meetings in my home surrounded by my teenage girl and her friends allowed deep seeds to be planted in me and them. I learned, they learned. I laughed, and they laughed. I prayed, and they prayed. And I am certain that in the end, God got all the Glory!

Splashes of Joy, November 17 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 18
Blossoms and Blessings, November 19 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, November 19
Texas Book-aholic, November 20
Artistic Nobody, November 21 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22
Back Porch Reads, November 23 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 25 (Author Interview)
amandainpa, November 25
Cover Lover Book Review, November 26
Guild Master, November 27 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 28
A Reader’s Brain , November 29 (Author Interview)
JESUS in the EVERYDAY, November 30

To celebrate her tour, Bobi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Figs in Bloom!!

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/28eee/figs-in-bloom-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Monday, November 27, 2023

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Color of Sky and Stone by Sara Davison

The Color of Sky and Stone JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Color of Sky and Stone by Sara Davison, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Color of Sky and Stone
Series: In the Shadows #1
Author: Sara Davison
Publisher: Independently Published (through The Mosaic Collection)
Release Date: November 22, 2023
Genre: Romantic Suspense (Christian)

She is the only one who truly sees him.
Which makes her his greatest threat.

Black ops undercover agent Tane Temauri—code name Vapor—has made it his life’s mission to stay out of sight. Given the dangers inherent in his job, the last thing he can afford is to step into the open and become a target. Again.

Then a letter from a mysterious stranger changes everything. Although the letter was not meant for him, somehow, on a greater, cosmic scale, it feels as though it is.

But answering it will make Tane vulnerable.

Can he emerge from the shadows and risk everything for a woman he has never met?

If he does, more than his heart could be on the line.

So could his life.

And hers.

Sara Davision has become one of my favorite authors of Romantic Suspense novels. The Color of Sky and Stone is Book 1 of the In the Shadows series, a brand new series by Sara Davision.

Tane Temauri has spent much of his adult life in hiding due to his job as a Black ops undercover agent. His job is dangerous and he cannot put himself at risk in the open enviroment. A mysterious Letter arrives, and though not meant for Tane, he has a desire to answer the letter. He does wonder if he answers the letter could he put himself at risk for being a target. Will Tane take a chance and answer the letter to a Woman he has never met? Will he be safe or does something bad happen to Tane?

I was totally hooked onto the storyline from the very first chapter. Tane and Lia met through letter writing when Tane responded to a letter Lia sent to Tane's partner. I really LOVE how open they both are about their life in the letters. Lia is a strong Chrisitan and it warmed my heart to see Tane become a believer again after breaking away from his faith due to Childhood Trauma The relationship between Tane and Lia is amazing and I can't wait to see what happens next. I am already looking forward to future books in this series. GREAT BOOK!

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Sara Davison

Sara Davison has a passion for writing stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats—and maybe swooning a little. Beyond that, she longs for readers to discover, as her characters do, that whatever they are going through they are never alone. God is always with them. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, Davison is a Cascade, Word, and two-time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason.

Connect with Sara by visiting saradavison.org to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of The Color of Sky and Stone, a $25 Amazon card, and a Romans 8:39-39 wall hanging

(1) winner will win a paperback copy of The Color of Sky and Stone

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 27, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 4, 2023. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN 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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Friday, November 24, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog tour: Unstick Your Mind by Mimika Cooney

Book: Unstick Your Mind: Shift Your Mindset, Develop Grit & Break Barriers

Author: Mimika Cooney

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction, Mindset, Women’s Christian Living, Personal Growth

Release Date: May 8, 2023

Do you question why you have negative thoughts? Every problem in life starts with a thought. Often we get stuck in perpetual cycles of bad thought patterns that cause us to repeat behaviors, over and over again.

But what if there was another way? What if we could unlearn the limiting beliefs, thoughts and ingrained patterns we learnt from childhood? What if we could free our minds and become who ever we wanted to be?

The good news is that you are not stuck with the brain you have!

You may think its is a pipe dream, but the reality is based on the concept of neuroplasticity. The brain is an amazing organ that is always learning.

Mindset is changing the way you think. You CAN learn new ways, new habits, and new success driven behaviors to finally achieve your goals.

Read this book for dealing with anxiety, and if you want to get over stress and anxiety. Come with me on a journey of self discovery and unlock the power of your mind!

Discover what elite athletes, CEO’s and high achievers do to unlock their full potential. Once you learn how to shift your mindset and develop grit, you will be positioned to break through any barrier holding you back!

In this powerful book you will discover…

* How to recognize limiting beliefs that are holding you back.

* How to take control of runaway thoughts that derail you.

* How to reinvent your habits for better productivity.

* How to partner with God to unlock your true potential and purpose!

This anxiety book for Christians is designed to help you move past stuck to successful.

Are you ready to change your life by changing your mind?

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Non-Fiction and Personal Growth books are a intriguing genre for me. Unstick Your Mind: Shift Your Mindset, Develop Grit & Break Barriers by Mimika Cooney is the most recent book in this genre that I have read.

I am very encouraged by this book. Our minds tend to "wander" and have consistent negative thoughts, Negative thoughts can lead to anxiety. Mimika Cooney shows how with NeuroScience, Psychology research and Biblical Principles that we can rewire our brains to focus on the good in life and how God wants our brain to work. We need to leave the past in the past and focus on the future. leave negative thoughts out of the brain. I really LOVE that this book is very Biblical sound and not too much of the NeuroScience jargon. Mimika Cooney is very encouragaing and says that Preserverence is key to "Unsticking the Mind" and moving forward with positivity. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who struggles with Negative thoughts and need Scripture based Encouragement. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Mimika Cooney is a leading faith-based Christian Mindset Author and Speaker known as the “Personal Trainer for your Mind”. She empowers Christians to rewire their brain by combining neuroscience, positive psychology, and a faith-based approach. She loves to empower purpose-driven individuals to transform their lives by shifting their mindset habits and patterns, as they pursue growth to achieve extraordinary results.

Mimika is the creator of the “Unstick Your Mind“ a mindset mastery method, a transformative program that equips Christians with the tools to achieve their breakthroughs. Mimika will teach you how to unstick your mind, develop emotional resilience, and unlock your true potential by becoming the boss of your brain!

More from Mimika

Unstick Your Mind was written from a place of deep pain and frustration. Having experienced anxiety, depression and disillusionment for years, I searched for sound biblical advice to help me get out of my mental rut. What I discovered was a lack of useful content that could help turn my compass toward Christ on my journey to mental wellness. After throwing myself into the world of neuroscience, positive psychology and coaching; I emerged with a fresh perspective and a passionate voice to help fellow Christians navigate the amazing miracle of renewing our mind God’s way. The good news is that you CAN change the way you think and completely overhaul your thinking when you focus on renewing your mind using biblical strategies and neuroscience.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 14
Blossoms and Blessings, November 15 (Author Interview)
Joy Suzanne Hunt, November 15
It’s Mama Safe, November 16
Texas Book-aholic, November 17
Artistic Nobody, November 18 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19
Splashes of Joy, November 20 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 21
An Author’s Take, November 22
Guild Master, November 23 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, November 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 24
A Reader’s Brain, November 25 (Author Interview)
EmpowerMoms, November 26

To celebrate her tour, Mimika is giving away the grand prize of a free Access to Mimika’s Course Mindset Make-Over and an eBook!!

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/28ee9/unstick-your-mind-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Hearts of Gold by Grace Hitchcock

Book: Hearts of Gold

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: August 14, 2023

The Bridal Shop

Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time. When her best friend requests Alice to be her maid of honor, she reluctantly sets aside her feelings on marriage and dons a stylish bridesmaid’s gown, never intending to catch the eye of the handsome groomsman. Will he be able to convince Alice to open her heart again?

Miss Beaumont’s Companion

When Italian lady’s companion Aria St. Angelo is coerced into posing as her political employer’s absent daughter for the evening at the Louisiana Governor’s masquerade ball, she wasn’t planning on falling for Byron Roderick—the most eligible bachelor in the capitol. But, when he pays call at the Beaumont’s home, Aria is quickly shuffled into the shadows once more, forced to watch him fall in love with another woman.

The Becoming of Miss Blanche

Content to remain a Harvey Girl forever, fiery Tacy Blanche has worked in nearly every Harvey House down the Santa Fe line. But, when she accepts the position of second waitress at the new Montezuma resort, Tacy isn’t expecting her former fiancé’s brother to return to her life—

Pinkerton Jasper Caffery had long abandoned hope of ever finding Tacy again, but while on holiday in New Mexico, Jasper collides with the woman who had never noticed him before. He decides to take his chances and attempt to woo her. However, when Tacy’s past catches up with her, more than Jasper’s heart is at stake.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Historical Romance books. Hearts of Gold A Novella Collection by Grace Hitchcock is the latest book I have read.

A Short Collection of 3 Novellas and I LOVE everything about this book. The stories are set in the late 1880's, early 1890's.

The Bridal Shop: Alice Turner was trying to get her Bridal Shop back to success and in walks Giles Clayton. The Romance that ensued between the 2 was sweet, especially when Giles fights to win Alice's heart. I saw faith in God bought into the story several times.

Miss Beaumont's Companion: Aria's story was very intriguing, as Aria impersonates her employers daughter to win the heart of a suitor. Bryon was my favorite character in this story as he truly has a great heart and wants to do for others and isn't afraid to stand up for his beliefs.

The Becoming of Miss Blanche: Pinkerton Agent Jasper Cafferty was trying to enjoy vacation when he runs into someone from his past. Tacy is a hardworking Harvey Girl and waitress. Jasper is willing to help Tacy overcome her past and they both have a faith in God.

The Historical Events in each of the stories was well researched. I really enjoyed each of the stories as they are also Faith Based. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys short Novellas and Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK!

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

More from Grace

Q: What do you love about writing historical fiction?

Grace: I absolutely love the research aspect. I love learning and discovering little known pieces of history. In that research, I love asking the great “what if” question and see where it takes me while still having to follow the guidelines set up for historical fiction.

I’m pretty certain every author started as an avid reader who dreamed of how they would change an ending or change who the heroine ended up with if they could write the book instead. (Anyone else think Theodore Laurence should have married Jo March?) It’s that ever-beautiful question of “what if” that has haunted some of my favorite stories and often drives my own stories to spark to life.

Q: Have you traveled to any places you’ve written about?

Grace: My books have been set in Chicago, many in New York, Newport, New Orleans, and Charleston, which I’ve been able to visit! My upcoming Regency Romance, To Catch a Coronet, is set in London, which I toured many years ago. After writing my Regency, I’ve added an overflowing number of places to visit in England, and even Scotland where my third book will be set.

Want to know which book is set where?

Hearts of Gold: Charleston, Baton Rouge, and New Mexico

The Finding of Miss Fairfield: Charleston and New Mexico

The Pursuit of Miss Parish: New Mexico

To Catch a Coronet: London

My Dear Miss Dupré: New York and Newport

Her Darling Mr. Day: New Orleans

His Delightful Lady Delia: New York

The Gray Chamber: New York

The White City: Chicago

Q: How do you incorporate faith into your storylines?

Grace: I always weave in a faith theme, or verse, into the story. My goal with this novella collection, Hearts of Gold, is to provide readers with clean entertainment while subtly pointing them to Christ. And as with all of my books, something that I am learning inevitably ends up in the story in some form or another. Even though it feels a bit vulnerable to put my personal lessons in a book, I think that it offers a level of genuineness that can bring life to the story and hope to the reader.

Q: What aspect of romance do you enjoy writing about?

Grace: Before I started writing for publication, I would be reading and get very aggravated if the heroine chose the wrong hero in my eyes and I would rewrite the ending in my head, or even set aside the book with only pages left so I didn’t mess up the ending I wanted. Writing a romance is so much fun because now I understand the “formula” if you will about the obstacles placed in the lover’s path and the beauty of when they finally are together.

Q: Please tell us about your most recent book.

Grace: To Catch a Coronet releases with Kregel Publications in May 2024! This Regency Romance has been so much fun to research and while it is a challenge to change eras from Gilded Age to Regency, I’ve loved finding new, unique ways to get my heroines into trouble that inevitably has them meeting their true hero!

About To Catch a Coronet:

London, 1813

Sometimes the only way to out stride scandal is to catch a crown big enough to silence it.

After breaking off two arranged engagements, country baker turned heiress Muriel Beau takes matters into her own hands and asks the visiting baron she loves to marry her in a very public proposal and is met with an emphatic rejection. With no other course but to flee Kent society, Muriel knows the only way out of this debacle is to out stride it by catching what every society matron dreams of obtaining—a coronet with a sumptuous title to match. And after a glittering reception in the courts of London, Muriel’s best laid plans might come true after all.

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 18
DevotedToHope, November 18
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 20 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 20
Lakesidelivingsite, November 21
Texas Book-aholic, November 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23
Alena Mentink, November 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 24
Cover Lover Book Review, November 25
Hannahbandanarama, November 25
For Him and My Family, November 26
Books You Can Feel Good About, November 26
Back Porch Reads, November 27
Exploring the Written Word, November 27
Blossoms and Blessings, November 28
Holly’s Book Corner, November 29
Splashes of Joy, November 29
Pause for Tales, November 30
Connie’s History Classroom, December 1
Lights in a Dark World, December 1

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Copy of My Dear Miss Dupré, Her Darling Mr. Day, and His Delightful Lady Delia!!

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/28ef0/hearts-of-gold-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Penny Saved by Terri Gillespie & Cynthia L. Simmons

Book: A Penny Saved

Authors: Terri Gillespie & Cynthia L. Simmons

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy & Mystery

Release Date: May 27, 2023

A Move, A Mess, A Mystery

Mason’s world turns upside down when he, his little sister, Olivia, and their mother move into their grandfather’s house.

Mason misses his cool friends. Unfortunately, R.B., the weird kid down the street, thinks he’s Mason’s new best friend.

Mason’s grandfather, a retired professor, stays in his office filled with musty, dusty books. Never realizing there’s a magical treasure hidden in plain sight. An 1860 Indian Head penny, named Penny, who is alive!

When Penny goes missing, Mason helps his grandfather look for her.

Will Mason find Penny and learn her secret?

Click here to get your copy!

I enjoy a good Mystery book and have since I was in Middle School. I jumped at the chance to read A Penny Saved by Terri Gillespie & Cynthia L. Simmons. It is a book aimed at Middle School students.

Mason is going through a lot right now, he really misses his friends. He, his mother and little sister, Olivia recently moved into his Grandfather's house. The "weird kid" from down the street, R.B., wants to hang out with Mason all the time. Mason's Grandfather, who is a retired professor, tends to hang out in his office with all this old and dusty books. He recently discovered an 1860 Indian Head penny in his office. Penny is alive and when she goes missing Mason is determined to help his Grandpa find Penny. Will Penny be found and does Penny have any secrets to reveal?

WOW, such a unique and interesting book. I really felt the storyline was a "true to life" type of story. Mason moving from one state to another and having to make new friends, yet missing his old friends. Penny going missing creates the Mystery of where is Penny and Mason determined to find her. The book is filed with Mystery and also a nice History lesson. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a short Mystery and History! GREAT BOOK!

Terri Gillespie is a multi-award award-winning author and speaker and YouTube personality. Terri lives with her hubby outside Atlanta. They have one adult daughter, who lives in Chicago with her husband and son. Terri was one of the managing editors of the bestselling Tree of Life Version of the Holy Scriptures.

More from Terri

My grandson, DJ, loves to read, but there is a lack of inspirational and clean books with Black protagonists. DJ loves fantasy and mysteries, and as his safta (grandmother), I wanted a book that gives even more, a sense of legacy with a theme of looking past the exterior to the value underneath.

When the strange, awkward R.B. offers to pray for Mason’s grandfather and then brings over his granny’s tuna casserole, Mason is touched and wonders if he has misjudged R.B.

After tasting this recipe, would you change your mind?

Widow Savier’s (R.B.’s granny) Tuna Casserole

2 (5 oz.) cans chunky-type tuna in water (drain well)

1 cup frozen peas

1⁄2 cup milk

3⁄4 cup butter-Ritz-like crackers, crushed or crushed potato chips (R.B. prefers the chips)

4 oz. (about 2-1⁄2 cups) thick egg noodles

1 can (10.75 oz.) cream of mushroom soup

1⁄4 tsp. garlic powder

Bit of butter (it is the south after all)

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cook noodles according to package instructions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking; drain in strainer.
While noodles are cooking, in a separate bowl, mix together soup, milk and garlic powder.
Stir in the noodles and peas, then add the tuna.
Transfer to a 1-1⁄2 quart lightly buttered casserole.
Bake 15 minutes; top with cracker crumbs OR CHIPS. Continue baking 5 – 10 minutes or until heated through.

Serves 4, so Widow Savier doubles the recipe for Mason’s family so they have leftovers.