Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Both Sides of the Border by Terry Overton

 

Book: Both Sides of the Border

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: March 30, 2021

Inspired by True Current Events.

Dolores, Ernesto, and Emilio Sanchez are on a quest to America to find work and to save their family, who has been devastated by their father’s accident and the drought in their home country of Honduras. But making their way to America would be too expensive for a family stricken by poverty. With only their faith in God to see them through, the teenaged siblings set off for their new home, despite the threat from the cartel, corrupt police officers, starvation, and death.

Meanwhile, Eva Jordan is determined to start a new life on the American side of the Mexican border, hoping to shake off the scars from a horrible marriage. Despite her mother’s concern for her daughter living so close to the border, Eva decides to take a vacation to the other side to sharpen up her Spanish and relax before her new job begins. She is struck by the beautiful towns of Mexico, but slowly, her eyes are opened to the dangers that are knocking at her front door.

When a hurricane washes away the border walls, will the two sides collide in hatred or unite in perfect harmony?

 

Click here to get your copy!

I love reading books by "new to me" Authors and Terry Overton is an author whose books I have never read. Also, the synopsis of this book seemed to be a bit of a "challenging" read. I decided to read Both Sides of the Border, by Terry Overton for those reasons. 

Dolores, Ernesto, and Emilio Sanchez are siblings who live in Honduras. The siblings are on a trek to America to find work, save money and bring the rest of their family to America. There are many Roadblocks on their trek to America, including threats from Police Officers, the Cartel and not having enough food. Eva Jordan lives in Texas close to the border of America and Mexico. She has just moved into her apartment and ready to start  a new job. She decides to take a vacation to Mexico as it will help her with her Spanish before she starts her new job and she can get some relaxation in also. She is admiring all the beauty of Mexico and is enjoying her Vacation. Although she suddenly is awakened to the Dangers that lurk for her in Mexico. Will the Sanchez Siblings make it to America and find the "American Dream"? What does Eva Jordan learn from her time in Mexico? What will be the lessons learned for all? 

WOW, this was definitely a "challenging" read. The book is a Fiction book based on True events. I had a hard time understanding the storyline at first, but i finally started to gain a bit of an interest in the book by the 3rd Chapter. I admire the Sanchez Siblings for their quest to live the American Dreams. It broke my heart to see them struggle to get here, and I realized that it the truth for many trying to come to America for a better life. Eva Jordan saw the "other side" and it seemed to click with her why so many try to make their way to America for a Better Life. The theme of the book is Immigration and the struggles so many face trying to "cross the borders". The book did not have an overly "Political" tone to it and I appreciated that. It definitely is very eye opening as to the Immigration struggles. I would highly recommend this book for those interested in this topic. Good Book!   

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. She recently penned her first poetry book in honor of servicemen and women. Her book “Both Sides of the Border” is a Firebird Book Award winner in the categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.

 

More from Terry

As a Christian author, my goals in writing “Both Sides of the Border,” were to have the reader question their own understanding of the people and events of U.S.-Mexico border, analyze these world events through a Christian worldview, and enjoy the plot’s twists and turns. During their travels, the main characters of the story display different levels of their own faith. In the end, both women have increased their faith and understanding of God.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Texas Book-aholic, January 16

For Him and My Family, January 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 18

Inklings and notions, January 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 20

deb’s Book Review, January 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 22 (Spotlight)

Through the Fire Blogs, January 22 (Author Interview)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Blossoms and Blessings, January 27 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 27

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & 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/17c59/both-sides-of-the-border-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Both Sides of the Border by Terry Overton

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JustRead Tours: Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Healing Skye 

Series: Coastal Hearts 

Author: Janet W. Ferguson 

Publisher: Southern Sun Press LLC 

Release Date: December 16, 2021 

Genre: Christian, Contemporary Romance 

People can’t be trusted. 

Animals always made more sense than humans did to marine biologist Skye Youngblood. After her mother’s suicide, she left Alabama and never looked back. These days, she pours her heart into protecting nature’s sea creatures. When she returns to Dauphin Island, Alabama, for a temporary manatee migration study, her dark past is much too close. She can’t let her guard down. But how can she keep her heart hidden when a kind man with a genuine smile makes her want a fresh start? 

Charter fishing pays the bills for widower Pete Thompson and his little girl, but like his father, a pastor, Pete can’t help but fish for men. Only, after growing up under constant scrutiny as a preacher’s kid, Pete’s ways are a bit more unconventional. And the bulk of his life revolves around raising his precious daughter. 

When he witnesses the car wreck of a new marine biologist on the island, it doesn’t take a genius to see that more than just her physical pain needs tending. Pete feels called to help Skye find true healing, but he’s navigating dangerous waters. And he’s not at all sure he’ll walk away unscathed. 

I enjoy a good Christian Romance novel and Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson fit that genre. It is the sixth book in the Coastal Hearts series.

Skye Youngblood is a Marine Biologist who LOVES her career and protects all the Sea Animals with every ounce of her being. She gets the opportunity to go to Dauphin Island, Alabama to participate in a Manatee Migration Study. She hasn't been to Alabama in many years, although she grew up in Alabama. Her life in Alabama is one that she would not want to relive, especially the Suicide of her Mom. Soon after arriving in Alabama, Skye is involved in a Car Crash. Pete Thompson is a witness to the Crash. Pete Thompson is a town local and a widower with a young daughter. He grew up as a Pastor Kid and he is bit unconventional is his ways. He works as a Charter Fisher and adores his daughter with his whole heart. Pete offers to help Skye after her accident. He discovers that Skye's wounds are more then just Physical, she has some deep down healing to do. Will Pete be able to "breakthrough" to Skye? Will Skye be willing to open up to Pete about her Childhood trauma and more? Will there be a romantic connection that might keep Skye in Alabama?

Janet W. Ferguson is an AMAZING Author. Although her books tend to contain sensitive topics(this book contains Child Abuse), her writing style is one that grasps at the reader with emotions. I really like how Pete is sensitive to the needs that Skye has and doesn't want to pressure her. Skye slowly opens up to Pete. Healing Skye is a book about Healing from Childhood Trauma, being able to Trust others, and compassion.  I really enjoy reading Book Series, and after reading 2 books in this series, I am HOOKED! I need to go back and read the series from the beginning, as I started with Book 5. GREAT Book! 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

 

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Janet W. Ferguson is a Christy Award finalist and the FHL Readers Choice Award-winning author of realistic inspirational fiction. An avid reader, she loved books so much she found a job as a librarian so she could be around them all day. Then she turned that love of story into writing faith-filled novels with characters who feel like best friends. You’ll laugh and cry as the quirky heroes and heroines chase their happily ever after. ​Janet and her husband live in Mississippi where they say y’all a lot, and she forces him to visit the beach as often as possible. They have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space. 

CONNECT WITH JANET: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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(1) winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Healing Skye, a T-shirt supporting the Manatee Network, magnetic butterfly bookmarks, prayers to share, a creative Bible study journal, a magnet, and a seashell from the author!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 24, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 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

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

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

JustRead Tours: Healing Skye by Janet W. Ferguson

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Reclaiming Hope by Carolyn Miller

 

Book: Reclaiming Hope

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: December 7, 2021

Callie Steele might be a bit… focused on work, but despite what her employers say, she enjoys her well-ordered, productive life.

When she’s sent to meet the owners of an estate requiring post-hurricane landscaping, Callie meets their son, Kai Brody, a super-chilled pro surfer, who is as opposite from her as they come. Though initially smitten, Callie knows a relationship with Kai is a bad idea—a very bad idea.

Kai, however, can’t help but be intrigued by someone who challenges him to make something of his life again. He’s determined to pursue her, if she’ll give him half a chance.

The more time they spend together, negotiating the challenges of work, illness, and family, the more their opposing outlooks clash and connect. What do these unlikely friends really want from life?  Is it best to focus on work or recreation?

As Kai and Callie answers from the Lord, they also must consider if such complete opposites have enough in common to make a relationship last.

Reclaiming Hope concludes the Hooper Island stories of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Reclaiming Hope by Carolyn Miller is the 18th book in the Independence Island series. It is also the  6th book based on Hooper Island. It is part of a  series that is being written by six different authors and spans over five different islands. 

Callie Steele LOVES her job in the Landscaping Business and is a Super Organized. Kai Brody is a Relaxed and Chilled Pro Surfer. The 2 are COMPLETE opposites Callie and Kai encounter one another when Callie is sent to a home of a potential Landscaping Client and the client's son, Kai, is there. Callie knows having a relationship with Kai is a VERY Bad idea because of them being Opposites. Kai on the other hand will do anything he can to entice Callie into giving him some attention. The pair beginning lots of time together as the Company Callie works for was hired for Landscaping needs at the Estate that Kai and his parents live at. They both begin to notice how their Opposite traits are not so opposite as they once were. They both begin to lean on the Lord for answers as to how to proceed with a relationship or not. Will Callie and Kai become a couple? Do Opposites really attract and make a good couple? 

There truly isn't a book in the Independence Island Series that I don't like. The authors are GREAT Writers and I really enjoy how the characters flow from one book to another. I really enjoyed Callie and Kai's story. The book really shows how Opposites will fight their own will when it comes to relationships. The fact that they both turned to God to help them with their feelings and if perusing a relationship was feasible. I feel that this book is a GREAT Standalone book from the others in the series. I LOVE the entire series and would recommend reading them all, but if you can't find the others, this one reads great on its own! FANTASTIC BOOK! 

Carolyn Miller is an Australian author of inspirational romance, particularly that of the Regency era, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love through stories that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

 

More from Carolyn

For Reclaiming Hope, my next book in the Independence Islands series, I was thrilled to finally turn the spotlight onto Callie Steele, whose sassy attitude and words of wisdom in earlier books have made a mark on the other employees at Greener Gardens – and has already endeared her to readers who have been begging to read Callie’s story.

Callie needed a special someone who could help this hyper-organized checklist-loving woman see that there is more to life than meeting a deadline. Enter Kai Brody, a super-chilled and laidback surfer whose enviable travels around the world broaden Callie’s horizons, and watch sparks fly. I consider Reclaiming Hope to be one of my most humorous books yet, as these two trade banter as opposites who attract – but can they last?

And yet Reclaiming Hope isn’t merely froth and sea-foam, bigger questions concerning family, identity and whether God’s plans can be considered good when people are forced to live with the consequences of poor choices. I really enjoy writing fiction like this, fiction that is grounded in truth, with realistic, flawed characters who are on God journeys to find faith, freedom, and hope.

I’m so glad people are really enjoying my new contemporary books, where I can bring my love of gardens (& my horticulturalist hubby’s expertise!) to a new audience. Check out my website www.carolynmillerauthor.com to see what’s growing in my garden here in my corner of Australia.

If you enjoy stories of hope, heart and humor, then you’ll be sure to enjoy this novel about a workaholic and the broken surfer as together they find renewed hope for their hearts.

Happy reading!

Carolyn

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 21

Blossoms and Blessings, January 21

lakesidelivingsite, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 22

Inklings and notions, January 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 23 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 24

Daysong Reflections, January 25

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 25

Aryn the Libraryan, January 26

Lots of Helpers, January 26

deb’s Book Review, January 27

Blogging With Carol, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

Simple Harvest Reads, January 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 29

Older & Smarter?, January 29

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 30

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 31 (Spotlight)

Lis Loves Reading, January 31

SusanLovesBooks, January 31

She Lives To Read, February 1

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2

Kayem Reads, February 2

Splashes of Joy, February 3

Connect in Fiction, February 3

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/186ba/reclaiming-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Reclaiming Hope by Carolyn Miller

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Marriage Conservations by Cathy Krafve

Book: Marriage Conversations

Author: Cathy Krafve

Genre: Nonfiction

Release date: February 7, 2021

Are you cherishing a marriage that’s off the charts? Or co-existing in a fragile one?

What we all really want is intimacy and tingling excitement. Is true love just a fairy tale? Or can life-long companionship be a reality? You bet it can!   Author Cathy Krafve shares the personal stories and conversations she first created to help inspire success for her own kids’ marriages.

Marriage entails serious communication. So, we turn to the Master Communicator for strategies to soften hearts and strengthen resolve. Cathy will help you…

- Initiate practical, foundational truths.

- Replace magical thinking with rock solid miraculous biblical truths.

- Understand why we get married in the first place.

- Invigorate your closest relationship.

For instance, learn the no-fail trick for changing an argument back into a conversation.

Inspire the delightful results your heart is craving.

Go from blah to breathtaking!

 

Click here to get your copy!

Non-Ficton/Self-Help books are a great genre for me. I truly enjoy them. Marriage Conversations: from co-existing to cherished by Cathy Primer Krafve is one that I feel is much needed in today's world. 

Communication is key to any relationship. Working, friendships, but especially in a Marriage. If spouses are not communicating effectively, it could be lead to hearts tangled by being clueless at to the happenings in a Marriage. Cathy helps tackle 4 key points in Good Communication in a Marriage in Marriage Conservations book. The 4 key points are: 

- Initiate practical, foundational truths.

- Replace magical thinking with rock solid miraculous biblical truths.

- Understand why we get married in the first place.

- Invigorate your closest relationship.

I REALLY enjoyed this book. It was very insightful and encouraging. Cathy Krafve tells some really interesting Personal Stories about her marriage and her parents marriage. The Layout of the book is also excellent. Each chapter covers a certain Marriage topic. The chapter has a personal story, Biblical Scripture and questions to discuss. The questions are very thought provoking for couples. There is also a prayer for the couple to pray together in each chapter. My husband and I plan to use this book to enhance the Communication in our 23 yr marriage. I think this book would make a GREAT Couples Bible Study. VERY ENCOURAGING BOOK! 

Queen of Fun and Coffee Cup Philosopher, Cathy Primer Krafve delivers creativity and encouragement on every page.

She understands companionship begins with authentic conversation. With journalistic fervor and a knack for laughter and story-telling, Cathy puts a snappy spin on deeply spiritual truths.

Host of Fireside Talk Radio, her weekly blogs and podcasts reach over 2 million listeners and readers annually. Her audiences learn to leverage compassion and courage in order to engage in two-way conversational adventures.

Join the Fireside Tribe as we create life so beautiful in its imperfection generations after us will be retelling our stories with joy and laughter.

Truth with a Texas twang spoken here!

 

More from Cathy

From Blah to Breathtaking!

Why does conversation at home have to be so hard? What makes it hard? How do you keep hanging in there when it’s tough?

 

“So, Dave and I slogged ahead. Yuck. Like trudging through a chilly winter night in clumsy snow boots, we were determined to survive,” reports Author Cathy Krafve.

 

Then, they began to talk a little more openly to their closest friends. Yep, they were desperate. Interestingly, they discovered marriage conversations were a problem for a bunch of their friends, too.

 

Lo and behold, communicating turned out to pretty much be a universal challenge!

 

“We picked up tons of new communication skills,” she adds, laughing, “Good thing, too, since we really NEEDED new skills!”

 

What can we change at home to train ourselves and our kiddos to have terrific conversations? Each chapter of Marriage Conversations offers great ideas you can try out at your house. Here are a few chapters:

• Negotiating like an Oil Tycoon
• Creating a Personal Etiquette
• Only Keeping What We Give Away
• Asking Power Questions
• Understanding Fellowship as the Best Foreplay

 

Queen of Fun and Coffee Cup Philosopher, Cathy delivers creativity and encouragement on every page of Marriage Conversations: from co-existing to cherished.

 

While it’s the perfect book for your book club, Bible Study, or Sunday school class, Cathy has a more, ahem, intimate suggestion. Read it out loud with your spouse.

 

“What’s really great is the number of men who tell me they read it with their wife! Passing it back and forth. Wow! That’s genius,” she reports. “Truthfully, though, when guys tell me it’s the funniest book they’ve ever read, I assume it’s the only marriage book they’ve ever read!”

 

Each chapter ends with thought-provoking questions, personal applications, and prayer.

 

 

So, how things are with Dave and Cathy now? Fair question.

“We still have arguments occasionally, maybe once a year. In some ways maybe it’s worse because it doesn’t happen very often. I get real panicky, like, Oh no! We’re falling back into our bad habits,” she confesses.

But she adds they now know how to get into a better conversation place quickly. Also, they intentionally cherish each other. So that’s really made a difference.

“But one thing I want people to know; this book is not about how to do it yourself. This book is about how I messed up. And here’s what I learned from my mistakes. If you want some good ideas, here are the things that worked for us,” says Cathy

Tons and tons of good ideas. Anything she could get her hands on.

“Because I was originally writing for my children,” she explains. “So, I didn’t hold anything back. I don’t think anyone will feel preached at. I’m pretty sure reading friends will think, Okay this woman has been in the trenches. She gets it.”

Cathy is known for putting a snappy spin on deeply spiritual truths. She writes with journalistic fervor and a knack for laughter and story-telling.

Host of Fireside Talk Radio, her weekly blogs and podcasts reach over 3 million people annually.  She is also author of The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations.

 

Companionship begins with authentic conversations. How do we go from co-existing to cherished? Cathy understands good communication tools can change everything!  Order two copies today; one for yourself and one to share with a friend!

 

Truth with a Texas twang spoken here!

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 11

Texas Book-aholic, January 12

Inklings and notions, January 13

For Him and My Family, January 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 15

deb’s Book Review, January 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 17

The Author Reads, January 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 19 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 21

A Baker’s Perspective, January 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 23

Simple Harvest Reads, January 24 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card and a copy of both The Well and Marriage Conversations!!

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/1719a/marriage-conversations-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Marriage Conservations by Cathy Krafve

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