Sunday, January 29, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Two-Cent Piece by Dennis Conrad

Book: The Two-Cent Piece

Author: Dennis Conrad (Illustrated by Courtney Smith)

Genre: Children’s Picture Book (Fiction)

Release date: September 3, 2022

Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she gives them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’”

Out of a heart of love, Anne gives six of her special coins away hoping the message on the two-cent pieces will strengthen each person’s faith.

Click here to get your copy!

Children's Picture Books are an excellent way to introduce young ones to the wonderful world of reading. The Two Cent Piece by Dennis Conrad is a Faith Based Picture Book for young kids.

Anne is a little girl who enjoys collecting coins. Her 3 older brothers are leaving to go serve in the Civil War as part of the Union Army. Anne gives each of them a Two Cent Piece before they leave. She tells them “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ The brothers accept her gift, although one brother is grappling with his Faith. A life-changing incident happens for that brother on the battlefield and his faith is restored.

I really enjoyed this book. It tells a great story of History with a Faith and Fictional twist. The Civil War period was a very important time in History and this book is written in a way that helps the Young Ones understand the time period. I also LOVE that the book has a strong Faith Message. It is VERY well written and the Illustrations are just amazing. A Very unique Picture Book for kids and I HIGHLY recommend it! FANTASTIC BOOK!

A former coin collector for over fifty years, Dennis combines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.

He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.

He retired as a professor of Speech Communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.

The Two-Cent Piece is Dennis’s first of seven books in the In God We Trust Series from Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.

More from Dennis

HOMESCHOOLERS, TEACHERS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS –

Coin collecting brings together history, art, and the thrill of discovery.

Children who collect coins will LOOK at coins differently. They can…

Look for people. For example, who is on the nickel? (Hint: Thomas Jefferson)

The new quarters featuring women include coins with Anna May Wong, the first Chinese-American movie star; Nina Otero-Warren, who advocated for women’s suffrage and was a government official in New Mexico; and Wilma Mankiller, the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Look for places. The state quarter series includes all of the states like California with Yosemite Valley.

Look for dates. Connect coins to historical events. For example, coins minted in 2001 were minted the same year as the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11, 2001.

Look at coins as art. The people who design coins are artists.

Look for and find coins in change. Let the great adventure begin.

Look and learn why some coins are more valuable than other coins. There is a difference between the face value of a coin (a dime is worth ten cents), and its value to collectors.

Are you a homeschooler, a teacher, or a family member who wants to help children start their first coin collection?

Get Free Resources about coin collecting by conveniently subscribing to Dennis Conrad’s newsletter.

You will receive a link to my resource page, where you will find two free resources. One for ages 5-6 year olds, and another for ages 7 and up. Or you can choose both. Let the fun begin! https://dennisconradauthor.com/coincollecting5/

Lots of Helpers, January 18
Girls in White Dresses, January 18
Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 19
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20
For Him and My Family, January 20
Cover Lover Book Review, January 21
A Reader’s Brain, January 22
Mary Hake, January 22
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 23
Texas Book-aholic, January 24
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 25
deb’s Book Review, January 26
Pause for Tales, January 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 28
Labor Not in Vain, January 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30
Lights in a Dark World, January 30
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, January 31

To celebrate his tour, Dennis is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a hardcover copy of The Two-Cent Piece!!

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/23bc2/the-two-cent-piece-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Friday, January 27, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Wagons West by Caryl McAdoo

Book: Wagons West

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release date: November 22, 2022

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.

Besides the God-fearing, decent folks seeking new beginnings, adventurers, miners, risk-takers, fugitives, perverts, and runaways alike—even royals—comprise a few of the characters in book one of the ‘New Beginnings Family Saga’ titled WAGONS WEST. The two-thousand-mile journey is wrought with danger, trials, troubles and tragedies, deprivations, and of course, romance, but the lure of gold and a fresh start urges the sojourners on to the Promised Land!

Blaire Beechy, a widow with two almost grown daughters, Adeline and Beatrice, and a twelve-year-old son Tucker sells everything to go for the gold only to discover the rules of wagon master Ambrose Lee forbids them to join his wagon train, but the widow is determined. Though the disgruntled and handsome widow turns his head, the man deals with troubles of his own. His train isn’t full, he has yet to hire a scout, and his integrity thrusts him into saving a troubled young woman called Birdie. The journey is an arduous undertaking, but he’s done it before and is up to the task.
Wagon Ho!

This story was first published in episodes at Kindle Vella, Season One, by the same name. Season two SETTLERS & TOFFS continues the story and episodes are now being published and are available at Kindle Vella.

Click here to get your copy!

Caryl McAdoo is one of my favorite authors. I started reading her books a few years ago and have LOVED every book that I have read by her. Wagons West is Book 1 in the New Beginnings Family Saga Series, her most recent series. I was very excited to read it recently.

The time is 1849 and it is the period of the California Gold Rush. Blaire Beechy is a widow with 2 young adult daughters and a 12yr old son. Blaire has recently sold everything her family owns to head West to the Gold Rush. She is not deterred when she discovers that the Wagon Master, Amborse Lee, has forbidden her family from joining his Wagon Train. Ambrose is very frustrated with things at the moment. He is still needing a Scout for his Train, his Wagon is not full yet and now he finds himself helping a young woman named Birdie. Will Blaire and her family make it on the Wagon Train? Will Ambrose achieve the task of getting the Wagon Train Westward bound?

Caryl McAdoo does it again, another GREAT book! I was captivated by the Storyline from the very first chapter. I have always been a fan of the California Gold Rush Era and the Wagon Train Era.I really enjoyed all the Characters in the book, Blaire was probably my favorite. She is a very determined woman who only wants what is best for her family. Ambrose Lee was a super interesting character in the book. I LOVE how detailed the book was about the Wagon Train history and Gold Rush Era. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. WONDERFUL Book!

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over sixty published now—delight readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen to a few on YouTube. Sharing four children and twenty-four grandsugars (six are greats), Caryl and her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-four years Ron live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

What a fun, new adventure writing WAGONS WEST! Ron and I stepped up to try a new program Amazon offered authors called Kindle Vella where we’d write episodes rather than chapters. In a year’s time, WAGONS WEST had thirty-five episodes and was over one hundred thousand words, about four hundred pages.

We continue to write Season Two of the “New Beginnings Family Saga” SETTLERS & TOFFS, with the same characters going into the following year, 1850, scattering into three settings: those from Season One’s wagon train who decide to settle Auburn, California, those just starting the sojourn west with Emmerson Pierce, scout in Season One, now wagon master, and we sail the Atlantic to England when the son of the Earl of Farnsworth receives word of his older brother’s death.

The characters in WAGONS WEST made it so special for me, and I believe you’re sure to love them as well. Robert E. Lee’s older brother Ambrose is our wagon master and the story’s main hero. As all my heroes (thanks to Ron’s part of our collaboration) he is strong but flawed.

Our matriarchal heroine Blaire Beechy, recently widowed, has sold everything and uprooted her three children—two almost grown daughters Adeline and Beatrice and their twelve-year-old brother Tucker—only to discover Captain Lee’s idiotic rules forbid an unmarried woman from traveling in his wagon train. Why must there be a man at the head of each family?

WAGONS WEST offers readers adventures with a colorful cast of characters who support, cause trouble, act a bit crazy, and play ball to make the story one you just can’t put down. All along the way, God is questioned, given praise, denied, and surrendered to, saving sojourners again and again—not only in the spiritual realm.

It’s a story I’ve certainly enjoyed writing, and I’m hoping you’ll enjoy reading WAGONS WEST as much!

As always, I’m ‘Praying my story gives God glory!’ Hallelujah! There is no one like Him! He alone is the Great King over all the earth! Not a man that He could lie, but worthy to receive all glory and all praise!

Blessings, y’all!

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19
Texas Book-aholic, January 20
deb’s Book Review, January 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 22
Books You Can Feel Good About, January 22
Cover Lover Book Review, January 23
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 24
Connie’s History Classroom, January 25
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 27
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 28
Simple Harvest Reads, January 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and my Family, January 30
Pause for Tales, January 31
Guild Master, February 1 (Author Interview)
Lily’s Book Reviews, February 1

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the prize 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/23bc3/wagons-west-celebration-tour-giveaway

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JustRead Tours Blog Tour: A Family for the Rancher by M.K. Stelmack

A Family For The Rancher JustRead Blog + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for A Family for the Rancher by M. K. Stelmack, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: A Family for the Rancher

Series: A Ranch to Call Home #1

Author: M. K. Stelmack

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance

Can the prodigal cowboy…

Teach her to hope again?

Horse trainer Mateo Pavlic wants to buy back his family’s ranch. But Haley Jansson isn’t interested in selling…or forgiving his twelve-year absence. Mateo has loved Haley since they were kids, and he feels a deep connection with her sweet son, Jonah. Soon, Mateo wants to be all in with Haley and her adorable baby. But can he convince her to risk her land, her child and her heart?

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion, and belonging.

I really enjoy Contemporary Romance books. A Family for the Rancher by M. K. Stelmack is the latest in this genre that I have read. It is Book 1 in the A Ranch to Call Home series.

Mateo Pavlic is a Horse Trainer and has recently returned home after being gone for 12yrs. His father recently passed away and he has come home in hopes of buying the Family Ranch back. His father sold it to Haley Jannson, who is a neighbor and also a long-time friend of Mateo. Haley Jannson is a single mom to Jonah and she isn't interested in selling the Ranch, especially not to Mateo. Haley is still crushed that he broke her heart 12yrs ago when he moved away. Mateo has always had a "Crush" on Haley and he still feels the connection. He is bonding with Haley's son, Jonah as well. Will Haley be able to forgive Mateo? Will Mateo get his dream of living on his family Ranch, possibly with a Family of his own?

WOW, this storyline had me captivated from the very first chapter. Mateo seems like a wonderful man who dreams of coming home to his Family Ranch and has regrets about being gone for so long. Haley is living her dream on the Ranch and raising her son. I LOVE how throughout the book Mateo and Haley grow individually and as friends. The Book is about learning to trust, moving forward, and family. I am very much looking forward to reading more books in this series as they are released. GREAT BOOK!

M. K. Stelmack

M. K. Stelmack writes historical and contemporary romance. She is the author of Heartwarming's A True North Hero series, the third of which, Coming Home to You was made into a movie called Love by Accident. She has also written 'The Montgomerys of Spirit Lake' series. A Family for the Rancher marks the first in her new series, A Ranch to Call Home. She lives in Alberta, Canada, close to a town that the fictional Spirit Lake of her stories is patterned after.

Connect with M. K. by visiting mkstelmack.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Family for the Rancher and $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 25, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 1, 2023. Winner 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 the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway Here

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

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Thursday, January 26, 2023

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Amish Bachelor's Bride by Pamela Desmond Wright

The Amish Bachelor's Bride JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Amish Bachelor's Bride by Pamela Desmond Wright, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: The Amish Bachelor's Bride

Author: Pamela Desmond Wright

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: January 24, 2023

Genre: Christian, Contemporary Romance, Amish Fiction

Marrying in name only…

Could lead to more than they expected

Single mother Lavinia Simmons’s world is turned upside down when she discovers her late husband gambled away their home. A quick marriage of convenience to bachelor Noem Witzel in return for caring for his niece and nephew is the solution both Lavinia and Noem need. Neither of them is looking for romance. But what if these perfect strangers have other ideas?

Amish Christian Fiction is my favorite genre to read. I also really enjoy the LOVE Inspired books. The Amish Bachelor's Bride by Pamela Desmond Wright is the latest book I have read and is Book 2 in the Humble Blessings series.

Lavinia Simmons is an Amish Widow and Single Mom. She recently discovered that her and her baby will be homeless due to her late Husband losing their home in his Gambling habits. Noem Witzel is an Amish Bachelor who is now raising his niece and nephew after the death of his sister. Noem Witzel needs help with caring for his niece and nephew and Lavinia is in need of a home for her and her child. They both decide a "marriage of convenience" will help solve both of their needs. Will the "marriage of convenience" lead to real love? Will the older children like having a mother figure?

WOW, I LOVED this book from the very first page. I have always enjoyed "marriage of convenience" books, but this one is heartwarming because it involved Children. Lavinia takes her new role to heart and the older kids soon start to like her. Noem has had feelings for Lavinia since High School and his feelings are growing as they settle into married life. The book is one of Faith, LOVE and Hope! I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who enjoys Amish Christian Fiction! I am very much enjoying this series and I look forward to more from this series! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Pamela Desmond Wright

Pamela Desmond Wright grew up in a small, dusty Texas town. Like the Amish, Pamela is a fan of the simple life. Her childhood includes memories of the olden days; old-fashioned oil lamps, cooking over an authentic wood-burning stove and making popcorn over a crackling fire at her grandparents' cabin. The cabin was later donated to The Muleshoe Heritage Center in Muleshoe Texas where it can be viewed by the public.

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

(1) winner will receive a Kindle Fire 7!

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 23, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 30, 2023. 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

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

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Letter by Edwina Kiernan

Book: The Letter

Author: Edwina Kiernan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 1, 2022

She wants a new life.

He’s in danger of losing his.

Will love solve everything — or immerse them in even worse peril?

Restless and ready for a change, Grace Stratton gladly accepts the opportunity to leave her remote parsonage home to serve as a wealthy spinster’s companion in the idyllic country town of Lindenfell. Its warm atmosphere and friendly inhabitants soothe Grace’s, lonely heart. But when a mysterious stranger arrives, she soon discovers things aren’t always what they seem.

Convinced chloroform will revolutionize the medical world, Dr. David Carbury frequently administers it to his London patients — until one of them dies. Facing a grave trial to prove his innocence and defend a drug most people view as poisonous, he makes hasty plans to buy time to bolster his case. But he wasn’t expecting to face an even deadlier challenge.

As attraction sparks not long after they meet, Grace soon suspects he’s hiding something, and David knows he can’t run from the truth forever.

But neither of them could imagine the sinister threat lurking just around the corner…

Immersed in faith and intrigue, this Christian Victorian romance from award-winning author Edwina Kiernan will encourage and delight you long after you turn the last page.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres to read. I truly love the Victorian time period. The Letter by Edwina Kiernan is Book 1 in a new series, Victorian Virtues. I was excited to read this book as I have read other series by Edwina Kiernan and I always enjoy them.

Grace Stratton is excited about her new start in life. She is embarking on a new journey to the Country town of Lindenfell. She will be working for a Wealthy Spinster's Companion. Grace feels that the new surroundings will be warm and friendly. Grace was not prepared for a mysterious stranger coming to visit and she definitely learned things might not be as they seem. Dr. David Carbury has been administering Chloroform to patients and he believes it is helpful to his patients. A patient dies after receiving Chloroform and now he is facing a trial to show his actions didn't kill the patient and that Chloroform is not poisonous. He is taking a break and "buying time" before his case. Grace and Dr. David have an instant attraction to one another. Grace though soon thinks that David is hiding something. Will Dr. David Carbury be able, to be honest with Grace? Will there be a Romantic relationship between the pair?

WOW, this book is a definite page-turner. I was reeled into the storyline from the very first page. Grace is enjoying her new start in life and then it gets upheaval when Dr. David comes to town. I LOVE how the characters are both trying to overcome things in their life and it seems that they can both help one another. The characters rely on the Gospel and that is an encouraging part of the book also. The Author really bought the time period to life in this book! I am looking forward to reading more books in this series! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Edwina Kiernan is the Christian author of the award-winning novel, Ruby’s Redemption.

An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research to create hope-infused tales set in times past.

A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood.

She is a committed follower of Jesus (the Living Word), and endeavours to use her pen to point others to Him.

More from Edwina

Have you ever wished you could travel back in time to a place where quaint buildings are bathed with a golden glow in the afternoon light, where the people are polite and respectful, and where the pace of living allows your soul to breathe and just… be?

In that case…

Welcome to Lindenfell!

The Letter introduces us to Grace Stratton (daughter of the hero & heroine from my award-winning novel, Ruby’s Redemption), who accepts a position as a lady’s companion in a place she’s never been before, but where she’ll soon discover a whole new world.

“The air in Lindenfell had a scent of its own — one of warmth and peace. Of hope.”

Lord-willing, the Victorian Virtues series will have nine books, each based on an aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit, and each exploring the historical events and everyday realities that change and challenge eighteen main characters and nine blossoming romances.

Friends and foes, tragedies and triumphs, hopes and heartaches — the best and worst of life, all in one fictional market town in Victorian England.

It is my deepest hope that, as you travel to Lindenfell in each book of the series, you’ll find the truth and hope you need to navigate your own trials and triumphs, and discover that the refreshment your soul longs for is already available to you, wherever you may be.