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Monday, February 10, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: When the Avalanche Roared by Lauralee Bliss





Book: When the Avalanche Roared (A Day to Remember Book Five)

Author: Lauralee Bliss

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release date: January, 2025

The Day Hope Seemed Swept Away

Enjoy a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

Lillian Hartwick has been in the small railroad town of Wellington, Washington, caring for her cousin and assisting the postmaster when February snows bring all train traffic to a halt. Slow-witted but kind Griffin Jones, who works odd jobs for the railway while enduring taunts from other workers, has tried his best to gain Lillian’s interest, but she is engaged and waiting her fiancĂ©’s arrival from California. Predawn thunderstorms on Tuesday, March 1, 1910, trigger a devasting avalanche, sweeping two trains down Stevens Pass. Lillian and Griffin work together to help survivors, including Griffin’s tormentors. In the midst of the catastrophe their feelings for each other grow. But is it enough when Lillian’s fiancĂ© finally arrives in the spring, ready to claim her as his own?

 

Click here to get your copy!



 





Lauralee Bliss has always liked to dream big dreams. Part of that dream was writing, and after several years of hard work, her dream of publishing was realized in 1997 with the publication of her first romance novel, Mountaintop, through Barbour Publishing. Since then, she’s had twenty books published, both historical and contemporary. Lauralee is also an avid hiker, completing the entire length of the Appalachian Trail both north and south. Lauralee makes her home in Virginia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her family.

 

 

More from Lauralee

Pure Joy

Lauralee Bliss, Author of “When the Avalanche Roared”

 

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds…  James 1:2 NIV

How does one equate a scripture like this with the death and destruction inherent in natural disasters? It seems an oxymoron to expect joy when faced with twisted metal and broken lives, such as in the deadliest avalanche in American history depicted in When the Avalanche Roared. Even now I think of the natural disaster of the hurricane that just recently destroyed mountain communities in western North Carolina, with homes and lives swept away in an avalanche of water and mud. So it was back in March, 1910 when a mile wide bank of snow detached from Windy Top in the northern Cascades of Washington State, slamming into three parked trains near Wellington, sending cars and sleeping passengers tumbling into the ravine. Over ninety lives were lost.

This could be considered a trial of supreme magnitude. Yet scripture commands we consider joy in the midst of it. The word joy evokes smiles and laughter, peace and satisfaction. It brings to mind Jesus resting in the boat in the midst of a raging storm, tossed about on high waves while the disciples huddle together in abject fear. After He calms the seas He asks them, “Where is your faith?” It demands the human mind look away from apparent destruction to something higher. To look beyond what one sees to the unseen. To trust God even when nothing appears trustworthy.

When the Avalanche Roared delves into the flames that spark, not from smoldering locomotives in a ravine, but within a small rail town that banded together in the wee hours of a frigid morning to rescue others. The destruction is evident. But the grit and determination of those who dug out people from heavy snow solidified by rain and cared for the suffering while their town remained isolated from the world speaks of a picture far greater than the picture of destruction. So it is today with communities swallowed by mud and trees and splintered fragments of homes as reminders of a destructive hurricane. Beyond the visual are the outpouring of help and compassion and holding the hands of those weakened by disaster in gestures of hope and resolve. And in this, a new birth of joy is realized.

God created us to find joy in struggle, to develop perseverance to achieve a goal despite what is thrown our way, to realize that when we do, we truly lack nothing. And therein we find lasting peace even in the midst of catastrophe.



Strangers unite to help the hurting.

A friend flew from Florida to North Carolina and arranged with this store owner for a free truckload of water for communities devastated by the hurricane.



Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 30

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 30

Stories By Gina, January 31 (Author Interview)

Pens Pages & Pulses, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, February 1

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2

Simple Harvest Reads, February 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 4

Connie’s history classroom, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 6

Betti Mace, February 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 8

Cover Lover Book Review, February 9

Holly’s Book Corner, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

For Him and My Family, February 11

Pause for Tales, February 12

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 12



To celebrate her tour, Lauralee is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift Card and a print 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/00adcf54145







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Sunday, February 9, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Necessity of Kindness by Marbeth Skwarczynski





Book: The Necessity of Kindness (The Rose Collection Book 7. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Marbeth Skwarczynski

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: October 21, 2024

“Be ye kind” is a simple command, so why is it so hard for people to follow?

When the Lord opened the door for Denise’s husband, Topher, to Pastor the beleaguered Rhodes Baptist Church, she agreed to return to their hometown. Opening a bakery, supporting Topher in his ministry, and volunteering at Sylvie’s school aren’t nearly as challenging as trying to dismantle the harmful teachings that have taken over the church. Ideas masquerading as ‘biblical truth’ and ‘traditional Christianity’ resulted in spiritual bullying and a dwindling congregation. Denise is determined to help Topher guide the church toward the love and kindness of Christ.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie is angry at being ripped away from the only home she’s known—and from her church, friends, and boyfriend, Owen. She pretends that moving to Rhodes is an adventure and admits she’s looking forward to attending a “real” school and making new friends. She’ll help her parents with their church and work at her mom’s bakery, but this isn’t the life Sylvie wants. Everything is different now, and it isn’t fair.

Sometimes, it feels like the bullies are winning.

 

Click here to get your copy!



 



Though born on the east coast, I spent most of my life in the American Southwest, eventually settling in California where my husband and I raised two sons. Later we welcomed two fantastic daughters-in-law and four grandchildren into our family. After teaching history and literature for eighteen years, I resigned to write full-time. That new career move was paired with a physical move to beautiful Nevada, where I continue to write happily.

My preferred genre is Christian contemporary fiction. I keep my characters grounded in the real world and the real problems that Bible believers face today. While they grow, learn, and find possible solutions to their issues, my characters must also deal with the detritus of the past. Living well today doesn’t mean that yesterday is erased. I write what I know, either first-hand or through close observation, injecting the joy, happiness, and humor that comes with spiritual freedom and love.

More from Marbeth

No one warns you that some bullies grow up to be—bullies.

But some people go from victim to victorious. They stand up for others, leading them away from preferences used to bully others into submission and toward the freedom of God’s love.




Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 7

Vicky Sluiter, February 8 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Simple Harvest Reads, February 10 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

For the Love of Literature, February 12 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, February 18 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 20 (Author Interview)






To celebrate her tour, Marbeth is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback 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/00adcf54153







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Friday, February 7, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Securing Charity by Julia David





Book: Securing Charity

Author: Julia David

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Release date: October 17, 2022

Has God and all that is good truly abandoned her?
After a fearless Swedish man intervenes to save her from a brutal attack, Charity Baldzo, a Roma beauty with a hidden disability and a lineage shrouded in mystery, escapes to her mother’s farm. But as she grapples with her past and the scars it left, will she ever find the safety she desperately seeks?

Ari Johansson’s world spirals into chaos after his act of bravery turns to tragedy. The vengeful hand of the man who assaulted Charity strikes back, slaughtering his sheep as retribution. Now, Ari’s brother languishes in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and flames devour his home and barn, leaving him with nothing but a future of despair. The only glimmer of hope is Charity, who now cares for his young nephew, Soren.

As desperation mounts, Ari is reluctant to lean on the fierce Roma women. But when Charity’s mother proposes an unexpected deal—one he should refuse—he’s faced with an impossible choice. Could marrying the beautiful Charity and securing the neighboring land be the key to ensuring Soren’s safety and freeing his brother?
Attraction sparks between them, but can their disparate worlds coexist? Can they navigate their differences and build a future together?

PG- A clean and swoon-worthy historical romance with deep veins of grace, courage, and heart-hugging acceptance. Curl up and escape to a happy ending.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Christian Historical Romance is a favorite genre of mine. Securing Charity by Julia David is the most recent book in this genre that I read. It is Book 1 in the Place to Belong series. 

The 2 main characters are Charity Baldzo and Ari Johansson. The setting is 1866 in Iowa. Charity is a Roma Gyspy, she doesn't like to stay in one place for long, but finally decides to move to help her mother who has medical ailings. She has a disability that she prefers to hide from others. Ari Johansson is a Swedish Man who rescues Charity when she is attacked by another man. Ari experiences devastion to his property and his family when the attacker takes revenge on Ari. Ari is also now helping to raise his nephew, while his brother is in prison for crimes he didn't commit. He is lost as to what do next, and Charity's mother offers Ari and his nephew Soren, to stay at house. Ari and Charity are now working together to help Soren and take care of him. Charity's mother has a plan, a Marriage between Ari and Charity. Will the pair decide on a Marriage of Convenience to help both families from the recent trauma? Can they help Ari's brother prove his innocence? 

WOW, a very enjoyable book from beginning to end. I REALLY LOVE Marriage of Convenience storylines. I think this has been one of my favorite. The author really took the reader back to the Historical times and I really enjoyed the characters. Charity and Ari really helped one another through the devastions. I really LOVE that Ari didn't see Charity's disability as a bad thing, and Charity never let that hinder her from doing things. The book is one of Faith, Family, Romance, Mystery and intrigue. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK! 



 





Julia David is an Amazon #1 ranked romance author, serial DIY’er, and certified life coach. Addicted to Hallmark movies and baking, she believes it’s crucial to have some predictable things in life. Her tagline, ‘Escape to an Era Where True Love Prevails’, was from her own reason for reading stacks of books.
Married and a mother to five, she also loves to camp and hike around the Pacific Northwest.

 

More from Julia

Fun fact: My daughter’s dear friend is a talented photographer who was born missing half of her left arm. Her agility and confidence are truly inspiring, and she served as a major inspiration for our heroine, Charity.”

My favorite part of being an indie author is witnessing how God provides the perfect cover models just when I need them. Each of my books features amazing ladies (and gentlemen) from my Northern California area, and I absolutely love creating the costumes myself.

Below are photos of our heroine, Charity, showcasing costumes that are largely sourced from Goodwill. I truly enjoy the creative process!




Stories By Gina, January 28 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Vicky Sluiter, January 30 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 1 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 2

For the Love of Literature, February 3 (Author Interview)

Madi’s Musings, February 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 5 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, February 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Blossoms and Blessings, February 8 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 9

Holly’s Book Corner, February 10




To celebrate her tour, Julia is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a 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/00adcf54143







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Thursday, February 6, 2025

Momentum Influencers Blog Tour Americans with No Address Documentary Review







The producers of the feature film No Address, a movie about a group of individuals who fall into homelessness, toured America to learn more about the epidemic before filming. The Robert Craig Films team embarked on this bus tour over a span of three weeks, visiting 20 major cities across 18 states to create the documentary Americans With No Address.

Homelessness has now expanded not only in urban areas but also in rural and suburban areas. As of 2023, in the United States alone, over 2.8 million people experienced homelessness, more than half of them were children. Trauma, mental health, substance abuse, lack of affordable housing, and economics are all factors for the drastic increase in homelessness in our country. Several scenes from the feature film No Address appear in the documentary, providing a narrative perspective of these various issues.

The documentary was produced with the hope that the bus tour would become a conduit for change, fostering compassion and inspiring action within every community touched. Each stop on the bus tour unveiled unique stories of individuals who navigated life without a physical address. They also interviewed those who were formerly homeless as well as those who are currently still struggling in it. They witnessed firsthand the unbreakable spirit that thrives in the face of adversity. This deepened their understanding of homelessness, its complexities and created more compassion for the lost.


With a direct effort to elevate the conversation on the topic, over 175 interviews were conducted. The team wanted to collect input from a diverse group of people from all sides of the political spectrum who were united on common ground to discuss these critical issues and concerns for our society. The team interviewed policy leaders, mission directors, clinical specialists, CEOs of national nonprofits, executive directors of local and regional nonprofits, influencers, those who have experienced homelessness, and those who are still struggling to overcome it. They also interviewed the current and past Executive Directors of the U.S Interagency Council on Homelessness in the Presidential Administration, the Commanders of Salvation Army, CEOs of large national organizations like Citygate Network and St. Vincent de Paul, and many other leaders and influencers in our country.






I was really intrigued by the Synopsis of this Documentary and I was very anxious to watch it. Homelessness is a VERY real issue in America. Americans who are fornuate enough to have a Home or Shelter seem to not know how vast the numbers who are Homeless are. I think it is important for so many to learn how deep the problem is so that resources and resolutions can be more vastly provided. 

I really LOVE how the Film Producers traveled to so many different Cities in different areas of the Country. The film shows that Homelessness isn't isolated to just one area of the Country or just to the BIG cities, it is everywhere. 

I myself live in the Chicagoland area and have seen the Homeless encampments and the "famous" Wacker Drive Homeless camp my whole life. I currently volunteer every Wednesday at a Food Pantry and we see a few clients on a weekly basis who are homeless. I wish I had the  resources to help them further, but we do refer them to various local resources. 

I HIGHLY recommend this film so that the message can be heard by many and that we can begin to work together as a Country to help the Homeless Community! Help is needed YEAR ROUND, not just when it is extremely cold or extremely hot! GREAT MOVIE!














Available on Prime Video for Streaming








Many thanks to Robert Craig Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.








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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Misgivings by Anne Gibson

Misgivings JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Misgivings by Anne Gibson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



Misgivings

Title: Misgivings
Author: Anne Gibson
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date:
September 2, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Desperate to avoid the turmoil that now engulfs her, Dee would do anything for a chance to turn back time. Wracked with regret and paralyzed by fear, she is forced to hide halfway across the world, all in a bid to safeguard the one person she holds most dear. If only she could undo the past and prevent this disastrous situation from ever unfolding. 

After waiting five long years, Luke thought he was finally making progress in his relationship with Dee. But just as she begins to open up and trust him, she suddenly vanishes, leaving him bewildered and determined to uncover the truth behind her sudden disappearance.  




Christian Romance and Mystery is always an interesting Genre to read. Misgivings by Anne Gibson is the latest in this genre that I have read. 

I have to say this storyline gripped my interest from the beginning and it never ended. The 2 main characters in this book are Dee and Luke. Dee and Luke have known each other since Childhood. Dee has been in a relationship with a man named Mark, but then discovers Mark has been lying to her and more. Luke feels it might be his time to really express his feelings for Dee. Luke and Dee begin to have deep conversations and then suddenly Dee disappears and Luke is left bewildered and hurt. He is determined to find her, even though at first he doesn't know how far he will have to search for her. Dee has fled because she doesn't feel worthy for Luke. I really LOVED this book from the first pages. Luke is probably my favorite character as he really wants to LOVE and Help Dee and he is also very strong in his faith. I LOVE how Dee really allowed Luke to share his faith and she herself was starting to come back to the faith. The book is filled with Faith, Mystery, Romance and Second Chances. I am excited for the Author Anne Gibson as this is her debut novel and I am looking forward to future books from her. GREAT BOOK! 



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub




Anne Gibson

Award-winning author Anne Gibson is blessed to call the stunning Canadian Rockies home. When she isn't penning her stories, she relishes time in nature—hiking, paddling, and basking in the sun at the beach alongside her family and beloved furball. A true romantic at heart, Anne often finds herself curled up with an engaging book, dreaming up her own captivating love stories.

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




(1) winner will receive a print copy of Misgivings as well as a $25 Amazon gift card!

Misgivings JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 10, 2025. 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!

JustRead Publicity Tours






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