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Sunday, December 8, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey





 

Book: An Unexpected Catch

Author: Abbey Downey

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 19, 2024

Can she count on the pitcher to save her dream, or will his secret destroy their futures?

Bea Curran has forged a career as an umpire in Chicago’s semi-professional baseball league, and now she’s ready to move toward her dream of leading the women’s athletic department at Western College. With her reputation on the line, the last thing she needs is a romance with a player known for his womanizing ways. But when her women’s baseball team desperately needs help, she can’t ignore the one man who could save them.

Emmett Worland, a talented new pitcher in the Chicago City League, has been keeping a painful secret that could end his baseball career for good. While he tries to hide his worsening illness, Emmett agrees to help coach Bea’s struggling team in hopes that it will be a step toward redeeming a bad reputation he didn’t earn.

Bea and Emmett’s undeniable attraction deepens the more time they spend together, but with so much at stake, can they afford to let their hearts lead the way? Or will the shadows of the past and the uncertainties of the future destroy their chance at a happily ever after?

 

Click here to get your copy!




 



Abbey Downey started writing inspirational romance stories during naptime when her kids were babies and found she couldn’t stop. She previously published two books with Love Inspired Historical under the pen name Mollie Campbell. She also works with Spark Flash Fiction producing a quarterly digital magazine that contains love stories under 1000 words.

A life-long Midwestern girl, Abbey lives in central Indiana with her husband, two kids, and one rather enthusiastic beagle. She loves watching her kids play sports and fixing up a 1900 farmhouse with her husband.


More from Abbey

From the first record of it in the late 1700s, the game of baseball grew in popularity—and eccentricity—for decades. There have been plenty of larger-than-life characters and wild tales in the sport, but in my research for An Unexpected Catch, I was most drawn to the stories of those baseball legends many people haven’t heard of.

One of those was the inspiration for the heroine of my story. Amanda Clement became the first female umpire in baseball when she began refereeing games in a semi-professional league—at only sixteen years old! Amanda was a wildly talented athlete in her own right and was known to stand up to the rough men who played baseball in the early twentieth century without hesitation.

Like Amanda, my heroine, Bea Curran, built her career as an umpire in a man’s sport through determination and skill. She knows how to stand up for herself on the field or in other sports, but as she leaves baseball to pursue a different dream, she has to learn how to navigate new pressures to conform to the expectations those in authority place on her.

One of the hardest parts of the research I did for this book was related to the players. Lots of old baseball tales are fun and harmless enough. But then there are too many stories like “Gentleman” George Decker, a Chicago first baseman who was hit in the head by a pitch in 1897. He was denied time off to recover and was hit again not long after. His mental state declined quickly, leading to delusions and threatening behavior. He was institutionalized several times before dying in an asylum in 1909.

Decker was far from the only player to suffer from intense mental and physical health issues after a head injury. Today, we would recognize these players’ symptoms as the result of concussions. But in the early 1900s and before, little was known about brain injuries from blows to the head. These men suffered in silence while being told they were crazy, and many were either arrested or placed in asylums, torn from their loved ones instead of treated.

In An Unexpected Catch, pitcher Emmett Worland feels like baseball is all he has. When he’s forced to face the likely loss of his career thanks to post-concussion syndrome (as we call it now), he has to figure out if anything else could possibly make his life worthwhile if he can’t play. Just like many of us, he wrestles with his purpose when the path he thought he would take is irrevocably disrupted.

Thankfully, there are plenty of wonderful moments in this story to remind the characters (and us) that God blesses us even in struggles. Along with all the fun vintage baseball and historical details, readers will follow Bea and Emmett as they grow in their faith, find their way through changing circumstances, and fall in love with the person they least expected.

 

Happy reading!

Abbey



Inspired by Fiction, December 2

Book Looks by Lisa, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 3

She Lives to Read, December 4

Texas Book-aholic, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 8

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 9

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 10

Stories By Gina, December 11 (Author Interview)

Allyson Jamison, December 11

Connie’s History Classroom, December 12

Cover Lover Book Review, December 13

For Him and My Family, December 14

Holly’s Book Corner, December 15

Pause for Tales, December 15



To celebrate her tour, Abbey is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/00adcf54107







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Saturday, December 7, 2024

FrontGate Media Blog Tour: Enduring Grace Church Year Journals for Women and Kids YEAR C











Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal encourages adults to spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word.

This lectionary-based, interactive journal includes the following features:
  • Scripture references for every Sunday of the 3-Year Lectionary (Year C)
  • Introductions to seasons and festivals of the Christian Church Year
  • Reflections on the readings
  • Watercolor illustrations
  • Space for journaling and prayers
  • Devotions on hymns from Lutheran Service Book (LSB) 

Spend time with Enduring Grace by yourself, with a small group, or with your family to celebrate and reflect upon the life and work of Jesus Christ.











Enduring Grace: A Church Year Journal for Kids encourages children to spend time reading and meditating on God’s Word. 

  • This lectionary-based, interactive journal includes the following features.
  • Scripture references for every Sunday of the 3-Year Lectionary (Year C)
  • Introductions to seasons and festivals of the Christian Church Year
  • Reflections on the readings
  • Discussion prompts
  • Bible illustrations to color
  • Space for journaling and prayers
  • Hymn suggestions from Lutheran Service Book (LSB)

Children and their families can spend time with Enduring Grace during devotion time, quiet time, or worship to celebrate and reflect upon the life and work of Jesus Christ.




Here is a bit more about the liturgical year:

From earliest times the Church has gathered on Sundays to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ. Over time an annual cycle of Christian memory-making has also developed, which allows us to remember his life, death, and resurrection; to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit; and to recall the ministry of the holy people who have spread the Christian faith over the centuries.

Through the structuring of our Christian memory, the past is able to come into our present.

The liturgical or Church year is divided into several seasons. It begins with Advent, which looks forward to Christmas. The visit of the wise men to Jesus is remembered at Epiphany, after which there is a period of ‘ordinary time’. The six weeks of Lent prepare us for Easter, which celebrates Jesus’s resurrection, leading forward to his Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church at Pentecost. ‘Ordinary time’ then resumes until the end of the year.



ADULT JOURNAL


CHILDREN JOURNAL




Church on Sunday is a "tradition" for many families. Although, many do not fully understand the Church Year. The Encouraging Grace Journals are a GREAT Resource that goes through the Church Year and wonderful way to expand on the Sunday Church Service learning. I really LOVE the Look and Layout of the Journals, VERY colorful and Beautiful layout.  Each week has Scripture, Hymns, a place for Reflection and Prayers and more. I REALLY LOVE the Church Year Calendar information included in the books. Another GREAT feature is that the Women's Journal and Child's Journal are similar and are inline with one another, so studying as a family or having your child sit next to you is easy to do with the books. 

I was very excited to receive a copy of both the Women's Journal and the Children's Journal. I am in absolute AWE at how wonderful both Journals are. I HIGHLY recommend both of them! They would make GREAT Christmas Gifts! 















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Friday, December 6, 2024

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: An Unexpected Journey by Ann Elizabeth Fryer

An Unexpected Journey JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for An Unexpected Journey by Ann Elizabeth Fryer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



An Unexpected Journey

Title: An Unexpected Journey: A Regency Hobbit Retelling
Author:
Ann Elizabeth Fryer
Publisher:
Independently Published
Release Date:
November 28, 2024
Genre:
Regency Romance/Hobbit Retelling

A heritage neither of them desires, a wrong to right. A chance to end a family curse... 

When strangers tumble through the doors of once resplendent Grandview Estate, Lady Laura Tamlow is pulled into a rather unexpected journey, away from the village she's never left along with a gentleman unlike any she's ever known. 

Jonathan Canfield is out of options. And he'd do anything to restore his family fortunes in order to keep them from poverty, including roping Lady Tamlow into playing the part of thief. They must reclaim both his and her family jewels that were stolen the night of the fated Grand Masquerade of 1770, where both the Canfields and the Tamlows fell far from society's good graces. If only his thief weren't so lovely, he'd be able to focus on the mission without distraction. 

But there's a bigger problem at hand. The jewels reside at Lombard Park under the eye of Lord Herrington, a greedy dragon of a man who knows he's about to die. Yet he has bigger claims than they ever imagined and attempts to steal something far more valuable than family jewels. With deception afoot, will Jonathan ever see Lady Tamlow again? 



Christian Historical Fiction is a favorite genre. I have become interested in "retelling stories" in the past year.. An Unexpected Journey: A Regency Hobbit Retelling by Ann Elizabeth Fryer is the most recent book that I have read that fits both catergories. 

I will admit I wasn't sure what to expect when reading this book, as I haven't  ever read The Hobbit. I thought I would be lost while reading this book. I do LOVE that it is set in the Regency Era. I actually surprised myself when the storyline captured my attention from the very first chapter. Lady Laura Tamlow and Jonathan Canfield are the main characters in the book. I really LOVE how Lady Laura agrees to go on an adventure with Jonathan She is tasked with helping to recover the Family Jewels of both her family and Jonathan's family, by stealing them back, just as they were stolen in 1770. Adventure truly is at hand for Jonathan and Lady Laura and also danger lurks. I really LOVE how Jonathan really is a gentleman and wants to protect Laura. The romance that happens in this story is so sweet. The book is one of twists and turns, adventure, Romance and Faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves Christian Historical books. FANTASTIC BOOK!



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub  

**The author is offering free swag to the first 20 people who purchase a paperback/hardcover book. Proof of purchase required.**




Ann Elizabeth Fryer

Ann Elizabeth Fryer loves nothing more than using story and romance to relay the depths and graciousness of a Father who holds us securely in the palms of His hands. Daydreaming her surroundings from a young age, she's lived in historic homes most of her life and regularly participates in backyard archaeology. When she's not writing historical projects, her contemporary novels show a flavor of her forever-passion for all things old. Ann, her husband, and three children make their home in small-town Illinois where they can hear church bells keep time and tradition.

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




(1) winner will receive a hardcover copy of An Unexpected Journey, a tote bag, swag, and a $10 Amazon gift card!

(1) additional winner will receive an ebook copy of An Unexpected Journey!

An Unexpected Journey JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 2, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 9, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No shipping restrictions. 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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Thursday, December 5, 2024

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar

The Queen’s Cook JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



The Queen's Cook

Title: The Queen’s Cook 
Series: Queen Esther's Court #1 
Author: Tessa Afshar 
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers 
Release Date: November 19, 2024 
Genre: Historical Fiction, Biblical 

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens. 

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.


Biblical Fiction is a genre that I have become interested in over the last year or so. The Queens Cook by Tessa Afshar is Book 1 in the Queen Esther's Court series. I had the honor of reading this book recently. 

I will say this book started off a little slow for me. I think it is mainly due to the fact that it takes me some time to comprehend Biblical Theology, even in Fiction. I had to understand the characters before I could fully understand the book. It was a ME thing, not a fault of the author or the writing style of the book. Once I started comprehending the storyline, I was all engrossed in the book and could not put it down until I finished the book. Roxannah is the main character of the book and her story is quite interesting. I really LOVE that she is determined to get out of her father's rule over her life and help her Jewish friends. Roxannah is of Persian descent and her Dad is a Persian Lord, but he has been too controlling over Roxannah. Her Jewish friends are in need and she is wants to help them. Her friend Adin, who is Jewish, helps her get a job as Queen Esther's Cook. Roxannah is an amazing cook and Queen Esther has high regards for Roxannah. Queen Esther is a strong woman in the Bible and this story was truly about Queen Esther as seen through the eyes of Roxannah. I can honestly say this book helped me comprehend Esther's part in the Bible, much clearer then any Bible study ever did. The book is one of Faith, Biblical Women, recipes, cooking and friendships. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction! I am looking forward to other books in this series. FANTASTIC BOOK!




PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub




Tessa Afshar

Tessa Afshar's award-winning biblical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into twelve languages. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.

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


(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of The Queen's Cook and a $15 Amazon gift card!

The Queen's Cook JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight December 4, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on December 11, 2024. 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!

JustRead Publicity Tours







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