Sunday, September 24, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Finding True North by Dianne Beck

Book: Finding True North

Author: Dianne Beck

Genre: YA Fiction

Release Date: January 31, 2023

Finding True North

North Carolina Simon hates her name. As a fourteen-year-old girl growing up in the 1970s, she has a lot of challenges. People not only make fun of her name, but also scoff at her eccentric family. Dad’s a hoarder, Mom’s an unpredictable artist and her older sister lives with an autism diagnosis. After a humiliating middle school event shatters her confidence as a singer, North is determined to break free from the stigma surrounding her family.

As she starts high school, North tells people to call her Carol. Armed with a new name, she updates her hair and clothes, befriends a popular boy in hopes of joining his band, distances herself from her two longtime friends, and avoids being seen with her adoring and dependent sister. Everything seems to be going according to plan until her sister suddenly disappears.

Carol is forced to face the fact that fitting in and being popular have come at a cost, and that the sister she might lose could have the answer to what she’s been looking for all along.

Finding True North is a prequel to Sticks and Stones, but each can be read as stand-alone novels.

Click here to get your copy!

Young Adult Fiction is a genre I read every once in a while. I recently read Finding True North by Dianne Beck. The synopsis and book cover intrigued me.

The time is the 1970's and North Carolina Simon is a 14-year-old girl who loathes her name. Her family life is also so different from those around her. Her mom is an Artist, her Dad a Hoarder and her older sister has Autism. She is in Middle School and has a traumatic event that has lowered her confidence that she has a beautiful singing voice. North is now ready to enter High School and she now goes by the name Carol. She also gets a makeover and becomes friends with a popular boy. Her longtime friends are not so close to her anymore and Carol also tries to avoid associating with her Older Sister. Carol is finally enjoying life and then her older sister disappears. Carol is really worried about her sister and feels her own changes might be the reason her sister is missing. Will Carol find her Sister safe? Will Carol be able to find her own true identity?

I am very glad that I read this book. The storyline is very relevant in today's society. North/Carol was being bullied and ridiculed due to many things that she could not control. She really only wanted to be liked and to live a "normal" life and set out to change herself. I really love how the Author addresses self-worth with Scriptures and Encouragement. I feel that Teen Girls will be encouraged by this book, as will adults. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction. GREAT BOOK!

Dianne Beck spent much of her career teaching students ranging from Kindergarten through adult before achieving her dream of publishing her first novel, Sticks and Stones. She hopes young people and adults can find faith and strength in her stories. When not writing or reading a good book, she savors every moment possible with family and friends, and loves a good steaming cup of coffee or tea. Visit her author website at diannebeck.com.

More from Dianne

One of the things I love most about being an author of Christian fiction is showing readers how God is working in the lives of my characters, just like he’s working in each of our lives. While I hope readers see how my main characters are wrestling with and growing in faith, my side characters actually play a huge role. In both my novels I have a supporting character who is unique and often viewed as quirky or weak to the world around them. By showing how God loves, guides, and equips these characters, I hope to encourage anyone who has ever felt weak or out of place, which I think all of us have at some point. I also hope it reminds readers that God is often found in unexpected people and places.

In Finding True North, I spent a significant amount of time developing the character of Aria, who is main character North’s older sister. Aria is autistic, and during the 1970s, the time this book was set, autism wasn’t well understood. Because of this, many people don’t give Aria much of a chance, and miss out on all the depth and beauty she has to offer.

My inspiration for Aria came from two Bible verses: 1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV), which says, “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong,” along with “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV). Aria may be the kind of character who would be looked down on by many in the world, but she is used powerfully by God. One of the ways she does is with her extreme joy and bold love of the Lord. These characteristics are what ultimately impact and shape North as the story moves forward.

If you enjoy Finding True North, check out my first novel, Sticks and Stones, and stay tuned for the Sticks and Stones sequel, currently in the works!

Texas Book-aholic, September 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 16
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 17
Cover Lover Book Review, September 18
Artistic Nobody, September 19
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 19
lakesidelivingsite, September 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 21
The Book Club Network, September 22
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 23
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 24
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 25
For Him and My Family, September 26
Girls in white dresses, September 27
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 28 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, September 28

To celebrate her tour, Dianne is giving away the grand prize package 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/27de6/finding-true-north-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Saturday, September 23, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God by Christa Joy Spaeth

Book: Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God

Author: Christa Joy Spaeth

Genre: Christian non-fiction, devotional

Release Date: February 22, 2023

Powerful Whispers gives you a glimpse of how awe-inspiring God’s whispers of His love are for you. He desires to capture your heart, to communicate personally with you, to encourage and strengthen you.

Each daily devotional offers God’s life-giving words, suggests powerful worship, and provides an activation step applying that day’s principle to your life. Let the Lord fill your cup to overflow as you embark on this amazing 7-week journey.

Whether you have been walking with the Lord for years or have been recently saved, you will discover in fresh new ways that: God Knows You – God Loves You – God Fights for You – God provides for You – God Chose You – God’s Peace is for You – God’s Powerful Whispers Can Change your Life

Click here to get your copy!

Those who know me, know that Devotionals are a part of my daily life. I am always looking for a themed devotional that pertains to my life. Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God by Christa Joy Spaeth is the latest Devotional that I have come across and added to my Devotional stacks.

Powerful Whispers is a 7-week Devotional that helps the reader grow closer to God through hearing his Whispers. The Devotional is divided into 7 Chapters. Each day includes a Scripture, a God Whisper, a Personal Message, a Worship Song, an Activity, a prayer, and a time of Reflection. The 7 Chapters include:

God Knows You
God Loves You
God Fights for You
God provides for You
God Chose You
God’s Peace is for You
God’s Powerful Whispers Can Change Your Life

I really like the Layout and how easy it is to follow. The Devotional is filled with Encouragement and uplifting sections. I feel quiet time with God is an important time of the day and the Devotional is one that expresses that. Growing closer to God takes us being willing to sit and listen to him "whisper" to us and acknowledge him. I think this is great for individuals, but it could also be used in a Small Group setting. I would recommend this Devotional. FANTASTIC Devotional!

Christa Joy Spaeth is the founder of Christa Joy Ministries. It was in 2022 when Minnesota-based author Christa received a compelling message from God. In a prayer cabin called “Whisper,” He prompted her to write a seven-week devotional.

Since then, Christa’s eyes, heart, and ears were opened to more whispers, so that she may start fulfilling her new purpose of helping the hurting and share the love of Christ.

This blessed wife, mother of two, and businesswoman is passionate about living up to God’s plans for her every day. So much so that in 2022, she stepped down from her decades-long career as a Registered Dietitian at a large food manufacturing company to pursue the promptings of the Lord and encourage others in Christ.

Today, Christa owns and operates Christa Joy Ministries where she publishes her own books, writes daily encouragements and God whispers on her social media accounts. In addition, she does guest blog posts for various social media accounts.

More from Christa

One morning while I was away at a prayer cabin, the Lord laid on my heart that I was to write a book. My first thought was, “Oh, my! Lord, I have never written anything other than work-related documents. Where do I begin? What do you want me to write?”

I am so honored and humbled that the Lord placed amazing book experts in my path over the next year to launch this unique devotional book in a mere 55 weeks. This feat is spectacular as I didn’t know anything about the publishing business.

Two components of Powerful Whispers that my readers love are the suggested worship and the activations. After each devotional was written I searched for the perfect worship song. You will find several suggested indie artist songs and a few popular worship songs too. Daily you will find an activation which engages your entire body to be able to get the daily truth deeper in your soul.

The Bible verse I read before I starting to write Powerful Whispers is found in James 1:5, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God continually showed His faithfulness to me by providing wisdom to share with my readers.

My heart’s desire is that readers will soon learn through this daily devotional that God chose them, He loves them, and He wants to share His powerful whispers daily for their life.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 13
Lily’s Book Reviews, September 14
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15
A Reader’s Brain, September 16 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17
Texas Book-aholic, September 18
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 19 (Author Interview)
Life on Chickadee Lane, September 19
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 20
Its Mama Safe, September 21
The Book Club Network, September 22
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 23
Artistic Nobody, September 24 (Author Interview)
By The Book, September 25 (Author Interview)
Mary Hake, September 25
Lots of Helpers, September 26

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Powerful Whispers devotional book, and a hand-crafted leather bookmark!!

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/27de3/powerful-whispers-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Thursday, September 21, 2023

JustRead Tours Blog Blitz: The Art of Writing Webinars 2023

Art of Writing JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for The Art of Writing 2023 webinars, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

You are Invited

The Art of Writing

Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT

online October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9

This virtual conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators includes access and recordings to four webinars organized by publishers.

Session One: Dispelling the Myths Around Christian Fiction Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m. central Kelsey Bowen, Jamie Lapeyrolerie, Rachel McMillan

Kelsey Bowen Jamie Lapeyrolerie Rachel McMillan

Christian fiction is alive and well and this will be a great opportunity to hear more. Join a panel of publishing experts as they dispel myths surrounding this genre. This session will encourage you to replace unsettling rumors with exciting truths and be reminded of the unique and powerful place that Christian storytelling has in our world.

Session Two: How Great Books Can Improve Your Novel and Your Life

Thursday, October 26, 7 p.m. central

Claude Atcho, Jamie Lapeyrolerie

Claude Atcho Jamie Lapeyrolerie

This session will provide dynamic conversation with authors and publisher sharing great works that provide excellent examples of authentic scenes, character arcs, characters with varying life experiences, and more -- to help you write a really great book. Come away with a few must-reads and a list of excellent writing examples to inspire your own craft.

Session Three: Publishing Doesn’t Have to Terrify You!

Thursday, November 2, 7 p.m. central

Stephanie Broene, Tamela Hancock Murray, Barb Roose, Laura Wheeler

Stephanie Broene Tamela Hancock Murray Barb Roose Laura Wheeler

Writing a book is only the beginning of the publishing process and it can feel overwhelming. After you sign a contract or decide to self-publish, what comes next? With a panel of publishing experts, we’ll cover publishing aspects everyone needs to know, such as: How do I get endorsers? If I need an authenticity reader, where do I start? How can an agent help me in the process? If I’m just starting to build a platform, what should I focus on? Come away with tips and tricks that cover all areas of publishing!

Session Four: Going Deep with Award-Winning Authors

Thursday, November 9, 7 p.m. central

Patricia Raybon, Steven James, Becky Wade

Patricia Raybon Steven James Becky Wade

Hear and learn from the life songs of three award-winning authors who will weave their real-life tales about writing fiction later in life, moving from nonfiction to fiction, then gaining a “seat” in the Christy Hall of Fame. Find out what motivates them, how they stay inspired, and what encouragement they have to pass on to fellow writers. Patricia, Sean, and Becky will provide a peek into their world to help you, with pen in hand.

Added Bonus

All registrants to the Art of Writing sessions can opt to “add-on” a publisher consult. Choose one or more of these small group sessions with a publisher: Pitch & Publish, Ask Me Anything, Strengthen Your Proposal & Get Your Foot in the Door, Calling All Debut Authors. Time/dates are determined based on attendee and moderator schedules. Space is limited. First come, first served.

Learn More about The Art of Writing 2023 Webinar Series

Register

Save the dates for The Christy Award Finalists Webcast & Winners Gala Webcast on October 12 and November 16, respectively. Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA's Jeff Crosby will be announcing the 2023 finalists on October 12 at 11 a.m. CT. Janette Oke, Davis Bunn, and other award-winning novelists will be featured and winners announced during the 2023 Winners Gala Webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. The Christy Award webcasts are free but registration is required.

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

Register Now for The Art of Writing & The Christy Award web events

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 27, 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Preacher on the Run by Jayna Baas

Book: Preacher on the Run: The Truth Will Hold Its Own

Author: Jayna Baas

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: April 12, 2020

STANDING FOR TRUTH COULD COST HIM HIS FREEDOM. FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM COULD COST HIM HIS LIFE.

It’s 1771, and North Carolina is at war. On one side stands the power of the Crown. On the other side stands a dangerous freedom of conscience.

Former circuit rider Robert Boothe has spent the last four years leading the tyrant-hating Regulators against North Carolina’s corrupt British government. All he wants is a safe place for his little Baptist church to worship God.

But when Colonel Charles Drake arrives in town, Robert becomes a target. The Church of England wants him to shut up. The governor wants him dead.

Now Robert’s church and family are caught in the crossfire. And that safe place is farther and farther away.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres. I also like reading books from authors that I haven't been introduced to yet. Preacher on the Run: The Truth Will Hold Its Own by Jayna Baas is a book that I recently read that is both of those. This is Book 1 in the For Liberty and Conscience Series.

The setting is North Carolina in 1771 during War Time. Robert Boothe is a former Circuit Rider and he has been leading the Regulators for 4 years against the British Government. All he wants is a safe place for his Church to Worship. Trouble really brews when Colonel Charles Drake comes to town. Robert's Church is caught in the Crossfire of the Governor wanting Colonel Drake Dead and the English Government wanting to shut him up. Will Robert Boothe and his Church ever find a safe place to Worship? What happens to Colonel Drake?

I have to say it took me a couple of chapters to really understand the Storyline. I finally grasped it and it was good reading from that point on. Robert is a great character in the book. He is strong and determined to get a safe place for his Church. I truly admire his determination. I also really enjoyed Maggie and Susanna, his wife and daughter. Their family unit was so sweet. The author has done a FANTASTIC job at the research for the time period of 1771. I truly learned a lot about that time period through this book. I personally have not read to many Fiction books about the Revolutionary War and this one really stood out for me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian historical Ficton. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Jayna Baas, pronounced as in “baa, baa, black sheep,” is the author of Preacher on the Run and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network. She lives in northern Michigan with a great family of real people and the family of pretend people who live in her head. (Yes, she does know her characters are not real. No, she does not want you to tell them she said so.) Although she enjoys multiple genres, her favorite story is this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Learn more and sign up for a free short story at www.booksbyjayna.com.

More from Jayna

Freedom is risky. If people are free to make up their own minds, they might discover they’ve been lied to. They might discover the truth and then act on it, and they just might turn the world upside down.

That’s a story that’s been happening ever since Christ freed his first followers from the law of sin and death. They shared that freedom all over their world, and the hierarchy didn’t like it, from the Pharisees on up to Nero. It’s a story that happens over and over again. And it happened in eighteenth-century North Carolina.

Almost all of the Thirteen Colonies had an official state-sanctioned church that could banish, imprison, or even execute those who did not conform. The most common “state church” in the southern colonies was the Church of England, and that’s what we find in North Carolina at the time of Preacher on the Run.

Imagine you’re a dissenter preacher in this time and place. Up the street is the local vestry, which you’re taxed to support, while you’ve been threatened with jail for preaching without a license. One of your church members is about to be dispossessed for not paying taxes—taxes he can’t afford and has probably already paid once. No one dares go to court; everyone knows the courts are nests of extortion, and you could be charged with felony if you stay at a meeting after an official deems it seditious.

Now the governor’s new agent comes to town—a man who is hungry for power, a man who knows you’re a leader not only in your congregation but also in the grassroots resistance that is rising against the government’s corruption. To him, your belief that people can go to God directly through faith in Christ without the state church is blasphemous. And your belief that all men are on equal footing before God and the law is unthinkably dangerous.

What would you do?

This is a scenario that set my story-loving imagination on fire. This is the story of Preacher on the Run. It’s the story of a spark that ignited and spread throughout the colonies until it was a blaze of revolution—not the rejection of authority but the restoration of rightful authority. It’s the story of countless men and women who faced persecution on American soil for the sake of truth and freedom. Truth never needs to be forced on others, because it can never truly be defeated. And only where there is freedom can truth flourish and spread and turn the world upside down. Because, as Robert Boothe says in Preacher on the Run, the truth will hold its own.

This is his story, and ours.