Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller

 

Book: The Elusive Miss Ellison

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Historical, Regency Fiction

Release Date: February 28, 2017

Pride, Presumption, and forgiveness…

Hampton Hall’s new owner has the villagers of St. Hampton Heath all aflutter—all except Lavinia Ellison. The reverend’s daughter cares for those who are poor and sick, and the seventh Earl of Hawkesbury definitely does not meet that criteria. His refusal to take his responsibilities seriously, or even darken the door of the church, leave her convinced he is as arrogant and reckless as his brother—his brother who stole the most important person in Lavinia’s world.

 

Nicholas Stamford is shadowed by guilt: his own, his brother’s, the legacy of war. A perfunctory visit to this dreary part of Gloucestershire wasn’t supposed to engage his heart, or his mind. Challenged by Miss Ellison’s fascinating blend of Bluestocking opinions, hoydenish behavior, and angelic singing voice, he finds the impossible becoming possible—he begins to care. But Lavinia’s aloof manner, society’s opposition and his ancestral obligations prove most frustrating, until scandal forces them to get along.

Can Lavinia and Nicholas look beyond painful pasts and present prejudice to see their future? And what happens when Lavinia learns a family secret that alters everything she’s ever known?

 

Click here to get your copy!

I will be brutally honest, I have never been a HUGE fan of Pride and Prejudice. I have read it and I do appreciate Jane Austen's writing and the book, but I have never been a follower. Likewise, Regency Romance isn't my favorite genre. The book cover and Synopsis of The Elusive Miss Ellison, by Carolyn Miller had me jump out of my comfort zone and read it. 

Lavinia Ellison is the daughter of a Local Minister, and she takes care 

of the Sick and Poor in her Village. Nicholas Stamford, who happens to 

be the Earl of Hawkesbury,  is the new ownerof Hampton Hall and the 

Village is really liking him. Lavinia Ellison is not taking a liking to him, as 

he seems to "rich" for her. Also, Nicholas is not a responsible person and

that rubs many the wrong way. The real reason for the dislike is that 

Nichola's brother is responible for the death of Lavinia's brother. 

Bad decisions are made and it is affectingthe Village people. Lavinia and 

Nicholas continue to have a dislike of each other, until a strong situation 

forces them to work together to resolve the situation. The 2 begin to be civil

to one another and actually their feelings begin to change toward one another. Can Lavinia and Nicholas overcome the past and work together for the futureof the Village? Will their be a change of attitude and heart changes for the 2? 

The story starts out slow and it took me a few chapters to really get into 

the story and enjoy the book. Once I got a few chapters, I was hooked. 

The story picked up and I really found myself not looking up from reading. 

I really enjoyed the MAJOR twist in the book and it kept me reading until 

the end. Very good book, especially for those who truly enjoy Regency

Romance books. I give it 4 out of 5 stars, mainly due to the Slow start to the book. 

 

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.

 

A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena's Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, Underestimating Miss Cecilia, and Misleading Miss Verity, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc Her contemporary novels include Restoring Fairhaven and Regaining Mercy, as part of the Independence Islands series.

 

More from Carolyn

Mr. Darcy has a lot to answer for, doesn’t he?

 

I’ve long been a fan of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, and my first historical romance, The Elusive Miss Ellison, was so fun to write as I worked to weave the social commentary of Jane Austen with the wit and romantic dash of Heyer, an unwavering Christian thread, and a dash of Aussie perspective.

 

I’ve been very fortunate to visit many of the settings used in my Regency Brides series (of series), including the Cotswolds, Brighton, Bath, London, Derbyshire and the gorgeous Scottish castle featured on the cover of Misleading Miss Verity, and have loved seeing readers respond so positively to these stories of hope, redemption, family and love.

 

I love to share images of my trips and what I envisage concerning these stories at my website (www.carolynmillerauthor.com) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CarolynMillerAuthor

) and hope readers will enjoy being swept up into an age of ladies and true gentlemen, when the code of honor was paramount, and Mr. Darcy showed that first impressions can never be fully trusted, and that there is always something deeper to the story.

 

Happy reading, friends!

 

Carolyn :)

Connie’s History Classroom, October 28

Losing the Busyness, October 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 29

Emily Yager, October 29

Worthy2Read, October 30

Artistic Nobody, October 30 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Mary Hake, October 31

Splashes of Joy, November 1

deb’s Book Review, November 1

Texas Book-aholic, November 2

Inklings and notions, November 3

Vicky Sluiter, November 3

For Him and My Family, November 4

Heidi and Books, November 4

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 5

Bigreadersite, November 5

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 6

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 7

Mia Reads, November 7

She Lives To Read, November 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 8

Simple Harvest Reads, November 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Godly Book Reviews, November 9

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, November 10

Captive Dreams Window, November 10

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon prize and a paperback 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/102ad/the-elusive-miss-ellison-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Elusive Miss Ellison by Carolyn Miller

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JustRead Tours Blog Blitz: One Woman Falling by Melanie Campbell

 

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for One Woman Falling by Melanie Campbell, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: One Woman Falling 
Author: Melanie Campbell
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: August 1, 2019
Genre: Inspirational Women's Fiction

Cassie Peterson lives in an invisible prison of fear, chained by self-doubt and guarded by a relentless warden—her husband. Derrick’s verbal and physical abuse as well as his alcoholism have left Cassie alienated from her family, without friends, and certain she can’t survive on her own. 

After an unexpected police visit, Cassie realizes the survival of her four-year-old daughter, Renee, depends on Cassie’s courage to leave. What she doesn’t plan on is Derrick’s vengeful custody fight. 

While walking through the treacherous world of divorce, Cassie is encouraged by her spunky new friend, Missy Langdon, to pursue her love of waterfalls. Cassie finds solace in the waterfalls on the agonizing weekends she’s forced to hand Renee over to Derrick. Meanwhile, unexpected help comes in the form of Brian Sutton, an attorney at the firm where Cassie works—but what price will she ultimately pay for his assistance? 

As Derrick’s threatening behavior escalates, Cassie questions her choices. How long will her daughter suffer before the custody case is resolved? Why is she drawn to waterfalls during this chaotic time? And who will stand with her when everything comes crashing down?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | Christianbook

We drove to the retirement home for lunch. “So, did you like the church?” Nannie asked.

“It was nice.” It had been nice, despite my discomfort with being in church.

“Pastor Matt is a wonderful man. My heart breaks for him, though. He lost his wife six-months ago. She had an aggressive form of cancer.” 

“That’s terrible.” Thinking back, I had seen a note of sadness in his otherwise peaceful, easy-going countenance.

Nannie nodded. “I’m not sure how much longer he’ll stay in Stayton. I pray for him every day.”

My jaw tightened. Why would God let such a horrible thing happen to a man who devoted his life to Him? 

“I’m surprised he even wants to keep pastoring.” Bitterness oozed from my words.

I felt Nannie’s gaze. “Cassie, honey, the bad things that happen to believers isn’t because God’s punishing them. It breaks God’s heart more than we can imagine. But He always finds a way to work all things for our good.”

I sighed, not ready for a religious conversation with Nannie. “Well, I hope He can turn the sandwiches at the retirement home into something good, because I’m starving.”

 

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Melanie Campbell’s debut novel, One Woman Falling, won the 2020 Oregon Christian Writer’s Cascade Award for contemporary fiction and is a finalist for the Selah Award for first novel. One Way Home, the second novel in her Whispers of Grace series, releases on November 1, 2020. 

Melanie wrote her first story when she was eight-years-old and has been in love with the power of storytelling ever since. She is also passionate about social issues and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, which she obtained during her stint as a single-mom. She’s now married and lives in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley with her family and several spoiled pets. 

When not writing, Melanie enjoys exploring Oregon’s beautiful outdoors by hiking, kayaking, and going for drives in the country. In less-than-favorable weather conditions, you will find her enjoying an intriguing book and a strong cup of coffee.

CONNECT WITH MELANIE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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(1) winner will receive a signed copy of One Woman Falling and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 27, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. 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 Blog Blitz: One Woman Falling by Melanie Campbell

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Taming the Dragons by Brenda Wilbee

Book: Taming the Dragons

Author: Brenda Wilbee

Genre: Christian Living / Women’s Interests

Release Date: May 12, 2020

 

Are you overwhelmed, in despair, heartsick, or in danger? Not sure which way to turn? Whom to trust? Once upon a time . . . the raging dragon . . . a damsel in distress. It worked out well in our fairy tales, but what about real life?

In this highly creative approach to problems all women face today and in varying degrees throughout their lives, Wilbee identifies six choices women have when beleaguered by conflict and challenge. She partners six biblical women with characters from The Wizard of Oz, naming choices for Innocent, Orphan, Pilgrim, Martyr, Warrior, and Wizard. She then skillfully weaves in characters from other stories and tales, accounts of women from history and today, and experiences from her own life to illustrate how these choices empower women in difficult times, moving them from want to abundance—for themselves and others.

Beginning with Eve the Innocent, Wilbee asserts that while some of us might want to go back to the garden of Eden, where innocence dwells, no one can. It’s only by making choices to tame our dragons—and by walking the metaphorical yellow brick road of our inner journeys—that we can, and do, find the happily ever after of our fairy tales and the abundant life Jesus promises us all.

Each chapter concludes with a motivational section that includes journaling pages, “Something to Ponder,” and prayers for courage and hope.

Click here to get your copy!

Struggles and Conflict are bound to come about in life. Women seem to find it very difficult to overcome those situations, as we tend to want to do it by our self. Tamingthe Dragons is a book that shows Women how to overcome the "battles" of life. 

Women do have choices in tackling the "Dragons" of life, whether they are smallor really big Dragons. Brenda Wilbee has written this book using Fairy Tales to relate to real life situations. I think she does that because Fairy Tales always have a strong story to tell and many involve women making choices and decisions. The Bible Stories and advice within the book are encouraging and show how the Strong Women of the Bible handled difficult situations. The end of each Chapter ends with a section of "Something to Think About" which gives Scripture to help apply the book to your own life. 

I really like the unique writing style of this book. I felt encouraged and truly

understood the book. I am ready to "Slay some Dragons" in my life! GREAT BOOK!

 

Brenda Wilbee is passionate about helping women in their everyday lives. The author of over 10 books with more than 700,000 copies sold, Brenda is a long-time contributor to Guidepost’s Daily Devotionals. Her work appears in Zondervan’s Women’s Devotional Bible, Inside Religious Publishing, and Guidepost’s Best Loved Stories. She holds an MA in professional writing, with an emphasis on myth, fairy tale, and folklore. She divides her time between the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and the Canadian Yukon.

 

More from Brenda

Author Brenda Wilbee wrote Taming the Dragons to help Christian women understand that they have choices when up against conflict and challenge. In this highly creative approach, she partners six biblical women with the characters from Wizard of Oz, naming choices for Innocent, Orphan, Pilgrim, Martyr, Warrior, and Wizard. She then skillfully weaves in characters from other fairy tales and stories, accounts of women from history and today, and experiences from her own life to illustrate how choice empowers women to tame the many dragons they face. She contends that by walking the metaphorical yellow brick road of learning choice, women find inner healing and restoration.

 

She begins with Eve the Innocent, asserting that even though we might like to go back to a garden of Eden, where innocence dwells, we can’t. But by making choices to tame the dragons we encounter as either Orphan, Pilgrim, Martyr, Warrior, or Wizard, we can, and we do, return to the happily ever after of our fairy tales and the abundant life Jesus, in John 10:10, tells us is ours.

Each chapter begins and ends with narrative to first explain a choice and to then offer the caveat. An Orphan asks for help, but by doing so she learns self-reliance. A Warrior fights to save herself and those she loves but has to be careful lest she become like her enemy. Each chapter concludes with journaling pages for personal thought, a study guide with Scripture to consider, and questions to ponder.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 17

Emily Yager, October 17

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

For Him and My Family, October 19

Inklings and notions, October 20

Spoken from the Heart, October 21

deb’s Book Review, October 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26

Splashes of Joy, October 27

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 29

Mary Hake, October 29

Pause for Tales, October 30

To celebrate her tour, Brenda is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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/10259/taming-the-dragons-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Taming the Dragons by Brenda Wilbee

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Courage to Thrive by Robert D. Flanagan

 

Book: Courage to Thrive

Author: Robert D. Flanagan

Genre: Christian Living, Depression & Anxiety

Release Date: June 30, 2020

When wrestling with depression and anxiety, getting out of bed is a courageous move. When panic attacks and suicidal thoughts strike, finding victories in the small things of life and reframing feelings can help a person flourish even in the midst of mental health struggles. Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan knows all about that—he’s spent two decades combatting mental illness head on.

In his first-person spiritual journal Courage to Thrive, Flanagan takes the reader with him as he traverses the dark and scary landscape of his mind and then the paths of faith that lead him to the Source of light and hope. Through a vulnerable look at the realities of a priest battling mental illness and still thriving, readers—whether dealing with similar mental health challenges or the stressors of everyday life—are left with a quiet confidence that assures them they too can thrive and enjoy the gifts God has given them.

Each of the forty reflections concludes with a heartfelt prayer that revels in God’s healing mercies. Join Flanagan on a journey to joy, peace, and hope.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Anxiety and Depression are very much on the rise in people of all ages, even more so with 2020 happenings. Anxiety is something that myself, my siblings, cousins andnow my son and nephew experience. For our family it seems to be hereditary. Anxiety can be debilitating for many. I know have had days where it is a struggle to get through it. 

Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan has also struggled with Anxiety and Depression for many years. He had one point had suicidal thoughts. He has written, Courage to Thrive, as a devotionalfor those going through Anxiety, Depression, Panic Attacks and other Mental Health Issues. The Devotional is divided into 40 Chapters. The Chapters are about 3-5 pages long, cover a specific topic. They start with a Bible Verse, info about the Subject, has a Prayer and section to write down your thoughts about the chapter. The book layout is great and an easy read. I think this is a great devotional to read by yourself or with a small group. 

Courage to Thrive is a really encouraging book. Rev. Dr. Robert Flanagan shows in this devotional that you do not have to suffer through Mental Health Issues alone. Everyone who struggles with Mental Health, will have a different road to healing and good health. God cares for us and can heal us and help us through the struggles of Mental Health. I highly recommend this book for all those who are struggling or know someone who is 

struggling with Anxiety or Depression or other Mental Health issues. 

Rev. Dr. Bob Flanagan has struggled with mental illness and managed to thrive for over twenty years. He holds a doctorate of ministry degree in Christian Spirituality and is an adjunct faculty member at General Theological Seminary in New York City, teaching on Christian spirituality. He has served for over ten years as a state and federal advocate for and board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. His previous book, Growing a Sustainable Soul, won a bronze medal in the Reader’s Favorite International Book Contest. Bob lives with his wife, Lanie, in Bridgewater, Connecticut. They have two grown children.

 

More from Robert

Courage to Thrive: Finding Joy and Hope in the Midst of Mental Health Struggles is a pioneering and beautiful book that will help people feel better about themselves and their mental health struggles. I smile knowing that readers will feel the love of God and God’s healing mercies by spending time journaling about their own challenges.

As a priest who struggled with suicidal ideation during seminary and anxiety and depression at various times in my live, I feel this book is a way to change the conversation about mental health within the Christian community.

 

Trivia

I was a top athlete during college.

My favorite type of dog is the Newfoundland. While that is the best dog in the world. I only have a cat right now.

I became a Christian when I was five and remember my baptism.

My wife and I are avid gardeners. We have a big garden that includes sunflowers, potatoes, and many herbs that can be used as medicines. Its based on the English physic gardens that pastors grew in the 1700s.

Texas Book-aholic, October 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 18

Captive Dreams Window, October 18

Artistic Nobody, October 19 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

deb’s Book Review, October 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 21

For Him and My Family, October 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 25

Inklings and notions, October 26

Mary Hake, October 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 27

Writing from the Heart Land, October 28

To celebrate his tour, Robert is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card!!

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/10257/courage-to-thrive-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Courage to Thrive by Robert D. Flanagan

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LEV3L Digital Blog Tour: 2Hearts Movie Review

ABOUT THE MOVIE

For two couples the future unfolds in different decades and different places, but a hidden connection will bring them together in a way no one could have predicted. Based on an inspirational true story, 2 HEARTS is a romantic journey that celebrates life, love and generosity of spirit, and will strengthen our belief that miracles still happen.

OVERVIEW

Product category: film

Title: 2 HEARTS

Genre: drama, inspirational, romance

Rating: PG13

Run time: 1:41

Studio: Freestyle Releasing/ AMT Productions

Starring: Jacob Elordi (Euphoria; KISSING BOOTH), 

Tiera Skovbye (Riverdale, THE MIRACLE SEASON), 

Radha Mitchell (DREAMKATCHER; THE SHACK), 

Adan Canto (X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST; Designated Survivor)

I really enjoy Movies based on a True Story. I remember growing up 

watching many "Based on a True Story" movies on TV. The movies

have now moved to Cable Channels and to the Movie Theater. 

2Hearts is a Movie that is based on a True Story and premiered in 

Movie Theatres across the country on October 16th. 

2Hearts features the story of 2 Couples in 2 different parts of the 

World. Chris and Samantha are College Sweethearts and their

LOVE Story is being told as they attend College. Jorge and Leslie

are a bit older and they met on a plane, Leslie is a Flight Attendant. 

The LOVE stories are similar but different. The movie plot changes 

about 1/2 way through and it is a SURPRISE Twist and one that is

Beautiful! I won't give away the twist, but it totally MADE the movie a 

GREAT movie! 

If you like Romance or "Hallmark" type movies, you will enjoy 

2Hearts. I HIGHLY recommend this Movie! 

To Find out more about the 2Hearts Film Check their Website and Pages:

 
WEBSITE
TRAILER
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
TWITTER

I really enjoyed 2Hearts and the story behind the movie! I hope 

those who watch it enjoy it as much as I did. 

LEV3L Digital Blog Tour: 2Hearts Movie Review

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