Wednesday, March 29, 2023

JustRead Tours Takeover Blitz: Fields of Bounty by Lauraine Snelling

Fields of Bounty JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for Fields of Bounty by Lauraine Snelling, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Fields of Bounty

Series: Leah's Garden #3

Author: Lauraine Snelling

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: March 21, 2023

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

They must set aside their own plans and rely on their faith to bring their true destiny to light.

Lilac Nielsen's dream has come true: handsome young Reverend Ethan Pritchard has finally noticed her. Yet she must balance this new courtship with the pursuit of another dream--the publication of her artwork in a New York paper. She has secretly been submitting a series of drawings under a pen name, and if anyone traces the drawings back to her and finds out where Lilac and her sisters settled, the entire Nielsen family could be in danger.

As their family farm expands and Lilac's relationship with the reverend grows, it's a time of new beginnings. But when a family crisis back in Ohio shakes the Nielsen sisters, can they continue to build the new life they've begun in Nebraska? And will Lilac be prepared for what God has in store for her future?

"A tender story. I know my readers will enjoy these stories and look forward to the books yet to come."--TRACIE PETERSON, bestselling author of the Pictures of the Heart series

Ethan’s mind wandered as the man droned on. Gordon was not as interesting as Ethan had thought he would be pity. He glanced about the still-new walls of the schoolhouse, completed last November. Sometimes he missedhaving the school meet in his church. Though an inconvenience at times, he’d enjoyed the frequent interactions with the students, and especially with their teacher, Del Nielsen. Until, of course, she’d made it clear his romantic aspirations weren’t welcome and married RJ Easton instead. Ethan snuck a glance at the couple across the room.Del was seated beside her one-eyed former soldier with her hand in his. Ethan had performed the marriage with a glad heart, grateful they’d all been able to remain friends.

The new teacher was actually a woman from Antelope Creek, though he didn’t know her well.

But Lilac Nielsen . . . Though the sparkle in her dark eyes had struck him when he greeted the sisters after church last Sunday, somehow he’d never given the youngest Nielsen sister much notice. Until she saved his bacon today. What spunk to come to his rescue unbidden! Not many young women would have done something brave like that. And how miraculously she had calmed and corralled the children, who clearly knew and adored her. The courage to step in when needed and the grace to do it without insult were rare qualities, in Salton and anywhere.

And excellent traits for a pastor’s wife. Ethan blinked away the thought, but it crept back. He glanced over at Lilac again, her delicate face tipped up as she listened to the dignitary expound.

Why in thunder had he never noticed her before?

Fields of Bounty• Lauraine Snelling

More Books in this Series

Lauraine Snelling

Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of more than 100 books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California.

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

(1) winner will receive a paperback set of the first three books in Lauraine Snelling’s Leah's Garden series: The Seeds of Change, A Time to Bloom, and Fields of Bounty!

Fields of Bounty 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 March 29, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 5, 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!

Pin It

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Iron by Madisyn Carlin

Book: Iron

Author: Madisyn Carlin

Genre: Christian Fantasy/Fairytale Retelling

Release date: September 30, 2022

Enforcing justice comes with a price.

Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan will stop at nothing to uncover those behind the ruthless kidnappings of multiple children. But things are not as they seem, and Red’s efforts are thwarted at every turn. With each discovery the danger grows, putting Red and the lives of those she cares about at risk. Can she reveal the mastermind’s identity before she herself becomes a target?

IRON is a Christian, New Adult, Fantasy Fairytale Retelling

Click here to get your copy!

I am not one who normally reads Christian Fantasy books, although this author is a WONDERFUL writer and I was intrigued by the synopsis. Iron by Madisyn Carlin is Book 1 in The Redwyn Chronicles series.

Detective Redwyn “Red” Deathan realizes that time is of the essence. Children have been being kidnapped and she needs to find them as soon as possible. The Kidnappers know that she is on their trail and they keep trying to change paths and keep Redwyn at bay. Redwyn realizes that as time passes, the danger increases. Will Redwyn find the Children and the Kidnappers before it is too late? Will she be able to dodge any danger in her way or those of the children?

WOW, this book captivated me from the very first chapter. I couldn't put it down. I really LOVE this book is a retelling of a Fairytale. Detective Redwyn is a determined young woman who wants to stop the kidnappings. Chamonix is a wonderful woman who battles health issues and she is someone who wants to make others happy. The Author does tackle the hard topic of Child Trafficking, but the author is graceful with her approach to it. The twists and turns really kept the storyline exciting and non-predictable. I truly LOVED this book and I am looking forward to reading more in this series. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Fairytales, Fantasy, and Christian Fiction. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

More from Madisyn

There are many original Cinderella stories, from all cultures and languages. Perhaps the two most common tales, however, are Frenchman Charles Perrault’s (also called Cendrillon) and the German Brothers Grimm’s Aschenputtel. The majority of these originals, and Brothers Grimm’s in particular, are not the sparkles-and-magic versions we are more familiar with. They are darker, bloodier, and deadlier, though they still possess an amazing display of creativity and storytelling.

The iconic, classical Disney retelling drew from Perrault’s version. I based IRON off a blend of Aschenputtel and Perrault’s, with very little influence garnered from Disney’s. Although I wanted it to be obvious IRON is a fairy tale retelling, I also wanted to put an often-unfound spin on it, which is where Redwyn and her occupation shine through. In addition, I am a firm believer there is no such thing as ”love at first sight”, also called ”insta love”, which is quite common in many fairy tales and retellings.

Instead, I wanted to present a nonmagical retelling based on faith, family, and bravery. Perhaps that is why this story turned out rawer and much more touching than I ever imagined. Within the pages of this book loyalty drives characters to step outside their comfortable boundaries and preferences, desperation reminds them why they need God, and bravery takes root even in those who thought themselves hopeless cowards.

Heavy faith elements, feathers, cranky horses, wolves, sinister plots, a creepy forest, and more take this story beyond the typical plot found in Cinderella retellings. There’s also humor, sarcasm, and a feisty detective who can’t quite grasp the concept of tactfulness.

So, if you enjoy fairy tale retellings with a plentitude of faith, humor, and action, IRON might be the book for you.

You can find IRON’s inspiration board here.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23
Texas Book-aholic, March 24
Vibrant Wings by Valerie, March 24
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 25
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 26
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 27
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 27
Lily’s Book Reviews, March 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 30
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 31
Blogging With Carol, April 1
For Him and My Family, April 2
Mary Hake, April 2
Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 3
Pause for Tales, April 4

To celebrate her tour, Madisyn is giving away the grand prize package of one 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/24fef/iron-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pin It

Monday, March 27, 2023

Momentum Influencers Blog Tour: His Only Son Movie Review and Giveaway

Angel Studios, who brought you THE CHOSEN, is releasing a new film, HIS ONLY SON, which is a film about Abraham and Isaac! For the first time in a feature film, the controversial account of Abraham and Isaac

will be brought to life, one that everyone can draw inspiration from.

After being called on by the Lord, Abraham's faith is tested on his three-day journey to sacrifice his son. His Only Son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament—when Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mountain of Moriah. While traveling to the place of the sacrifice, alongside Isaac and two servants, Abraham is flooded with vivid memories from the years he and Sarah spent longing for the son they were promised—the son he must now lay upon the altar.

POWERFUL Movie! I am not one who normally cries when watching movies, but I totally cried during this movie. The Movie is well written, the actors are very into their parts and I can tell the emotions are in the actors for this movie. I HIGHLY recommend going to see this movie on March 31st and bringing the Family with you. It is a GREAT movie for this Easter Season.

Moms, this is a movie you won’t want to miss! There are few things more powerful than a mother's love for her son. Take your family to see this film, and be inspired by Isaac and Sarah's relationship in His Only Son, coming to theaters March 31.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY:

His Only Son is in Theatres Beginning Friday, March 31st.

BUY TICKETS HERE

FIND HIS ONLY SON FILM ONLINE:

WEBSITE FACEBOOK YOUTUBE INSTAGRAM

Enter for your chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card. One winner will be randomly chosen by Giveaway Tools. Giveaway for US Residents only. Hurry and enter as Giveaway closes April 2nd.

Entry -Form

Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Pin It

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Sylvia's Mother by Jennifer Lynn Cary

Book: Sylvia’s Mother

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 26, 2023

She’s an overprotective single mother…

…He’s a former protector who can’t give up the role.

But who will guard their hearts from scheming high school matchmakers?

Eileen Avery is determined her daughter Sylvia won’t experience the heartaches she did. Even if it means taking parenting lessons from her mother, the dragon lady. But she is not like her mother. Not even remotely.

If only Sylvia could see that.

But she wants independence. How much is a good thing? And how much is too risky?

Besides, Sylvia is in love and needing a little freedom. It’s not like she’s about to run away to a commune and become a hippy. However, she is willing to try about anything to get her mom to loosen up, even play matchmaker. Maybe if her mother had her own love life, she’d quite trying to put Sylvia’s under a microscope.

But will it all blow up in her face?

Seth Matthews thought he’d said goodbye to Kokomo until an on-the-job injury with the FBI changed his plans. This town holds more than his family, and those memories had better stay buried for all concerned. But how was he to put his honed instincts on the back burner and stop safeguarding the ones closest to him?

He was willing to help his family with almost anything. But pretending interest in some woman to help with his nephew’s romantic endeavors? That was one thing he couldn’t see himself doing.

Until he realizes there was more than coincidence at play.

Forget about Women’s Lib. Return to 1972 Kokomo, Indiana for the second installment of The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series—Sylvia’s Mother—and the fight for personal independence. Join Sylvia, her mother, Eileen, and the kooky mix-ups that all point to romance in this small-town romp. If you enjoyed the Weather Girls and Judy in Disguise, then this book is a must-read.

You will love Sylvia’s Mother, inspired by the pop 1960s song by Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show because everyone dreams of a second chance with a first love.

Click here to get your copy!

Slyvia's Mother by Jennifer Lynn Cary is Book 2 in the series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe, and Venue. I had the pleasure of reading Book 1 in this series and I have been excitedly waiting for Book 2.

We are back to 1972 in Kokomo, Indiana and the main characters in this book are Eileen Avery and Sylvia. Eileen does not want her daughter, Sylvia, to go through heartbreak as Eileen did. Sylvia is young and only getting ready to Graduate High School and she isn't completely focused on her love life. Sylvia wants to be independent and she tries to figure out how to gain independence and have her mom stop worrying about Sylvia. Sylvia and Luke(her boyfriend) decide to play matchmaker and get her Mom hooked up with someone. Seth Matthews, who is Luke's uncle, seems like a good fit for Eileen. Seth was getting ready to move from Kokomo, Indiana, but he is injured at work and his plans have changed. Seth LOVES his family and will do just about anything for them, but he isn't sure about getting set up with a woman he doesn't know isn't something he is too keen on. Will Sylvia and Luke be successful in setting up Eileen and Seth? Will Eileen and Seth have life changes?

I was captivated by the storyline from the very first page. I started reading this book and could not put it down. Eileen really only wants the best for her daughter Sylvia. Sylvia seems to want independence. Eileen's past and all that she endured in her childhood really explain a lot of why Eileen is so overprotective of Sylvia. Seth and Luke are great characters in the book and I really LOVE the Uncle and Nephew bond they have. The book is one of Forgiveness, Letting Go of the Past, Relationships, and more. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who likes good Clean Christian Romance and a step back in history! GREAT BOOK!

Historical Christian Romance author, Jennifer Lynn Cary, likes to say you can take the girl out of Indiana, but you can’t take the Hoosier out of the girl. Now transplanted to the Arizona desert, this direct descendant of Davy Crockett and her husband of forty plus years enjoy time with family where she shares tales of her small-town heritage and family legacies with their grandchildren. She is the author of The Crockett Chronicles series, The Relentless series, and The Weather Girls trilogy as well as the stand-alone novel, Cheryl’s Going Home, her novella Tales of the Hob Nob Annex Café, and her split-time novels The Traveling Prayer Shawl and The Forgotten Gratitude Journal. Sylvia’s Mother is the second book of her spin-off series The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue.

More from Jennifer

Do you remember your high school prom? The one in Sylvia’s Mother is based on an actual prom—the Stardust Ball at Kokomo High School. I didn’t attend it—I’d gone to the Autumn Prom, but not the Stardust Ball in 1972, so I had to contact fellow classmates to get the scoop.

The date in the book is actually when it really occurred. And there are a couple other real events and personalities added to this otherwise fictional dance. It was fun to have friends tell me of their memories and to find out what some of the nominees were doing now.

Something else I learned that made me want to write this story. I had been researching and found an old interview by Chuck Buell who used to be a disc jockey for WLS in Chicago. I’d always liked him so when I ran across the interview, I wasn’t too worried about getting anything specific—it was pretty much a stroll down memory lane.

And then he told a story about meeting up with Dr. Hook. They were hanging out in Monterey, California on the good doctor’s houseboat when he offered to introduce Chuck to the guy who wrote the lyrics for “Cover of the Rolling Stone.” Turns out the guy lived a couple boats down the marina, so they walked over and Chuck Buell met Shel Silverstein for the first time.

Yep, the man who wrote The Giving Tree and those childhood collections of poetry—Light in the Attic, Falling Up, and Runny Babbit—got his start writing rock and roll lyrics. Among them are “Cover of the Rolling Stone,” “A Boy Named Sue,” and “Sylvia’s Mother.” And once I learned that, I couldn’t help hearing his style (“voice”) in the songs since I had taught from his books in my elementary classrooms for many years. The thought made me smile and I had to write a story from one of those. “Sylvia’s Mother” fit the plan for my new series, so I borrowed the title.

I hope you will enjoy the story, even if you’ve never heard the song. But if you do know that old pop hit, I think you will enjoy a couple Easter egg surprises I hid along the way.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17
Texas Book-aholic, March 18
By The Book, March 19 (Author Interview)
Cover Lover Book Review, March 20
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 21
Sylvan Musings, March 22 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, March 22
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 23
Connie’s History Classroom, March 24
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 25 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26
Blogging With Carol, March 27
Pause for Tales, March 28
For Him and My Family, March 29
Beauty in the Binding, March 30 (Author Interview)
Books I’ve Read, March 30

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon card and an eBook 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/24dbe/sylvia-s-mother-celebration-tour-giveaway

Pin It

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Happy Rainbow by Lillian Jane McAdoo with Illustor Caryl McAdoo

Book: The Happy Rainbow

Author: Lillian Jane McAdoo

Illustrator: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Picture Book – Pre-school to Third grade

Release date: December 8, 2022

A precious promise from God is fading fast when a cloud meanders between the rainbow and the sun, shadowing it. The forest animals must act fast to save the beautiful happy rainbow.

Click here to get your copy!

Caryl McAdoo has become one of my favorite authors. Well, she recently did the Illustration for a book written by her 7yr old Granddaughter. The Happy Rainbow by Lillian Jane McAdoo is Book 1 in the Skies and High Ties series.

A Rainbow is brightly shining in the sky, but a Cloud is trying to cover it up. The Animals in the Forest take action and try to get the Rainbow back before it fades completely. The Rainbow tells the Animals that the Cloud will uncover the Rainbow when the Wind Blows. The Animals pray for the Wind to blow and make the Clouds move. Will the Rainbow be Happy and Colors return?

I truly enjoyed this book. The book is so well written that one would think it was written by an adult. I LOVE how the Book focuses on the Promise of God, a Rainbow after a storm. The book reminds me of a Banner I made in VBS one year about "God Keeps His Promises" and it had a Rainbow over the Words. Lillian McAdoo really has a talent for storytelling and this book is very encouraging, especially for the little ones to understand God's Promises. The Illustrations are absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I HIGHLY recommend this book for Little ones and for parents to read to their Children. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Lillian Jane McAdoo, about to celebrate her seventh birthday, wrote this story while in Kindergarten at the Primrose School of Highland Village, Texas, and she’s now a first grader at Hilltop Elementary School in Argyle. Besides telling stories, she enjoys t-ball, ballet, and roller skating. An only child, Lillian knows how special she is to all, and THE HAPPY RAINBOW is her debut book!

Singing and playing with cousins and friends are some of her favorite things to do. She lives with Daddy in Carrollton, Texas—he’s a great DFW Metroplex real estate agent—and her mother at her Nanny and Pops in Argyle. Lillian loves visiting Grami and O’Pa’s home, The Peaceable, out in the country where she plays with all the dogs, rides four-wheelers, and collects the hens’ eggs for her paternal grandmother!

About the Illustrator

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over sixty published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. She’s always enjoyed drawing and graphic arts! Sharing four children and twenty-five grandsugars (six are greats), Caryl and Ron, her high-school-sweetheart-husband of fifty-four years, 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

Oh, what a joy family is! I’m so glad the Father thought of the generations! It was my blessing to help my grandsugardoll Lillian Jane McAdoo write her debut story THE HAPPY RAINBOW. I asked her questions and she wrote her story in a purple composition book with a Crayola when she visited The Peaceable this summer. Lillian is six years old!

I asked, “What’s something you love?”

“Rainbows!”

“I love rainbows, too. So how is this rainbow?”

“Happy!” she says.

“All right then! Do you want to call your book THE HAPPY RAINBOW?”

“Yes!”

“So, you might start your story by introducing the rainbow. Then where is your rainbow going to be? What’s beneath her?”
“She’s in the sky and there’s a forest under her like your house, Grami!”

And so it went. At first, she wanted to be through before it even got to the middle, so I explained every good story had a beginning, a middle, and an end. I told her how everything had a beginning, a middle, and an end—except for God. A day has a beginning, morning, breakfast—a middle, noon, lunchtime—and an end, evening, supper.

A house has a beginning, middle, and end when it is built, lived-in, then is torn down. Trees, animals, fish, bugs, flowers, vegetables . . . everything—except God—so that they were very important! Those beginnings,wrote a blog post middles, and ends! But we could do something else if she needed time to think about her story.

“That’s what authors do,” I told Lillian. “You don’t have to write your whole book in a day.” That made her happy.

We had several discussions while we were away from the actual writing. We researched rainbows on Google and learned so many interesting things about them.

I told her how in my stories, Grami liked to have something bad happen—a crisis—that the main character has to overcome. “Can you think of something that might happen to the rainbow?”

Lillian came up with the rainbow fading, going away, but she wanted to stay in the sky. So, I asked, “What do you suppose could make it fade?”
“The sun not shining.”
“Can you think of something that keeps the sun from shining down on you?”

“A cloud.”

“Sure! So, what if a cloud got between the sun and the rainbow? Could it shade the rainbow and make it fade?”

And so it went, the questions based on her answers. And over her visit, the story came out, all handwritten—she asked how to spell many words—in the composition book with her crayon.

She was so proud, but not as proud as Grami was of her! She told me more than once how she was the author and her name went on the cover! 😊 Politely, of course, but she sure had me grinning.

After she left, I started the illustrations, all done on the computer with free images at PicMonkey. I would send each to her and get her approval.

A couple of months back, I had the honor of leading my sugardoll to invite Jesus into her heart. As the story came forth, I’d share ways that her story honored Him.

Like the rainbow didn’t get angry with the cloud, but politely asked it to move, or the sweet little cloud, sad about the dilemma he caused, wanted to oblige the rainbow, but couldn’t without the wind (help)!

How the animals joined together to pray for the rainbow like we can join together and pray for our friends when they are in trouble. Of course, about how the rainbow shows bright and proud again at the end, proclaiming God’s promise to all men!

It thrilled me to be a part of Lillian’s first picture book! The whole process proved a very rewarding experience. Perhaps she’ll keep writing!