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Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Shadow Dancing by Jennifer Sienes






Book: Shadow Dancing

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction/Southern fiction

Release Date: April 18, 2023

 

Wading through grief is like dancing with shadows.

Bekah Casey’s been on a tear for near a year, and the anger clings to her like cheap perfume. If only the Lord would wash it away like He did with her sins, she might could find her way out of the mire. Instead, she escapes from the one person to blame for all her ills—her husband Mitch.

Now she’s living with her mama and daddy, working two jobs, and facing a future that looks bleak as a middle-Tennessee winter. Her mama’s all the time telling her that the good Lord works in ways too confounding to comprehend, and if she’d learn to trust in Him, her life will look a might brighter. Easy for her to say.

When things go from dark to disastrous, Bekah figures she’s got two choices—sink in her sin or dig her way out.

Mitch Casey never did put a whole lot of stock in faith. Didn’t appear it helped Bekah any either since hers went sideways the minute things got hard. Still, he’s willing to take whatever abuse she throws his way if it helps her muddle through the grief. Then one poor decision, a night in jail, and a divine assignment with a local pastor puts Mitch on an unexpected path.

When you’re dancing with shadows, who gets to lead? Find out in the next book in the Bedford County series.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Jennifer Sienes is a favorite author of mine, I have read many of her books. I am always excited when she releases a new book. I recently read Shadow Dancing by Jennifer Sienes. It is Book 2 of The Bedford County Series.

Bekah Casey has had quite a year and has been grieving for things to go right in her life. She believes that her husband Mitch is to blame for everything wrong in her life and has moved back home with her parents. Her Mom is a strong woman of Faith and has encouraged Bekah to lean her trust in the Lord and he will help her. Bekah has swayed from her faith and has hardened her heart with anger. Her husband Mitch did not grow up in a Christian home and he struggles to understand the Christian Faith through Bekah. His life is changed drastically after he spends a night in jail due to a mistake he made. Mitch is connected with a local Pastor after his night in jail and he now has a newfound faith. Will Mitch and Bekah be able to reconcile and live in the same household again? Will Bekah gain her faith back and will things change for her? 

WOW, the storyline captured my attention in the first few paragraphs of the book. Bekah has been discouraged by life happenings for a while and thus her faith was set aside. I LOVE how her mom encourages her to Trust in the Lord. Mitch was not a Christian, but through some life-altering events, he finds faith. The characters are very believable and encouraging. The story is one of being able to Trust God and lean not onto your understanding, even through the trials of life. Forgiveness is also a theme in this book. I HIGHLY recommend this Clean, Sweet Christian Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!







Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing–and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies–two in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

 

More from Jennifer

Last year I was interviewed on a Christian podcast, and the host asked me, “How do you come up with your story ideas?” There are as many answers to this question as there are authors, but he wasn’t satisfied with mine. I told him they truly come from the Lord. I think he wanted tips to encourage would-be writers. I’m sorry to disappoint, but although I might have a story sketch in my mind, it never matches the completed project. Why? Because I’m not in control.

 

Over the last several years, I’ve discovered that my writing journey is as much spiritual as it is creative. Shadow Dancing is a perfect example. It started with my intention to fictionalize the past marital difficulties of a young couple in my church. But before I finished the first chapter, it became clear the Lord had other ideas. The initial plot I’d fixed in my head doesn’t resemble the finished novel in any way—unless you consider the main characters are separated. The theme of my novels always reflects what I’m wrestling with in my heart at the time I’m writing it.

 

The major theme in Shadow Dancing is God’s sovereignty. Most of us have no problem accepting His will as long as our lives are going well. It’s when something difficult happens we begin to doubt His goodness. How often have you seen a tragedy pull a fellow Christian away from the Lord? The question, “Why would a loving God allow bad things to happen to good people?” has been a stumbling block for many people—both Christians and non-Christians alike.

 

But sometimes it’s the tragedies in life that draw people closer to God as they realize He’s the only hope they can cling to. This was the case for me. I believed in God, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, when my ex-husband of 23 years abandoned me. This was on the tail-end of my daughter’s near-fatal car accident that left us with months of rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury. It’s when I realized that believing I was in control of my life and that of my children was a lie from the enemy. We cannot protect those we love by hovering over them or keep a marriage intact by sheer will.

 

I wanted these truths to play out in the lives of Rebekah and Mitch Casey. In the light of heartache, Rebekah’s spiritual walk goes in one direction while Mitch’s goes another. But through it all, they are left with hope. That’s what I desire every word I ever write to point to. The hope we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And isn’t it the greatest gift to know our loving and merciful God has us in the palm of His righteous right hand—forgiven and free? So much better than relying on our own flawed and sinful selves.

 

I pray Shadow Dancing reminds you of everything we have and will continue to have as adopted sons and daughters through Jesus Christ. Hope of eternal life in a world where heartache and sin will be a thing of the past.


Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 28 (Author Interview)

Holly’s book corner, May 28

Splashes of Joy, May 29

An Author’s Take, May 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 1

By the Book, June 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 2

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, June 3

For Him and My Family, June 4

Older & Smarter?, June 5

The Lit Lady, June 5

Sylvan Musings, June 6

lakesidelivingsite, June 7

Back Porch Reads, June 7

Texas Book-aholic, June 8

She Lives to Read, June 9

Books I’ve Read, June 9




To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & 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/266f2/shadow-dancing-celebration-tour-giveaway







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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward by Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer





Book: Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward

Authors: Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer

Genre: Non-fiction; Interpersonal Relations; Religion

Release date: April 13, 2023

WHY AM I SO MISUNDERSTOOD? I am only trying to do what is right! Of course, I forgive, but I can’t seem to get past the pain. God seems distant. Does he even care about me?

Do any of these questions hit close to home? It may surprise you that the underlying cause is often hidden unforgiveness. Our closest relationships, emotional health, and perhaps even our faith seem to be crumbling around us, but most of us have no idea that forgiveness is the way forward. If we are honest, we don’t even know what forgiveness is. We may have a vague idea that it has something to do with “forgetting” or “letting go” but would be hard-pressed to come up with a working definition. Worse yet, we have no idea how to practice forgiveness in a way that brings lasting relief from the hurt we carry. Most of us are not trying to hang on to the pain, but freedom is elusive.

Freedom from your pain is within reach! Forgiveness is not a vague, esoteric concept, nor is it a lofty, out-of-reach ideal. Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward digs into the biblical definition of forgiveness, tells real stories of real people who have found healing, clears up some huge misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, and teaches us how to practice forgiveness. If we do not address the wounds of our past, they will shape our future. God has provided a powerful tool to help us find freedom—forgiveness is the surprising way forward!

 

Click here to get your copy!


I can honestly say that his book, Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward by Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer, came into my life at a time when I most needed to read this. Forgiveness does not come easy for me and I struggle with it greatly. I recently lost my Mom and her and I never had a good relationship. The relationship was actually pretty toxic because of Negativity from her throughout my life. 

I began reading this book about 2 weeks after she passed and realized that even though she is no longer here, I can still find it in my heart to forgive her. Forgiveness gives our own heart relief from the pain and hurt. I really LOVE how the Authors base this book on Faith and trusting God to help us through Forgiveness. I truly learned quite a bit about Forgiveness from this book and it truly gave me a new perspective on being able to forgive with Biblical principles. The strongest point that I will hold onto from this book is that so much of our PAST Pain and Hurt really attributes to our hardened hearts and not being able to forgive. Once we forgive the weight of those hurts and pains will be lifted and we can find new peace in life! 

I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who struggles with Forgiveness and is harboring pain and hurt from their past. FANTASTIC BOOK!




 




Mark Henderson received a Masters of Pastoral Counseling, was a licensed counselor, and served as a pastor of counseling for twenty years.

In Memory of Mark Henderson

Mark David Henderson, co-author of this book, passed away from cancer as this book was being finalized. Mark was a loving husband, father, and friend. He touched lives all over the world through his counseling ministry and often said he had a front row seat to God’s miracles. He always made sure the individual knew it was God’s healing, and Mark was simply the servant. His desire was to take what he learned and share it with others, which is the reason for this book.



Michael Snuffer has ministered as a counselor for more than ten years. Mark and Mike founded Equip2CounselTM, a ministry dedicated to providing simple yet powerful counseling tools globally to ministers.

 


More from Michael

Challenging relationships, frustration with unfair treatment, bursts of anger, and disconnection from God are persistent problems for individuals who carry burdens from their past. Most are unaware unforgiveness is an underlying cause. Time, by itself, rarely brings healing. Instead, the wounds fester and become more painful. Many feel stuck and see no way forward to joy and peace. For most, forgiveness is the first step to healing.

Modern culture and thinking have muddled the meaning of forgiveness. Most don’t understand what forgiveness is or how to practice it. The result? Relief remains out of reach. Forgiveness is a powerful tool which brings healing and freedom.

Mark and I launched the Equip2Counsel™ ministry to provide powerful counseling tools which bring healing to hurting individuals around the world. We soon realized the limitations of in-person training and began to consider how written materials could extend the reach of these tools. We wrote Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward to provide a clear, step-by-step process. We wanted to share the stories of real people who found hope and healing through forgiveness. Whether you are a hurting individual or a counselor helping others, we hope many learn and apply the practice of forgiveness which brings freedom.


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22

Simple Harvest Reads, May 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

For the Love of Literature, May 25 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 25

An Author’s Take, May 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 27

Artistic Nobody, May 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 29

Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 1

Blossoms and Blessings, June 2 (Author Interview)

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, June 2

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 4



To celebrate his tour, Michael is giving away the grand prize package of $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/26263/forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway





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Monday, May 29, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Parent's Battle Plan : Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal by Laine Lawson Craft

 




Book:The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal

Author: Laine Lawson Craft

Genre: Non-fiction

Release date: March 14, 2023

You are not alone–there is hope and healing for every hurting heart.

Today’s technology has made sinful experiences and deadly choices accessible to our teenagers and young adults with just a click. And parents are left with the disappointments–and devastating fallout–of their children’s choices.

Through sharing her own story of praying three very wayward prodigals home, Laine Lawson Craft offers not only hope and insight, but also a practical, tried-and-true battle plan for parents walking this heartbreaking season of life. You’ll discover how to

  • handle the emotional roller coaster of trust
  • deal with your children’s self-destructive choices
  • pray emboldened by God’s promises
  • fight for your child’s destiny
  • and more

You can win the war of darkness over your children–even when you don’t get the miracle you asked for.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Christian Parenting Books are a wonderful resource for many topics of parenting. The Parent's Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal by  Laine Lawson Craft is the latest parenting book that I have read. 

Young Adults and Teenagers have so much in front of them that leads them astray. Technology has really changed the heart of so many Teens and Young Adults and they are making unwise choices for their lives. Author Laine Lawson Craft has been through the journey of "Prodigal Children" with 3 children and has written about her Family Journey and wants to help others who are going through this in their family. She will help you navigate through: 
  • handle the emotional roller coaster of trust
  • deal with your children’s self-destructive choices
  • pray emboldened by God’s promises
  • fight for your child’s destiny

WOW, this book is so timely for our family. I will admit that we have a 21yr old who lives at home but has strayed from his Faith and being a part of the family. He does have OCD and Social Anxiety issues, but he also spends his days on his Gaming Computer. He has been a gamer for about 7yrs and I feel we "lost him" to Gaming. I have truly been encouraged by reading Laine's story and how her family of Prodigals made their way home. I really LOVE how Biblical Principles are given throughout the book and the advice worked for Laine's family. The book is very easy to understand The book gives Parents of Prodigals HOPE and ENCOURAGEMENT that their children can be led back home! GREAT BOOK! 




Laine Lawson Craft (www.lainelawsoncraft.com) is a best-selling and award-winning author, popular media host, and in-demand speaker. The founder and publisher of WHOAwomen magazine (2010-2018), she regularly hosts online challenges and masterclasses as well as Facebook and Instagram Live events that reach thousands. Her Warfare Parenting podcast encourages parents of adult children. Laine and her husband, Steve, have three children and live in Florida.

 

More from Laine

I would love to introduce my friend, best-selling and award-winning author, whom you may not know yet with a little of the behind the scenes insight. She’s a mom, wife, and partners with God making impossible things become possible not only in her life but for thousands of others. She has a unique perspective because she had a seventeen-year-old marriage resurrect, a financial breakthrough after almost filing bankruptcy, a daughter healed from life-threatening illnesses, and three prodigal children delivered that are now free, whole, and healed. In 2006, she realized that what she was doing as a parent was not working. It seemed that her emotional pleas, rules, and religion weren’t helping her bring her prodigal back home. So she decided and made it my mission to partner with God at a whole new level and created a new way of parenting – one that would bring peace to her life, help millions of other parents, and bring their prodigals back home too. Her newest book, The Parent’s Battle Plan: Warfare Strategies to Win Back Your Prodigal is a must-read book to help parent’s with wayward teens and young adults.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 25

Vicky Sluiter, May 26 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 27

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 29

Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 2

An Author’s Take, June 3

Artistic Nobody, June 4 (Author Interview)

The Life We Build, June 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 5

Vibrant Wings, June 6

By The Book, June 7 (Author Interview)

Walking Fruitfully, June 7


To celebrate her tour, Laine is giving away the grand prize of $100 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/26267/the-parents-battle-plan-celebration-tour-giveaway





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Sunday, May 28, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Guess How Much God Loves You by Karen Ferguson





Book: Guess How Much God Loves You

Author: Karen Ferguson

Genre: Children’s book (picture book)

Release date: July 19, 2022

Take a journey through the Bible with Lucy Lu, a colorful, creatively curious first grader who is starting to have serious questions about God.

Questions like: How old is He? Does He sleep? What does He do all day? And the biggest one of all – does God really love me?

After one very hard day, feeling like she doesn’t matter, Lucy sits with her Papa Joe who has promised to answer these questions and more, launching them onto an exciting journey to discover God’s never changing, never failing, never ending love.

What follows in this book series is a wild adventure through the Bible, where Lucy and her Papa find themselves in the middle of it all, on each page of the powerful story of God’s love and faithfulness for all people, throughout all history.

This first book is all about God’s Creation 🌎

Guess How Much God Loves You is a vibrant, fun, and biblically based book that is sure to captivate young readers as it teaches them important Bible truths that will help them build a firm foundation in God and His Good Character – all through the lens of His unconditional love.

 

Click here to get your copy!


I always love reading to Little Children. Guess How Much God Loves You by Karen Ferguson is the most recent Children's book that I have read. 

Lucy Lu is an inquisitive First Grader and she begins asking questions about God. Lucy Lu had a really hard day and sat down with Papa Joe and began asking some really intense questions. Papa Joe sits down with Lucy Lu and begins answering her questions and he does so in a storytelling way and it takes Papa Joe and Lucy Lu on quite the discovery about God’s never changing, never failing, never-ending love. 

I really LOVED reading this book to the Little Ones at Sunday School. The book is very colorfully illustrated and makes the story come to life through the pictures. I LOVE that Papa Joe and Lucy Lu become a part story and it takes them through history. The Book is an easy read and very easy for little ones to comprehend God's LOVE for everyone! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone with Little Ones, especially those wanting to know about God and his LOVE for all! I am looking forward to more books in this series! FANTASTIC BOOK!



 


Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and small business owner with a background in K-8 education. A grateful wife, mom, and grandmom she loves words and the Word of God and is passionate about writing stories that grab and hold young readers’ attention, teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths, and His unchanging love for them.

Her first children’s book, Guess How Much God Loves You, was released in July 2022 through Ambassador International and is available wherever books are sold.

 

More from Karen

Are you looking for God honoring books that will captivate your child’s imagination, teach them faith-building biblical concepts, and help them grow in their reading skills?

Then I have the perfect book for your young reader…Guess How Much God Loves You

This beautifully illustrated book introduces young readers to the Creation Account, through the eyes of seven year old Lucy Lu, a creatively curious first grader who is starting to have serious questions about God.

Questions like…

How old is He? Does He sleep? What does He do all day? And the biggest one of all – does God really love me?

After one very hard day, feeling like she doesn’t matter, Lucy sits with her Papa Joe who has promised to answer these questions and more, launching them onto an exciting journey through the Bible to discover God’s never changing, never failing, never ending love.

I wrote this book because I want every child to know their life matters. To know that the God of all things created them in His image, on purpose and for a good purpose.

Guess How Much God Loves You will have seven books in the series with each one covering an important Bible account critical to building an understanding of God’s character and His love for all people, including your reader!

This first book is about the Creation Account as recorded in the Bible. Future books will cover the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, the Exodus and more.

I want children to understand these are not just stories about fictional characters, but historical accounts about real people they can relate to. People who experienced God’s power, love, and faithfulness.

My greatest desire is to see this next generation trust the Bible and enjoy reading it. More than ever, young readers need to hear the message that they are valuable, loved unconditionally by the One who created them and gave them the best gift of all, His Son Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.


Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 18

Lots of Helpers, May 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 19 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 19

Cover Lover Book Review, May 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 21

Texas Book-aholic, May 22

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 25

Bliss, Books & Jewels, May 25

Vicky Sluiter, May 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 28

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, May 29

Mary Hake, May 29

Labor Not in Vain, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 31



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, one signed hardcover, one eBook, and one digital activity workbook that will help to reinforce the learning concepts in a fun way!!

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/26071/guess-how-much-god-loves-you-celebration-tour-giveaway




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