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Monday, October 30, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Voices in th Sanitorium by Amy Lynn Walsh

 




Book: Voices in the Sanitorium

Author: Amy Lynn Walsh

Genre: Historical Mystery, Women’s Fiction

(This is not horror or paranormal.  Readers will have no trouble falling asleep after reading this!)

Release Date: October, 2022

Relocating from Manhattan, teenage Aislyn must adjust to life near the abandoned West Mountain Sanitarium. One night, Aislyn joins new friends in the old ruins — and seems to return home with a different personality. Not long after Aislyn purchases a diary written almost a century ago by Bridget, a young patient recovering from tuberculosis on the sanitorium grounds, strange things begin to happen.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 


I really enjoy reading Historical Fiction. I also love a good Mystery book. Voices in the Sanitorium  by Amy Lynn Walsh combines both of the genres and had me intrigued to read the book. 

Aislyn is not happy that her family recently moved from Manhattan to Pennsylvania. She is happy that she has made new friends fast and they decide to venture out to the abandoned West Mountain Sanitarium, which is very close to Aislyn's home. Aislyn buys a 1930's Diary that belonged to a Tuberculosis patient at the Sanitarium. Aislyn's personality changes after the visit to the Abandoned Sanitarium and strange things start happening after she begins reading the Diary. Were the writings in the Diary speaking to Aislyn? What does Aislyn discover about the past from the Diary? 

WOW, the book is definitely an "Edge of the Seat" book!  I was captivated by the storyline from the first chapter. Aislyn and her friends exploring the abandoned building was really mysterious.  I think when Aislyn started hearing voices and her actions towards those voices had me a little spooked, but in a good way.  The book has many twists and turns! The author has a GREAT Writing style and the author did a great job at the Historical research and times. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Mystery with Historical aspects! FANTASTIC BOOK! 




Amy Walsh writes historical and contemporary romance, mysteries, speculative fiction, and women’s fiction.  She  is a 5th-grade writing teacher in an urban public school.  Amy and her husband, Patrick, have three children. Amy considers herself greatly blessed in the roles God has given her as an earthling, including aspiring wordsmith, teacher of youngsters, nature appreciator, tea aficionado, avid dessert fan, book fanatic, lover of family and friends, and Christ follower.

 

More from Amy

Mam’s Apple Cinnamon Scones with Maple Cinnamon Glaze

These are the scones Katherine’s mother makes the morning their new friend Cadence comes for an Irish tea.  This time of fellowship marks a turning point in the plot of Voices in the Sanitorium.



The dough:

2 3/4 cups flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 stick of softened butter

1 diced small apple

3/4 cup cinnamon chips (optional)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup applesauce

 

For best results, follow the steps below.  However, if you are as busy as Katherine is with four children and a thriving Irish textile business, you can just melt the butter in the microwave and throw all the ingredients together at once, and these scones will still be delicious.

 

  • In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
  • Mix in the butter just until the mixture is crumbly
  • Stir in the chopped apple and cinnamon chips.
  • Mix the eggs, vanilla, and applesauce in another bowl, then add these to the dry ingredients.
  • Make sure you have parchment paper or have floured your baking sheet.
  • Drop scoops of the dough onto the baking sheet. (about ¼ cup scoops)
  • Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees or until golden brown


Notes:

If pressed for time, Mam just makes drop scones.  When guests are coming, she forms the dough into a circle about ¾ inch high, cuts the dough into pie pieces on the parchment paper, then gently pulls the pieces apart and uses her fingers to form them into perfect isosceles triangles.

Sometimes Mam puts the dough into the freezer after forming it on the baking pan.  She says freezing dough for a half hour makes them softer.  Katherine has never noticed a difference.

Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cup powdered sugar,
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 ½ Tablespoons maple syrup

If the glaze needs to be thickened, add more powdered sugar.  If it is too thick, add more syrup, cream, or milk.  You can put it in the microwave for about fifteen seconds if it starts to get firm while you wait for the scones to come out of the oven.


Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 17

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 18

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 19 (Author Interview)

Avid Reader Nurse, October 19

Texas Book-aholic, October 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 22

Connie’s History Classroom, October 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24

Denise L. Barela, October 25

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 26

Blogging With Carol, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 29 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 30



To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away the grand prize package of $40 Amazon card, a hardcover copy of the book, and historical memorabilia related to the West Mountain Sanitarium in 1931!!

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/28796/voices-in-the-sanitorium-celebration-tour-giveaway





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Sunday, October 29, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Coming Home Forever by Michelle De Bruin





Book: Coming Home Forever

Author: Michelle De Bruin

Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

Release Date: May 30, 2023

Her college career is cut short, so Rose Harper takes a job that throws her into the path of a weary soldier who joins her in the search of a place to call home.

Rose Harper dreams of becoming a teacher, but she quit school at the local college because her classes were harder than she expected. Dreading the thought of returning to her hometown and sharing a home with her father, Rose works two jobs so that she can stay in Oswell City with her friends. When she gets called in to help with special events at the Ellenbroek home, Rose is forced to make a big decision. Should she continue working as a maid, or does she dare to try and achieve her goal of becoming a teacher? Obstacles lie in the way, but thanks to the assistance of a supportive friend, Rose is given the chance to find a place to belong.

Timothy Ellenbroek has just completed his tour of duty as a chaplain to the soldiers on the Front. Now he has come home weary, grieving, and under pressure to find a job. His father would love to see him in a high-profile career, powerful and important. But Tim isn’t so sure. He longs for a safe place to rest, to heal, and to live a quiet peaceful life. When his father intervenes in the job search with an offer to work with him in the mayor’s office at City Hall, Tim resists. He wants peace and a meaningful career, but Oswell City can’t give him both. Tim wonders if he will have to leave home again. The longer he stays, the more his hometown means to him. Tim must make the choice to listen to his heart and trust where it leads him.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Christian Historical Fiction is a great genre and I have really come to enjoy Author Michelle De Bruin for this genre. Coming Home Forever is Book 3 in the series, Coming Home. I have read the first 2 books in this series and I am happy that Book 3 is out. 

The time and setting of this book is 1919 in Oswell City, Iowa. Rose Harper has had to quit College and forgo her dreams of being a Teacher.  as the classes were difficult. She doesn't want to go HOME, so she takes 2 jobs and stays in Oswell City with Friends.  Rose is given an opportunity to work Special Events at the Ellenbroek Home. She is also about to make a choice of going back to College to achieve her dreams or continue the jobs she has now. Timothy Ellenbroek has just returned to Oswell, IA after serving during War Time as a Chaplin. He wants to decompress and slowly get back into life and find a job.  He is being pressured by his Father to take a job  at City Hall. Timothy is not doing well with the Pressure from his Dad and even thinks about leaving home so he can find the career he really wants. Will Rose go back to College and reach her dream goals? Will Timothy stay in Oswell and find what he is looking for in life? 

WOW, the storyline is very intriguing! I really enjoyed Rose and Timothy's story. Rose is a determined yet "lost" person. She knows what she wants but is unsure of the her direction and place in the world. Timothy has just finished serving during War-time and experienced so much. He loves his Hometown of Oswell, but also needs to figure out his next chapter in life. I Love that Rose and Timothy encourage one another and both are relying on God for their life choices. The Historical time of the book was really well researched. The book is one of Faith and Trusting God ! God's Plan are Greater then our Plans is the theme for the book.  I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK!





Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband of 25 years and two young adult sons who are college students at Iowa State. She has a bachelor’s degree in religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle serves as a chaplain for Pella Regional Health Center. She writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story. You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website: michelledebruin.com

 

 

More from Michelle

Coming Home Forever is the last in a trilogy of books set in a small Iowa town during the years 1913 through 1918. This is the second series of books I have written. The Tomorrow series is the first set, and if you’ve already read it, you will recognize characters that appeared in Hope for Tomorrow, Promise for Tomorrow, and Dreaming of Tomorrow.

This book opens in the winter of 1919, after the end of World War I when the soldiers are coming home. We meet Timothy Ellenbroek, the son of Oswell City’s mayor. He’s been in France serving as a chaplain in the military and now that his tour of duty is completed, he’s ready to find a peaceful place to call home.

Rose Harper dreamed of becoming a teacher, but college was much harder than she expected. Now she is trying to chart a new course, but it isn’t going like she thought. Through a few unexpected adventures, she joins Tim in the search for a peaceful, safe place.

I wrote this book to illustrate how God is always with us, working through us, and speaking to us. I also wanted to encourage readers that yes, we can change, we can heal, and we can be restored, putting bad decisions behind us for good.

Thank you for joining me on this tour. I hope you enjoy the blog posts and enter the drawing for the giveaway.

Grace and peace,

Michelle De Bruin


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 20

Texas Book-aholic, October 21

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 22 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, October 22

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 23 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, October 24

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 25

Connie’s History Classroom, October 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 27

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

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 29

For Him and My Family, October 30

Holly’s Book Corner, October 31

Pause for Tales, November 1

Cover Lover Book Review, November 2




To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & 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/2879b/coming-home-forever-celebration-tour-giveaway




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Saturday, October 28, 2023

JustRead Tours Blog Blitz: The Christy Award Finalists

The Christy Award Finalists 2023 JustRead Blog Blitz Banner

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2023 organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to The Christy Award 2023 Finalists & Winners!

YOU ARE INVITED

The Christy Award Gala 2023
Via webcast
November 16, 2023 | 7 pm CT
Featuring Chris Fabry, Davis Bunn, Janette Oke, and a host of Christy-winning authors

Hosted by Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry, the Christy Award Winners Gala will be held Thursday, November 16th at 7pm CT via free webcast to recognize the finalists and announce the winners of The Christy Award in nine categories, Book of the Year, and Amplify Award. The event will feature two literary greats, Christian fiction legacy authors Janette Oke and Davis Bunn. Award presenters will include Christy winning authors Amanda Cox, Toni Shiloh, Nicole Deese, Patricia Raybon, Jocelyn Green, Sarah Sundin, Terri Blackstock, Karen Witemeyer, Sharon Hinck, and Kara Swanson.


The Christy Award Finalists 2023

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg (Larkspur Press)
All That It Takes by Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
To Believe in You by Emily Conrad (Hope Anchor LLC)
To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

FIRST NOVEL

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon by Linda MacKillop (Kregel Publications)
Porch Music
by Kathy Maresca (TouchPoint Press Faith)

GENERAL FICTION

By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
When Stone Wings Fly
by Karen Barnett (Kregel Publications)
Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner
 (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL

All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar
(Tyndale House Publishers)
Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt (Kregel Publications

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron (Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The Rose and the Thistle
by Laura Frantz (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White
(Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

By Way of Deception by Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn (Harvest House Publishers)
Cold Light of Day
by Elizabeth Goddard (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
Forged by Sara Davison (Mountain Brook Ink)

The Souls of Lost Lake
by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

SHORT FORM

Always a Lady (in A Return to Hawthorne House) by Kristi Ann Hunter (Oholiab Creations, LLC)
Hopes and Fears (in O Little Town) by Amanda Wen (Kregel Publications)
Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon
(Sarah Monzon)

SPECULATIVE

Drawn in Ash by John W. Otte (John W. Otte)
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media)

Yesterday's Gone
by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall (Tyndale House Publishers)

YOUNG ADULT

Blood Secrets by Morgan L. Busse (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)
This Dreamer by Sara Watterson (Sara Watterson)

The Whisperer's Wish by Janilise Lloyd (Scrivenings Press)
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes (Thomas Nelson)
The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)

The Christy Award Finalists 2023 ECPA


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!

The Christy Award Finalists 2023 JustRead Tours 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 October 27, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 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 HERE


REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD 2023 EVENTS

The Art of Writing webinars on Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT $69
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.

The Christy Award winners webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. - free but registration is required.
Celebrate this year's finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

The Christy Award & Art of Writing 2023 Banner

REGISTER

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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours








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Friday, October 27, 2023

FrontGate Media Blog Tour: Ameo Life










At Ameo Life we are passionate about helping you achieve your ultimate health, naturally. 

We are strong in our faith and are dedicated to providing you and your family with the most natural and effective supplementation to promote your overall wellness and vitality.

With a firm belief in the healing power of divine creation, we take every measure to ensure each ingredient in every product you receive is as it was found in nature, delivered to the body in the manner originally intended to truly support overall wellness.

When developing products for Ameo Life, we take into consideration that native herbs, minerals and botanicals already have their best intentions ‘built in’ by their creator. We’ve noticed when man interferes with these intentional principles, our overall health pays the price with denatured products and medications that end up causing more harm than good.

We firmly believe that the human body has the ability to heal itself, given the correct forms of nutrition and natural supplementation.

As a result we have a steadfast dedication to supporting the body with products that are :

  • Free of chemicals
  • Free of toxins
  • Free of fillers
  • Free of harmful substances





I received the 4 products pictured above: Fulvic Mineral Solution, Aloe Infused Silver Nasal Spray, Unscented Silver Soap and Silver Soap with Charcoal. My oldest son who is 21 years old has very dry skin and has to use good soap. He was excited to try the Silver Soap, both versions. His skin started feeling soft and refreshed after only 3 days of use. He is super excited about continuing to use the Sliver Soap and he is VERY picky about the products he uses. He will use both versions, but he says he likes the Unscented better. My husband gets very nasally in the Fall due to Weather changes, so the Nasal Spray came at just the right time. He has been using the Nasal Spray for a week now and he LOVES it. He was using an Over the Counter product and would spray every couple of hours. He is very happy that he only has to use this spray once or twice a day. I have been using the Fulvic Mineral Solution. I recently had a health scare and wasn't sure if I could take this. I saw that the ingredients were all natural and decided to start using it. I have been using the product for a week now and I can say that I am feeling considerably better, especially for Energy. My Energy levels have been SLOW going and I am seeing a boost in Energy after using this product. I am looking forward to further changes for me. 

Our Family LOVES the products that we have been using. I LOVE that they are all Natural ingredients and good for many with dietary issues. I also LOVE that Ameo Life is a Faith Based Company! I HIGHLY Recommend Ameo Life!












BUY THE PRODUCT: https://bit.ly/3Qc6212



Where to Find Ameo Life Online: 

Facebook     Twitter      Instagram    YouTube











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FrontGate Media Blog Tour: Miracle in East Texas Movie Review








Genre: Western, Romantic Comedy
Production: Summer 2018
Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Language: English
Country: United States, Canada
Company: Wild Fire Films
​Distributor: Fathom

Inspired by one of the most improbable true stories ever, this is the entertaining tale of two aging con men at the dawn of the Great Depression and the biggest oil strike in the history of the world.

Irving Tanner, Jr. (Lou Gossett, Jr.) recounts the 1930 legend. Times are hard when the unluckiest wildcatter in the world, Dad Everett (John Ratzenberger), teams up with Doc Boyd (Kevin Sorbo), a charming snake oil salesman. Together they convince several new widows (Sam Sorbo, Paula Boudreau, and others) to invest in their worthless oil wells.

Then, the unthinkable happens! Now our two Casanovas faced with a challenge: declare another dry hole for a clean escape, or bring the well in like genuine oil men and likely spend the rest of their lives in jail?

Meanwhile, some of their investors are angry and fixing to do something about it. And one of them is truly a "mountain" of a man (Tyler Mane).

What happens next? Doc preaches, the Good Lord teaches, and a judge reaches a surprising conclusion. The mostly true story will make you laugh, shed a tear, and give you pride in the God-blessed American way.





I really enjoy Movies based on True Stories, they truly tell a WONDERFUL Story. We are a Homeschooling Family and we are always on the lookout for Educational Movies. My son is now a Senior and this movie is a PERFECT Lesson for him. I really enjoyed the movie and how accurate it is to History. Oil Drilling, 2 Con Men and the Great Depression truly make an interesting movie. The movie is also Faith Based and has Scripture spoken throughout the movie. The deep message of the movie is about Forgiveness and Redemption and how 2 Con Men had their lives changed in MAJOR ways. I LOVE that the Sarbo Family all participates in the movie in some way or another.  I Laughed, I cried, I enjoyed the movie fully! I HIGHLY recommend going to see this in Theaters! HURRY though as it is only in Theaters October 29th and 30th! GREAT MOVIE!

(I was given an advanced screener to watch the movie)



















Miracle in East Texas is…

Inspired by a true story
An American tale of entrepreneurship
The story of the biggest oil strike in US history
A movie with a good message on forgiveness and its blessings.
Sorbo Studios produces films that uplift and entertain.
Stars Kevin Sorbo (also director), John Ratzenberger, Lou Gossett Jr., Tyler Mane
Also starring and produced by CC mom Sam Sorbo
With CC homeschool graduate Braeden Sorbo.


Some GREAT TOOLS for Homeschool Families and Small Groups: 

A great opportunity for homeschoolers to learn about some Texas history, oil, entrepreneurship, the power of forgiveness, and even some math!
FREE downloadable homeschool curricula available at https://www.sorbostudios.com/homeschool-packet
FREE downloadable discussion guide for book groups available at https://www.sorbostudios.com/group-packet




ACT FAST the Movie is only in Theaters for 2 days, October 29th and 30th


















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