Saturday, March 9, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Who Bought the Dog to Church? by Tracy L. Smoak

Book: Who Brought the Dog to Church?

Author: Tracy L. Smoak

Genre: Christian Contemporary Fiction

Release Date: June, 2023

Betty is sure that Ida Lou does not belong in their church when the woman shows up to the Good Friday service with her small dog in tow. But before she knows what’s happening, Betty is pushed into helping the woman as she deals with the sudden hospitalization of her husband. Having lost her own husband just one year ago, Betty is chosen as the perfect person to help walk through this valley with the newcomer—along with the other women of the WUFHs (Women United For Him).

Sarah McAdams knows her husband loves her. He just loses his temper sometimes. It comes with the stress of being a highly recognized police officer. But when Sarah makes the decision that this is not the life she wants for her young son, will she be able to get out alive? Where can she go? And who will help her?

God works in mysterious ways—and through ordinary people. The town of Prosper is about to experience some drama—and it all starts with a dog who comes to church.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Contempory Christian Fiction books. Who Bought the Dog to Church? by Tracy L. Smoak is the latest in this genre that I have read.

WOW, I truly enjoyed this book from the very first chapter. It has an amazing storyline, but it has strong message throughout. One of the main characters, Betty, welcomes a newcomer to the Church. The newcomer, Ida, brings a dog with her and she is in need of encouragement and help. Her husband is in the hospital and she just needs prayers. Sarah knows she really needs to get her and her son get to safety, and out of an abusive relationship with her husband. Betty and the other ladies of the Church help both Sarah and Ida. The small town Church is a point of solisce and comfort, also the ladies are quite humorous. I LOVE that the author writes about the sensitive topics with grace and humor. Humor really sometimes is what is needed in stressful times. I read this book within 3hrs as it was too interesting to put down! GREAT BOOK!

A native Floridian, Tracy L. Smoak grew up riding horses and climbing citrus trees. Her passion is to encourage others in their faith journey. Smoak writes for Guideposts. Ambassador International released her debut novel, Who Brought the Dog to Church?. Bold Vision published her Bible study about encouragement titled Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place.

She loves photography and authored two hardcover devotionals with her original nature art (Living Water to Refresh Your Soul – tranquil lake scenes; and Arranged with Love– floral landscapes).

Smoak holds a master’s in Education and a bachelor’s in Communication. At her church home, she leads small-group Bible studies. She is an active member of Word Weavers International.

More from Tracy

What secrets are hidden behind your neighbor’s door? What do you try to hide?

The idea for this contemporary fiction began in a small country church during an Easter prayer vigil a decade ago. As I sat in the pew late at night, I heard a strange scratching noise. When I turned to locate the sound’s source, I saw a woman across the aisle with a little Yorkie.

The vigil was silent, so I didn’t approach the lady, but I did wonder why that pooch accompanied her in the sanctuary. That scenario, connected with others in my weekly involvement in several volunteer roles, sparked imagination. We judge appearances and may completely miss needs of the heart. Do we know our neighbors?

Experiences as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence started me wondering how do people get free from damaging situations? What are the obstacles holding them back?

Serving as a Stephens Ministry leader in my home church exposed me to people suffering loss. How are we to stand with those crushed with grief?

Another volunteer role helping immigrants settle in the U.S. reminded me of the difficulties they face. How can one fill out an online job application when a person relocates from a refugee camp with no electricity and never has had a computer?

The story’s heart is learning to really see, and know, our neighbors. Three women and their friendships reveal how doing good unites a community. Through comic misunderstandings and risky undertakings, the characters show us how to be Christ’s hands and feet.

Short videos to introduce the main characters can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kuEoU7pFvU&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMcocMuZDOZUvLxZG48BiWm5&index=1.

Audio book excerpts can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwxqS2mNisI&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMcocMuZDOZUvLxZG48BiWm5&index=9.

Video resources for survivors of domestic violence are at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Aq2myofjo&list=PLf6ZzeQjavMd0mkdKujmZeq7iKDzi8IoQ&index=2.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 28
Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 29 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 1 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 1
Texas Book-aholic, March 2
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 3
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 4
Pause for Tales, March 5
Artistic Nobody, March 6 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, March 6
Cover Lover Book Review, March 7
Fiction Book Lover, March 8 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 9
For Him and My Family, March 10
Books I’ve Read, March 11
Girls in White Dresses, March 12

To celebrate her tour, Tracy is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy each of Who Brought the Dog to Church? and Refuge of Grace: Finding Your Safe Place!!

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/2a3cd/who-brought-the-dog-to-church