Monday, September 30, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Ronnie: A Sweet, Quirky Romantic Yarn by Jennifer Lynn Cary

Book: Ronnie

Author: Jennifer Lynn Cary

Genre: Sweet Romcom

Release Date: June 12, 2024

She’s literally stuck in her engagement…

…He’s trying to keep her there.

But when you take the couple out of Texas, is the romance lost too?

Ronnie Webb has broken her engagement to the love of her life, Carlos (Cal) Garcia, or would have if the stupid ring would come off her finger.

To find the space to get over him and the rest of what is going wrong in her life, she leaves her dad’s Texas ranch to visit her aunt and family in Kokomo, Indiana.

But hanging out with the Weather Girls, especially with their cardinal in the sycamore legend sending out strong vibes, Ronnie’s love life may not be as dead as she thinks.

Carlitos can’t believe the letter Ronnie left him right before Christmas—his last one at home before his enlistment starts. However, his broken wrist might just be the break he needs to get Ronnie back before it’s too late.

But what does this native Texan know about mid-western Hoosier romance?

And can he learn, or is this the end?

Ronnie: A Sweet, Quirky Romantic Yarn is book five in the Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue series. Inspired by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ 1960’s song of the name, this charming tale with a bit of western influence finishes off 1972 and brings you into the New Year in Kokomo, Indiana.

You will enjoy this sweet and wholesome romcom with a touch of western flavor because everyone dreams of their own cowboy romance.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy reading books that are a part of a series. I also enjoy Christian Historical Romance. Ronnie by Jennifer Lynn Cary is Book 5 in the series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue. I have been enjoying this series since Book 1 and I am always excited when a new book in the series is released.

We are back to 1972 in Kokomo, Indiana and the main characters in this book are Ronnie and Carlitos. Ronnie has just broken off their engagement because Cal is going into the Armed Services. He enlisted without letting Ronnie know, so she is not happy about this. Ronnie decides to head to Kokomo, IN to visit family and to give Cal sometime to think about things. Carlitos is devasted that the engagement is off, especially right before Christmas. He breaks his wrist and decides to head to Kokomo while on medical leave to try to win Ronnie back. Will Ronnie allow her heart to soften to Cal and get back together? Will Cal be too late?

WOW, this just might be my favorite book of the series. I was a bit disappointed for Ronnie and that she felt she needed to break up with Cal. I applauded her for stepping away and giving Cal space to figure things out. The broken wrist was a situation where it helped him more then it hurt him. I LOVE that Cal followed his heart and went to Kokomo, IN to win Ronnie back. The author does have a faith message in the book and allowing God's Will to be done and not our own will. Also, that communication is key in a relationship. The book is filled with Humor, Romance, and Faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who likes good Clean Christian Romance and a step back in history! AWESOME 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. Her current spin-off series, The Weather Girls Wedding Shoppe and Venue, contains standalones with a common thread.

More from Jennifer

In the first chapter of Ronnie, Carlitos comes home to his mom making his favorite, Pozole. It is a Mexican soup, and the first time I had it was at my neighbor’s house. She has given me her recipe and permission to share it with you all. Two things to keep in mind: first, she and I had to work to translate this from Spanish to English. We did our best, but if you don’t understand something, just give it your best shot—or ask me. I might be able to figure it out. Maybe. 😉 Two, she usually makes big batches of this, and she cut it back for a “normal” size. So feel free to adjust as needed.

Most of all, though, enjoy!

Pozole Recipe by Araceli Estrada (my amazing neighbor and friend)

Ingredients:

For meat pot-

4 lbs. of bone-in pork loin

½ white onion–diced

1 head of garlic—clean off the paper

2 bay leaves

1 T oregano

1 T ground cumin

1 T powdered chicken bouillon

1 large can of hominy

For chili sauce-

10 chili pods

10 Ancho chilis

10-15 black pepper corns

4 cloves of garlic

For garnish—

Shredded cabbage

Diced onion

Sliced radishes

Chopped cilantro

Chunked avocado

Lime wedges—to squeeze over

Directions:

Place in a Dutch oven, the pork loin, the half onion, the head of garlic, the bay leaves, the oregano, and cumin. Add enough water to cover up to ¾ of pot. Bring to a boil and then heat. Simmer for 2 hours stirring often and skimming off the foam.

Slice open chilis and remove seeds and membranes. In a second pot, add chili pods and Ancho chilis. Cover with water and bring to a boil. After two minutes, turn off heat and allow chilis to rest in hot water for at least ten minutes. The chilis should feel soft and pliable.

Remove from water and put into blender with black peppercorns, 4 cloves of garlic, and a cup of water. Add water a little at a time, careful to not add too much. Puree until smooth. Then pour through a strainer into the meat pot.

Strain the hominy and add it plus the chicken bouillon to the meat pot. Salt to taste. Allow to simmer while preparing the garnishes.

Set garnishes out so guests can choose. Serve with warm tortillas.

(From Jenny: Not sure home much this will serve, but it is so good!)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 18
Blossoms and Blessings, September 19 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, September 19
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 20
Artistic Nobody, September 21 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22
Guild Master, September 23 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, September 24
A Reader’s Brain, September 25 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 26
Back Porch Reads, September 27 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 29 (Author Interview)
Pause for Tales, September 29
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 1 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5444

Pin It

Saturday, September 28, 2024

FrontGate Media Blog Tour: Home Is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons

Home Is Right Where You Are is bestselling author and artist Ruth Chou Simons' first children's book—a beautiful treasure of God's promises combined with her moving art.

Ruth shares from her heart the words she's spoken over her own six children, from their very young days into adulthood. Ruth's lyrical text and whimsical art take children and families on a journey that reminds all of us that no matter where we go, no matter what comes our way in life, the Lord keeps us close to Him.

This book is perfect for parents and families who want to:

Reassure their children with the comforting truth that God is always with them, that He will guide them, and that He will provide for all their needs;
Teach their children that God is the source of joy, overflowing blessings, and wonderful adventure;
Be delighted with captivating illustrations and beautiful art; and
Soothe anxious minds with the comfort of God's provision and presence.

A message of comfort and peace inspired by Psalm 23: when you are with God, home is always right where you are.

Childrens Illustrated books with a Faith Message are a wonderful genre. Home Is Right Where You Are by Ruth Chou Simons is the latest book in this genre that I had the opportunity to read.

WOW, I truly enjoyed this book. I shared it with a couple little ones at Church and they also enjoyed it. I believe Psalm 23 is a very important Chapter in the Bible. I really LOVE how Ruth Chou Simons has written this book in an easy to understand book for little ones. I know I have read Psalm 23 to my boys when they were little, but it isn't until they are older do they really understand the Chapter of the Bible. This book really helps the little ones understand that God is always near and will guide and lead them when they trust in him. The illustrations are magnificent and beautiful. Kids and Adults will enjoy reading this book together. I HIGHLY recommend this book! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to sow the Word of God into people's hearts. Through her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com and her social media community, Simons shares her journey of God's grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

The BOOK is Available NOW. Buy a copy of the BOOK!

Home Is Right Where You Are makes a perfect gift for Baby showers, New mothers, Births, or Adoptions; Graduations, Milestones, and other big life events; and Christmas, birthdays, Easter, and other gift-giving occasions.

Connect with Ruth Chou Simons online:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST

Pin It

FrontGate Media Blog Tour: The Book of Moses: Guiding Word Series Volume 1

Have you wanted to work through the Bible with a new perspective? Do you need a Bible study that’s a bit more of a challenge while still having guides and roadmaps to help your understanding? The Guiding Word Series is a Bible study that will take readers through the entire Bible in six volumes. This first volume, Books of Moses, takes readers from Genesis through Deuteronomy.

Following the pattern of a travel guide, readers will find helpful features printed on the page that expand on Scripture.

Visualize: Maps, diagrams, pictures, and infographics help you to visualize scenes, locations, and concepts.
Picture of the Savior: This Old Testament feature highlights people, places, or events that point forward for the coming of Jesus.
Link between the Testaments: These reveals relationships between the Old and New Testament.
Clear the Confusion: These notes help clarify passages that can be confusing by offering backstories, describing future developments, or explaining the significance of the event.
Set the Scene: Explains important cultural and historical themes.
Waypoint: Stopping points that ask you to consider a question or dig deeper into the text.

Uncover new details in His Word that you’ve never realized before with the Guiding Word Series Volume 1: The Books of Moses. This study is perfect to use as both an individual study or in a small group setting.

The Guiding Word Study Series uses the English Standard Version (ESV) translation of the Bible.

I really enjoy Bible Studies and I am always looking for new ones to help me study the Word of God. I am familiar with Concordia House Publishing and I was excited to learn of their new Series for going through the Entire Bible through a series of Bible Study books.

I really LOVE the layout and look of this Bible Study. I was really amazed and encouraged that the study is very in depth, but also easy to use and understand. Many times I have done a Bible Study that overwhelms me with too much info too fast. I really LOVE that this study can be done a slow pace and is easy to follow. I am very much looking forward to the other Books in this Series and going through the Bible in a Bible Study format. I HIGHLY recommend this Book for anyone looking for a Bible Study, either individually or as a Group! ENCOURAGING BOOK!

The Books of Moses, the first book of a six-volume Bible Resource series that aims to help readers better understand the Bible, leads readers through the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

The Books of Moses tell of the beginning of the world and lay down the narrative of the family God chose to make a great nation from which He would send His Son. People and events in these books include Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, the flood, the tower of Babel, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and Esau, Joseph, Moses, the golden calf, and the manna in the wilderness. Most importantly, these books also give the first promises of the Christ. The promise of the Messiah is the clear thread that weaves its way through the Books of Moses.

Order the Book from Concordia House Publishing

Read an Excerpt of The Book of Moses Bible Study

Volume 2, The Books of History, will be

available in November 2024.

Pin It

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Burning Tree by Helen Hunt

Book: The Burning Tree

Author: Helen Dent

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: September 10, 2024

There’s a secret growing in the woods.

In Ellie Caster’s town of Bishop’s Gap, the Casters and the powerful Levy family have been feuding for generations. The families share just one thing in common—they both dread the mark, a scorch that appears at random on their doors, bringing a curse from the Burning Tree. When the mark hits Ellie’s door, her sister Jean falls into a coma. Ellie knows the Burning Tree is to blame, and desperate to save her sister, she braves the forbidden woods to confront it. But this choice ignites a chain of unintended consequences, forcing her to work with her nemesis, Charlotte Levy.

Together, they must complete an impossible task, uncover the ancient secret of Bishop’s Gap, and end the curse before time runs out for their entire town.

Click here to get your copy!

Fantasy, especially Young Adult Fantasy, is a normal genre that I read. I was really intrigued by the synposis of this book, so I decided to read it. The Burning Tree by Helen Dent is the latest Young Adult Fantasy book that I have read.

I will admit it took me a couple of chapters to really get interested in this book. Ellie Caster is the main character of this book. The book has Ellie trying to break a long time curse in her town of Bishop's Gap. The curse is bought on by a mark on doors. Bishop Gap has been home to the Caster and Levy families for generations and they have been feuding for generations. I really LOVE that Ellie Caster and Charlotte Levy come together to help break the curse from the Burning Tree when Ellie's sister goes into a coma and from a "mark" from the Burning Tree on the Caster family home. I really like that this book is set in a Small Town and has the "Family Feud". Ellie and Charlotte who were once enemies and how they came together to save Ellie's sister was very heartwarming. This book is filled with Suspense and Fantasy. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Fantasy and Suspense books! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Helen Dent’s career as a writer began at age nine, when her grandfather paid her a dollar a page for what turned into quite a lengthy story. She studied monster theory (among other things) in graduate school, taught English at a Chinese university, and toured the Scottish Hebrides in a car with a needy radiator. Now she lives in Texas with her husband, kids, a cat, and a hamster. She belongs to the DFW Writers Workshop, the Fort Worth Poetry Society, and Art House Dallas.

More from Helen

“‘Oh, Trees, Trees, Trees,’ said Lucy (though she had not been intending to speak at all). ‘Oh, Trees, wake, wake, wake.’

. . .

Though there was not a breath of wind they all stirred about her. The rustling noise of the leaves was almost like words.” - C.S. Lewis, Prince Caspian

This scene of the enchanted trees in C.S. Lewis’s Narnia sparked my imagination the very first time I read it. As a child, like Lucy, I could picture how the trees in my own backyard might look as wood-people, what they might say if they spoke. Even now, when I walk through woods, they still hold an enchanted quality for me. I want to follow all the footpaths . . . to a meadow, maybe, rich in wildflowers . . . or a haunt of bats . . . or an ancient, lightning-struck tree.

There’s a particular wood near my house that I walked week by week during a difficult season in my life. Flowers bloomed, birds nested. The light changed. Leaves fell, then budded again. It was a comfort to wander under the sheltering trees – and that comfort wasn’t just the peace of being out in nature.

Each rustle of the trees carried an echo of a much greater story.

It’s always struck me as particularly beautiful that there are individual trees at the beginning and end of the Bible: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in Genesis, and then the tree of life again in Revelation, this time described as having “twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22: 2b ESV).

So every walk in the woods reminds me that brokenness isn’t the end of the story. Death isn’t the end of the story.

It’s probably no surprise, then, that I set my book, The Burning Tree, in an enchanted forest. where the trees have been twisted into something destructive, but where there’s always the possibility of a different outcome . . . just waiting to be unlocked.

Inspired by Fiction, September 14
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 15 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, September 15
Stories By Gina, September 16 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, September 17 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 18
Guild Master, September 19 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, September 20 (Author Interview)
Back Porch Reads, September 21 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 22
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 23 (Author Interview)
Fiction Book Lover, September 24 (Author Interview)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 25 (Author Interview)
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 25
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 26
Through the Fire Blogs, September 27 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, Helen is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5442

Pin It

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner

K-9 Ranch Protection JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: K-9 Ranch Protection
Series: Crisis Rescue Team #6
Author: Darlene L Turner
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense

A killer on the loose.

A K-9 keeping watch.

Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. The ambush leaves her in the hospital with three hours of crucial memory missing, which she knows holds the key to finding her father’s murderer. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer?

LOVE Inspired books are a FAVORITE of mine. K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L. Turner is Book 6 in the Crisis Rescue Team series. The books have different genres and are written by many different Authors. is series and have been anxiously awaiting this one.

Constable Izzy Tremblay is determined to prove that her father's death was not an accident. Izzy is attacked and ends up in the hospital and suffering from amensia. Austin Murray was once a Constable and was Izzy's partner over a decade ago. He decides to help Izzy prove her suspicions and also protect her from future attacks. Izzy seeks refuge on Austin's K9 Ranch, while still seeking answers to her Dad's death. Will Austin and Izzy find the answers they are looking for? Will there be a romance between Izzy and Austin?

WOW, this storyline had me hooked from the first few pages. I really enjoyed Izzy and Austin's story. They are both determined to find the killer and attackers. I really LOVE that Austin is there for Izzy, even though they are no longer partners. The attraction between Izzy and Austin if very evident and grows strongers as the book goes on. A definite page turner book! This book is filled with Suspense, Second Chance at Romance, and Faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book for those who enjoy Suspense filled Romance books! FANTASTIC BOOK!

More Books In This Series

Darlene L. Turner

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning and a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and lives with her husband Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

Connect with Darlene by visiting darlenelturner.com, where there’s suspense beyond borders, to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

(4) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon egift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 23, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 30, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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