Saturday, November 30, 2024

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Canine Christmas by Jennifer Sienes

Book: A Canine Christmas

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance, Christmas Fiction, and Southern Fiction

Release date: November 18, 2024

What do you get when you mix a mail carrier, a monstrously large canine and his surly owner, and a mysterious death?

Amelia Hutchinson can’t seem to find her place in the world. Or maybe she’s just watched too many Christmas Hallmark movies. But come on, how come Aurora Teagarden and Hallie Dean get more exciting careers and all Amelia gets to be is a mail carrier? Not to mention, she’s living in her sister and brother-in-law’s guest house and the only man she could find was one who didn’t appreciate the purity ring her daddy gave her.

Rayce Jasper just wants to sell his late granddad’s farm and throw away the painful past that comes with it as soon as possible. But the memories of the man who betrayed him, a ditzy mail lady, and a strange request put a kink in his agenda.

As Rayce’s and Amelia’s worlds collide, neither of them can deny that God must be weaving His own Christmas story for the two of them.

Click here to get your copy!

I really enjoy Christian Romance books and Jennifer Sienes is one of my favorite for this genre. A Canine Christmas is Book 5 of The Bedford County Series. I have been enjoying this series and recently read this book.

I am so excited for a new release that has a Christmas theme as we enter the Christmas season. The 2 main characters in this book are Amelia Hutchinson and Rayce Jasper. Amelia and Rayce encounter each other when Amelia has to deliver a mail package to Rayce. Amelia has a fear of dogs as she is mail carrier. Rayce has a large dog named Porter and Amelia really is uncomfortable around Porter. Rayce and Amelia begin spending time with one another as they have agreed to help one another with some projects. Rayce is going to train a puppy for Amelia's niece before Christmas arrives. Amelia is going to help Rayce clean his Grandfather's house of the clutter before he puts it on the market to sell. A HUGE misunderstanding almost ruined their growing friendship. I really LOVE how both Amelia and Rayce recover from this misunderstanding. Rayce doesn't plan on staying in the small town after he sells his Grandpa's estate, but will God change his mind. I have to say I started reading this book and finished it within 3 hours as it is short but very intriguing and sweet! The story is one of Faith, LOVE, Forgiveness and Second chances. I I HIGHLY recommend this Clean, Sweet Christian Romance. AMAZING 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

I’m often asked where inspiration comes for my books. Does it start with a character or a setting or maybe something from my own life? The answer is, “Yes.” Each of those have sparked story ideas. A Canine Christmas is my fourteenth book, but it’s the first (and possibly last) novel/novella motivated by a dog.

You would think it would be my own canine that inspired one of my books—but that’s not the case here. I have a short story in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Life Lessons from the Dog titled “Soul Sniffer” based on my late Bichon Friese, Einstein. He was also in Providence—and his name was Dashiell. I have another short story in Inspire Joy titled “Canine Redemption” about Cheyenne, a rescue dog we had for a short time. But an entire book? Never.

It started with my granddaughters’ Cano Corso, Porter. The biggest (and I mean that in every sense of the word) baby I’ve ever encountered. He’s massive, and yet hides behind eight-year-old Kennedy at the slightest loud noise. His size alone is enough to intimidate the average person, but he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. However, he wasn’t the only inspiration for this Christmas novella.

The setting was influenced by my affinity for old family farms and historic cemeteries (of which there are over 33,000 in the state of Tennessee.) Add a ditzy mail lady who has an intense fear of dogs, and a disgruntled man trying to put his past to rest, and A Canine Christmas was born.

This is romance through and through, and it was a pure joy to write. I hope you’ll come to love Amelia and Rayce as much as I did—and of course, Porter, the canine matchmaker.

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 22
Stories By Gina, November 23 (Author Interview)
Blogging With Carol, November 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 25
She Lives To Read, November 26
An Author’s Take, November 27
Guild Master, November 28 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 29
A Reader’s Brain, November 30 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 30
MrsK Books to Go, November 30
Texas Book-aholic, December 1
For Him and My Family, December 2
Holly’s Book Corner, December 3
Back Porch Reads, December 4 (Author Interview)

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/00adcf54104

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Friday, November 29, 2024

FrontGate Media Blog Tour: Walking in Wonder: A Devotional Journal for Moms of Toddlers by Catherine Claire Larson

Embrace the independent and energetic toddler year with this weekly devotional journal—a keepsake memory book created with your spiritual growth in mind as you watch your child grow day by day.

In this beautiful companion to Waiting in Wonder and Watching in Wonder, popular blogger Catherine Claire Larson encourages moms to receive God's peace and grace during the intense and joy-filled toddler year.

Designed to help you discover God's love in a new way as your little one discovers their world, Walking in Wonder includes:

Three Scripture-based devotions each week centered on spiritual and parenting themes such as resting, feeding, and speaking
Monthly "Memories and Milestones" sections to document your toddler's growth
Thoughtful journaling prompts with space to record stories and prayers during this busy and delightful year

With its invitation to draw near to God as you navigate your child's second year of life, this is a unique and thoughtful gift for adoption parties, birthday celebrations, or simply for yourself and future generations.

Savor the transformation happening in your faith life as you enjoy the remarkable changes in your toddler.

READ A SAMPLE OF the Walking in Wonder Book

I am an avid reader of Devotionals and enjoy them for all phases of life. Walking in Wonder: A Devotional Journal for Moms of Toddlers by Catherine Claire Larson is the latest Devotional book that I have read.

WOW, this Devotional is amazing and well writen. This is more than a Devotional Book, it is also a Memory Book. Memory Books are not so popular anymore, due to technology. I personally prefer a written book version as they are easier to access and keep for long. A Mom needs encouragement through all stages of Motherhood, the young years are truly important time for encouragement for Moms. Walking in Wonder is for the important Toddler Years. I really LOVE the look and layout of this Book. The Devotional begins when your child turns 1 year old. Each Devotional section covers a week at time and has Scripture for encouragement, a place to record memories from that week and write down important happenings. I truly wish I had this book when my Boys were little ones!

I STRONGLY recommend this for Moms of Toddlers. It reminds them even through the busy time of life, it is good to be in the Word and receive God's grace and encouragement! GREAT BOOK!

After graduating with a Master's degree in Biblical Studies, Catherine Claire Larson spent seven years writing with Chuck Colson for BreakPoint radio, Christianity Today, and Newsweek online. Today, she writes amidst the clatter and curiosity of her six boys. To find out more, visit: www.catherineclairelarson.com

BUY A COPY OF the BOOK

Makes a GREAT Gift for Moms for Christmas, Baby Showers, and more.

There are 2 other books in this series. Find out more about these books here:

Waiting in Wonder: Growing in Faith While You're Expecting

Watching in Wonder: Growing in Faith During Your Baby's First Year

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Pretending to be the Mountain Man's Wife by Misty M. Beller

Book: Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife (Brothers of Sapphire Ranch Book 6)

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre:Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 19, 2024

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Determined to find his missing brother and catch the elusive mastermind behind the theft of his family’s precious sapphires, Gil Coulter embarks on a solo mission to the remote town where the criminal is rumored to reside. As Gil scours the surrounding wilderness for the thief’s hidden lair, he crosses paths with a captivating young woman who harbors secrets of her own.

Jess McPharland has spent her life hidden in the mountains, doing her best to stay separate from her family’s business. Yet the secret she’s just discovered will change her life forever. She offers a silent prayer, pleading for a man to help her conceal the truth she’s only just discovered. As if in answer, Gil Coulter rides through the trees, seeking the very criminal Jess calls Father. Now she must find a way to ask this stranger for the ultimate favor—to pose as her husband and shield her from the consequences of a change she won’t be able to hide much longer.

As Gil and Jess navigate the treacherous landscape and the greater danger from her father and his cronies, they find themselves caught in a web of danger, deception, and unexpected attraction. With each passing moment, the stakes grow higher, and the line between pretense and truth blurs. Will the love growing between them be enough to protect Jess’s secret and lead them to the justice Gil seeks, or will the truth shatter everything they’ve risked their lives to build?

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain saga filled with high-stakes adventure, a pretend marriage, a secret baby, and love that heals wounded hearts.

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Romance is one of my favorite Genres.. Pretending to be the Mountain Man's Wife by Misty M. Beller is the latest book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 6 in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series. I have really been enjoying this series!

WOW, this book is a very intriguing and touching story about Gil Coulter. Gil is on the hunt to find Samson, his brother that has been missing and hopefully find the missing Family Sapphires. He meets Jess McPharland and upon hearing her story he knows he needs to help her. Jess has been trying to flee from her abusive father for sometime now and she can't seem to flee. I LOVE that Gil has compassion for Jess and agrees to pretend to marry her so that she doesn't have to go through with an arranged marriage. Gil also wants to protect the unborn baby that Jess is pregnant with. Jess is a sweet girl and in no means tries to take advantage of Gil and kind heart, rather she is going to lead him to his missing brother. The pair traveled through caves and tunnels to get to his brother. I LOVE how they had to coax him to leave and then the thief of the jewels was discovered. The book is very descriptive of the happenings, especially when danger lurks for Gil and Jess. I really enjoyed reading about Gil and Jess and how their love for each other grew throughout the story and happenings. The book is action packed and intriguing from the beginning. The story is one of Faith, Friendship, Family and LOVE. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. The book can be read as a standalone, but I HIGHLY suggest reading the series in order and you will come to love the Coulter family as much as I have! Misty M. Beller has written a WONDERFUL series once again! FABULOUS BOOK!

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books old. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

In Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife, the heroine and her father live in a cave which is part of an intricate catacomb hidden inside Montana mountain.

I LOVED researching cave systems, especially those in Montana, and I was amazed at how many extensive tunnels and caverns have been discovered!

One of the most well-known is Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, located between Butte and Bozeman. This spectacular limestone cave system features a series of caverns adorned with incredible rock formations. These days, visitors can take guided tours to marvel at the intricate stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites that have formed over thousands of years. The cave is also home to several species of bats.

Another notable cave system is the Bighorn Caverns, situated in the Pryor Mountains south of Billings. This complex network of caves extends for over 14 miles, making it one of the most significant cave systems in the state. Experienced cavers can explore winding passages, underground streams, and vast chambers with unique mineral formations.

The Bighorn Caverns are very similar to how I imagine the cave system was that Jess lived in. As amazing as the tunnels are to explore, I’m not sure I’d want to live in such darkness. What about you?

I pray you enjoy Gil and Jess’s story in Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife! J

Blessings!

Misty

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 22
Melissa’s Bookshelf, November 22
Pause for Tales, November 23
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23
Texas Book-aholic, November 24
Blossoms and Blessings, November 24
Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 25 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
lakesdielivingsite, November 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 27
For Him and My Family, November 27
Devoted To Hope, November 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29
Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 29
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 30
Book Looks by Lisa, December 1
Holly’s Book Corner, December 1
Betti Mace, December 2
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 3
Cover Lover Book Review, December 3
Books You Can Feel Good About, December 4
Life on Chickadee Lane, December 5
Mary Hake, December 5

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/00adcf54105

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: To Choose the Longshot by Lisa M. Prysock

Book: To Choose the Longshot

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

In a world where wealth and status reign, can true love prevail?

Miss Delia Lyndon, a young woman born into the prestigious Spencer-Lyndon family, is initially enamored with Thaddeus, the son of a prominent local stable owner, when he begins vying for her hand in marriage. She is keenly aware of how a union between the two families would seal their status as one of the most beloved couples from Lexington. However, when Jake, a handsome and charming newcomer, arrives on the scene, he catches her attention, casting doubts and fears in Delia’s heart. Torn between two suitors, Delia must navigate societal expectations, family pressure, and her own desires. Will she choose the man who seemingly has it all – wealth, charm, and a shared background in Kentucky’s elite circles – or will she follow her heart to the humble yet captivating Jake?

Jake Williams is determined to prove his worth in the competitive world of horse racing. Despite his humble beginnings as a farmer, he refuses to be intimidated by his rival’s malicious attempts to sabotage his chances, both on the racetrack and in winning Delia’s affections. With his trusted steed, Horizon, by his side, Jake faces each challenge head-on, guided by his unwavering faith.

When mysterious events begin occurring leading up to the annual Phoenix Stakes horse race, Delia must look beyond appearances and uncover the truth that lies beneath.

Click here to get your copy!

I truly enjoy Christian Historical Romance Books, especially ones from long ago Eras in History. to Choose the Longshot by Lisa M. Prysock is the latest in this genre that I have read. It is Book 2 in the Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age series. I read book 1 in this series and have been excited to continue the series.

WOW, this storyline grabbed my attention from the beginning of the book. Miss Delia Lyndon and Jake Williams are the 2 main characters of the book. Thaddeus Sullivan is the 3rd character in the story. Dalia is of marrying age and Thaddeus, who is a local "comes from a wealthy family" suitor. He begins pursuing Delia and she really begins to like him. Jake is a new guy in town and Delia is gaining interest in Jake. Jake is from the Horse Racing Circle and grew up on a Farm. Delia is truly torn between the 2 suitors and has come to a point where she knows she must decide who will win her heart forever. I really LOVE how Delia handles the situation, not just from a heart perspective, but also from a "who is the better person" for me. She sees "wealth and status" in Thaddeus, but she also sees that wealth doesn't always mean happiness. I also LOVE how Jake handles things when mysterious things begin happening at the Race Track. He looks past the sabotage and shows his upstanding character. I truly LOVE this story that includes Faith, LOVE and being real to yourself when it comes to finding LOVE. I also love that Faith and God are a HUGE part of the book, especially Jake's faith. I HIGHLY recommend this book to fans of Christian Historical Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

More from Lisa

Hello Celebrate Lit Friends and Readers! I’m back to share a looksie at Book 2 from Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age. I’ve really enjoyed my deep dive into all things Kentucky Derby and the world of horseracing in To Choose the Longshot.

Most of us have heard of Churchill Downs and Lexington’s Keeneland. But before Keeneland was the Lexington Association Racetrack. The annual spring race generally opened each year on that course with a featured race known as the Phoenix Stakes. It dates as far back in history as 1831! You can take a peek at the fascinating horse names of all the winners from 1831 to 2012, here. Of course, I’ve fictionalized names of winners and many events around the races in my series, but it’s fun to peek at real-life history when crafting our stories.

Leading up to and through the Gilded Age, the time period and setting of this series, the Phoenix race was generally sponsored by the Phoenix Hotel in Lexington. And more than Kentucky horseracing history, in Book 2, readers will get to come along for a glimpse at another course located in Baltimore, Maryland when the story takes our main characters to Pimlico. They referred to this track as the Old Hilltop in the early days of American horseracing history.

And atop Pimlico sits the famed weathervane. Did you know that painting the Preakness Stakes weathervane is a grand Pimlico tradition dating to 1909? The vane style is unique, commissioned by the Maryland Jockey Club, bearing the shape of a thoroughbred and jockey ever since the original arrow-shaped one was struck down by lightning. The new vane was christened by the colors of the silks carried by that year’s winner, Effendi.

I had a great deal of fun writing To Choose the Longshot starting with the very first page. The novel opens with a runaway bride! It’s always a wonder what makes a bride runaway, and my imagination went to work at once creating the situation that causes this bride so much consternation.

Readers get to learn more about Veronica’s sister in Book 2, Miss Delaney Lyndon. Everyone calls the shy and demure middle sister, Delia. And all of Lexington expects one of the Lyndon sisters to marry into the Sullivan family, since these two families are “Kentucky horseracing royalty.” But who will Delia choose to marry? Will she marry her handsome, wealthy, and daring beau, Thaddeus Sullivan, or will a rugged newcomer and underdog in their midst from the Adirondacks, Jake Williams, turn her head?

I cannot fail to mention that the beloved character of Aunt Mae from Book 1 makes an appearance in Book 2. She certainly has her hands full attempting to help Delia reach a decision about who she should marry, knowing it will impact the future of Velvet Brooks Farm for generations to come. But if anyone can help steer Delia to a decision, it’s Aunt Mae. As our heroine grapples with perceptions and tries to balance expectations with what’s in her heart, find out what happens next with a deeper look at the world of horseracing, sure to give horse enthusiasts plenty to cheer about.

Happy reading!

Blessings!

Lisa