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Monday, September 14, 2020

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Amaryllis Journey by Konnie Viner




Book:  Amaryllis Journey
Author: Konnie Viner
Genre:  Christian Fiction/Romance
Release Date: July 23, 2020

You’re worthless, Shannon. This marriage is worthless. I deserve to be happy. We’re done!
Andrew’s cruel words have haunted Shannon for months . . . through the divorce, a move to a new town, a new job, new friends. And then she meets Max, who just might be the antidote she needs to recover completely. Until Andrew shows up again, ready to reconcile. And Shannon feels obligated to give him another chance.

As Andrew’s attention becomes more demanding and more deceptive, Shannon’s new friend, Rose, speaks truth and peace into her broken life. But Rose has her own secrets, and they’re about to catch up with her.

When it all comes crashing down, can either of them trust God enough to let Him showcase the perfect imperfections of their lives?

Click here to get your copy!

POWERFUL! That is the one word that comes to mind about Amaryllis Journey by Konnie Viner. 

Shannon has moved to a new town to begin a new chapter in her life, after going through a terrible divorce. Her ex-husband was very abusive, both physically and verbally. She immediately begins making new friends and settling in, when her ex-husband shows up wanting a second chance. 
She considers it briefly, until her new friend, Rose, gives her a "coming to Jesus" talk. Rose is gentle, but helps Shannon see the truth that she wasn't wanting to see. Rose also has some broken parts of her life. Shannon and Rose are both going through some trials and trying to help each other. Is their friendship help enough or will they both rely on God to help them 
overcome? Grab the book and find out! 

Amaryllis Journey is the "Freshman" book for new Author Konnie Viner. I was completely amazed at her writing style. The book touched on some sensitive topics(Martial Abuse,Emotional Abuse), the author writes it in so well. I am very much looking forward to more books by Konnie Viner.  






Konnie Viner writes with the goal of helping others find hope in the midst of brokenness and disappointment. She is also the author of Rested Soul, Resilient Heart (2017). Konnie holds a BS in Education from the University of Kansas and an MS in Business Management from the University of Redlands, CA. She is a former secondary education teacher and is currently self-employed.

More from Konnie

Amaryllis Journey is my second book, but first novel. It was written to bring to life one woman’s struggle to move out of the pain and insecurity of marital betrayal and divorce, into the light of God’s grace. Shannon Enright’s  new life is facilitated by a wise friend, Rose Daniels, who has been where she is and knows that what is broken is not useless and what is bare can bloom again.
Reeling from the pain and rejection of a nasty divorce, Shannon decides to start life over—in a new town, with a new job, new home, new friends. It isn’t easy, but things are finally starting to come together for her. Secrets from her marriage are still unfolding, but she grits her teeth and moves on. Looking for diversion, Shannon volunteers at a local florist shop and tearoom. There she finds more than she ever imagined.
Rose owns and operates the Amaryllis, a unique gift shop in Shannon’s new town. She repurposes broken household items, turning them into beautifully useful works of art. But Rose’s real purpose is to help others find beauty in the brokenness of life. She counsels young women like Shannon, showing them the quiet love of a faithful God and teaching them to trust His plan.
When Shannon’s ex returns, at first to sweet-talk and then to demand, it’s Rose’s counsel that keeps Shannon safe and sane. But Rose has been hiding her own dark and dangerous secrets, and her past is about to catch up with her.
When things come crashing down around them, will either woman find the strength to let God showcase the perfect imperfections of their lives?
——
I went through my own divorce ten years ago. I’ve experienced many of the same emotions and insecurities that Shannon does. I wrote her story so others can know that the disappointments and failures of your past don’t have to dictate what’s to come. When I chose to have Rose rescue cracked and broken pots and make them into something beautiful, it was with deliberate intent.
I love Rose’s passion for bringing beauty from the broken. Her repurposed containers carry the beauty of God’s creation (flowers) into the world. Our lives are like her art. We are vehicles for God’s grace. Our chips and cracks do not diminish His glory. They showcase His power and His redeeming love.
Publication of Amaryllis Journey was bittersweet for me because the character Rose was modeled after my mother who was my mentor. I did not tell Mom I was writing this book because “my” plan was to dedicate it to her. But God had other plans, and He called her home to Heaven suddenly before the book was completed. It is now dedicated to her memory.
Konnie


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 3

Moments, September 4

Inklings and notions, September 5

For Him and My Family, September 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 7

Texas Book-aholic, September 8

lakesidelivingsite, September 8

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 9

deb’s Book Review, September 9

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 11

Artistic Nobody, September 12 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 14

Splashes of Joy, September 15

Pause for Tales, September 16

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 16




To celebrate her tour, Konnie is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.






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Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Shopkeeper's Widow by Izzy James






Book:  The Shopkeeper’s Widow
Author: Izzy James
Genre:  Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: August 21, 2020

Delany Fleet, a widowed former indentured servant living in the colonial port of Norfolk, Virginia, dreams of having an estate of her own where she will never have to compromise her freedom.
When the only man she ever loved shows up with a load of smuggled firearms, Delany is forced to leave her home and her livelihood to protect her family and property from Lord Dunmore’s raids and the conniving plots of a man who claims to be her friend.

Now, with her destiny forever altered, Delany must find a new way to happiness. Can reconnecting with her husband’s family and a former love be the path that God has for her?

Click here to get your copy!

I was intrigued to read this book by 3 things: The Book Cover, the Synopsis, and the Historical Time of this book. I really enjoy Historical Fiction and the fact that this was taking place during the Revolutionary Time period, made it really intriguing. 

The main character is Delaney Fleet, a widow and former Servant. She inherited her late husbands property. She is comfortable where she is in her life. Having her own property, has her own business and just living her life during War times. She is forced to leave her home when a friend from the past shows up. Field is a Slave Owner and Delaney can't look past that, as she doesn't believe in Slaves. The favor that Field is asking of Delaney is a dangerous task, but her she isn't afraid to take it on. She also speaks about her dislike of Slave Owners. Field is also stubborn and at first doesn't listen 
to Delaney. The 2 had a "romantic" past and they both feel the sparks being rekindled. Will the sparks turn to Flames? Ohhh, you must grab the book and read! 

The Shopkeeper's Widow by Izzy James is a definite page turner. The book is one about Second Chances and Forgiveness. The Author really has done a fantastic job at researching for the book. I have never read any books by Izzy James until now, but I am looking forward to reading many books by her now! GREAT Book! 






Izzy James grew up surrounded by history and story in coastal Virginia. She still lives there with her fabulous husband in a house brimming with books.

More from Izzy

Hello! My name is Izzy James. My new book is The Shopkeeper’s Widow. It’s about freedom and second chances. I learned quite a bit of history while researching and writing this book. Did you know that the first showers began to appear in the early 1760’s? I gave Delany one of them in Shopkeeper’s just for fun. It is not likely she would have had a shower at that time, but it is fiction and as such I thought it would be a fun detail to add. We do know that some people did rig up for themselves a semblance of a daily shower by using a bucket full of water suspended above them.




Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 29

Inklings and notions, August 30

Texas Book-aholic, August 31

For Him and My Family, September 1

lakesidelivingsite, September 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 2

Artistic Nobody, September 3 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

deb’s Book Review, September 3

Connie’s History Classroom, September 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 6

Connect in Fiction, September 7

Batya’s Bits, September 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 9

The Book Chic Blog, September 9

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 10

HookMeInABook, September 11

Books I’ve Read, September 11



To celebrate her tour, Izzy is giving away the grand prize package of a a book, a can of tea and an Ingenuitea teapot!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.








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Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Christmas Carol Society by Rebekah Jones






Book: Christmas Carol Society
Author: Rebekah Jones
Genre: Holiday Fiction, Christian Fiction
Release Date: October 30, 2019

Christmas Carol Society – How Do You Impersonate a Christmas Ghost?

The Christmas season has arrived. The members of the newly-formed Christmas Carol Society are beginning their weekly meetings. Charlie Baker finds the first meeting odd enough, but when the assignments start, he has to wonder why he allowed himself to get roped into attending. Miss Dartmoor tells her members to impersonate the Ghost of Christmas Past for their own personal Scrooge.

Just how does a mere human accomplish such an absurd task? Charlie tries to figure it out, but begins to see the Lord might plan for the assignments to have a deeper impact on him than he expected.
An impact that Charlie isn’t sure he wants to face.

Click here to get your copy!

I really LOVE the Christmas Season and Holiday Traditions. One of our Holiday Traditions is reading the Classic Charles Dickens book "A Christmas Carol". The way 2020 has been going, I truly haven't been looking forward to the Holiday Season. Well, I think this book changed that for me. 

The book focuses on the main character Charlie and his adventures in joining the Christmas Carol Society. The Christmas Carol Society is a "Book Club" with a Modern Day twist on the Classic book by Charles Dickens. Charlie has an assignment to impersonate The Ghost of Christmas Past as being a personal scrooge. Charlie struggles with the assignment, but he presses on. He sees changes and growth in himself as he continues on with the assignment. The Growth and Changes are coming from a deepening faith as he completes the project. God was with him and helped him through the project. 

I truly love the way Author Rebekah Jones has taken the concept of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" and has given it a Modern twist and also included so much Faith and Scripture. Christmas is a Faith Based holiday and it was nice to read a book that has both in it. I felt at times that I was back in the time of the Classic book, which made it even more enjoyable. 

If you are looking for a good Christmas Read, this is a book for you. I think it would make a GREAT Family Reading time book during the Holiday Season also! Encouraging and Fantastic Book! 






Rebekah Jones is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify her King with her books and stories.
Rebekah is an old soul in a young body (she’s not 12 —honest!) While her exact age is classified, her interests are not. Among them are reading a variety of books, singing, playing, and composing music, studying all manner of subjects, nannying an adventurous group of youngsters, and, of course, writing her books, poems, articles, and short stories. She writes a wide range of books from gentle children’s adventures to family sagas to murder mysteries.


More from Rebekah Jones

Christmas Carol Society is a book very near and dear to my heart. Partly because of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, which is among my favorites, and partly due to my characters. Especially, Charlie Baker.

Charlie is very special to me. He wants to hide in his tiny corner of the world, and give up. He wants to give up on a world that has hurt him tremendously or taken people he loved. He wants to push away any possibility of repeating the past; he doesn’t want to be hurt again.

Charlie doesn’t want to join the Christmas Carol Society. He doesn’t want to find a “Scrooge.” He doesn’t want to make new friends. He doesn’t want to do any of it.

He joins because he loves his cousin. He doesn’t do it for any other reason.

His father encourages him to do it right, if he’s going to do it at all. His cousin calls him out, when his Christianity is at odds with his behavior. And Albert, his would-be friend, just doesn’t give up on him.

In a sense, Charlie is a Scrooge – and yet, he’s not. He has to find a Scrooge of his own. And through it, he finds himself doing all the things that he really doesn’t want to do at all – and it’s a good thing. Painful sometimes, but good. Scary at times, but good.

The characters that the LORD uses to teach me the most, end up being particularly special to me. Charlie is one of them. In some ways, I relate to Charlie rather a lot, and writing this story drove me to prayer often, so I would know what to do next. I frequently wasn’t sure where the story would go. But I learned along with Charlie.


I hope that my readers will love Charlie Baker as much as I do, and that his story, along with the others in this book, will in some way bless and encourage my readers for the LORD’s glory.

To the KING be all the glory! 



Texas Book-aholic, August 26

deb’s Book Review, August 26

Inklings and notions, August 27

Splashes of Joy, August 28

Mary Hake, August 28

For Him and My Family, August 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 30

Captive Dreams Window, August 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 31

Blogging With Carol, August 31

Just the Write Escape, September 1

Get Cozy Book Nook, September 1

She Lives To Read, September 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 3

Artistic Nobody, September 4 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Batya’s Bits, September 4

For the Love of Literature, September 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 6

Connect in Fiction, September 6

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 7

Emily Yager, September 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, September 8



To celebrate her tour, Rebekah is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Christmas Carol Society, a copy of A Christmas Carol, and an ornament!!

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








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Saturday, September 5, 2020

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Years the Stars Fell by Elizabeth Wehman





Book:  The Year the Stars Fell
Author: Elizabeth Wehman
Genre:  Christian Historical Fiction
Release Date: April 14, 2020

In the spring of 1833, newlywed Betsey Baker-Swain’s simple life changes when she and her husband, Aaron, make a hasty decision to join Betsey’s family on a move from Pennsylvania to Michigan Territory.

Along the way, rainstorms, freezing temperatures, seasickness, and lack of privacy pale in comparison to what the family will encounter once arriving at their destination. Soon, daily trials will include ear-piercing howls of wild wolves, bad weather, clouds of mosquitoes, and disturbing situations with the natives. Even then, Betsey wonders if this trip will finally quench her father’s adventurous spirit.

Over the next year, the Baker family will gain incredible strength, divine trust, and unexplainable courage, but will it be enough to keep them at the tiny cabin by the twisting Shiawassee River? Will uncertainty overtake their determination or will God’s intervention sustain them enough to become a part of the history of a new land?

Click here to get your copy!
Christian Historical Fiction is a genre that I really enjoy. I always feel like I am learning something new and going back in time. The Years the Stars Fell by Elizabeth Wehman is set in 1833, going way back in time. 

The Spring of 1833 was the beginning of changes for Betsey Baker-Swain’s and her Husband Aaron. They made a quick decision to follow her family and they all moved from Pennsylvania to Michigan. 1833 was the time of Pioneer Days, so their journey was not an easy one. The family endured rough Terrain, sea sickness, cold temps and more, but that was nothing in comparison to the animals, Mosquitoes, wolves, bad weather that they would endure daily once reaching Michigan. The family would rely 
heavily on their Faith during their time of settling down in Michigan. There was a need to always to be working around the clock for survival. Betsey's Dad, Hosea Baker, was the Patriarch of the family and he truly keep the family going and encouraged them throughout their trials. 

The Years the Stars Fell by Elizabeth Wehman is the first book that I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. The book is well researched and very well written. I was intrigued by the story from beginning to end. This is book 1 in The Newburg Chronicles Series and I am looking forward to reading more in the series. Good Book! 







Elizabeth Wehman’s writing career spans over thirty years and encompasses curriculum, periodical, journalism, and novel writing.
Her dream has always been to write novels and Elizabeth launched her first contemporary fiction, Under the Windowsill, in 2014. Since then, she’s added four titles to her shelf. They include: Promise at Daybreak, Just a Train Ride, Mere Reflection, and her latest complete historical work, The Year the Stars Fell.
She found the historical genre to be filled with rabbit trail research as well as walks through bygone cemeteries. The pioneers, of the early nineteenth century, reflected an amazing stamina and a determined courage to venture into the unknown. The Year the Stars Fell is based on a forgotten village established in the Territory of Michigan in 1833. She fell in love with the Baker family and the information she discovered about them gave way to folklore and tales of the early homesteaders. Two future novels are planned that will include the continuation of the nineteenth century farming community. The series will be called, ‘The Newburg Chronicles’.
In her spare time, Elizabeth loves to read and enjoys being out in nature. Her favorite places are digging in her flower garden, listening to the birds as they herald a new day, or taking a walk on the country roads surrounding her home in Michigan.
Elizabeth has been a trucker’s wife for over thirty years which helps supply the needed solitude to produce extraordinary stories. She has three grown children, four grandpuppies, and two sons-in-law.


More from Elizabeth

My “Stars” book began to emerge after doing research about the county where I live, here in Michigan. On an information discovery about another book, I came across the story of the Baker family. They were highlighted as the one of the first farming families to enter Michigan Territory in 1833. Hosea Baker brought his entire family from Pennsylvania to settle on 600 acres in an area beside the Shiawassee River.

Joining him there were his wife, Sally, his grown son Ambrose, his daughter and her husband, Betsey and Aaron Swain, and some younger daughters. While there, they hooked up with a boy named Alexander Stevens. Their first year included: building a home and barn, clearing and planting the first crops in the county, setting up a household, and Betsey giving birth to the first recorded child in the county. Betsey and Aaron named their new baby, Julia.

So much intrigued me about their story. I was excited to flesh it out with the help of short excerpts written in a Shiawassee County history book from 1888. From these short tidbits about the family, I soon embellished a story which is a mere glimpse into what their story could have included during their first year as settlers in a vast wilderness.

Much of the story is from my own imagination, but many of the highlights include the excerpts written about the family in 1888. After writing their story, I now feel a specific kinship to them.  This is my first complete historical fiction work. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
 


To celebrate her tour, Elizabeth is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of The Year the Stars Fell and a $25 gift card to Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, which can be used online!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.









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Thursday, September 3, 2020

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: A Love Redeemed by Lisa Jordan

A Love Redeemed Blog + Review Tour 
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for A Love Redeemed by Lisa Jordan, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



A Love Redeemed by Lisa Jordan Title: A Love Redeemed
Author: Lisa Jordan
Publisher: Love Inspired 
Release Date: August 25, 2020
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

Just-for-now could become forever…

They agreed to help each other out. 
No one mentioned falling in love.

Back home after losing her job, Isabella Bradley plans to stay only long enough to save her father’s diner, but she can’t do it alone. Her childhood friend Tucker Holland has the perfect solution—he will renovate the diner if she’ll be a nanny for his twins. But as Isabella and Tucker reconnect, their arrangement begins to feel a lot less temporary…

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook 



LOVE Inspired Books are one of my favorite Series to read. They are clean Christian Romantic books and always a good story in each book. A LOVE Redeemed by Lisa Jordan is no exception! 

I was "roped" into the story from the very beginning. Isabella, Bella, goes 
back home after losing her job a Chef. Her plan to stay temporarily while 
helping her Dad get his Diner back on track, is derailed. A friend from the past, Tucker, offers to help remodel the Diner if she agrees to be the nanny for his Twin girls. Tucker is a widow and trying to focus on his girls. Bella and Tucker weren't thinking of a relationship, but as time goes on, they realize they are feeling a connection. Bella and Tucker both have pasts they must overcome, but could a permanent relationship be in the future for this couple? 

A LOVE Redeemed is a PERFECT title for this book. The book is about Second Chances, moving forward after past hurts in relationships, and rediscovering one self. Trusting God even when you aren't sure his plans are the BEST. GREAT BOOK and Great message in the book. 







Lisa Jordan

Heart, home and faith have always been important to Lisa Jordan, so writing stories with those elements come naturally. She is an award-winning author for Love Inspired, writing novels that promise hope & happily ever after. Happily married for nearly thirty years, she and her husband have two grown sons. When she isn't writing, Lisa enjoys family time, good books, crafting with friends and kayaking. Visit her at www.lisajordanbooks.com.

CONNECT WITH LISA: Website Facebook | Instagram | Twitter



(1) winner will receive a S'more Picnic Fun prize package including a canvas picnic tote with a wicker bottom along with s'more fixings and a copy of A Love Redeemed!

A Love Redeemed JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 1, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on September 8, 2020. 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.

 

 
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.







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