Monday, March 7, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Everything by L.M. Karen

Book: Everything

Author: L.M. Karen

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: November 5, 2021

A sweet second chance romance of healing as two childhood friends find their way back to each other.

Alison and Grady met in kindergarten and quickly became inseparable. They grew up together as best friends until a series of misunderstandings drove them apart just as they graduated high school. Ten years later, a chance meeting throws Alison and Grady together again. It might take him a minute, but Grady discovers he still knows Alison like the back of his hand.

As Grady and Alison reconnect they find the second chance at love they always wanted and the healing they never knew they needed.

This is the third and last book in the Oak Street Series Trilogy. Each book can be read separately as standalone books but are better when read together.

Click here to get your copy!

Everything by L.M. Karen is Book 3 in the Oak Street Series. I have read the first 2 books in the series and wanted to continue with the series, as I enjoy Book Series.

Alison and Grady are the main characters of this book. They have been childhood friends since Kindergarten. They drifted apart in High School. It is 10yrs later and they have been bought back together. Grady immediately feels that he still knows Allison. Allison has matured since High School and has realized that the bullying she was a part of back then is not who she is today. Will Grady and Allison have a Second Chance at LOVE? Will they be able to move forward and leave the past behind?

I was a little leary beginning this book, as the previous book in this series was a slow start book. Well, I am glad to say that this story is one that I was caught up in from the beginning. I started reading it and could not put it down. I LOVE how Allison and Grady were ready for the Second Chance and LOVE. They allowed the relationship to slowly rekindle and they also found healing along the way. I found this book to be filled with Forgivness, Hope and LOVE! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a Clean Christian Romance. GREAT BOOK!

LM Karen writes contemporary Christian fiction romance. As a longtime lover of words, she can generally be found behind her laptop or with a book in her hand. A graduate of Toccoa Falls College, her heart is in the mountains. She eventually made use of the voices in her head by putting them on the page.

Read an Excerpt from the Book

I take a deep breath before venturing back out to the popular establishment from the restroom, then begin to edge past the crowd back to the front where my date agreed to meet me before proceeding to a table for dinner. I haven’t gotten many steps before I hear a high-pitched squeal calling my name.

“Alison! Alison McKay!”

My shoulders tense. I would recognize that voice anywhere. I turn and find a beautiful brunette with glowing green eyes bouncing toward me.

“I just knew that was you!” she cries, scooping me into a huge hug.

Although at least eight years younger than me, Lily Knight towers over me. The last time I saw her was my high school graduation day. She was only around ten at that time but already my height. It’s been ten years since then, and she’s grown into a beautiful young woman. My heart aches unexpectedly, and I am shocked to find myself glad to see her.

“Lily, it is good to see you,” I say sincerely when she lets me go.

She squeals exuberantly, “Gosh, Alison, you haven’t changed a bit. Still so beautiful. How are you? Why did you stop coming around? We all miss you so much.” Lily hugs me again and, without allowing me to answer any of her questions, keeps talking. “Ohmigosh!” She pulls away from me and takes my arm excitedly. “Grady is going to die when he sees you!” she exclaims, pulling me toward the opposite corner of the bar from where I had previously been sitting.

My feet and my heart concurrently and instantaneously stop, and I pull my hand away from Lily’s. Of all possible scenarios, likely and unlikely, I would have placed seeing Grady Knight tonight as the single most unlikely thing to happen, only short of actually enjoying my date tonight. I am not prepared. The thought of facing Grady Knight, the only man I’ve ever loved, and therefore the only one to have shattered my heart, tonight? On monthly date night? When I have likely been spontaneously canceled on and left alone in a pretentious fusion restaurant? I shake my head in horror and back away. I feel conclusive in stating there is nothing more abhorrent that could happen.

Lily turns and blinks at me in surprise at my abrupt stop. “He’s this way, Alison. He’ll definitely want to see you,” she says with a worried frown “Are you okay? You look pale…well, even more pale than you usually are. Not that you’re normally pale, you just have a naturally alabaster complexion.” She adds the last with an envious smile.

“I…I am sorry, I have to go,” I stutter and turn quickly toward the door, making a run for it before Grady sees me, or I see him.

“Alison McKay,” a friendly voice calls appreciatively through the crowd. My actions freeze. I inhale a panicked breath as my heartbeat thunders at what I’m sure is an unhealthy speed due to the adrenaline and norepinephrine flooding my system. I force myself to turn around.

The crowd easily parts for Grady as he makes his way to me. He is below average height for a Caucasian American male yet he has a presence people notice. The last time I saw him was our high school graduation day. His light brown hair is the same, but instead of it being shaggy and long, it’s neatly cut and combed. The freckles on his face have lightened but his eyes are the same warm brown. His face is more chiseled, I notice. In truth, all of him appears to be more sculpted than the last time I saw him.

Deep breath. I can do this. “Hello, Grady.” I’m pleased my voice is even despite my insides quaking violently.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22
Texas Book-aholic, February 23
Wishful Endings, February 23
Genesis 5020, February 24
Inklings and notions, February 25
For Him and My Family, February 26
Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 27
deb’s Book Review, February 27
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 1
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 2
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 3 (Spotlight)
Living’ Lit, March 3
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 4
She Lives to Read, March 5
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 7

To celebrate her tour, L.M. 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 nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1ab34/everything-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Saturday, March 5, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Her Guarded Heart by Sharlene MacLaren

Book: Her Guarded Heart

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: FICTION / Christian/Romance/Historical

Release date: February 1, 2022

At age twenty-one, Anna Hansen has had more than her share of hardship. Her mother died when she was eleven and her father just passed away under mysterious circumstances, leaving her to care for her ten-year-old brother, Billy Ray. She struggles to hang onto the family farm but it’s facing foreclosure and things are looking grim.

Next door, Jesse Fuller’s drive, work ethic, and skill ensure that his family’s farm is a growing success. His brothers think he should marry Anna to help out her and her kid brother…while also enabling the Fullers to expand their operation. But Jesse has never had romantic feelings for Anna and the idea doesn’t appeal to him.

In the meantime, Horace Blackthorn is hell-bent on acquiring the Hansen farm for reasons of his own. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get it—lie, cheat, steal…even murder.

Click here to get your copy!

I am a fan of Sharlene MacLaren books and have read a few of them. The newest novel is Her Guarded Heart, which is Book 3 in Hearts of Honor Series. I have been enjoying this series, having read the first 2 books already. I was excited to read Book 3!

Anna Hansen is 21yrs old and she has had a rough life and now she is going through some super hard times. She has been left to be the sole guardian of her 10yr old brother after her Dad recently died under mysterious circumstances. They lost their mom when she was 11yrs old. She is also facing the fact that she may lose the Family Farm due to Foreclosure. Jesse Fuller is Anna's next door neighbor and also a Farmer. He has a GREAT work ethic and very knowledgeable about running a farm. Jesse's brother encourage him to marry Anna to help raise her brother and allow Anna to avoid foreclosure. The brothers are hopeful that it happens, but Jesse doesn't have feelings for Anna. Ohh, then there is Horace Blackthorn, who seems to be an evil person and wants to get the Hansen Farm for himself. Will Jesse and Anna be able to save the Farm? Does Jesse agree to marry Anna? Will Anna ever find out how her Dad died?

WOW, for a book that sounds like a Romance book from the synopsis, this book is that and soo much more. The Historical time period was well written and researched. I really love how the author makes the reader be engaged from Beginning to End. The characters were soo sweet and loving, except for Horace. I was not expecting all the twists and turns in the storyline and that is the reason I could not put this book down once I became engaged in the book. Jesse and his Family really show Christian LOVE and Support to Anna and her little brother during these trying times. Although this is Book 3 in the series, it reads well as a Stand Alone. I HIGHLY recommend reading the entire series as they are all good. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance Fiction. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree in 1971, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. Afterward, she returned to her teaching job, then in 1975, she reunited with her childhood sweetheart, and they married that very December. They have raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, Shar loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!

Shar has always enjoyed writing, and her high school classmates eagerly read and passed around her short stories. In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, so in 2006, she signed a contract with Whitaker House for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her professional writing career. With almost two dozen published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, Shar gives God all the glory.

Shar’s novels have won numerous awards. Most recently, Their Daring Hearts was named a 2018 Top Pick by Romantic Times, and A Love to Behold was voted “Book of the Year” in 2019 by Interviews & Reviews. The two prior books in Shar’s Hearts of Honor series, centered on the Fuller brothers, include Her Rebel Heart and Her Steadfast Heart.

Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and has participated in several interviews on television and radio. She loves to speak for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. Shar and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan.

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 21
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22
Connie’s History Classroom, February 23
For Him and My Family, February 24
Fiction Book Lover, February 25 (Spotlight)
deb’s Book Review, February 25
Inklings and notions, February 26
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 27
Artistic Nobody, February 28 (Spotlight)
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 1
Texas Book-aholic, March 2
Bizwings Blog, March 3
Simple Harvest Reads, March 4 (Spotlight)
Britt Reads Fiction, March 4
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 5
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 6

To celebrate her tour, Sharlene is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a 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/1ab32/her-guarded-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Thursday, March 3, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Song of the Rockies by Angela Breidenbach

Book: Song of the Rockies

Author: Angela Breidenbach

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: October 1, 2021

1890, Helena MT Song of the Rockies is the story of a sweet music teacher and eleven boys given one chance or else! Evan Russell lost everything—his ranch, his wife, and now, after trusting relatives with his young son, even the little boy is missing. How can a beautiful symphony of the heart come from such chaos?

Mirielle Sheehan, a music teacher at an exclusive boys’ school, believes scholarships for disadvantaged boys will solve the plight of hopeless homeless children. Mirielle’s challenge is to turn eleven street ruffians of various ages into stellar, disciplined boys with a future. Most think guttersnipes like this should be sold into indenture to learn a trade or pressed into the military. Get those miscreants off the streets!

Evan Russell, new mining millionaire, lost everything in the disastrous winter of 1886. Then his wife died leaving him with a son. Relatives in Helena offer a safe home for the child while Evan must find work in the mines. When he returns, he’s devastated to learn the entire family perished in a fire, and his son has never been found. Though he gained a fortune, he’s lost everything he valued! Romantic, sweet adventure set in picturesque Helena, Montana written by a bestselling author who is also a professional genealogist.

Click here to get your copy!

I am a fan of Historical Fiction and I have read the first book in this series and have been looking forward to this book release. Song of the Rockies by Angela Breidenbach is Book 2 in the Queen of the Rockies series.

We are taken back to Helena, MT in the Winter of 1890 and the State of Montana is still be settled in. Mirielle Sheehan is a Music Teacher at an All Boys School. She really has a heart not only for teaching but nurturing the Boys. She has 11 students under her teaching and she really wants them to succeed and advocates for Schlorships for them and so much more. She has the task of nurturing the disadvantaged boys into boys who will stand out in society. Evan Russell has come to Helena as he has relatives there. He lost everything in 1886 including his wife, leaving him to raise their son on his own. It is now 1890 and he has rebuilt his life and has been fortunate enough to gain wealth in the Mining Industry. His relatives in Helena were taking care of his son while he rebuilt his life and he has returned to find that his family died in a fire and his son was never found after the fire. Evan and Mirelle develop a relationship, a romantic one. Could Evan be the one to be able to fund the Schlorships for the boys? Will Evan and Mirelle be able to work together to nurture the boys? Will their romance continue to flourish?

WOW, I was captivated by the storyline from the very first Chapter. I began reading and could not put it down. Mirielle truly has a heart for Children and it was a joy to see her nurturing the orphaned boys. Evan lost everything in life and to see him enjoying life with Mirelle and in Helena, warmed my heart. This small book was a fast read, but a WONDERFUL book! I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction.

Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, bestselling author, and screenwriter. She’s also the Christian Authors Network president. Angie lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angie can also. Catch her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach!

http://AngelaBreidenbach.com

More from Angela

Song of the Rockies idea came from the need to continue deepen the experience from Queen of the Rockies to share more about the orphaned children on the streets of Helena MT in the late 1800s. A lot of readers asked a lot of questions that kept me fired up and involved in the story. That led to the full six-book series because I just couldn’t stop once the first book sparked all the curiosity.

The people of Montana are very civic-minded, committed to volunteerism, and helping those who can’t help themselves. And that’s the modern society. But that kind of a “personality” of a place doesn’t come from a void. The people of Montana have a reputation of being intensely independent. But the heart of the people isn’t about independence, that’s just the way we are because life here is spread out and requires a lot of individual effort to survive and thrive. The result of such a spread-out population is the opposite of intense independence—devout and loyal support of one another. So, though Montanans are independent, we’re also fiercely supportive.

An ironic history tidbit I ran into on my research for this series, but couldn’t use, was the famous Thomas Meagher who was originally from Ireland. We have a massive, gorgeous statue of him on his horse in front of the Montana State Capital Building in Helena because of his contributions toward Montana becoming a state. He was educated in Ireland by the Jesuits and then in England. He spent time in France as well. His last name is pronounced like the planet, “Mar”. The irony is that Thomas Meagher escaped from imprisonment in Australia, banished there by the British for crime of sedition. He believed in Irish independence. Thomas was a hero to the Irish independent movement, a Civil War hero who flipped from supporting the Confederate South to the Union when the Catholic Church put their support behind the North, and after a successful military career he moved to Montana. Evidently, he put all those skills to good use as Montana became a state. But he was also a well-known scoundrel whose stories didn’t always add up. He met his end in a murky manner, well that’s what they say… Thomas was purportedly drinking and playing cards on a paddle boat up the Missouri River near Fort Benton. Somehow, though he was supposedly a good swimmer, he managed to fall overboard and drowned. Was he drunk? Was he cheating and murdered? Did he run into those he’d flipped on during the war? Was he pushed over? He did have a bad knee… No one knows. His body was never found. Hmm… We have a bar/pub in Missoula called the The Meagher Bar that serves delicious Irish fare. So, if you visit Montana, please don’t ask for the “Meeger” Bar, not a soul will understand what you’re looking for. But now, you know how to pronounce his name.

Texas Book-aholic, February 18
Bizwings Blog, February 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19
For Him and My Family, February 20
Mary Hake, February 20
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 21
Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 21 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Betti Mace, February 22
Inklings and notions, February 22
deb’s Book Review, February 23
Locks, Hooks and Books, February 24
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 25
Blogging With Carol, February 25
Connie’s History Classroom, February 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 27
Blossoms and Blessings, February 27
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 28
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 1
Austen’s Angle, March 1
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 2
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 3
Pause for Tales, March 3

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize 20-minute genealogy consultation to a winner via Zoom!!

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/1ab2b/song-of-the-rockies-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Promise for Faith by Stacy T. Simmons

Book: A Promise for Faith

Author: Stacy T. Simmons

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: January 18, 2022

Secrets have the power to ruin lives. Faith and love have the power to disarm those secrets.

Failure isn’t an option for Faith Fuller, She wants to prove to herself and her very successful parents she can stand on her own, even if it means accepting a job offer from someone she wanted to forget. To add to the problem, that job means facing her biggest fear.

Caleb Gaines is looking for a manager for his coffee shop. He’s in over his head running his successful river outfitters business, and being a single dad to a preschooler. But the perfect candidate wants nothing to do with him. Risk-taker Caleb is up for a challenge and wants to convince Faith to help him.

If neither one relies on faith and learns to trust, any chance at love will be washed downstream.

An out-of-work chef and successful river outfitter are both hiding secret tragedies. How much faith will it take to learn to trust in each other, overcome obstacles, and find love?

Click here to get your copy!

I really LOVE Christian Fiction Romance books. I was excited to be able to read A Promise for Faith by Stacy Simmons. Stacy Simmons is a Debut Author and this is Book 1 in the Briar Creek Love series.

Faith Fuller is a Chef/Baker who just lost her job. She sets out to find another job as soon as possible, as she wants to prove to her parents she can hold her own. Caleb Gaines is a Single Dad to a young boy and needs a manager to help run his Coffee Shop. He is aware that Faith is looking for employment and wants to offer her the job, but he also knows she wants nothing to do with him. Caleb and Faith used to be a couple years ago. They both have things to overcome to be able to not only have a Working relationship, but possibly a new chance at LOVE. Will Faith be able to accept the job, knowing it is perfect fit for her and her talents or will she let the past stand in her way? Will Faith and Caleb be able to overcome hurdles and challenges to have a working relationship and/or Romance?

I truly enjoyed this book, I was captivated from the first chapter. Faith is a STRONG woman who loves her independence. Losing her job made her even more determined to prove her independence. Caleb is a great man of character and he is a smart businessman and best of all a wonderful father to a young boy. I really LOVE how Faith and Caleb rely on their faith to make things work and Faith accepts the job. The Author does a wonderful job at slowly allowing the Romance to blossom. If you LOVE Clean Christian Romance, I HIGHLY Recommend this book. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Stacy T. Simmons writes uplifting fiction that delights the reader’s romantic sensibilities. Thirty-four years of marital bliss is a great contributor. She is a mom of two grown children, and she and her family have a menagerie of pets she likes to call “Noah’s Ark.” You can find her working on her next manuscript with a piece of dark chocolate and a cup of coffee nearby. She loves to connect with her readers via her website at www.stacytsimmonsauthor.com

More from Stacy

Why did I write this novel? I’ve had both friends and family members ask me this question over the years it’s taken to craft this story. The reason I decided to write it was my family has experienced some job transitions in the past.

A Promise for Faith Briar Creek Love Book One has a talented chef Faith, who undergoes some of the similar things my family faced. When you dive deep into your faith, it makes you stronger as you head toward the “water’s surface.” This novel has some romance, heart-tugging moments, a few cups of coffee and delicious baked goods woven into the storyline.

Like Faith, I enjoy baking, and trying new recipes. As a trained chef the treats mentioned in the novel are a bit more time-consuming than I usually make. I’ve included one below from “Faith’s kitchen.” It’s raspberry twists, and you can make your own puff pastry or purchase it. That’s half the fun of baking, you’re able to do what you’d like to do with the recipes.

I hope you enjoy both my upcoming novel, and this recipe. Soon I’ll have two more novels which will release that are nestled in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina as well in a cozy little town named Briar Creek.

Below is the promised recipe.

(Makes eight twists)

Puff Pastry Directions:

You will need:

Large mixing bowl

Pastry blender

Rolling pin

Whisk

Ingredients:

2 ½ sticks unsalted butter cold (cubed into ¼ in squares)

2 c all-purpose flour

½ tsp salt

2/3 cup cold water

In a large bowl, combine the flour and cubed, cold, butter, and salt, work with a pastry blender to cut in the butter. It should end up being pea-sized and the mixture blended enough to press with a hand into a clump. (About 8 minutes total).

Make a well in the middle, and pour in the cold water, mix with a whisk gently until the ingredients become combined with the water. (6 minutes). Shape into a ½ inch thick square and place in plastic wrap. Chill dough for an hour.

Place the dough on a floured surface and roll out to a rectangle that is ten inches in length.

Fold over the bottom third of the dough to the middle, fold the remaining top portion to the middle. Then, fold it lengthwise in half. Turn 1/3 of the way and roll out again to another ten inches in length. Fold bottom and top and in half lengthwise. Turn another ¼ and roll out. Repeat process five more times. Shape the dough into a round and put in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. (Dough can be kept for three days in the refrigerator before use).

To make Raspberry filling:

You will need:

Greased baking pan

Pizza cutter

Rolling Pin

Ingredients:

2 pints fresh raspberries

½ c sugar

2 tsp lemon juice

Powdered sugar (optional)

Filling cooking directions:

Place ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for about eight minutes, set aside to cool.

To prepare twists:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place cold dough on floured surface and roll to ¼ inch thickness and ten inches in length.

Cut the dough into 1 ¼ inch strips, place a thin layer of raspberry filling along one side, filling one-half of the strip. Then, fold the other part of the dough strip over the side covered with raspberry filling. Twist three times and place on the greased pan.

Put the remaining filling in a container to enjoy later. It lasts five days in the refrigerator.

Bake the twists for 28 minutes and cool. Sprinkle powdered sugar over the twists and serve. Enjoy!