Sunday, March 13, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond by Matt Sayman with David L. Thomas

Book: The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond

Authors: Matt Sayman with David L. Thomas

Genre: Religion/Christian Living/Inspirational

Release date: February 22, 2022

As a young boy, Matt Sayman dreamed of playing pro basketball. His family believed in his vision, even agreeing to move to Texas when one of Matt’s favorite coaches left Pennsylvania for the Lone Star State.

Matt eventually received a full athletic scholarship from Baylor University. He was only six-feet-four but what he lacked in height, he made up for in skill and positive attitude.

Then the summer before his senior year, the bottom fell out of Matt’s world. A player went missing…and was found dead. A teammate was the murder suspect. A coach was accused of paying players under the table. Some players had received drug-free urine samples to pass off as their own. And through it all, Matt was supposed to be the glue who held the Baylor basketball team together.

In The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond, Matt shares his personal story of dealing with the fallout after tragedy and trouble nearly sank Baylor’s program. Matt was senior co-captain, but with a short-manned team of leftover players, there was no way to have a winning season, no way some talent scout would take a chance on him.

Matt’s hope and faith were shaken because of the scandals that summer. His post-Baylor years included a DWI, a difficult divorce, and broken relationships. Matt struggled to find peace. On his thirtieth birthday, just a few days after a deep conversation with his pastor, Matt said goodbye to alcohol and surrendered his life to God.

This book tells the story of Matt’s personal redemption—but it is also a story of the redemption of Baylor University’s men’s basketball program. Matt’s team with a young new head coach forged the Baylor team that won the 2021 NCAA men’s basketball championship.

Click here to get your copy!

The Leftovers: Baylor, Betrayal, and Beyond is written by Matt Sayman with David L. Thomas.
It is a Memoir of the life of Basketball for Matt Sayman, primarily focusing on his Senior
Year at Baylor University.

Matt Sayman was a young boy when his desire to eventually play Pro Basketball really became
strong. Matt's family really supported his dream and desire, so much so that they moved the
entire family to Texas to continued to be coached by his favorite coach. His hard work paid
off when he was awarded a Full Athletic Scholarship to Baylor University. His College Years
came crashing down in the Summer just before his Senior Year when Scandal hit Baylor University..
Matt tells how a Murder amongst teammates, NCAA Violations by the Coach, and reported Drug
Use nearly destroyed the Basketball Program at Baylor University. Matt and Team were also very
much affected by the Scandal.

I have to say I wasn't aware of the Scandal at Baylor, but my Husband was able to explain
it to me. I really enjoyed reading this book. Matt Sayman does a GREAT job at telling his
story. Matt's honesty about the Scandal and how it made him realize a few things about his
life is profound. Matt saw how much his Faith had faltered during his College Years. I really
appreciate how Matt tells the story of the Scandal without disrespecting those who were a
part of the Scandal. Matt had many struggles in life after College, including turning to
Alcohol, a Divorce and relationships gone sour. I think may favorite part of this book was
seeing Matt recommitt his life to Christ just before his 30th Birthday. His recommittment
to God has really strengthed Matt's life and many blessings were ahead for him! Matt
Sayman has written his memoir of Redemption for his personal life but also the Basketball
Program at Baylor. I truly enjoyed this book! FANTASTIC BOOK!

Matt Sayman received a full athletic scholarship to play basketball at Baylor University from 2000–2004. After remaining with the program following a shocking scandal in the off-season before his senior year, Matt broke the Baylor career record for games played (118). He then played professional basketball in Iceland, winning the Icelandic championship for Njardvik in 2005.

Matt is currently the varsity basketball coach at Grapevine Faith Christian School in Texas, where he has led his team to the state semifinals the past two seasons. He enjoys inspiring young athletes with a message of “no magic”—just hard work, dedication, and a determination to work harder than the next guy.

Matt also serves as director of events for MGBasketball camps, where he is known for his ability to connect and inspire young athletes to give their best and improve each day.

He hosts JAMODI (Just A Matter Of Doing It) podcast, in which he interviews coaches and leaders to explore the reasons behind their successes.

Matt and his wife Jana live near Fort Worth, Texas, with their two sons.

* * *

David L. Thomas is the author or cowriter of more than a dozen books. He collaborated on two New York Times bestsellers: Wrestling for My Life with Shawn Michaels and Foxcatcher with Mark Schultz. He also cowrote All In with Gene Chizik, a Wall Street Journal national bestseller, and SEAL of God with Chad Williams, with more than 100,000 books in print.

David worked thirty years in sports journalism, beginning at age thirteen as a sportswriter. He spent more than twenty years combined in the national award-winning sports departments of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and The Dallas Morning News, both of which were annually voted among the nation’ top ten sports sections.

A lifelong Texan and graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, David lives near Fort Worth with his wife Sally. They have two children, Ashlin and Tyson.

More from the Whitaker House

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT
MATT SAYMAN AND THE LEFTOVERS…

I love a good comeback story, and this one has it all. The Leftovers is a great basketball book that shines a light on what true competitors can overcome with a solid work ethic and a drive that doesn’t quit.

—Tony Romo
CBS Sports NFL analyst
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback

Matt Sayman’s book is an inspiring personal story of a student-athlete’s struggles during one of the darkest moments in college basketball history, the Baylor basketball scandal, and its effect on him afterward. Ultimately, it is a moving story of personal redemption and an eyewitness account of the beginning of one of the sport’s greatest success stories ever.

—Fran Fraschilla
ESPN college basketball analyst

This phenomenal story is heart-wrenching, compelling, and inspiring. I couldn’t put it down. The Leftovers is a must-read for anyone who loves the game—and anyone who appreciates a gripping story.

—Mano Watsa
PGC Basketball president & owner

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 1
Inklings and notions, March 2
Artistic Nobody, March 3 (Spotlight)
The Sacred Line, March 3
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 4
For Him and My Family, March 5
Texas Book-aholic, March 6
Fiction Book Lover, March 7 (Spotlight)
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 7
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 8
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 9
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 10
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 11
deb’s Book Review, March 12
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13
Simple Harvest Reads, March 14 (Spotlight)

To celebrate his tour, Matt 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/1b062/the-leftovers-baylor-betrayal-and-beyond-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Thursday, March 10, 2022

JustRead Tours Blog Blitz: What Happened at the Cross by Billy Graham

What Happened at the Cross JustRead Blog Blitz

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for What Happened at the Cross by Billy Graham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: What Happened at the Cross

Author: Billy Graham

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: November 23, 2021

Genre: Christian, Spiritual Growth, Easter

The cross of Christ towers over 2,000 years of history. What happened on that hill called Calvary? In this compilation of his life's work, Billy Graham explains what Jesus accomplished on the day of his death, the meaning of his sacrifice, where he is now, the price of victory, and how to live with hope.

It’s almost impossible to find one of Billy Graham’s sermons that didn’t focus on the incredible events that happened over 2,000 years ago on Mount Calvary, and that’s because he centered his life and ministry around its message. In this special collection of the beloved evangelist's inspiring messages on the cross, discover simple yet profound truths that will change your life.

This one-of-a-kind message includes:

• An exclusive foreword from Franklin Graham and afterword by Will Graham

• More than 40 bonus pages of Scripture references pointing readers to what God's Word says about the cross and salvation

• The Steps of Peace salvation plan from the Billy Graham Evangelical Association

• Seven chapters of rich content explaining what happened at the cross; the price of victory; the meaning of the cross; the king's eternity, and how to live life with hope

Perfect for Christians seeking spiritual encouragement and a better understanding of the Gospel's message, What Happened at the Cross will help you better understand the meaning of the cross and equip you to proclaim the gospel in your Church, your community, and beyond.

James Hastings, a Scottish minister and biblical scholar in the early twentieth century, told an intriguing story about a German artist named Sternberg. As a little gypsy girl was sitting for a portrait in his studio, she noticed on the wall a half-finished portrait of Christ on the cross. The girl asked who it was. When told it was Jesus, she responded that He must have been a very wicked Man to have been nailed to a cross. The painter told her that, on the contrary, “Christ was the best man who ever lived, and He died on the cross that others might live.” Then the little girl looked at him with such innocence and asked, “Did He die for you?” The question haunted Sternberg’s conscience day and night, for though he knew the truth about Christ, he had not accepted Him as his Savior. He found he was no longer satisfied with life until he answered the question that you must also answer: Did He die for you? If so, then you must die to self and find life anew in the resurrected Savior.

Billy Graham, world-renowned preacher, evangelist, and author, delivered the gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and ministered on every continent of the world in more than 185 countries. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including Angels, Peace with God, The Holy Spirit, Hope for the Troubled Heart, How to Be Born Again, The Journey, Nearing Home, and The Reason for My Hope.

(1) winner will receive a copy of What Happened at the Cross.

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 8, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 15, 2022. 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.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

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Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Gracie's Surrender by Blossom Turner

Book: Gracie’s Surrender

Author: Blossom Turner

Genre: Christian historical romance

Release date: March 8, 2022

Helping the orphan children in Richmond just might overturn everything Gracie thought she knew, including the value of love.

Gracie Williams has always had an adventurous streak, which led her from her home in the Shenandoah Valley to Richmond, Virginia, where she can devote her life to the orphan children. Though her beauty has brought on the advances of many men, she has no plans to marry, and finds suitors an unfortunate irritation she doesn’t have time for—much to her parents’ chagrin.

When she befriends Matthew Weston, the mature and serious orphanage superintendent, she confides in him and believes he shares her goals. Neither are prepared for the sparks that fly. Tension grows as Matthew falls in love with her, yet realizes he is just another man in the long line of would-be suitors.

A family crisis, an orphan train, and the plight of a sweet orphan named Emma throw the couple together in deep and meaningful ways. But will this be enough for Gracie to embrace a new way of thinking, and the gift of love that only true soul mates can share?

Click here to get your copy!

Blossom Turner has fast become a favorite author of mine. Gracie's Surrender is the fourth book, in the Shenandoah Brides series. I have read the first 3 books in the series and have been excitedly awaiting the release of this book!

Gracie Williams has fulfilled a lifelong dream and now lives in Richmond, Virginia and works in an Orphanage. She was the mere young age of 12 when she set her heart on helping Orphans and vowed that she would never marry. Matthew Weston is the Supertendient of the Orphanage. Gracie begins workly closely with him and shares her goals and dreams with him. Matthew finds himself falling in love with Gracie, but he wonders if he is just another man Gracie would reject. Through a chain of events including an Orphan named Emma who came in on the most recent Orphan Train, Gracie could be rethinking her stance on LOVE, Marriage and Family. Will Matthew continue to his quest to show Gracie that he has fallen in love with her? Will Gracie decide that she can work for the Orphans and have LOVE and Family?

WOW, I am once again blown away by this series. I was engrossed into the storyline from the very first chapter. I started reading and did not put the book down until I finished. Gracie and Matt's story is one that shows how God's plans are Greated then our Plans. Gracie made a decision at such a young age, that was a good plan. She fulfilled her dream, but it also showed how as we get older our plans can be changed. Matthew has a sweet caring heart. I LOVE how he thought that Gracie was a distraction because he didn't want to be rejected as he was falling in LOVE. Gracie's Surrender is a perfect title for this book as Gracie learns she must follow God's plan for her life and surrenders her vow of never marrying and falls in LOVE! I HIGHLY recommend this book for those who enjoy Christian Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

Blossom Turner is a freelance writer published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, former newspaper columnist on health and fitness, an avid blogger and published novelist of the Word Guild semi-finalist Anna’s Secret. However, she has found her home in the writing of historical fiction. The power of love and romance is authentically woven into the Shenandoah Bride Series about five sisters and their love stories. She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Read more at blossomturner.com.

More from Blossom

Do You Enjoy Romance That Keeps You Thinking Days Later?

Long before I knew I could write, I loved to read. Being a hopeless romantic, I gravitated to all romance stories either contemporary or historical. I soon realized that finding clean fiction, but still written with the passion God created us to experience, was hard to find. (Song of Solomon is a good example of the expression of passion and love between a man and woman without being explicit.)

Given the gift of a writing career later in life, one thing was for sure…I wanted to write what I like to read. Clean romance does not need to be boring. As each story pours out, I realize that writing historical fiction is my passion. I finally know what I was born to do. My favorite theme was an arranged marriage…so birthed the first book of the Shenandoah Brides that has now morphed into a series of five sisters and their five love stories. March 8, 2022 is launch day for book four called Gracie’s Surrender.

Where-as book one was set in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, post-civil war, the second book Amelia’s Heartsong took place in the big city of Richmond, Virginia where balls, debutants, pomp and circumstance matter. The third book, Lucinda’s Defender unfolded back in the valley, and this fourth one takes place once again in Richmond. However, you will find a very different Richmond than in book two, for Gracie has a life mission to help the underprivileged orphans.

The backdrop for this fourth book includes the historical orphan train, street urchins, and the love for children in the orphanage to which Gracie and Matthew devote their life. Gracie, who feels men are just a distraction, is in for a grand surprise. Much to Gracie’s vexation, awareness, attraction, and alas, even love grow for her serious but well-meaning superintendent, Matthew. I promise this read will be a romantic page turner with grit and impact that will keep you awake into the wee hours of the morning.

Although this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, enjoying the whole series as the family saga unfolds will deepen the experience.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the read as much as I enjoyed the write. I love to hear from my readers.

Inklings and notions, March 8
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 9
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 9
Texas Book-aholic, March 10
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 11
For Him and My Family, March 12
Connie’s History Classroom, March 13
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 14
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 15
Simple Harvest Reads, March 16 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
deb’s Book Review, March 17
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 18
Splashes of Joy, March 19
Miriam Jacob, March 19
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20
CarpeDiem, March 21

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

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/1b4c4/gracie-s-surrender-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: America of We the People by Terry Overton

Book: America of We the People

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Christian, Inspirational, Patriotic, Poetry

Release date: September 29, 2020

This is an inspirational patriotic Christian book for those who feel pride in the United States of America and support the Constitution and America. This is a collection of famous quotes, original poetry, short essays or musings, and Scriptural references. If you are looking to read short works of heartfelt poems, quotes, and essays valued by those who follow an American and Christian way of life, you will enjoy this book.

Topics include patriotism, soldiers who see war for the first time, September 11, 2001, Benghazi, Afghanistan, faith in America, first responders, the Vietnam and Korean Wars, and topics of the current times such as vaccine mandates, media, liberty, and identity politics.

A portion of the sales of both the paperback and eBook versions go to the Tunnel2Towers Foundation for veterans and first responders.

Click here to get your copy!

Ameriica of We the People by Terry Overton is a book filled with Patriotic Poetry, Short Stories, and Quotes.

I am not normally a fan of Poetry, but this book peaked my interest due to the Patriotic theme throughout. The Nation has been in a state of Turmoil for some time now, especially these last 2 years. The People of America tend to get very Patriotic during times of strife and issues.

I really like how the Author put this book together. The Layout makes it easy to read and makes it so it doesn't bore the reader. The Author has complied a book about many Historical Events as well as "current events" that have taken place in recent years including the Pandemic, September 11th, Race Issues, and so much more. The quotes included are from many former Presidents and other prominent people in American History.

I truly LOVED this book and it really tugged at my heart with the call to Honor our First Responders and Our Military, not just now, but ALL the time! I Highly Recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Poetry and/or Patriotism. FANTASTIC BOOK!

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children and six grandchildren. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her book Both Sides of the Border is a Firebird Book Award winner in the categories of Cross-Genre, Socio-Political Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. Her book, America of We the People was awarded the Firebird Book Award for Socio-Political and Political categories. She and her husband live in the southern tip of Texas where they enjoy semi-tropical weather and spending time with their friends and family.

More from Terry

“America of We the People” is a work from my heart. Dedicated to my dad who is a three purple heart Marine Veteran who served and fought in the Korean War as well as my grandson, in the 82^nd Airborne, another dear friend in the 82^nd Airborne who was in Kabul the day it was bombed and we lost 13 servicemen and women (he is home now and was not injured), my son, who is a captain in the Fire Department, and other first responders, police, and military servicemen and women. It is written in memory of all who perished in war or due to direct terrorism attacks.

On the day Kabul was bombed, I watched in horror, knowing we had a loved one there. Weeks passed before we knew he was not injured and was on his way home. A poem, written for him, describes the difference between his face before and after combat. Two poems were written for my dad and were based on his stories of the Korean War and letters he received. Poems were written reflecting my own experiences growing up during the Vietnam War when we watched the names of those who were killed, injured, or missing in action, displayed on our televisions in our living rooms as we watched and prayed, we would not see the names of friends and family. Other poems were written for leaders around the world. And, poems reflecting current events, such as the border crisis, human trafficking, and other issues we face, like the pandemic (some are satirical).

The goal of the book was to convey what seems to be facing our nation and to note concern that our country has lost sight of God. The book was written to encourage others to pray for our country.

There are famous quotes about patriotism, soldiers, wars, and leadership. Short commentaries and essays are included along with verses from Scripture.

Girls in White Dresses, March 2
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 3
Blossoms and Blessings, March 3
Texas Book-aholic, March 4
Inklings and notions, March 5
For Him and My Family, March 6
An Author’s Take, March 7
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 8
deb’s Book Review, March 8
She Lives To Read, March 9
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 10
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 11
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 12
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 13 (Spotlight)
Spoken from the Heart, March 13
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

To celebration her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & 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/1b4bc/america-of-we-the-people-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Monday, March 7, 2022

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Daring: A Call to Courageous ManHood by Paul Luis Cole

Book: Daring: A Call to Courageous Manhood

Author: Paul Louis Cole

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Men’s Interests

Release date: February 15, 2022

Victory is always on the other side of a fight. Here is help to win the battles and keep on winning!

Daring: A Call To Courageous Manhood sets the tone for a new wave of masculinity by defining what it is to be a man of courage, endurance, and resolve. The unique, creative voice of Paul Louis Cole cuts through cultural clutter to speak to the
issues that lay in the heart of every man.

Click here to get your copy!

Daring: A Call to Courageous Manhood by Paul Louis Cole is a book for todays Christian Men.

I feel this book would be a GREAT Men's Bible Study. The book has an easy to read format and is Scripture based. The Author notes that Men today need to be DARING and Stand Firm and be Courageous. The Author points Men in the direction of beings leaders for the family and that even though Society has seen a "Role Reversal" from what God created, Christian Men need to stand up and lead their families. Men, just like Women, need to be around Like Minded Men and create a group that encourages the constant Courageous battle Men must have to be in the Word and the Lord. The Author shares personal experiences and also Scripture about Being Daring and Courageous. I am a Mom of 3 Boys, who are now 19, 18, and 17. My goal for them has always been to be Godly Men and learn to Stand in their Faith. I am going to be buying my boys each of this book to further encourage them as they have reached Young Adulthood! GREAT BOOK!

Paul Louis Cole, D.Th., president of Christian Men’s Network, is a communicator, church planter, pastor, author, and one of the world’s leading experts on men’s issues. Paul is an award-winning media writer/producer/director, but his passion is in carrying the message of Christlike manhood globally. The son of Edwin Louis Cole, he has continued the work of the Christian Men’s Network, helping pastors build strong men, strong families, and strong churches in over 100 nations. Paul’s mission is to rescue men, defeat fatherlessness, and end child abuse by providing leadership tools and strategies to bring a clear and defining word to men. Paul and his wife of forty-plus years, Judi, reside in Grapevine, Texas. They have three children and five grandchildren.