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Thursday, June 22, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Relinquished by Susan K. Beatty





Book: Relinquished

Author: Susan K. Beatty

Genre: Christian Woman’s Fiction

Release date: May 16, 2023

No one takes her kid and gets away with it.

When Teagan Parsons discovers that the Amber Alert on a celebrity couple’s child is actually her daughter, she’s determined to rescue the daughter she relinquished years ago. If she’d only realized the emotions her mission would rekindle…

Having a cousin in the FBI gets her closer to the case than she could have dreamed, but instead of listening to the lead FBI agent’s warnings to “leave the job to the professionals,” Teagan begins following everyone she suspects. That old saying, “Don’t quit your day job,” has never been truer, but she’ll do whatever it takes to bring her daughter home safe.

Mitch McCartney has enough trouble on his hands without dealing with a guilt-ridden, biological mother bent on making up for past sins. Teagan seems to have developed a talent for getting things wrong and putting herself in danger. Oh… and she’s adding theft to her rap sheet—theft of his heart, anyway.

Then Teagan goes missing.

Learning you can’t undo the past is a tough enough lesson without adding on more mistakes, but with Mitch’s help, Teagan may, with the Lord’s Guidance, forge a brighter future this time.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Women's Christian Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. Relinquished by Susan K. Beatty is a book that falls into that genre. This is Book 3 in the Faces of Courage Series. I have been enjoying this series and I was excited to read this book also. 

Teagan Parsons is on a mission to help find her 9yr old daughter who was kidnapped. Teagan gave her daughter up for adoption at birth 9 yrs ago and learned of an Amber Alert and discovers the child is the daughter she gave up for adoption. Teagan's cousin, an FBI agent, has been assigned to this case so Teagan has some help from the beginning. Mitch McCartney, an FBI agent, is also assigned to the case and is the partner of Teagan's cousin. Mitch McCartney is getting a little frustrated with Teagan, but also admittedly has feelings for her. Teagan is determined to find her 9yr old biological daughter, even contacting the adoptive family. Teagan goes missing and Mitch is desperate to find her now. Will Teagan be found and will she find her biological daughter SAFELY? Will there be a romance between Mitch and Teagan? 

I really LOVE the storyline, as I am a Birth Mom who gave a baby boy up for adoption 33yrs ago. Teagan is one determined Birth Mom and I appreciate her love for the child she gave away. Mitch is a wonderful character in the book. I LOVE how his heart grows for Teagan as he helps with the Kidnapping case. The book is about Family, Romance, and LIFE! I HIGHLY Recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance books! WONDERFUL BOOK!





Susan K. Beatty is in her third career—from journalist to homeschool tech writer to her life-long dream of becoming a novelist. She is proof you can start a new writing career late in life. Susan released her first published fiction in September 2019, and now an awarding winner author, this is her third novel, with several novelettes and short stories to her credit. She is passionate about finding courage through faith and grit. Susan lives with her husband of forty-nine years in Southern California. Add children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the mix and she has little time for her favorite hobbies of reading, watching classic movies, British crime dramas, and traveling.

 

More from Susan

The seeds of a story sometimes lay dormant in an author for years. Then they grow and grab the author, demanding to be told. Until eventually the author gives in.

In my case, I didn’t have to give in. I knew I would write some version of the story eventually.

It began in 1968, when I was young, unmarried, and pregnant. It continued through 1969 when I gave my child up for adoption. Of course, any birth mother will tell you the actual story doesn’t end there.

After I became a Christian in 1973, I grew into a better understanding of my journey. New emotions had to be dealt with when my daughter and I were reunited in 1988 when she was nineteen. We enjoyed getting to know each other despite our differences in faith, but those lost years could not be regained—another set of emotions to come to terms with.

I couldn’t write our story, but I wanted to write something that revealed the emotional dilemma birth mothers wrestle with: forgiveness, regret, accepting that one won’t take part in the baby’s childhood, and, if there is a reunion, accepting a new reality. This usually means discovering, despite a newfound relationship, the birth mother will never be that child’s mom.

But I also wanted to show God’s grace, healing, and a hope for a future (including the addition of light romance).

Not wanting the book to get weighed down in maudlin narrative, I tried to lift it above the muck and show the birth mother’s strength and courage. What better way to do that than throw her in the middle of a dangerous, life-threatening situation?

Note to birth mothers: If you have unresolved issues, there may be triggers in Relinquished. I urge you to spend time in prayer and allow the Lord to heal you regardless of whether you read the book. And, if you need it, there is no shame in getting counseling.

Note to adoptive mothers: I hope you get a glimpse into the other side of the story.

Note to all readers: Praying the Lord shines through Teagan’s story to illuminate your heart.


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 13

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 14

Texas Book-aholic, June 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 16 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 17

An Author’s Take, June 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 19

Artistic Nobody, June 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 22

Guild Master, June 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 23

Blogging With Carol, June 24

For Him and My Family, June 25

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, June 26 (Author Interview)



To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and 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/2658a/relinquished-celebration-tour-giveaway





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Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Vanishing Act by Edwina Kiernan

 




Book: A Vanishing Act

Author: Edwina Kiernan

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release date: May 2, 2023

Hollywood legend Kent Selwood isn’t happy sharing the limelight with rising star Stella Sanders. Tired of Stella’s drama, Kent makes it clear—he wants Stella gone.

Seamstress Bonnie Roseland is practically invisible to everyone at the studio, except for slick actor, Jerry Jackson. He’s the one man she wishes would leave her alone. Her deep-rooted faith helps her see beyond the glitz and glamor to the broken realities and dysfunctional atmosphere at the studio. She sometimes wonder if God has a purpose for her there or if she should just move on.

When the studio receives blackmail letters, Kent’s attitude makes him the prime suspect, and he’s swiftly banished from the lot, despite insisting that he’s been framed. Only Bonnie believes him, and she’s confident she knows who the real culprit is.

But when a ransom note arrives after Stella goes missing and evidence is discovered that clearly implicates Kent, will Bonnie help him uncover the truth in time to save his career… and Stella’s life?

 

Click here to get your copy!

Christian Historical Fiction books are a favorite Genre of mine. I also like reading Mystery books. I was very intrigued to read this book, A Vanishing Act by Edwina Kiernan because it combines the 2 genres into one book. This book is Book 11 in the Ever After Mystery series which is written by several different authors. I have read quite a few books in this series and I always enjoy them.

The Book is set in the 1940s and is a Fairytale retelling of Beauty of the Beast. Kent Selwood is a Hollywood legend and he likes to be the "star", so he isn't happy that he has been paired with a new actress, Stella Sanders. He makes it clear that he doesn't want her to be acting with him. Bonnie Roseland, the set Seamstress, often wonders why she is still working in this environment. She knows her faith in God upholds her and often she wonders what God's purpose for her is. She soon finds out what her purpose is when Blackmailing letters come to the Studio, not too long after Stella disappears. Kent is the immediate suspect, although Bonnie sets out to prove that the letters are not from him. Can Bonnie help prove Kent is not the one sending Blackmail letters? Can Bonnie also help find and save Stella? 


WHOA, this book is a definite Page Turner.  I couldn't and didn't put the book down until I was finished. Kent's jealousy leads to accusations that get him banned from the Studio. My favorite character was Bonnie. I LOVE how she comes from behind the scenes and helps solve the mystery of all the happenings at the Studio.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian Historical Fiction and Mystery! FANTASTIC BOOK!





Edwina Kiernan is the Christian author of the Amazon bestseller, Ruby’s Redemption. Her Inspirational Regency romance series, Gems of Grace, explores how God’s grace can heal hurts, establish faith and renew hope.

An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood, and is never too far from a pen and paper.

When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist.

Visit her website at EdwinaKiernan.com for more information, and to join her mailing list for free gifts, updates and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness.

 

More from Edwina

Glitz and glamor, sunshine and smiles — is that what you first think of when you hear the word, ‘Hollywood’? It seems like a whole other world, full of sparkle and shimmer.

 

But what’s beneath the surface?

 

In A Vanishing Act, Bonnie Roseland is about to find out…

 

Every book I write has a key verse from the Bible. A verse that anchors the message or theme of the story. A Vanishing Act’s verse is 1 Samuel 16:7: “…man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart”.

 

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of judging people on their appearances. And there’s a lot of that going on in the book. But there’s also a lot of revelation, of realization, and of redemption.

 

It’s my prayer that as you read A Vanishing Act, you’ll enjoy the twists and turns of the tale, but that you’ll also embrace the truth of Bonnie’s words to Kent: “I know Hollywood seems like a place where God isn’t welcome, but He’s here, too. And He loves you.”

 

So grab your copy and join Kent, Bonnie and a cast of varied characters as they work hard, take risks and solve a dangerous mystery.

 

And remember… Things aren’t always what they seem.



Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 12

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 14

Connie’s History Classroom, June 15

Texas Book-aholic, June 16

For Him and My Family, June 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 18

annette_reads_daily, June 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 21

Blogging With Carol, June 22

Simple Harvest Reads, June 23 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Holly’s Book Corner, June 24

Denise L. Barela, June 25 (Author Interview)

Scott’s book reviews, June 25



To celebrate her tour, Edwina is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon 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/26589/a-vanishing-act-celebration-tour-giveaway




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Tuesday, June 20, 2023

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: Blue Ridge Mountain Escape by Loretta Eidson

Blue Ridge Mountain Escape JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Blue Ridge Mountain Escape by Loretta Eidson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



Blue Ridge Mountain Escape

Title: Blue Ridge Mountain Escape
Series:
Mountain Rescue
Author:
Loretta Eidson
Publisher:
Love Inspired / Inspirational Mountain Rescue Collection
Release Date:
June 27, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

The firefighter rescued her once…  

But can they outrun the dangers? 

A peaceful vacation is what Haley Gordon needs to put her troubles behind her. Instead, she finds herself fighting for her life against a raging forest fire. Forest Service firefighter Kendall Simpson vows to protect Haley—although he has questions about her story. But with the firestorm out of control and news of escaped convicts on the mountain, can Haley and Kendall trust each other enough to survive?




I truly enjoy the LOVE-Inspired Suspense Romance series of books. The series books are written by many different authors and I have enjoyed all that I have read. Blue Ridge Mountain Escape by Loretta Edison is the latest LOVE Inspired book that I have had the opportunity to read.

Haley Gordon has had a rough few months with losing her job and her boyfriend. She decides to get away from it all by taking a Vacation to a Cabin in the Woods. Vacation does not get off to a good start as the cabin is broken into by Prison Escapees and there is a raging Forest Fire. Kendall Simpson, who is a Forest Service Firefighter, comes to the rescue of Haley and vows to protect her. He doesn't quite believe her story about the happenings, but right now he does know that there are Prison Escapees and a Forest Fire that need attention. Can Kendall trust Haley enough to protect her and focus on catching the Prison Escapees? Will there be a relationship between Kendall and Haley?  

WOW, this was a very intriguing storyline The book was a short and easy read, but I could not put the book down once I started reading.  Haley is a wonderful character in the book. She is strong enough to know her limits and go on a retreat to recoup. I LOVE Kendall's "heroism" in the book. He remains focused on protecting Haley despite having questions about her story. Haley's faith is also strong and I LOVE how the author brings faith into the book. The Book is filled with Twists and Turns, lots of Suspense, and Faith, Romance. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Suspense and Romance all in one. WONDERFUL BOOK!





PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

Pursued in the Wilderness




Loretta Eidson

Loretta Eidson is an award-winning author who loves writing romantic suspense. Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency is her agent. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Faith Hope, & Love Christian Writers, Sisters in Crime, Heart of Christian Writers Network, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and attends the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

She loves chocolate, caramel, and coffee. Loretta lives in North Mississippi close to her family. 

Connect with Loretta by visiting lorettaeidson.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.



(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

 Blue Ridge Mountain Escape JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 20, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 27, 2023. 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours




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Sunday, June 18, 2023

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: The Pursuit of Miss Parish by Grace Hitchcock

 




Book: The Pursuit of Miss Parish

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: May 31, 2023

Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.

With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.

Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?

 

Click here to get your copy!


I really enjoy Historical Romance books. The Pursuit of Miss Parish by Grace Hitchcock is the latest book in this genre that I have read. This is  Book 2 in the Aprons and Veils Series.

Belle Parish has arrived in New Mexico from Charleston where she will be meeting the gentleman who called for a Mail Order Bride. She had been receiving letters from Colt Lawson and decided she wanted to pursue a relationship with him, even though upon meeting him she has a feeling something is not truthful about the letters he sent. Belle discovers the lies that Colton has been hiding just before she walks down the aisle and she turns and runs from the Church, leaving Colton at the Alter. Belle decides she will focus on life as a Harvey Girl waitress, that is until a Texas Ranger comes into her life. Colton wants to make things right with Belle, but he is afraid she won't give him the time of day, especially now that the "Cowboy" is in her life. Will Belle give her heart to Colton or the Cowboy? Will Colton be able to really tell the truth to Belle? 

WOW, I was captivated by the storyline from the First chapter and could not put the book down. I have always enjoyed Mail Order Bride storylines, and this might be one of the BEST that I have read. I was not expecting Belle to run from the Altar, but I am always glad when a woman finds peace with her decision. Colton's reaction and knowing he needs to confess his lies was heartwarming. There were many twists and turns in this story and I could not put the book down as I wanted to read the truth about Colton! This book is one of Faith, Trust,  LOVE and Happiness. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance books! WONDERFUL BOOK!






Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

 

More from Grace

Questions from READERS for Grace Hitchcock

Q: As a mom, how/when do you find time to write?

Grace Hitchcock: I used to walk around the block to my favorite coffee shop in New Orleans, writing with a delicious latte and scone beside me, headphones in with the perfect soundtrack playing waiting for the muse. . . and now days, I write during Sofia the First episodes blaring in the background for my toddler while the baby sleeps and my Kindergartner is in half-day school.

On the days when I can’t get the word count down during those tiny moments, my husband takes the babies for an hour in the evenings and tells me to go write! When I’m on tight deadline with days left to go, the house usually isn’t the cleanest and Laundry Mountain, in all its splendor, may just fall on top of us. Sometimes while on deadline, I get the urge to pause and clean, but if I ignore the impulse long enough, the feeling generally passes. Once the book is in to my editor, it’s time to clean.

Q: What is your favorite source of inspiration for creating the characters in your stories?

Grace Hitchcock: For main characters, I use Names Through the Ages to figure out their names based on their background and once I know a character’s name, it’s as if the heroine/hero stroll into my writing room and I get to know their personality, the story closely following.

For the supporting characters, I have a need/plot point that they need to fill and I build their personality around that need. Not quite as exciting haha but they serve a purpose. But, I always remind myself to try to fill them out because they do not know they are not the main characters.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Grace Hitchcock: One of my earliest memories is writing stories in my little diary in my closet. (Remember the diaries with the locks on them that were super easy to pick, but still dreamy to have a book with a lock on it.)

I started taking my desire to write seriously when I was a senior in high school. I was homeschooled and my mom let me write a novel for my senior English project to test that theory if I wanted to write. It was so fun to write, I knew that’s what I wanted to do, so I got my Masters in Creative Writing and I’ve been typing away ever since 

Q: What is your writing process like?

Grace Hitchcock: I usually begin with a spark of an idea that I at once research to see if it would work with the eras I enjoy writing (Gilded Age and Regency England). From there, I do a deep dive into writing out a chapter by chapter plot, which generally takes about a week to ten days.

Once I have my plot down, I do about a week or two more of basic research and begin the first very, very rough draft that I usually finish at 50,000 words after 3 months of writing.

 

Then, I research any spots that needed improving in the first draft and go full editing mode, pausing throughout the book to research spots that need more description and historical accuracy, which is about two months and then, I do a third round of edits and research while doing a line edit, which takes a month.

 

By the time I get to the 6-month mark, I am more than ready to have a break haha and I send my 75,000/80,000 word novel off to my publisher/editor who does a content edit, sends it back to me for three weeks, another editor does a line edit, sends it back to me for three weeks, then another editor does a copy edit and sends it to galleys (where they format the book) and send it back to me to proof one last time for two weeks! Then, it goes to press at usually 75,000-100,000 depending on the novel. So long story short, 6 months to write and about 2 months to edit!

Q: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Grace Hitchcock: In this business, just about every author gets a rejection from a publisher . . . even by publishers who later accept them!

When I began sending out one of my first manuscripts, I thought it was pristine, but after about 15 rejections, I put it on the shelf and focused on a new manuscript with fresh eyes and new goals based on some of the industry professionals’ suggestions. Six months after I shelved that first manuscript, I went back and looked over it . . . the professionals were right. It wasn’t ready and it would require a lot more love (aka bleeding edits) before I attempted to send it out again. Sometimes, time is what you need to get a fresh perspective.

But it is also important to remember that when you get a rejection letter, they are not rejecting you. They are rejecting the work. And as much as you see it as a work of art, the publishers see it as a product. They are there to sell a product and if the product isn’t ready, it won’t sell well, so take heart and “hone your craft” and focus on any feedback you received that has merit.

That critique was very hard for me to hear haha but it helped push me to keep learning, attending writer conferences, and following my dreams. Over the years, I have had novels rejected by Barbour, Bethany, and Kregel, but I tried again and again and eventually signed with each publishing house! So keep it up! You can do it!



Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 16

Vicky Sluiter, June 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 17

She Lives To Read, June 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 18

Texas Book-aholic, June 19

Alena Mentink, June 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 20

Bigreadersite, June 20

Connie’s History Classroom, June 21

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 22

Betti Mace, June 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

Karen Baney Reviews, June 24

Blogging With Carol, June 25

For Him and My Family, June 25

Labor Not in Vain, June 26

Mary Hake, June 26

Cover Lover Book Review, June 27

Holly’s Book Corner, June 27

Splashes of Joy, June 28

Pause for Tales, June 28

Jodie Wolfe -Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 29

Lights in a Dark World, June 29



To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of The Finding of Miss Fairfield AND The Pursuit of Miss Parish with bookmarks and book magnets, and 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/2658d/the-pursuit-of-miss-parish-celebration-tour-giveaway





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