Showing posts with label Blog Tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog Tour. Show all posts

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Blog Tour: Beautiful Warrior

Blog Tour: Beautiful Warrior

About the Book: We’ve all been there. Moments when we feel insignificant or less than. Moments when the toxic traps of shame, resentment, unresolved anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness can be overwhelming. But there is a way out, if you are willing to brave the path to freedom.

Bravely sharing personal struggles with self-esteem, along with clinical insights, licensed therapist Tina Yeager shows how you can be free from ongoing negative patterns. In Beautiful Warrior, she shows you how to overthrow your own self-defeating patterns. Through easy-to-understand biblical references, end-of-chapter questions, and empowerment opportunities, she demonstrates how you can soar over common obstacles that often keep women from healthy self-esteem. Embrace your identity in Christ so you can embrace your destiny.

With a biblical foundation to sand on and therapeutic insights on practical ways to live, you can:
  • Free yourself from ongoing negative patterns.
  • Overcome common obstacles to healthy self-esteem.
  • Deepen awareness and comprehension of Christ-centered identity.
  • Embrace divine esteem and go forth as a heroine equipped to share the empowering truth with others.

Beautiful Warrior empowers you to break free from the insecurity that has you trapped. Pick up your shield—the Word of God, your identity in Christ, and healthy thought patterns—and become the divine heroine you were destined to be.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2YCNycD

My Thoughts: I love the title of this book. Beautiful Warrior. It fully captures the contents.

Author Tina Yeager reminds us women that we are warriors of God, and as such, He’ll prepare us for the battles we face in everyday life. Unfortunately, many of us have gotten sucked into negative self-talk that drags us into the mire of self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and jealousy of others whom we perceive to have it all. As a result, we don’t think have what it takes to answer God’s call to serve Him. We think someone else should do the work, that He can’t use us.

Through personal anecdotes and scripture, Ms. Yeager proves we are worthy and worthy of the tasks. One particular passage that spoke to me: “Shame douses us with regret like cheap cologne…Shame is not of God. The Bible clearly distinguishes shame from conviction (2 Cor. 7:10). Satan distorts the perfect gift of conviction into worldly sorrow, or shame. Unlike the forward movement God intends, shame stops us dead in our tracks, bringing spiritual death.”

Each chapter addresses a topic such as loneliness, society’s lies to women, the comparison trap, and bitterness followed by questions for self-reflection. Woven throughout the book are practical suggestions and exercises aimed at assisting the reader to achieve a healthy self-esteem. She assures readers that: “God didn’t create {you} according to earthly standards. He didn’t set another person as a model to copy when crafting {your} features.”

You will want to read and study this guide. Highlight sections that resonate with you. Turn down pages in order to revisit them. I tend to focus on the destination whether it’s a vacation or a project. I obtain great satisfaction in getting there or getting the job done. You might be the same way, but in this case, you will want to pay attention along the journey, because as Ms. Yeager cautions us: “Becoming redefined is about transformation, not arrival.”




About the Author:
Wife, mom, and latte junkie, Tina has won thirty writing awards, in FCWC’s 2103 Writer of the Year. Inspirational speaker, podcast host, licensed therapist, life coach, and mentor with Word Weavers International, she loves to bring encouraging messages through spoken and written words. She’d be honored to support your journey, and would love to share a storyteller’s message at your organization’s next event. Come visit for a virtual cup of java at http://www.tinayeager.com.



Connect with Tina: 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tyeagerwrites
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9

Sunday, August 12, 2018

Blog Tour: Chaos: In the Blink of an Eye

Blog Tour: Chaos: In the Blink of an Eye


About the Book


  

Book Title: Chaos: In the Blink of an Eye
Author: Patrick Higgins  
Genre: Christian Mystery/Suspense  
Release date: September, 2015

It was the weekend before Thanksgiving. More than 100,000 fans were jammed inside Michigan Stadium, on their feet, to witness a heated football rivalry that had spanned more than 100 years. As the football was kicked into the snow-filled sky, they were about to get the shock of their lives, as long-foretold Bible prophecy came to pass before their very eyes, causing many to vanish into thin air without a trace. But what they soon realized was that it reached far beyond Michigan Stadium. Chaos of unimaginable proportions ensued worldwide. Shock, fear and panic filled each heart and mind. It was just the beginning of things to come, as life as humanity had known it was forever changed in the blink of an eye…

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Thoughts

I don’t read a lot of prophetic fiction (I’m probably one of the few people who didn’t read the entire Left Behind series), but I expected more from this book. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, although would have preferred if it was done through dialogue and interaction with others rather than the lengthy exposition used by the author. The characters are unique, and I like that they seem to represent a cross-section of contemporary America. I’m an avid NFL fan and rarely watch college level football, but I was able to relate to the excitement that led up to such an important college game. The rapture doesn’t occur until well into the book which may disappoint some readers. Being a prequel, the book seems to be primarily about introducing the characters. I appreciate that the author doesn’t use a lot of “churchy” words in the book, but rather seems writes toward seekers and those not necessarily familiar with the Bible and Jesus’ return.

I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author


Patrick Higgins is the author of The Pelican Trees, Coffee In Manila, the award-winning The Unannounced Christmas Visitor, and the award-winning prophetic end-times series, Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye. While the stories he writes all have different themes and take place in different settings, the one thread that links them all together is his heart for Jesus and his yearning for the lost. With that in mind, it is his wish that the message his stories convey will greatly impact each reader, by challenging you not only to contemplate life on this side of the grave, but on the other side as well. After all, each of us will spend eternity at one of two places, based solely upon a single decision which must be made this side of the grave. That decision will be made crystal clear to each reader of his books. Higgins is currently writing many other books, both fiction and non-fiction, including a sequel to Coffee In Manila, which will shine a bright, sobering light on the diabolical human trafficking industry.

Guest Post from Patrick Higgins


What started the Chaos in the Blink of an Eye series for me stems from my deep love of sports, which, I admit has diminished considerably over the years. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy watching and attending sporting events whenever I have the time. But these days I view them from an entirely different perspective than when I wore a younger man’s face and displayed a weaker man’s faith in God.

This slow but gradual shrinking away started soon after the Lord impressed upon my heart that the fastest growing religion in America, and the world for that matter, wasn’t Christianity or Islam, but “sports”. Every day of the week—including Sundays—millions of fans fill stadiums and arenas (or shall I say cathedrals?) worldwide to worship their heroes.

Whatever the sport, fans show up in droves to cheer on mere mortals as if they were gods. When their teams win life is good. When they lose life is miserable.

As a once-guilty participant for many years, I should know.

The passion most fans have for their favorite players and sports teams is the same passion they should have in pursuing the One who saw their unformed bodies from the foundations of the world, the very One who knit them together inside their mothers’ wombs.

Tragically, this is not the case. Hence, the reason for the CHAOS series. The sporting event chosen for this story was the famed Michigan-Ohio State college football rivalry.

Prior to writing the prequel, I traveled to Ann Arbor, Michigan to attend the game. I admit I was just as caught up in the mass hysteria as everyone else. It was impossible not to be swept up into the vortex that had completely engulfed the vibrant college town.

The energy was quite palpable. So much so that I had to remind myself more than once that I was there to research and observe everything connected to the game, then put it all into words for my readers. The sporting event itself was secondary.

Though the prequel initially centers on the football game, in no way is this a sports series. This will become quite clear to you when Bible prophecy comes to pass inside Michigan Stadium, and many vanish into thin air, leaving everyone still inside the stadium utterly panic-stricken.

It was just the beginning of things to come, as life as humanity had known it was forever changed in the blink of an eye…

Enjoy reading…

Blog Stops

Here are Patrick's remaining blog stops:
August 12: Mary Hake
August 13: Blogging with Carol
August 15: Jeanette's Thoughts
August 16: Ashley's Bookshelf
August 17: Cherylbbookblog
August 17: Big Reader Site
August 21: Texas Book-aholic
August 22: Godly Book Reviews

Giveaway



To celebrate his tour, Patrick is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Blog Tour: A Promise Forged

Blog Tour: A Promise Forged



About the Book

  

Book Title: A Promise Forged  
Author: Cara Putman  
Genre: World War 2 Romance  
Release date: Originally released in 2010, Re-released in 2017

Kat transformed in front of him. Her chin came up, her fingers stopped twitching with the fabric of her gown, and a real sparkle bubbled in her eyes. It was like watching Snow White come to life when the prince kissed her. A heartwarming WWII historical from award-winning author Cara Putman: Kat Miller has dreamed of playing baseball her entire life. When she earns a spot on a team in the All-American Girls Professional Softball League, she finds that things aren’t as glamorous as she imagined. She struggles with long road trips, grueling practices, and older teammates who are jealous of her success. And to top it all off, an irritating reporter is constantly getting under Kat’s skin. Events in Jack Raymond’s career have left him cynical and distanced from God. He never wanted to write at a small paper, and he certainly didn’t want to be assigned to something as inconsequential as a women’s softball team. Then Kat walks into his life. The fiery, young softball player somehow climbs the walls around his heart and makes him want to hope again. When lies fly and the league appears to fail, will Kat and Jack’s new love survive?

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts


A Promised Forged is a charming story that effectively captures the flavor of WWII in the American Midwest. I am familiar with the All-American Girls Professional Softball League, but enjoyed experiencing the league through the eyes of one of its players. Kat and Jack are well-developed and interesting characters, but I struggled to relate to them – however, that may be a result of my being a few decades older. Slang from the era and periodic historic tidbits add dimension to the story. Jack’s struggle to reconcile his faith with the difficulties and unfairness of life is realistic without being preachy or contrived. Although they didn’t play large roles in the book, Kat’s parents were enjoyable characters. They obviously care for her, and the three have a close relationship. An easy read, I finished A Promise Forged in two sittings.

I received a copy of the book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Author


Since the time she could read Nancy Drew, Cara has wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 she attended a book signing at her local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, was history. There she met a fellow Indiana writer Colleen Coble. With prompting from her husband, Cara shared her dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, Cara’s been writing award-winning books. She is currently working on book 30 and 31. Cara Putman is an active member of ACFW, and currently serves on its Executive Board. She has also been the Indiana ACFW chapter president and served as the Area Coordinator for Indiana. Cara is also an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, her husband and her kids that is. She graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!) and George Mason Law School, and Krannert School of Management. You can learn more about Cara at www.caraputman.com <http://www.caraputman.com/>.

Guest Post from Cara


Each of my books starts with a hook that engages my interest, and then as I play with it, I think it will engage readers. A Promise Forged was no different. For this book I was writing a series of three World War II novels for Barbour. I already had two historical hooks that fascinated me: children evacuated from London to Ohio, a top secret project to break Engima in Dayton, but I needed one more. I knew the lead characters were going to be siblings, but I wasn’t sure what to do with the kid sister. Then I remembered the All-American Girls Professional Softball/Baseball League.

And I started thinking.

What would it have been like to desperately want a chance to play a sport you loved professionally?

And to be part of the nascent league when no one was sure whether it was a good or bad idea?

I decided that was the perfect place for Kat. She was the kid sister with fire and passion. She wanted a chance to prove herself, and this would be the perfect place. Then she needed a hero worthy of her. One who could go toe-to-toe with her and still see who she could be.

He came in the form of Jack, a cynical reporter who is disappointed to be assigned to cover girls’ baseball. But then he gets to know Kat and some of the others. And he sees something in her that she doesn’t see in herself. It’s the beginning of fireworks that he doesn’t think can go anywhere because she has to go home to her senior year of high school. As I began researching the history of the league, I learned that the AAGPS/BL archives were kept at a small museum in South Bend, a couple hours from where I live. I spent a day there talking with the curator and exploring all the records. Because the league wasn’t expected to last there weren’t many records from the first year. That meant I had to guess about some things like schedules based on what happened in the years after.

A Promise Forged became a book I loved writing. Kat was feisty, Jack was cynical, and baseball provided a great setting. I can’t believe this football loving woman can admit that!


Blog Stops

Here are Cara's remaining blog stops:

August 4: Among the Reads
August 4: The Power of Words
August 5: C Jane Read
August 5: Texas Book-aholic
August 6: Genesis 5020
August 7: Kat's Corner Books
August 7: Carpe Diem
August 8: Mary Hake
August 9: By The Book
August 10: Lighthouse Academy
August 10: Remembrancy
August 10: Jeanette's Thoughts
August 11: 100 Pages per Hour
August 11: Luv'N Lambert Life
August 11: Big Reader Site
August 12: Godly Book Reviews
August 12: Cafinated Reads
August 13: A Reader's Brain
August 13: Book by Book
August 14: All of a Kind Mom
August 14: Maureen's Musings
August 14: Daysong Reflections
August 15: The Morning Chapter
August 15: Amanda in PA
August 16: Bibliophile Reviews
August 17: Pause for Tales

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize that includes the movie League of Their Own, a box of cracker jacks, M&Ms and a $20 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d2ac/a-promise-forged-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Blog Tour: Sons of Blackbird Mountain

Blog Tour: Sons of Blackbird Mountain


About the Book

  

Title: Sons of Blackbird Mountain  
Author: Joanne Bischof  
Genre: Historical Romance

After the tragic death of her husband, Aven Norgaard is beckoned to give up her life in Norway to become a housekeeper in the rugged hills of Nineteenth-Century Appalachia. Upon arrival, she finds herself in the home of her late husband’s cousins—three brothers who make a living by brewing hard cider on their three-hundred acre farm. Yet even as a stranger in a foreign land, Aven has hope to build a new life in this tight-knit family. But her unassuming beauty disrupts the bond between the brothers. The youngest two both desire her hand, and Aven is caught in the middle, unsure where—and whether—to offer her affection. While Haakon is bold and passionate, it is Thor who casts the greatest spell upon her. Though Deaf, mute, and dependent on hard drink to cope with his silent pain, Thor possesses a sobering strength. As autumn ushers in the apple harvest, the rift between Thor and Haakon deepens and Aven faces a choice that risks hearts. Will two brothers’ longing for her quiet spirit tear apart a family? Can she find a tender belonging in this remote, rugged, and unfamiliar world? A haunting tale of struggle and redemption, Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a portrait of grace in a world where the broken may find new life through the healing mercy of love.

My Thoughts

Sons of Blackbird Mountain is a gripping novel about the complex relationships among family and community members. Yes, the book is a romance story, but it is much more than that. Serious issues such as racism, domestic violence, and segregation are explored and addressed with sensitivity and realism, making the story difficult to read at times. Each character has his or her own demons to fight, often resulting in tension with other characters or within themselves. Especially moving is Thor whose deafness and addiction to alcohol impacts his brothers and himself. The descriptions are vivid, effectively immersing me in 19th century Appalachia. Strong dialog enabled me to feel the characters’ emotions as strongly as if they were mine. Ms. Bischof did an excellent job of conveying Thor’s deafness and his ability to lip read and use American Sign Language. Themes of forgiveness, mercy, and salvation are woven throughout the story without being preachy. As with all of Ms. Bischof’s books, I will read this one over and over. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author


JOANNE BISCHOF is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. She was honored to receive the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon conference. Joanne’s 2016 novel, The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from RT Book Reviews, among other critical acclaim. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children. Visit her online at JoanneBischof.com, Facebook: Author, JoanneBischof, Instagram: @JoanneBischof.

Guest Video from Joanne Bischof


Blog Stops

Here are Joanne's remaining blog stops:
July 9: Kathleen Denly
July 11: Novels Corner
July 11: Just Commonly
July 12: Book by Book
July 13: Pause for Tales
July 13: Radiant Light
July 14: Remembrancy
July 15: Vicky Sluiter
July 16: By the Book
July 17: Big Reader Site
July 18: Amanda in PA

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Joanne is giving away
Grand prize of a country crate, a jar of apple butter, a bag of gummy berries, journal, bath salts, honey spoons, copper earrings, and a blackbird sign!!

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Blog Tour: Enduring Love

Blog Tour: Enduring Love


About the Book

  Title: Enduring Love  
Author: Toni Shiloh  
Genre: Contemporary Romance  
Release Date: June 28, 2018

Belle Peterson is hiding a secret. Seeking sanctuary in the small town of Maple Run, she’s intent on starting her life over—one she hopes honors Christ. The plan was going great until an undeniable attraction to Micah has her wondering if she’s changed at all. Micah Campbell can’t understand why Belle is so uptight and wants nothing to do with her until the gentle whispers of God tell him to befriend her. He didn’t count on the feeling of protectiveness to rise up or that spark of attraction. Can love really conquer all or will Belle’s past be too much for Micah to handle?

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts

Enduring Love is Toni Shiloh’s third book in the Maple Run series, and having read the first two books, I enjoyed catching up with the characters and meeting new ones. As with all of the author’s books, the characters are well-developed and complex. Belle is a new believer, and her struggle to assimilate her faith with day-to-day living is realistic and endearing. Friends and acquaintances help her without being preachy or using platitudes. The issue from her past (won’t say what - don’t want to give any spoilers!) is serious, ugly, and difficult to overcome, and the author did a good job of addressing it. I could feel Belle’s pain, guilt, and shame. Micah is a “man’s man,” yet sensitive to God and his friends – a man any girl in her right mind could fall for! The story tied up suddenly with an epilogue to explain the resolution, and I would have preferred a fuller handling of the ending. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author



Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter. You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.


Guest Post from Toni Shiloh

Hey there, Reader Friends!

I’m so excited for the kickoff of Enduring Love. This is book 3 in the Maple Run series and features the story of Belle Peterson and Micah Campbell. You may remember meeting Micah in book 2 of the series, he is Luke Robinson’s best friend. I tell you, this book has a special place in my heart, one that brought out all the emotions in me.

Belle Peterson is living a life filled with shame and regret. She knows mentally that she’s been forgiven, but can’t reconcile the fact to how a redeemed life should look. And when Micah Campbell walks in her life, she’s certain that she has to stay as far from him as possible to keep from back sliding.

Y’all know our wants rarely meet with reality. I had fun throwing Belle and Micah together in Maple Run. Sometimes to their chagrin but always to my pleasure. J Characters from Buying Love (book 1) and Finding Love (book 2) will make an appearance, rounding out the family that has been created in my fictional town of Maple Run, Virginia.

As you take the time to read Belle and Micah’s story, I pray you keep this verse in your mind. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” – Romans 8:1 KJV

God does not want us to live a life of shame and guilt. Once we ask for forgiveness, He gives it to us freely. Walk in an abundant life, my friends, and bless others with the grace you so freely received. 

Blessings to you, Toni

Blog Stops

Giveaway



To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Blog Tour: To Claim Her Heart With Jodie Wolfe

Blog Tour: To Claim Her Heart With Jodie Wolfe



About the Book

  
Title: To Claim Her Heart  
Author: Jodie Wolfe  
Release Date: May 14, 2018  
Genre: Historical Romance

In 1893, on the eve of the great race for land, Benjamin David prays for God to guide him to his ‘Promised Land’. Finding property and preaching to the lost are his only ways of honoring his deceased fiancee, but he didn’t count on Elmer (Elsie) Smith claiming the same plot and refusing to leave. Not only is she a burr in his side, but she is full of the homesteading know-how he sadly lacks. Obtaining a claim in the Cherokee Strip Land Run is Elsie Smith’s only hope for survival, but not just any plot will do. She has a specific one in mind. The plot’s not only a way to honor her pa and his life, but also to provide a livelihood for herself. Elsie’s willing to do whatever it takes to get that piece of property, and she determined to keep it, but she wasn’t planning on a kind, handsome preacher standing in her way. Her bitterness is what protects her, and she has not intentions of allowing that preacher to lay claim to her land … or her heart.

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts

I finished Jodie Wolfe’s To Claim Her Heart in two sittings and loved every word. The protagonists, Elsie and Benjamin are complex, relatable characters with realistic dreams, issues, and struggles. Elsie was a delightful mixture of rough-n-ready and femininity she didn’t realized she possessed. I fell in love with Benjamin because of his gentle strength, integrity, and faith. Minor characters were well-developed and likable (except those I wasn’t supposed to!). The threat of outlaws added tension and intrigue which I enjoyed. As with all of Ms. Wolfe’s books, I learned information about the life and events in the Old West without being lectured to, creating a desire to know more and do my own further research (which as a history geek, I love). Plot twists and turns added depth and kept the story moving. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. Highly recommended.

I received this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author



Jodie Wolfe got bitten by the writing bug as a young girl after reading and watching Little House on the Prairie. She creates novels where hope and quirky meet. The power of story to influence lives and change hearts is what motivates her to weave tales that tell of the Savior’s faithfulness and forgiveness. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.


Guest Post from Jodie Wolfe

The Heart of a Book

I think there’s always a little bit of the author in each book they write, but sometimes something deeper and very close to the author is wrapped up in the pages of a story. That’s the case for To Claim Her Heart. This is the tale that my mother-in-law always wanted me to write. She was so proud of her family heritage and almost twenty years ago, she was anxious to share it with me. We visited Oklahoma where several of her relatives had staked claims in the last great race for land in our country – the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893. This September will mark the 125th anniversary of the land race.

While it saddens me that my dear mother-in-law never lived long enough to see this story in print, I’m thankful that she shared her rich heritage with me. In To Claim Her Heart I was able to mention a recipe passed down through her family for prune cake. I also made sure the heroine had a Rose of Sharon quilt that was given to her. My mother-in-law gave me this quilt dating back as early as 1834 when it was stitched by my husband’s great, great, great, great grandmother. It’s been passed down to the oldest daughter for generations. But, I think one of my favorite memories is the one that concerns outlaws and how my husband’s great, great, great grandmother dealt with them. To find out more about this actual encounter, you’ll have to read To Claim Her Heart. I hope your heart will be as touched by these stories as mine was when my mother-in-law shared them. Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Here are Jodie's remaining Tour stops:

June 25: Vicky Sluiter
June 27: Splashes of Joy
June 29: Pause for Tales
July 2: Big Reader Site

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jodie is giving away a grand prize of a Kindle Fire!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cf88/to-claim-her-heart-celebration-tour

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Blog Tour: Red Sky Over America

Blog Tour: Red Sky Over America



About the Book



Title: Red Sky over America  
Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft  
Genre: Christian Historical Romance  
Release Date: February 11, 2018

In 1857, America, the daughter of a slave owner, is an abolitionist and a student at Oberlin College, a school known for its radical ideas. America goes home to Kentucky during school break to confront her father about freeing his slaves. America’s classmate, William, goes to Kentucky to preach abolition to churches that condone slavery. America and William find themselves in the center of the approaching storm sweeping the nation and may not make it home to Ohio or live through the struggle.
Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts

Set during the turbulent time of the Civil War, Red Sky Over America is a powerful story that explores how the war divided families, churches, and communities because of different beliefs about states’ rights and slavery. Playing off the expression “Red sky at night, sailors delight…” the title does an excellent job of capturing the effect the time period had on America the character and America the country. I struggled a bit to relate to the protagonist, America, because she waffled between sticking to her convictions about abolition and adhering to social customs and her father’s mindset, but she was very much a product of her time. Several points of view were used to tell the story, including one of the slaves, which I enjoyed and effectively immersed me into the era and personal situations of the characters. Colloquial dialogue was used, but not to the point of being distracting. Even though I am well-versed in the Civil War era, I was unfamiliar with the role played by Ohio and Oberlin College. The author wove lots of interesting information throughout the story without being textbookish or dry. I was disappointed that every slave owner in the book was portrayed as evil and/or unfeeling and somewhat cliché. Because of the subject matter, there are periodic episodes of violence, and although difficult to read, are not gratuitous. This is the first in a series, and I look forward to the next book.

I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a favorable review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. She has received 2nd place in the NOCW contest, 3rd place TARA writer’s contest, and is a finalist in the Frasier Writing Contest and has other novellas in print. She’s been married for 39 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and two grandchildren. Tamera has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire For Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.


Guest posts from Tamera Lynn Kraft

100 Steps to Freedom

by Tamera Lynn Kraft

Before the Civil War, Ohio had the largest Underground Railroad of any state in the Union. It is believed that every county in Ohio had a route. Many slaves would escape over the Ohio River and through Ohio on their way to Canada. This was a dangerous undertaking because, even though Ohio was a free state, the Fugitive Slave Law made it so anyone helping escaped slaves could be fined and jailed.

One small town, Ripley, Ohio, is believed to have helped more slaves escape than any town in Ohio. Ripley is located on the banks of the Ohio River across from Mason County, Kentucky.

One man who helped slaves escape was a freed black man named John Parker. Parker was educated by his master in Virginia and eventually bought his freedom. He traveled to Ohio and opened a foundry on Front Street facing the Ohio River. He was the first black man to earn a patent for one of the inventions he used in his foundry. At night, he would search the Ohio River looking for escaped slaves and helping them find their way to an Underground Railroad Station.

Rev. John Rankin, a Presbyterian minister, owned a house on top of a hill in Ripley. He built one hundred steps to the house that could be seen on the other side of the river. At night, he would light a lantern and hang it from the porch to signal slaves that it was safe to cross. It is estimated that over 2,000 slaves escaped through the Rankin House. None of them were ever recaptured. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote her famous novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, about the escape of the slave, Eliza, after hearing the story from Rev. Rankin.

Rev. John Rankin’s house is in my novel, Red Sky Over America. John Parker also is introduced as a minor character. The story takes place on the Ohio River in Kentucky across from Ripley where all these exciting events happened.

Oberlin College: A School Ahead of Its Time

My current novel series, Ladies of Oberlin, is about 3 women roommates who graduated from one of the most amazing colleges in American history, Oberlin College. Book 1, Red Sky Over America focuses on America, a woman attending Oberlin who is an abolitionist studying to become a missionary. The problem is her father is a slave owner. Here’s a little bit about this amazing college. 

Oberlin College, founded in 1833 in Northern Ohio, was a college ahead of its time in many ways. In 1835, it became the first college in the United States to regularly admit African Americans. It’s also the oldest co-educational college in the US. In 1837, it admitted four women, three of whom graduated and earned a college degree. Mary Jane Patterson, another Obeberlin graduate, became the first African American woman in 1862 to earn a Bachelor of Arts college degree.

One of Oberlin’s founders once bragged that “Oberlin is peculiar in that which is good”. Oberlin was peculiar in many ways in advancing the causes of the time. Charles Finney, the second president of the college, helped it earn its controversial reputation. He was the fiery evangelist of the Second Great Awakening, a Christian revivalist movement in the early and mid 1800s.

Oberlin College was the hotbed of abolitionist activity and a stop for the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. It was once called “the town that started the Civil War” because of its participation in the Oberlin Wellington Rescue in 1858. Slave catchers came to Oberlin to capture an escaped slave and return him to Kentucky. Most of the town came to the slave’s aid and rescued him. For their trouble, over twenty were arrested and put on trial for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. During the raid on Harper’s Ferry by John Brown, three men from Oberlin participated.

Oberlin College was also well known for the women who graduated from the college and participated in the suffrage and prohibition movements. Lucy Stone, considered a pioneer for the women’s movement, graduated from Oberlin College in 1847.

Oberlin was also very well known in the missionary movement of the late 1800s. Between 1860 and 1900, 90% of missionaries sent overseas by the American Missionary Society were graduates of Oberlin College. Between 1899 and 1901, thirteen missionaries from Oberlin were martyred during the Boxer Rebellion of China. An arch in Tappan Square at the center of Oberlin pays honor to their sacrifices.

Blog Stops


Here are Tamera's Remaining Blog Stops:

June 3: Ansel Book Blog
June 4: Artistic Nobody
June 4: Big Reader Site
June 9: Pause for Tales

Giveaway

















To celebrate her tour, Tamera is giving away a themed basket with autographed books of Resurrection of Hope, Alice’s Notions, Red Sky Over America, a copy of Uncle Tom’s Cabin (the book is mentioned in the novel) and a copy of Then Sings My Soul (stories about the hymns), plus a $10 Amazon Card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cebb/red-sky-over-america-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Blog Tour: Treacherous Trails

Blog Tour: Treacherous Trails


About the Book

  Title: Treacherous Trails  
Author: Dana Mentink  
Genre: Inspy Romanctic Suspense  
Release Date: March, 2018  
Falsely accused… Can she escape the real killer? In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?

Click here to purchase your copy.


My Thoughts

Treacherous Trails is the second book in Dana Mentink’s Gold Country Cowboys series, and if possible, is better than the first which is excellent. The intrigue and suspense kept me turning pages and were deftly woven with the romantic thread of the developing relationships between Luke and Ella. Each struggled with insecurities and doubts in realistic and relatable ways. Luke’s family was warm and hospitable without being contrived or cliché. I felt Luke’s and Ella’s frustrations as they hit dead-end after dead-end while trying to prove Ella’s innocence. The plot twist at the end was a surprise, yet as I thought about it realized the author had laid the groundwork for it. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a favorable review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author



Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

Guest Post from Dana Mentink

Howdy, friends! I am so thrilled to be galloping into the second book in the Gold Country Cowboy series with you. This book was a hoot to write. It’s got a nice twisty mystery and plenty of danger! Our hero, twin Owen Thorn, is a Marine doing his darnedest not to fall in love with his brother’s little sister, but you know how these things go, don’t you, partners? There’s trouble ahead in cowboy country and this story will take you on a wild gallop to the happy ending! God bless and thanks for coming along!

Blog Stops

Here are Dana's remaining Tour Stops:

April 15: C Jane Read
April 15: The Power of Words
April 16: Among the Reads
April 16: Genesis 5020
April 18: Carpe Diem
April 18: Cafinated Reads
April 19: Maureen's Musings
April 20: Pause for Tales
April 22: A Greater Yes
April 23: Texas Bookaholic
April 23: Artistic Nobody
April 24: Kat's Corner Books
April 24: Big Reader Site
April 25:  Remembrancy

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca46