Wednesday, November 30, 2022

"What I Would Tell You" by Liz Tolsma -- Epic Book Launch

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: What I Would Tell You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release date: January 1, 2023

DNA Test Unlocks a Family Mystery

Sephardic Jew Mathilda Nissim watches in horror as the Germans invade her

beloved city of Salonika, Greece. What angers her most is the lack of resistance

her people put up to their captors. In secret and at great risk to her life, she

continues to publish her newspaper, calling her people to action. She doesn’t

trust God to help them. When she and her husband find out they are expecting

a child, Mathilda may have to resort to desperate measures to ensure her

daughter’s survival.

Three generations later, college student Riley Payson and her cousin take a

popular DNA test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In

fact, the test shows Riley is a Sephardic Jew from Greece. This revelation

shakes Riley’s tenuous faith and sends her on a journey to discover what

happened to her great-grandmother and how all this relates to her faith and

her life today.

BOOK EXCERPT

What I Would Tell You Excerpt 3

“Soon Greece will fall to them. There’s no doubt about that. They’re coming with their tanks and their guns. We have nothing.”

“No, that’s not true.” She swallowed hard and rose from the chair, not clicking off the radio. “We have the power of our words.

I have to get a special edition of the paper out to keep the people informed of what is happening and prepare them for when the Nazis arrive in Salonika.”

Asher, his dark hair mussed, crossed the small distance between them and grabbed her by the shoulders. Gave her a small shake. “No, you will not do such thing. When they get here, they’ll find your writings. You’ll be under arrest for sure. Instead of producing more, we have to destroy everything you have. All of your work. Every paper you ever published. All the printing machines, the ink, all of it. Without delay.”

“Por favor, don’t ask me to get rid of it. It’s more important than ever now. How can we call our people to action if there isn’t a Jewish newspaper?”

“They’re going to shut down all the newspapers, both the big ones and the small ones like yours. Do you believe the Nazis will allow you to continue producing such inflammatory rhetoric?”

She stepped back, out of his grasp, as if he had struck her. “Inflammatory? How can you say such a thing? I thought you supported me and my work.”

“I didn’t mean that.” He softened his voice.

MISSED ANY EXCERPTS, GO HERE:

Come back after December 13 for all the links

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie

romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and

resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter.

Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys

reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping.

Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter

(@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the

Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

Monday, November 28, 2022

"Under the Hibiscus" by Chautona Havig

About the Book

Book: Under the Hibiscus

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Christmas Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 25, 2022

Do you have to give God two-weeks’ notice when you quit the ministry?

After a lifetime of being her father’s right-hand girl, Ezra gets a small taste of freedom during her friend’s honeymoon visit to the Suamalie islands and decides enough is enough. All she needs is to find a replacement secretary, teacher, project manager, accountant… et cetera.

In fact, what he needs is a wife.

Scott Keil intended to serve the Lord on St. Alyn Island for life. He just never intended to do it without his wife. So, when his daughter begins balking at being saddled with a ministry she never signed up for, he knows he needs to find a replacement for her. And well, she’s right. A wife who loves organization and serving the Lord would be the perfect solution.

But only one woman interests him and loves his ministry nearly as much as he does. Natalie Dershem—the event planner at St. Alyn’s newest resort. Why did she have to be nearly as young as his daughter… and so intriguing?

Under the Hibiscus is the introductory Christmas “noella” in the brand-new, Suamalie Islands Series from Celebrate Lit Publishing. Grab this May/December Christmas romance today.

My Thoughts

It was fun to get to know Ezra a little better after meeting her during the Independence Islands series of books. This was a fun intro to the new series about this set of islands. I thought the book was well written and easy to read.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

“I always wanted a son. But I wanted one a little younger than myself!” When Tevya said that to Lazar Wolf back when I was a teenager, little did I know that twenty years later, I’d say the same thing to my newly-minted son-in-law at my daughter’s reception.

It was a joke on me. I’d always said that I didn’t understand why people got worked up about age differences under twenty years. God called my bluff on that by sending me a son-in-law a year and a couple of months older than me and… nearly nineteen years (just shy by weeks) older than my daughter. People ask if I still think that it’s not a big deal. And I do. As I said back then, it all depends on the couple.

But May/December romances aren’t always popular. Some people don’t enjoy them. Maybe I do because my husband is seven years older than I am, my father is eight years older than my mother, and I have friends and family with eleven and fifteen years difference respectively. It’s just… normal in my experience. And as my dear friend said when she heard about people making snide comments about my daughter’s engagement, “Why would she want a boy her age when she can have a man?” And yeah. That is one of the lovely things about May/December romances.

Well, Under the Hibiscus definitely went that route—not because I specifically wanted an age difference for the couple but because two things jumped out at me. First, I couldn’t see Scott Keil with a woman his age. He’s such a young-at-heart-guy, and every woman his age my mind conjured… wasn’t. And I couldn’t see it!

But even more than that, I thought of Ezra and how it would feel to be a daughter whose father started dating someone nearly your own age. Especially since this wouldn’t be some socialite looking for a rich husband. Any woman interested in Scott Keil would have to love him and the Lord a great deal to be willing to accept such a large age difference. How would that go over with Ezra, and… what would their relationship look like. I mean, her stepmother would be a not-very-older sister’s age!

How does it all work out? Well… unfortunately, you’ll have to read to find out because right now? I don’t even know!

Blog Stops

By the Book, November 26

She Lives To Read, November 27

Texas Book-aholic, November 28

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Sylvan Musings, November 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 30

Inklings and notions, December 1

deb’s Book Review, December 2

For Him and My Family, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Mary Hake, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Lots of Helpers, December 8

Blogging With Carol, December 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

"Returning to Breakers" by Rachel Skatvold

About the Book

Book: Returning to Breakers

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: October 25, 2022

Sometimes God’s “why” comes too late… and just in time.

Tiffany Hill is a master at concealing her emotions. She can’t admit she has her own questions about God—like why He allowed her Marine husband to die in action. A single mom with three children to care for and the general store on Merriweather to run leaves little time for philosophizing. She has more pressing issues to deal with. Like how her dream of running the family business has become a burden.

Is keeping the business afloat even worth the effort anymore?

After high school and an unfortunate falling out with his father, Liam Hadler left Breakers Head, determined never to look back. He failed on that one, and one of many regrets was leaving his high school sweetheart behind to chase an impossible dream.

When his mother calls after his father suffers a stroke, Liam has a tough decision to make. Will he return to a place he’s avoided for sixteen years, and is making amends with his father even possible?

A chance encounter with Tiffany after so many years never occurred to him, but memories of their time together rekindles something he thought he’d lost. What’ll it take to persuade her to give him a second chance?

This Breakers Head novel is Rachel Skatvold’s final book in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

My Thoughts

I was glad to get the rest of Kendall and Tyler's story as well as for Tiffany to get a second chance at love. I felt that there was a nice biblical faith thread and the characters grew and learned. We don't get to see Liam and Tiffany fall in love, they just see each other again and all the old feelings come flooding back. It was a little bit of a let down. I did like seeing the interactions between Tiffany's children and Liam.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing Christian romance and devotionals. Rachel has published over a dozen novels, including books in the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

More from Rachel

Thank you for following the Returning to Breakers Celebration Tour with Celebrate Lit. Writing in the Independence Islands Series has been an incredible journey and since this is my last book in the series, it’s bitter sweet to say goodbye to these wonderful characters. Although some of them may show up in the sister series, Suamalie Islands…hint, hint, hint!

It has also been a joy to work with Sandra Barela, Chautona Havig, Denise Barela, and everyone else on the Celebrate Lit team. Thank you to them and the wonderful authors I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with. You all have been amazing.

Returning to Breakers features two sets of characters. First, Tiffany and Liam, but also, Kendall and Tyler. Along with Tiff’s story, I do hope you also enjoy the conclusion of the love story between the two main characters from my first book in the series.

In this book, we find Tiffany overwhelmed and ready for a fresh start. As a single mom of three kids and a business owner, she has to wear about every hat imaginable. She has always been an advice giver to everyone else, but now she desperately needs advice herself. Should she sell the family store? It’s one of many questions plaguing her soul. When her friends realize Tiff is floundering, they know she needs a lifeline in the form of some R&R. They arrange for her and the kids to stay at a local resort on Mimosa. Tiffany is reluctant at first but ultimately gives in, quickly realizing how much she needed to rest and reconnect with her kids. However, when an old love from the past returns to the islands, will Tiff’s relaxing vacation be swept away in the tide?

This book is close to my heart because it is dedicated to my oldest sister, Becky. Growing up, she was a great person to go to for spiritual advice, similar to Tiff in this book. She always has wisdom to impart and quotes Bible verses of encouragement even to this day when I need advice.

This book was also inspired by a verse from Philippians 4:6-7, which says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” When we go through something difficult in life, sometimes it is easy to forget to pray. However, if we leave our worries and anxieties with God, He will take them from us and in return, give us peace. This is one of the lessons Tiff learns during this story and it is also a wonderful reminder for me during trials I have been facing recently.

Blessings.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 17

lakesidelivingsite, November 18

By the Book, November 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Sylvan Musings, November 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22

Blossoms and Blessings, November 22

Aryn the Libraryan, November 23

Blogging With Carol, November 24

Holly’s Book Corner, November 24

deb’s Book Review, November 25

She Lives To Read, November 26

Inklings and notions, November 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 28 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 28

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 30

Simple Harvest Reads, November 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize 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/22acf/returning-to-breakers-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

"Curtain Call" by Hope Bolinger & Alyssa Roat

About the Book

Book: Curtain Call

Authors: Hope Bolinger & Alyssa Roat

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 5, 2022

With their future in theater on the line, can a newbie actress and overwhelmed playwright put on a production to remember?

Part-time thespian Griffith Williams can’t seem to do anything right in his parents’ eyes, especially compared to his brother, a missionary in the Dominican Republic. But if he can pull off the biggest play of the year, the Christmas play, he could win a job as a full-time director, and prove to himself—and his family—that he hasn’t mistaken his calling to the arts.

Would-be actress Hadassah Wright spends her days teaching and corralling her many, many younger siblings in a large homeschool family. Her only escape seems to be through marriage to a childhood not-so-sweetheart—until a casting call for a local play provides an opportunity to act, perhaps for the last time.

When the two end up as leads in the play, the chemistry they feel isn’t just on the stage. Hadassah finds refuge from familial pressures through helping Griffith at the theater, and Griffith finds a kindred spirit in Hadassah’s longing to pursue the art she loves.

But when an envious stage manager, a director with far too many demands, and a relentless suitor threaten to derail the show, will the curtains close on any chance of romance?

Author Interview

1. Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes

you?

I’m definitely a plotter. I have pantsed a few books, but never again. It

makes me cry every time I attempt to do it (or I cheat and write an outline).

2. Do you need to be in a specific place or room to write, or you

can just sit in the middle of a café full of people and write?

I can write anywhere! But the quieter, the better. I’m definitely not going to

be the best in a coffee shop setting. Too many people talking.

3. How long does it usually take you to write a book?

About one to four weeks! I think the longest it took me was 45 days, and the

shortest was 5 days. Please send help.

4. What is your work schedule/routine when you write?

The earlier I can write the better. I often find myself writing around 7 A.M.,

before I “head to work” (I work at home). If I can’t get it all done then, I

finish some during my lunch break.

5. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?

They do, but never in a negative way. If I ever include someone in a book,

it’s often in one of the positive characters in the story.

11. Anything else you'd like to share?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat are the authors of more than twenty books both independently and co-authored. They have worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as agents, editors, writers, journalists, and publicists.

When not writing, Hope is a theatre nerd who loves to hike, and Alyssa is a history geek and game enthusiast. Both are proud cat moms. You can learn more about them on social media @hopekbolinger and @alyssawrote.

More from Alyssa

When you think of calling, what comes to mind? Pastoral calling? A call to missions?

What about a call to theater?

Hope and I (Alyssa) found ourselves with a feeling of calling from a young age. We both felt the Lord leading us to writing and publishing.

I, for one, didn’t listen too well at first. Writing? But I wanted to serve God! I wanted to live a life that mattered for God’s kingdom! So instead, I studied math and science to prepare for a future in the medical field so I could work in medical missions.

The problem was, I didn’t enjoy it. Words beckoned to me. Books and writing gave me deep joy other endeavors never quite could. But if I didn’t go into traditional ministry, how was I supposed to serve God?

In Curtain Call, our characters struggle with calling. Griffith feels pressure to be a missionary like his brother. Hadassah feels obligated to be a good wife and mother like her own mom and sister. But they never feel quite as alive, quite as themselves, as when they’re on the stage. Is it possible that God might…want them there?

As you may have guessed, I eventually learned that God calls all of us to different things. He put the love of words inside of me. He guided me to writing, and doing what He has called me to do brings the greatest joy of all.

As Hadassah and Griffith in the book struggle with identifying their calling, I pray that we all may explore the unique joys and talents the Lord planted within each of us. We hope you enjoy reading Curtain Call as much as we enjoyed writing it. May His still, small voice lead you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

deb’s Book Review, November 7

Inklings and notions, November 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

For the Love of Literature, November 10 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 10

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 13

Susan K. Beatty, Author, November 14 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, November 15 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 15

The Sacred Line, November 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

Guild Master, November 18

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Alyssa and Hope are giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card and copy of each of the three books in the series!!

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/22670/curtain-call-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, November 12, 2022

"Wellspring of Life" by Allen Brokken

About the Book

Book: Wellspring of Life

Author: Allen Brokken

Genre: Middlegrade Christian Fantasy

Release date: November 4, 2022

Lauren (12), Aiden(9), and Ethan(5) have been reunited with their mortally wounded Father. But, they must take him to the Wellspring of Life before it’s too late.

The Dark One suffered a massive loss when twelve-year-old Lauren and her younger brothers Aiden and Ethan rescued their father from his clutches. However, the battle left Father horribly burned and barely hanging on to life. However, they found a clue to his salvation, the fabled Wellspring of Life.

As the children trek across the wildlife of the prairie, take sides against them to drive them off their path. Meanwhile, the giant known as Skull Crusher hunts them mercilessly while seeking to master the Darkness so he can destroy the family once and for all.

New friends join them in their quest to save Father, but they could also choose the Darkness and lead them further astray. The children’s mission to save their father will fail if they can’t find the Wellspring of Life in time. Will they have the faith to stay on the narrow path to redemption?

Author Interview

1. Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?
I start with a high-level idea or concept I want to get across. Once I get that
down, I create what I call a flight plan or a series of major events I’d like to
happen. Then I stich it altogether.

2. What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing?
Time on my hands. When I have no deadlines or far away deadlines, I just end
up with fanciful ideas bouncing around in my head with no outlet. Give me a
deadline, even a self-imposed deadline and words fill the page.

3. Do you need to be in a specific place or room to write, or you can just sit in the middle
of a café full of people and write?
I write while I travel. I’m most productive on an airplane. Something about the
general discomfort keeps my brain sharp. However, I’m a really big guy and I
can’t usually use my laptop or I’m beating people up with my elbows. So, I’ve
taken to writing books on my phone keyboard. Something like 30% of the first
draft of Still Small Voice was written on my phone. However, due to COVID-19
my traveling stopped and so it really changed my practices. For the most part I
write in my home office where I have a monitor flipped on it’s side portrait style
so I have more room to work with big edits.

4. When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?
As a kid I always had an active imagination and took to writing as soon as I
learned how. I began the Towers of Light Series as a story to my kids. I was
traveling for work 4 days a week and spent a lot of lonely nights in hotels across
the country. I started writing a story about them in a fantastic setting and then
shared it on the weekends. They loved it.

5. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
I used my kids as a starting point. How they might react in fanciful situations.
Then it kind of grew from there. In a lot of cases I was trying to not be the typical
elves, dwarves, and troll’s fantasy. So, I had to think a lot about what I was doing
when I decided to introduce fantastic new races into the story.

6. What is your work schedule/routine when you write?
I write best early in the morning or on an airplane. When I have a deadline, I
build a chart of what I need to get done and then drive that as many days a week
as possible early in the morning.

7. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?
The kids in the story are my kids. That was very intentional since I was writing a
story about their adventures. What’s cool about Wellspring of Life is I was able
to ad in some of my kid’s best friends as characters in this one. I had a lot of fun
sharing how the story turned out with them as well.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way.

He’s dedicated 18 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media @allenbrokkenauthor, and through his website allenbrokkenauthor.com.

More from Allen

Wellspring of Life was a blast to write! As a writer, one of the things I’ve had to contend with is that my characters rarely take me on an easy linear path from the start of a book to the end. As I work on a story, things tend to develop organically, and suddenly, the story’s conclusion is very different than when I put the first word on a page.

That’s where I found myself at the end of book 4 in the series, Armor of God. Unfortunately, the devastating way Father was wounded wasn’t in the original outline of the story or the series as a whole. So I had to write a whole book to determine if he survived. I also wanted to collaborate with a good friend, K. A. Cummins, author of the Snowglobe Travellers series, on a possible crossover. These combined to let me try out some new things as a writer.

For example, Wellspring of Life has a glitter bomb, a murder of wicked crows, and no good egg stealin’ prairie dogs, to name a few of the twists and turns you’ll find in this book. The kids also meet some new friends along the way. I enjoyed this the most because the new kids reflect the personality of my kids’ best friends from our homeschool co-op. Despite these kids now being off to college, we all had fun brainstorming their roles in the story.

Speaking of homeschool co-op, the book is dedicated to the Wellspring Homeschool Co-Op that my kids grew up in. Their verse is Proverbs 4:23 “Guard your heart because it’s the wellspring of life.” I couldn’t find a more appropriate theme for this book that deals with the consequences of an unguarded heart.

So I hope you take the time to pick it up, because it’s a wild ride across the prairie with a message of redemption I’m sure your family will enjoy.