"The Characters Within" by Sunshine Rodgers -- Author Interview, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: The Characters Within

Author: Sunshine Rodgers

Genre: Inspirational Fiction / Romance / Humor

Release date: July 30, 2020

Brittany Myers is stuck. She hates her role as a Cheese Crusader to Florida’s popular Cheddar and Such theme park! She is sick of the guests, the heat and working at the Fun at the Parm Attraction which features the animatronics Patty the Pretzel and Peter the Breadstick.

Her only relief from the monotony is writing chapters in her upcoming novel “The Carnival Ride” where she tells stories with theatrical scenes about her co-workers, her fears and the struggles she faces day in and day out.

With the help of her work family, the man of her dreams and her best friend, Brittany discovers that the magic she is looking for was right inside of her the entire time.

 

Author Interview

1. What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing?

Writing the first draft is always the hardest! I have to make this draft as easy for myself as possible. I will break up my ideas up into sections and have a loose idea on how to progress the story. 

My first draft always looks terrible with characters that I delete later and scenes that don’t make it into the final draft. But the point of the first draft is to get the story down on paper. It can always be edited later!

I will give myself plenty of patience and grace as I am writing that first draft! 

2. When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?

I felt the desire to write a book in college but didn’t put pen to paper until my mid-20s. 

It took me 2 years to write and eventually publish my first book, God the Father, Jesus the Big Brother, Holy Spirit the Best Friend which is a Nonfiction Christian book about the Holy Trinity. 

When my first book was released, I was a no-name Author with zero connections and even less of a social media following. However, when I held my first book in my hands, something just clicked inside of me and I knew I wanted to make a living as an Author. 

And now, years later, I write and publish about 2-3 books a year. I have become a full-time Author, penning 11 books with 35,000 followers on social media with my books landing on 26 Amazon Best Sellers list in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. 

And that first book? It took 4 years but God the Father, Jesus the Big Brother, Holy Spirit the Best Friend eventually landed #1 and #2 on the Amazon Best Seller list for Bible Study and Bible Commentaries! (to see the full list, go to my website: http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/best-sellers.html) 

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

From typing the first word to physically holding the book in my hands can take an average of 9 months.  I am always writing several books at once! 

When The Characters Within (released in 2020) was submitted to the editors, I was typing up pages for the next book, The Roland Sisters and the Spirit Program (released 2021). 

It’s a daily discipline of constant writing and keeping deadlines! 

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

I have used a total of 63 real-life people as characters in all of my books. You can read their individual names on my website (http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/best-sellers.html) I am notorious for putting my friends on the pages! Whenever I use someone’s name and likeness for a book, that person has to fill out a permission form.  

I have one character named specifically after myself. In my Christian Children’s Book (ages 9+), Helpers: A Rescue Mission, there is a character named Sunshine who is illustrated perfectly and drawn just like me. Sunshine helps protect and guide the main character, Kelsey. 

5. Anything else you'd like to share?

My website http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/home.html shares reviews, book trailers, Best Seller lists, audio book samples and so much more!  

The Characters Within can be found on Amazon, B&N, B.A.M, Walmart (and other retailers) and is available as an eBook, audio book, hardcover and paperback.  

You can connect with me on social media: 

Twitter: @Writer_Sunshine 

Instagram: @AuthorSunshineRodgers 

Facebook: @SunshineRodgersBooks 

And be sure to follow me on Goodreads and Amazon! 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sunshine Rodgers is   an International Best-Selling Author on Amazon. She has written 11 books which have landed on 26 different Best Seller lists, including #1 in the United Kingdom, #2 in the United States and #25 in Canada. Her books have been translated in several languages (Spanish, English and Portuguese). She has participated in 5 book tours and dozens of book signings. When she is not writing, Sunshine is a guest and featured author on radio, podcasts and online magazines. Sunshine is a Brand Ambassador, a Blogger and an Entrepreneur to her 32,000 social media followers. Sunshine is married to the love of her life, Travis, and they reside in sunny Florida.

 

More from Sunshine

“This book is about…me. I spent over 5 years working at a theme park, barely surviving the mess, the mayhem and the craziness that often occurred on-stage and backstage. I used that immersive experience to write my novel,  “The Characters Within.” This story is about Brittany Myers, a Cheese Crusader who has to wear this silly costume and repeat these corny sayings and hear the same annoying tunes playing over and over again. But she really wants to be an Author. 

 

And that’s where I found myself. At a backstage break room, writing this book as Brittany was writing hers. I have included 35 real-life people as characters (those who survived the madness with me!) and together we invite you to join us…as I now lift the curtain to “The Characters Within” – a Book-within-a-Book, Part Musical, Part Love Story and 100% pure entertainment!” 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 16

Inklings and notions, September 17

Simple Harvest Reads, September 18 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 18

Texas Book-aholic, September 19

Beauty in the Binding, September 20 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, September 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 22

For Him and My Family, September 23

Blossoms and Blessings, September 24 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 25

Susan K. Beatty, Author, September 26 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 27

Guild Master, September 28 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sunshine is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Visa 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/21813/the-characters-within-celebration-tour-giveaway

"Calm in the Mountain Storm" by Misty M. Beller -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Calm in the Mountain Storm

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: September 13, 2022

This epic journey will test his strength and ability to protect his children—and they’re all he has left.

When Elise Lane and her brother set out as missionaries to the native tribes in the Rocky Mountains, she knew the work would be challenging. But nothing fully prepared her for the hardships, nor the joys of getting to know the people. And even more so when some of them decide to accept God’s grace. When they discover the entire village where they’ve been working has been massacred, the mysterious brave standing at the edge of the devastation appears to be part of the danger. Especially when Elise realizes he’s holding a baby she recognizes as the daughter of one of the women who now lies dead.

Gone far too long on a mission to return his son who’d been taken by an enemy war party, Goes Ahead is relieved to return home with the boy. Until they reach their village, and the death they find there ignites his fury. His wife has been killed, along with all their friends and neighbors. No one is left alive—except their infant daughter. It can’t be coincidence that both his children have survived such evils. Now he must keep them alive and cross the mountains to return to his family, people who can help protect his family from further danger.

Traveling with an infant not yet four moons old—and no mother to feed her—is more than even Goes Ahead can overcome. Allowing the white strangers to accompany him seems the only choice since one in their party is already nursing a babe of her own. As winter closes in and the mountains prove treacherous beyond anything Goes Ahead can control, only a strength and love greater than his own can save his children—and the woman he’s come to love.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and adventure so intense, lives will never be the same.

My Thoughts 

I enjoyed this latest instalment of the Call of the Rockies series. There is some overlap of characters so I would recommend reading the books of the series in order, but this book could be read as a standalone book also. I liked how realistic Goes Ahead's feelings and emotions are. There was an excellent biblical faith thread and clear gospel message. After so many books with characters traveling from one place to another, it must be hard to come up with new difficulties for them to face, but this book did not feel repetitive and had unique challenges. I look forward to reading more books by Misty M. Beller.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

 

More from Misty

Early Missionaries to the Rocky Mountain Native American Tribes  

One of the things I love about writing stories set in the 1830s Rocky Mountains is that Eastern civilization hadn’t yet touched the frontier. The only people who lived in or visited the Rockies during that were Native Americans and mountain men (usually trappers, but sometimes just explorers).

From that limited experience with white people, two of the native tribes realized they wanted to learn more about the white man’s God and his “Book of Heaven” (the Bible). In 1831, a delegation of four Native Americans—two Nez Perce and two Flathead—showed up in St. Louis, Missouri, asking for someone to come and teach their people about God.

Over the next several years, a number of people went west as missionaries, and this was the real-life inspiration for the heroine in Calm in the Mountain Storm. Though the characters in this story are fictional, the events certainly could have happened!

When Elise Lane heard that the Indians actually wanted to learn about God and simply needed someone to come tell them, she knew she had to answer that call. Of course, her brother Benjamin couldn’t let her go into that danger alone, so together, they set out on an expedition they knew would likely change them forever. Elise doesn’t have any idea exactly how much!

I pray you enjoy reading the story of Elise and Goes Ahead, the brave she meets who’s desperate for help getting his young children across the mountains. As with our hero and heroine in the story, I pray your faith is inspired!

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 16

Texas Book-aholic, September 17

Holly’s Book Corner, September 17

Inklings and notions, September 18

Pause for Tales, September 19

Betti Mace, September 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 20

For Him and My Family, September 21

Blossoms and Blessings, September 22

deb’s Book Review, September 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 24

Connie’s History Classroom, September 25

For the Love of Literature, September 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 27

Mary Hake, September 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 28

Giveaway

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

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/21812/calm-in-the-mountain-storm-celebration-tour-giveaway

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"Entrusted" by Jody Hedlund -- Book Review

 During a time when legends were born . . .

ENTRUSTED

The feisty enemy princess, the cunning knight holding her captive, and the ultimate battle that will determine their fate.

Hoping to minimize the death and destruction of the coming war, Princess Birgitta of Swaine leads the Dark Warriors as part of her brother King Canute’s efforts to take the throne of Norvegia. As she engages in a skirmish with a band of elite Knights of Brethren, she’s kidnapped by Kristoffer Prestegard, a cunning warrior.

While searching for the holy lamp that can help defeat the Dark Warriors, Kristoffer realizes that Swaine has already seized the ancient relic. Since King Canute is fiercely protective of his sister, Kristoffer offers to return Princess Birgitta in exchange for the coveted holy lamp.

While trying to keep his feisty prisoner from escaping, Kristoffer learns that his father and uncle have set in motion a scheme that would give him the kingship of Norvegia. Where will Kristoffer’s loyalties lie, and how will he choose sides without losing everything, including the princess he’s grown to love?

The real story of the Holy Lamp continues . . .

My Thoughts

This was an enjoyable ending to this series. I loved Brigitta and Kristoffer's banter and interactions. I found the book to be well written and easy to read. I liked being able to get an update on the other Knights of Brethren and their wives. I found there to be nice biblical themes woven through the story and some good lessons mixed in. I am sad that this series is over, but look forward to reading more books by Jody Hedlund. 

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

"Entrusted" is available in paperback:

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B8RCYBVH
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Northern Lights Press (September 12, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985264937
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.7 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.68 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B3FMF459
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Northern Lights Press (September 13, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 13, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 4312 KB

"Lakeside Retreat" by Marci Seither-- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Lakeside Retreat

Author: Marci Seither

Genre: Devotional gift book

Release date: July 5, 2022

Close your eyes for a moment. Inhale. Can you smell the pine trees? Now listen. Can you hear the loon’s call echo off the water and the geese honking as they fly overhead? Now imagine tasting the smoke-tainted marshmallows straight out of the campfire. Think about feeling the warm summer sun on your skin and the cool breeze against your face.

Lakeside Retreat is an invitation to surround yourself with the majesty of God’s creation and wrap yourself in the warm blanket of Scripture’s wonderful, eternal truths.

Let this collection of vacation-themed devotions, recipes, and DIY projects transport you to a quiet place of rest, renewal, and connection with God.

My Thoughts 

This was a fun book. It is filled with little stories having to do with spending time by the lake/camping that are then related to a spiritual thought. They are each started with a verse and then ended with a prayer and call to apply it to your own life. Interspersed throughout the book are craft ideas, recipes, and tips. With its beautiful photos and ribbon bookmark, this would look nice sitting on a coffee table as well. 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Marci Seither’s writing career began after her humor article about a cookie baking fiasco she experienced with her kids was published in a small-town newspaper. Since then she has authored two books and hundreds of articles for local papers as well as written for Guideposts, Light & Life, and Focus On The Family.

Besides writing, she enjoys teaching workshops, speaking, food photography, canning, and anything that involves using real butter.

Her biggest joy, besides being married to John and raising six kiddos, is being grandma to six of the cutest kids in the western hemisphere. She recently moved from CA to TN.

 

More from Marci

I don’t know about you, but there is something about being at a cabin, on a lake, or in the woods. The pine scented air is crisp; the water is refreshing, and lingering over a hot cup of coffee as the sun comes up over the tree tops causes one to just sit in AWE at God’s fingerprints in creation.

Growing up, some of my favorite memories were made camping with cousins and hanging onto an inner tube that was tied to the back of a ski boat, now, just listening the loon’s call echoing off the rippling water at sunset is something I savor, well, that and a perfectly toasted marshmallow for my  s’more.

This book was so fun for me to write. I spent two weeks at the cabin with one of my best friends, Ginger Vennerstrom and her two granddaughters. Our husbands were able to join us for the second week and that was when we went on our crazy kayak adventure. We baked yummy treats, took nature walks through the woods, sat around the campfire, and did a lot of swimming.

One of the highlights was to take the pontoon boat down to the point and see the eagle’s nest with the half grown eaglets squawking from the edge, hoping one of their parents would bring a freshly caught fish.

I loved learning about the area that had once been a logging camp and hear stories about the cabin that is lovingly named Swan Stuga and the people who made it special.

Besides the 40 devotions, there are journal prompts and 12 tutorials for things you can do with your family such as make a pinecone bird feeder, follow a recipe for the perfect berry cobbler, and how to experience the night sky in a way you might have never considered.

Most of the photos, including the picture on the cover, are ones that I took at the cabin so readers will not just read about the lake; they will feel like they have actually been at the restful shores of Lake Nebagamon.

Here is a 1 minute video that captures the joy of Lakeside Retreat.

The cabin is calling…

https://video214.com/play/7FivHcu0KSCbkJZIl9EpMA/s/dark

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 8

Inklings and notions, September 9

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, September 9

She Lives To Read, September 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 12

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 12

deb’s Book Review, September 13

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 15

Mary Hake, September 15

Blossoms and Blessings, September 16

Cats in the Cradle Blog, September 17

The Adventures of a Travers Wife, September 18

Livin’ Lit, September 19

To Everything There Is A Season, September 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marci is giving away the grand prize package of a canvas tote bag filled with Lakeside goodies that include a blanket, mug, signed copy of Lakeside Retreat, and a solar lantern for your next outdoor adventure!!

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/21374/lakeside-retreat-celebration-tour-giveaway

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.