Thursday, October 31, 2019
Month in Review -- October
"What's Next" by Daniel Ryan Day -- Author Interview, Blog Tour, and Giveaway
About the Book
Book: What’s Next
Author: Daniel Ryan Day
Genre: Non-fiction/Christian living/calling & vocation
Release Date: April, 2019
When your future is filled with more questions than answers and you’re asking for clear-cut direction from the Almighty,
THERE IS HOPE!
Whether you’re looking for your first job, the next step in your education, or a new career path,
GOD’S WILL CAN BE FOUND.
What’s Next points you to Scripture where you’ll find assurance. No, you have not somehow missed the divine call on your life. And yes, you can embrace the freedom to confidently
STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE.
1. Who would you say inspired you the most in your life?
I have a mentor named Robert. His contagious joy and faithful walk with Jesus is an
inspiration to me. I wish everyone could have a mentor like that!
2. Do you have a special writing area?
I used to have a “study” where I wrote my previous two books. It’s nice to have a writing “rhythm”—a room and a series of ritualistic habits that let your mind and body know “it’s writing time!” My books have been written in small chunks and early in the morning before work. I would get up. Eat. Enter the study. Pray. Start writing. When it came time to leave for work, I left. The next day, I repeated the steps with one extra step. After prayer, I would read the previous day’s work.
3. What kind of research do you do?
I think the type of research changes with each topic. “What’s Next” explores the ideas of God’s “calling” and “will” for our lives. Knowing how our culture misuses those two words made me feel the need to spend a lot of time exploring how the Bible uses those words. As a result, I spent more time in Koine Greek than a normal project would require. It is important, with any topic and research, to make sure the research is relevant—that it hits real life. It needs to be embedded in real stories of real people.
4. Do you have any writing quirks?
The only writing quirk I know of is that I don’t like to write! I like having written. I love the feeling of accomplishment from hitting “send” on an email with a finished manuscript, but I don’t like waking up with an unfinished manuscript and having to work on it.
5. Do you read much?
Yes! I try to read at least 1 book per month. Currently, I’m on the third book in C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy. What a fascinating series of books.
I have a mentor named Robert. His contagious joy and faithful walk with Jesus is an
inspiration to me. I wish everyone could have a mentor like that!
2. Do you have a special writing area?
I used to have a “study” where I wrote my previous two books. It’s nice to have a writing “rhythm”—a room and a series of ritualistic habits that let your mind and body know “it’s writing time!” My books have been written in small chunks and early in the morning before work. I would get up. Eat. Enter the study. Pray. Start writing. When it came time to leave for work, I left. The next day, I repeated the steps with one extra step. After prayer, I would read the previous day’s work.
3. What kind of research do you do?
I think the type of research changes with each topic. “What’s Next” explores the ideas of God’s “calling” and “will” for our lives. Knowing how our culture misuses those two words made me feel the need to spend a lot of time exploring how the Bible uses those words. As a result, I spent more time in Koine Greek than a normal project would require. It is important, with any topic and research, to make sure the research is relevant—that it hits real life. It needs to be embedded in real stories of real people.
4. Do you have any writing quirks?
The only writing quirk I know of is that I don’t like to write! I like having written. I love the feeling of accomplishment from hitting “send” on an email with a finished manuscript, but I don’t like waking up with an unfinished manuscript and having to work on it.
5. Do you read much?
Yes! I try to read at least 1 book per month. Currently, I’m on the third book in C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy. What a fascinating series of books.
About the Author
Daniel Ryan Day is cohost of the nationally syndicated radio program Discover the Word, the author of Ten Days Without, and a speaker. He holds a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is married to his high school sweetheart, Rebecca. Their family of five lives in North Carolina where Daniel works as a businessman.
More from Daniel
Searching for your next step in life can be exciting yet overwhelming, intriguing yet stressful, adventurous yet painful. “What’s next?” is a question everyone asks and struggles with at some point in his or her life, and many people end up asking this question multiple times. I have a friend who’s 18 and trying to figure out if he should go to college or not. I have another friend who’s 21 and can’t decide what major to choose. I work with some people who are graduating from college and are taking their first step toward a career. I just got off the phone with someone I deeply care about who’s trying to keep his dream afloat while also paying the bills. All of these men and women are asking “What’s next?” All are searching for answers.
For some of us, “What’s next?” is a question of dreams— What could the future look like if I did this or that? There’s an excitement that comes with thinking about all the possibilities and potential. For others, the question is stressful, and the answer may require a major transition, like moving away from family or changing jobs. Thinking about the future carries with it equal parts of angst and anticipation. “What’s next” always ventures into the unknown. If you’re asking “What’s next?”— join the club! You’re not alone.
What’s Next: Your Dream Job, God’s Call and A Life That Sets You Free is a book is for dreamers and practicalists (no, this is not a real word, but it should be). It’s for those who are excited about transition, and those who dread it. It’s a book about the hope and freedom that comes with asking God what He wants for your life, and then hearing His voice through the pages of Scripture as He directs your steps.
Blog Stops
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 18
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 19
Mary Hake, October 20
For the Love of Literature, October 21 (Author Interview)
Just the Write Escape, October 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23
CarpeDiem, October 24
My Devotional Thoughts, October 25 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, October 26
janicesbookreviews, October 27
All 4 and About Books, October 28
A Reader’s Brain, October 29
Inklings and notions , October 30
Blossoms and Blessings, October 31 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate his tour, Daniel is giving away the grand prize of a copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
"Hereafter" by Jody Hedlund -- Book Review
About the Book
The third lost princess. The final key to the treasure. And a battle for the throne.
Growing up deep in the forest as a poor charcoal burner’s daughter, Emmeline has always known her identity as a princess of Mercia, and she lives in fear of being caught and killed. When her adopted father returns from town with news regarding the imminence of war, Emmeline has no wish to join the rebellion against King Ethelwulf.
Prince Ethelrex, the strongest warrior in the land, has done everything he can to prove his loyalty to his father, including searching for the last lost princess. When Ethelrex finally captures Emmeline, the king commands his son to marry the princess in order to win the support of the people and undermine the rebellion.
Forced into marriage, Emmeline has one goal—to escape. But Ethelrex takes his marriage vows seriously, including his promise to love and cherish his wife, and has no intention of letting Emmeline get away. As the battle for the throne rages, will the prince be able to win the battle for Emmeline’s heart?
My Thoughts
"Hereafter" is the third book in the Lost Princesses series. It is important to have read the first two books, plus the prequel novella, before reading "Hereafter" to be able to fully understand what is going on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Hearafter" and am sad we don't have any more princesses to have more stories. The story was well written and I was drawn into the lives of Emmeline and Rex. I'll be honest and say I was a little dismayed to discover that Emmeline would marry Rex, because Rex is the enemy. I devoured the story to discover how everything would work out and who would be the ruler in Mercia. I liked Emmeline's feistiness and courage. I look forward to reading more books by Jody Hedlund in the future.
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!).
"Hereafter" is available in paperback:
and in Kindle edition:
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.
The third lost princess. The final key to the treasure. And a battle for the throne.
Growing up deep in the forest as a poor charcoal burner’s daughter, Emmeline has always known her identity as a princess of Mercia, and she lives in fear of being caught and killed. When her adopted father returns from town with news regarding the imminence of war, Emmeline has no wish to join the rebellion against King Ethelwulf.
Prince Ethelrex, the strongest warrior in the land, has done everything he can to prove his loyalty to his father, including searching for the last lost princess. When Ethelrex finally captures Emmeline, the king commands his son to marry the princess in order to win the support of the people and undermine the rebellion.
Forced into marriage, Emmeline has one goal—to escape. But Ethelrex takes his marriage vows seriously, including his promise to love and cherish his wife, and has no intention of letting Emmeline get away. As the battle for the throne rages, will the prince be able to win the battle for Emmeline’s heart?
My Thoughts
"Hereafter" is the third book in the Lost Princesses series. It is important to have read the first two books, plus the prequel novella, before reading "Hereafter" to be able to fully understand what is going on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Hearafter" and am sad we don't have any more princesses to have more stories. The story was well written and I was drawn into the lives of Emmeline and Rex. I'll be honest and say I was a little dismayed to discover that Emmeline would marry Rex, because Rex is the enemy. I devoured the story to discover how everything would work out and who would be the ruler in Mercia. I liked Emmeline's feistiness and courage. I look forward to reading more books by Jody Hedlund in the future.
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.
"Hereafter" is available in paperback:
- Series: The Lost Princesses (Book 3)
- Paperback: 306 pages
- Publisher: Northern Lights Press (October 29, 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1733753435
- ISBN-13: 978-1733753432
- Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
and in Kindle edition:
- File Size: 3449 KB
- Print Length: 234 pages
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: Northern Lights Press (October 29, 2019)
- Publication Date: October 29, 2019
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07WZX332M
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.
Monday, October 28, 2019
"Wedding Score" by Amanda Tero -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway
About the Release
Are you a single who has been in this singleness journey a little longer than you anticipated? This week is the release of Amanda Tero’s contemporary fiction novella, “Wedding Score.” Main character Stephanie is there with you as she’s suddenly thrown into a season of discontentment and impatience. Told in a whimsical, honest style, “Wedding Score” is a 1-2 hour short read that leaves readers feeling understood and hopeful.
About "Wedding Score"
Most girls dream of their wedding days. Except me. I’m too busy practicing piano and being the live soundtrack for everyone else’s weddings to think about my own.
I’ve survived most of my twenties with harmonious chords and pleasant days. So why is it that now, at twenty-seven, a discordant feeling presents itself?
Is there a solid solution to loneliness when there is absolutely no potential husband on the horizon?
A CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN SHORT READ
My Thoughts
"Wedding Score" isn't your typical type of story with a happily-ever-after romance. Stephanie is happy for her friends and family as they find their own HEAs, but her feelings of longing and loneliness are a reminder that God doesn't follow the same pattern for everyone. Some people marry when they are older or may never marry. The story is a great reminder that we need to seek God and lean on Him for support and not ourselves or other people. Having never had a boyfriend or been on a date by the time I was 25, I could relate to the things that Stephanie was going through. They were very realistic and thought out. The story was well written and was full of spiritual, godly messages. I look forward to reading more books by Amanda Tero.
About Amanda
Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continued to add to her collection with other short stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Connect with Amanda
amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Giveaway
Amanda is giving away paperbacks, yes...
But she really wants to share this story with as many readers as possible. So, for release week, she'll be sending eBooks to anyone who wants one! So hop over and submit your email for a free eBook!
Visit Amanda's blog for a complete list of bloggers and special tour information.
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.
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.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Costume Party 2019
This year, the annual costume party was at my brother's house. I had gathered several things that I thought would work for the costumes we were planning. The week before the costume party, there was a craft sale that I wanted to make some things for, so that took me away from working on the costumes, then the beginning of this week, our church had special meetings Sunday through Thursday. So Thursday night, we went through what we had and what would work. Sarah, Andy, and I all had something from those things that would work and Will had dyed his costume from last year to repurpose it into a different thing. Friday, I set to work making capes out of blankets and Emily's costume. It ended up too big. I could fit it and the neck was too big for me even. That left only one choice, make a new outfit for Emi. Then I thought it wouldn't take much to finish and fix the first one for me. And if I was going to do that, I should make one for Sarah so we'd all be the same. I set to work doing the gauntlets and quivers that were needed. I ended up getting to sleep at 1 in the morning! This morning, I had to alter the necklines of both of the girls' costumes, plus sew the tail back on Will's plus several other things. We didn't get the "ears" made that we were planning, but still looked good.
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| What I had done by 1 in the morning |
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| My family (minus my husband) |
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| my elves |
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| My brother's family (minus one son and my sister-in-law) |
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| my sister's family (minus 1 son) |
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| My brother's dog was a crocodile |
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| My nieces were trying to pull Dan off the couch |
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| Random leaf that got tracked in. I thought it looked cool |
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Redemption Press Scavenger Hunt Stop Nine-- "Model Behavior" by Amy Joob
Celebrate Lit is excited to partner with Redemption Press Publishing to feature seven of their authors in a fun, 14 day scavenger hunt. Stop by each of the blog stops to check out the author interview and to collect the word of the day to enter for extra entries into our giveaway. On day 14, put all the words together into a sentence to enter into the giveaway for additional entries.
Most of all have fun learning about new authors and their books!
About Redemption Press
With our new model in independent Christian publishing, we’re here to serve authors and help them see their publishing dreams fulfilled. Our mission is to empower the author, the Christian author. We refuse to see them as a commodity or as just another transaction. We see them as a child of God graced with a message that could change someone’s life, and we treat them as such.
This is the Redemption Press way.
Find out more about Redemption Press here.
For my stop on the scavenger hunt, I will be sharing about "Model Behavior" by Amy Joob.
About the Book
Is God calling you to use the gifts He’s given you to do something unique for Him? Maybe you’re gifted in the arts, in entertainment, in sports, or in something unconventional—but you aren’t sure how a Christian fits into that world.
Model Amy Joob wants you to know that if God gave you talents, He has a place for you to use them for His glory. In her quest to become a model, Amy met with disapproval as well-meaning people told her she couldn’t possibly be a Christian and work in such an environment. But Amy felt God calling her to be a pioneer, to blaze a trail for others as she carried His light into a dark and hurting world. For each step of her journey, God illuminated the path and opened doors that were greater than she could have imagined. With every chapter, she testifies to the power and purpose of God in her life.
If God is calling you to an unconventional career, trust Him to lead you through every challenge, every difficulty, and every triumph. As Amy likes to say, “Bring it on, God! Let the adventure begin.”
About the Author
Model, athlete, and motivational speaker Amy Joob lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, Eric, and their children, Arianna and Ashton. When she is not managing the domestic domain, Amy is blogging, speaking, or working at trade shows. She attempts cartwheels in the backyard and visits cool museums with her family in her spare time.
buy the book:
Blog Stops
A Reader’s Brain, Stop One
Texas Book-aholic, Stop Two
Janicesbookreviews, Stop Three
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, Stop Four
Inklings and Notions, Stop Five
Tell Tale Book Reviews, Stop Six
For the Love of Literature, Stop Seven
Lukewarm Tea, Stop Eight
Blossoms and Blessings, Stop Nine
Wishful Endings, Stop Ten
A Baker’s Perspective, Stop Eleven
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, Stop Twelve
Andrea Christenson, Stop Thirteen
Artistic Nobody, Stop Fourteen
Giveaway
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