"Bobby's Girls" by John R. Price -- Author Interview, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Bobby’s Girls: A Novel

Author: John R. Price

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: August 6, 2022 (New Cover)

Having grown up on their own show in Hollywood, Christian sister-and-brother actors Staci and Mike Whitaker have now married and raised their own families out of the limelight. Life away from Hollywood’s glamour has given them new perspectives on family and culture.

Fate reboots their old show and summons Staci, and Mike’s wife Celeste, to a fresh chance at entertaining modern families. After much discussion, they carefully accept. But when the show goes horribly awry, Staci, Celeste, and even Mike find themselves sorely tempted and even tricked into violating their most cherished ideals.

How will they find their way back, when all around them seems aimed towards darkness?

 Author Interview

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

you?

I usually like to have a general plot in mind when writing a story.

Sometimes, I get a few ideas along the way. I usually like to stay

with a particular plot.


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 prefer to be in a quiet room with little distraction when writing.

This also helps if I need to take a break from writing.

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

Since I was in sixth grade, I have always wanted to be writer. Back

then, I had no idea how to contact publishers and what was

involved. I also did not have the tools or technology to make it

easier to accomplish this goal. In the last three years, I have

discovered how much easier it is now to not only write but also

publish books.

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

The time to write a book can vary depending on the story. When I

was younger, I wrote stories that took several weeks to write.

Unfortunately, the plots of those stories were not so great. This

novel was the first serious story that I felt moved to write. The

rough draft took about 5 weeks to write between the day after

Memorial Day and July 5 th one summer. I sometimes spent an hour

or two each day that summer. The story’s subject and issues were a

driving force to complete the first rough draft in five weeks.


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

Since I was a child, I was fascinated by how radio and TV worked. I

even liked to see the technical and the behind-the-scenes side of

production. I often imitated the announcements that I would hear

on TV. When I was in high school, I took a radio and TV speaking

class. My teacher thought I had the voice back then. My parents did

not encourage it. For Mike Whitaker being a voiceover artist, that is

part of me that I would have liked to explore. We both have the

voice to do it. In fact, Mike has a dream one night presenting a local

TV station’s signoff.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

John R. Price is a Christian, loving husband, college teacher, and writer in Central Arkansas. For over 40 years, he has loved watching classic television and following the entertainment industry as a hobby. He also enjoys studying Christian apologetics. He is married to Anna, his wife, who helped edit his first Christian novel, “Bobby Girls: A Novel.”

 

More from John

I wrote the book as a Christian response to a well-known actor starring in a popular television show reboot. I thought the topic would be an interesting fictional exploration what actors and fans should consider when a TV show seems to compromise an actor’s values.

 

I chose the Dallas metroplex as the main setting because I have visited the area several times. As a child in the early 1980s, I remember watching two Dallas TV stations on cable TV.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 10

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 11 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Inklings and notions, August 12

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 13 (Author Interview

deb’s Book Review, August 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 16

Through the Fire Blogs, August 17 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 20

Guild Master, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22

Blossoms and Blessings, August 23 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, August 23

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, John is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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/20dfb/bobby-s-girls-a-novel-celebration-tour-giveaway

"No Matter the Cost" by Susan May Warren -- Book Review

 About the Book

She put her hand to her chest, still unable to breathe.
He had dark hair and a beard, ripped pants, a dirty suit coat and wore such an intense expression of pursuit on his face, she just knew—
He was going after Alan Martin.
And she might never see him again.
No. Not again.
Not ever again.
He passed her, didn’t even look at her, his gaze pinned on Martin, who’d vanished down the stairs.
And that’s when she found her voice. With everything inside her, she let it out, praying he heard it through his haze of fury.
“York!”


Her worst nightmare has happened….

RJ refuses to believe it, and until she has proof, she’s going to keep searching for answers. And most of all, for the man she loves, even if it means diving into the past he always wanted to keep secret.

The kind of secrets that could have set York free. It’ll take a trip back to Russia, to the sketchy and dark history of York’s life to find the clues to the sinister plans of a global terrorist. And the answers that might lead her to a happy ending.

Or has it? What if her happy ending is more than a dream?

If RJ hopes to save her country—and find out the truth about York—she’ll have to become the high-action, Sydney Bristow spy that she always dreamed of being. But really, does RJ really have what it takes—with, or without the man she loves—to save the world?

And if she does…what will be the cost?

The riveting conclusion to the Epic Story of RJ and York!


Continue the adventure!
Book 1: Out of the Night
Book 2: I Will Find You
Book 3: No Matter the Cost

My Thoughts

Sigh. Talk about a book coma! This book recapped the previous two books quite a bit which was a little redundant for me having just binge read the entire series, but for those who have more time in between the books, it would be a good refresher. You can tell this is a Susan May Warren book as it is written in her own personal style. I found the book to be well written (I did find a few errors of name changes and etc, but I'm sure that was because I had an ARC copy of the book). I liked the biblical faith thread in the book and the character growth seen. There were twists that I did not expect and others that I saw coming. The crossover to include the Kingston brothers from the Sky King Ranch series was fun. I look forward to reading more books by Susan May Warren.

About the Author

Growing up in Minneapolis and attending the U of MN, I learned to love city life, although I'm a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I'm an adventurer -- having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia Russia as a missionary for eight years. Probably that's why my characters can't sit still, and seem to get into one scrape after another -- they're too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories.

Here's my "Official" Bio.

With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over seventy-five novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.

With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award.

Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.”

And Library Journal adds, “Warren's characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…”

Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of Novel.Academy and www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation.

"No Matter the Cost" is available in paperback:

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ SDG Publishing (August 23, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1943935653
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1943935659
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.5 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.57 x 8.5 inches

And in Kindle edition:

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B4R5RVMJ
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ SDG Publishing (August 23, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 23, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 9634 KB

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.

"Book, Chapter, & Vows" by Chautona Havig -- Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Book, Chapter, & Vows

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: July 26, 2022

Falling in love with Benjamin wasn’t in the plan, but Mallory finds she’s all but lost her head and her heart after two and a half years of banter, memories, and now shared books.

But when her ex-fiance (does it count if it was just for a few hours?) shows up right in the middle of a writing project with Benjamin, the guy manages to ruin her happiness… again.

Benjamin has been keeping one tiny part of him back from Mallory–just the one thing that’ll repel her for good.
So when the ex-boyfriend-slash-fiance shows up, and things look serious again, he takes a giant step back and prays he can keep his heart intact in the process.

They’re clearly meant for each other. God obviously has a plan. So what’s it going to take for Mallory and Benjamin to work things out and get those vows made?

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

 My Thoughts

After spending time with Mallory and Benjamin through Chautona Havig's other books in the Independence Islands series, I was thrilled for them to be the main focus of a book. I wanted to shake them and tell them to get on with it already! I found the book to be well written and fun to read. I'm sad that the series is coming to an end now that we're on the books set on the last Island.

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

It Happened AGAIN!

I remember the first book I had trouble finishing. Beneath the Cloak. It was the last book of the Wynnewood series, and I was dying to reveal the big secret that had been a big part of the story line. I spent hours writing very few words. Someone asked if I had writer’s block, but I didn’t. I knew every word I wanted to put on that page, but I kept procrastinating.

For weeks. We’re talking long, agonizing weeks.

Finally, I realized a significant part of why I hadn’t finished was because I didn’t want to. I didn’t want the series to end. Say goodbye to beloved characters? Agony, okay? I wanted to spend the rest of my life in Wynnewood seeing what happened with all the characters and all the things that would happen.

I just wanted to write a bunch of other books, too. What can I say? It’s a thing.

So, as I dove into writing the book I’ve been dying to write since I penned the opening scene of Christmas on Breakers Point, you’d think I’d have been prepared for the inevitable. I mean, it’s happened with several other series since that first time, so… yeah. All ready to combat the problem, right? Not hardly.

To be fair, I was also coming off being very sick, my mother being even sicker, so being crazy behind on everything. I mean, that had a lot to do with it taking so long to get going on it. But once I did, I’d type like crazy and then ignore it for a day or two before the story demanded more telling.

Then, just as I neared the big scene of Book, Chapter, & Vows… I went nuts on doing everything but finishing that book. No joke. I did. Sigh. Again, you think I’d learn.

After much soul searching and even more wailing at God about the cruelty of it all (I was in a dramatic mood, okay?), the solution came to me. Okay, God smacked me upside the head with a 2×4 of memories on how I solved every other, “don’t wanna finish this series” crisis.

See, way back with Wynnewood, the only thing that got me to the finish line was a promise I made to myself. “It doesn’t have to end here. You can write more if you want to. There’s nothing to say you can do ‘Wynnewood, the Later Years’ or something like that.”

Just that one promise to myself that I didn’t have to say goodbye was all it took for me to get back on that trusty old Toshiba laptop and pound out those last few chapters.

And here I was again, not ready to say goodbye to a series—to these islands that feel so crazy real to me. I didn’t want to say goodbye to the characters and their quirky ways. Would you?

Now… you’re going to laugh at me. Go ahead. I mean, I did. See here’s the deal. I didn’t have to make that promise to myself again. “What?” you say? “What do you mean?”

Yeah. I don’t have to say goodbye to the characters or the islands. Why? Because we have another island series coming, the Suamalie Islands, and Mallory is going to visit those islands.

If that isn’t enough for me, I have another series all planned for the Independence Islands, too! Yeah. That. I mean, what was I not thinking?

As soon as I thought of that, I was able to get in there, get the last few scenes written and pass it off to the fabulous Christy for her editorial magic. As for me, I think I’m going to go play around just a little bit with one of the Josie Parker Mysteries. I mean, why not?

Blog Stops

An Author’s Take, August 9

Lots of Helpers, August 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 11

The Sacred Line, August 11

She Lives To Read, August 12

Texas Book-aholic, August 13

Splashes of Joy, August 13

Inklings and notions, August 14

lakesidelivingsite, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 15

LIbrary Lady’s Kid Lit, August 16

deb’s Book Review, August 17

Blogging With Carol, August 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18

Sodbuster Living, August 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 19

Simple Harvest Reads, August 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 21

Sylvan Musings, August 21

Blossoms and Blessings, August 22

Miriam Jacob, August 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/20712/book-chapter-vows-celebration-tour-giveaway

"Enflamed" by Jody Hedlund -- Book Review

About the Book

During a time when legends were born . . .

ENFLAMED

The most beautiful noblewoman in the kingdom, the lowly knight who can never have her, and the forbidden love they share.

When Sylvi Prestegard discovers that her father has arranged for her to marry a wealthy nobleman known for his thieving ways, she’s desperate to avoid the union. She turns to her childhood friend Espen, a Knight of Brethren, counting on his loyalty and kindness to help her escape.

Espen has been given an urgent mission to locate the holy lamp, an ancient relic necessary to defeat the enemy invading their country. In addition to his royal quest, he’s determined to protect Sylvi, the woman he’s always secretly loved. When she suggests the two of them marry to thwart her father’s plans, Espen cannot deny her request.

As they search for the holy lamp, Lord Prestegard pursues them, intent on reclaiming his daughter. With Espen’s life at stake, Sylvi must conspire to save them both. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that stand between them, or are the flames of their forbidden love destined to be extinguished?

The real story of the Holy Lamp . . .

Knights of Brethren
Book 1: Enamored
Book 2: Entwined
Book 3: Ensnared
Book 4: Enriched
Book 5: Enflamed
Book 6: Entrusted (coming soon)

My Thoughts

I loved this book. I was happy to get Espen's story and seeing him with Sylvi. I liked the biblical faith thread and seeing the characters grow. There were characters I disliked (which was intended, I'm sure). I really enjoyed getting to see Espen's family and felt at home there. There is a bit of a cliff hanger ending because the story blends into Kris's story that we'll get in the last book in the series. I eagerly await being able to read the last book and other 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.

"Enflamed" is available in paperback:

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B86SKBTM
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Northern Lights Press (August 15, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 292 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8985264920
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.1 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.73 x 8.5 inches

and in Kindle edition:

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B3F3N6LR
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Northern Lights Press (August 16, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 16, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 5042 KB

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 Will Find You" by Susan May Warren -- Book Review

 About the Book

He released a sound, deep inside, part growl, part acquiescence. “Ruby Jane. You are going to be the death of me.”
“No. Not anymore. I’ve learned my lesson.”
He cocked his head.
Maybe because yes, she’d said that before, but this time — “I never again want to look out into the dark sky and wonder where you are, and if you’re alive. Never want to be more than a phone call away from you. Never want to think that you might…might think that I don’t love you.”
He blinked. Then, finally, finally, he smiled. And it was sunshine, right to her soul.
“Do you…do you still have my ring?”
He nodded and reached into the front pocket of his jeans.
How it remained untarnished, she hadn’t a clue, but there it was, still gorgeous. A beautiful vintage two carat white gold solitaire, with tiny diamonds in the cradle.
“York —”
“Just put it on your finger and keep it there.”
“You’re so bossy.” But she held out her hand for him to put it on her finger.
“I should put a tracker in it.”
She looked at him. “No need. I’m not going anywhere.”
He smiled again, a softness in his eyes that made her want to weep. “Not without me, you’re not.”


The woman he loves has vanished…

When RJ Marshall said she’d be right back, York should have objected. No, he wasn’t going to let her run off to Berlin, even if it was to save a little girl.

Only problem—she’d told him this while he was unconscious. So really, it doesn’t count, and it’s not his fault that she’s gone missing. And, he didn’t know why he expected RJ not to chase danger into trouble. But now he has to find her before criminal mastermind Alan Martin tracks her down.

She’s in over her head…

RJ didn’t mean to leave York behind, but she’s on a mission to save a little girl caught in the crossfire of Martin’s terrorist plot. Now, she’ll have to find the girl and keep her safe while leaving clues for York to follow her.

But who will catch up to her first—York, or the man with a vendetta?

The gripping romantic adventure continues across Europe in this second installment of the Epic Story of RJ and York!

Continue the adventure!
Book 1: Out of the Night
Book 2: I Will Find You
Book 3: No Matter the Cost

My Thoughts

This book takes up right where the first book in the series, Out of the Night, leaves off. There is a roller coaster ride of action that kept me unsure of what was going to happen next. The descriptions of the locations was superb and I felt immersed in the story. I rooted for RJ and York to get their peaceful moments to spend with each other. It was fun to have the crossover with Rachel Hauck's True Blue Royals series of books. This book ends on another cliff hanger and I am ready to jump into the next book as soon as possible.

About the Author

Growing up in Minneapolis and attending the U of MN, I learned to love city life, although I'm a woodsy girl at heart. Or maybe I'm an adventurer -- having lived and traveled all over the world, including Siberia Russia as a missionary for eight years. Probably that's why my characters can't sit still, and seem to get into one scrape after another -- they're too much like me! I love God, my family, my country, my church, and feel privileged every day to be able to write stories.

Here's my "Official" Bio.

With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over seventy-five novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.

With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award.

Of her books, Publisher’s Weekly has written, “Warren lays bare her characters’ human frailties, including fear, grief, and resentment, as openly as she details their virtues of love, devotion, and resiliency. She has crafted an engaging tale of romance, rivalry, and the power of forgiveness.”

And Library Journal adds, “Warren's characters are well-developed and she knows how to create a first rate contemporary romance…”

Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of Novel.Academy and www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She’s also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation.

"I Will Find You" is available in Kindle edition:

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B4TG89X6
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ SDG Publishing (August 16, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 16, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 13263 KB

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.