tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7704472054881039842024-03-14T01:19:59.021-05:0021st Century Keeper at HomeModern-Day Techno-Geek Homemaking Mama with Old-Fashioned, Traditional Values.~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-39580857760293686182020-12-21T06:00:00.002-06:002020-12-21T06:00:04.316-06:00Goodbye and Hello!<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="goog_750102127"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="973" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uLhau-1MfI6Kf8vnVD_0qR63jYlAfquMXgBrRqwMXfr9aFLOWgsukU8hIyEIbtuZYUEZNNRUIa3fSMAztetJOxVCsH3g5EfptLeLdEHO6OhQuDb218t9YAOJJDLK9RNKU_8SmulqIpI/w400-h184/A+Novel+Pursuit+Header+B+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://anovelpursuitblog.blogspot.com/">New Blog!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As I stated in a previous post, I have decided to retire my 21st Century Keeper at Home blog at the end of 2020. (Because 2020 needs to end, am I right?!) I have begun a new blog at <a href="https://anovelpursuitblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Novel Pursuit</a> (...of Life and Learning)! It primarily focuses on Book Reviews and Homeschooling with other random posts put in as I feel like it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are a few posts (11 as of this writing) on that blog now if you want to pop on over there and read them. Some are reposts from here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My book reviews for Celebrate Lit will only be posted on </span><a href="https://anovelpursuitblog.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">A Novel Pursuit</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> beginning in January.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thank you to all of you who have read anything on 21st Century Keeper at Home!</span></p><p><br /></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-48090109170078015832020-12-19T06:00:00.042-06:002020-12-19T23:07:26.719-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: Mishaps Off the Mainland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UaF6o6EVXcbjSjj_snQMlOFvePzrwgEFw_yXu3m3wfBcq0i60EDPc-UYgA3a3OTD4cIedune0GCVbqdL0R-EVMlLvQ35A_ZY5_-lYWAySKw4bQK-nPMzdZzHv9ylqyS2OKSGygVC3uw/s851/Mishaps-bouldin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UaF6o6EVXcbjSjj_snQMlOFvePzrwgEFw_yXu3m3wfBcq0i60EDPc-UYgA3a3OTD4cIedune0GCVbqdL0R-EVMlLvQ35A_ZY5_-lYWAySKw4bQK-nPMzdZzHv9ylqyS2OKSGygVC3uw/w640-h236/Mishaps-bouldin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">I read this book in less than 12 hours (night and then the next morning). Mainly because I actually had the time, but also because I couldn't put it down! Zeke and Mel have great chemistry -- lots of witty banter and off-the-page personalities! They are also multi-layered with problems and personal issues that they have to deal with. The only thing I don't like (and I know others will - this is just personal preference and does not reflect my rating for the book) is it has a happy-ever-after ending that is tied up just a little too neatly for me. Tabitha's writing style really shines in this book, and I can't wait to read more from her.</p><p center="">Here are a couple of quotes I really like:</p><p center=""></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p center="" style="text-align: left;">Her dad said you could know the depth of a man through four key things: how he spoke about God, how he treated the elderly, how he acted with kids, and the strength of his handshake. Right now, Zeke had blown all four out of the park. What else could be found beneath Zeke's sarcasm?</p></blockquote><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p center=""></p><p style="text-align: left;">"Too often we run when all we need to do is stand still and wait. Or change what we are chasing." [This should be a meme if it isn't already.] </p><p></p></blockquote><p center="">Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to select, receive, and read this book. Keep reading to learn more and to enter a great giveaway!</p><p center=""><br /></p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKoGbJFPO4ldYx-0yRaIEJ_JLoyriKOoZCMrx_N1Cfm2aqfslO6kYC0i7h_-519JTWNqhSok0MUJ9Th8gpN4XhTKmxZ8adV0YlCAUh2UdxC640hH3p8SKCKqYIByEFKFF4zwmZ5BJAIQ/s1024/BOULDIN-Mishaps-Off-the-Mainland--663x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="663" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKoGbJFPO4ldYx-0yRaIEJ_JLoyriKOoZCMrx_N1Cfm2aqfslO6kYC0i7h_-519JTWNqhSok0MUJ9Th8gpN4XhTKmxZ8adV0YlCAUh2UdxC640hH3p8SKCKqYIByEFKFF4zwmZ5BJAIQ/s320/BOULDIN-Mishaps-Off-the-Mainland--663x1024.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Mishaps off the Mainland</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Tabitha Bouldin</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian fiction, contemporary romance</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong> November 24, 2020</p><p><strong><em>All Mel wants is to run the business of her dreams.</em></strong></p><p>Melody Carmichael’s mobile pet grooming business might sink before it can sail when a favorite pet escapes her care. Doggie escape-artist, Daphne, got a taste of freedom, and the Afghan hound refuses to be found.</p><p>Enter Zeke Solomon. Desperate to bring the dog home for his grandmother, Zeke steps in to save the day.</p><p>And working together with Zeke would be a snap—if he would just stop blaming Mel for Daphne making a break for it.</p><p>Zeke is desperate to prove himself worthy of the Solomon name and step out from his father’s shadow. With his father breathing down his neck and demanding he return to the company business, Zeke must decide whether confronting the man he admires most is worth the risk of alienation.</p><p>Everything’s falling apart, and Mel’s dream transforms into a nightmare. She thought this was what God wanted for her life, but can you blame her for second-guessing everything?</p><p>Was it all just a mistake?</p><p><em>Mishaps off the Mainland is the fifth</em> “Merriweather book” in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.</p><p><em>The Independence Island Series:</em> beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/3mVcVlH”">here</a> to get your copy!
</pre><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmeT8TGPVnGDCX5XVUEFLpK51G_VysSQw0fHQjktpOBj_pEcQqzaL4AJ-MHc_x5GPm3Qayjx6pV8pDF83Ty7bpJKLIUyBzPCHRrA4UrqkM5tXoMYqj0c8GENO_aHMzF2jGI5egnKHr8U/s768/Tabitha-Bouldin-768x735.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmeT8TGPVnGDCX5XVUEFLpK51G_VysSQw0fHQjktpOBj_pEcQqzaL4AJ-MHc_x5GPm3Qayjx6pV8pDF83Ty7bpJKLIUyBzPCHRrA4UrqkM5tXoMYqj0c8GENO_aHMzF2jGI5egnKHr8U/s320/Tabitha-Bouldin-768x735.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Tabitha Bouldin is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and an avid reader. When she’s not busy homeschooling her two boys, you’ll find her buried in a book.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Tabitha</span></h1><p>Why mobile pet grooming?</p><p>I get this question a lot when I bring up <em>Mishaps off the Mainland.</em></p><p>I mean, I could have chosen any occupation as long as it could be mobile. Anything from a mobile doctor office to a bug specialist. The world was wide open for ideas.</p><p>After just completing a rather serious series, I wanted to write something lighter, funnier, but with that same depth and heart that I love to read. I also needed something that fit my character, and Mel had some pretty strong opinions right out of the gate.</p><p>You see, Mel is one of those characters who spoke to me right away. She loves animals. All animals but especially dogs. They’re her happy place. Mel is also a giver. She will drop everything to help someone else.</p><p>When I asked her what her dream job would be, she answered me faster than any character ever has. Pet groomer! (Yes, I talk to my characters.)</p><p>And I thought, why <em>not </em>a mobile pet groomer? She gets to spend all her time with animals (which is a bonus for me as the author), and Mel’s character traits can shine through her actions and reveal her giving heart.</p><p>Once the job was decided, I knew there needed to be some drama. What would be the underlying fear of a pet groomer? I didn’t want to injure an animal, so I went for what felt like second most traumatic, an escaped animal.</p><p>While Daphne’s escape is serious and causes Mel no end of sleepless nights, it also provides some comedic relief for Mel and Zeke while they work through their own personal battles. I like to think of <em>Mishaps off the Mainland</em> as a mixture of quirky fun and serious truth. The story was a joy to write, and I hope you fall in love with Mel and Zeke.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/7qh7h8h0vz02l9hz/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477873">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, December 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.livinlit.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/kkhmh6h8gm80wwfl/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5saXZpbmxpdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477879">Livin’ Lit</a>, December 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/g3hnh5he7pe894ir/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477883">Texas Book-aholic</a>, December 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/08hwh9hm0zm6r9hl/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477890">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, December 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://mypreciousbitsandmusings.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/e0hph7hk94k3o0f8/aHR0cHM6Ly9teXByZWNpb3VzYml0c2FuZG11c2luZ3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477896">Mypreciousbitsandmusings</a>, December 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/z2hghnho9wo2xwcp/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; 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color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477944">Splashes of Joy</a>, December 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/owhkhqh43o4mmgsv/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477946">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, December 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/z2hghnho9wo22wip/aHR0cDovL2Jsb3Nzb21zYW5kYmxlc3NpbmdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477947">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, December 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/x0hph6hn83nvvkt5/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477949">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, December 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://captivedreamswindow.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/6qheh8hpvop88zfo/aHR0cDovL2NhcHRpdmVkcmVhbXN3aW5kb3cud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477950">Captive Dreams Window</a>, December 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/kkhmh6h8gm800wal/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477951">Artistic Nobody</a>, December 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/25h2hoh7rd7ppzt3/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zaW1wbGVoYXJ2ZXN0cmVhZHMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477953">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, December 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.arynthelibraryan.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/qvh8h7h8gn8mmmul/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXJ5bnRoZWxpYnJhcnlhbi5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477954">Aryn the Libraryan</a>, December 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/g3hnh5he7pe884sr/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmF2ZWxpbmd3aWZlNGxpZmUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477955">Adventures of a Travelers Wife</a>, December 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/9qhzhnhgk9gvv5b9/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477956">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, December 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/n2hohvhnwrn994t6/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477958">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, December 31</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hq0n4rhz/48hvheh0zg0ddoix/aHR0cDovL2ZhbWlseW1ncmtlbmRyYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341477959">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, December 31</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fAn6Dig7cDi5gbwhCnupUf04uTgYYkEc2X4JVW44eQ4VGsnm8z6T5_QHebzSwMTu5WI2ABTH_nusJA60ZdlGvDhf9BCtUfuyXKhagSbVUwm53qpoOYncB_aj08vrwCNE79Ljk6xrHnA/s940/Mishaps+Off+the+Mainland+Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fAn6Dig7cDi5gbwhCnupUf04uTgYYkEc2X4JVW44eQ4VGsnm8z6T5_QHebzSwMTu5WI2ABTH_nusJA60ZdlGvDhf9BCtUfuyXKhagSbVUwm53qpoOYncB_aj08vrwCNE79Ljk6xrHnA/s320/Mishaps+Off+the+Mainland+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/104fd/mishaps-off-the-mainland-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/104fd/mishaps-off-the-mainland-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-47153996267266609532020-12-18T06:30:00.105-06:002020-12-18T06:30:17.066-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: The Gold Digger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt5l0exM8BUu4B-QOIEAClEOYvGN_W_ErmYBawx9Ytqonlt-x-GfTeyPBl_0HjFJnTy7doRK85uSnybKeNjqw_nJX_ckkY6-tCNzzZLCslcD0UDMW8YdcYrWRpK955lr2uN0PlNoVrAU/s851/The-Gold-Digger-Banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwt5l0exM8BUu4B-QOIEAClEOYvGN_W_ErmYBawx9Ytqonlt-x-GfTeyPBl_0HjFJnTy7doRK85uSnybKeNjqw_nJX_ckkY6-tCNzzZLCslcD0UDMW8YdcYrWRpK955lr2uN0PlNoVrAU/w640-h236/The-Gold-Digger-Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">I'm writing this on Monday. It's been a crazy busy two weeks. We've been busy with ending the semester with a Christmas party at our homeschool co-op (lots of fun, but lots of work, too!) and preparing for the Christmas play that was performed at church yesterday morning. We didn't get to do a big play (performed by adults) this year, but some of our children, including my daughter, performed in a very cute, fun play called <i>Peanut Butter Christmas</i> (adapted from the Patch the Pirate script) (Watch on our <a href="https://youtu.be/ngF2c8NtgzY?t=939" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> at (<a href="https://youtu.be/ngF2c8NtgzY?t=939">https://youtu.be/ngF2c8NtgzY?t=939</a>) Your family will enjoy it, I guarantee it! My daughter plays the older daughter and the other children who play her siblings are her Best Buds. The parents are the real mom and dad of three of the other boys (plus the two robbers). Advertisement over. All that to say that with us being so busy, it's been kind of a struggle to get this book read. I usually can fly through books pretty fast, but I just didn't have the time to do that. Today I took a mental health day and finished the book in between naps and playing my favorite new iPad game Nonogram.</p><p center=""><i>The Gold Digger</i> is written by Liz Tolsma who also wrote <a href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/2020/10/book-review-refrain-within.html"><i>The Refrain Within</i></a> for which I gave five stars. This book is very different and I have to commend the author for the ability to write in different genres. Unfortunately, I can't give this book five stars. It just didn't blow me out of the water like <i>The Refrain Within</i> did. I also think that the people who will enjoy this book comprise a very select audience. The story was intriguing and I admire the way that she handled the plot since it is fiction based on an actual historical case. The way she wrote it is very believable, yet hard to read due to being about people who show themselves to be very evil. Although it is not very graphic, it is gruesome -- nothing I can't handle. However, knowing it actually happened makes it a little harder to read.</p><p center="">One of the best parts of the book came towards the end. Here is an excerpt:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p center="" style="text-align: left;">Mrs. Lindherud patted Ingrid's hand. "Tears don't make you weak. God gave us tears to cleanse us and to heal us. I've done enough crying of my own in the months since my dear Sven left..." [skipped so as not to reveal spoilers] "What makes us strong is our faith. Paul says that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. That's who we must cling to in such trying circumstances. All other ground is sinking sand."</p></blockquote><p center="">This is followed by the hymn <i>On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.</i></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p center="" style="text-align: left;">Ingrid had an anchor. She had a Father. The best, most faithful, most unchangeable Father there ever was. Belle failed Ingrid, many times over. But her Father never would. If she placed her hope in Him, not a wishful hope but a sure hope, she would never be alone.</p></blockquote><p center="">Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to choose this book to receive, read, and review for free. Keep reading to learn more about the book (with photos of some of the real characters) and the author and to enter a great giveaway!</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8h1d-xmAAm3B9RG6kQ8VWT_H7ernSOrglJxxHXJe8eQ91_lSDnPJfG8Iep73THQGnbz0ncFMcV_YOC6dHYudvtZyi3aHHbRZw7rLXGHZ1_1MW2i7A2gFp8A9Lt1winzahrcr6GUBS7w/s1024/The-Gold-Digger-672x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8h1d-xmAAm3B9RG6kQ8VWT_H7ernSOrglJxxHXJe8eQ91_lSDnPJfG8Iep73THQGnbz0ncFMcV_YOC6dHYudvtZyi3aHHbRZw7rLXGHZ1_1MW2i7A2gFp8A9Lt1winzahrcr6GUBS7w/s320/The-Gold-Digger-672x1024.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>The Gold Digger</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Liz Tolsma</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian/Historical/Suspense</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong> December, 2020</p><p><strong>Men Are Disappearing in LaPorte, Indiana</strong></p><p>Book 9 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History</p><p><strong>Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History</strong></p><p>In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/389ANxX”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRYKVOUaci__UiX-9aFOjBeDC2F4Uda6xx1TfQHsG75b3LZxFzzyghBJ0JWwhj2WyIHZ5WxzTCzp0Mo5SteaViWpqc-N08DulUabwuAD9YiaW9JO0HsfSwz2csbfe26BLVtqv3OkzIog/s160/Liz-Tolsma.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXRYKVOUaci__UiX-9aFOjBeDC2F4Uda6xx1TfQHsG75b3LZxFzzyghBJ0JWwhj2WyIHZ5WxzTCzp0Mo5SteaViWpqc-N08DulUabwuAD9YiaW9JO0HsfSwz2csbfe26BLVtqv3OkzIog/s0/Liz-Tolsma.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Liz</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7AGbAFlByqE8r5n0xr8xklgOXbypKF1mTNT7QXb2IoSVPViI5x7BkSX1fAk1mY4rK7xymeHSsrCKWPZvbctOSBHHigC1uZaFFyh0TKktBnCpuganDDsAB67Rvree_PeLFSUBMwTixUE/s300/four+books+real-life-people-300x300.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7AGbAFlByqE8r5n0xr8xklgOXbypKF1mTNT7QXb2IoSVPViI5x7BkSX1fAk1mY4rK7xymeHSsrCKWPZvbctOSBHHigC1uZaFFyh0TKktBnCpuganDDsAB67Rvree_PeLFSUBMwTixUE/s0/four+books+real-life-people-300x300.png" /></a></div><p>This story was so much fun to write, and the research was so interesting. It has to rank up there with one of my favorite books to write. That’s what makes my job the best around.</p><p> </p><p>There are a great number of characters in <em>The Gold Digger </em>who are historical. Many of the places I mention are also historical. I had the pleasure of spending a day in LaPorte, Indiana, to research the book and take some pictures they had in the museum there. Research is one of my favorite aspects to writing. I could have spent much, much longer losing myself in the museum and in the archives. Good thing my cousin, who I was staying with, called me to let me know that it was getting dark and she had dinner ready, otherwise who knows how long I would have been there. Probably until they kicked me out!</p><p> </p><p>One thing that the people of LaPorte would want you to know is that they really are nice people and that their town is a nice town. Lots of good people have been born there or have lived there over the years, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, William Mayo, who founded Mayo Clinic, and William Scholl, who found Dr. Scholl’s. They kept emphasizing to me while I was there what a great place LaPorte is. Judging by their friendliness and helpfulness, I would have to agree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRnYi7QsrfF862BrVdr_M7-4Njiryp9lSSOyvv8lD7V4g487RXZ8gYrSe303VI_Xr4tRE-X17s1rLKlqAdnmQSD5od0Hmz_tYDpK73T6NEtabs5BB1Bosw6VapbS_FB0CeQgvsk_UfQQ/s300/more+pics+real-life-places-300x300.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRnYi7QsrfF862BrVdr_M7-4Njiryp9lSSOyvv8lD7V4g487RXZ8gYrSe303VI_Xr4tRE-X17s1rLKlqAdnmQSD5od0Hmz_tYDpK73T6NEtabs5BB1Bosw6VapbS_FB0CeQgvsk_UfQQ/s0/more+pics+real-life-places-300x300.png" /></a></div><br /><p>To help you better visualize the characters and setting, here are some photographs of the real people and places that appear in <em>The Gold Digger.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p>Enjoy the book!</p><p> </p><p>Liz</p><p><br /></p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://connieshistoryclassroom.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/m2h7h5hokm6g8kfm/aHR0cDovL2Nvbm5pZXNoaXN0b3J5Y2xhc3Nyb29tLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288192">Connie's History Classroom</a>, December 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/dpheh0hqz89404im/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaW5nc29mYXNhc3N5Ym9va2lzaG1hbWEuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288193">Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama</a>, December 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.5020genesis.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/e0hph7hk9q3p0lt8/aHR0cDovL3d3dy41MDIwZ2VuZXNpcy53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288194">Genesis 5020</a>, December 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/7qh7h8h0vw2ko8hz/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVzZWZvcnRhbGVzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288195">Pause for Tales</a>, December 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/owhkhqh43gmkrlsv/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288196">Artistic Nobody</a>, December 18 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sodbusterliving.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/z2hghnho9p2438bp/aHR0cDovL3NvZGJ1c3RlcmxpdmluZy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288197">Sodbuster Living</a>, December 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/p8heh9h9kgw3z7hq/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288198">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, December 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/x0hph6hn89vrwnb5/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288199">Older & Smarter?</a>, December 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/6qheh8hpvn8k77fo/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288200">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, December 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/kkhmh6h8g60dlnul/aHR0cDovL2Jsb3Nzb21zYW5kYmxlc3NpbmdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288201">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, December 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://chautona.com/the-gold-digger-review" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/58hvh7h5pkdvmki6/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF1dG9uYS5jb20vdGhlLWdvbGQtZGlnZ2VyLXJldmlldw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288202">The Write Escape</a>, December 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://litteraegaudium.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/25h2hoh7r4pv2df3/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288203">For the Love of Literature</a>, December 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/qvh8h7h8gom7rqtl/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288204">deb's Book Review</a>, December 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/9qhzhnhgkzvqp0a9/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288206">Blogging With Carol</a>, December 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://abbasprayerwarriorprincess.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/3ohphkhq645o7mar/aHR0cHM6Ly9hYmJhc3ByYXllcndhcnJpb3JwcmluY2Vzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288207">Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess</a>, December 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/48hvheh0z6d5recx/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288209">lakesidelivingsite</a>, December 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/bettimace/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/08hwh9hm0g6odlcl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9iZXR0aW1hY2Uv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288212">Betti Mace</a>, December 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/8ghqhohgeq60l7ck/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288213">Inklings and notions</a>, December 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/vqh3hrhn2e9xp6cg/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288214">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, December 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://storiesbygina.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/l2hehmho56m03gi6/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288215">Gina Holder, Author and Blogger</a>, December 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://allofakindmom.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/dpheh0hqz894e4bm/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGxvZmFraW5kbW9tLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288217">All-of-a-kind Mom</a>, December 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/7qh7h8h0vw2k98hz/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288219">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, December 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://mypreciousbitsandmusings.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/owhkhqh43gmkwlfv/aHR0cHM6Ly9teXByZWNpb3VzYml0c2FuZG11c2luZ3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288220">Mypreciousbitsandmusings</a>, December 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.carpediem.fyi" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/z2hghnho9p24e8bp/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2FycGVkaWVtLmZ5aS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288221">CarpeDiem</a>, December 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/p8heh9h9kgw347sq/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYWdlYnlwYWdlYm9va2J5Ym9vay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288222">Hallie Reads</a>, December 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://remembrancy.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/x0hph6hn89vrenc5/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW1lbWJyYW5jeS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288223">Remembrancy</a>, December 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.christianbookaholic.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/6qheh8hpvn8kl7ho/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jaHJpc3RpYW5ib29rYWhvbGljLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288224">Christian Bookaholic</a>, December 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/kkhmh6h8g60dnnal/aHR0cDovL2ZhbWlseW1ncmtlbmRyYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288225">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, December 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://michelledebruin.com/category/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/58hvh7h5pkdvgkb6/aHR0cHM6Ly9taWNoZWxsZWRlYnJ1aW4uY29tL2NhdGVnb3J5L2Jsb2cv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288226">Writing from the Heart Land</a>, December 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/25h2hoh7r4pv3dc3/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288227">Splashes of Joy</a>, December 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bookkisses.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/qvh8h7h8gom7dqul/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29ra2lzc2VzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288228">Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses</a>, December 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://tabithabouldinauthorhome.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/g3hnh5he768dmgfr/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWJpdGhhYm91bGRpbmF1dGhvcmhvbWUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288229">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, December 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://rebeccatews.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/9qhzhnhgkzvqd0t9/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZWJlY2NhdGV3cy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20vP209MQ==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288230">Rebecca Tews</a>, December 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/3ohphkhq645o3mtr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288231">For Him and My Family</a>, December 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://babblingbeckyl.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/48hvheh0z6d5mecx/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYWJibGluZ2JlY2t5bC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288233">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, December 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bigreadersite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/wnh2hghr9x25q2h7/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdyZWFkZXJzaXRlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288234">Bigreadersite</a>, December 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://southerngallovestoread.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/reh8hohq9wl2mgb2/aHR0cDovL3NvdXRoZXJuZ2FsbG92ZXN0b3JlYWQuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288235">Southern Gal Loves to Read</a>, December 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/08hwh9hm0g6o2lil/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288236">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, December 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/8ghqhohgeq60o7ik/aHR0cDovL21vbnRhbmFtYWRlLndlZWJseS5jb20vdGVsbC10YWxlLWJvb2stcmV2aWV3cw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288237">Tell Tale Book Reviews</a>, December 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/vqh3hrhn2e9xo6ig/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288238">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, December 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/l2hehmho56m0lgb6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtlLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288239">Mary Hake</a>, December 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/m2h7h5hokm6gmkhm/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288240">Texas Book-aholic</a>, December 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/dpheh0hqz89484cm/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288241">Godly Book Reviews</a>, December 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://daysongreflections.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/e0hph7hk9q3pqla8/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXlzb25ncmVmbGVjdGlvbnMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288242">Daysong Reflections</a>, December 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://melissawardwell.com/category/backporch/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/7qh7h8h0vw2kw8sz/aHR0cHM6Ly9tZWxpc3Nhd2FyZHdlbGwuY29tL2NhdGVnb3J5L2JhY2twb3JjaC8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288243">Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads</a>, December 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://reneek-littlehomeschoolontheprairie.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/owhkhqh43gmkglhv/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW5lZWstbGl0dGxlaG9tZXNjaG9vbG9udGhlcHJhaXJpZS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288244">Little Homeschool on the Prairie</a>, December 30</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://daysongreflections.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hz8dg9tl/e0hph7hk9q3pqla8/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXlzb25ncmVmbGVjdGlvbnMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1341288242">Daysong Reflections</a>, December 30</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K_Fzp9-vrrTolqCA7GOsMV1jRuSf_BNEuAkWwTlooPKKI96nrqrAGX4Di7jjc6frgGrp2XpPwmLLc1d0DkpnXqofSOm3fRaI0sHD9HUCd33QfjbwHY20sXhkoN5omF7UoEtIKLk_Kyw/s940/The+Gold+Digger+Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9K_Fzp9-vrrTolqCA7GOsMV1jRuSf_BNEuAkWwTlooPKKI96nrqrAGX4Di7jjc6frgGrp2XpPwmLLc1d0DkpnXqofSOm3fRaI0sHD9HUCd33QfjbwHY20sXhkoN5omF7UoEtIKLk_Kyw/s320/The+Gold+Digger+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of The Gold Digger!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/104fc/the-gold-digger-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/104fc/the-gold-digger-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-74151179357625384002020-12-04T06:00:00.096-06:002020-12-04T06:00:06.293-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: Snuffed Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG2Paa6NQlveRoNy9doDYyFx9F5jGWr2tVA699P_Ljlu_LfhhsQZFvmrc_8X7USYJaPk3s5RM4w7laMmTCX5H-3lYCvjF1XpLBzk2WXx40_R-seN08yS3OiOXDerNqTfS4hTwmObs1T8/s851/snuffed-out.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiG2Paa6NQlveRoNy9doDYyFx9F5jGWr2tVA699P_Ljlu_LfhhsQZFvmrc_8X7USYJaPk3s5RM4w7laMmTCX5H-3lYCvjF1XpLBzk2WXx40_R-seN08yS3OiOXDerNqTfS4hTwmObs1T8/w640-h236/snuffed-out.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">After my mom went to Heaven, I brought her beloved china cabinet home. She loved it and her piano almost more than her children and woe to anybody who didn't take careful heed when near either one! She always kept both china and mementos in it. I don't have any nice china to speak of (I don't host fancy meals; I barely can cook.), so I use the china cabinet to store things that do not mean anything to anybody except for me and my daughter. I have a vase that was my great grandmother's, several figurines that my mom bought for me (Avon - remember those?), souvenirs from trips, and also a plain brown glass bottle that my family picked up on a hike on the property where my dad grew up. This bottle is a snuff bottle and apparently, my grandmother used it. It's just interesting enough to keep.</p><p center="">In <i>Snuffed Out</i>, a snuff box from a history professor's collection is found on the scene where a dead body was also found by Katrina and Todd. (I love the play on words in the title!) Katrina and Todd work together to solve the mystery regarding the person who died. Along the way, they experience positive progression in their relationship, and we get to know some new characters. I had been looking forward to this book ever since I read the first book in the series <i>Brought to Book</i>. My only complaint about the book is that it was too short. The story was just right - I just wanted to read more! I did not expect the conclusion to the case, so that was fun. I also really liked how Katrina takes the opportunity to share the Gospel with a new character who listens carefully. I hope to read more about that in the next book.</p><p center="">Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review this book. Keep reading to learn more about the book, the author, and to enter a great giveaway!</p><p center=""><br /></p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_g_SiomdthnRl-XNPZ-ty6BCS-eXcFiGQSr4cQt_A3mzMdk_NxT-B0BdFjcypy91R1lkTedl8FKoSHvpDUC02qzw2QApXQUfTi_ermawPD3DZJ2Oa_ym2aA5C0_l_3MlAVK3mwBB6SI/s612/2-Snuffed-Out-sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_g_SiomdthnRl-XNPZ-ty6BCS-eXcFiGQSr4cQt_A3mzMdk_NxT-B0BdFjcypy91R1lkTedl8FKoSHvpDUC02qzw2QApXQUfTi_ermawPD3DZJ2Oa_ym2aA5C0_l_3MlAVK3mwBB6SI/s320/2-Snuffed-Out-sm.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Snuffed Out</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Barbara Cornthwaite</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian cozy mystery</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong> July 24, 2020</p><p><em><strong>Picnics can be murder… scenes.</strong></em></p><p>What was supposed to be a romantic picnic at “their spot” turns criminal when Katrina and Todd stumble—almost literally—over a body.</p><p>What’s the college chef doing under a bush up in the mountains? Other than being dead, that is.</p><p>Who killed him? Why?</p><p>All clues point to people who Katrina is certain didn’t do it. Especially the one who ends up dead himself.</p><p><strong>Uh, oh.</strong></p><p>Thanks to a slow-burning romantic relationship that can’t seem to get past chapter one, and a determination to save her friend from false arrest, Katrina joins Todd again as they riddle out bizarre clues, weed through unlikely suspects, and learn to communicate on a more personal level.</p><p>What do you get when you combine literary humor, sweet romance, and a practical helping of faith? A cozy mystery that’ll keep you guessing. Barbara Cornthwaite’s second Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.</p><p><strong>Snag <em>Snuffed Out </em>today.</strong></p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/34VZo68″">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU4TmpCHHpfocJtW1K68Xb4KbXyVl34Iwm7jln5Uves7MIthunvfIvnf4U5-HTGlrzky54M0fwFtvSdgv1IiAf9X-JJ5VgXjASvMksm3hUy4HHIgj5IXaU6adj1KT-0vU1Z9Q6QzJumo/s1024/Barbara-Cornthwaite-headshot-731x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="731" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU4TmpCHHpfocJtW1K68Xb4KbXyVl34Iwm7jln5Uves7MIthunvfIvnf4U5-HTGlrzky54M0fwFtvSdgv1IiAf9X-JJ5VgXjASvMksm3hUy4HHIgj5IXaU6adj1KT-0vU1Z9Q6QzJumo/s320/Barbara-Cornthwaite-headshot-731x1024.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">Teaser for Snuffed Out</span></h1><p>Todd closed the folder with the Franklin case paperwork in it and laid it on top of the stack of folders waiting to be filed. He almost reached for the Delaney case notes again but resisted the impulse. There was no new information in there, and he’d gone over everything a dozen times in the last few days. He had promised Katrina he wouldn’t give up, but without any new leads to pursue, there wasn’t much he could do.</p><p>He shook his head, impatient with himself. He’d been doing so well at putting her out of his mind—hadn’t thought of her all day until this moment. Now he’d probably be struggling for the rest of the day.</p><p>John Ortega poked his head into Todd’s office.</p><p>“Hey, we just got a call from the librarian at Wilkester College about the theft of a manuscript. The chief said either one of us could go, but I thought you might like to take it.”</p><p>“Why?”</p><p>“Oh, come on,” said John. “You think I’m blind and deaf?”</p><p>“It’s no use. Nothing’s going to happen between Dr. Peters and me.”</p><p>John leaned up against the door frame and grinned at him. “’Dr. Peters,’ huh? She was ‘Katrina’ for weeks.”</p><p>“Well, that was before. Now that I know a relationship isn’t possible, I need to keep my distance.”</p><p>“She turned you down?”</p><p>“I didn’t ask, but trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”</p><p>“Hmm,” John said. “You don’t usually give up on things so easily. Well, do you mind handling this anyway? I’ve got that other robbery case to deal with, and I’m supposed to be interviewing that guy from Tacoma in a couple hours.” Todd hesitated and John added, “She’s an adjunct professor, right? She’s probably not even on campus now, and she certainly won’t be in the library.”<br /><br />“Oh, okay.” Todd sighed. He pushed back his chair and stood up.</p><p>“’Attaboy. Thanks for taking the call.” John turned to go and then looked back. “It will get easier, you know.”</p><p>“I know.” <em>As long as I don’t see her again. </em></p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/m2h7h5hokknemlhm/aHR0cDovL2Jvb2t3b21hbmpvYW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810373">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/7qh7h8h0vv4zzvhz/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810376">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/owhkhqh4338ookiv/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810377">Texas Book-aholic</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.nancyewood.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/6qheh8hpvv2oodco/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmFuY3lld29vZC5jb20vYmxvZw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810381">Nancy E Wood</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/25h2hoh7rrodd2a3/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWJsaW9waGlsZWFuZGF2aWRyZWFkZXIuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810384">The Avid Reader</a>, November 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.5020genesis.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/g3hnh5he77zpp6sr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy41MDIwZ2VuZXNpcy53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810386">Genesis 5020</a>, November 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://litteraegaudium.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/9qhzhnhgkk2999f9/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810387">For the Love of Literature</a>, November 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sodbusterliving.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/48hvheh0zz2ggvcx/aHR0cDovL3NvZGJ1c3RlcmxpdmluZy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810390">Sodbusterliving</a>, December 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/wnh2hghr99ogg7h7/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810391">Artistic Nobody</a>, December 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://babblingbeckyl.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/reh8hohq995xxzs2/aHR0cDovL2JhYmJsaW5nYmVja3lsLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810392">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, December 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/8ghqhohgee5996uk/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810394">deb's Book Review</a>, December 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://remembrancy.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/vqh3hrhn22kggzcg/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW1lbWJyYW5jeS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810395">Remembrancy</a>, December 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/dpheh0hqzz755xfm/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810398">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, December 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/owhkhqh4338o5kbv/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810401">Splashes of Joy</a>, December 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/x0hph6hn8873xdc5/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810404">Inklings and notions</a>, December 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/kkhmh6h8gg9m49il/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810406">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, December 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/58hvh7h5pp97l5t6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810407">For Him and My Family</a>, December 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/qvh8h7h8gg6nqdcl/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810409">Blogging With Carol</a>, December 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/g3hnh5he77zpx6fr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810410">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, December 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://emily-yager.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/9qhzhnhgkk29n9h9/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbWlseS15YWdlci5jb20vYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810411">Emily Yager</a>, December 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/3ohphkhq66dzvvbr/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810412">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, December 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lislovesreading.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/n2hohvhnwwore2c6/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXNsb3Zlc3JlYWRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810413">Lis Loves Reading</a>, December 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://labornotinvain.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/48hvheh0zz2gkvix/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWJvcm5vdGludmFpbi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810414">Labor Not in Vain</a>, December 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/wnh2hghr99og87s7/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810415">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, December 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/reh8hohq995xnzf2/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810416">Mary Hake</a>, December 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://shelivestoread.com/category/book-reviews/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/08hwh9hm007zq5al/aHR0cDovL3NoZWxpdmVzdG9yZWFkLmNvbS9jYXRlZ29yeS9ib29rLXJldmlld3Mv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810417">She Lives to Read</a>, December 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/vqh3hrhn22kg8zig/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810419">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, December 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/m2h7h5hokknewlsm/aHR0cDovL2ZhbWlseW1ncmtlbmRyYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810421">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, December 10</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/dpheh0hqzz75rxhm/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810422">Godly Book Reviews</a>, December 10</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://susanlovesbooks.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/e0hph7hk99n45xt8/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdXNhbmxvdmVzYm9va3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810423">SusanLovesBooks</a>, December 10</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://daysongreflections.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/7qh7h8h0vv4zdvfz/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXlzb25ncmVmbGVjdGlvbnMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810424">Daysong Reflections</a>, December 11</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bizwingsblog.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/qdu06w59qna7hexwmwhl/owhkhqh4338oxkcv/aHR0cDovL2JpendpbmdzYmxvZy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337810425">Bizwings Blog</a>, December 11</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJo8I7dkI_YM1PxpyU8Fsc3qAFW1uq5ReF097hPOqhdb-3PuYfUfmgYbaVSgdWlM1GCR8T_Lbivm_6_E1A2mThzdwZhIPE2FcJB_-Y87QNk4q51wBWlAxHJPNQWMpfOw-kJdNiRxy85Q/s1000/Blog+tour+ad.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJo8I7dkI_YM1PxpyU8Fsc3qAFW1uq5ReF097hPOqhdb-3PuYfUfmgYbaVSgdWlM1GCR8T_Lbivm_6_E1A2mThzdwZhIPE2FcJB_-Y87QNk4q51wBWlAxHJPNQWMpfOw-kJdNiRxy85Q/s320/Blog+tour+ad.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback of the book!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/103f2/snuffed-out-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/103f2/snuffed-out-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-23563201474087365012020-12-03T06:00:00.068-06:002020-12-03T06:00:05.187-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: Forgiven Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLJsUxJlYTxRWguD65_MtPs3KwrkfDUmvZll93BJvT-0uWLoDg1oVGs8tS3ieylA364AAmuhrHUtLJ3uYDDlWfBhmrjnuAnzFHRSPjCxGRHHFo60dmG2NxV-CbvmoIWsnaVRs9UqpMa8/s851/Forgiven-Again-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLJsUxJlYTxRWguD65_MtPs3KwrkfDUmvZll93BJvT-0uWLoDg1oVGs8tS3ieylA364AAmuhrHUtLJ3uYDDlWfBhmrjnuAnzFHRSPjCxGRHHFo60dmG2NxV-CbvmoIWsnaVRs9UqpMa8/w640-h236/Forgiven-Again-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><i>Forgiven Again</i> is the sequel to <i>No Greater Love</i> by Gina Holder. Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review <i>Forgiven Again</i>; Gina Holder sent them both books so that we reviewers can read the first one for the backstory. I'm grateful for the two-for-one deal, and I really liked <i>No Greater Love</i>!</p><p center=""><i>No Greater Love</i> is a story that very clearly presents the Gospel in the middle of a riveting story. The characters come to life on the page and I could not put down my iPad (or phone - I read on both) except to go to sleep. I read much of it while in the car during a ridiculously-long trip to visit family for Thanksgiving (ridiculously long because we made a lot of stops and the traffic was backed up and at a standstill for almost two hours at one point . . . and because the other occupants of the car kept talking while I tried reading my book). There were no big surprises in the book - I guessed the who-dun-its - except I think there may have been one unidentified person whom I had hoped would make an appearance in the second book but did not.</p><p center=""><i>Forgiven Again</i> continues the story of Paige, Hamilton, Kathleen, Ryan, and Kylie. This story has a prodigal son (actually daughter) theme to it, and the suspense is just as good as in <i>No Greater Love</i>. This time, the who-dun-it caught me by surprise! The characters surprised me as well, especially Kathleen. I also enjoyed meeting Jessie and Aunt Hattie. They offer a bit of comic relief (which might seem weird given their bickering). There is an extended epilogue below which I hope will develop into a third book.</p><p center="">Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review this book. Keep reading to learn more about the author, the book, and to enter a great giveaway!</p><p center=""><br /></p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4dxybnl9QUwkSOA6Jy31GE3pP_9awAYZTrkb8z0X-E1sMDfqkoOxPS91uvwfcwEO0r73W9uYEXIjD4Eaj2AOYJFa4M5U1ZAdifmPedoYzniTF6OONAxbUmfDdmt8VrC9_Jo04dOvGi0/s1280/Forgiven+Again-Marketing.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="823" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4dxybnl9QUwkSOA6Jy31GE3pP_9awAYZTrkb8z0X-E1sMDfqkoOxPS91uvwfcwEO0r73W9uYEXIjD4Eaj2AOYJFa4M5U1ZAdifmPedoYzniTF6OONAxbUmfDdmt8VrC9_Jo04dOvGi0/s320/Forgiven+Again-Marketing.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Forgiven Again</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Gina Holder</p><p><b>Genre: </b>Romantic Suspense</p><p><strong>Release Date:</strong> November 3, 2020</p><p><strong>She’s running for governor. He’s a pastor. </strong></p><p><strong>Will they risk their lives to keep a secret?</strong></p><p>Annie Staten, now known as Kathleen Phillips, has dreamed of pursuing a political career and following in her father’s footsteps. But Richard was a hated man during his tenure as governor and now his enemies will stop at nothing to prevent his daughter from winning the election.</p><p>Ryan Whitestone has loved Annie since high school, but his heart is broken by the woman she has become. When the daughter she gave up for adoption comes back into her life, can he help her heal from her pain and remind her of who she used to be?</p><p>Will Kathleen be able to forgive herself, put the past behind her, and find love again?</p><p>The continuing story of No Greater Love.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/3od8aVX”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1 400=""><strong><span underline="">About the Author</span></strong></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh250WqiS-q7jKd6T7HMRSwub0ShsmpJUzOmOWAhq-e-o3BwOzhckSzwarQhZc83wBYzPL1KkxLU4QBXVK9pKZrcbK_ArndVpfKd_swSf5McVAqby_v0E5nXeOx-qjRdr65qLU0ZKPLGyo/s364/gina-holder.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh250WqiS-q7jKd6T7HMRSwub0ShsmpJUzOmOWAhq-e-o3BwOzhckSzwarQhZc83wBYzPL1KkxLU4QBXVK9pKZrcbK_ArndVpfKd_swSf5McVAqby_v0E5nXeOx-qjRdr65qLU0ZKPLGyo/s320/gina-holder.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>Gina Holder dreamed of being a writer from her early teen years. She lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter. When she’s not homeschooling or working on her next novel, she enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking, singing, and playing the piano. Her indie published debut novel was released in 2017.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Gina</span></h1><p>Forgiven Again: Extended Epilogue</p><p>The rag was warm and wet in her hand as Kylie wiped down the café countertop. Her shoes pinched her feet, and she was looking forward to kicking them off and plopping down on the couch with a movie and a leftover cinnamon roll.</p><p>As Kylie stretched across the flat surface, her hair fell into her face. She dropped onto her heels, then brushed the strand of hair out of her eyes. She turned to shake the cloth over the trashcan when the doorbell jingled behind her. Had she forgotten to switch off the <em>open</em> sign?</p><p>“I’m sorry. We’re closed,” she called over her shoulder. But instead of hearing the bell again, coins clunked down on her clean counter. She turned to face the late customer and cleared her throat. “Maybe you didn’t hear me. I said, we’re closed.”</p><p>The man about her own age nodded. His blond hair was knotted in dreadlocks and looked like it hadn’t been washed in months. His skin was tanned, and his clothes were well-worn. “I heard you. I just could really use a bottle of water.” His voice crackled, raspy and dry.</p><p>Compassion smote Kylie’s heart. It wouldn’t hurt to sell this guy one bottle of water before she sent him on his way. She turned to the fridge and opened the sticky door. The rush of cold air sent chills up her arms. “You look like you’ve been on the road awhile. Just passing through or hoping to stick around?”</p><p>“Hoping to stay awhile. I’m actually looking for someone.”</p><p>Kylie grabbed a cold water, then sat it on the counter. “That’ll be a dollar twenty-five.”</p><p>The man slid the coins toward her. Kylie took five quarters and dropped them into the cash register drawer. “Who are you looking for? Maybe I know them. This is a pretty small town.”</p><p>He twisted off the lid and poured the water down his throat. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he drank. When the bottle was empty, he sighed and wiped his arm across his lips. “Thank you. I appreciate you staying open for me.”</p><p>“Can I get you anything else?”</p><p>“No, thanks.”</p><p>Did he turn down her offer because he truly didn’t want anything else or he just couldn’t afford anything else? She glanced over at the boxed cinnamon roll waiting for her to take home. She grabbed it and slid in across the counter. “Hey. This was left over from this morning. I was just going to toss it out. You’re welcome to it.”</p><p>The young man’s eyes widened. His stomach audibly growled. His neck reddened. “Thank you. That is truly kind of you.” He stretched out his hand. “Christopher.”</p><p>Kylie smiled and took his hand. “Kylie. Nice to meet you.”</p><p>An odd look passed over the stranger’s face. “Kylie? I’m looking for a Kylie.”</p><p>She raised an eyebrow. “Really? I’m the only one in town that I know of.”</p><p>“Kylie Phillips?”</p><p>“Yes. That’s me.”</p><p>“My name is Christopher Phillips. I’m your brother.”</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/58hvh7h5pzn4qqu6/aHR0cDovL2Jvb2t3b21hbmpvYW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419806">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, December 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/25h2hoh7re8q69u3/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419807">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, December 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/qvh8h7h8g04lzpil/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419808">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, December 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/9qhzhnhgkl6e0vu9/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419810">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, December 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/n2hohvhnwkxlm7t6/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419812">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, December 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/wnh2hghr93klnda7/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419814">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, December 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/08hwh9hm0k9pe0il/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419816">Texas Book-aholic</a>, December 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/vqh3hrhn2dvq0vug/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419818">Artistic Nobody</a>, December 9 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/l2hehmho5znd24f6/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419819">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, December 10</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://agoodbookandcupoftea.wixsite.com/agoodbookandcupoftea" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/m2h7h5hok7ql50tm/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYS53aXhzaXRlLmNvbS9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYQ==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419820">A Good Book and Cup of Tea</a>, December 10</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/dpheh0hqzmo26msm/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419821">For Him and My Family</a>, December 11</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/p8heh9h9kl2p6guq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419826">Older & Smarter?</a>, December 12</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/e0hph7hk92ldvmh8/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419829">Inklings and notions</a>, December 12</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/owhkhqh4376099uv/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419831">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, December 13</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/bettimace/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/p8heh9h9kl2p60bq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9iZXR0aW1hY2Uv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419833">Betti Mace</a>, December 14</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/x0hph6hn8lp42vb5/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419834">deb's Book Review</a>, December 14</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.carpediem.fyi" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/6qheh8hpvd53rmho/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2FycGVkaWVtLmZ5aS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419835">CarpeDiem</a>, December 15</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/27uvox5rd4soh6g73nh3/kkhmh6h8g35owxal/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVzZWZvcnRhbGVzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339419836">Pause for Tales</a>, December 16</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4Va3B3MJfk9sA9Qcn4uF1s3_kdO0xWeYHytx449-yIgxTATb5KUwwuIEBC1z4Pb6o09T4ZkVTuyad_-LxXTMGyj2WaTFC11aea9p5X9kPULKpAa91zWmylrmhT2D3h38GIcTSdYdRP4/s940/Fogiven+Again+Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4Va3B3MJfk9sA9Qcn4uF1s3_kdO0xWeYHytx449-yIgxTATb5KUwwuIEBC1z4Pb6o09T4ZkVTuyad_-LxXTMGyj2WaTFC11aea9p5X9kPULKpAa91zWmylrmhT2D3h38GIcTSdYdRP4/s320/Fogiven+Again+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift card and a copy of Books 1 and 2 of the Shadows Over Whitman series, No Greater Love and Forgiven Again!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/10455/forgiven-again-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/10455/forgiven-again-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-91267819194769953572020-12-02T06:00:00.103-06:002020-12-02T06:00:02.676-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: Simply West of Heaven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_5-DC5EpG6_aR5FnKwTcrRqUno2KXv7wAnOT-0iw9Bc6v6PFPRBKGnBB6OKpAVPMAIx-xR7MMLFdH2-OcoxzKsS4OXnP0PwpmEXqTSHUXbfgbjT2R4wQIcnfYbp83cXFz7p1FWCoBe4/s851/Simply-West-of-Heaven.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5_5-DC5EpG6_aR5FnKwTcrRqUno2KXv7wAnOT-0iw9Bc6v6PFPRBKGnBB6OKpAVPMAIx-xR7MMLFdH2-OcoxzKsS4OXnP0PwpmEXqTSHUXbfgbjT2R4wQIcnfYbp83cXFz7p1FWCoBe4/w640-h236/Simply-West-of-Heaven.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">I am writing this early since we are going out of town for Thanksgiving. I already read the first two books of this series and have read <i>Simply West of Heaven</i> and have begun the fourth book which is called <i>Being West is Best.</i></p><p center=""><i>Simply West of Heaven</i> flows really well with the first book of the series <i>The Secret Sisters Club</i>. The second book, <i>Trouble Blows West</i>, is part of the story but seems separate from the overall storyline. <i>Being West is Best</i> features the Owens family who was in <i>Trouble Blows West</i>, so those two books seem to go together so far. I'm only about 15-20% through with <i>Being </i><i>West is Best</i>, so I can't say for sure.</p><p center=""><i>Simply West of Heaven</i> has a bit more drama in it; in fact, the author calls it a "soap opera for children." None of it is bad, although if you have children younger than maybe 7th-9th grades, you might want to preview it to see if it's a good fit for your child. I wouldn't have a problem with Gracie reading it since it's no different from what we see in today's world. Sin is introduced but is pointed out as being wrong. It's not glorified in any way and one of the consequences is correctly labeled as a blessing (trying not to give away spoilers here). In thinking about it just now, considering that the book brings up the struggles that adults have with difficult circumstances, I think I probably will have Gracie wait a year or two before reading this book simply because I see no reason to introduce these particular burdensome topic matters to a child who doesn't have to deal with it herself if that makes sense.</p><p center="">Again, I like the characters, and I love the family dynamics of this book. My favorite scene involves the hot air balloon and it actually made me cry. There's a new character whom I have not yet decided whether or not to trust completely -- that kind of guessing makes the overall story more intriguing. </p><p center="">Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review this book. Keep reading to learn more about the book, the author, and to enter a great giveaway!</p><p center=""><br /></p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXcBzdL07fsUx8UQkKLdzpdR8DfYXSSlQ26T37Bn6JRBl3X-z-FqoQRtc_ruSqjemIteRVnY006WfiJVki6EnkFaCfRwZwIQQwnQxY-I9o0oC5WSCFfRBfg26jcGtGHJD4vBF6jI51Eg/s1024/SIMPLY-COVER-683x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXcBzdL07fsUx8UQkKLdzpdR8DfYXSSlQ26T37Bn6JRBl3X-z-FqoQRtc_ruSqjemIteRVnY006WfiJVki6EnkFaCfRwZwIQQwnQxY-I9o0oC5WSCFfRBfg26jcGtGHJD4vBF6jI51Eg/s320/SIMPLY-COVER-683x1024.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Simply West of Heaven</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Monique Bucheger</p><p><b>Genre: </b>Mid-grade, blended family, horses</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong> January 1, 2013</p><p> </p><p>Twelve-year-old BFFs Ginnie and Tillie are matchmaking geniuses. Sweet! Not long after they schemed to get Ginnie’s widowed dad to fall in love with Tillie’s divorced mom, Ginnie stumbled upon her late mom’s journals, making life even more awesome sauce … until her dad confiscated the journals, determined to protect Ginnie from a danger he won’t name.</p><p>Ginnie is counting on her future sister’s help to make Dad change his mind, but Tillie’s not so sure the ghost of Ginnie’s mom will make a good addition to their new family tree. The girls’ world gets flipped upside-down when a blast from the past shows up and makes Tillie go nutburgers. Ginnie is torn between helping her best friend and what could be the answer to her deepest wish.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/3dOz0Pm”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1 400=""><strong><span underline="">About the Author</span></strong></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABj8mNuX9omPYrTPLGEH-d1An99PjDa9Os2NIKLXsNjIR9IqkTaKtfYr5BhDTsR2yNA2WWT11ZQJsjXtXWO9wKE_naJml5lcwvSvJXE14j6P9q6PzqlT4VcRiPsu63qRlaKRT8hM5eGU/s1024/Author-pic-aqua-1-768x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABj8mNuX9omPYrTPLGEH-d1An99PjDa9Os2NIKLXsNjIR9IqkTaKtfYr5BhDTsR2yNA2WWT11ZQJsjXtXWO9wKE_naJml5lcwvSvJXE14j6P9q6PzqlT4VcRiPsu63qRlaKRT8hM5eGU/s320/Author-pic-aqua-1-768x1024.jpg" /></a></div><p> </p><p>When Monique isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events.</p><p>Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, twelve grand-darlings, too many cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of several books in three series and hopes to write many more.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Monique</span></h1><p>Hello Everybody,</p><p> </p><p>Welcome to the kickoff tour of my third book: <em>SIMPLY WEST OF HEAVEN: A Ginnie West Adventure.</em> This book is the hardest one for me to blurb because it contains my four best twists and I don’t want to give away any of the surprises (and some readers have said they were downright shocked—in a good way—by some of them.) </p><p> </p><p>This book stretched my writing ability and deepened my emotional investment in the West family greatly. This book continues to explore the relationship of best friends, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor. It has been described as “a soap opera for children” because of all the plot twists and reveals.</p><p> </p><p>It explores Ginnie and Tillie’s deeper, hidden feelings in a way that may bring you tears as well as greater understanding. Several reviewers commented on how authentic and “real” the West family is to them. I love knowing that people are willing to go on a journey with Ginnie and Tillie and the rest of the West family. That they are willing to laugh and cry with them. I promise—this book will give you opportunities for both. </p><p> </p><p>Simply West of Heaven has recently been made into an audiobook and that was a fun endeavor as I listened to the voices in my head come to life. My narrator, the very talented, Hillary Straga, said all of the twists kept her on her toes, but that she loved voicing this book because she never knew what to expect.</p><p> </p><p>I hope that the people who choose to read this book will have the same experience. That they will be eager to jump in, put aside pre-conceived notions, and become part of the West family saga: that they will cheer for them, cry with them, and celebrate with them. One of my favorite reviews of this book states that: “I tried to skip ahead and every time I did—I had to go back to where I was because I missed something important in the story.”</p><p> </p><p>Thank you to those of you who are willing to continue to read the Ginnie West Adventures and “Welcome!” to those who have decided to start with this book.</p><p> </p><p>Laugh lots, Love much, Write on!</p><p>Monique Bucheger</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://tabithabouldinauthorhome.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/3ohphkhq69xggwtr/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWJpdGhhYm91bGRpbmF1dGhvcmhvbWUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237271">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, December 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/n2hohvhnw520pwt6/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237272">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, December 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://janemouttet.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/48hvheh0zqw8e5ux/aHR0cDovL2phbmVtb3V0dGV0LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237273">Library Lady's Kid Lit</a>, December 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/wnh2hghr9vm6pkc7/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237274">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, December 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/l2hehmho5vq79ot6/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237279">Texas Book-aholic</a>, December 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/x0hph6hn8dk062u5/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237287">Inklings and notions</a>, December 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/08hwh9hm0wnr6wul/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237300">For Him and My Family</a>, December 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/owhkhqh43lxdm5tv/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237308">deb's Book Review</a>, December 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/z2hghnho9r5x25ap/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237309">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, December 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/x0hph6hn8dk0v2a5/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237311">Mary Hake</a>, December 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/e0hph7hk9wmo3gu8/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237313">Artistic Nobody</a>, December 10 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/owhkhqh43lxdm2iv/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237315">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, December 11</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/p8heh9h9k5rowpfq/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237317">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, December 12</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/kkhmh6h8g2zvkgul/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237320">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, December 13</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/25h2hoh7r0lwk8i3/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237322">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, December 14</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/v8ud7wnl0girhlvwlgcg/g3hnh5he7ogw4our/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1339237324">Blogging With Carol</a>, December 15</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKCF9mceaYXMzkcGncnHRNlTJAzTmVXJ09SpCAKM-8U-Ta8CtTNppcNKZA6ZnYc16eGq7PUqBKGQt_KAzaqMYpQI19LkUs3U9taoY-6MIST9KQpQT9DFkXsOldVzVww7QUIrr9mp-SD0/s1050/Gift+Certificate.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKCF9mceaYXMzkcGncnHRNlTJAzTmVXJ09SpCAKM-8U-Ta8CtTNppcNKZA6ZnYc16eGq7PUqBKGQt_KAzaqMYpQI19LkUs3U9taoY-6MIST9KQpQT9DFkXsOldVzVww7QUIrr9mp-SD0/s320/Gift+Certificate.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Monique is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, or Kobo gift card!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p><a center="" href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/10495/simply-west-of-heaven-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/10495/simply-west-of-heaven-celebration-tour-giveaway</a> </p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-60079961409149859382020-11-28T05:00:00.003-06:002020-11-28T05:00:00.713-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: What You Said to Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAjh7QPppuS_ctV8mzkzgHkWvo7eD85otj1QT6ES_C60NK9m1WBXxiOCL-j4zYBJFCKUS-hc_8ZG1kfkIM9ITr4c2RQGtdQpyV5-unwJ9x7iEg0pM8ZnGkKy4XoeYfv-oeNrKWpy20fo/s851/What-You-Said-to-Me-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" id="id_2885_e36d_af98_d59b" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAjh7QPppuS_ctV8mzkzgHkWvo7eD85otj1QT6ES_C60NK9m1WBXxiOCL-j4zYBJFCKUS-hc_8ZG1kfkIM9ITr4c2RQGtdQpyV5-unwJ9x7iEg0pM8ZnGkKy4XoeYfv-oeNrKWpy20fo/w640-h236/What-You-Said-to-Me-banner.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 640px;" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><i>Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.</i> Proverbs 18:21</p><p center="">I thought of this verse when I was nearly finished reading this book. It suits it well because it illustrates how a person’s words can affect not just another person but also potentially several generations. </p><p center="">This is a book with a dual timeline. The modern story is about a young lady who does genealogy research and is assisted by a troubled teen who was forced to help but certainly doesn’t want to. The older timeline is about a family in Denver who suffers financial hardship when their silver mines are shut down. They wind up moving to the same town that the modern characters live in. I was very curious to find out how the two stories would intersect. It wasn’t terribly surprising, but I liked how the truth from the above Bible verse is illustrated. I also like how the hurting person began to receive healing in the story. I would like to read the first three books for the backstory and future books to find out more. I think that Canyon Mines is a fictitious town, but it sounds like a place I would like to visit. The bookstore is called Motherlode which I think is very clever. The only negatives are that it still needs to have a pass of editing (which may be done by the time it’s been released) and I wanted to find out more about the big genealogy project they were working on. They found one small part but it wasn’t a satisfying turnout. Hopefully, I’ll find out more in future books.</p><p center="">Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review this book. Keep reading to learn more about the book, the author, and to enter a great giveaway!</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5eYH9V1M_dCOKq5Q5WoQXC9UmqmMu-s9DKY_YXnhuZhOnGATA-sLEg68S1jwnulWPmRS56Cmjasmu0u9-4Whp4S72dtCoMpavjNf1FK5mtdGGduxQCzU7dyWQM_EcK6AUO6MQeYpRaQ/s1024/Cover-672x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="672" height="320" id="id_7cd9_34ec_d106_b0c9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5eYH9V1M_dCOKq5Q5WoQXC9UmqmMu-s9DKY_YXnhuZhOnGATA-sLEg68S1jwnulWPmRS56Cmjasmu0u9-4Whp4S72dtCoMpavjNf1FK5mtdGGduxQCzU7dyWQM_EcK6AUO6MQeYpRaQ/s320/Cover-672x1024.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 210px;" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>What You Said to Me</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Olivia Newport</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian Fiction</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong> November 2020</p><p> </p><p><strong>Book 4 in the Tree of Life Series: A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Faith Journeys on Family Trees</strong></p><p>When 15-year-old Tisha Crowder gets caught shoplifting, attorney Nolan Duffy tries to protect her from consequences that could rattle her already troubled life. His daughter, Jillian, feels like she’s the one being punished instead—by having Tisha assigned to work with her on a backlog of genealogy files. Tisha doesn’t seem interested in taking the job seriously, and Jillian’s patience wears thin. Besides, everyone in Canyon Mines knows the Crowder family has experienced generations of brokenness. Then a sliver of hope turns up in long-ago words in plain sight, challenging shrouded assumptions about Tisha’s family. Now Jillian is the one who can walk with Tisha back to 1893 and uncover where everything went wrong in the first place—and save her from the past.</p><p><em>What You Said to Me</em> is the fourth book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/313N3eY”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1 400=""><strong><span underline="">About the Author</span></strong></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie88GA3bLB3A_RfUJlMXtcbaMe0RYItrDGgEW6k5pnHQPMdemDBkue5PFk57cEKtZr4OAJlWJDYnLA3ST-ga4xLc3p4ES9lRULxvxH74TyiKgyHRJxBkUK7Vc78du3BNCEeWV3OTYtNDg/s1024/OliviaNewport-687x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="687" height="320" id="id_9c02_8b15_5197_68a2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie88GA3bLB3A_RfUJlMXtcbaMe0RYItrDGgEW6k5pnHQPMdemDBkue5PFk57cEKtZr4OAJlWJDYnLA3ST-ga4xLc3p4ES9lRULxvxH74TyiKgyHRJxBkUK7Vc78du3BNCEeWV3OTYtNDg/s320/OliviaNewport-687x1024.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 215px;" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Olivia</span></h1><p><strong>Careful Words</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>“You didn’t just say that.” Or, “I can’t believe you said that.”</p><p> </p><p>Have you ever said that in retort to someone whose comment offended or wounded? I know I have. But what cuts me even more deeply is when I say to <em>myself</em>, “I can’t believe <em>I</em> just said that.”</p><p> </p><p>The words of a parent at wit’s end, a spouse harboring hurt, a friend saddened by misunderstanding, an employee feeling undercut—they have all been my words. And they came out too fast to swallow back before they did their damage.</p><p> </p><p>I hope I have also had the words of a parent who set aside busyness to listen, a spouse offering loving encouragement, a friend checking in with someone going through a tough patch, a coworker curious to see how I could help rather than compete. Those are the kinds of words I’ve never regretted, never had to repent of, never had to do rebuild from.</p><p> </p><p>I certainly didn’t write <em>What You Said to Me</em> because I think I get it right all the time or even most of the time. Far from it! In our culture of rushing and achieving and—let’s face it, sometimes just getting through the demands of the day—sometimes our words are the last thing we are careful with. Yet they have the longest lasting consequence in our relationships and families—sometimes for generations. The dual-timeline story traces how words that injure became a pattern in one family line until one girl finally fought back to find healing for her future.</p><p> </p><p>My challenge for myself, and all who read <em>What You Said to Me</em>, is to be the person who speaks healing words of hope so that “I can’t believe you said that” becomes “Thank you for saying that.”</p><p> </p><p>If you have a particularly poignant experience of how another’s words impacted you, I’d love to hear from you.</p><p> </p><p>Olivia Newport</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://tabithabouldinauthorhome.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/vqh3hrhk55r78rsg/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWJpdGhhYm91bGRpbmF1dGhvcmhvbWUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620336">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/l2hehmhkgg79w9a6/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620337">deb's Book Review</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://remembrancy.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/m2h7h5hnrrzpw6cm/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW1lbWJyYW5jeS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620338">Remembrancy</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://margueritemartingray.blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/dpheh0h733ngrlum/aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXJndWVyaXRlbWFydGluZ3JheS5ibG9nLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620339">Connect in Fiction</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/e0hph7hnxxog5ra8/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620340">lakesidelivingsite</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/7qh7h8h4gg573xuz/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620341">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, November 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/owhkhqh8zzdv5etv/aHR0cDovL2ZhbWlseW1ncmtlbmRyYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; 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color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620346">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/58hvh7h9ee283ou6/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620348">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://mammalovesbooks.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/25h2hoho55wzlec3/aHR0cHM6Ly9tYW1tYWxvdmVzYm9va3MuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620349">Mamma Loves Books</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/qvh8h7h6xxp5e6fl/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVzZWZvcnRhbGVzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; 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color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620354">Hallie Reads</a>, November 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/48hvheh2oo8ewgfx/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620355">Older & Smarter?</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/wnh2hghozz6pm8f7/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620356">Texas Book-aholic</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/08hwh9h788r5nvil/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620358">Inklings and notions</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/8ghqhoh544nvwdik/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620359">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://chautona.com/what-you-said-to-me-review" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/e0hph7hnxxogmrt8/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF1dG9uYS5jb20vd2hhdC15b3Utc2FpZC10by1tZS1yZXZpZXc=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620364">The Write Escape</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/z2hghnhdggxv5gap/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620367">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/p8heh9h7vvo0mkbq/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620368">Blogging With Carol</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/kkhmh6h977vqresl/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620371">Mary Hake</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/25h2hoho55wz6ec3/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620373">For Him and My Family</a>, November 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/g3hnh5hzvvw5rehr/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620375">Artistic Nobody</a>, November 30 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/bettimace/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/3ohphkhdwwgl03br/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9iZXR0aW1hY2Uv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620377">Betti Mace</a>, December 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://worthy2read.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/wnh2hghozz6pn8f7/aHR0cDovL3dvcnRoeTJyZWFkLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620380">Worthy2Read</a>, December 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://allofakindmom.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/08hwh9h788r5vvtl/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGxvZmFraW5kbW9tLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620382">All-of-a-kind Mom</a>, December 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lotsofhelpers.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/m2h7h5hnrrzpv6bm/aHR0cHM6Ly9sb3Rzb2ZoZWxwZXJzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620386">Lots of Helpers</a>, December 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bigreadersite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/e0hph7hnxxog6ru8/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdyZWFkZXJzaXRlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620388">Bigreadersite</a>, December 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/7qh7h8h4gg57qxfz/aHR0cDovL21vbnRhbmFtYWRlLndlZWJseS5jb20vdGVsbC10YWxlLWJvb2stcmV2aWV3cw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620389">Tell Tale Book Reviews</a>, December 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandatero.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/owhkhqh8zzdvpeiv/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYXRlcm8uY29tL2Jsb2cv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620390">Amanda Tero, blog</a>, December 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/p8heh9h7vvo06kcq/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620392">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, December 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://litteraegaudium.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/6qheh8h2qqegr5ao/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620394">For the Love of Literature</a>, December 4</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz72q6fl/58hvh7h9ee28xoa6/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620396">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, December 4</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUk5C_IB2tPjOoGfW-hS3E2wddbdc_WmydTWSP-GQMb2e2OJQ-9R3Sq7kwFiTJS5FL4j8d7z1VempITrvc6DOBMBDgDVTtudt_bj7vtjhIntINNU9-TSuzC37cG-BzTe5U3KiOGaUIvU/s940/What+You+Said+to+Me+Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" id="id_f1f3_5495_83a2_d97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUk5C_IB2tPjOoGfW-hS3E2wddbdc_WmydTWSP-GQMb2e2OJQ-9R3Sq7kwFiTJS5FL4j8d7z1VempITrvc6DOBMBDgDVTtudt_bj7vtjhIntINNU9-TSuzC37cG-BzTe5U3KiOGaUIvU/s320/What+You+Said+to+Me+Giveaway.png" style="height: auto; width: 320px;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/103f1/what-you-said-to-me-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/103f1/what-you-said-to-me-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-46175568796256775552020-11-25T06:00:00.076-06:002020-11-25T06:00:00.495-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: Trouble Blows West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsN0usHfe5zrHXjQWLDr4nqk__kewpC8c-N7n4b9b4t8inxiYhMZ-IqNmYFJjKTH6d2lrAexp5QMlkuq764fhjYHIN4amtqKf6s1kmcGQixT3s9KmanZUX33A5rHo0c4foZcBxHCCHVT4/s851/Trouble-Blows-updated.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsN0usHfe5zrHXjQWLDr4nqk__kewpC8c-N7n4b9b4t8inxiYhMZ-IqNmYFJjKTH6d2lrAexp5QMlkuq764fhjYHIN4amtqKf6s1kmcGQixT3s9KmanZUX33A5rHo0c4foZcBxHCCHVT4/w640-h236/Trouble-Blows-updated.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><i>Trouble Blows West</i> is the second book in a series of middle-school books about an 11-year-old girl Ginnie West, her twin brother Toran, and her best friend Tillie. I didn't get to join the tour for the first book <i>The Secret Sisters Club</i>, but I bought and read it anyway so that I could know the full backstory. I'll be reviewing the third book <i>Simply West of Heaven</i> and the fourth book <i>Being West is Best</i> next week.</p><p center="">You don't have to read <i>The Secret Sisters Club</i> before reading <i>Trouble Blows West</i>, because <i>Trouble Blows West</i> stands well all by itself. This review is supposed to be about TBB, but I'll say quickly that I enjoyed TSSC. Ginnie and Tillie are opposites in personality but love each other dearly. I enjoy the family dynamics of the West family and was glad to see a family tree at the beginning because it's a little confusing. I think my daughter would enjoy reading it if I asked her to. (She, unfortunately, is more into screens than the printed word so she might not pick it up on her own.) Oh, and I really enjoyed the photos of the girls who represent Ginnie and Tillie. That was a really nice touch! I hope that will eventually be put into all of the books in this series.</p><p center=""><i>Trouble Blows West</i> was good, too. The child abuse was handled in an appropriate way. A couple of scenes still bothered me, but that kind of thing <u>always</u> bothers me - whether on TV or in a book or in a play. Knowing my daughter, I think she would be bothered by it as well, so I'm not sure I would give her this book. It's just a case of you have to know your child.</p><p center="">Ginnie shows her hot-head personality and turns into a bit of a brat, but her dad deals with it appropriately. She and Toran do show growth through the book and that's good to see. There are some good lessons in this book and it's a good story.</p><p center="">Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review <i>Trouble Blows West</i>. Keep reading to learn more about the book, the author, and to enter a great giveaway!</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsmfXUomd78i-Waf6sHZ9OU_wWjrgvaDgveTiIDVBcWtfRuxACU-K1QBkVYflpAljtZliiqP7kWovv4hAhSuimq8PxtcZt8YQzTEwP7DYOBpNMLtSn_x8JUAuTJYfiAnpDzdPB9dy7h0/s1024/TBW-COVER-book-2-b-2-673x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="673" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsmfXUomd78i-Waf6sHZ9OU_wWjrgvaDgveTiIDVBcWtfRuxACU-K1QBkVYflpAljtZliiqP7kWovv4hAhSuimq8PxtcZt8YQzTEwP7DYOBpNMLtSn_x8JUAuTJYfiAnpDzdPB9dy7h0/s320/TBW-COVER-book-2-b-2-673x1024.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Trouble Blows West</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Monique Bucheger</p><p><b>Genre: </b>Mid-grade, blended family, horses</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>April 13, 2012</p><p> </p><p>Putting her body in motion before her brain is in gear creates a mountain of problems for 12 year-old Ginnie West. She is certain that defending her twin brother, Toran, from the biggest bully in sixth grade was the right thing to do. But Ginnie couldn’t be more wrong. She quickly learns that Toran doesn’t appreciate being rescued by a girl any better than Pierce likes being knocked down by one.</p><p>When Pierce seeks revenge on Ginnie, Toran sets aside his anger and helps her plot a payback prank at Pierce’s house. Sadly, Ginnie learns that Pierce has a reason for being a bully when she sees his dad drop him to the floor like a ragdoll. Realizing he’s a boy in big trouble, Ginnie decides to be his ally, because he won’t let her be his friend.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/2H6K2mP”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1 400=""><strong><span underline="">About the Author</span></strong></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahj9bAq0iUIKunxC_dT-yDOGre2jaiV5K9jyVEAvSowjw53K3l8K1TG0PJhJ1jJ5Fiuog20xKcUe4gdJLSYn-nW1TsipGf4_MqLIxH_NLo-5e-nq2pkAjbddfbVCBRA8nEm-T-oKDfKo/s1024/Author-pic-aqua-768x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahj9bAq0iUIKunxC_dT-yDOGre2jaiV5K9jyVEAvSowjw53K3l8K1TG0PJhJ1jJ5Fiuog20xKcUe4gdJLSYn-nW1TsipGf4_MqLIxH_NLo-5e-nq2pkAjbddfbVCBRA8nEm-T-oKDfKo/s320/Author-pic-aqua-768x1024.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>When Monique isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events.</p><p>Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, twelve grand-darlings, too many cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of several books in three series and hopes to write many more.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Monique</span></h1><p>Hello Everybody,</p><p>I’d like to welcome you to the second book in my Ginnie West Adventure Series: <strong>Trouble Blows West.</strong> The journey to writing this book started a long time ago as a promise to my high school creative writing teacher, Mrs. Marion Joyce Johnson.</p><p>It took me longer than I planned to start the series, but has been a fun adventure.</p><p>Because Mrs. Johnson was such an inspiration to me, I made her a character in this book, <em>Trouble Blows West</em> to help my main character, Ginnie, nicknamed, “Trouble”, who gets into quite a pickle and needs a little help turning things around.</p><p>On page 2<strong>, </strong>Ginnie gets on the wrong side of the biggest bully in 6<sup>th</sup> grade. Pierce Owens goes after Ginnie’s twin brother, Toran. Ginnie knocks Pierce on his rear in front of the entire cafeteria—causing a big problem for Ginnie, Toran, and Pierce.</p><p>The bigger problem though, is the reader finds out fairly quickly that Pierce is being abused at home. Ginnie and Toran don’t find out right away—but when they do, they decide to be Pierce’s ally—because Pierce won’t let them be his friend.</p><p>My real-life teacher, Mrs. Johnson, used to speak with a cockney accent on occasion. She is American born, but was stationed in the United Kingdom with her husband and two sons, one of which is Astronaut, Col. (Retired USAF) Gregory H. Johnson, who piloted the Space Shuttle Endeavor twice.</p><p>I reached out to Greg earlier this year and he graciously met me on a zoom and has called and texted with me as I have revamped <em>Trouble Blows West</em>, into an audiobook with my very talented narrator, Hillary Straga. We decided to have Mrs. Johnson, the character, voiced with a cockney accent to make her “pop.”</p><p>Greg, his brother, Gary, and I talked on a number of occasions as I edited this book to make the character, Mrs. Johnson, an even more authentic representation of their mother. Part of that story is told in my expanded dedication of the book to Mrs. Johnson as well as in Col. Greg Johnson’s Foreword at the beginning of the book.</p><p><strong>Trouble Blows West </strong>explores the hard reality of child abuse in an age appropriate way. Several teachers have read this book with their classrooms and shared with me that they have had great conversations on all aspects of bullying and being bullied, as well as what to do if you suspect someone is being abused.</p><p>As a former foster mom of over 100 kids, part of the reason I write the Ginnie West series is to empower kids being abused as well as encourage kids and adults alike to know they have the power to change their own stars.</p><p>My hope is that the story presented in <em>Trouble Blows West</em> will spark the courage some need to let their voice be heard, to make a difference in their own life, or in the life of someone who needs some help.</p><p>And believe it or not, kindness and humor are powerful tools that make life worth living. If you have to choose between being kind or being right, choose kindness.</p><p>Laugh lots, love much, write on!</p><p>Monique Bucheger</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/owhkhqh8zzdvxeuv/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620366">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, November 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/6qheh8h2qqegz5uo/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620370">Blogging With Carol</a>, November 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/qvh8h7h6xxp5z6sl/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620374">Texas Book-aholic</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/48hvheh2oo8evgux/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620379">Inklings and notions</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/8ghqhoh544nvzdsk/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620383">Artistic Nobody</a>, November 23 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/dpheh0h733ngvlhm/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620387">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/25h2hoho55wz9ei3/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620397">For Him and My Family</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/9qhzhnh277rmwpt9/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620400">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://janemouttet.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/n2hohvhodd0pq6a6/aHR0cDovL2phbmVtb3V0dGV0LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620402">Library Lady's Kid Lit</a>, November 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://tabithabouldinauthorhome.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/48hvheh2oo8elgax/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWJpdGhhYm91bGRpbmF1dGhvcmhvbWUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620403">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/wnh2hghozz6p78h7/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620404">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/e0hph7hnxxogvra8/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620412">deb's Book Review</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/e0hph7hnxxogoec8/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620419">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, November 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/7qh7h8h4gg575psz/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620420">Mary Hake</a>, November 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/owhkhqh8zzdvd7sv/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620421">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, December 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/z2hghnhdggxvxdtp/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620422">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, December 2</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://vickysluitercom.wordpress.com/book-tours/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/zlukqdmnr3fnh5grvdip/6qheh8h2qqegelfo/aHR0cHM6Ly92aWNreXNsdWl0ZXJjb20ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS9ib29rLXRvdXJzLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337620425">Vicky Sluiter</a>, December 3</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE9QX4ni6SNQQoZWOJGux5bMqS6Cf78pMFdHfNqms9SAh4iet1iMdXBDijgvEqtPQzsDFlv6QobB6qZWyIrAWvN7azdYBOOXPwkCLrBbsqQ_8A-4ulHwSa2DgT1Sy0TepcherjXRXKMc/s1050/Gift+Certificate+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNE9QX4ni6SNQQoZWOJGux5bMqS6Cf78pMFdHfNqms9SAh4iet1iMdXBDijgvEqtPQzsDFlv6QobB6qZWyIrAWvN7azdYBOOXPwkCLrBbsqQ_8A-4ulHwSa2DgT1Sy0TepcherjXRXKMc/s320/Gift+Certificate+%25281%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Monique is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, or Kobo gift card!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/103ef/trouble-blows-west-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/103ef/trouble-blows-west-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-40173727544767479212020-11-20T06:00:00.102-06:002020-11-20T11:42:12.288-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: To Steal a Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0FiPe4cEOidXVpCVyPH06PcaR9EoyO_5f_rte5X7vfC1SC0MCuJ2azLCOhzi5TxkZ__lay2vJm7LBSB0U9lXGBubU-x5FurABc0399GksoUud_uCkfXcv4Q1h_YfooJ9JrzvBtetBK0/s851/to-steal-a-heart-banner-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0FiPe4cEOidXVpCVyPH06PcaR9EoyO_5f_rte5X7vfC1SC0MCuJ2azLCOhzi5TxkZ__lay2vJm7LBSB0U9lXGBubU-x5FurABc0399GksoUud_uCkfXcv4Q1h_YfooJ9JrzvBtetBK0/w640-h236/to-steal-a-heart-banner-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">I've been dealing with a sore throat and laryngitis for the past three days, but that did not stop me from laughing (sometimes out loud - well, in a whisper) and being riveted by this book! It is delightfully funny and I was amused the whole way through. The characters are fresh, unique, and believable without being silly. I also enjoyed the repartee and conversations - again, funny and believable. Even the animals were funny!! There were enough drama and intrigue to keep my interest, especially finding out Gabriella's and Nicholas' pasts. It ended like it should have and leaves room for more stories. I do hope the next books in the series come quickly. Although God was mentioned, it was not very often (not a bad thing - just don't expect much). Gabriella's change from skeptical disdain to realizing that God had a hand in her life was somewhat subtle in that when she did acknowledge His working in her life, it was somewhat surprising to read. The story is not quite 5 stars (although I will give it 5 stars because it's definitely more than 4 stars), but really really close, and I definitely want to read more of this series and by this author.</p><p center="">Celebrate Lit gave me the opportunity to receive, read, and review this book. Read on to learn more about the book, the author, and to enter a great giveaway!</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cg36BrvLqdsfmHHMZuT1T10zJs_y2aFmbk9a5xzgv-mCf4tXVdvRSnZQV3CGr2K32vE8n6ejCVMVGbWZz3oejV6Oc0e3Rq8kkPSLs44jGRcQ-dJywbj2UGgzz3b9w-TAkeNffPvXOc0/s1024/To-Steal-a-Heart-662x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cg36BrvLqdsfmHHMZuT1T10zJs_y2aFmbk9a5xzgv-mCf4tXVdvRSnZQV3CGr2K32vE8n6ejCVMVGbWZz3oejV6Oc0e3Rq8kkPSLs44jGRcQ-dJywbj2UGgzz3b9w-TAkeNffPvXOc0/s320/To-Steal-a-Heart-662x1024.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>To Steal A Heart</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Jen Turano</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Comedic Historical Romance</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong> November 2020</p><p>After spending her childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she’d put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. Using her old skills to prove her friend’s innocence, Gabriella unexpectedly encounters Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend–until he abandoned her.</p><p>After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agrees to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he’d be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.</p><p>As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/36Re5tV”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IWA5fIztlagxD79r5zP-4XfnTw70svKB4TgsFQIZJeWvL58XzEN_EdpMqSPT8nq8Dn3k2biiOl6iVmn4WQDI-mUWsftgvjN5XQ-8pZ0xmbaXXCSG71WhjhFd7tT-DHZZAyMFYRtrcDo/s435/Jen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="290" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IWA5fIztlagxD79r5zP-4XfnTw70svKB4TgsFQIZJeWvL58XzEN_EdpMqSPT8nq8Dn3k2biiOl6iVmn4WQDI-mUWsftgvjN5XQ-8pZ0xmbaXXCSG71WhjhFd7tT-DHZZAyMFYRtrcDo/s320/Jen.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p></div><div>Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by <i>Booklist</i>, <b>Jen Turano</b> is a <i>USA Today</i> bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned <i>Publishers Weekly</i> and <i>Booklist</i> starred reviews, top picks from <i>Romantic Times</i>, and praise from <i>Library Journal</i>. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from <i>Booklist</i>. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado.</div><div> </div><div> </div><h1><span underline="">More from Jen</span></h1><p>“To Steal a Heart” is the first book in a new series. How did you come up with the idea for this series?</p><p>Oddly enough, this series was inspired by a lot of different things. I keep this idea box, and whenever I stumble on something interesting, I throw the idea into the box. When I was getting ready to assemble a proposal for a new series, I took out the box and began rifling through it. Unfortunately, nothing struck my fancy. What did strike my fancy though, was the movie “My Fair Lady.” I’d recently watched it for the millionth time, and I thought…hmmm…what could I do with that? Well, I didn’t want to do a recreation of “My Fair Lady” and that’s when it hit me – what if I used a gentleman instead of a lady and improved his circumstances in life with the help of a professor? That wasn’t really enough, though, for me to formulate an entire series, but then I went to New York City for a research trip. While there, I roamed around Bleecker Street for hours. It was the perfect place to set a series, and then I saw this older building that my tour guide thought might have once been a boardinghouse. That was what really started me thinking, and before I knew it, I’d created an inquiry agency run by women that came about when a resident of a boardinghouse was unjustly accused of theft. When the police would not investigate further, believing they had the true culprit behind bars, the ladies who lived in the boardinghouse felt compelled to step up and clear their fellow boardinghouse resident of the charges brought against her. The series took off from there, the first book centering around one of the lady inquiry agents, Miss Gabriella Goodhue, who used to live on the mean streets of the Lower East Side and, at one point in her life, was best friends with Nicholas Quinn, the man who has now found his circumstances vastly improved from the time he knew Gabriella. Throwing the two of them back together made for an interesting storyline, especially since Gabriella believes Nicholas abandoned her all those years ago, which makes it next to impossible for her to trust him.</p><p> </p><p>Are there other interesting characters in this series?</p><p> </p><p>Of course. All of the lady inquiry agents come with their own secrets. Miss Daphne Beekman is a reclusive author who lives in the attic of the boardinghouse. She has the propensity to faint at the drop of a hat, which makes for a few amusing scenes in the first book. She’ll get her own story in “To Write a Wrong,” coming out later in 2021. Then there’s Eunice Holbrooke. She’s the owner of the boardinghouse, and she only wears full mourning garb, covering her face with numerous veils and refusing to speak to anyone about her past. Clearly, there’s a mystery just waiting to be solved there, one that will be solved in book three, which I’m just now beginning to work on. The other residents of the boardinghouse provide a lot of color to the story, from the two sisters who work as paid companions by day to gossip collectors and carriage drivers by night, to the resident artist, Miss Judith, who has recently decided to dip her toe into the portrait market even though she’s really not proficient with painting people. There’s also a one-eyed, patch-wearing dog by the name of Winston, a parrot that likes to nick sparkly items named Pretty Girl, and a neurotic poodle that falls for Winston that goes by the name of Precious.</p><p> </p><p>Did the pandemic affect the writing process at all for “To Steal a Heart?”</p><p> </p><p><strong></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqjk2wgXvbYNd00Gj4EWGRKmP5wc3DsFnaRUfY7qXUgSo55SLsacK1EkoOe7xzsnCceLRIqYfCc4GLLbwH_TYpgC9YDRJ_7xghjc-O0f8MK9ozrHtk6qIFtkniF2KTyHZo6Jz0jQTGIc/s300/she-shed-jen-225x300.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqjk2wgXvbYNd00Gj4EWGRKmP5wc3DsFnaRUfY7qXUgSo55SLsacK1EkoOe7xzsnCceLRIqYfCc4GLLbwH_TYpgC9YDRJ_7xghjc-O0f8MK9ozrHtk6qIFtkniF2KTyHZo6Jz0jQTGIc/s0/she-shed-jen-225x300.jpg" /></a></strong></div><strong><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></strong><p></p><p>Luckily, I had already turned in the book before the pandemic hit. With that said, though, I then had to do some of the edits during the first few months of the pandemic. That was interesting. I have very specific conditions I need in order to write and edit and having Al (the husband person) working from home isn’t one of those conditions. It took me far longer than it normally does to complete the editing process, which threw off my schedule for the next book in the series, “To Write a Wrong.” Drastic measures were needed. That’s why I’m now the proud owner of a she-shed. Al thought I was joking when I first broached the subject of a she-shed, but after I had my millionth meltdown, he decided that might be a really good idea. Turns out sheds are in high demand at the moment, so getting a shed in a timely fashion wasn’t possible. It took 6 weeks for us to get a shed delivered and then we had to frame the inside and put up a ceiling and walls. I was not actually very involved with that process because I’m a danger to everyone surrounding me when nail guns are being used. 🙂 I did paint the outside of the shed, then painted the inside. Of course the air conditioning unit I had to order was delayed, so I painted in 100 degree heat. Lost about five pounds doing that, so…unexpected bonus there. I just recently finished decorating the inside, and I’m typing this interview from my new space. I’m thinking I’m going to call it “Jen’s Novel Nook” but that might change, so don’t quote me on that.</p><p> </p><p>Anything else you’d like to add?</p><p> </p><p>Just that I hope everyone is surviving these crazy days. I know there are many people out there who are suffering from many different problems this pandemic has caused. Know that you’re not alone, and that brighter days will show up again. Until that time, try to remember to smile and, perhaps, read a few books.</p><p> </p><p>Wishing all of you the very best!</p><p> </p><p>Jen</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/m2h7h5hnrxm4qvum/aHR0cDovL2Jvb2t3b21hbmpvYW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207102">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, November 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://tonishiloh.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/dpheh0h73x8po6sm/aHR0cDovL3RvbmlzaGlsb2guY29tL2Jsb2c=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207103">Soulfully Romantic</a>, November 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.hebrews12endurance.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/owhkhqh8zegq6mtv/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5oZWJyZXdzMTJlbmR1cmFuY2UuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207106">Hebrews 12 Endurance</a>, November 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://blessedbookish.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/z2hghnhdgzplkqup/aHR0cHM6Ly9ibGVzc2VkYm9va2lzaC53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207107">Blessed & Bookish</a>, November 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/p8heh9h7vegq2qiq/aHR0cHM6Ly9yb2JpbnNuZXN0MjEyLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207108">Robin's Nest</a>, November 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://tabithabouldinauthorhome.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/6qheh8h2q4n954bo/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWJpdGhhYm91bGRpbmF1dGhvcmhvbWUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207110">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, November 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/kkhmh6h97p6x57il/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWJsaW9waGlsZWFuZGF2aWRyZWFkZXIuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207111">The Avid Reader</a>, November 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://losingthebusyness.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/08hwh9h784glxgfl/aHR0cHM6Ly9sb3Npbmd0aGVidXN5bmVzcy53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207122">Losing the Busyness</a>, November 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/8ghqhoh548qr39bk/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207123">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, November 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://shelivestoread.com/category/book-reviews/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/vqh3hrhk56ew48bg/aHR0cDovL3NoZWxpdmVzdG9yZWFkLmNvbS9jYXRlZ29yeS9ib29rLXJldmlld3Mv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207124">She Lives To Read</a>, November 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/l2hehmhkgp6x4qh6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaW5nc29mYXNhc3N5Ym9va2lzaG1hbWEuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207125">Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama</a>, November 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.wishfulendings.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/m2h7h5hnrxm49vam/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cud2lzaGZ1bGVuZGluZ3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207126">Wishful Endings</a>, November 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/dpheh0h73x8pk6bm/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207127">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, November 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/e0hph7hnxzqreoh8/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207128">Artistic Nobody</a>, November 20 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/7qh7h8h4gewn87tz/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207129">lakesidelivingsite</a>, November 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/owhkhqh8zegqnmuv/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207130">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, November 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://reviewingbooksplusmore.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/z2hghnhdgzpl7qap/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZXZpZXdpbmdib29rc3BsdXNtb3JlLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207131">Reviewingbooksplusmore</a>, November 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://chautona.com/to-steal-a-heart-review" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/p8heh9h7vegqdqtq/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF1dG9uYS5jb20vdG8tc3RlYWwtYS1oZWFydC1yZXZpZXc=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207132">The Write Escape</a>, November 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/6qheh8h2q4n9w4so/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207134">Older & Smarter?</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://abbasprayerwarriorprincess.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/qvh8h7h6x3ok24il/aHR0cHM6Ly9hYmJhc3ByYXllcndhcnJpb3JwcmluY2Vzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207138">Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.christianbookaholic.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/3ohphkhdw84p9nbr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jaHJpc3RpYW5ib29rYWhvbGljLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207141">Christian Bookaholic</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/48hvheh2o36xq0sx/aHR0cDovL2ZhbWlseW1ncmtlbmRyYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207143">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://christianfictiongirl.blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/reh8hoh58pw6vmu2/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaHJpc3RpYW5maWN0aW9uZ2lybC5ibG9nLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207145">The Christian Fiction Girl</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/vqh3hrhk56ew38cg/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207148">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://miareadsblog.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/l2hehmhkgp6xvqs6/aHR0cHM6Ly9taWFyZWFkc2Jsb2cud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207149">Mia Reads</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://michelledebruin.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/dpheh0h73x8pw6cm/aHR0cHM6Ly9taWNoZWxsZWRlYnJ1aW4uY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207151">Writing from the Heart Land</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/bettimace/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/owhkhqh8zegqlmiv/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9iZXR0aW1hY2Uv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207154">Betti Mace</a>, November 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/p8heh9h7vegq5quq/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207156">Inklings and notions</a>, November 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/x0hph6h7gm9qd4i5/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207157">Blogging With Carol</a>, November 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lifeofliterature.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/6qheh8h2q4n964fo/aHR0cHM6Ly9saWZlb2ZsaXRlcmF0dXJlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207158">Life of Literature</a>, November 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/kkhmh6h97p6x27cl/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207159">Texas Book-aholic</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://dkstevens.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/g3hnh5hzv26qknir/aHR0cHM6Ly9ka3N0ZXZlbnMud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207163">D'S QUILTS & BOOKS</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://southerngallovestoread.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/9qhzhnh278z5l3h9/aHR0cDovL3NvdXRoZXJuZ2FsbG92ZXN0b3JlYWQuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207164">Southern Gal Loves to Read</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://batyasbits.home.blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/3ohphkhdw84pnncr/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYXR5YXNiaXRzLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207165">Batya's Bits</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://joannemarkey.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/n2hohvhod467kof6/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2FubmVtYXJrZXkuY29tL2Jsb2cv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207166">Joanne Markey's blog</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/48hvheh2o36xn0fx/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207167">For Him and My Family</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://insidethewongmind.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/wnh2hghozdx03wc7/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnNpZGV0aGV3b25nbWluZC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207168">Inside the Wong Mind</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/reh8hoh58pw6ema2/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207169">Mary Hake</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/08hwh9h784glkgil/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207170">Godly Book Reviews</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://mypreciousbitsandmusings.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/8ghqhoh548qrx9hk/aHR0cHM6Ly9teXByZWNpb3VzYml0c2FuZG11c2luZ3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207171">Mypreciousbitsandmusings</a>, November 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://empowermoms.net/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/vqh3hrhk56ewd8ig/aHR0cDovL2VtcG93ZXJtb21zLm5ldC8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207172">EmpowerMoms</a>, November 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/l2hehmhkgp6xzqf6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1vZGVybmRheWZhaXJ5dGFsZS5uZXQv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207173">A Modern Day Fairy Tale</a>, November 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://novelscorner.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/m2h7h5hnrxm47vum/aHR0cHM6Ly9ub3ZlbHNjb3JuZXIud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207174">Novels Corner</a>, November 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/7qh7h8h4gewnm7sz/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207177">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://connieshistoryclassroom.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/owhkhqh8zegq7mbv/aHR0cDovL2Nvbm5pZXNoaXN0b3J5Y2xhc3Nyb29tLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207178">Connie's History Classroom</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://captivedreamswindow.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/z2hghnhdgzpl8qup/aHR0cHM6Ly9jYXB0aXZlZHJlYW1zd2luZG93LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207179">Captive Dreams Window</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bookofruthann.com/en/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/25h2hoho5x4mo2i3/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29rb2ZydXRoYW5uLmNvbS9lbi8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207192">Book of Ruth Ann</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/g3hnh5hzv26qz6sr/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207194">deb's Book Review</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/reh8hoh58pw65zh2/aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9zc29tc2FuZGJsZXNzaW5ncy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207200">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://daysongreflections.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/8ghqhoh548qr56ik/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXlzb25ncmVmbGVjdGlvbnMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207202">Daysong Reflections</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bigreadersite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/g3hnh5hzv26qe6fr/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdyZWFkZXJzaXRlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207218">Bigreadersite</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.jodiewolfe.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/48hvheh2o36x0vcx/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuam9kaWV3b2xmZS5jb20vYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207222">Jodie Wolfe - Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/58hvh7h9ewk6m5u6/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207239">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/3ohphkhdw84p7vbr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207244">Splashes of Joy</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/dpheh0h73x8p0xum/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmF2ZWxpbmd3aWZlNGxpZmUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207254">Adventures of a Travelers Wife</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.simpleharvestreads.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/e0hph7hnxzqr0xc8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2ltcGxlaGFydmVzdHJlYWRzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207255">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, November 29 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://vickysluitercom.wordpress.com/book-tours/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/7qh7h8h4gewn9viz/aHR0cHM6Ly92aWNreXNsdWl0ZXJjb20ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS9ib29rLXRvdXJzLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207256">Vicky Sluiter</a>, November 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/z2hghnhdgzplektp/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207258">Pause for Tales</a>, November 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://cheriswalwell.com/2020/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/6qheh8h2q4n9ldho/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGVyaXN3YWx3ZWxsLmNvbS8yMDIwLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207261">Spoken from the Heart</a>, November 30</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/75un2e0935s8hdxr3mcz/58hvh7h9ewk6g5a6/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYWdlYnlwYWdlYm9va2J5Ym9vay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207263">Hallie Reads</a>, November 30</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47me7SNPeYrFBIKR5c6dagmVYAksa-J16EC02xsfHt3EefkefJeus8_g-R8973LqOYiQsJ6uweVY-X_mnNXhJ7l7EP8Xtsy4fnipcRBT2oQBWCe-8cUGWrvrH1VX0wrvMKqGcVu1u0bw/s940/To+Steal+a+Heart+Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47me7SNPeYrFBIKR5c6dagmVYAksa-J16EC02xsfHt3EefkefJeus8_g-R8973LqOYiQsJ6uweVY-X_mnNXhJ7l7EP8Xtsy4fnipcRBT2oQBWCe-8cUGWrvrH1VX0wrvMKqGcVu1u0bw/s320/To+Steal+a+Heart+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away the grand prize package of copy of To Steal a Heart, plus all three books in the American Heiresses series and a 30 second mystery kit (Link: https://amzn.to/3nqrIpC)!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/103a4/to-steal-a-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/103a4/to-steal-a-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-11290163599428562702020-11-19T20:00:00.056-06:002020-11-19T20:00:00.327-06:00Book Review: Saving Mount Rushmore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qN5denTY-L_H4agVczRhWJKqT7b5hWcyCuMsQ8djCVp201U0LCYy-agMRYgBWp6rp0sPG5n4LNE3zjmoXSTSJ7CEetetD0tKt1-wGcEZ_dEOJIbOOcUUmdIjx69lKwnQWl0jKaMDvK8/s851/Saving-Mount-Rushmore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qN5denTY-L_H4agVczRhWJKqT7b5hWcyCuMsQ8djCVp201U0LCYy-agMRYgBWp6rp0sPG5n4LNE3zjmoXSTSJ7CEetetD0tKt1-wGcEZ_dEOJIbOOcUUmdIjx69lKwnQWl0jKaMDvK8/w640-h236/Saving-Mount-Rushmore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">When I was growing up, I cultivated a love for reading, and while devouring books, I learned a lot even through fiction. Books like <i>The Happy Hollister</i> series and even the <i>Nancy Drew</i> books not only offered an interesting story but also the opportunity to learn about other places. I have since learned that these types of books can be called living books (according to the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education). If you are interested in homeschooling, that's a fun rabbit trail to research.</p><p center=""><i>Saving Mount Rushmore</i> is a good example of a living book. It combines a touch of fantasy, suspense, and learning about a real place which just so happens to be one of our nation's treasures. In the story, the main character John is bummed to learn he has to spend the summer with his aunt while his parents are away for work. That attitude quickly changes when he is thrust into an adventure saving Mount Rushmore from attack by nefarious kids who work for an unknown boss. John goes from missing his friend and family to becoming part of an important team with new friends. The story is interesting and engaging. At times, it gets a little too wordy with description, but overall, I like the book and I want to read the sequel <i>Saving the Statue of Liberty</i>.</p><p center="">I was offered the opportunity to read and review this book by Celebrate Lit. I wish I had remembered earlier that this was written for a middle grade audience. I would have either read it aloud to Gracie or had her read it and write a review for my blog. Gracie and I both want to visit New York City someday so we may read the sequel together pretty soon. </p><p center="">One more thing: I'm pretty particular about what I read and what I let Gracie read. (We don't do Harry Potter, for example.) Even though this book has a touch of fantasy, there is <u>nothing</u> in the book that I would be worried about. I had forgotten that I was a little concerned about the mention of special talents when I was introduced to the book, but I decided to give the book a try....because of Mount Rushmore. All of the talents mentioned are special gifts that real children and adults can have: an affinity for history, a knack for code-cracking, and superior observation skills. I can recommend this book to any parent without reservation.</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYLvnXOx851Up-ynzkETkIgVQv_0tYHAWwjq96g1rY58pEy7IcbGm38JqKFb9Z3a81eoxgQueh58Md-h8l5PnLSZnbqCPryegaiCSwqVIfNU1_4DWN95MTaYcHuH1PX5WtHiHC88-hes/s1024/saving-mount-rushmore-1600x2400-683x1024.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYLvnXOx851Up-ynzkETkIgVQv_0tYHAWwjq96g1rY58pEy7IcbGm38JqKFb9Z3a81eoxgQueh58Md-h8l5PnLSZnbqCPryegaiCSwqVIfNU1_4DWN95MTaYcHuH1PX5WtHiHC88-hes/s320/saving-mount-rushmore-1600x2400-683x1024.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Saving Mount Rushmore</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Andrea Jo Rodgers</p><p><b>Genre: </b>Christian Nonfiction</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>April 15, 2018</p><p>When John Jenkins’ parents ship him off to stay with his aunt, he’s certain it will be the worst summer ever—until he learns he’s been accepted into a top-secret school. St. Michael’s Academy is home to gifted students with extraordinary talents. Although John has no idea why he’s there, he’s assigned to Team Liberty, who assist authorities with solving low-level crimes. Their first mission: stop a trio of mischief-making teens from vandalizing Mount Rushmore. John battles feelings of inferiority as he and Team Liberty compete against Devlin Black and his cronies to track down clues and solve puzzles at Mount Rushmore. Along the way, John makes several key contributions, and his self-confidence grows. When he discovers he was admitted to the school due to a clerical error, he’s mortified. Now, he’s strictly an “observer” until the mission’s end. But when his teammates run into trouble, John must summon up the courage to save Mount Rushmore, and he learns an invaluable lesson: every person has special God-given gifts—including him.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/36Ho58K”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-DfIRN0tgUfRwVmR7WVjlY593-OgT2ym7-kI9q5lHrRUmuHHlFrSmeTY6a08sm7vfkioSqZ5TCX0svxDgONOpybNLb4dQYCbO12CcAVopo53YvcBfw5ZorlbRhMSc0UjmGVcBrTbmUI/s425/AndreaJoRodgers-340x425-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-DfIRN0tgUfRwVmR7WVjlY593-OgT2ym7-kI9q5lHrRUmuHHlFrSmeTY6a08sm7vfkioSqZ5TCX0svxDgONOpybNLb4dQYCbO12CcAVopo53YvcBfw5ZorlbRhMSc0UjmGVcBrTbmUI/s320/AndreaJoRodgers-340x425-1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Andrea Jo Rodgers is the author of award-winning Christian middle grade fiction as well as inspirational adult nonfiction novels. She holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and specializes in women’s health, orthopedics, and lymphedema. She has served her community as a volunteer emergency medical technician for over thirty years, responding to more than 8,200 first aid and fire calls. She lives on the east coast with her husband, two children, and their two rescue dogs, a Shih Tzu and a Dachshund.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Andrea</span></h1><p><strong>Can John embrace his God-given gifts in time to save Mount Rushmore?</strong></p><p>Have you ever admired the extraordinary talent of another person? Perhaps you enjoyed listening to someone belt out a spellbinding rendition of your favorite song at church or a concert. Or, maybe you have dreamed that you’d gain the same athletic prowess of a professional sports player.</p><p>The amazing gifts of others can take many forms. These gifts may be linked with intelligence, such as an aptitude for math and engineering. They may reflect the beauty of the arts through singing, dancing, or painting. Certain individuals may dazzle the people around them with incredible athletic talents, from gold-medal Olympians to professional baseball, football, and basketball players.</p><p>Most people consider extraordinary talents to be God-given gifts. They allow people to stand out and shine among others. However, do each of us need a breathtaking talent to be considered special?</p><p>In <em>Saving Mount Rushmore</em>, John Jenkins, an awkward thirteen-year-old teenager, is unexpectedly chosen to attend Saint Michael the Archangel Academy. The top-secret school’s mission is to protect our nation by assisting authorities in solving crimes. Since the academy is for students with extraordinary abilities, John is puzzled as to why he’s been accepted. After all, he’s an average teen without any notable gifts.</p><p>While working with Team Liberty to save Mount Rushmore from Devlin Black and Team Mischief, John struggles to discover his special gifts. He’s mortified when he discovers that he’s been accepted to the academy due to a clerical error. He becomes strictly an “observer” until the mission’s end. But when his teammates run into trouble, John must summon up the courage to try to save Mount Rushmore. He learns that every person has special God-given gifts—including him.</p><p>I came up with the idea for <em>Saving Mount Rushmore</em> while in the airport, just before our plane departed for the famous landmark. I wrote feverishly the entire flight, and the first chapters were born. <em>Saving Mount Rushmore </em>is a middle grade novel which combines information about Mount Rushmore, adventure, and Christian values. My goal was to write an exciting, fun, educational book for middle grade readers that incorporates Christian values into the fabric of the story. John and his friends have an opportunity to save another national monument in the sequel, <em>Saving the Statue of Liberty</em>. I hope you celebrate our country’s heritage by joining John and Team Liberty in their adventures.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/6qheh8h2q48n9vuo/aHR0cDovL2Jvb2t3b21hbmpvYW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312352">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, November 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://litteraegaudium.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/58hvh7h9ewdk6nc6/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312354">For the Love of Literature</a>, November 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/qvh8h7h6x3mok2al/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWJsaW9waGlsZWFuZGF2aWRyZWFkZXIuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312356">The Avid Reader</a>, November 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/g3hnh5hzv286qkbr/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312357">Texas Book-aholic</a>, November 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/9qhzhnh278vz52a9/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312358">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, November 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/3ohphkhdw854pqcr/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312359">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/n2hohvhod49673i6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312360">For Him and My Family</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/wnh2hghozd2x0xt7/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312362">Mary Hake</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/8ghqhoh5486qrwbk/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312365">Older & Smarter?</a>, November 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://janemouttet.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/3ohphkhdw854kqir/aHR0cHM6Ly9qYW5lbW91dHRldC53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312383">Library Lady's Kid Lit</a>, November 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/08hwh9h7846gpqbl/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312388">Inklings and notions</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/8ghqhoh5486q7wfk/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312389">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/l2hehmhkgpm6d2c6/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312391">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://vickysluitercom.wordpress.com/book-tours/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/m2h7h5hnrx6mlzam/aHR0cHM6Ly92aWNreXNsdWl0ZXJjb20ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS9ib29rLXRvdXJzLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312392">Vicky Sluiter</a>, November 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/e0hph7hnxz3qd3h8/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312394">deb's Book Review</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/7qh7h8h4ge2wxrhz/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zaW1wbGVoYXJ2ZXN0cmVhZHMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312395">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, November 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/owhkhqh8zemg0qiv/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312396">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/z2hghnhdgz2pmmap/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312397">Artistic Nobody</a>, November 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://captivedreamswindow.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/p8heh9h7vewgpehq/aHR0cDovL2NhcHRpdmVkcmVhbXN3aW5kb3cud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312398">Captive Dreams Window</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/x0hph6h7gmv94gu5/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312399">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, November 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/6qheh8h2q48n4vco/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312400">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, December 1</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/r8upndg7q4uohkp50mt2/kkhmh6h97p06pdul/aHR0cDovL2Jsb3Nzb21zYW5kYmxlc3NpbmdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337312401">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, December 1</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW8zOzv3k_1Tpn5Z688b9NZlPtDys7tTobsCOiuA61piC8t8XCre3AwRyDGfYGV73HjoreFd9gkYy3iqpIgVsfFqhBQCw97hulrqrbGnX4zpT_tOB3bq8Fvd7IEWgvDOrnlWM5Z6eyLQ/s940/Saving+Mount+Rushmore+Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW8zOzv3k_1Tpn5Z688b9NZlPtDys7tTobsCOiuA61piC8t8XCre3AwRyDGfYGV73HjoreFd9gkYy3iqpIgVsfFqhBQCw97hulrqrbGnX4zpT_tOB3bq8Fvd7IEWgvDOrnlWM5Z6eyLQ/s320/Saving+Mount+Rushmore+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of Saving Mount Rushmore: Saint Michael the Archangel Academy, Mission 1 as well as a $25 Amazon gift card!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/103a5/saving-mount-rushmore-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/103a5/saving-mount-rushmore-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-32766167654867258382020-11-18T06:00:00.098-06:002020-11-18T06:00:06.476-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: Her Merriweather Hero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtoPmEydzeeFqH2L250iND3Y5rUrS7fc1F47Yj_GigqLjAERN3r9V_tCgP7eG-zhNcGF2VMXBNrohCwLBYlO8TGZeixg4_Vt16gfGf3Qc2HP2zGQPRidmVp_p9sg6v1faE50y4qCq5Zs/s851/her-merriweather-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtoPmEydzeeFqH2L250iND3Y5rUrS7fc1F47Yj_GigqLjAERN3r9V_tCgP7eG-zhNcGF2VMXBNrohCwLBYlO8TGZeixg4_Vt16gfGf3Qc2HP2zGQPRidmVp_p9sg6v1faE50y4qCq5Zs/w640-h237/her-merriweather-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">I know I've said it before, but I really like the Independence Islands series! It's one of the fictional places that I wish I could visit in real life. I have also always wanted to ride a ferry.</p><p center="">This book in the series is about a young lady Kendall, who along with her younger sister Carly, starts a mobile veterinarian business on Merriweather Island. Their brother, who also loved animals, had died unexpectedly sometime previously and, in honor of him, Carly became a veterinarian assistant. Carly is somewhat of a party girl, mostly because she is newly free and independent and like most young people, wants to have fun. Kendall is several years older (and wiser) and has her hands full: "<i>Tyler had let her down, Carly was being a jerk, her mother was still breathing down her neck even from hundreds of miles away and now she'd have to spend more money she didn't have on roof repairs.</i>"</p><p center="">Tyler is a very strong and loyal man -- loyal to his sister's family and the memory of his brother-in-law who was killed in action. Tyler was injured in the same battle that killed his brother-in-law and came home to recover, care for his sister and her family, and get ready to go back into the military in order to finish what he started. He and Kendall both are very high-character people, very admirable. However, due to a real-to-life conflict, neither are sure if they will continue being a couple.</p><p center="">Besides the characters and the settings, I also enjoyed the faith element of this book. </p><blockquote><p center=""><i>"Yeah, I guess the image of the anchor really stuck with her. She said of all the people who'd tried to talk to her about God, your explanation made the most impact. I believe it, too. Whatever life throws our way or whatever storm comes to wreak havoc in our lives, God is always there holding on to us. He'll never let us go, no matter what."</i></p></blockquote><p>That quote is a great reminder! Later it proves to be an encouragement to Kendall:</p><blockquote><p><i>"But that isn't going to stop me from doing what I know is right. Know why?" She looked up at him again, fighting tears. 'Why?' 'Because I know a God who's bigger than my fear. He's my anchor and protector.' "</i></p></blockquote><p>And then later:</p><blockquote><p><i>"We can't control what the future holds. That's up to God. But we can make the most of every moment He gives us."</i> </p></blockquote><p>Celebrate Lit offered me the opportunity to receive this book and review it. I'm glad I did! Keep reading to learn more about the book, the author, and to enter a great giveaway!</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEn8tMGi1FRLsLcxetJAR6ErmdEVMt3NvINFwM7V_QYL0IAJO6XXuD2yIAwVO1JcLeVr2b6YIAbqv7prrHfwXoF132BXPLJ6SAroUBoWrIn2jh7zoxwDnOGxbK7fIJBo4Bj0zP30b_AU/s612/SKATVOLD-Her-Merriweather-Hero-sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEn8tMGi1FRLsLcxetJAR6ErmdEVMt3NvINFwM7V_QYL0IAJO6XXuD2yIAwVO1JcLeVr2b6YIAbqv7prrHfwXoF132BXPLJ6SAroUBoWrIn2jh7zoxwDnOGxbK7fIJBo4Bj0zP30b_AU/s320/SKATVOLD-Her-Merriweather-Hero-sm.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Her Merriweather Hero</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Rachel Skatvold</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian Contemporary Romance</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong> October 27, 2020</p><h4> </h4><p><em>He just wanted a place to rest and recuperate.</em></p><p>She only needed a repairman to help fix up her beach house.</p><p>For marine sergeant, Tyler Banner, nothing could be further from the memories of his time in Iraq than the slow, easy pace on Merriweather Island. Taking up a job as a physical trainer serves to keep him in shape while he enjoys a little downtime. Making friends with the local vet—<em>veterinarian,</em> that is—on his morning jog is just a bonus.</p><p>When Kendall’s sister tricked her into recruiting Tyler’s help one day, she didn’t fortify herself against a breach to her heart. Making friends with the marine was easy, but helping him overcome the PTSD that holds him captive isn’t. As she picks her way across a minefield of memories and horrors Tyler endured, Kendall begins to hope he could be the man she’s prayed for.</p><p>Falling in love wasn’t in Tyler’s orders, but a new deployment to Iraq is. How can he convince Kendall not to go AWOL when she hears? What can he do to convince her that they’ll make it… together?</p><p>This “Merriweather book” is the fourth in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/2FadNmk”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWON63eUs_KA16VU10U_Hi8AT2sCy7bhNLSO6va7I9-z5XBdPyNkHUE4QCMlcRmo9CnJ1af_LUIB1XmOQuY5F-MhkdlNhzW81ncfXTODzCNgEAw4OXd04GyPQeHP_RfnCytv6A4TtqWUg/s1024/Author-Photo-2019-768x1024.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWON63eUs_KA16VU10U_Hi8AT2sCy7bhNLSO6va7I9-z5XBdPyNkHUE4QCMlcRmo9CnJ1af_LUIB1XmOQuY5F-MhkdlNhzW81ncfXTODzCNgEAw4OXd04GyPQeHP_RfnCytv6A4TtqWUg/s320/Author-Photo-2019-768x1024.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on 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, Brides of Pelican Rapids and Independence Island 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: <a data-saferedirecturl="”https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.rachelskatvold.com&source=gmail&ust=1596271497836000&usg=AFQjCNElw1sJneSwNKYjhmi86tjtGfY7Pw”" href="”http://www.rachelskatvold.com”" rel="”noopener”" target="”_blank”">www.rachelskatvold.com</a>.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Rachel</span></h1><p>Her Merriweather Hero has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding stories I have written. Often when I am starting a new book, I immerse myself in the world-building process, which involves a lot of research and notetaking. This time around, I had the amazing opportunity to work with Celebrate Lit and the authors in the Independence Islands Series to map out these beautiful island stories. It has been an exciting journey so far.</p><p> </p><p>This story was inspired by my parents who met through letters while my dad was in the Marine Corps. They both came from different backgrounds, with my mom being from Massachusetts and my dad from a small town in Iowa, but their differences didn’t stop them from falling in love. For Her Merriweather Hero, I used themes of opposites attracting, New England, and the Marine Corps from my parent’s love story.</p><p> </p><p>Kendall is a young veterinarian who moves to the Independence Islands with her sister to start a new mobile clinic. There, she meets Sergeant Tyler Banner who is on medical leave after a tour overseas. She tries to avoid Tyler at first, determined to concentrate on making her business a success, but over time she can’t ignore the handsome military guy who keeps ‘accidently’ crossing her path. It doesn’t help he lives a few doors down from her fixer-upper beach house. Can she continue to try to ignore him or is it true that opposites attract?</p><p> </p><p>This romantic island tale is also inspired by the verses from Hebrews 6:18-19 which describe God as our anchor. The characters feel tossed around by waves of difficulties at certain parts of the story, but He is always the anchor who keeps them secured.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/58hvh7h9ewk6x4f6/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207421">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, November 16</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://daysongreflections.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/g3hnh5hzv26qw7tr/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXlzb25ncmVmbGVjdGlvbnMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207424">Daysong Reflections</a>, November 16</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/9qhzhnh278z5rqc9/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207425">Texas Book-aholic</a>, November 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/n2hohvhod4670gh6/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207427">lakesidelivingsite</a>, November 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/08hwh9h784glrmtl/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207431">Inklings and notions</a>, November 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/l2hehmhkgp6x76s6/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207434">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, November 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://joannemarkey.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/m2h7h5hnrxm4zetm/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2FubmVtYXJrZXkuY29tL2Jsb2cv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207435">Joanne Markey</a>, November 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/dpheh0h73x8pnrhm/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207436">For Him and My Family</a>, November 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://emily-yager.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/e0hph7hnxzqroms8/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbWlseS15YWdlci5jb20vYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207437">Emily Yager</a>, November 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/z2hghnhdgzplxxap/aHR0cDovL2ZhbWlseW1ncmtlbmRyYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207440">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, November 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/x0hph6h7gm9q0vs5/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207442">deb's Book Review</a>, November 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/kkhmh6h97p6xvxbl/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207444">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://storiesbygina.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/qvh8h7h6x3okpxbl/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207447">Gina Holder, Author and Blogger</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bookkisses.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/9qhzhnh278z5mqf9/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29ra2lzc2VzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207449">Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses</a>, November 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/n2hohvhod467pgs6/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207451">Artistic Nobody</a>, November 22 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://rebeccatews.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/wnh2hghozdx0p3b7/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZWJlY2NhdGV3cy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20vP209MQ==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207453">Rebecca Tews</a>, November 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/08hwh9h784gl5mul/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207455">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, November 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.thecafescholar.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/8ghqhoh548qrvlck/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhlY2FmZXNjaG9sYXIuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207456">The Cafe Scholar</a>, November 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/m2h7h5hnrxm4peum/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207459">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/7qh7h8h4gewn7qaz/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmF2ZWxpbmd3aWZlNGxpZmUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207462">Adventures of a Travelers Wife</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/owhkhqh8zegqv9av/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb25mZXNzaW9uc29mYWJvb2t3b3Jtd2ViLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207463">The Meanderings of a Bookworm</a>, November 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://arynthelibraryan.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/58hvh7h9ewk684h6/aHR0cDovL2FyeW50aGVsaWJyYXJ5YW4uY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207469">Aryn The Libraryan 📚</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://shelivestoread.com/category/book-reviews/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/qvh8h7h6x3ok5xil/aHR0cDovL3NoZWxpdmVzdG9yZWFkLmNvbS9jYXRlZ29yeS9ib29rLXJldmlld3Mv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207471">She Lives To Read</a>, November 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/g3hnh5hzv26q87ar/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zaW1wbGVoYXJ2ZXN0cmVhZHMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207472">Simple Harvst Reads</a>, November 26 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.livinlit.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/9qhzhnh278z5vqh9/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5saXZpbmxpdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207473">Livin’ Lit</a>, November 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/3ohphkhdw84p52cr/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207474">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://rebekahreadslit.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/n2hohvhod4679gs6/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZWJla2FocmVhZHNsaXQuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207475">Rebekah Reads</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://margueritemartingray.blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/48hvheh2o36xdqfx/aHR0cDovL21hcmd1ZXJpdGVtYXJ0aW5ncmF5LmJsb2cv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207476">Connect in Fiction</a>, November 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/wnh2hghozdx023b7/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207477">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.authorswilliams.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/reh8hoh58pw6l5h2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hdXRob3Jzd2lsbGlhbXMud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207478">Life, Love, Writing</a>, November 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/08hwh9h784gl6mfl/aHR0cDovL2Jsb3Nzb21zYW5kYmxlc3NpbmdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207479">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, November 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://batyasbits.home.blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/vqh3hrhk56ew9obg/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYXR5YXNiaXRzLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207481">Batya's Bits</a>, November 29</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hrpnrzcq/l2hehmhkgp6xm6h6/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1337207482">Godly Book Reviews</a>, November 29</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_5y2vg02kxEnnTIwYM51ZuOcxqPDCC5uzmADGYmuwJprX_x0GY1YqSZMasxW4GqsbcmSdLZJOk2vFMBHlKbmuLPCYlbmx1sWBiVHwVM_FzeaPq0lma5x0ubAVwISwA6Z_Dok9aRwDiY/s940/Her+Merriweather+Hero+Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_5y2vg02kxEnnTIwYM51ZuOcxqPDCC5uzmADGYmuwJprX_x0GY1YqSZMasxW4GqsbcmSdLZJOk2vFMBHlKbmuLPCYlbmx1sWBiVHwVM_FzeaPq0lma5x0ubAVwISwA6Z_Dok9aRwDiY/s320/Her+Merriweather+Hero+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/103a0/her-merriweather-hero-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/103a0/her-merriweather-hero-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-67797976960866407532020-11-10T06:00:00.118-06:002020-11-17T12:32:21.334-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: Desire of the Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmkUv9MZU47sXL6oIg7MTa6_VVfzLnfOfotyYRCAP5MDIbJI4aU4Ngaw1u88dfAJ6E5a0uisOtPoK6xchxHDLXMyc5udb8ciyTpchhdXBbIdGF19NhDiDFB8C3TZLpZOuRyl4LKaW2f4/s851/Desire-of-the-heart-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmkUv9MZU47sXL6oIg7MTa6_VVfzLnfOfotyYRCAP5MDIbJI4aU4Ngaw1u88dfAJ6E5a0uisOtPoK6xchxHDLXMyc5udb8ciyTpchhdXBbIdGF19NhDiDFB8C3TZLpZOuRyl4LKaW2f4/w640-h237/Desire-of-the-heart-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p center="">In less than a month, my husband and I will celebrate our 13th anniversary. We married after knowing each other and courting by long distance (Indiana and Tennessee) for one year. Something that probably most people probably do not know is that our kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Kinsey was literally our first kiss together. Not only that but we dated in public and/or with a chaperone and did not even ride in the same car together by ourselves. When we asked my mom to ride with us to and from my family reunion (when Robert met a lot of my mom's side of the family), she laughed at the thought of being a chaperone for grown adults who had been independent for 10-20+ years, but good-naturedly complied. Extreme? Yes, but it kept us from making mistakes we would regret later and kept our testimonies intact.</p><p center="">I found it very interesting that <i>Desire of the Heart</i> by Anne Perreault had the theme of saving PDA and more for after marriage. Cady Jackson was reared very strictly by her parents and clung to the same guidelines that her parents <strike>shoved down her throat</strike> taught her. Grant McClintoch, who became a Christian as a young adult, respected her boundaries. OK, I have to say that my snarky little "shoved down her throat" was probably a little unkind, but that was the impression I got from her parents -- that they were authoritarian to the extreme. I know they were well-meaning -- what parents do not want to teach their children principles that will protect them? -- but they really came across as over-the-top crazy strict with little feelings for their daughter. That's probably my biggest complaint about the book. I know these people exist (not her parents, but other real people), but I wish we could have seen a little bit more caring humanity from them before experiencing the harshness. On a positive note, it helps me to know how NOT to teach and rear my daughter.</p><p center="">I really loved the setting of the book. That was what lured me into choosing this book to review. Celebrate Lit kindly gave me a copy to read. I have never been to Yellowstone National Park, but I would love to go. I was surprised to find out that the author has not been there; the descriptions made it feel like I was there with Cady and Grant. I enjoyed the characters and their personalities. Cady, while coming across as naive (which she is to some degree) also has great inner strength that comes out later. Grant overcomes heartache in the book and proves himself to be a man of integrity and wisdom. I really liked what he said to Cady about her parents: "Your parents have done a great job raising you, Cady-girl. They wanted to protect you from making mistakes. I respect that. If I were in their shoes, I'd do the same thing." It takes a wise man to see beyond the surface and recognize that and to treat them with respect.</p><p center="">Keep reading to learn more about the book and the author and to enter a giveaway!</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTdRJBNfHnDxayHKvZWZoZOtcD0EhyvPJ-9MeNGRW0a-dHlFM4iTNoke_WRBlIG6zd2nrzwGfMx8H4c7jbzpUTW6AGdUX3ui0vj0CWCx2RO3m-fo2MvuBypmED8zbzSmNQHNdCglYa8s/s1024/Cover+Desire+of+the+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTdRJBNfHnDxayHKvZWZoZOtcD0EhyvPJ-9MeNGRW0a-dHlFM4iTNoke_WRBlIG6zd2nrzwGfMx8H4c7jbzpUTW6AGdUX3ui0vj0CWCx2RO3m-fo2MvuBypmED8zbzSmNQHNdCglYa8s/s320/Cover+Desire+of+the+Heart.jpg" /></a></div><br /><strong><br /></strong><p></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Desire of the Heart</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Anne Perreault</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian Romance</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong> April 2020 </p><p>It all started with a hike…<br /><br /></p><p>Cady Jackson’s vacation plans were simple. Go to Yellowstone National Park, enjoy the scenery, take lots of pictures. She and her cousin, Ashley, have grown up in a strict, conservative Christian family in upstate New York. Cady has never been encouraged to spread her wings. This trip is an opportunity to do so. Only, she doesn’t know how much her life is about to change when she has an unfortunate encounter in the middle of nowhere. Why would God take a personal interest in someone like her?</p><p>Grant McClintoch generally loves his job as a ranger in the oldest national park in the country. That it includes rescuing stranded visitors to the park is unfortunate. He has been trying to rebuild his life after it had nearly been destroyed. Grant doesn’t realize that God isn’t done with him yet when he stumbles onto an injured hiker.<br />But can he place his past in God’s capable hands where it belongs?</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/3611xPU”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dTgYd5T-4LF28Wk0tnR2W3v8zFx0XGM2cxsuaIUGyrfAZ0KywZaKB7bIxgysQKutZCjB_42M5h61lJ5s5GvoSrn3GqJOtpmy0lJ-GkbhB60cTWhRAcdlMCDnwtzSEVItpNU3druMTP0/s1024/Anne+Perrault-681x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="681" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dTgYd5T-4LF28Wk0tnR2W3v8zFx0XGM2cxsuaIUGyrfAZ0KywZaKB7bIxgysQKutZCjB_42M5h61lJ5s5GvoSrn3GqJOtpmy0lJ-GkbhB60cTWhRAcdlMCDnwtzSEVItpNU3druMTP0/s320/Anne+Perrault-681x1024.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Anne Perreault was born and raised in Germany. By the time she was 14 years old, her family moved to Dubai, UAE. While living in this exotic place, she traveled extensively to various countries around the world. After graduating from an American boarding school in Austria, she attended college in England, where she met her husband. She graduated from New England College with a degree in biology, and settled down in Connecticut. Anne became a horseback riding instructor as well as a certified therapeutic riding instructor. She and a group of friends started a therapeutic riding center in Bristol, CT. During that time, Anne also received a masters degree in secondary education and began to homeschool her three children. While raising their three children, she began to write an inspirational story primarily for her daughter. Anne, her husband, and two of their grown children now reside in Southern Vermont, where they are building their home. Besides writing, Anne enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, grown children, and grand-dogger.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Anne</span></h1><p>Desire of the Heart…</p><p>This book is so special to me. I had been pondering what to write a few years back and the thought came to me that I should base my next character on some of the adorable quirkiness of my beautiful daughter, a young woman filled with integrity and strength. Except, when you first meet her, you might think she’s too naïve or too sweet. She has a fire in her and a passion. And then I watched a TV show and one of the character’s were named Cady. I knew I had my main character. My daughter loves to travel, and a few years ago, she and her cousin traveled to Scotland together. It was kind of like fiction came to live right then and there. I had already paired Cady up with her cousin, a young woman who is the complete opposite to Cady. Of course, in real life, my daughter and her cousin are incredibly similar to each other and are both such amazing young women of God.</p><p>Her counterpart came about because I was looking for someone with strength and also with great integrity, but someone who was wounded by life. I also realized that I wanted to set the story in a national park. I’ve always enjoyed nature and wanted my main character to be working in some capacity with nature. Grant naturally became a park ranger. It fit his personality so well, I secretly rubbed my hands together in glee.</p><p>Setting the story at Yellowstone allowed me to research that beautiful part of the country. I have always been a wildlife enthusiast. My oldest son loves wolves and has studied them all his life. I wanted to include wolves in the story… enough said. I fell completely in love with the park and I will one day travel there and stand where Grant and Cady did.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/58hvh7h9e62lvds6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621866">For Him and My Family</a>, November 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/qvh8h7h6xkpq7kbl/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621868">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, November 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bookofruthann.com/en/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/g3hnh5hzvqwxd0ir/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29rb2ZydXRoYW5uLmNvbS9lbi8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621869">Book of Ruth Ann</a>, November 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/9qhzhnh275rnq8f9/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621870">Texas Book-aholic</a>, November 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/3ohphkhdwpgvowir/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621871">Mary Hake</a>, November 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/n2hohvhod70exwf6/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621872">Inklings and notions</a>, November 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/wnh2hghoz068kkc7/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621874">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, November 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/08hwh9h78lrq9wbl/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621876">Pause for Tales</a>, November 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/vqh3hrhk5wr8vkhg/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621878">Older & Smarter?</a>, November 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/dpheh0h73pnroetm/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621881">deb's Book Review</a>, November 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/z2hghnhdglx0k5ap/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621885">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, November 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.throughthelensofscripture.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/kkhmh6h97xv45qil/aHR0cDovL3d3dy50aHJvdWdodGhlbGVuc29mc2NyaXB0dXJlLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621889">Through the Lens of Scripture</a>, November 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/g3hnh5hzvqwxl0hr/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621893">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, November 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/n2hohvhod70egwh6/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621896">Artistic Nobody</a>, November 10 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/wnh2hghoz0684ki7/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621898">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, November 10</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://karla-hanns-karla.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/vqh3hrhk5wr84ktg/aHR0cHM6Ly9rYXJsYS1oYW5ucy1rYXJsYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621902">Quiet Quilter</a>, November 11</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/owhkhqh8zqd5n5hv/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621908">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, November 11</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/25h2hoho5mwngku3/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621915">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, November 12</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/48hvheh2ox8kq5ux/aHR0cDovL2ZhbWlseW1ncmtlbmRyYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621921">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, November 13</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://justyouraveragereviews.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/reh8hoh586znv7b2/aHR0cHM6Ly9qdXN0eW91cmF2ZXJhZ2VyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621923">Just Your Average reviews</a>, November 13</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://journeysfromtheheartofawifeandmother.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/owhkhqh8zqd5l5uv/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb3VybmV5c2Zyb210aGVoZWFydG9mYXdpZmVhbmRtb3RoZXIud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621932">Spoken from the Heart</a>, November 14</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://emily-yager.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/dpheh0h73pnrwnum/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbWlseS15YWdlci5jb20vYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621936">Emily Yager</a>, November 14</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://daysongreflections.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/4zu7265ml3cehwlx2qsx/p8heh9h7vqo85psq/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXlzb25ncmVmbGVjdGlvbnMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336621941">Daysong Reflections</a>, November 15</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMRApdEHEPBhOkAXB_puSp-hePaaoLOv2Dn3q_AMnpUnuJb-SNCkNXFxFfdCDfJ7qlx_bY08vTzbzhNKgCuJn9wLKxwRmzgRap0B-por3A3yvCMpfnpQtvpXBFILAHe7t2DhHCPhJp6Y/s940/Desire+of+the+Heart+Giveaway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMRApdEHEPBhOkAXB_puSp-hePaaoLOv2Dn3q_AMnpUnuJb-SNCkNXFxFfdCDfJ7qlx_bY08vTzbzhNKgCuJn9wLKxwRmzgRap0B-por3A3yvCMpfnpQtvpXBFILAHe7t2DhHCPhJp6Y/s320/Desire+of+the+Heart+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away the grand prize package of a bookmark and a signed copy of Desire of the Heart!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/102f2/desire-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/102f2/desire-of-the-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-53778214327884016892020-11-09T06:00:00.136-06:002020-11-09T11:29:07.738-06:00Book Review and Giveaway: The Bells of New Cheltenham<p center=""></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnEbFXragFJG0I2StkRgw99zQJviYJrxw24x9OjL-ep6m9ScB_NgKFc5HVdvIDb08nzm4bFdXlE7uyOWavQTzGSepEqaoMzjsz0Grw1WK8ekG2vHpEsaL9UCk2Z6s-YQIltwd9rOsZo8/s851/Bells-new-cheltenham-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnEbFXragFJG0I2StkRgw99zQJviYJrxw24x9OjL-ep6m9ScB_NgKFc5HVdvIDb08nzm4bFdXlE7uyOWavQTzGSepEqaoMzjsz0Grw1WK8ekG2vHpEsaL9UCk2Z6s-YQIltwd9rOsZo8/w640-h237/Bells-new-cheltenham-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I don't consider myself to be very creative. If I have a Pinterest photo, then I can maybe copy it and tweak it (unless it's a recipe), but to come up with something new, I don't think I'm very good at it. However, I do love to immerse myself in an environment that stirs my imagination -- much of the time, that's books; other times, it's giving something a name that elevates it from boring to descriptive. For example, the storage area under the platform/choir loft/baptistery/baptistery changing area is usually called just that. However, when I first actually went into it several years ago, I had to stoop under a 3-foot tall door and creep, hunched-over, through a little maze of steel 2x4s before it opened up to an area that I could actually stand up in. I henceforth dubbed it "The Catacombs" because that's fun, and it enriches the imagination.<p></p><p center="">When Gracie was very little, I heard about a Dickens on the Square event that occurs every year out from Memphis. I have wanted to go as a family ever since I heard about it. It sounds like fun to see people dressed up and hear carolers, perhaps taste some food that characteristic of Dicken's England. I don't really have anything I could wear, unfortunately, except for maybe my wedding cape and muff that I bought for my December 1st wedding (where it was in the 60's). Well, due to one thing or another, we have yet to go. But doesn't it sound rich for the imagination?? The only thing better would be an actual town modeled in the same way all year long! And that's one of the best things I like about <i>The Bells of New Cheltenham</i> by Chautona Havig!</p><p center=""><i>The Bells of New Cheltenham</i> is not the first book set in the fictitious (but why can't it be real???) New Cheltenham. This is a sequel (but reads just fine as a stand-alone book) to <i>The Ghosts of New Cheltenham.</i> Some of Chautona's other characters in other books have visited the town as well. I adore the setting. I want to go there -- a living history kind of place for Victorian England. How fun would that be?!</p><p center="">Before I go any further, so I don't forget, this is a 5-star book! I was offered and sent the book by Celebrate Lit, but I had already pre-read the book in her Advanced Reader group, and I bought the collection that the book is in because 99 cents for 7 books is a steal. The collection is also available on Kindle Unlimited. Keep reading for the rest of my review, to learn more about the book and about Chautona, and to enter a really great giveaway!</p><p center="">The characters are very real and believable. Justine is fun and quirky. Ken is kind and steady. They make a good match for each other, except for one thing: Ken is a Christian and Justine is not. I found this book also refreshing in that while living in the middle of the Bible Belt for most of my life, I have not really met very many Americans who do not have at least a surface knowledge of God, the Bible, Jesus, and the Christmas story. Justine not only didn't know, but she also didn't really care. She had one goal: win the story contest so that she could take care of a huge burden placed on her. However, in learning about the faith elements and symbolism, she learned about the whole Christmas story and how it formed the beginning of the Gospel. Ken, an observant and kind-hearted man, started out by helping Justine, but along the way became very attracted to her. He realized early on that "You will fall for her. Hard and fast. Futility at its finest unless you can convince her to give Jesus a shot." He had to use much discernment and wisdom to know how much to tell her and when because "If he pushed at all, she'd shut him out. His best shot was the story. She just had to need help with understanding it, and once she did understand, how could she resist?" They form a friendship throughout the book. And you'll have to read the rest of the story to find out what happens! This is a great book!</p><p center="">PS Three years ago, my church put on its first BIG Christmas play called A Handful of Miracles which was set in Victorian times. My husband had a small singing part, and Gracie and I had a couple of walk-on parts. We had so much fun with this play! You can view it on YouTube at: <a href="https://youtu.be/FISGygU7pa4">https://youtu.be/FISGygU7pa4</a></p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcDeRWDM8J_tAhyls1ggVgsQUGYqci9su6PPXCQMgd2DK3jC10Q3YVb6Ba5Ive0WknuDumV2UL3anf4Ams4xHowTvjE-4lX92lk4Jeuz0BqYOHpWe3p2yLIjQRSpuoR7SEcpTllysoNg/s612/Cover+Bells-of-New-Cheltenham-sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcDeRWDM8J_tAhyls1ggVgsQUGYqci9su6PPXCQMgd2DK3jC10Q3YVb6Ba5Ive0WknuDumV2UL3anf4Ams4xHowTvjE-4lX92lk4Jeuz0BqYOHpWe3p2yLIjQRSpuoR7SEcpTllysoNg/s320/Cover+Bells-of-New-Cheltenham-sm.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>The Bells of New Cheltenham</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Chautona Havig</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian fiction, Christmas romance</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong> October 15, 2020</p><p><strong><em>Who knew that Christmas carols were love songs?</em></strong></p><p>Justine Driscoll sure didn’t. Peace on earth? She’s heard of that. Holy and joyful? Something about that, too. But love songs sung by a bride about the birth of her bridegroom? That’s just weird stuff right there.</p><p>Weird or not, though, once Justine decides to enter a short story contest using a Christmas carol as the inspiration, she discovers love in the carols she investigates, in the story an ex-Army guy tells, and in the little tourist town of New Cheltenham.</p><p><strong>“But what do the words mean?”</strong></p><p>Ken Torsney is used to fighting for causes he believes in. He just never imagined he’d go from Army “warrior” to spiritual warrior in the span of one question from a stranger. Justine is like no girl he’s ever known— hungry for the gospel even as she rejects it.</p><p>He’s falling for her, and that’s bound to break his heart.</p><p>Love is in the air in New Cheltenham this Christmas. Again.</p><p> </p><pre>Click here to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1ur5wdTnPpat0VKTo-YpT6wGsnGsUhRA-3_YdJj8CXA9wK3nYdj8f-1YU66zI8xCVzbwYClNsHKpeUwB2psteoY3Cx0PMkS7gAa1mbdFgrjDz1J8y6uEB5S023sEo05HFtpVdsY5kDU/s960/Chautona+media-headshot-sm-768x960.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1ur5wdTnPpat0VKTo-YpT6wGsnGsUhRA-3_YdJj8CXA9wK3nYdj8f-1YU66zI8xCVzbwYClNsHKpeUwB2psteoY3Cx0PMkS7gAa1mbdFgrjDz1J8y6uEB5S023sEo05HFtpVdsY5kDU/s320/Chautona+media-headshot-sm-768x960.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>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 <em>It’s a Wonderful Life </em>sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Chautona Havig</span></h1><h2>3 Things That Make My Christmas Heart Sing</h2><p>I didn’t have a ghost of a chance.</p><p>The message popped up in my messenger at exactly the moment I sat down. This is significant, because I get dozens of Facebook messages every day, and often, they get buried when a new one supersedes it. So, as you can see, it’s a near miracle that I ever saw the message at all.</p><p>The message offered me a spot in a collection of novellas—a <em>Christmas </em>collection. Yep. Not a ghost of a chance.</p><p>Still, I tried to be responsible, you know? After all, I had quite a few books due at the same time already. <em>Bookers on the Rocks</em>, <em>The Last Gasp, </em>my Christmas Lights Collection “noella,” and my CrossRoads Collection “noella.” And those didn’t include anything <em>I </em>wanted to write in spring or summer.</p><p>Then she added another layer of temptation. This collection had a <em>theme</em>. That theme? Christmas carol inspired romances.</p><p>Have I ever mentioned how much I love music, Christmas, and specifically, Christmas music?</p><p>The other authors in the set had already made their carol selections. She sent a list of those that had already been claimed. I read them with great trepidation. See, I already had two carols I’d want to use in the story for this collection that I hadn’t even agreed to participate in yet.</p><p>No one had chosen “The Holly and the Ivy” or “The Bells on Christmas Day.”</p><p>That ghost slowly transformed into the ghost of my resistance.</p><p>All that remained was for me to come up with a story idea. I mean, why join a collection if you can’t even decide what to do with it?</p><h3>That’s when it happened.</h3><p>There’s always this moment when the first idea germinates, sprouts, and pushes up through the fertile soil of my imagination. My favorite moment. And it hit me. What if the theme for the collection <em>was </em>my story idea? My character could enter a contest that requires a short story based on a Christmas carol.</p><p>And once I had that idea, the rest came in a whoosh! Mitchell, from <em>The Ghosts of New Cheltenham</em> could be sick to death of this annual ghost storytelling contest and decide to create his own contest. And then… well…</p><p><em>The Bells of New Cheltenham </em>was born.</p><p>If you’ve not read <em>The Ghosts of New Cheltenham</em>, you’ll follow this “noella” just fine. It is meant to be a stand-alone. However, if you want a richer reading experience, I recommend reading <em>The Ghosts of New Cheltenham</em>, followed by the companion short story, “The Ghastly Therapist” first. Both are available through Kindle Unlimited. Additionally, if you send your receipt (or a screenshot of the final page of the eBook from Kindle Unlimited) for the <em>Melodies of Christmas Love </em>collection to <a href="”mailto:chautona@chautona.com”">chautona@chautona.com</a>, I’ll send YOU the bonus short story—the one Justine Driscoll writes in this “noella.”</p><h2>But I promised to tell you three things that make my heart sing at Christmas.</h2><ol><li>The way people are often just a little kinder and a little more giving and understanding.</li><li>The joy that seems to fill every part of life—family, friends, parties, presents, church services, reading, singing…</li><li>The music that plays everywhere—and often sings of a Savior’s love.</li></ol><p> </p><p>What makes your heart sing at Christmas?</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/e0hph7hnxdndd5b8/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821060">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, November 9</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/z2hghnhdgmdmm6up/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821063">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, November 9</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://simpleharvestreads.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/58hvh7h9e49446b6/aHR0cDovL3NpbXBsZWhhcnZlc3RyZWFkcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821068">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, November 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/9qhzhnh27e2e8kc9/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821072">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, November 10</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/wnh2hghozloldvt7/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821076">Texas Book-aholic</a>, November 11</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/8ghqhoh547578guk/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821079">Blogging With Carol </a>, November 11</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amongthereads.net/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/m2h7h5hnrlnlxmam/aHR0cDovL2Ftb25ndGhlcmVhZHMubmV0Lw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821082">Among the Reads</a>, November 12</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/z2hghnhdgmdmz6ap/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821087">Artistic Nobody</a>, November 12 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/x0hph6h7g474m6h5/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821089">Inklings and notions</a>, November 13</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://batyasbits.home.blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/58hvh7h9e494w6c6/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYXR5YXNiaXRzLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821092">Batya's Bits</a>, November 13</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/g3hnh5hzv0z02vcr/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821095">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, November 14</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/48hvheh2o727o9cx/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821099">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, November 14</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://abbasprayerwarriorprincess.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/08hwh9h78p7p87tl/aHR0cHM6Ly9hYmJhc3ByYXllcndhcnJpb3JwcmluY2Vzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821102">Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess</a>, November 15</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://worthy2read.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/l2hehmhkgdkdgls6/aHR0cHM6Ly93b3J0aHkycmVhZC53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821105">Worthy2Read</a>, November 15</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/e0hph7hnxdndx5s8/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821108">For Him and My Family</a>, November 16</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://labornotinvain.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/p8heh9h7vp7pvocq/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWJvcm5vdGludmFpbi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821112">Labor Not in Vain</a>, November 16</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/qvh8h7h6xl6lx3tl/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821118">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, November 17</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/reh8hoh58o5p9eh2/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821125">lakesidelivingsite</a>, November 17</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://arynthelibraryan.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/08hwh9h78p7407sl/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnludGhlbGlicmFyeWFuLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821126">Aryn the Libraryan</a>, November 18</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lotsofhelpers.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/vqh3hrhk5qk62pig/aHR0cHM6Ly9sb3Rzb2ZoZWxwZXJzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821128">Lots of Helpers</a>, November 19</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/e0hph7hnxdnz95f8/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821132">deb's Book Review</a>, November 19</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/z2hghnhdgmdz96up/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821135">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, November 20</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://nannie3.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/dpheh0h7327xz9hm/aHR0cDovL25hbm5pZTMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821138">Jeanette's Thoughts</a>, November 20</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://shelivestoread.com/category/book-reviews/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/e0hph7hnxdnz98u8/aHR0cDovL3NoZWxpdmVzdG9yZWFkLmNvbS9jYXRlZ29yeS9ib29rLXJldmlld3Mv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821139">She Lives To Read</a>, November 21</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bookkisses.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/owhkhqh8z08e30bv/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29ra2lzc2VzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821141">Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses</a>, November 22</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/gkuer86xwms5hg8o2ptr/9qhzhnh27e28qgt9/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336821151">Mary Hake</a>, November 22</p><p center=""><br /></p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><p center=""><strong><br /></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8Y_NWSODm2xFFg7UHE9LVAZiYpRO3fhBMQf7l9EIPzdRES8xrqWYzo_J4ZHKdrvoDGHayrDAf-ija8iEoNn-_EJOF-bb2B1-VvkgUwKIgVC8TcG2ux4-YCg7Zy2c_3rjOlJEoaEw4sQ/s1000/Giveaway+Bells+NC+PROMO.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8Y_NWSODm2xFFg7UHE9LVAZiYpRO3fhBMQf7l9EIPzdRES8xrqWYzo_J4ZHKdrvoDGHayrDAf-ija8iEoNn-_EJOF-bb2B1-VvkgUwKIgVC8TcG2ux4-YCg7Zy2c_3rjOlJEoaEw4sQ/w400-h400/Giveaway+Bells+NC+PROMO.jpg" width="400" /></a></strong></div><p></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/10359/the-bells-of-new-cheltenham-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/10359/the-bells-of-new-cheltenham-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-49066884570352935662020-11-05T06:00:00.062-06:002020-11-05T07:27:51.141-06:00Book Review: The Red Ribbon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KWQucdmldMkb6XJbtFbOHh9bNU1Chrp7HCl8lD9QEviggfIrRtzcxRkHgn5xkwRFtD08pTwJpS3YkeeayQZUj64eWX9vYJPempALu8Wj7Sw33jayq7vPe5XpBSGNsT_6g7YSIcOXCm4/s851/red-ribbon-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KWQucdmldMkb6XJbtFbOHh9bNU1Chrp7HCl8lD9QEviggfIrRtzcxRkHgn5xkwRFtD08pTwJpS3YkeeayQZUj64eWX9vYJPempALu8Wj7Sw33jayq7vPe5XpBSGNsT_6g7YSIcOXCm4/w640-h236/red-ribbon-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">My daughter recently had to make up a board game to earn a badge for American Heritage Girls. She wanted help thinking of ideas, so I told her, "Pick a scenario." She said, "I like survival," and that was enough to get her going on creating a game about survival while traversing the Appalachian mountains. I thought that was an interesting choice since the only part of the Appalachians we've been to is the Great Smokey Mountains of east Tennessee. I would love to go see more of the mountain ridge, including the Blue Ridge mountains where this next book is set.</p><p center="">The Red Ribbon is the fictional story of a couple who live during the time of a terrible courthouse massacre in Carroll County, Virginia. We learn about the (true) events of this event that hit the national news in 1912 and we are also immersed in the lives of a fictional couple who are "there" at the same time.</p><p center="">I like the main characters, Ava and Jeremiah, and I like many of the secondary characters as well. Just like with all good books, the characters are multi-layered and storied. Ava's past makes her fearful of having a future with Jeremiah and she must come to terms with that - which she does so beautifully with the help of Jeremiah and her Granny Burcham. Jeremiah has his own doubts at first, but he overcomes them quickly and begins to woo Ava.</p><p center="">There are a lot of great quotes in this book that are applicable to many situations (some especially now!).</p><p center=""></p><blockquote><p center="">"If you want to make a real difference, then find a way. Make the difference."</p><p center="">"If you're gonna change the world around you, make sure you're not the one changing to fit."</p><p center="">"Had God given her those memories, those people, to reveal His presence in scenes from her childhood? Her adulthood?"</p><p center="">"Fear don't speak truth, never has. You'd be wise to not heed it."</p><p center="">"If the Good Book says all this, why don't more people believe it?" "That's a great question for sure, and I can only say that most folks believe exactly what they want to believe, whether it's true or not. Makes it easier on fragile sensibilities and bigheaded pride." She winked. "Which means you got the choice too, don't you? Hold on to truth or ride the wind of fear?"</p><p center="">"Truth douses fear, Ava. Truth and perfect love. The only way to keep your heart and head" -- Granny touched Ava's forehead -- "in the proper place, is to know both."</p><p center="">No wonder the refrain of forgiveness played such a massive theme throughout scripture. The repercussions of its absence rocked nations and severed relationships like few other things.</p></blockquote><p center=""></p><p center="">I marked other quotes, but that's plenty! I have Pepper's books before and really like them. I love this series of books that tell fictional stories set in true events of crime and suspense.</p><p center="">I asked to review this book and received an advanced reader copy.</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUWkBpghlcLiAk7JSv8UHEHAJacVAfA8CueVFFeZ28Qq6efhfEgkEHKaCyTpn2jvu9aWTtZX9I3gbFKdq_JUn_5RlfMVJpkQ13K05BzlaNrfO7Vofri3Zy8k7uf3S2ueYd3ZGOwL1vUs/s1024/Red-Ribbon-672x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKUWkBpghlcLiAk7JSv8UHEHAJacVAfA8CueVFFeZ28Qq6efhfEgkEHKaCyTpn2jvu9aWTtZX9I3gbFKdq_JUn_5RlfMVJpkQ13K05BzlaNrfO7Vofri3Zy8k7uf3S2ueYd3ZGOwL1vUs/s320/Red-Ribbon-672x1024.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>The Red Ribbon</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Pepper Basham</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian historical/suspense</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>October, 2020</p><p><strong>An Appalachian Feud Blows Up in 1912</strong></p><p>Book 8 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History</p><p>In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history. Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned. The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/32ZgUXn”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc99ZGFZu3hVr99fr8MTPa5_gP0iC_dpbPgby1LUgsBRezufW-ON3D7Eq2bRy3lGoC9aMXSMHT8LPS0TmHfIhFUJN6MqXppse2PoM9_f2c6OYUb7yuM3fXR1Nf-3IpjjSEt3D5qRxoYxo/s800/PepperBasham.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc99ZGFZu3hVr99fr8MTPa5_gP0iC_dpbPgby1LUgsBRezufW-ON3D7Eq2bRy3lGoC9aMXSMHT8LPS0TmHfIhFUJN6MqXppse2PoM9_f2c6OYUb7yuM3fXR1Nf-3IpjjSEt3D5qRxoYxo/s320/PepperBasham.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She’s a native of the Blue Ridge Mountains where her family have lived for generations. She’s the mom of five kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus, and proud AlleyCat over at the award winning Writer’s Alley blog. Her debut historical romance novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in April 2015, and the second in February 2016. Her first contemporary romance debuted in April 2016.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Pepper</span></h1><p>Feuds, Moonshine, and Family Loyalties by Pepper Basham</p><p>My upcoming release for Barbour’s <em>True Colors</em> series is really close to my heart…and pretty close to my house.</p><p><em>The Red Ribbon</em>, my first foray into a historical suspense novel, takes place in the county where I grew up. Carroll County, Virginia, is a county on the border of Virginia and North Carolina, not too far from Mt. Airy (Mayberry). Nestled in the foothills and mountains of the Blue Ridge, it is a part of the Appalachian Mountains, and with that comes similar histories as other backwoods Appalachian communities: feuds, moonshine, and family loyalties.</p><p>One thing I love most about my Appalachian upbringing is the intense closeness of family – and when I say ‘family’ I mean, of course, my mom, dad, and brother, but also my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents…the whole “gang”, as my granny used to say.</p><p>The closeness of family, and the protection of the family name, is a big deal in Appalachia. There’s a lot of pride in the way your ‘name’ is thought of throughout the community, so when someone insults your name, there’s a good chance the repercussions aren’t going to be pleasant. Especially back in the early 1900s, when <em>The Red Ribbon</em> takes place. In fact, insulting someone by “stealing a kiss” is one of the events that leads to The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre/Tragedy.</p><p>A long-time feud between the Allen family and the “Courthouse Clan” came to a head inside the Hillsville Courthouse in March 1912 and this event resulted in the largest shootout within a courthouse in Virginia history. The story followed with a nationwide manhunt and made national news until the sinking of the Titanic the following month.</p><p>Growing up in Carroll County, I knew a few things about this story. Rumors and whispers, really. Most folks didn’t talk about it because it still caused a stir among those who were descendants (because another thing about Appalachia is that families tend to stay on or around family land for generations). People still took “sides”. So, when I decided to write this book, I knew I was stepping into precarious territory. Not that anyone would start up a shootout nowadays because of a book, but because people still have some deep feelings about how their ancestors are portrayed in history, and since many of my family members still live in Carroll County, I wanted to tread carefully into the events of “The Allen Tragedy”.</p><p>What I discovered was a story that still held a whole lot of mystery even one hundred years later. Bullet holes still mark the courthouse steps from that fateful day, rumors still circulate about who was to blame, and no one knows who fired the first gunshot that began the tragic shooting.</p><p>I’m not a “scary” book writer or reader, but I love a good adventure, so this book takes the reader on an adventure into Appalachia to my neck of the woods, and follows the journey of Ava Burcham and Jeremiah Sutphin as they live among the illegal moonshiners, dirty cops, and mountain gunslingers of the Blue Ridge Mountains.</p><p>(To learn more about the true events of the Courthouse Tragedy, you can read about it here: <a href="”https://roanoke.com/news/virginia/the-courthouse-tragedy-gunfight-in-hillsville-in-1912/article_45d0d7f3-6e1f-57c4-83be-fceb3d98dafd.html”">https://roanoke.com/news/virginia/the-courthouse-tragedy-gunfight-in-hillsville-in-1912/article_45d0d7f3-6e1f-57c4-83be-fceb3d98dafd.html</a>)</p><p>Have you ever read a book set in Appalachia? If so, what was the title and what did you learn about the Appalachian culture? Have you ever visited the Blue Ridge Mountains?</p><p>Let’s chat mountain people, mountain ways, and mountain books 😊</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/9qhzhnh27545e7c9/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585487">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, October 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.fictionaficionado.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/48hvheh2oxwx3pbx/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5maWN0aW9uYWZpY2lvbmFkby5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585490">Fiction Aficionado</a>, October 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/08hwh9h78lnl4khl/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585493">deb's Book Review</a>, October 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/l2hehmhkgxqxp3b6/aHR0cDovL2Jsb3Nzb21zYW5kYmxlc3NpbmdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585496">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, October 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://babblingbeckyl.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/dpheh0h73pdpx8cm/aHR0cDovL2JhYmJsaW5nYmVja3lsLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585498">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/7qh7h8h4gndne3fz/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585500">Texas Book-aholic</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/owhkhqh8zqxqexcv/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585501">Blogging With Carol</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/p8heh9h7vqrqe6uq/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585503">Inklings and notions</a>, October 31</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://emily-yager.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/6qheh8h2q9x94gco/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbWlseS15YWdlci5jb20vYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585505">Emily Yager</a>, October 31</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://storiesbygina.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/58hvh7h9e636wra6/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585507">Gina Holder, Author and Blogger</a>, October 31</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/g3hnh5hzvqgq22ur/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYWdlYnlwYWdlYm9va2J5Ym9vay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585510">Hallie Reads</a>, October 31</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/3ohphkhdwpxpw6ir/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585512">For Him and My Family</a>, November 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://reviewingbooksplusmore.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/n2hohvhod727d8u6/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZXZpZXdpbmdib29rc3BsdXNtb3JlLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585513">reviewingbooksplusmore</a>, November 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.christianbookaholic.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/reh8hoh586k68vu2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jaHJpc3RpYW5ib29rYWhvbGljLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585516">Christian Bookaholic</a>, November 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/bettimace/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/8ghqhoh54rwr45fk/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9iZXR0aW1hY2Uv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585518">Betti Mace</a>, November 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.5020genesis.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/dpheh0h73pdp38im/aHR0cDovL3d3dy41MDIwZ2VuZXNpcy53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585522">Genesis 5020</a>, November 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://litteraegaudium.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/owhkhqh8zqxqzxiv/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585525">For the Love of Literature</a>, November 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://abbasprayerwarriorprincess.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/6qheh8h2q9x9qgio/aHR0cHM6Ly9hYmJhc3ByYXllcndhcnJpb3JwcmluY2Vzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585529">Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess </a>, November 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://rebeccatews.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/58hvh7h9e636ert6/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZWJlY2NhdGV3cy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20vP209MQ==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585531">Rebecca Tews</a>, November 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/n2hohvhod72lw8a6/aHR0cHM6Ly9yb2JpbnNuZXN0MjEyLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585537">Robin's Nest</a>, November 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/reh8hoh586ko9va2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585540">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, November 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://margueritemartingray.blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/8ghqhoh54rw7e5hk/aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXJndWVyaXRlbWFydGluZ3JheS5ibG9nLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585542">Connect in Fiction</a>, November 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/l2hehmhkgxqd53i6/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585544">Older & Smarter?</a>, November 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.ihopeyoudanceinlife.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/dpheh0h73pd2z8tm/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5paG9wZXlvdWRhbmNlaW5saWZlLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585546">To Everything There Is A Season</a>, November 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/7qh7h8h4gndxv3cz/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585548">Artistic Nobody</a>, November 4 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/z2hghnhdgl5m9ntp/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585550">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, November 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://rbclibrary.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/x0hph6h7gqk480u5/aHR0cHM6Ly9yYmNsaWJyYXJ5LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585552">By The Book</a>, November 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://remembrancy.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/6qheh8h2q9x3vgho/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW1lbWJyYW5jeS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585553">Remembrancy</a>, November 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/7qh7h8h4gndxkrhz/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585579">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, November 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/25h2hoho5mlq8gf3/aHR0cHM6Ly9icml0dHJlYWRzZmljdGlvbi53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585587">Britt Reads Fiction</a>, November 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lifeofliterature.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/qvh8h7h6xkel42ul/aHR0cHM6Ly9saWZlb2ZsaXRlcmF0dXJlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585588">Life of Literature</a>, November 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://connieshistoryclassroom.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/g3hnh5hzvqg0lkbr/aHR0cDovL2Nvbm5pZXNoaXN0b3J5Y2xhc3Nyb29tLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585589">Connie's History Classroom</a>, November 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/9qhzhnh2754e62i9/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585590">Splashes of Joy</a>, November 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bookkisses.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/3ohphkhdwpxk2qcr/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29ra2lzc2VzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585591">Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses</a>, November 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://areadersbrain.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/n2hohvhod72lx3i6/aHR0cDovL2FyZWFkZXJzYnJhaW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585592">A Reader’s Brain</a>, November 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/48hvheh2oxw7pmcx/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585593">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, November 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://tabithabouldinauthorhome.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/wnh2hghoz0mlkxt7/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWJpdGhhYm91bGRpbmF1dGhvcmhvbWUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585594">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, November 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/reh8hoh586ko3xs2/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585595">Godly Book Reviews</a>, November 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://melissawardwell.com/category/backporch/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/8ghqhoh54rw72wbk/aHR0cHM6Ly9tZWxpc3Nhd2FyZHdlbGwuY29tL2NhdGVnb3J5L2JhY2twb3JjaC8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585597">Melissa Wardwell's Back Porch Reads</a>, November 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bigreadersite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/vqh3hrhk5wmqvlhg/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdyZWFkZXJzaXRlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585598">Bigreadersite</a>, November 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://kellybridgewater.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/dpheh0h73pd2ogum/aHR0cHM6Ly9rZWxseWJyaWRnZXdhdGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585601">Where Faith and books Meet</a>, November 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://mybooksiread.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/e0hph7hnxrmdl3u8/aHR0cDovL215Ym9va3NpcmVhZC5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585602">Books I've Read</a>, November 10</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://chautona.com/the-red-ribbon-review" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/7qh7h8h4gndx6rcz/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF1dG9uYS5jb20vdGhlLXJlZC1yaWJib24tcmV2aWV3" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585603">Just the Write Escape</a>, November 10</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/owhkhqh8zqx06qbv/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmF2ZWxpbmd3aWZlNGxpZmUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585604">Adventures of a Travelers Life</a>, November 10</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandatero.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/z2hghnhdgl5mkmup/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYXRlcm8uY29tL2Jsb2cv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585605">Amanda Tero, blog</a>, November 11</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/p8heh9h7vqrp2esq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaW5nc29mYXNhc3N5Ym9va2lzaG1hbWEuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585606">Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama</a>, November 11</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/5qu2xrgo0eh7h3xgzrt6/x0hph6h7gqk4pga5/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336585607">Pause for Tales</a>, November 11</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GedlIvN2AIxAjjA4aLntAwP4S5z8J_EUTH3wSzLd4g6qUWiQnnJ6-PZI_v4Z_oE4WiUllMKbSq1TE9XhnnLNfn4uTO9h_obF-n-s_hk-xeQDoZWkGV5U1umkMfDI9IySv9Mk5OThZVo/s940/The+Red+Ribbon+Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GedlIvN2AIxAjjA4aLntAwP4S5z8J_EUTH3wSzLd4g6qUWiQnnJ6-PZI_v4Z_oE4WiUllMKbSq1TE9XhnnLNfn4uTO9h_obF-n-s_hk-xeQDoZWkGV5U1umkMfDI9IySv9Mk5OThZVo/s320/The+Red+Ribbon+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/1032d/the-red-ribbon-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/1032d/the-red-ribbon-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-90849141169373500652020-10-26T06:00:00.060-05:002020-10-26T10:05:51.931-05:00Book Review and Giveaway: Secret Beach Boyfriend<p center=""></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqFvzXbz5PR0nEtTZx3C-c3gw8VhaxAMd88rCZ6zucj2h0vwwYrHNRcPv93y3xJ9m-HhkejgjPX_8-We1jt4d9HZpw_vNCuIr7sD5tGufFpeBWEg0j2m4Xtb9dKzib8WFtNZF6Cr0GwU/s851/secret-beach-boyfriend-trumbo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqFvzXbz5PR0nEtTZx3C-c3gw8VhaxAMd88rCZ6zucj2h0vwwYrHNRcPv93y3xJ9m-HhkejgjPX_8-We1jt4d9HZpw_vNCuIr7sD5tGufFpeBWEg0j2m4Xtb9dKzib8WFtNZF6Cr0GwU/w640-h236/secret-beach-boyfriend-trumbo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I really love the Independence Islands series! This is the 3rd? book of the series and I plan on reviewing most, if not all, of them. Secret Beach Boyfriend is about Annie who works at a ticket counter for the ferry that goes around the islands. She meets a young man whom she had met years ago when they were 5 and 7. Remarkably, the chance encounter when they were little served as an important event in both of their lives. Annie had an adverse view of romance and marriage based on what she experienced with her parents. However, Rafe asked her to let him change her mind by becoming her secret beach boyfriend. This story has several layers to it and I met several characters whose stories I want to read in the future. Overall, this was a great addition to the series. The only part I didn't like was (trying not to give a spoiler) that if I had learned what Annie had learned towards the end of the book, I would have been hopping mad, and she didn't seem to be that way. Maybe it's a difference in our personalities - or maybe she's a better Christian than I. I did like how both Annie and Rafe grew in the book. Rafe's parents have a significant role in the story: His mom suffers from minor OCD which causes many problems in her marriage. It was interesting to learn about this condition.<div><br /></div><div>Here are some quotes from the book:</div><div><br /></div><div>Regarding Annie's perspective:</div><blockquote><div>"I don't want Rafe to ever feel like I do. Like I was never meant to be born because my parents shouldn't have ever married." (This was very sad to me!)</div></blockquote><blockquote><div>"The world comes into focus when you twist your lens you use to view it." (Kari Trumbo, this should be a meme if you haven't already made it into one!)</div></blockquote><div>Rafe tells Annie:</div><blockquote><div>"I know you're worried about this...about us. I know you think seeing each other like this is crazy. But I won't be the one to leave you. I won't. I won't be like your dad. <u>I see your worth. And you're worth working for.</u>"</div></blockquote><blockquote><div>"His plan from the start had been to show her that love was real and that he wasn't going to leave her."</div></blockquote><div><p></p><h1><span underline=""><strong>About the Book</strong></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTftogMW7r9CWjplgTPaMDv12i-lfEAWc-ztmYSMcVRIru9fmDsnf-cbe46i9J_a4UPgDIvrLwV9xLiOKqKb8etazv0ztAD2l9DLnmwDsCqq8FGhWXN94oCGpSMoBehMLbcvb0p3HvlM/s612/TRUMBO-Secret-Beach-Boyfriend-sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTftogMW7r9CWjplgTPaMDv12i-lfEAWc-ztmYSMcVRIru9fmDsnf-cbe46i9J_a4UPgDIvrLwV9xLiOKqKb8etazv0ztAD2l9DLnmwDsCqq8FGhWXN94oCGpSMoBehMLbcvb0p3HvlM/s320/TRUMBO-Secret-Beach-Boyfriend-sm.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Secret Beach Boyfriend</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Kari Trumbo</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian Contemporary Romance</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>September 29, 2020</p><p>She met Rafe on the beach when she was just five and it seemed like fate tied them together. When a chance encounter returns him to the islands twenty years later, Annie finds her beach friend has grown up and now needs her help.</p><p>Damaged and scarred from a past that still hasn’t healed, Annie needs help of her own. True to character, Rafe comes up with a perfect solution, but a temporary island romance does not fit into his agenda at all.</p><p>Will an offer to be her secret boyfriend give her heart a second chance? How can it turn into something more and prove there’s power in prayer and that love can triumph over a painful past?</p><p>He was Annie’s hero long ago, but can the man he has become save her now?</p><p><em>Secret Beach Boyfriend</em> is the third “Merriweather book” in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.</p><p><strong>The Independence Island Series:</strong> beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/3iJRz9q”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz3_t-5gzcgFJ7YWni0EoUJmRC6mqqnFryM2eukVt_73K6-VS0Y3XVP9Ia970ryq2TXRc6GvlovvPVk86YSwe0rjuzwMCKyyopp1X-ETOSdm8DulkQbuOTU6PiIJheS-bISHaX7_PEAw/s768/Kari-Trumbo-768x716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlz3_t-5gzcgFJ7YWni0EoUJmRC6mqqnFryM2eukVt_73K6-VS0Y3XVP9Ia970ryq2TXRc6GvlovvPVk86YSwe0rjuzwMCKyyopp1X-ETOSdm8DulkQbuOTU6PiIJheS-bISHaX7_PEAw/s320/Kari-Trumbo-768x716.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Kari Trumbo is a bestselling author of Christian historical and contemporary romance novels. Her books are known for characters who feel real, settings you could move to, and faith woven between the pages. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, and never enough time.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Kari</span></h1><p>Have you ever hunted for seashells on the beach?</p><p>This sweet story actually starts twenty years before the moment you open the front cover. Years before, on a solitary beach, a little boy comforts a girl he finds crying by offering to help her find seashells. He doesn’t know why she’s crying, just that he can help. Even though he knows his mother will be angry with him.</p><p>You see, Rafe (that’s the little boy) has a mother who has minor OCD and doesn’t let him go on the beach. But when Annie (that’s the little girl) is obviously heartbroken, he can’t leave her sitting there and not do anything. At that moment, a hero is born.</p><p>It’s the little things that make a hero. That moment in time when he made a choice to put Annie above his own discomfort created a past for them both, an anchor they could both look back on. It was pivotal enough for them both that they remembered it years later. Rafe, because he hid the shells and cherished the one time he got to collect them. Annie, because she was going through something no child of five should have to. His kindness was a glimmer of hope.</p><p>Fast forward twenty years and these two meet again, but don’t realize right away they are the people they’ve been thinking about on-and-off for most of their lives. Interestingly enough, that part of my story is true. I had a friend I met at a local beach when I was too young to recall names or anything else of great significance other than the feeling that it was the best day ever. She made me her best buddy for the day, and that stuck with me.</p><p>When I think of this story beyond the printed page, where Annie and Rafe live on in my mind, I have to wonder if shells will continue to be a theme in their lives.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/vqh3hrhk5zz4vgtg/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326395">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, October 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/kkhmh6h97kke5pul/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaW5nc29mYXNhc3N5Ym9va2lzaG1hbWEuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326406">Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama</a>, October 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/wnh2hghozee44ra7/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326415">Texas Book-aholic</a>, October 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://storiesbygina.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/x0hph6h7g55zdzu5/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326435">Stories By Gina</a>, October 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://captivedreamswindow.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/qvh8h7h6x99v2ril/aHR0cHM6Ly9jYXB0aXZlZHJlYW1zd2luZG93LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326440">Captive Dreams Window</a>, October 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/g3hnh5hzv44nomfr/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326441">Inklings and notions</a>, October 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.carpediem.fyi" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/9qhzhnh27oox3zs9/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2FycGVkaWVtLmZ5aS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326442">CarpeDiem</a>, October 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/3ohphkhdweer9zcr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326443">For Him and My Family</a>, October 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://mypreciousbitsandmusings.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/n2hohvhodzzg5eh6/aHR0cHM6Ly9teXByZWNpb3VzYml0c2FuZG11c2luZ3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326444">Mypreciousbitsandmusings</a>, October 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/48hvheh2o449qwhx/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326445">Older & Smarter?</a>, October 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/wnh2hghozee4vni7/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326446">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, October 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://janemouttet.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/reh8hoh58gg7vds2/aHR0cDovL2phbmVtb3V0dGV0LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326447">Library Lady's Kid Lit</a>, October 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/08hwh9h7833xwrul/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326448">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, October 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/vqh3hrhk5zz439fg/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326450">deb's Book Review</a>, October 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://margueritemartingray.blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/l2hehmhkg884v8t6/aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXJndWVyaXRlbWFydGluZ3JheS5ibG9nLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326451">Connect in Fiction</a>, October 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/m2h7h5hnrdd904um/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326452">lakesidelivingsite</a>, October 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/e0hph7hnx88ewzf8/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326454">Artistic Nobody</a>, October 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/owhkhqh8z22n73iv/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326456">Godly Book Reviews</a>, October 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/p8heh9h7vnndl2iq/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326458">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/x0hph6h7g55zlzf5/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmF2ZWxpbmd3aWZlNGxpZmUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326459">Adventures of a Travelers Wife</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.livinlit.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/6qheh8h2qmmwd6so/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5saXZpbmxpdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326460">Livin’ Lit</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/kkhmh6h97kke33cl/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326461">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, October 31</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.authorswilliams.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/58hvh7h9err0z9s6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hdXRob3Jzd2lsbGlhbXMud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326462">Life, love, writing</a>, October 31</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/25h2hoho5kkge7u3/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326463">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, November 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://batyasbits.home.blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/qvh8h7h6x99v0rbl/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYXR5YXNiaXRzLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326464">Batya's Bits</a>, November 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://daysongreflections.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/9qhzhnh27ooxlzf9/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXlzb25ncmVmbGVjdGlvbnMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326466">Daysong Reflections</a>, November 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/3ohphkhdweernzir/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25mZXNzaW9uc29mYWJvb2t3b3Jtd2ViLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326467">The Meanderings of a Bookworm</a>, November 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/n2hohvhodzzgkeh6/aHR0cDovL2Jsb3Nzb21zYW5kYmxlc3NpbmdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326468">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, November 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.jennifersienes.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/48hvheh2o449nwsx/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuamVubmlmZXJzaWVuZXMuY29tL2Jsb2cv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326469">Where Crisis & Christ Collide</a>, November 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/08hwh9h7833xkral/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zaW1wbGVoYXJ2ZXN0cmVhZHMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326472">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, November 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/p9umv5wn3xt9hr857lcq/vqh3hrhk5zz4d9hg/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326474">Splashes of Joy</a>, November 4</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKe7vDW9Y408lqnpaGDW1LfgRvdbD4K-rjabBiPHjIFRl8xJonP-WDDYqy7X_XgYgJXba-yGV43V-GzPeq3cUnJDovq4zTXLjsOmk4Bn-9b9d5A9bIGIjRQJnhpMG6qzLNF5WZbXjzCI/s940/Secret+Beach+Boyfriend+Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKe7vDW9Y408lqnpaGDW1LfgRvdbD4K-rjabBiPHjIFRl8xJonP-WDDYqy7X_XgYgJXba-yGV43V-GzPeq3cUnJDovq4zTXLjsOmk4Bn-9b9d5A9bIGIjRQJnhpMG6qzLNF5WZbXjzCI/s320/Secret+Beach+Boyfriend+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/102a8/secret-beach-boyfriend-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/102a8/secret-beach-boyfriend-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p></div>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-55375438738621126382020-10-25T06:00:00.054-05:002020-10-25T06:00:02.966-05:00Book Review: The Refrain Within<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoeRWq9Sotn9k7j5Jmmi8_boQMazn75_Hgn99G2IQw8xJqPOOuO0PPiwFs8UEkRLCevEPtfiwcuiXB0LwvxWcXty1c1GHZnQF4AS9CmJ1P23KHN4p5VELpkPmvy013abdXZ22J0_niv0/s851/refrain-within-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoeRWq9Sotn9k7j5Jmmi8_boQMazn75_Hgn99G2IQw8xJqPOOuO0PPiwFs8UEkRLCevEPtfiwcuiXB0LwvxWcXty1c1GHZnQF4AS9CmJ1P23KHN4p5VELpkPmvy013abdXZ22J0_niv0/w640-h236/refrain-within-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">It's been a while since I've read any historical fiction about the Second Great War. I chose this book, which Celebrate Lit gave to me for free, and I am so glad that I did! From the first chapter, I was immersed in 1944's Hungary during the German occupation and persecution of the Jews. Liz Tolsma's writing grabbed me almost from the beginning, and I almost felt like I was a bystander in the story. The characters were real, the setting was vivid, and the story was engaging and suspenseful! I won't give away any spoilers, but the ending was both disappointing and yet felt true. I did feel like it ended too soon, too abruptly, and not just because I wanted to read more. The faith element of the book runs throughout and would not be the same without it. The characters have to do deal with the ethical dilemma of lying in order to stay alive.</p><p center="">This next passage is one that I love, not only because it's true, but because it reminds me of <a href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/2012/08/change.html" target="_blank">a quote that my pastor made</a> years ago (before he became my pastor):</p><blockquote><p center=""><i>God, when will this all end?</i> Patrik clapped Erno on the shoulder. "Stand firm."</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>"How can I? My very foundation is shaken."</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>"God doesn't move." He clung to that. Held with all his might, though his fingers slipped. </p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">Solid 5 stars!</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7i16LfGADatAT_H-EhxNcHSClF8dHOF7A3kinZ99qMq1-GL9YjjrQU0OLPSXhO7xab9d5US5GlLhp_lcAUtnLT1u_g6Dys-o2UN0rE66zikUG5ANhOWOjquK9OxgiJ4EsmPdNCUNTxI/s1024/the-refrain-within-cover-663x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="663" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7i16LfGADatAT_H-EhxNcHSClF8dHOF7A3kinZ99qMq1-GL9YjjrQU0OLPSXhO7xab9d5US5GlLhp_lcAUtnLT1u_g6Dys-o2UN0rE66zikUG5ANhOWOjquK9OxgiJ4EsmPdNCUNTxI/s320/the-refrain-within-cover-663x1024.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>The Refrain Within</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Liz Tolsma</p><p><b>Genre: </b> WWII Fiction</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>September 29, 2020</p><p><strong>To save a life, would you betray everyone you love?</strong></p><p>Hungary in 1944 is a dark place. The Nazis have invaded and turned the country upside down, their evil making its way into every life.</p><p>Clarinetist Eva Bognar is engaged to conductor and composer Patrik Kedves, happily planning her wedding. At first she doesn’t think the war will affect her directly; everyone around her can be trusted to do the right thing. Then her Jewish best friend and sister-in-law Zofia goes missing–and instead of the Gestapo being to blame, a friend says it was Patrik who led Zofia away. Has he betrayed Eva and everything the family stands for?</p><p>When the rest of the family’s lives are directly threatened, Patrik’s secrets must come to light. The Bognars flee for the border in hopes of getting out of the country to the safety of Palestine. Eva must put her life and the lives of everyone she loves in the hands of the very man who betrayed her–and they may not all make it out of the war alive . . .</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/33Qmt9V”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCONQIZAkc4UnvUAp2Cez1hRhjdR3WjZ7JLtpdeVXcXIIfpeVsdI_yUXtWZA-jzE4rhY-bczQgyh3TgbVy5RXwlyCc2liRT0_hkx9202VKOa8yrdZJEeEILPSxp8RucE6CTnHF1Aa3H8/s160/Liz-Tolsma.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCONQIZAkc4UnvUAp2Cez1hRhjdR3WjZ7JLtpdeVXcXIIfpeVsdI_yUXtWZA-jzE4rhY-bczQgyh3TgbVy5RXwlyCc2liRT0_hkx9202VKOa8yrdZJEeEILPSxp8RucE6CTnHF1Aa3H8/s0/Liz-Tolsma.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Passionate might best describe Liz Tolsma. She loves writing, research, and editing. Her passion shone through in her first novel which was a double award finalist. On any given day, you might find her pulling weeds in her perennial garden, walking her hyperactive dog, or curled up with a good book. Nothing means more to her than her family. She’s married her high-school sweetheart twenty-eight years ago. Get her talking about international adoption, and you might never get her to stop. She and her husband adopted three children, including a son who is a U.S. Marine, and two daughters.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Liz</span></h1><p>This is the third book in a series all set around music. The first heroine, Anna in <em>The Melody of the Soul, </em>was a violinist. The second heroine, Natia in <em>When the Heart Sings, </em>sang beautifully. So what did I choose for this heroine?</p><p>When I was in fifth grade, the band teacher from the middle school came to our class and encouraged us to join. She brought instruments with her for us to try. I really wanted to play the flute. I thought it was very feminine. But all the girls wanted to play that, and I would have to be really good to get a good chair. So I decided on the clarinet. I played all through middle school and high school, making first chair a couple of times. I participated in marching band and in solo and ensemble contests, earning a couple of first places in state competitions. Even after my “career” ended, I continued to play from time to time. I still play in church. I love the rich, full sound of the instrument. When played well, the clarinet is beautiful. It can be playful and happy or dark and sad. It can skip and it can cry. I’m very glad now that I chose the clarinet instead of the flute.</p><p>That’s why the heroine of <em>The Refrain Within </em>plays the clarinet. In fact, she comes from a family of clarinet makers, and her family stamp on the barrel of a clarinet means a great deal to her. As God would have it, my editor, Janyre Tromp, is also a clarinet player. Between the two of us, we worked hard bring out the unique aspects of playing clarinet, like the callous that forms on the inside of your bottom lip.</p><p>Eva is a special character to me because we share this passion for the clarinet. There have been many times throughout my life that my clarinet has skipped with me and plenty of times when it has cried with me. Music is God’s beautiful gift to us, and I thank Him for the opportunity to share some of that with you in <em>The Refrain Within.</em></p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/e0hph7hnx88e65a8/aHR0cDovL2Jvb2t3b21hbmpvYW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326684">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, October 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amongthereads.net/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/7qh7h8h4grr8qdhz/aHR0cDovL2Ftb25ndGhlcmVhZHMubmV0Lw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326685">Among the Reads</a>, October 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/owhkhqh8z22nppcv/aHR0cHM6Ly9tdXNpbmdzYnltYXVyZWVuLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326686">Maureen's Musings</a>, October 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://babblingbeckyl.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/z2hghnhdgqq7n6ap/aHR0cDovL2JhYmJsaW5nYmVja3lsLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326687">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, October 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/p8heh9h7vnndmohq/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326688">Texas Book-aholic</a>, October 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/x0hph6h7g55zo6u5/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326689">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, October 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/6qheh8h2qmmwz8ao/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326690">deb's Book Review</a>, October 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/kkhmh6h97kkerktl/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326691">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, October 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://rbclibrary.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/58hvh7h9err0q6c6/aHR0cHM6Ly9yYmNsaWJyYXJ5LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326692">By The Book</a>, October 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/25h2hoho5kkg6qf3/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326693">lakesidelivingsite</a>, October 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.abakersperspective.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/qvh8h7h6x99vz3ul/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hYmFrZXJzcGVyc3BlY3RpdmUuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326694">A Baker's Perspective</a>, October 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/g3hnh5hzv44nrvar/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326695">Inklings and notions</a>, October 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.carpediem.fyi" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/9qhzhnh27ooxwkt9/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2FycGVkaWVtLmZ5aS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326696">CarpeDiem</a>, October 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/3ohphkhdweermobr/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326697">Mary Hake</a>, October 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/n2hohvhodzzgqxi6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326698">For Him and My Family</a>, October 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.reflectionsfrommybookshelves.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/48hvheh2o449l9ax/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5yZWZsZWN0aW9uc2Zyb21teWJvb2tzaGVsdmVzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326699">Reflections From My Bookshelves</a>, October 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://emily-yager.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/wnh2hghozee47vt7/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbWlseS15YWdlci5jb20vYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326700">Emily Yager</a>, October 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/reh8hoh58gg7deh2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326701">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, October 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/08hwh9h7833xe7cl/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326702">Older & Smarter?</a>, October 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://5020genesis.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/8ghqhoh54mm3dgik/aHR0cHM6Ly81MDIwZ2VuZXNpcy53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326703">Genesis 5020</a>, October 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/bettimace/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/vqh3hrhk5zz40pug/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9iZXR0aW1hY2Uv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326704">Betti Mace</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.christianbookaholic.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/l2hehmhkg8842li6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jaHJpc3RpYW5ib29rYWhvbGljLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326705">Christian Bookaholic</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/m2h7h5hnrdd95msm/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326706">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/dpheh0h73llk65um/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326707">Artistic Nobody</a>, October 31 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://simpleharvestreads.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/e0hph7hnx88ev5b8/aHR0cDovL3NpbXBsZWhhcnZlc3RyZWFkcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326708">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, October 31 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://rebeccatews.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/7qh7h8h4grr8ldcz/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZWJlY2NhdGV3cy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20vP209MQ==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326709">Rebecca Tews</a>, November 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/owhkhqh8z22n9psv/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326710">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, November 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/z2hghnhdgqq766tp/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326711">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, November 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://connieshistoryclassroom.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/p8heh9h7vnnd6osq/aHR0cDovL2Nvbm5pZXNoaXN0b3J5Y2xhc3Nyb29tLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326712">Connie's History Classroom</a>, November 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.jennifersienes.com/blog/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/x0hph6h7g55z26a5/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5qZW5uaWZlcnNpZW5lcy5jb20vYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326713">Where Crisis & Christ Collide</a>, November 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/6qheh8h2qmmwr8to/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326714">Splashes of Joy</a>, November 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bookkisses.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/kkhmh6h97kkewkul/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29ra2lzc2VzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326715">Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses</a>, November 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.asheleadsisjoy.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/58hvh7h9err0x6i6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hc2hlbGVhZHNpc2pveS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326716">As He Leads is Joy</a>, November 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bigreadersite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/25h2hoho5kkg9qf3/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdyZWFkZXJzaXRlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326717">Bigreadersite</a>, November 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/qvh8h7h6x99vw3tl/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326718">Pause for Tales</a>, November 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/g3hnh5hzv44n9vtr/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYWdlYnlwYWdlYm9va2J5Ym9vay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326719">Hallie Reads</a>, November 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://southerngallovestoread.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/9qhzhnh27ooxrku9/aHR0cDovL3NvdXRoZXJuZ2FsbG92ZXN0b3JlYWQuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326720">Southern Gal Loves to Read</a>, November 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandatero.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/3ohphkhdweergocr/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYXRlcm8uY29tL2Jsb2c=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326721">Amanda Tero, author</a>, November 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/n2hohvhodzzg0xb6/aHR0cDovL2ZhbWlseW1ncmtlbmRyYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326722">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, November 5</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://agoodbookandcupoftea.wixsite.com/agoodbookandcupoftea" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hz429lfl/48hvheh2o44989tx/aHR0cHM6Ly9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYS53aXhzaXRlLmNvbS9hZ29vZGJvb2thbmRjdXBvZnRlYQ==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336326723">A Good Book and Cup of Tea</a>, November 5</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg0UauWf2oYQ0LTCLZLgWdFMZ-GhhZ6gllTx4StTZ3lbqrH1NntC6kf-xCyZh7bFn2FwY4HUDfzSScrhsFaYGRWp6QJWVjVAtX8WViPkylN3yl2IOAzCDmAcO9W-FAngOaKyrAOsu4l8/s267/amazon+gift+card+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg0UauWf2oYQ0LTCLZLgWdFMZ-GhhZ6gllTx4StTZ3lbqrH1NntC6kf-xCyZh7bFn2FwY4HUDfzSScrhsFaYGRWp6QJWVjVAtX8WViPkylN3yl2IOAzCDmAcO9W-FAngOaKyrAOsu4l8/s0/amazon+gift+card+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/102a9/the-refrain-within-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/102a9/the-refrain-within-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-62328986013253195702020-10-20T06:00:00.053-05:002020-10-20T06:00:03.204-05:00Book Review: Certain Threat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYk_QEnWfkbTO8J3Z5FW1guMaaV6IM91KnmzgLdgZA0KJHHYy0FhBzbzeRk2OYk3nbPBp5pHcKfpAwJpS7i-k10dv1p3sOTc2BGs-0o-DxkaXOFU4ApOIVGNt-fa6AaZf6Z_m-hqNcC8/s851/Certain-Threat-Banner-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYk_QEnWfkbTO8J3Z5FW1guMaaV6IM91KnmzgLdgZA0KJHHYy0FhBzbzeRk2OYk3nbPBp5pHcKfpAwJpS7i-k10dv1p3sOTc2BGs-0o-DxkaXOFU4ApOIVGNt-fa6AaZf6Z_m-hqNcC8/w640-h236/Certain-Threat-Banner-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">Certain Threat is a mystery/suspense story and the third book in a series about a man's protection company. Frank left his law enforcement career to start this company along with his partner and someone else. This was the first book I've read in the series and the first one by the author.</p><p center="">The story was good, and I didn't guess who-dun-it. Although I have never read the first two books of the series, I don't feel I missed a whole lot in book 3 -- in other words, it reads more like a stand-alone book than other serial books I've read. I liked all of the characters. None of them seemed caricaturish and most were distinct from each other. I did feel like Frank acted out of character at one point, but it didn't detract from the story. I also liked the subplot of Frank's partners (it would be a spoiler to say more). Probably my biggest wish for this book is that it could have been less rushed and more filled out (which probably would have fixed the out-of-character moment). It was definitely a quick read. I started on it one night after finishing another book and then finished it the next night. Had it been the only book I read, I could've easily read it in one night. It's a good enough story that I want to read other books in the series as well.</p><p center="">Keep reading more about the book and author and scroll down to enter the giveaway!</p><p center="">Celebrate Lit offered me the chance to receive and review this book for free.</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfdO16YkMLkfc9qQTQrD8BgRzQHFub22Krd2Lv_I12BgULZBiTEZqEcZBQzpjCzHoA29M4Ou49dgtuKwGwa3Dw-FsxKN06AQBdVYgW_pVi9NMqaBFflzBFk02w7ZEAdau7GeqdRyJLH0/s1024/certain-threat-682x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfdO16YkMLkfc9qQTQrD8BgRzQHFub22Krd2Lv_I12BgULZBiTEZqEcZBQzpjCzHoA29M4Ou49dgtuKwGwa3Dw-FsxKN06AQBdVYgW_pVi9NMqaBFflzBFk02w7ZEAdau7GeqdRyJLH0/s320/certain-threat-682x1024.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Certain Threat</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Kimberly Rose Johnson</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Romantic Suspense</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>October 6, 2020</p><p><strong>Katrina White’s garage explodes and she fears someone is out to get her.</strong></p><p>Not long after Katrina overhears two people talking about robbing the bank where she works, her attached garage explodes. With the help of her neighbor, Frank Davis, she escapes the burning home after a storage shelf falls over, trapping her beneath it.</p><p>The co-owner of Protection Inc. has one thing on his mind for the week of Christmas—rest and relaxation, but when his favorite neighbor needs his help he calls in his team. Unable to turn their backs on someone Frank clearly has feelings for, the co-owners agree to help out Katrina.</p><p>When things escalate, Frank is certain of two things—he cares a lot for Katrina and he can’t let anything happen to her.</p><p>Join the team of Protection Inc. this Christmas where love is in the air even in the midst of danger.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/2FvFDZY”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqS8Och2vZP-_eHAEVfBvwg2fSrq1y4bVJSuILeiVzNqlRWio-Czrfa1r_WRnm5T7nL7J3-MweVkHYFRdnyfJvNXUM3I0ioRZkPo_Z44EbMFX9LIG17nEXnYYPIFp4B9ptdfwhSK990k/s1024/publicity-photo-blue-cropped-2018-683x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqS8Och2vZP-_eHAEVfBvwg2fSrq1y4bVJSuILeiVzNqlRWio-Czrfa1r_WRnm5T7nL7J3-MweVkHYFRdnyfJvNXUM3I0ioRZkPo_Z44EbMFX9LIG17nEXnYYPIFp4B9ptdfwhSK990k/s320/publicity-photo-blue-cropped-2018-683x1024.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div>Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul.</div><p>Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Kimberly</span></h1><p><em>Certain Threat</em> was one of my favorite books to write. There are three point of view characters. Two have been in the series from book one and the third is a new addition in this book.</p><p>I adore Frank, the hero of this book. The man is tough, honest, and always does his best to do the right thing. He’s a good example for his younger business partners who like to do things their own way, especially Carissa.</p><p>For me the most fun part about writing this book was getting inside Frank’s head. He comes across as tough and sometime gruff, but he is a marshmallow on the inside when it comes to Katrina, his neighbor. Katrina brings out a side in Frank we haven’t yet witnessed and it was a blast to write—no pun intended. LOL you’ll understand when you read the book.</p><p>I look forward to writing future books in this series and going deeper with the rest of the Protection Inc. team and their friends.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/48hvheh2o4nxnncx/aHR0cDovL2Jvb2t3b21hbmpvYW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142717">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, October 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://babblingbeckyl.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/wnh2hghoze303oh7/aHR0cDovL2JhYmJsaW5nYmVja3lsLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142718">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, October 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://worthy2read.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/08hwh9h783klkdbl/aHR0cHM6Ly93b3J0aHkycmVhZC53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142720">Worthy2Read</a>, October 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/vqh3hrhk5zdwdeig/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142722">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, October 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/l2hehmhkg8zxzrf6/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142723">Texas Book-aholic</a>, October 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/m2h7h5hnrd747wim/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142724">Inklings and notions</a>, October 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/dpheh0h73lmpmdtm/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142725">deb's Book Review</a>, October 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/bettimace/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/e0hph7hnx82r26t8/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9iZXR0aW1hY2Uv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142726">Betti Mace</a>, October 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/7qh7h8h4grmnmlaz/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yaWVzYnlnaW5hLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142727">Gina Holder, Author and Blogger</a>, October 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/owhkhqh8z27q7dhv/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142728">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, October 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/z2hghnhdgq8l8vap/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142729">Mary Hake</a>, October 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/p8heh9h7vnlqlwhq/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142730">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, October 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://aprilhayman.com/certain-threat-kimberly-rose-johnson" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/x0hph6h7g5lql5u5/aHR0cDovL2FwcmlsaGF5bWFuLmNvbS9jZXJ0YWluLXRocmVhdC1raW1iZXJseS1yb3NlLWpvaG5zb24=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142731">April Hayman, Author</a>, October 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/6qheh8h2qmd9d9fo/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142732">Splashes of Joy</a>, October 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/kkhmh6h97k3x3osl/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142733">Artistic Nobody</a>, October 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/58hvh7h9erz6zwa6/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142734">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, October 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://mypreciousbitsandmusings.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/25h2hoho5keme5b3/aHR0cHM6Ly9teXByZWNpb3VzYml0c2FuZG11c2luZ3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142735">mypreciousbitsandmusings</a>, October 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.arynthelibraryan.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/qvh8h7h6x90k6ghl/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hcnludGhlbGlicmFyeWFuLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142736">Aryn the Libraryan</a>, October 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.carpediem.fyi" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/g3hnh5hzv4kqzdtr/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2FycGVkaWVtLmZ5aS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142737">CarpeDiem</a>, October 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/9qhzhnh27ol526h9/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142738">For Him and My Family</a>, October 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://daysongreflections.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/3ohphkhdwenpdrbr/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXlzb25ncmVmbGVjdGlvbnMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142739">Daysong Reflections</a>, October 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/n2hohvhodzk7o5t6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142740">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bigreadersite.wordpress.com/" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/48hvheh2o4nx2nfx/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdyZWFkZXJzaXRlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142741">Bigreadersite</a>, October 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/wnh2hghoze30oos7/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142742">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, October 31</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/reh8hoh58ge65qi2/aHR0cDovL2Jsb3Nzb21zYW5kYmxlc3NpbmdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142743">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, October 31</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://simpleharvestreads.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/08hwh9h783kl7dcl/aHR0cDovL3NpbXBsZWhhcnZlc3RyZWFkcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142744">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, November 1 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bizwingsblog.blogspot.com" href="https://click.convertkit-mail4.com/k0u0vg3k6za6hznprxcl/8ghqhoh54mxr5otk/aHR0cDovL2JpendpbmdzYmxvZy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1336142745">Bizwings Blog</a>, November 1</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFgCO-poxMCw2EEaYiSLSX9BKh1uuQGPqbeaver5xeE1M0kRqG5XPr_73Gd7EL16ST6yk_tBGzUgGqOZnHG4Gf4f-3DH6M_wU6Y3-0q_IL70L_l7kRWs07YtbMJdoYBAnFgc0DEylkcM/s267/amazon+gift+card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFgCO-poxMCw2EEaYiSLSX9BKh1uuQGPqbeaver5xeE1M0kRqG5XPr_73Gd7EL16ST6yk_tBGzUgGqOZnHG4Gf4f-3DH6M_wU6Y3-0q_IL70L_l7kRWs07YtbMJdoYBAnFgc0DEylkcM/s0/amazon+gift+card.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Kimberly is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/10266/certain-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/10266/certain-threat-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-49536726835975464132020-10-17T06:00:00.091-05:002020-10-17T06:00:00.477-05:00Book Review and Giveaway: Light in the Mountain Sky <p center=""></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07t3iA9GoXPUL6K_KfEFA9hTfBP3rMi0D4fQombJ96uiNRhebTf2P3_nIISvcLuQDZJyRwk2MPW_76StNzApBOSPOnLTrDx6-Xuy_1h6ntlh9O83w9WbWp0O3nbycO0JbYN4rOcyjjmU/s851/light-mountain-banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07t3iA9GoXPUL6K_KfEFA9hTfBP3rMi0D4fQombJ96uiNRhebTf2P3_nIISvcLuQDZJyRwk2MPW_76StNzApBOSPOnLTrDx6-Xuy_1h6ntlh9O83w9WbWp0O3nbycO0JbYN4rOcyjjmU/w640-h237/light-mountain-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love history, especially the 19th century. I love reading about the resiliency and necessary ingenuity of the pioneers. When this book came up for review (which I received for free from Celebrate Lit), I was intrigued by reading about a unique story set during my favorite time period.<div><br /></div><div>Overall, I enjoyed the book. I liked reading about the setting and the characters. Meksem is a strong lady (". . . a warrior never looked back. Always forward until the journey ended.", yet has invulnerability due to the death of her father when she was a young child. She gives up a precious heirloom from him in order to give a special gift to Adam -- which is amazing considering I'm not sure if she had realized before how much he meant to her. </div><div><br /></div><div>At first, I wasn't sure how much I would like the book because the first chapter felt like an info dump which was necessary because the book is a sequel to book 2 in the series. It was easy to get confused about the characters because I was introduced to them so quickly. The subsequent chapters were better, and I did like the story. It probably would be better to read the previous book in the series, but it's not totally necessary. (From what I've read, the first book doesn't sound like it has the same characters, but I could be wrong.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I really like how the author showed the emergence of faith in God in Meksem ("If only she could have such a God for herself.") and the renewal and growing of faith in Adam ("God made us to serve Him, but gave us our own will to choose whether we take a good path or the trail which does not please Him."). The developing romance between them was just on the outside of my personal preference in description (nothing immoral), but probably most readers would enjoy it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is another quote I liked from the book:</div><blockquote><div>"Hope slipped into her chest. She'd heard of the white man's Bible but hadn't realized the book contained directions straight from God Himself. This way she could learn about the One she'd committed her life to. And learning alongside this man who held her heart would be an adventure all its own."<br /></div></blockquote><p>Keep reading more about the book and the author and scroll down for the opportunity to win a $50 gift card! </p><blockquote><div><p></p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnQzJYqL50A5AhkAWYSqh1izlYr7C6zOoyGXuepXZWbksaVHSjtBkKWLD3TVx09eHZnK-H7j3AcPymo6tqV-l3OHNCn0u8nTJtnrUtzFwuykySydWr8h2mUjAotwDEVBwY30-_jj5__M/s1024/Light-in-the-Mountain-Sky-1-685x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="685" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnQzJYqL50A5AhkAWYSqh1izlYr7C6zOoyGXuepXZWbksaVHSjtBkKWLD3TVx09eHZnK-H7j3AcPymo6tqV-l3OHNCn0u8nTJtnrUtzFwuykySydWr8h2mUjAotwDEVBwY30-_jj5__M/s320/Light-in-the-Mountain-Sky-1-685x1024.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Light in the Mountain Sky</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Misty M. Beller</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian Historical Romance</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>September 29, 2020</p><p><strong><em>This epic journey may seal her fate forever. </em></strong></p><p>Determined to prove her worth, Meksem fiercely fought to earn her place among the warriors in her Nez Perce camp. When her half-sister is captured by an enemy tribe, she refuses to trust the rescue to anyone else. But her new friends insist on joining her mission, and she battles between relief and frustration at their presence. Especially the white man who peers at her as if he can see through the face of the warrior she struggles so hard to maintain.</p><p>Spaniard Adam Vargas thrives on adventure wherever his travels take him. He’s fallen in love with this Rocky Mountain wilderness, as well as the spotted horses the Nez Perce tribe raise. His fascination with this Indian maiden-turned-warrior catches him off guard though, including the way she seems to be fighting for more than her sister’s safe return.</p><p>The journey proves more perilous than any of the group expects, and the secret Meksem hides becomes impossible to conceal. If they live through this mission, the life they knew will never be the same again.</p><p>From a <em>USA Today</em> bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and intense adventure.</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/32OVtXL”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9AK0gF7ejFoFSicsl75FoU7A30No6rSd_INUtpFcb5OCPs8wEHrI92xOgHlgicKIoU4g0JlLr5zx1Kd7V8bLC3YumTfPBkr1-qmnErCRKevYNHPcWwc8iDaIUFItTrIoejzqlKpV9_A/s768/Misty-M.-Beller-photo-1-768x694.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9AK0gF7ejFoFSicsl75FoU7A30No6rSd_INUtpFcb5OCPs8wEHrI92xOgHlgicKIoU4g0JlLr5zx1Kd7V8bLC3YumTfPBkr1-qmnErCRKevYNHPcWwc8iDaIUFItTrIoejzqlKpV9_A/s320/Misty-M.-Beller-photo-1-768x694.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Misty M. Beller</strong> is a <em>USA Today</em> bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.</p><p>She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.</p><p>God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Misty<br /></span></h1><p><strong>Early Nez Perce Business Women</strong></p><p>As I’ve been researching for my current Call of the Rockies series, I’ve had the pleasure of diving deep into the culture of the Nez Perce tribe. I found it interesting that one of the primary food sources of The People (as they called themselves) was camas roots.</p><p>But what really drew my notice was how the women would cultivate entire fields of camas root, store what they needed for their family through the winter, then use the extras for bartering. Some savvy women would become quite wealthy from their business dealings!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKAy94BKvf5FXXF92htTnBxJnlLGTTboKP2kORpAIk_U2NaPp7CK7e6d_P-3zzMslc99gGI1VbxeI0UAty4Xn-zCRBGGnCDRWe593GpAqtIUU2jwU_sMKh6Hs0LBO5K4L6vZAAHyKd1w/s300/Picture1-300x235.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKAy94BKvf5FXXF92htTnBxJnlLGTTboKP2kORpAIk_U2NaPp7CK7e6d_P-3zzMslc99gGI1VbxeI0UAty4Xn-zCRBGGnCDRWe593GpAqtIUU2jwU_sMKh6Hs0LBO5K4L6vZAAHyKd1w/s0/Picture1-300x235.png" /></a></div><p>The bulbs of the camas plant are full of calories and nutrients, and each fall, Nez Perce families would travel to their particular camas meadow (a section of land whose camas rights had probably been passed down from generation to generation within their family). Many of these meadows were located near present-day Weippe, Moscow or Grangeville, where the onion-shaped bulbs grew thickly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtmDNzqCra4gMK9jbC2j0c1OAw-6akui5ykwP1XiJeaPGEtKm_yRnXyncoApXC5hCcrMgc7rzhjIfEc1id7x62mcm1rLqGeoZ5dkmblE9ofO0HD2ko1b1UD-u5AXH-IgMsr9Djid9oqQ/s300/Picture2-199x300.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtmDNzqCra4gMK9jbC2j0c1OAw-6akui5ykwP1XiJeaPGEtKm_yRnXyncoApXC5hCcrMgc7rzhjIfEc1id7x62mcm1rLqGeoZ5dkmblE9ofO0HD2ko1b1UD-u5AXH-IgMsr9Djid9oqQ/s0/Picture2-199x300.png" /></a></div><p>Women used pointed wooden tools to harvest the bulbs, and could often gather over 50 pounds a day, satisfying their full winter’s supply within just a few days.</p><p>Native American peoples who ate camas include the Nez Perce (Nimíipuu), Cree, Coast Salish, Kalapuya, and Blackfoot, and Yakama, among many others. Not all of these people groups harvested camas themselves. Instead, many relied on trade in order to procure it. Trade networks were established all the way from the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean, and a shrewd businesswoman who tended her camas meadows well could provide everything her family needed and more!</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://tabithabouldinauthorhome.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/58hvh7h9e8q58wt6/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWJpdGhhYm91bGRpbmF1dGhvcmhvbWUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596398">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, October 13</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/qvh8h7h6x5z8mghl/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596400">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, October 13</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/9qhzhnh27m0gv6s9/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596402">Splashes of Joy</a>, October 13</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.abakersperspective.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/n2hohvhodpmn95a6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hYmFrZXJzcGVyc3BlY3RpdmUuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596404">A Baker's Perspective</a>, October 14</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/48hvheh2oev0dnhx/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596405">deb's Book Review</a>, October 14</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.blessedbookish.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/reh8hoh58r4qlqi2/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ibGVzc2VkYm9va2lzaC53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596407">Blessed & Bookish</a>, October 15</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://margueritemartingray.blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/08hwh9h785vm6dal/aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXJndWVyaXRlbWFydGluZ3JheS5ibG9nLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596408">Connect in Fiction</a>, October 15</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/8ghqhoh54vzg6otk/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596409">lakesidelivingsite</a>, October 15</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://litteraegaudium.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/7qh7h8h4g7q0nlfz/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596463">For the Love of Literature</a>, October 16</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/bettimace/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/l2hehmhkg9eogms6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9iZXR0aW1hY2Uv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596538">Betti Mace</a>, October 16</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/m2h7h5hnrpvordhm/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596539">Texas Book-aholic</a>, October 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/dpheh0h73gvq3pcm/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596540">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, October 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/e0hph7hnxg6kxdi8/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596541">Inklings and notions</a>, October 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/7qh7h8h4g7q0gehz/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmF2ZWxpbmd3aWZlNGxpZmUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596542">Adventures of a Travelers Wife</a>, October 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://nannie3.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/owhkhqh8zvp4zzcv/aHR0cDovL25hbm5pZTMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596543">jeanette's Thoughts</a>, October 18</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/z2hghnhdgvn399tp/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596544">Older & Smarter?</a>, October 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://janemouttet.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/p8heh9h7v0mzk3uq/aHR0cDovL2phbmVtb3V0dGV0LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596545">Library Lady's Kid Lit</a>, October 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/x0hph6h7g6ow8pi5/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596546">For Him and My Family</a>, October 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/58hvh7h9e8qmpzi6/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596549">Mary Hake</a>, October 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://shelivestoread.com/category/book-reviews/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/qvh8h7h6x5zrg8al/aHR0cDovL3NoZWxpdmVzdG9yZWFkLmNvbS9jYXRlZ29yeS9ib29rLXJldmlld3Mv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596551">She Lives To Read</a>, October 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://michelledebruin.com/category/blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/9qhzhnh27m0pkds9/aHR0cHM6Ly9taWNoZWxsZWRlYnJ1aW4uY29tL2NhdGVnb3J5L2Jsb2cv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596553">Writing from the Heart Land</a>, October 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/3ohphkhdwl0764cr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596554">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, October 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://simpleharvestreads.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/n2hohvhodpm3wri6/aHR0cDovL3NpbXBsZWhhcnZlc3RyZWFkcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596555">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, October 22 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/48hvheh2oevrzkux/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596556">Artistic Nobody</a>, October 23 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/wnh2hghozpnw9mt7/aHR0cDovL2Jsb3Nzb21zYW5kYmxlc3NpbmdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596557">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, October 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/reh8hoh58r4094f2/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596558">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, October 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://reviewingbooksplusmore.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/08hwh9h785vd0esl/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZXZpZXdpbmdib29rc3BsdXNtb3JlLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596559">reviewingbooksplusmore</a>, October 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bizwingsblog.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/8ghqhoh54vzlenck/aHR0cDovL2JpendpbmdzYmxvZy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596560">Bizwings Blog</a>, October 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://connieshistoryclassroom.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/vqh3hrhk57lp27ig/aHR0cDovL2Nvbm5pZXNoaXN0b3J5Y2xhc3Nyb29tLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596561">Connie's History Classroom</a>, October 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://simpleharvestreads.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/l2hehmhkg9e35mf6/aHR0cDovL3NpbXBsZWhhcnZlc3RyZWFkcy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596562">Book Love</a>, October 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/m2h7h5hnrpv8kdsm/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596563">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, October 26</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bigreadersite.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/4zu7265ml3cehw24rmtx/dpheh0h73gv0zpim/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdyZWFkZXJzaXRlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335596564">Bigreadersite</a>, October 26</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW9CWVpeNpl6o55ag3w4sFdCZRIziAAlzn-UhX6i3Iaq6KW1yY_H6s2x1JYmJmwbmWdGBSobyyP2AtjIZCBnF7POdqA6aVKlfGA677l2ADU3XO9qh7kaMButBzbXSIcjDjwkwz_vHml4/s267/amazon+gift+card.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="170" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRW9CWVpeNpl6o55ag3w4sFdCZRIziAAlzn-UhX6i3Iaq6KW1yY_H6s2x1JYmJmwbmWdGBSobyyP2AtjIZCBnF7POdqA6aVKlfGA677l2ADU3XO9qh7kaMButBzbXSIcjDjwkwz_vHml4/s0/amazon+gift+card.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/101f7/light-in-the-mountain-sky-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/101f7/light-in-the-mountain-sky-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p></div></blockquote>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-24193858234962885402020-10-10T13:36:00.000-05:002020-10-10T13:36:41.872-05:00A Novel Pursuit (of Life and Learning) = A fresh look and focus for the blog!<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="goog_750102127"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="973" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4uLhau-1MfI6Kf8vnVD_0qR63jYlAfquMXgBrRqwMXfr9aFLOWgsukU8hIyEIbtuZYUEZNNRUIa3fSMAztetJOxVCsH3g5EfptLeLdEHO6OhQuDb218t9YAOJJDLK9RNKU_8SmulqIpI/w400-h184/A+Novel+Pursuit+Header+B+cropped.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://anovelpursuitblog.blogspot.com/">New Blog!</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have decided to retire my 21st Century Keeper at Home blog at the end of 2020. I am starting a new blog at <a href="https://anovelpursuitblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Novel Pursuit</a> (...of Life and Learning)! It will primarily focus on Book Reviews and Homeschooling.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I played around with book- and school-related titles for weeks before deciding on A Novel Pursuit. I chose the word "Novel" because, well, BOOKS, and also because our journey in homeschooling is unique to our family (as homeschooling *should* be -- fit for your family, not to some imaginary standard that you think others follow -- as long as it adheres to God's standards, of course). I chose the word "Pursuit" because the pursuit of learning is a God-given freedom and privilege that I enjoy and hope to instill in my daughter.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Between now and the end of the year, I will periodically repost articles I've written on homeschooling as well as my early book reviews, just to throw content over there that is relevant to my focus. If you could pop over there every once in a while, I'd appreciate it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My book reviews for Celebrate Lit will only be posted on </span><a href="https://anovelpursuitblog.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">A Novel Pursuit</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> beginning in January.</span></p><p><br /></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-80612656217183981822020-10-10T06:00:00.062-05:002020-10-10T06:00:04.433-05:00Book Review & Giveaway: Brought to Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XQxDsKIf6An_1bJiHJWv8yTnMpnLWLWegGYYJWBkPim3OOUJjQnoY0tr1OFRZ8z-yjY-qiY4yaT9EarDC1lKY1jDDPqOW1JoBR_wyukJHUBUO_EqBgZOl3b252ZlU0iF4BX7jmI7pcU/s851/Brought-to-Book+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XQxDsKIf6An_1bJiHJWv8yTnMpnLWLWegGYYJWBkPim3OOUJjQnoY0tr1OFRZ8z-yjY-qiY4yaT9EarDC1lKY1jDDPqOW1JoBR_wyukJHUBUO_EqBgZOl3b252ZlU0iF4BX7jmI7pcU/w640-h237/Brought-to-Book+Banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p center="">Is it weird that I sometimes wish I knew book characters in real life? Katrina Peters is a 40-ish college adjunct professor in a small town somewhere up north (Washington State, I believe). She's smart and funny and loves books. She loves them so much that she began volunteering at a local bookstore, helping to rearrange shelves from the useless alphabetical-by-title to separated by genre and alphabetical by the author (a bit OCD in a good way). In the meantime, she sort of becomes friends with the rather curmudgeon owner Frank....who winds up getting killed!</p><p center="">So begins the story, and it culminates in finding out who was behind the murder and why. I wasn't terribly surprised by the perpetrator, but I wasn't disappointed, either. In the book, we meet a detective who becomes friends with Katrina as well as several of her other friends. As a subplot which creates a little bit of conflict within the book, she feels like she has reached a crossroads in her life and doesn't know what God wants her to do next. I really enjoyed the mystery and the setting of the book. I also loved that I learned a new vocabulary word and I learned a little bit about forgeries of manuscripts.</p><p center="">This quote made me laugh:</p><p center=""></p><blockquote><p center="" style="text-align: left;">"I just don't want to start anything if it isn't going to work out."</p></blockquote><blockquote><p>"Sorry. There aren't any money-back guarantees. Just take the next step." </p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"> What a great description of living by faith! Just take the next step!</p><p style="text-align: left;">This next quote (the original author was not stated) sums up how I feel about the whole corona thing:</p><blockquote><p style="text-align: left;">"Mortal dangers around me fly, 'till He bids, I cannot die.'</p></blockquote><p>Google says it's a hymn by John Ryland. If I have time tonight I would like to do a rabbit trail search for more info.</p><p>To sum it up, good, clean, Christian mystery, worth getting. My only criticism is that sometimes it's a little wordy, but given the protagonist is an English literature professor, that fits with the story. I will be reviewing the second book in the series soon.</p><p></p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong> </strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnpWhIFKudKw4BpJs4gzyJSaRTmsBjo7ALBwVDCXdI8RqWx2SKgAnkdWcVKfcjVa7AVelW10OpMUlKjveCBIV1WP8vayU_riB3Y9sV5OlYL7hlWsic0xw9VTX8JLdnrZXB65dv5Hacrs/s612/1-Brought-to-Book-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnpWhIFKudKw4BpJs4gzyJSaRTmsBjo7ALBwVDCXdI8RqWx2SKgAnkdWcVKfcjVa7AVelW10OpMUlKjveCBIV1WP8vayU_riB3Y9sV5OlYL7hlWsic0xw9VTX8JLdnrZXB65dv5Hacrs/s320/1-Brought-to-Book-sm.jpg" /></a></strong></div><strong><br /></strong><p></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Brought to Book</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Barbara Cornthwaite</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Christian cozy mystery</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong><strong> </strong>June 24, 2020</p><p><strong>There’s nothing in Emily Post about dealing with murder.</strong></p><p>Katrina just wanted to spend time among the books at Frank’s Bookstore. Yes, that’s an unimaginative name for a store, but Frank’s an unimaginative guy–or he was.</p><p>Now he and his murder are the reason Katrina is spending her spare time with Wilkester detective, Todd Mason. Or, that’s what she tells herself.</p><p>Why would anyone want to kill Frank Delaney? Who would do it? And is Katrina herself even safe?</p><p>Mixing faith, literary humor, sweet romance, and a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing, Barbara Cornthwaite’s first Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.</p><p><strong>Begin your investigation of <em>Brought to Book</em> today.</strong></p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/3gVeFI8″">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YXdwjM0tHcr_eaTgNERZPyZL30QC_QcH4z9P69V7cnaWHqNLWjEDIak0vtvLx0rwYMX-5pMabAkWtDyrcf6ZeEwR_WdHu7AeVKBXnejEUUCqPop8L-YFptZyif5gcvclw1ytzbhmblI/s1024/Barbara-Cornthwaite-headshot-731x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="731" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YXdwjM0tHcr_eaTgNERZPyZL30QC_QcH4z9P69V7cnaWHqNLWjEDIak0vtvLx0rwYMX-5pMabAkWtDyrcf6ZeEwR_WdHu7AeVKBXnejEUUCqPop8L-YFptZyif5gcvclw1ytzbhmblI/s320/Barbara-Cornthwaite-headshot-731x1024.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Barbara</span></h1><h2>Meeting of the Minds</h2><p><em>A Wilkester Mysteries Introduction</em></p><p>Detective Todd Mason knew Katrina was the one the first time he met her. The woman had witnessed a murder—if not with her eyes, at least with her ears. She’d seen the man dying and called for help, afraid all the while that the killer would return for her. So much he’d been told before he went into the interrogation room.</p><p>“How’s she handling it?” he asked the officer who had arrived first at the scene and escorted her to the police station.</p><p>“Not too badly,” said Gary. “She’s in shock, of course, but she’s trying to hold it together. Katrina Peters. She’s in Room 2.”</p><p>He’d gone in then and gotten his first look at her. Late thirties or early forties. Brown hair that fell to her shoulders in loose waves. Brown eyes that were red-rimmed from crying. Hands clutching a tissue. She managed a faint smile when he walked in.</p><p>“Hello, Ms. Peters. I’m Detective Todd Mason. I need to ask you some questions, if that’s all right.”</p><p>“Miss,” she said, almost as a reflex.</p><p>“I beg your pardon?” Todd wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly.</p><p>“It’s Miss Peters.” She said it firmly, repudiating the term Ms. even at such a stressful moment. Something made her blush then, and he saw her glance at his left hand. “Never mind,” she murmured.</p><p><em>She’s afraid I’ll think she’s trying to advertize her availability</em>. It amused Todd to see the blush—if only she knew how refreshing it was to see a woman who would even be conscious of such a thing. <em>Old fashioned</em>, he thought. <em>In a good way</em>.</p><p>She answered his questions as calmly as she could, and even apologized for the tears that insisted on coming out now and then. When she alluded to Daniel in the lion’s den, he knew she really was out of the ordinary, and it took all his self-control not to offer to drive her home himself.</p><p>To join the investigation, read your copy of <em>Brought to Book</em> today.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/3ohphkhdw598neir/aHR0cHM6Ly90cnV0aGFuZGdyYWNlaG9tZXNjaG9vbGFjYWRlbXkud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798283">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, October 10</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/n2hohvhod954k7i6/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798284">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, October 10</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/48hvheh2odq3n7fx/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWJsaW9waGlsZWFuZGF2aWRyZWFkZXIuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798285">The Avid Reader</a>, October 10</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/wnh2hghoz2vd3dt7/aHR0cDovL2Jvb2t3b21hbmpvYW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798286">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, October 11</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://remembrancy.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/reh8hoh58lvpe8i2/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW1lbWJyYW5jeS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798287">Remembrancy</a>, October 11</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://litteraegaudium.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/08hwh9h786w470il/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798288">For the Love of Literature</a>, October 12</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://worthy2read.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/8ghqhoh546p850tk/aHR0cDovL3dvcnRoeTJyZWFkLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798289">Worthy2Read</a>, October 12</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.5020genesis.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/vqh3hrhk5936kvhg/aHR0cDovL3d3dy41MDIwZ2VuZXNpcy53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798290">Genesis 5020</a>, October 12</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/l2hehmhkgmvpk4u6/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798291">deb's Book Review</a>, October 13</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/m2h7h5hnr60xn0fm/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798292">Blogging With Carol</a>, October 13</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/dpheh0h739wx7mfm/aHR0cHM6Ly9yb2JpbnNuZXN0MjEyLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798293">Robin's Nest</a>, October 13</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/e0hph7hnx3wznnc8/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798294">Texas Book-aholic</a>, October 14</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://losingthebusyness.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/7qh7h8h4g2pe40tz/aHR0cDovL2xvc2luZ3RoZWJ1c3luZXNzLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798295">Losing the Busyness</a>, October 14</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://aprilhayman.com/brought-to-book-barbara-cornthwaite" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/owhkhqh8zmle8rcv/aHR0cDovL2FwcmlsaGF5bWFuLmNvbS9icm91Z2h0LXRvLWJvb2stYmFyYmFyYS1jb3JudGh3YWl0ZQ==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798296">April Hayman, Author</a>, October 14</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://babblingbeckyl.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/z2hghnhdg2rzdeap/aHR0cDovL2JhYmJsaW5nYmVja3lsLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798297">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, October 15</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/p8heh9h7vw5e7gbq/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798298">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, October 15</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/x0hph6h7gvdm73h5/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798299">Inklings and notions</a>, October 16</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/6qheh8h2q86420ho/aHR0cDovL2ZhbWlseW1ncmtlbmRyYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798300">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, October 16</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://daysongreflections.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/kkhmh6h9702p9zul/aHR0cHM6Ly9kYXlzb25ncmVmbGVjdGlvbnMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798301">Daysong Reflections</a>, October 16</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/58hvh7h9edow9qi6/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798302">Older & Smarter?</a>, October 17</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/25h2hoho5p0xo9f3/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798303">For Him and My Family</a>, October 17</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/qvh8h7h6xm236pul/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798304">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, October 18</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://justyouraveragereviews.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/g3hnh5hzv8o2z5ur/aHR0cHM6Ly9qdXN0eW91cmF2ZXJhZ2VyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798305">Just Your Average reviews</a>, October 18</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lislovesreading.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/9qhzhnh27v382vs9/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXNsb3Zlc3JlYWRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798306">Lis Loves Reading</a>, October 18</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/3ohphkhdw598debr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798307">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, October 19</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.asheleadsisjoy.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/n2hohvhod954o7i6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hc2hlbGVhZHNpc2pveS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798308">As He Leads is Joy</a>, October 19</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://emily-yager.com/blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/48hvheh2odq327hx/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbWlseS15YWdlci5jb20vYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798309">Emily Yager</a>, October 19</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sodbusterliving.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/wnh2hghoz2vdodt7/aHR0cDovL3NvZGJ1c3RlcmxpdmluZy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798310">Sodbusterliving</a>, October 20</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/reh8hoh58lvp58s2/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798311">Artistic Nobody</a>, October 20 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://labornotinvain.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/08hwh9h786w4m0tl/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWJvcm5vdGludmFpbi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798312">Labor Not in Vain</a>, October 20</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://shelivestoread.com/category/book-reviews/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/8ghqhoh546p8g0bk/aHR0cDovL3NoZWxpdmVzdG9yZWFkLmNvbS9jYXRlZ29yeS9ib29rLXJldmlld3Mv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798313">She Lives To Read</a>, October 21</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bizwingsblog.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/vqh3hrhk5936nvtg/aHR0cDovL2JpendpbmdzYmxvZy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798314">Bizwings Blog</a>, October 21</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/l2hehmhkgmvpo4c6/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798315">Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting</a>, October 21</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/m2h7h5hnr60xo0tm/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798316">Godly Book Reviews</a>, October 22</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/dpheh0h739wxqmhm/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798317">Mary Hake</a>, October 22</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://vickysluitercom.wordpress.com/book-tours/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/e0hph7hnx3wzkns8/aHR0cHM6Ly92aWNreXNsdWl0ZXJjb20ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS9ib29rLXRvdXJzLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798318">Vicky Sluiter</a>, October 22</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.amoderndayfairytale.net/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/7qh7h8h4g2pe00hz/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1vZGVybmRheWZhaXJ5dGFsZS5uZXQv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798319">A Modern Day Fairy Tale</a>, October 23</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/d0u4dlvopqu0hdqer9hm/owhkhqh8zmle4riv/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1335798320">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, October 23</p><p center=""><br /></p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><h1 center=""><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sURPTZ_KAUnlniSCBjDm4qYE07I2eEkkukWxSF5ACBvtL9SqjpdcKB2I4xIaoxlNF4WCTEOV_Ou8TtSHKEZk0CQvr1lPMPhPEhTlUhhsFQlX5GyCC6cXtlyTPfJ0nh-_tBqcLTXZfSw/s1000/Blog+tour+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sURPTZ_KAUnlniSCBjDm4qYE07I2eEkkukWxSF5ACBvtL9SqjpdcKB2I4xIaoxlNF4WCTEOV_Ou8TtSHKEZk0CQvr1lPMPhPEhTlUhhsFQlX5GyCC6cXtlyTPfJ0nh-_tBqcLTXZfSw/s320/Blog+tour+1.jpg" /></a></div></h1><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Barbara is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback of the book!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/10210/brought-to-book-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/10210/brought-to-book-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-32160528517391374272020-09-29T07:00:00.081-05:002020-09-29T11:19:06.693-05:00Book Review and Giveaway: Jack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAde4p-joyXWKc5JEuUDSlDFpEyGyPd8WBF41abzrzcRx9epKfS20M1aKYQ1ULtslqJ9J1sJQbIj-JQfH0qzuSE2YNdjgoohSF3cVfrHn3BYZJnP2is-0z0Vh-33TfzrEqKw42j0-DOk/s851/Jack-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAde4p-joyXWKc5JEuUDSlDFpEyGyPd8WBF41abzrzcRx9epKfS20M1aKYQ1ULtslqJ9J1sJQbIj-JQfH0qzuSE2YNdjgoohSF3cVfrHn3BYZJnP2is-0z0Vh-33TfzrEqKw42j0-DOk/w640-h237/Jack-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p center="">I first read <i>Jack</i> when it came out nearly five years ago and really enjoyed it! I may have even pre-read it during the writing stage, I don't remember. At the time, I had had no exposure to <i>Much Ado About Nothing</i>, but really enjoyed the banter between Dirk and Deborah. Although I am quiet and appear to be pretty easy-going, I have a slightly snarky sense of humor that I only let come out with people who can appreciate it and not be offended. My daughter has inherited the same thing and I have to be careful about teaching her when it's appropriate to say things and when it's not! A couple of months ago, before our school year started, I ordered a copy of a book that had Tales of Shakespeare meant to be read aloud to children (or read by them if they were old enough). It had great reviews and I thought it would be an easy introduction of the Bard's stories. Well, unfortunately, neither of us loved the book. Some of the stories were creepy, others were boring, and the adaptation of <i>Much Ado About Nothing</i> was disappointing -- more telling than showing and not much dialogue. So, I wound up giving the book to my cousin. (I know others who love that book - it just wasn't a good fit for us.)</p><p center="">Back to <i>Jack</i>. When CelebrateLit offered me the opportunity to read and review it, I jumped on the chance, because it'd been a while since I'd read it and because I already I knew I loved it. I was given a free copy of it, but I already owned the book. This book is easily 5 stars. I might be a *little* bit biased since it's written by my friend Chautona, but, all in all, I love this book! It combines a western and Shakespeare with a great story based on a ballad with witty dialogue, and infuses a faith element that elevates the book to something inspiring and convicting even with the heartbreak involved! I encourage you to read Chautona's thoughts down below (and enter the giveaway for a free paperback and a $25 Amazon gift card).</p><p center="">My favorite characters are Jack and Deborah. I admire Jack for standing for what's right based on both his experiences and what he knows to be right since he was saved. I see his flawed humanity when he makes choices that are knee-jerk in effect when he doesn't take the time to stop and think beyond his heart-breaking situation. I have been there! I also love how he does the hard thing because it's the right thing. Deborah is incredibly quick to speak, and I wish I were like that.</p><p center="">I hope that Chautona will write more books in this series soon and will maybe give a glimpse into the lives of some of the other minor characters (like Pete, Maggie, the new guy Gavin?, and even John the reprobate who deserves to be strung up but a redemption story would be nice, too).</p><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW4xrlmhMhaIj0EA0Wb9Q_B2JcPEk7oB6xSb8JNP26S32HvehtrdIYV_6l1T3O1b8xXtF7BQ1gpslLfhTmk_uUcpE_HZAJZOWr0CfnCrytGv-nkyG6NnP5XaZrjwCyBGVC32ePBNiU3I/s300/JackRevised-sm-194x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW4xrlmhMhaIj0EA0Wb9Q_B2JcPEk7oB6xSb8JNP26S32HvehtrdIYV_6l1T3O1b8xXtF7BQ1gpslLfhTmk_uUcpE_HZAJZOWr0CfnCrytGv-nkyG6NnP5XaZrjwCyBGVC32ePBNiU3I/s0/JackRevised-sm-194x300.jpg" /></a></div><p><strong>Book: </strong>Jack</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Chautona Havig</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Historical Western Romance</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>January 26, 2016</p><p><strong>Women are trouble—lying, cheating, untrustworthy bundles of trouble.</strong></p><p>Jack Clausen doesn’t need anyone but his horse and a boss who won’t interfere in his personal life—or lack of one.</p><p>Sure, he’s a lonely cowboy, but better lonely than brokenhearted.</p><p>If only he hadn’t met a girl who made him hope that honest and true women do exist. Maybe he wouldn’t be riding off into a snowstorm with a fresh determination to avoid women—indefinitely.</p><p>When Hazel Meissner sees a cowboy risk life, limb, and horse to save a child, she knows he’s someone special. When he finally gives her his heart, she considers herself the most blessed woman alive.</p><p>However, when he rides off without a word, she wonders if her heart will survive the loss.</p><p>One broken man. One trusting woman. One orchestrated misunderstanding that tears them apart. What’ll it take to bring Jack home again?</p><p>It’s Shakespeare’s <em>Much Ado about Nothing</em> mashed up with the old ballad, “Cowboy Jack.” Don’t miss a cast of characters inspired by the Bard himself—especially Dirk and Deborah (Benedick & Beatrice).</p><p><strong><em>Jack:</em> a lot of hullaballoo on the prairie.</strong></p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/2PQBRfL”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2mlknUh7u20VoSDhbzrf7YLf6VhZWoiCVUoG6JDHoq0l79VaRvGs_vrRRTT-In0X7VxZL6DwG-kWcKGfHxsFbaAfKETSMhcAicp13o283QGfZDqM1_vAozJbp0rJ0-mvRHGBQH7mAVw/s300/Chautonamedia-headshot-sm-240x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2mlknUh7u20VoSDhbzrf7YLf6VhZWoiCVUoG6JDHoq0l79VaRvGs_vrRRTT-In0X7VxZL6DwG-kWcKGfHxsFbaAfKETSMhcAicp13o283QGfZDqM1_vAozJbp0rJ0-mvRHGBQH7mAVw/s0/Chautonamedia-headshot-sm-240x300.jpg" /></a></div><p> </p><p>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 <em>It’s a Wonderful Life </em>sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.</p><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Chautona</span></h1><h2>The Inspiration I Hate to Love</h2><p>The plaintive notes of a ballad filled the living room. People sat on couches and chairs or stood in the doorway, listening. Three steps up the staircase, out of view of most of the room, a little girl sat, chin in her hands, listening.</p><p>If you looked close, you’d see freckles dotting her nose and crooked teeth that never were too large for her mouth like most children’s were. Just a bit closer, and you’d see wide, hazel eyes riveted to the man with the guitar seated on the hearth. To his right, a cup of coffee and sometimes a shot of whiskey.</p><p>With a voice like Jim Reeves (the non-twangy Reeves, mind you), the songs told stories, like all ballads do—a little blind girl praying for her father’s future happiness, a girl of thirteen who barely escaped a massacre in 19th century Wyoming. “Hazel eyes,” the man called her. California Joe—he was a real man, although not as good of one as the song made out.</p><p>Sometimes the man sang happier songs, but most of them were slow, western ballads that could keep Nicolas Sparks writing for decades.</p><p>And the little girl loved them all—especially California Joe and one about a cowboy who left his sweetheart alone on the prairie after a quarrel. One called “Cowboy Jack.”</p><p>As you’ve probably surmised, I was the little girl, and that man who sang and stirred the hearts of our family at nearly every gathering was my father.</p><h3>How I miss those days.</h3><p>For years, I wanted to give Jack a happier ending. See, the song goes like this. A lonely cowboy (with a heart so brave and true) meets and falls in love with a maiden (with eyes of heaven’s own blue). Alas, as with all good romances, the couple quarrel and Jack rides away. He finds a new band of cowboys and would have been just fine, but someone asks him to sing a song to “drive all cares away.” Alas, the song he devises is one about a “lonely maiden who waited for her Jack.”</p><p>Of course, he rides off to ask forgiveness. It’s all his fault. He arrives too late. She died of a broken heart on the “lonely prairie where skies are always blue.”</p><p>After I began writing, the idea came to me to turn those songs Dad sang—old ones that had been passed on and down through many different versions—into novels. I’d write all the subtext the songs left out.</p><h3>I’d give them happy endings.</h3><p>Of course, that’s easier said than done. One by one, I figured out how to do it, but Jack… well, I didn’t want to <em>change </em>the stories. I just wanted to leave on hope instead of despair</p><p>Shakespeare to the rescue!</p><p>I was watching Kenneth Branagh’s <em>Much Ado about Nothing</em> adaptation, and the answer came to me so clearly. It had the solution I needed. So, I smooshed the song and the play together. Inside, you’ll find the characters Shakespeare created (including Dirk and Deborah and their biting repartee—they steal the show!) in the setting and with the elements of the ballad, too.</p><p>Dad’s older now. His hands are gnarled with age, swollen with arthritis. His mind is slipping away. Today, you’ll find his guitar at my house. My son now owns it, but he doesn’t know the songs I heard played on the old Goya. Still, when I take it out of the case, tune it up, and pluck the strings, everything shifts. Suddenly, I’m nine years old again, sitting on my uncle’s stairs, just out of sight, watching. Listening. Heart breaking.</p><p>See, I’ll never hear my father play again, and I can’t play either. So, the songs will have to live on with stories of Mary, Jethro, Maggie… and of course, <em>Jack.</em></p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/g3hnh5hzvm0355/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039529">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, September 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/9qhzhnh27depmv/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaW5nc29mYXNhc3N5Ym9va2lzaG1hbWEuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039530">Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama</a>, September 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://connieshistoryclassroom.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/3ohphkhdw3k7le/aHR0cDovL2Nvbm5pZXNoaXN0b3J5Y2xhc3Nyb29tLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039531">Connie’s History Classroom</a>, September 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/n2hohvhodvl3p7/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039532">deb’s Book Review</a>, September 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://litteraegaudium.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/48hvheh2om7re7/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039533">For the Love of Literature</a>, September 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bigreadersite.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/wnh2hghozqlwpd/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdyZWFkZXJzaXRlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039534">Bigreadersite</a>, September 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/reh8hoh58mo0r8/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039535">Texas Book-aholic</a>, September 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/8ghqhoh54o7l60/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039537">lakesidelivingsite</a>, September 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/dpheh0h73e209m/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039541">Inklings and notions</a>, September 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/e0hph7hnx7d03n/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039542">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, September 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/owhkhqh8zw0rmr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039544">For Him and My Family</a>, September 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://reviewingbooksplusmore.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/z2hghnhdgem32e/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZXZpZXdpbmdib29rc3BsdXNtb3JlLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039545">Reviewingbooksplusmore</a>, September 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/x0hph6h7ge4wv3/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039547">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, September 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://hookmeinabook.home.blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/6qheh8h2ql3780/aHR0cDovL2hvb2ttZWluYWJvb2suaG9tZS5ibG9nLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039548">Hookmeinabook</a>, September 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://abbasprayerwarriorprincess.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/kkhmh6h97nol0z/aHR0cHM6Ly9hYmJhc3ByYXllcndhcnJpb3JwcmluY2Vzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039549">Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess</a>, September 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/25h2hoho53q2p9/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039551">Artistic Nobody</a>, September 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/qvh8h7h6xdlrmp/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039552">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, September 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/g3hnh5hzvm0385/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039553">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, September 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lotsofhelpers.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/9qhzhnh27depvv/aHR0cHM6Ly9sb3Rzb2ZoZWxwZXJzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039554">Lots of Helpers</a>, September 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://shelivestoread.com/category/book-reviews/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/3ohphkhdw3k75e/aHR0cDovL3NoZWxpdmVzdG9yZWFkLmNvbS9jYXRlZ29yeS9ib29rLXJldmlld3Mv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039555">She Lives To Read</a>, October 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/n2hohvhodvl397/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039556">Mary Hake</a>, October 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://daysongreflections.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/48hvheh2om7rd7/aHR0cDovL2RheXNvbmdyZWZsZWN0aW9ucy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039557">Daysong Reflections</a>, October 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/wnh2hghozqlw2d/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039558">Godly Book Reviews</a>, October 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/reh8hoh58mo0l8/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zaW1wbGVoYXJ2ZXN0cmVhZHMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039559">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, October 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://captivedreamswindow.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/08hwh9h782pd30/aHR0cHM6Ly9jYXB0aXZlZHJlYW1zd2luZG93LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039560">Captive Dreams Window</a>, October 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://journeysfromtheheartofawifeandmother.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/8ghqhoh54o7lm0/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb3VybmV5c2Zyb210aGVoZWFydG9mYXdpZmVhbmRtb3RoZXIud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039561">Spoken from the Heart</a>, October 4</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/0vud37mvzoi9hq8nwgul/z2hghnhdgem3qe/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039569">Pause for Tales</a>, October 4</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96-Bja4kEFwwlxMgsf7eRzPib3w-9KWAcM3KhQiJiOZezZLj4DtPgNDlwCY5Hzc1VONWmju9WI_mx_FmI_2czy9DsOCCoFbuB0f-rTFskZnmwsnTzu8DPLpGaj2lkyepezcZ6-b9ptXk/s1000/Jack+Promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96-Bja4kEFwwlxMgsf7eRzPib3w-9KWAcM3KhQiJiOZezZLj4DtPgNDlwCY5Hzc1VONWmju9WI_mx_FmI_2czy9DsOCCoFbuB0f-rTFskZnmwsnTzu8DPLpGaj2lkyepezcZ6-b9ptXk/s320/Jack+Promo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/10101/jack-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/10101/jack-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-62527151379839369552020-09-26T07:00:00.053-05:002020-09-26T07:00:02.211-05:00Book Review: Wish Upon a Star<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xQuvX2Y6DeZz8SXKl9qZweJBsU9hngDSpiB1sUKD9OA5_J8J2YEdHU-f83Z2fJWQG07cfw10BIeP6OUwAjR5OBRrPwUTC66i_L0eJmZuNsdTK2kITgvYitCEm4EPOL7Qg2mPmR2AEhY/s851/Wish-Upon-A-Star-FB-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xQuvX2Y6DeZz8SXKl9qZweJBsU9hngDSpiB1sUKD9OA5_J8J2YEdHU-f83Z2fJWQG07cfw10BIeP6OUwAjR5OBRrPwUTC66i_L0eJmZuNsdTK2kITgvYitCEm4EPOL7Qg2mPmR2AEhY/s16000/Wish-Upon-A-Star-FB-Banner.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p center="" style="text-align: left;">Sometimes there's nothing better than a sweet, easy-to-read, light love story to snuggle with. Having a Christmas theme makes it even better! I really enjoyed this book, which I chose to review and was given for free, by Tabitha Bouldin. I was first introduced to Tabitha when she was a guest on my friend Chautona's podcast called <a href="https://becausefictionpodcast.com/" target="_blank">Because Fiction</a>. She is one of the authors who is writing books for the new Independence Islands series (two of which I have already reviewed). When the opportunity came to read one of her other books, I jumped at the chance.</p><p center="" style="text-align: left;">Bryce and his little girl Anna move to his hometown where he is now the owner of a bookstore in Jingle Junction, a fun fictitious small town where almost everyone is kind, friendly, and helpful. Anna had already expressed her deepest wish (wished on her own Christmas star) of getting a mother for Christmas. Within hours, Bryce sees three ladies whom he knew while growing up. By the end of the book, he has made his decision about which one is the right one to be his wife and mother to Anna -- despite his reluctance to commit his heart so soon.</p><p center="" style="text-align: left;">I liked the story as it is a perfect, easy-on-the-brain, sweet-for-the-heart, quick read. The characters are believable and real. Faith is interwoven in a way that doesn't feel preachy, yet encourages the reader in a gentle way. In fact, I love the following quote from the book where Bryce's dad gives him some advice:</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p center="" style="text-align: left;">"Things will always be complicated, young man. Don't let that stop you from accepting the gifts God throws in your lap. He knows what He's doing."</p></blockquote><p><span>This book is perfect for those who love Hallmark Christmas movies and light-hearted reads.</span> </p><p>Keep reading about the book and your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card.</p><div class="”entry-content”"><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdOgFOulMygnMHpfnvC4Mzaqt16VkznZCdpP6jD8XkqK9GmzAJSgnOjbT1mrRRyIJ8A7dbEDA728YaWctiEXP12FhRBoqDz0QdF0MUk_7SrS0eXSEH8btG9prIVueSP8yA5NV6Aj5yX0/s300/wish-Upon-a-Star-188x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdOgFOulMygnMHpfnvC4Mzaqt16VkznZCdpP6jD8XkqK9GmzAJSgnOjbT1mrRRyIJ8A7dbEDA728YaWctiEXP12FhRBoqDz0QdF0MUk_7SrS0eXSEH8btG9prIVueSP8yA5NV6Aj5yX0/s0/wish-Upon-a-Star-188x300.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><strong>Book: </strong>Wish Upon A Star</p><p><strong>Author: </strong>Tabitha Bouldin</p><p><b>Genre: </b> Holiday Fiction</p><p><strong>Release Date: </strong>December 1, 2018</p><p>Bryce Masters had everything he needed…or so he thought. His six-year-old daughter, Anna, would disagree. They were going home, moving back to Jingle Junction where Bryce would take over the local bookstore just in time for Christmas. Losing his wife, Molly, during the birth of their daughter six years ago was tragic, but Bryce has no idea just how much it weighs on young Anna’s heart until she confesses her deepest wish. What Anna wants for Christmas is a mother, but Bryce’s heart is not ready to love again. Only God can give Bryce the desire to make Anna’s wish come true. Only He can heal the hurt and open Bryce’s heart to the power of love. But Bryce will have to be willing to listen. And when the perfect woman reveals a secret that could devastate them all, will Bryce be able to look beyond what was and accept what might be?</p><p> </p><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/341aKqv”">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><h1> </h1><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzg9X4IQKfLDM35gbvVyYBdRpXLavj4BNbnlrafY3XMJdJ26ssyuPzqTj1jdPVGAqj3PEtIsGBaI3PiRum669BzixZ4n6LjjfH7HRVrOYqIRZQ0lml7Le0vj5p91tCMQ9SN3K3n_J0IM/s300/Tabitha-bouldin-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzg9X4IQKfLDM35gbvVyYBdRpXLavj4BNbnlrafY3XMJdJ26ssyuPzqTj1jdPVGAqj3PEtIsGBaI3PiRum669BzixZ4n6LjjfH7HRVrOYqIRZQ0lml7Le0vj5p91tCMQ9SN3K3n_J0IM/s0/Tabitha-bouldin-300x300.jpg" /></a></div><p>Tabitha Bouldin has a Bachelor’s in creative writing from Southern New Hampshire University, where she graduated with honors. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been published with Chicken Soup for the Soul. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, you’ll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.</p></div><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Tabitha</span></h1><p><em>Wish Upon a Star </em>owes its existence to Hallmark’s Christmas movies. I could, and often do, watch their Christmas movies all through the year. Doesn’t matter how cheesy the storyline, I love them all. While I wanted to bring that sense of fun and feel-good romance, I needed a little oomph. So, I took some inspiration from “The Christmas Shoes” by NewSong. For the record, I love Hallmark and NewSong equally, so putting the two together was a natural fit.</p><p>The intention wasn’t to make a sad Christmas story, but there’s some pain Bryce has to manage while learning to love again. The best things come from overcoming that thing you never thought you could do. When you press on, with God’s guidance and with His approval, anything is possible. Bryce needs this reminder that even in the darkest nights, God is there.</p><p><em>Wish </em>is part of the funky town I created and dubbed Jingle Junction, a place where it’s all Christmas all the time. Jingle Junction has only a few rules. First off, you can have any business you want, as long as the business name is an alliteration. Second, community is the name of the game. When someone’s in need, everyone pitches in to help.</p><p>For this story, I wanted to highlight homecoming. To do that, I needed Bryce to have a reason to come back to Jingle Junction. That’s where the song came in. If you don’t know the song, it’s about a little boy who wants only one thing for Christmas, and that’s a pair of shoes for his dying mother. I listen to “The Christmas Shoes” at least a dozen times a year. It’s heartbreaking but wonderful. It has that bit of hope I needed for <em>Wish. </em>For my story, Bryce’s daughter, Anna, lost her mother when she was born. The only thing she wants is the one thing she’s never had: a mother. It’s also the one thing Bryce cannot give.</p><p>The plan had always been to return to Jingle Junction. Bryce wants to raise Anna in the hometown where he was born, and he’s finally gotten the opportunity to make good on the plans he and his wife made when they first learned of her pregnancy. It took him six years to make good on his promise, and he’s not sure he’s made the right decision.</p><p><em>Wish Upon a Star </em>is one of those books where I wanted to challenge myself by writing only from the male point of view. Although I always write alternating point of view in my romances, <em>Wish </em>has always been Bryce’s story. A story of coming home.</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/08hwh9h78gml03/aHR0cDovL2Jvb2t3b21hbmpvYW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184275">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, September 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/vqh3hrhk5enw2q/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184277">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, September 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/l2hehmhkg6ox5p/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184278">deb’s Book Review</a>, September 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/m2h7h5hnrmo4kr/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184279">Texas Book-aholic</a>, September 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/dpheh0h738qp4z/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184280">Inklings and notions</a>, September 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/e0hph7hnxqkrpp/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184281">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, September 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/7qh7h8h4gw0nk6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184282">For Him and My Family</a>, September 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.carpediem.fyi" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/owhkhqh8zg4qkn/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2FycGVkaWVtLmZ5aS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184283">CarpeDiem</a>, September 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/z2hghnhdgpol4r/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184284">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, September 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/p8heh9h7vg9q3l/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184285">Older & Smarter?</a>, September 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/x0hph6h7g9nqr7/aHR0cHM6Ly9sYWtlc2lkZWxpdmluZ3NpdGUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184286">lakesidelivingsite</a>, September 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/6qheh8h2qnp9kp/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184287">Artistic Nobody</a>, September 30 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://batyasbits.home.blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/g3hnh5hzv6eqdx/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYXR5YXNiaXRzLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184292">Batya’s Bits</a>, September 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/3ohphkhdw4qpo0/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184294">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, October 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://emily-yager.com/blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/n2hohvhod6n78q/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbWlseS15YWdlci5jb20vYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184295">Emily Yager</a>, October 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://shelivestoread.com/category/book-reviews/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/48hvheh2o60x58/aHR0cDovL3NoZWxpdmVzdG9yZWFkLmNvbS9jYXRlZ29yeS9ib29rLXJldmlld3Mv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184296">She Lives To Read</a>, October 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/wnh2hghozxr05p/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184297">Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting</a>, October 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/8ghqhoh54qgr0r/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184300">Pause for Tales</a>, October 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/7qh7h8h4gw0n66/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184306">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, October 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://margueritemartingray.blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/owhkhqh8zg4q6n/aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXJndWVyaXRlbWFydGluZ3JheS5ibG9nLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184307">Connect in Fiction</a>, October 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://journeysfromtheheartofawifeandmother.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/z2hghnhdgpolkr/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb3VybmV5c2Zyb210aGVoZWFydG9mYXdpZmVhbmRtb3RoZXIud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184308">Spoken from the Heart</a>, October 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://justyouraveragereviews.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/p8heh9h7vg9q2l/aHR0cDovL2p1c3R5b3VyYXZlcmFnZXJldmlld3MuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184309">Just Your Average reviews</a>, October 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bookkisses.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/x0hph6h7g9nqp7/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29ra2lzc2VzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184310">Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses</a>, October 6</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/38uw2z83r7skhvwwzpsr/dpheh0h738qpoq/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaW5nc29mYXNhc3N5Ym9va2lzaG1hbWEuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333184311">Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama</a>, October 6</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9Oy2jyjW0ZJsq9gCINWoMYAoF1F7kVZv-Tq61mHrZxxt9Sri4zLsfO4SGpuuNwTqfuh_wua-Y6O3tJ7TD8PMq0D-yFCKUVYDCMQgjclG6PjzBMyR6Xu8-rJ1OmS_V64Ney9EMxJWq68/s940/Wish+Upon+a+Star+Giveaway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9Oy2jyjW0ZJsq9gCINWoMYAoF1F7kVZv-Tq61mHrZxxt9Sri4zLsfO4SGpuuNwTqfuh_wua-Y6O3tJ7TD8PMq0D-yFCKUVYDCMQgjclG6PjzBMyR6Xu8-rJ1OmS_V64Ney9EMxJWq68/s320/Wish+Upon+a+Star+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p center=""><br /></p><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package: a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/10114/wish-upon-a-star-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/10114/wish-upon-a-star-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-23635443206766273502020-09-25T09:34:00.001-05:002020-09-25T09:34:04.550-05:00Book Review & Giveaway: Scrumptious Independence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2km1twTWvw7b8LJ7AkL6tCVyy5oIjqtzCme7ciyo-UI9qhDVCg-PbYxYPk1E3BcME9-ATAy0pPVdGAuWADryMZvYUy_9dnuQwPPMk_2REAZPT4ZZQw3WfUIFDvDgq5I9g4cXTsLRIGI/s851/Scrumptious-Independence-FB-Banner-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2km1twTWvw7b8LJ7AkL6tCVyy5oIjqtzCme7ciyo-UI9qhDVCg-PbYxYPk1E3BcME9-ATAy0pPVdGAuWADryMZvYUy_9dnuQwPPMk_2REAZPT4ZZQw3WfUIFDvDgq5I9g4cXTsLRIGI/w640-h237/Scrumptious-Independence-FB-Banner-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I am not a very good cook. I like to say I steal good recipes -- my sister-in-law's awesome broccoli salad, for example, which I have had to double and triple due to its popularity at church functions (and because my husband fusses at me if he doesn't get any). Day-to-day cooking exhausts me, but I don't mind fixing specific dishes for specific events. So, in that way, I don't have a lot in common with Scrumptious Independence's main character Beth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Beth is in her late 20's and is the black sheep of her family, or so she thinks. Her mother and sisters, pretentious and selfish women, look down on her and treat her shamefully; her only allies are her dad (who is stuck with an overbearing wife) and her grandmother. Gram is very wealthy who used her wealth to be a blessing to Beth who desperately needed the love that she had to offer. Gram kept Beth during several summers at her inherited family home on Merriweather Island off the coast of Georgia. (This is a fictitious island created especially for the Independence Islands series of which this is book #2.) While visiting with Gram, she soaked up Gram's love while they bonded while cooking together; thus, a talent for cooking comfort food with love was sparked and nurtured. Gram later paid for Beth to go to culinary school.</div><div><br /></div><div>In this way, I can relate to Beth because I had a close relationship to my Grandma, and even named my daughter after her (One of Gracie's middle names is Lee which is my grandma's maiden name. My grandma's first name was Wilna and I love my child too much to saddle her with that!) I don't remember ever cooking with Grandma, but she shared her best recipes, my favorite being her sweet potato pie.</div><div><br /></div><div>During this story, Beth moves to Merriweather Island to launch her food truck business and reconnects with Scott whom she met as a teenager while visiting Gram. This new venture was to serve as the start of new independence from her meddling mother; however, she didn't realize until the middle of the book that due to the circumstances of life she had also unconsciously become independent of God Whom she rediscovered that she needed. Being very insecure, she finds it difficult to open up and it takes time and patience to allow herself to establish a growing relationship with Scott. Scott is a protector at heart -- sometimes aggressively so -- and he has to learn to reign that in and be slow, patient, and gentle, especially with Beth. There is a subplot involving a criminally-minded mayor and a wanna-be alluring tart of a woman who is also interested in Scott.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a good book that serves as a good addition to the Independence Islands series. I enjoyed meeting Beth and Scott and look forward to watching her story unfold in future books.</div><div><br /></div><div>I chose to review this book and was given a copy for free.</div><div class="”entry-content”"><h1><span underline="">About the Book</span></h1><p><strong> </strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLR9y63MXdG_xrGluyY1uTEdx6ZayVusQ5h7hFSKm8KImz_cTkDNVBAFfYz0zJdYQP-anZIHde3bMeeKcImLd5BIwDZn3vZOMnQZiazvVilyaWuYtxHZq9J_bpIhx2KSICoQgMqHOokw/s300/Scrumptious-Independence-sm-194x300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLR9y63MXdG_xrGluyY1uTEdx6ZayVusQ5h7hFSKm8KImz_cTkDNVBAFfYz0zJdYQP-anZIHde3bMeeKcImLd5BIwDZn3vZOMnQZiazvVilyaWuYtxHZq9J_bpIhx2KSICoQgMqHOokw/s0/Scrumptious-Independence-sm-194x300.jpg" /></a></strong></div><strong><br /></strong><p></p><p>“Taste and see that the Lord is good.”</p><p>And so is Beth’s cooking! It’s a good thing, too. After a lifetime of her family’s smothering embrace, a whole new world opens to her with the passing of her beloved grandmother.</p><p>Armed with an inheritance she never expected and orders on how to use it, Beth sets off for Merriweather Island and fulfillment of a lifetime of dreams.</p><p>Or so she hopes.</p><p>What she didn’t hope for was what most women would—a man who fills her thoughts at the most wonderfully unwelcome times. She doesn’t have time or space for a relationship, but how do you tell love to just go away?</p><p>Of course, starting over in a new place is never easy, especially as an outsider in a small community. Add to that a mayor who has her dander up and a woman bound to make her life miserable, is it any wonder that Beth begins to doubt God’s and Gram’s plans?</p><p>With her heart betraying her resolve and challenges to her faith, Beth finds it takes bravery she didn’t know she had to discover just how scrumptious independence can be.</p><p>This “Merriweather book” is the second in a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.</p><p><strong>The Independence Island Series:</strong> beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.</p><p> </p></div><pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/33W9IvN”">here</a> to purchase your copy!</pre><div class="”entry-content”"><p> </p><h1><span underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbLvTBvjUhgR25Ho_WQGNfG2Q1B75-ji2PVr4I3LZcEdZAFxOb9eJIoUcycrx0iKx1TTXYAN9jA4OTY3ng_uIkaqJWH4eYsWbhCY90Fb-7rXoRIHedgdy2Db4EzVclz7HhtMnb_T0XeU/s300/Melissa-Wardwell-200x300.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZbLvTBvjUhgR25Ho_WQGNfG2Q1B75-ji2PVr4I3LZcEdZAFxOb9eJIoUcycrx0iKx1TTXYAN9jA4OTY3ng_uIkaqJWH4eYsWbhCY90Fb-7rXoRIHedgdy2Db4EzVclz7HhtMnb_T0XeU/s0/Melissa-Wardwell-200x300.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div><p>Melissa Wardwell resides in Owosso, Michigan with her husband Jonathan, three children, a cat, and two pitbulls.</p><p>Besides writing, she enjoys reading, having coffee with friends, and spending quality time with her husband kayaking and fishing.</p><p>Melissa likes to joke about the voices in her head, but it is those voices have inspired her to write several romance novels such as “I Know the Plans” (a story based in her hometown of Owosso) and “Finding Hope in Savannah”. When she is not penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books on her blog, Back Porch Reads.</p><p>To see more from Melissa Wardwell, visit <a data-saferedirecturl="”https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.melissawardwell.com&source=gmail&ust=1597387350494000&usg=AFQjCNFA8dY843D1EeCupXCGcPFdOKeU7Q”" href="”http://www.melissawardwell.com”" rel="”noopener”" target="”_blank”">www.melissawardwell.com</a></p></div></div><p> </p><h1><span underline="">More from Melissa</span></h1><p><em>“Lord, I don’t know how I can keep doing this.”</em></p><p>That was my prayer one evening in 2019 as I made my way to praise practice. I knew that writing was something God had called me to (because He never seems to call you to do something you enjoy) but the finances were just not there to publish another book. I felt lost in the uncertainty of the path moving forward and I needed a light. I had just shared all my concerns with my parents and left with my dad’s words ringing in my head. <em>Are you writing to gain notoriety or are you writing for God?</em></p><p>The next morning, CelebrateLit had a post looking for submissions for a new and innovative series. Hope burst within me and I know I needed more information. I followed instructions and spoke with Sandy Barela and Chautona Havig. The more I was told, the more excited I became because I knew I needed to be part of this collection.</p><p>Ideas were hatched, characters began to talk, and a book proposal was sent. I continued to work on the development of characters and the mobile business knowing in my heart that God had given me this opportunity. I wouldn’t do things halfway. And when the confirmation email came, I was ready to share the beautiful story and characters that developed.</p><p>Beth is a food truck proprietor, so that means she spends most of her time cooking. In an effort to grow her recipes, I have been making videos of me cooking some of our family’s favorites as well as raiding my mom’s recipe box. The result is some amazing food to share.</p><p>Every book, pre-order card, and my YouTube channel has recipes on it. And so will this tour.</p><p>With it being summertime, our family doesn’t want those heavy meals so sometimes chips and sandwiches are all we need in the evenings. One favorite is my chicken salad.</p><p>Now, this recipe is easily substituted with other things like however, you like your chicken.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRBT2nF_hVNPu_qn0yZdvxzFmTs7jeFT_3ISLwWx8OtLb6nCweenrx10AJx1S35lqHzgRyJuh9AkJ5b24CRGguzbGizllr9Ge2nGGy76cifhrFQxoWXpdx432nISd5NvMk7C5hX-2_EA/s259/Chicken+Salad.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRBT2nF_hVNPu_qn0yZdvxzFmTs7jeFT_3ISLwWx8OtLb6nCweenrx10AJx1S35lqHzgRyJuh9AkJ5b24CRGguzbGizllr9Ge2nGGy76cifhrFQxoWXpdx432nISd5NvMk7C5hX-2_EA/s0/Chicken+Salad.png" /></a></div><p><strong>Melissa’s Chicken Salad</strong></p><p>Feeds 4 (unless you have big eaters.)</p><p>2 cans of chicken (you can use cooked but this is quick and easy</p><p>1/2 cup of red grapes – halved</p><p>1/2 cup celery – diced</p><p>Make sure you rinse all of this well as you prep the salad</p><p>Dressing</p><p>1 1/2 cup of miracle whip (you can use mayo)</p><p>1/2 tsp mustard powder</p><p>1 tbsp white vinegar</p><p>1 tsp of sugar</p><p>Mix everything together and serve on your favorite bread option or on a bed of lettuce. I like mine in a pita pocket or on lettuce. This time it was with a pita pocket with a side of lightly salted chips and a pickle.</p><p>Now, just a little side note, you can add what ever veggie or fruit you like. Apples and cucumbers would be a great addition as well. So, don’t feel like you have to do things exactly like I do. Make it your own.</p><p> </p><p>Bon appétit</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/08hwh9h782pddg/aHR0cDovL2Jvb2t3b21hbmpvYW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039306">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, September 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://tonishiloh.com/blog" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/l2hehmhkgld33q/aHR0cDovL3RvbmlzaGlsb2guY29tL2Jsb2c=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039309">Soulfully Romantic</a>, September 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://janemouttet.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/m2h7h5hnr3l88v/aHR0cDovL2phbmVtb3V0dGV0LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039310">Library Lady’s Kid Lit</a>, September 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/qvh8h7h6xdlro4/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039346">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, September 21</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/l2hehmhkgld3rq/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039381">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, September 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/p8heh9h7v4pz8d/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039395">Texas Book-aholic</a>, September 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/kkhmh6h97nol49/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039398">Inklings and notions</a>, September 22</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/g3hnh5hzvm03x6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039402">For Him and My Family</a>, September 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/48hvheh2om7rkv/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039406">deb’s Book Review</a>, September 23</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/8ghqhoh54o7lk6/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039410">Artistic Nobody</a>, September 23 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://shelivestoread.com/category/book-reviews/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/vqh3hrhk5oqp8z/aHR0cDovL3NoZWxpdmVzdG9yZWFkLmNvbS9jYXRlZ29yeS9ib29rLXJldmlld3Mv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039411">She Lives To Read</a>, September 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/m2h7h5hnr3l8wl/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmF2ZWxpbmd3aWZlNGxpZmUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039413">Adventures of a Travelers Wife</a>, September 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/e0hph7hnx7d05x/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039415">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, September 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/owhkhqh8zw0rxk/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039417">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, September 24</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/p8heh9h7v4pzrd/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039419">Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting</a>, September 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://quietworkings.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/x0hph6h7ge4wkd/aHR0cHM6Ly9xdWlldHdvcmtpbmdzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039420">Quiet Workings</a>, September 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/6qheh8h2ql37xd/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039421">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, September 25</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.babblingbeckyl.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/kkhmh6h97nolz9/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iYWJibGluZ2JlY2t5bC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039422">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions </a>, September 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/25h2hoho53q2l2/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039424">Older & Smarter?</a>, September 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://abbasprayerwarriorprincess.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/qvh8h7h6xdlred/aHR0cHM6Ly9hYmJhc3ByYXllcndhcnJpb3JwcmluY2Vzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039425">Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess</a>, September 26</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/g3hnh5hzvm03g6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039426">Blogging With Carol</a>, September 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://mypreciousbitsandmusings.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/9qhzhnh27dep49/aHR0cHM6Ly9teXByZWNpb3VzYml0c2FuZG11c2luZ3Mud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039427">Mypreciousbitsandmusings</a>, September 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://batyasbits.home.blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/3ohphkhdw3k7xv/aHR0cHM6Ly9iYXR5YXNiaXRzLmhvbWUuYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039428">Batya’s Bits</a>, September 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://emily-yager.com/blog" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/n2hohvhodvl322/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbWlseS15YWdlci5jb20vYmxvZw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039429">Emily Yager</a>, September 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bookkisses.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/48hvheh2om7rwv/aHR0cHM6Ly9ib29ra2lzc2VzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039430">Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses</a>, September 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://storiesbygina.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/wnh2hghozqlwm7/aHR0cDovL3N0b3JpZXNieWdpbmEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039431">Stories By Gina</a>, September 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://reviewingbooksplusmore.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/reh8hoh58mo0kz/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZXZpZXdpbmdib29rc3BsdXNtb3JlLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039432">Reviewingbooksplusmore</a>, September 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.carpediem.fyi" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/08hwh9h782pdn5/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2FycGVkaWVtLmZ5aS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039433">CarpeDiem</a>, September 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.christianbookaholic.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/8ghqhoh54o7lw6/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jaHJpc3RpYW5ib29rYWhvbGljLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039434">Christian Bookaholic</a>, September 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.cultivatingus.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/vqh3hrhk5oqpmz/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jdWx0aXZhdGluZ3VzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039435">Cultivating Us</a>, September 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.arynthelibraryan.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/l2hehmhkgld3qx/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hcnludGhlbGlicmFyeWFuLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039436">Aryn the Libraryan</a>, September 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/m2h7h5hnr3l82l/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaW5nc29mYXNhc3N5Ym9va2lzaG1hbWEuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039437">Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama</a>, September 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/dpheh0h73e20dx/aHR0cDovL2ZhbWlseW1ncmtlbmRyYS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039438">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, September 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://margueritemartingray.blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/e0hph7hnx7d0mx/aHR0cHM6Ly9tYXJndWVyaXRlbWFydGluZ3JheS5ibG9nLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039439">Connect in Fiction</a>, October 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.thecollaborativepress.com/blog" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/7qh7h8h4g9xoqv/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudGhlY29sbGFib3JhdGl2ZXByZXNzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039440">The Collaborative Press</a>, October 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.livinlit.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/z2hghnhdgem3nk/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5saXZpbmxpdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039442">Livin’ Lit</a>, October 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/p8heh9h7v4pzmd/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zaW1wbGVoYXJ2ZXN0cmVhZHMuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039443">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, October 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/6qheh8h2ql37zd/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25mZXNzaW9uc29mYWJvb2t3b3Jtd2ViLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039445">The Meaderings of a Bookworm</a>, October 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/kkhmh6h97nolr9/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039446">Godly Book Reviews</a>, October 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://joannemarkey.com/blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/58hvh7h9eg4mq5/aHR0cHM6Ly9qb2FubmVtYXJrZXkuY29tL2Jsb2cv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039447">Joanne Markey</a>, October 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://captivedreamswindow.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/25h2hoho53q262/aHR0cHM6Ly9jYXB0aXZlZHJlYW1zd2luZG93LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039448">Captive Dreams Window</a>, October 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://vickysluitercom.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/qvh8h7h6xdlrzd/aHR0cHM6Ly92aWNreXNsdWl0ZXJjb20ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039449">Vicky Sluiter</a>, October 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/g3hnh5hzvm03r6/aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9zc29tc2FuZGJsZXNzaW5ncy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039450">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, October 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/9qhzhnh27dep09/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039451">Splashes of Joy</a>, October 4</p><p center="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/r8upndg7q4uohn8kvma2/3ohphkhdw3k70v/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYXVzZWZvcnRhbGVzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1333039452">Pause for Tales</a>, October 4</p><h1 center=""><span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinABtbIy_EDnvYUl9npBLL3qp20ygXuKd8GP07_YFROu3ARit87KAwNzabNXQ9js4jTBH_pgNdSC-83FgECnRWbxQ2nF1bj5fxvr89doKFjgLtqAofugFVUytFa35fgQNJkZYyET6MiXg/s940/Scrumptious+Independence+Giveaway.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinABtbIy_EDnvYUl9npBLL3qp20ygXuKd8GP07_YFROu3ARit87KAwNzabNXQ9js4jTBH_pgNdSC-83FgECnRWbxQ2nF1bj5fxvr89doKFjgLtqAofugFVUytFa35fgQNJkZYyET6MiXg/s320/Scrumptious+Independence+Giveaway.png" width="320" /></a></div><p center="">To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!</p><p center="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p center=""><a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/10105/scrumptious-independence-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/10105/scrumptious-independence-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-85982168777921082482020-09-15T06:00:00.068-05:002020-09-15T06:00:02.537-05:00Book Review & Giveaway: Nasty Gets Us Nowhere<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFeTfXhZ4je5DDWNyXn4cEpMoTtuQr83ALaUVRiEoNb7pXlgtIwGzm6o6P0jpUxhCkGX78J5vhpaEXKbYNnH-6zmC58BVVkcoJz7nX8woDf52B4FmQtVMPZzmGa8u3POF3z0T_H3i8c4/s851/Nasty-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFeTfXhZ4je5DDWNyXn4cEpMoTtuQr83ALaUVRiEoNb7pXlgtIwGzm6o6P0jpUxhCkGX78J5vhpaEXKbYNnH-6zmC58BVVkcoJz7nX8woDf52B4FmQtVMPZzmGa8u3POF3z0T_H3i8c4/w625-h231/Nasty-Banner.jpg" width="625" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div 16px="" a1a1a="" class="”entry-content”" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" merriweather="" serif=""><div style="text-align: left;">Let me preface this review by saying that I do not read a lot of what I call "mainstream" Christian women's nonfiction. I believe many popular books of that nature are unbiblical and harmful to today's Christian women. Rachel Hollis and <a href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/2013/09/book-review-one-thousand-gifts-by-ann.html" target="_blank">Ann Voskamp</a>, for example. (I have strong opinions about this.) However, when I was presented with the opportunity to read this book about feminism and its nasty role in modern culture, I was interested enough to choose the book to read, mainly because it's a topic that I've discussed with friends and that has been taught by my pastor's wife (who has written two books on the subject as well).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wish I had been given a print version of the book because the formatting was difficult to read on my phone, plus I like to read print versions of nonfiction because it's easier to make notes and flip back and forth between chapters. It definitely hindered my ability to analyze the book as a whole, but it will not affect the review I give.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, this was a good book. I can give it a solid 4 stars for content. I do think that it offers a good overview of several subtopics to do with feminism, but I understand that writing more deeply would have made it a longer, perhaps heavier, book to read. It's not a difficult book to read, although I didn't necessarily fly through it (mainly because of the format that was given to me). I didn't learn anything profoundly new, mostly because I've read my pastor's wife's books and she teaches on these topics as well, but I still enjoyed reading the book.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are some quotes that I highlighted in the book:</div><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;">What we need is a forgiveness and restoration movement. We need to come together, build each other up, and speak to the strengths of each other's gender. We need a movement of complementing each other instead of competing with each other.</div></blockquote><p>This is a book that would be beneficial for both women and men to read as it gives good perspectives on how men and women are different and what works best for each of them relationally. </p><h1 0px="" 1.27273="" 28px="" 33px="" 56px="" both="" font-size:="" line-height:="" margin:=""><span data-mce-style="”text-decoration:" underline="">About the Book</span></h1><div><span data-mce-style="”text-decoration:" underline=""><p 200="" class="”MsoNormal”"><strong><span calibri="" sans-serif=""></span></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span calibri="" sans-serif=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpnJLfHP0g_gaJPvDtt6xveVToQXSKXrRzvFElc1WTj42zgLHKLdRfPPeckObCRTDkFxpGqj6EvxdHQSd1DK6WTay8Gm5fojEKFqGRDM8pU6ohn77moODX4s14VGa0YXkT5BfJifyxJI/s300/Nasty+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpnJLfHP0g_gaJPvDtt6xveVToQXSKXrRzvFElc1WTj42zgLHKLdRfPPeckObCRTDkFxpGqj6EvxdHQSd1DK6WTay8Gm5fojEKFqGRDM8pU6ohn77moODX4s14VGa0YXkT5BfJifyxJI/s0/Nasty+Cover.jpg" /></a></span></strong></div><strong><span calibri="" sans-serif=""><br /></span></strong><p></p></span></div><p 0px="" 28px=""><strong>Book: </strong>Nasty Gets Us Nowhere</p><p 0px="" 28px=""><strong>Author: </strong>Drenda Keesee</p><p 0px="" 28px=""><b>Genre: </b> Family & Relationships</p><p 0px="" 28px=""><strong>Release Date: </strong>September 1, 2020</p><p 0px="" 28px="">Two women who forever changed the world followed a plan to better their lives. One chose God’s design for her. The other listened to a different voice that questioned God and rebelled against Him.</p><p 0px="" 28px="">Women and men today face the same decisions that confronted Mary and Eve. We can either seek the Tree of Life with God…or keep biting into the bitter fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.</p><p 0px="" 28px="">Statistically, women today are <em>less happy</em> than at any time in measured history. This extolled knowledge of good and evil has had consequences. It’s not about equality in work, pay, or choices. It’s about women wanting to become “like men” instead of being women. It’s about women who aspire to be “nasty” and men who are confused about what it means to be a real man.</p><p 0px="" 28px=""><em>Nasty Gets Us Nowhere</em> reveals the powerful truth behind learning to do relationships like Christ, particularly relationships between men and women. Our culture often incites rebellion, but God calls us to work together. As Galatians 5:15 says, <em>“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other”</em> (niv).</p><p 0px="" 28px="">In an age saturated with feminism and gender wars, ex-feminist Drenda Keesee combines her wit, humor, and life experience to unpack a powerful, timely message that sets the record straight. She reveals why men and women have conflict, what God’s plan for unity is, and how men and women can unite to create an unstoppable force. Drenda believes the pendulum is swinging and there are many conservative women and men who want to make amends and discover how to have relationships that work. There’s also a younger generation searching for keys to live a different life than what they’ve seen modeled.</p><p 0px="" 28px="">Drenda says we can see eye to eye when we first see heart to heart and spirit to spirit, coming from a place of cooperation instead of conflict. God’s Spirit coupled with His plan is the only answer to the separation and relationally destructive forces at work in the gender wars. It’s time for restoration and healing, to bring men and women side by side, hand in hand. There’s much at stake. We must understand our uniqueness, our vulnerabilities, and Christ’s unalterable principles for successful working and loving relationships to experience fulfillment and lasting peace.</p></div><p 0px="" 16px="" 28px="" a1a1a="" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" margin:="" merriweather="" serif=""><br /></p><pre 0px="" 1.3125="" 100="" 14px="" 16px="" 1px="" 209="" 28px="" a1a1a="" auto="" break-word="" color:="" font-family:="" font-size:="" inconsolata="" line-height:="" margin-bottom:="" margin-top:="" max-width:="" monospace="" overflow-wrap:="" overflow:="" padding:="" pre-wrap="" rgb="" solid="" white-space:="">Click <a 0px="" 1px="" acc="" color:="" currentcolor="" data-mce-href="”https://amzn.to/2PfUCZJ”" href="”https://amzn.to/2PfUCZJ”" none="" text-decoration-line:="">here</a> to get your copy!</pre><p 0px="" 16px="" 28px="" a1a1a="" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" margin:="" merriweather="" serif=""><br /></p><div 16px="" a1a1a="" class="”entry-content”" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" merriweather="" serif=""><h1 0px="" 1.27273="" 28px="" 33px="" both="" font-size:="" line-height:="" margin:=""><span data-mce-style="”text-decoration:" underline="">About the Author</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj1QXavelczOlatD4BiOW3yLkuGh7VEDohG26ExEliQR91BSBtEhYYXjYTHX1Kv19POTK7LSlFzxrS6JBFHWBFAaox7GbNm8rnNcpE50i0CaULyKUgZcMZLruMFLiP-GsSrXTTCPJCDg/s300/Nasty+Author.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbj1QXavelczOlatD4BiOW3yLkuGh7VEDohG26ExEliQR91BSBtEhYYXjYTHX1Kv19POTK7LSlFzxrS6JBFHWBFAaox7GbNm8rnNcpE50i0CaULyKUgZcMZLruMFLiP-GsSrXTTCPJCDg/s0/Nasty+Author.png" /></a></div><br /><p 200="" class="”MsoNormal”">Drenda Keesee is a speaker, pastor, daytime television show host, entrepreneur, and author of several books. She has ministered on television and radio and at churches, seminars, and conferences for more than twenty years. Drenda is passionate about bringing women into spiritual, emotional, and relational wholeness so they can live “The Happy Life,” and has founded several programs to that end.</p><p 0px="" 28px="">She and Gary Keesee, her husband of thirty-five years, met while attending Oral Roberts University and pastor the 4,500-member Faith Life Church, with campuses in New Albany and Powell, Ohio.</p><p 0px="" 28px=""><br />The Keesees have created several successful businesses in the financial arena and are the founders of Faith Life Now, which produces two television programs: <i>Drenda</i>, seen daily on several networks and weekly on Daystar; and <i>Fixing the Money Thing</i>, airing daily on Daystar, GEB, BET, Victory, CTN, VTN, and NRB. Drenda serves as host on these programs, which reach 750 million households worldwide.</p><p 0px="" 28px="">Drenda has appeared on numerous other television programs, including Joyce Meyer’s broadcast <i>Enjoying Everyday Life</i>, <i>Table Talk with Joni</i> with Joni Lamb, <i>Marcus & Joni</i> with the Lambs, <i>VictoryThon</i>, and more. She has been featured on CharismaNews.com, Hannah Keeley’s Crazy Blessed podcast, <a 0px="" 1px="" acc="" color:="" currentcolor="" data-mce-href="”http://thelaundrymoms.com”" data-saferedirecturl="”https://www.google.com/url?q=http://thelaundrymoms.com&source=gmail&ust=1593197310276000&usg=AFQjCNGCBWCSU0ZF7S_vRBVCSIzTQsxMSQ”" href="”http://thelaundrymoms.com/”" none="" rel="”noopener”" target="”_blank”" text-decoration-line:="">thelaundrymoms.com</a>, and on the cover of <i>Daystar News</i>. Drenda also speaks at conferences worldwide and is known for her ability to inspire, empower, and encourage others to improve their marriages, raise strong children, get out of debt, and embrace God’s best for their life.<br />In addition to her graduate studies at Oral Roberts University, Drenda received a master’s degree in Christian counseling from Logos University and an honorary doctorate of divinity from CICA International University and Seminary.</p><p 0px="" 28px="">The Keesees have five children and several grandchildren. They reside in New Albany, Ohio.</p></div><h1 0px="" 1.27273="" 28px="" 33px="" 56px="" a1a1a="" both="" color:="" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" line-height:="" margin:="" merriweather="" serif=""><span data-mce-style="”text-decoration:" underline="">More from Drenda</span></h1><p 0px="" 16px="" 28px="" a1a1a="" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" margin:="" merriweather="" serif=""><i>Nasty Gets Us Nowhere </i>reveals why men and women have conflict and God’s plan to unite them for His kingdom. Coming from a feminist background, I realized that wasn’t the way God intended for me to live.</p><h1 0px="" 1.27273="" 28px="" 33px="" 56px="" a1a1a="" both="" center="" color:="" data-mce-style="”text-align:" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" line-height:="" margin:="" merriweather="" serif="" text-align:=""><span data-mce-style="”text-decoration:" underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://becauseisaidsomyadventuresinparenting.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/reh8hoh5ppvnnv/aHR0cDovL2JlY2F1c2Vpc2FpZHNvbXlhZHZlbnR1cmVzaW5wYXJlbnRpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157156">Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting</a>, September 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/08hwh9h744wqqk/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157157">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, September 10</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.abakersperspective.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/8ghqhoh588pkk5/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hYmFrZXJzcGVyc3BlY3RpdmUuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157158">A Baker’s Perspective</a>, September 11 (Spotlight)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/vqh3hrhk66388n/aHR0cDovL21vbnRhbmFtYWRlLndlZWJseS5jb20vdGVsbC10YWxlLWJvb2stcmV2aWV3cw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157159">Tell Tale Book Reviews</a>, September 12 (Spotlight)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/l2hehmhkppvww3/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157160">Godly Book Reviews</a>, September 13</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/m2h7h5hnxx0ww3/aHR0cHM6Ly9ibG9zc29tc2FuZGJsZXNzaW5ncy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157161">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, September 14 (Spotlight)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/dpheh0h7xxwrr8/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157162">deb’s Book Review</a>, September 14</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://sarajanejacobs.com/blog" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/e0hph7hnzzw554/aHR0cDovL3NhcmFqYW5lamFjb2JzLmNvbS9ibG9n" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157163">Sara Jane Jacobs</a>, September 15</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/7qh7h8h4eep333/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157164">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, September 15</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/owhkhqh8eel55x/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157165">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, September 16</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/z2hghnhdzzr00n/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157166">Texas Book-aholic</a>, September 17</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/p8heh9h7ee5886/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157167">Artistic Nobody</a>, September 18 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/x0hph6h7mmdxx0/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157168">Inklings and notions</a>, September 19</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/6qheh8h244600g/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157169">For Him and My Family</a>, September 20</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/kkhmh6h9pp2440/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157170">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, September 21</p><p 200="" center="" class="”MsoNormal”" text-align:="">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/75un2e0935s8h3n8xvhz/58hvh7h9wwollr/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1329157171">Splashes of Joy </a>, September 22 (Spotlight)</p><h1 0px="" 1.27273="" 28px="" 33px="" 56px="" a1a1a="" both="" center="" color:="" data-mce-style="”text-align:" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" line-height:="" margin:="" merriweather="" serif="" text-align:=""><span data-mce-style="”text-decoration:" underline="">Giveaway</span></h1><p 200="" center="" class="”MsoNormal”" text-align:=""><strong><span alibri="" imes="" minor-bidi="" minor-latin="" mso-ascii-theme-font:="" mso-bidi-font-family:="" mso-bidi-theme-font:="" mso-hansi-theme-font:="" new="" quot="" roman="" sans-serif=""></span></strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span alibri="" imes="" minor-bidi="" minor-latin="" mso-ascii-theme-font:="" mso-bidi-font-family:="" mso-bidi-theme-font:="" mso-hansi-theme-font:="" new="" quot="" roman="" sans-serif=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnV9Fed7dPXEhQr065xfId8fXBKl53fDqy900DH6ZzhhYAhOcMULH0tQmfaC9WPNvXvByVRbV5iPJGmrqQ7IL_LSYeMWVlv74nT6kCIWM3ZYvIYT2GdPWWx5IS4uQ1X3mwg3i-feBbk2s/s940/Nasty+Gets+Us+Nowhere+Giveaway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnV9Fed7dPXEhQr065xfId8fXBKl53fDqy900DH6ZzhhYAhOcMULH0tQmfaC9WPNvXvByVRbV5iPJGmrqQ7IL_LSYeMWVlv74nT6kCIWM3ZYvIYT2GdPWWx5IS4uQ1X3mwg3i-feBbk2s/w400-h335/Nasty+Gets+Us+Nowhere+Giveaway.png" width="400" /></a></span></strong></div><strong><span alibri="" imes="" minor-bidi="" minor-latin="" mso-ascii-theme-font:="" mso-bidi-font-family:="" mso-bidi-theme-font:="" mso-hansi-theme-font:="" new="" quot="" roman="" sans-serif=""><br /></span></strong><p></p><p 0px="" 16px="" 28px="" a1a1a="" center="" data-mce-style="”text-align:" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" margin:="" merriweather="" serif="" text-align:="">To celebrate her tour, Drenda is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and copy of the book!!</p><p 0px="" 16px="" 28px="" a1a1a="" center="" data-mce-style="”text-align:" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" margin:="" merriweather="" serif="" text-align:="">Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</p><p 0px="" 16px="" 28px="" a1a1a="" center="" data-mce-style="”text-align:" font-family:="" font-size:="" georgia="" margin:="" merriweather="" serif="" text-align:=""><a 0px="" 1px="" acc="" color:="" currentcolor="" data-mce-href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/10095/nasty-gets-us-nowhere-celebration-tour-giveaway”" href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/10095/nasty-gets-us-nowhere-celebration-tour-giveaway”" none="" text-decoration-line:="">https://promosimple.com/ps/10095/nasty-gets-us-nowhere-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></p>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770447205488103984.post-65650789096941257782020-09-05T23:30:00.000-05:002020-09-05T23:29:02.315-05:00Book Review: The Black Midnight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpNxtqa2sWZjLvqvGJveOxNCrslJFD9gSftFllq4NFUKr9gbVb4Cvuv4qdtcw6WpoH4vhkajfTN8bZgZ48wzCqgIn2s4-uVaac9LJU-oRE1bU05khOpcUv9D2zqo1NUZZyEhyCYYxAu4/s851/The-Black-Midnight-FB-Banner-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpNxtqa2sWZjLvqvGJveOxNCrslJFD9gSftFllq4NFUKr9gbVb4Cvuv4qdtcw6WpoH4vhkajfTN8bZgZ48wzCqgIn2s4-uVaac9LJU-oRE1bU05khOpcUv9D2zqo1NUZZyEhyCYYxAu4/s640/The-Black-Midnight-FB-Banner-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div center="" style="text-align: left;">I love a good book that makes me think! Sometimes the challenge of trying to figure out who-dun-it makes for a very satisfying and engaging read - even if I turn out to be wrong! Couple that with historical fiction and that makes for a winning book!</div><div center="" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div center="" style="text-align: left;">I actually read this book twice. I read it the first time when I first got it a month or two ago (I requested the book, received it for free, and am giving my honest opinion) and then again last night (which is a little more than a week before this book review is published). I enjoyed it the first time, and I <u>really</u> enjoyed it the second time! </div><div center=""><br /></div><div center=""><i>The Black Midnight</i> was a very engaging book! Even though much of it is fiction, there were enough historical details to make it seem real. Neither the Midnight Assassin nor Jack the Ripper was ever identified in real life and the story reflects this; however, I did enjoy the author's unfolding of who might have been involved (again, fictional, but believable).</div><div center=""><br /></div><div center="">I really enjoyed "meeting" Queen Victoria in this book. There were one or two other secondary real-life characters, but she was the one who intrigued me the most with such characteristics as her using her third-person "we/us" instead of "I/me." I noticed in reviewing my highlights of the book that she only uses the third-person when she speaks of herself as Queen; other times, she uses I/me when she is speaking on a personal level - for example, to Annie whom she calls Kitten.</div><div center=""><br /></div><div center="">In my second reading of the book, I realized that Annie is very much like her great grandmother Queen Victoria in this book: commanding, in control, imperious in manner, yet very, very likable.</div><div center="" style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>"She is the queen, Isaiah." Annie sighed. "She can do whatever she wants. Just be thankful that she does not."</blockquote></div><div center="" style="text-align: left;">Another character that I liked (because I disliked him) is a journalist who does anything he can to get the scoop on the case of the Midnight Assassin. Annie, who is extremely perceptive, catches onto him at once and puts him in his place:</div><blockquote><div center="" style="text-align: left;">"Thank you for that insight. I see you are intent on proving yourself as good a detective as you claimed at dinner. I fail to be impressed, but you have my permission to continue trying. Good night, Mr. Blake."</div></blockquote><div center="" style="text-align: left;">Don't you just love that? I would love to be as witty and direct as she is!</div><div center="" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div center="" style="text-align: left;">Annie's partner Isaiah is also very insightful and very thoughtful. I love what he said to Annie:</div><blockquote><div center="" style="text-align: left;">"I see you in there," he said, his eyes on hers. "I don't know who you are yet, but I want to. And I am willing to wait."</div></blockquote><div center="">I also love this interchange between Isaiah and the Queen:</div><blockquote><div center="">"I have learned that patience is a virtue." He paused. "And that what is meant to be will be." </div></blockquote><blockquote><div center="">One dark brow lifted. "And what cannot be?" </div></blockquote><blockquote><div center="">"Takes a little longer, ma'am," he said in his Texas drawl.</div></blockquote><div center="">The Black Midnight is like a character in itself; as a matter of fact, it ..... I just realized that might be a bit of a spoiler. Just get the book and read it. You won't be disappointed!</div>
<h1>
<span underline="">About the Book</span></h1>
<img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="197" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWtFa-o8M-Ku8cyqAvGgXt7daklzVHSVRu5h6a8p8dKvbcHp6eYLYGePGbdjxDAqahbzKHRioLwPiSJTUSTrFU2R9TH2_uu6vCtgfmbriIugcTdEOI0ILfpaV96Q4laYanSbSYZprb8s/w246-h375/The-Black-Midnight-197x300.jpg" width="246" /><div><br />
<strong>Book: </strong>The Black Midnight<br />
<strong>Author: </strong>Kathleen Y’Barbo<br />
<b>Genre: </b> Christian Historical Suspense<br />
<strong>Release Date: </strong>August 2020<br />
<br />
<strong>Death Seems to Follow Harriet’s New Friend</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
Book 7 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History<br />
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Three years before Jack the Ripper began his murderous spree on the streets of London, women were dying in their beds as The Midnight Assassin terrorized the citizens of Austin, Texas. Now, with suspicion falling on Her Majesty’s family and Scotland Yard at a loss as to who the Ripper might be, Queen Victoria summons her great-granddaughter, Alice Anne von Wettin, a former Pinkerton agent who worked the unsolved Austin case and orders her to discreetly form a team to look into the London matter.<br />
<br />
The prospect of a second chance to work with Annie just might entice Isaiah Joplin out of his comfortable life as an Austin lawyer. If his theories are right, they’ll find The Midnight Assassin and, by default, the Ripper. If they’re wrong, he and Annie are in a bigger mess than the one the feisty female left behind when she departed Austin under cover of darkness three years ago.<br />
<br />
Can the unlikely pair find the truth of who is behind the murders before they are drawn into the killer’s deadly game? From Texas to London, the story navigates the fine line between truth and fiction as Annie and Isaiah ultimately find the hunters have become the hunted.<br />
<br />
<pre>Click <a href="”https://amzn.to/3faxjM3″">here</a> to get your copy!</pre>
<br />
<h1>
<span underline="">About the Author</span></h1>
<strong><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2QZZ2S_xLAvqWStr-3eFzJRJVetDkOdF-le6oKw5U1nEvA6tmSsknwOwF9Bt61MjJSECwifWguQqBs834o5Q_08_CeS4BWIsXSTSYUDIUh-ACt7m0k1ekSsXilx-ilclGie9IzswaFM/s300/KathleenYbarbo-236x300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2QZZ2S_xLAvqWStr-3eFzJRJVetDkOdF-le6oKw5U1nEvA6tmSsknwOwF9Bt61MjJSECwifWguQqBs834o5Q_08_CeS4BWIsXSTSYUDIUh-ACt7m0k1ekSsXilx-ilclGie9IzswaFM/s0/KathleenYbarbo-236x300.jpg" /></a></div><br /></strong><br />
Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than sixty novels with almost two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad.<br />
<h1>
<span underline="">More from Kathleen Y’Barbo</span></h1>
I am a tenth-generation Texan, but London has held a place in my heart for over ten years. You see, I have a son who has lived there for more than a decade. Thanks to him and his family of three—my granddaughter was born there on New Year’s Eve 2019—the city will always be special to me. There is absolutely nothing like walking those streets with a thousand years of history close enough to touch.<div><br />
It was on a walk with my son through this great city that the stories of nineteenth-century London came alive. With fog shrouding the rooftops of buildings that were hundreds of years old and our footsteps echoing on the cobblestones, I could imagine a time when lack of electricity and CCTV would make this place less than charming on a dark night. What reminded me of my favorite childhood movie, Mary Poppins, quickly became more reminiscent of Jack the Ripper. And then a story was born.<br />
Only I just had half the story.<div><br />
The other half came to me several years later when I stumbled across an article in <em>Texas Monthly</em> magazine about a serial killer who rampaged through Austin, Texas in 1884 and 1885 and was never caught. Some surmised this madman, called “The Midnight Assassin” by some, might have been Jack the Ripper honing his skills before he crossed the Atlantic to begin his famous crime spree in Great Britain.<br />
But Austin? Ironically, my other two sons lived in Austin. So while part of my heart was in London, two more parts of that same heart resided in the Texas capital. I thought I knew Austin inside out. Between one of my sons getting not one but two degrees from the University of Texas (this Aggie grad is still proud of him in spite of what I jokingly call his burnt orange rebellion) and my other son living there and managing a restaurant at the time (and who just graduated from Texas A&M Galveston last month!), I had spent many years in the city. And yet I had never heard of the Midnight Assassin.<div><br />
Research turned up a tale that sounds so close to fiction I had to write about it. Discovering the theory that the Austin killer might also be the Ripper just added to my interest—neither had been caught. And I like to write about Pinkerton detectives.<br />
From there the story unfolded. If you’ve read any of my historical romances, you know that I love incorporating actual history into my stories. As you’ll see when you read <em>The Black Midnight</em>, this book is no exception. While I will continue writing the historical romances I love to bring to you, I will confess that writing this book has me itching to research another one like it.</div><div><br />
What’s next in my foray into true crime novels? Maybe Houston. You see, I have a daughter who lives there…</div><div><br />
In the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy reading <em>The Black Midnight</em> as much as I enjoyed writing it!<br />
<h1 center="">
<span underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1><div center=""><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.babblingbeckyl.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/wnh2hghol32dd0/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5iYWJibGluZ2JlY2t5bC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753892">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, August 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.5020genesis.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/8ghqhoh57x6884/aHR0cDovL3d3dy41MDIwZ2VuZXNpcy53b3JkcHJlc3MuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753895">Genesis 5020</a>, August 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/dpheh0h72m9x3k/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJiaWVsb3NlYW55dGhpbmcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753899">Debbie's Dusty Deliberations</a>, August 27</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/6qheh8h23d84qn/aHR0cDovL2FtYW5kYW5pY29sbGUuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLz9tPTE=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753906">Inklings and notions</a>, August 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/n2hohvholk94d9/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5hbXlib29rc3kuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753914">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, August 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://ashleysbookshelf.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/08hwh9h7pk6484/aHR0cDovL2FzaGxleXNib29rc2hlbGYuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753918">Ashley’s Bookshelf</a>, August 28</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/vqh3hrhkqd9522/aHR0cHM6Ly9jb25uaWUtb2xkZXJzbWFydGVyLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753920">Older & Smarter?</a>, August 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/e0hph7hnd23x9w/aHR0cDovL2RlYW5hMDMyNi5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753924">Texas Book-aholic</a>, August 29</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/58hvh7h94zdepr/aHR0cHM6Ly9hcnRpc3R3cml0ZXJhbmRzdHVkZW50b2hteS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753939">Artistic Nobody</a>, August 29 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://litteraegaudium.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/25h2hohoqep5rm/aHR0cHM6Ly9saXR0ZXJhZWdhdWRpdW0ud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753940">For the Love of Literature</a>, August 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://connieshistoryclassroom.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/qvh8h7h6l0mxgl/aHR0cDovL2Nvbm5pZXNoaXN0b3J5Y2xhc3Nyb29tLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753941">Connie's History Classroom</a>, August 30</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/9qhzhnh2elv7k7/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5mb3JoaW1hbmRteWZhbWlseS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753943">For Him and My Family</a>, August 31</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/n2hohvholk9d88/aHR0cHM6Ly90cmF2ZWxpbmd3aWZlNGxpZmUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753945">Adventures of a Travelers Wife</a>, August 31</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.instagram.com/bettimace/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/48hvheh27ndo5p/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9iZXR0aW1hY2Uv" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753946">Betti Mace</a>, September 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.robinsnest212.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/wnh2hghol32z54/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5yb2JpbnNuZXN0MjEyLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753947">Robin's Nest</a>, September 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://bigreadersite.wordpress.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/reh8hoh5oel82v/aHR0cHM6Ly9iaWdyZWFkZXJzaXRlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753948">Bigreadersite</a>, September 1</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/08hwh9h7pk68ok/aHR0cHM6Ly9kZWJzLWJvb2tyZXZpZXcuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753949">deb's Book Review</a>, September 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/8ghqhoh57x6405/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zcGxhc2hlc29mam95LndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753950">Splashes of Joy</a>, September 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://justyouraveragereviews.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/vqh3hrhkqd95xn/aHR0cDovL2p1c3R5b3VyYXZlcmFnZXJldmlld3MuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753951">Just Your Average reviews</a>, September 2</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://rebeccatews.blogspot.com/?m=1" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/l2hehmhkdzmg03/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZWJlY2NhdGV3cy5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20vP209MQ==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753952">Rebecca Tews</a>, September 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://chautona.com/the-black-midnight-review" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/m2h7h5hnl76rg3/aHR0cHM6Ly9jaGF1dG9uYS5jb20vdGhlLWJsYWNrLW1pZG5pZ2h0LXJldmlldw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753953">Just the Write Escape</a>, September 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://emily-yager.com/blog/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/dpheh0h72m9348/aHR0cHM6Ly9lbWlseS15YWdlci5jb20vYmxvZy8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753954">Emily Yager</a>, September 3</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.christianbookaholic.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/e0hph7hnd23xp4/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jaHJpc3RpYW5ib29rYWhvbGljLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753955">Christian Bookaholic</a>, September 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://reviewingbooksplusmore.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/7qh7h8h4xm2gk3/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZXZpZXdpbmdib29rc3BsdXNtb3JlLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753956">reviewingbooksplusmore</a>, September 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://karenhadley.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/owhkhqh807mzkx/aHR0cHM6Ly9rYXJlbmhhZGxleS5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753957">KarenSueHadley</a>, September 4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://remembrancy.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/z2hghnhdm82g4n/aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW1lbWJyYW5jeS5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753958">Remembrancy</a>, September 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://tabithabouldinauthorhome.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/p8heh9h7plwv36/aHR0cHM6Ly90YWJpdGhhYm91bGRpbmF1dGhvcmhvbWUud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753959">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, September 5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://21stcenturykeeperathome.blogspot.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/x0hph6h74lvgr0/aHR0cDovLzIxc3RjZW50dXJ5a2VlcGVyYXRob21lLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753960">21st Century Keeper at Home</a>, September 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/6qheh8h23d8qkg/aHR0cDovL21vbnRhbmFtYWRlLndlZWJseS5jb20vdGVsbC10YWxlLWJvb2stcmV2aWV3cw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753961">Tell Tale Book Reviews</a>, September 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/kkhmh6h9o307d0/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jYXJvbGtlZW4uYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753962">Blogging With Carol</a>, September 6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.musingsofasassybookishmama.com/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/58hvh7h94zdevr/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXVzaW5nc29mYXNhc3N5Ym9va2lzaG1hbWEuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753963">Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama</a>, September 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://lifeofliterature.wordpress.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/25h2hohoqep5vm/aHR0cHM6Ly9saWZlb2ZsaXRlcmF0dXJlLndvcmRwcmVzcy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753964">Life of Literature</a>, September 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/qvh8h7h6l0mx7l/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL21hcnkuYS5oYWtl" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753965">Mary Hake</a>, September 7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/g3hnh5hz0k8vd2/aHR0cHM6Ly9wcm92ZXJiMzF0aXR1czJnb2RseWJvb2tyZXZpZXdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753966">Godly Book Reviews</a>, September 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://melissawardwell.com/category/backporch/" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/9qhzhnh2elv7q7/aHR0cHM6Ly9tZWxpc3Nhd2FyZHdlbGwuY29tL2NhdGVnb3J5L2JhY2twb3JjaC8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753967">Back Porch Reads</a>, September 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://daysongreflections.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/3ohphkhdkn5w26/aHR0cDovL2RheXNvbmdyZWZsZWN0aW9ucy5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753968">Daysong Reflections</a>, September 8</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/n2hohvholk9dx8/aHR0cDovL3BhdXNlZm9ydGFsZXMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLw==" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753969">Pause for Tales</a>, September 9</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="http://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/48hvheh27ndopp/aHR0cDovL2Jsb3Nzb21zYW5kYmxlc3NpbmdzLmJsb2dzcG90LmNvbS8=" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753970">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, September 9</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: merriweather, georgia, serif; font-size: 20px; margin: 0px 0px 1.75em; text-align: center;">
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><a data-mce-href="https://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot.com" href="https://el2.convertkit-mail4.com/c/xmu7n3zr49c6hxo89kt5/wnh2hghol32zk4/aHR0cHM6Ly9wYWdlYnlwYWdlYm9va2J5Ym9vay5ibG9nc3BvdC5jb20v" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; color: #007acc; text-decoration-line: none;" url-id="1315753971">Hallie Reads</a>, September 9</p></div>
<h1 center="">
<span underline="">Giveaway</span></h1>
<div center="">
<strong><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VH-1fVWKW6HLjzGMXxhPEwZUjOg0yKgXoGzNUYi_weoN9tYWuZsHtbEx8BNEE1KcZf8j57RoFFMAgDJygeWLzAKPXOTtWnam1EHixIqlHB4v9FEIRIF2vFI8C_Ho7OOwH-46DFAcisg/s940/the+Black+Midnight+Giveaway%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VH-1fVWKW6HLjzGMXxhPEwZUjOg0yKgXoGzNUYi_weoN9tYWuZsHtbEx8BNEE1KcZf8j57RoFFMAgDJygeWLzAKPXOTtWnam1EHixIqlHB4v9FEIRIF2vFI8C_Ho7OOwH-46DFAcisg/w410-h344/the+Black+Midnight+Giveaway%25281%2529.png" width="410" /></a></div><br /><br /></strong></div>
<div center="">
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!</div>
<div center="">
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</div>
<div center="">
<a href="”https://promosimple.com/ps/ffb7/the-black-midnight-celebration-tour-giveaway”">https://promosimple.com/ps/ffb7/the-black-midnight-celebration-tour-giveaway</a></div><br /></div></div></div></div>~Ava Kinseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04312282486816005135noreply@blogger.com1