Sunday, August 28, 2022

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: A Match to Call Ours by Merrillee Whren

About the Book

Book: A Match to Call Ours

Author: Merrillee Whren

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: January 21, 2020

Brittany Gorman needs a job, but nanny to six-year-old twin girls isn’t exactly what she’s looking for. Their single father, Parker Watson, isn’t sure hiring Brittany is the right move, but he’s desperate for help.

Soon Brittany is charming the twins and their father as well. But Parker still clings to the bitterness of his past, a past that has made him a recluse on his isolated Montana ranch, distanced him from God, and kept him from finding love.

Can Brittany’s prayers and two little matchmakers soften Parker’s heart and help him find love with his perfect Montana match?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Brittany's life is not going so well at the moment. Not only has she lost her job, but she has also broken up with her longtime boyfriend. With a string of substitute jobs, including being a substitute teacher, she needs something more permanent. First, her roommate Heather has invited her to an all-expense paid ski trip put on by her uncle.

Heather's uncle, Parker, is not too much older than his niece which shocks Brittany. He is also a father to twin six-year-old girls, and pretty much a recluse, staying on his ranch barely going into town. Parker had some pretty nasty rumors spread and believed about him that affected his schoolteacher position. They were not true, but the town was a harsh judge. So, he left and now he needs a nanny for his girls.

This could be just the opportunity for Brittany, especially when she finds out other news that will affect her pocketbook.

This was a sweet slow romance about two people who really need a second chance and for their faith to be rekindled. The girls were a cute addition as well.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Merrillee Whren is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romance. She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America. She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of forty- plus years, and has two grown daughters. She has lived in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Florida but now makes her home in the Arizona desert. She spends her free time playing tennis or walking while she does the plotting for her novels. Please visit her Website and signup for her newsletter and connect with her on Facebook.

More from Merrillee

One of my writing goals is to set at least one book in every state in which I have lived. So far I have written books set in Washington State, Texas, Florida, South Dakota, Georgia, Ohio, Montana, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. I still have to write books set in Illinois and Arizona to complete my goal. Just for fun I’ve gone astray and have written a couple of Christmas novellas set in Maryland, where my older daughter lives. I’m currently working on the third book in that series.

A Match to Call Ours is my Montana book. I lived there when I was a little girl. We lived near Billings from the time I was four until I was ten, when we moved to South Dakota. So as you can imagine my memories are vague, but I’ve visited Montana numerous times as an adult.

Brittany Gorman, the heroine of the book, is originally from Washington State, and if you read my Pinecrest series, you first meet her as a teenager in Second Chance Gift. I have three teenagers in that series, and I wanted to write their adult stories. Brittany’s story comes first, followed by Max’s story, then Amanda’s story in the Front Porch Promises series. The characters take the reader from Montana to Massachusetts, then Tennessee, where the series includes Amanda’s younger sister, Kelsey.

In A Match to Call Ours the hero’s twin daughters are based on my memories of my fourth grade friend Rose. She belonged to the Crow Tribe and had long dark braids just like the twins in the story. I remember the snowstorms and having fun in the snow, sledding, and making snowballs. I got to put those memories to use in the story.

Because I’m what they call an organic writer, I don’t plot my stories. I start writing and see how things unfold. I’m always thankful that somehow God brings everything together when I write a book.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Inklings and notions, August 19

lakesidelivingsite, August 20

Vicky Sluiter, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 22

For Him and My Family, August 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 26

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

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 28

Cats in the Cradle Blog, August 28

Pause for Tales, August 29

Spoken from the Heart, August 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Merrillee is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of Hometown Promises!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/20e0c/a-match-to-call-ours-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, August 26, 2022

Review and Giveaway: Saving the Seas for the Purple and Green by Nancy Carlisle

Join Us for This Tour from Aug 15 to Sep 2, 2022

Book Details:

Book Title: Saving the Seas for the Purple and Green: A Story of Cleaning Up the Ocean by Nancy Carlisle
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 34 pages
Genre:  Juvenile fiction/science & nature/environment
Publisher:  Sage Green Press
Release date:   March, 2022
Content Rating: G. There is nothing even close to PG or R in this book, it is totally G

"Saving the Seas for the Purple and Green gives children the hope of making a difference. Washed Ashore is honored to have our work highlighted." — Angela Hazeltine Pozzi, Founder of Washed Ashore

"A simple, relevant, and informative read that gives kids a positive outlook on what can be done to reduce our impact on the ocean." — Taylor Lane, Creator of the Cigarette Surfboard

Book Description:

A young girl loves the tide pools that she sees on her runs by the ocean, but one day notices garbage amongst the colorful creatures she finds there. Along the beach she meets conservationists cleaning up the beach who educate her about the dangers that trash pose to ocean life. She decides to help also.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads

My Thoughts:

If you are looking for a children's book that helps explain what plastic can do to wildlife in the ocean and some practical and inventive ways to do something, Saving the Seas is just that book.

With colorful illustrations we go along with a young girl, Violet, to her favorite place, the beach. Here she encounters garbage where it should not be. Violet proceeds to help pick up what she can while also meeting others and searching online ways to help.

I believe that we are to be good stewards of this earth we were given, and I think a lot of us would not be happy to see trash everywhere in our own homes. So, with good practical advice, along with inventive ideas (some I never even knew about), this book highlights ways we can help. Not only that but it defines some words in the recycling world and in our ocean world that would be helpful for children and adults. The illustrations are colorful and unique, done by the author herself.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:

Nancy Carlisle is an author and illustrator who writes hopeful books for kids that interweave facts and fiction about the environment and global responsibility. During her 38-year career as a sustainable architect and researcher, her focus was on the environment. She led work nationally and internationally on sustainable and energy efficient buildings and communities and won awards for collaboratively designing award-winning sustainable buildings, a laboratory campus, and improving the energy efficiency of U.S. laboratories. Since retiring, Nancy has worked as a volunteer teaching English as a Second Language and mentors first generation college students. She is a strong advocate against plastic waste not only because it pollutes our oceans and water but also because it contributes CO2 to our atmosphere.

Nancy enjoys the outdoors and international travel. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Society of Environmental Journalists. She studies botanical illustrating and French language.

connect with the author: website

Tour Schedule:

Aug 15 – Character Madness and Musings – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Aug 15 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 16 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Aug 17 – Booking.with.janelle – book review / author interview
Aug 17 - Sandra's Book Club – book review / giveaway
Aug 18 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Aug 18 - She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Aug 19 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Aug 19 - Hall Ways Blog – book review / giveaway
Aug 22 – Library Lady's Kid Lit – book review / author interview / giveaway
Aug 23 – Reading is My Passion – book review / giveaway
Aug 23 - My Reading Getaway – book review / author interview / giveaway
Aug 24 – FUONLYKNEW – book review / giveaway
Aug 24 - Triquetra Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 25 – Paws.Read.Repeat – book review / giveaway
Aug 26 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Aug 26 - Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 29 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Aug 30 – Kam's Place – book review
Aug 30 - Captive Dreams Window – book review / giveaway
Aug 30 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 31 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Sep 1 – Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway
Sep 1 - Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Sep 2 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

SAVING THE SEAS Book Tour Giveaway

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: It Never Occurred to Her by Michelle Jester

About the Book

Book: It Never Occurred to Her

Author: Michelle Jester

Genre: Contemporary Religious Fiction, Women’s Religious Fiction, Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: November 28, 2021

For two years Gabriel has followed every lead, no matter how small, in the hope of finding his wife who has been kidnapped. He and the police always seem to be one step behind, until investigators give him information that helps him launch the plan to find her.

When Lena looks up into the eyes of her husband, who she hasn’t seen in two years, she is humiliated and wants nothing more than to run before he recognizes her. And so she does. It’s only when she faces a desperate situation that she is forced to return and ask for his help.

As fate twists its way through both of their lives, they realize it doesn’t matter how much they have prepared to face the realities of losing someone, or finding them again, redemption is in letting go of the past and finding a future just off the beaten path.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is a story that was very difficult for me to read, yet it was also so compelling that I did not want to put it down. Right from the first page the author gives trigger warnings that does warn the reader. I knew what I was going into. This does deal with human trafficking, and I did have to skip over some of the happenings.

Lena and Gabriel are living their happily ever after until they are put into a nightmare that neither could imagine. Lena is kidnapped. Gabriel will not give up on finding her. Two years pass. This story was told in past and present chapters. We saw what had happened to Lena during her captivity and the present when she and her husband meet again.

As I was reading, I got to thinking how so many people ask why God lets bad things happen. I have asked that exact question. This time I started thinking why does mankind let these atrocities happen to one another. Man's inhumanity to man is quite horrific at times, and I thought why won't they just stop their cruelty or someone step up and stop this. I know there is a lot of evil in this world, and humans seem to be doing it to one another a lot.

Anyway, this is not a light read. And what Lena and Gabriel must learn is that their future may look a bit different than what they ever dreamed of. There is hope, grace, forgiveness, and love that covers all in this story.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Michelle Jester is the bestselling author of fiction novels, as well as contributing author to the nonfiction #1 bestseller, My Labor Pains Were Worse than Yours. She also writes nonfiction and children’s books. Michelle lives in Louisiana with her husband, high school sweetheart and retired Master Sergeant. She wears a bracelet with a single yellow, rubber duckie charm on it to remind her to enjoy the fun and happy things of life!

You can follow Michelle Jester:

http://michellejester.net

facebook: /authormichellejester

Instagram: @michellejester

TikTok: @michelle_jester

Twitter: @michelle_jester

More from Michelle

When I first started writing this novel, it was because of a dream I had. I woke in the middle of the night crying, sweating, and praising God. I immediately got up, went to my computer and started writing about the dream. I was weeping the entire time and barely able to see through my tears.

In the dream, I was homeless, alone, and had drifted from God. I was hungry and went into a food kitchen to eat. I was dirty, smelled terrible, and missed Larry so much, only I knew I could never go home. I had done too much and had too much done to me to ever make it back to him.

After the person in the food kitchen put the food on my plate, I looked up and it was my husband, Larry. I was humiliated and desperately didn’t want him to recognize me. I was about to leave when in the dream Larry’s face turned to Jesus and He said, “I have been looking for you.”

That dream became the cornerstone of this novel.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 11

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12

Inklings and notions, August 13

For Him and My Family, August 14

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Spoken from the Heart, August 16

deb’s Book Review, August 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 20

Rebecca Tews, August 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22

Blogging With Carol, August 23

Pause for Tales, August 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a book gift box that includes: other titles from Michelle Jester, as well as several other authors from Rope Swing Publishing, bookmarks, a coffee mug, and a $20 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/20a82/it-never-occurred-to-her-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Bobby's Girls by John R. Price

About the Book

Book: Bobby’s Girls: A Novel

Author: John R. Price

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: August 6, 2022 (New Cover)

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

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

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

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Bobby's Girls is a unique novel that almost reads like an interview of someone's life. As it starts out, we are introduced to Mike as he recounts from the time, he was two years old and onward his family's story of being in the television business.

Mike and his older sister Stacy starred in a family friendly sitcom during the 1980's called Bobby's Girls. We get snippets of their lives growing up, a little bit of a behind the scenes look at filming, and how their whole family's life changed when they became Christians. How especially this affected their time on the sitcom and the various uncomfortable situations they had to stand firm on.

As they got older and started their own families, a streaming service wanted to reboot the series with Robin's Girls, a continuation of the original story. Unfortunately, nobody really can see the mistake this is and the compromises that Stacy and Mike's wife Celeste are expected to endure.

This was a bit of a cautionary tale, how what we do, say, and act affects are characters, rather good or bad. Sometimes people cannot differentiate between TV and real life as these characters soon find out, and not only is their reputations on the line, but so is their Christian faith. And unfortunately, some things become even dangerous.

Reading almost like a script itself, this story really highlighted the changes we have all seen in TV, movies, and all of Hollywood lately especially what has become acceptable. Where rating G meant something different ten years or so ago than today. Even though this was a novel about stars, we all can learn something about ourselves. Especially if we are living the way we should and are being the examples to lead others to God and not making them run the other way. Very thought provoking.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

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

More from John

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

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 10

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

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Inklings and notions, August 12

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 13 (Author Interview

deb’s Book Review, August 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 16

Through the Fire Blogs, August 17 (Author Interview)

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 20

Guild Master, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22

Blossoms and Blessings, August 23 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, August 23

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, John is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/20dfb/bobby-s-girls-a-novel-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, August 22, 2022

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Dial W for Wrangler by Chautona Havig

About the Book

Book: Dial W for Wrangler

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romance / Contemporary / Comedy

Release date: May 24, 2022

♥ Can one radio show host wrangle two hearts and help them beat as one? ♥

When Wade Garrett took over the family ranch, he knew he’d need help. He can tell you anything you need to know about breeding, raising, and selling cattle. He can even wrangle a wild horse or ten every year. He just can’t wrangle numbers into proper columns and have them all add up.

Enter Ainsley Jones. New in Sweetwater, the office manager from Los Angeles is out of her element and loves every second of it—except the moments when her boss can’t speak a civil word to her.

When Wade hears about the local Dial-a-Deal host and her ad-hock romantic advice success, he starts selling off everything he can find—even sneaks a few things out of Granny’s basement—just to have an excuse to call in and get Vi’s help.

Will this impromptu decluttering jag get rid of some of his personal baggage along with twenty sleeping bags and an antique egg scale? Enough for him to admit that she’s the one thing he doesn’t want to declutter from his life or his heart?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Dial W for Wrangler is a story about two people who couldn't be any more different from one another yet are so right for each other. Ainsley Jones moved to Wyoming from California for reasons all her own, ends up working on a ranch for Wade Garret, a wild horse wrangler. Wade gets all tongue tied when speaking to Ainsley when all he really wants to do, wanted to do for quite some time is to ask her out.

Wade is really all out of options until he decides to call into a local radio show called Dial-a-Deal. It really is a show where people call in to sell their unwanted items or even trade with others. And sometimes Vi, the host when asked, gives relationship advice. Much to the chagrin of her boss, but the show is popular. So that is exactly what Wade does. He begins decluttering the ranch while getting relationship advice on how he can move forward with Ainsley.

This was a cute romantic comedy, with some seriousness, of two tongue tied people who once they get over their shyness, well then there is nothing stopping them. Throw in a feisty grandma who knows what's best for their grandson and her sharp tongue and wit and you have a story that is just plain fun.

I was provided a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

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

More from Chautona

Stay Tuned for This Radio Announcement

“Hello there. I’m Vi Willis with Dial-a-Deal on K-SWT out of Sweetwater County, Wyoming, and have I got an update for you.

“We’ve won an award! My boss is livid that it’s not for selling the most junk in the least amount of time, but hey. Can I help it if folks are tuning in from all over the country to listen in on the heart troubles of folks around here? So far, we’re credited with three engagements, six marriages, and a whopping thirty-five saved relationships! I don’t know who nominated us for that award, but thank you!

“Now look… there’s one small problem. This really is supposed to be a show for selling your old comic book collection or that garden wagon your husband just had to have until he discovered he really hates gardening. So, when you call in, can you please be sure you have an item to sell? Di, the operator who screens the calls? She’s under orders not to let any calls through without an actual item for sale.

“So declutter the junk from your closets, your garages, your barns and what have you as you try to declutter the troubles from your life, okay? Now… I’ve got Jeff Corbin on the line, let’s see what he’s got for us today….”

And that’s how it all started.

Well, sort of. You see, I spent six weeks at my mom’s house back in late 2019. And one of the things Mom did every day was listen to the Dial-a-Trade show. She never bought a thing, but she listened. And, since I was in the room, I learned a lot about that show.

Some people seemed to call a few times a week. I finally decided they were lonely and it was how they kept a connection with other people. Others were obviously selling things out of spite—ex boyfriends, girlfriends, or spouses beware!

Basically, it was a great way to get rid of stuff and a great way to figure out what was going on in the lives of folks in the area.

So, when Lisa Prysock reminded me that she’d invited me to be a part of this series, I knew immediately that my first book would most definitely include a radio host for a sale show who just can’t help but solve people’s relational problems.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, August 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 22

Texas Book-aholic, August 23

Lots of Helpers, August 24

Inklings and notions, August 25

Holly’s Book Corner, August 25

For Him and My Family, August 26

deb’s Book Review, August 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 29

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

An Author’s Take, September 1

She Lives to Read, September 1

Blogging With Carol, September 2

Simple Harvest Reads, September 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Sodbuster Living, September 4

Spoken from the Heart, September 4

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/20e10/dial-w-for-wrangler-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, August 19, 2022

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Prodigal Lives by Carol McClain

About the Book

Book: Prodigal Lives

Author: Carol McClain

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Release date: April 1, 2022

Life keeps piling problems on Meredith Jaynes. She loses her second foster child—one she was scheduled to adopt. Then Parker Snow refuses to marry her. With only her goats and artisan soap to support her, life will get no better.

If she is honest, though, she still has Crystal. Her funny, happy, loveable toddler makes the sun shine and reminds her of the never-failing love of God.

Pearl Solomon loves her life with her grandfather Guy, but every one of her triumphs is overshadowed by her sisters’ lives. With Mama Meredith, they live a life she envies. Because of her jealousy, she refuses to contact them.

Years later, life for both families twist down paths they do not wish to travel. Pearl knows she’s lost what was most precious in life but has no means of fixing things. Left to her own devices, she spirals out of control.

Meredith finds it harder to mask the despair infertility has brought to her life.

Both families believe they must reconcile themselves to their fates as reality shatters their dreams unless they dig deep for the promise of love.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This story picks up and follows the lives of foster mom Meredith and the three little girls, Pearl, Roxie, and Crystal, along with Parker, and goes through quite a timeline with them. Like life, time passes all too quickly with good and bad happening all the time.

Meredith is losing her girls one by one, and Parker does not seem to want to commit to a marriage. She just wants a home and a family, especially since losing her first husband and daughter tragically. Meredith continues to foster as other children come and go into her life. The three girls continue to grow up.

Now the back synopsis only gives us a small sampling of what this story is about. I don't want to spoil much by going into more detail, but this story is so much more. Our hearts are tugged every which way as this group of people meander through life. Their heartbreak and hurts, their ups and down, and some topics that are difficult. What happens to this family, and will they get back on the right track? If you have read the first book, Borrowed Lives, this is one you won't want to miss.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Carol McClain is the award-winning author of four novels dealing with real people facing real problems. She is a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith might look like, you will find compassion, humor and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work.

Aside from writing, she’s a skilled stained-glass artist, a budding potter and photographer. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and growing farm. Inspired by Meredith Jaynes, she owns two goats. One will kid soon.

You can connect with her at carolmcclain.com.

On goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14030286.Carol_McClain

On BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carol-mcclain

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.Carol.McClain

More from Carol

Have you ever thought you’ve seen yourself in a novel?

If you know an author, you probably have.

For years I worked with recovering addicts and those helping them in organizations like Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-styled support group like AA. If I read the events of these people’s lives in a novel, I would say, “Too fake to believe.”

Their lives are tragic, funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming.

Many of their stories made it into my latest novel Prodigal Lives (modified, disguised, and novelized)

I not only incorporate others into my work, but I live through my characters’ lives (Please don’t suggest a sky diving protagonist).

In Prodigal Lives one of my main characters owns goats. For years, I begged my husband too let me have a goat or two. He promised. Then, he wimped out, so I created Meredith Jaynes a successful artisan specializing in goat soap and raising Nubians.

Prodigal Lives is a sequel but can stand alone (reading both books amplifies your enjoyment, of course). This book follows the loss Pearl and Meredith feel as Pearl is adopted by her grandfather. Pearl becomes jealous of her sisters who stay with Mama Meredith, and they lose touch. Although they hear nothing from each other, neither is forgotten.

I believe in redemption. All my work illustrates that no matter how far you fall, a loving Father is going to make a way to redeem you. He’s done it for me, and I was an impossibly problematic child of the King.

I hope you enjoy Prodigal Lives. Sign up for my newsletter and blog and never miss a new release, my Biblical thoughts or an appearance I’m making. Believe me, I wouldn’t live, my blog and newsletter are fascinating.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 6

Splashes of Joy, August 7 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 7

Texas Book-aholic, August 8

Inklings and notions, August 9

For Him and My Family, August 10

Artistic Nobody, August 11 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 13

A Reader’s Brain, August 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 17

Spoken from the Heart, August 18

Pause for Tales, August 19

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/20711/prodigal-lives-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Review and Giveaway: The Wrong Side of Murder by Lauren Carr

Join us for this tour from August 1 to August 26, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title: The Wrong Side of Murder (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery) by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 274 pages
Genre: Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: July 21, 2022
Content Rating: This cozy mystery is rated G for everyone!

The Wrong Side of Murder is another wonderful cozy mystery by author Lauren Carr. It has all the elements that draw me in - an intelligent female lead, an equally smart boyfriend who partners to help her, a complicated plot where clues are slowly revealed, people who aren't what they seem to be, comedic moments to balance the darker ones, and several quirky pets full of personality.

It's a wonderful book to escape into at the end of the day. And get ready to read into the wee hours as, if you're like me, you won't be able to stop reading until the mystery is revealed. - Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn

Nikki's an intense individual who makes the perfect investigative journalist. She wants answers yesterday and she is willing to dig in to get them. She might get it wrong at the beginning but with the help of her family and close friends, she'll get the answers she wants and needs. – review by Blooming with Books

Book Description:

Nikki Bryant’s Next Case Takes Her to the Wrong Side of Murder

One spring morning, Jodi Gibbons got up and went to school as she did every day. Her young life went sideways though when the police found that her mother had been brutally killed during the night.

Twenty years later, many in Pine Grove believe Jodi got away with murder. After all, how could she have possibly slept through her mother’s violent death in the very next room?

After decades of silence, Jodi accepts investigative journalist Nikki Bryant’s invitation to tell her side of the story. However, before the interview can take place, someone silences Jodi permanently.

Now it is up to Nikki Bryant and her friends to uncover the secret that Jodi Gibbons has been protecting—a secret someone believes it is worth killing to keep from being revealed.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
BookBub
add to goodreads

My Thoughts:

After winning a prestigious award for her reporting and solving a cold case, Nikki Bryant comes across another cold case, this time one she is much more familiar with. During her high school years, a fellow student's mother was murdered. In the court of public opinion all eyes pointed to Jodi as the killer of her mother. However, Jodi always claimed her innocence. Twenty years later Nikki, who always thought Jodi was guilty is looking at this case with new eyes.

Along with Nikki, Ryan (Nikki's boyfriend and head of the crime lab) and Elmo the ever-cleaning dog, Nikki sets out to prove Jodi's innocence. Only someone doesn't want that, and Jodi is silenced herself.

What happened to Jodi's mom that must be kept secret? Well Nikki uncovers all kinds of details about the people surrounding Jodi, some quite shocking. The town of Pine Grove seems to be hiding some very shady people. This story was filled with all kinds of twists and turns and really compares the right side of town with the wrong.

I like Nikki's tenacious attitude that keeps her digging and not letting go until the truth is revealed. I am glad her and Ryan's relationship is progressing, I hope they eventually will get married. They work well together, and Nikki or Ryan could not have a better person to watch their back. Dealing with murder and addiction, Nikki and her loved ones help to lighten the story with humor and love.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Be Sure to Check Out the First Installment in the Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries:

Book Details:

Book Title: Killer Deadline (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery) by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 232 pages
Genre: Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: April 23, 2020
Content Rating: This cozy mystery is rated G for Everyone!

I love this cozy mystery! It is full of suspense, action packed, fast pace with that small town feeling. I love the characters, I have to admit, I fell in love with Elmo on the spot! I loved Nikki's spunk and determination. She keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire book! I highly recommend this book to those who loves a good cozy mystery!! - 5-Star Review at Splashes of Joy

Book Description:

Folks in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, claim that where Nikki Bryant goes, trouble is not far behind. Her refusal to back down from a challenge has made Nikki Bryant a top investigative journalist.

When an online friend nudges her to join him in a pact to reconnect with their first loves, Nikki and her boxer dog Elmo leave the bright lights of Las Vegas for the charming town of Pine Grove. There, she must face the biggest challenges in her career and life—the first love she had left behind and her father’s unsolved murder.

But before she has time to unpack her car, Nikki stumbles upon the dead body of local news anchor, Ashleigh Addison, her childhood rival. Could Ashleigh’s death be connected to an explosive news story that she had teased about airing live? Did that explosive story have anything to do with the murder of Nikki’s father?

With the clues in her father’s cold case hot again, Nikki intends to chase down the story of her life until she catches his killer—no matter what it takes.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com ~ Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Every Good Gift by Urcelia Teixeira

About the Book

Book: Every Good Gift

Author: Urcelia Teixeira

Genre: CHRISTIAN MYSTERY SUSPENSE THRILLER

Release date: September 15, 2020

Find the truth, or die trying!

A childhood tragedy almost destroyed his life. A tragedy everyone thought was just an accident.

So, Adam Cross rebuilds his life in a small coastal town on the East Coast, pastoring The Lighthouse mission. The close-knit community of Turtle Cove surrounds him, he has his beautiful wife, Ruth by his side, and the delight of their little girl, Abigail. And he has his faith. Life could not be more perfect.

Until another accident happens. Except, this time, all evidence indicates that something far more sinister is behind it.

And while Adam struggles to pick up the pieces once again, he sets off in search of the truth behind the accidents—oblivious to the danger that awaits him. But what he discovers during his soul searching journey far exceeds anything he could have ever imagined.

Lurking in the shadows is an enemy no one knew or saw coming. One who has been waiting decades to take what is his, to take revenge.

If you enjoy reading faith-filled suspense fiction that grips you from the first page, then you will love this inspirational, fast-paced Christian suspense! Full of mystery, twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end, this first in series will not disappoint!

Are you ready to see why readers could not put this book down?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Wow, this book, especially the beginning was very hard to get through. Adam Cross is having a blessed life, until he isn't and all that he loves is taken away from him. His grief and emotions were palpable as he tried very hard to make it day to day and reconcile his faith with what happened.

Adam works at the Lighthouse mission and has been there since he was twelve years old. Circumstances concerning his coming and his parents are surrounded in mystery. So much so that he has no recollection of what had happened. But his recent trauma and tragedy is awakening long, buried memories and he needs answers. Has his past disrupted and tore his future away?

The mission that seems so safe and secure has a few people living there with secrets to hide. Adam's tragedy becomes the community's tragedy and changes are on the horizon.

This suspense/thriller kept me turning the pages even though it was so full of sadness and grief from the beginning.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Award winning author of faith-filled Christian Suspense Thrillers that won’t let you go!®

Urcelia Teixeira writes gripping Christian mystery, thriller and suspense novels that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Firm in her Christian faith, all her books are free from profanity and unnecessary sexually suggestive scenes.

She made her writing debut in December 2017, kicking off her newly discovered author journey with her fast-paced archaeological adventure thriller novels that readers have described as ‘Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne.'

But, five novels in, and nearly eighteen months later, she had a spiritual re-awakening, and she wrote the sixth and final book in her Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series. She now fondly refers to The Caiaphas Code as her redemption book; her statement of faith. And although this series has reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists, she took the bold step of following her true calling and switched to writing what naturally flows from her heart and soul: Christian Mystery and Suspense.

The first book in her newly discovered genre went on to win the 2021 Illumination Awards Silver medal in the Christian Fiction category and the series reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists!

While this success is a great honor and blessing, all glory goes to God alone who breathed every word through her!

A committed Christian for nearly twenty years, she now lives by the following mantra:

”I used to be just a writer. Now, I am a writer with a purpose!”

For more on Urcelia and her books, visit www.urcelia.com

Follow her on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urceliabooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/UrceliaTeixeira

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/urcelia-teixeira

More from Urcelia

Many years ago God gave me a prophetic scripture through which He named me Hephzibah (meaning ‘My delight is in her’). Some time after that, life happened and for a long while I felt unworthy of that name. But, God showed me grace in this area for the nearly ten years that followed and, although I never aspired to be a writer, I wrote my first ever book on a bucket list whim in December 2017. Somehow it evolved into a series, but, while writing the fifth book in my Alex Hunt adventure thriller series, I felt the Holy Spirit nudging and directing me into using my God-given talent for enhancing His Kingdom instead. I obeyed and wrote the final book in that series, The Caiaphas Code, as my statement of faith before switching to writing Christian mystery and suspense instead. Two days later, the idea for Every Good Gift was born and the day I finished writing the last sentence of this book, I heard the Lord whisper in my ear, Hephzibah, Hephzibah, over and over. That has been the most noteworthy highlight of my short career so far: knowing that I have pleased God.

Every Good Gift is the first book in my three-book Adam Cross Christian Suspense series. I loved writing this book! It’s a poignant but suspenseful tale about a young pastor who had lost both his parents in a car accident as a child, then faces adversity for the second time when a horrific accident claims the lives of his wife and daughter. As he clings to his faith, searching for answers, he discovers his parents’ accident wasn’t an accident after all. The more he digs for the truth, the more secrets he uncovers and the more he learns of his past, God’s grace, and ultimately, his gifting. There are lots of twists and turns and a few tears along the way as the mysteries unfold.

This book went on to win the silver medal for Christian Fiction in the 2021 Illumination Awards.

May you be blessed with reading this book, just as I have been while writing it.