Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep



About the Book



Book: The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: April, 2024

Wife. Mother. Homemaker. Detective. Kit Forge wears many hats, and if that’s not enough, she’s partnered with her father to open a new detective agency. It’s hard to be all things to all people, but Kit never shies away from the impossible. Despite her hard work and good intentions, some things fall through the cracks.

Namely, her husband.

But Jackson barely notices. He’s too busy putting out his own fires. As the new chief inspector of a busy London station, he must salvage the disaster left behind by the former police chief—an obstacle made all the harder when the superintendent breathes an ultimatum down his neck.

Against her father’s advice, Kit takes on a case involving a missing child, one in which she and Jackson become a little too emotionally involved. . .and end up endangering their own little girl in the process.

Can Kit and Jackson learn that just because they can say yes doesn’t mean they should?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.

 

 

 

More from Michelle

Oh Inspiration…Wherefore Art Thou?

There are several questions I am asked frequently as an author.

“Hey, how much money do you make?”

“Can you help me get my book published?”

“How come it takes you so long to finish a story?”

But probably the most common query is this: what sorts of things inspire you? Now that is a question I can go on and on about! Don’t panic, though. I’ll be brief.

Story ideas come from every place imaginable. I’ve had plot thoughts from watching kids’ movies or even from eavesdropping at a coffee shop (note: beware what you say in public). TV series are also a favorite of mine, so much so that my latest release, The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane, is loosely based on one of my all-time favorite PBS series.

Have you seen this show? If not, do yourself a favor and ride that pony. If you have, then you know what I’m talking about. Either way, you should know that, the main character, is a detective in Victorian London—a very sassy yet classy lady. And that’s what struck me light a lightning bolt.

This woman is Kit, the heroine in my Blackfriars series, like right there on the big screen.

So, for book III, I decided I’d let ol’ Kit open her own private investigation agency with the help of her father, a recently retired police sergeant. Of course much intrigue and chaos ensues, just like in my all-time favorite PBS series, bringing the Blackfriars series to a satisfying end.

Inspiration honestly comes from anywhere, so next time you’re rubbing elbows with an author, beware. You just might end up as a character in their next book.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 26

Book Looks by Lisa, April 26

Live. Love. Read., April 27

Vicky Sluiter, April 27

She Lives To Read, April 27

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 28

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 29

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Sylvan Reads, April 30

Pause for Tales, April 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 1

Blogging With Carol, May 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 2

For Him and My Family, May 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 2

Betti Mace, May 3

Wishful Endings, May 3

Bizwings Book Blog, May 4

Daysong Reflections, May 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 5 (Author Interview)

Kristina Hall, May 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 6

The Lofty Pages, May 6

Cover Lover Book Review, May 7

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, May 7

Blossoms and Blessings, May 7

Holly’s Book Corner, May 8

Back Porch Reads, May 8

Lily’s Corner, May 9

Life of Literature, May 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 9

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print 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/2b146/the-sleuth-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

I enjoyed reading the first two books from Michelle Griep's Blackfriars Lane series and was excited to have the opportunity to read the third installment, The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane. Since this is a series, I advise others to read the books in order to have a better experience. It was great continuing Kit and Jackson's story. I once again found myself caught up on one of their adventures that, also, included some mystery and suspense. I loved it. 

I am giving The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical fiction. I am curious to see what other stories Michelle Griep has in store for her fans next. 

I received a copy of Michelle Griep's The Sleuth of Blackfriars Lane from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Review and Giveaway: Encountering God Study Bible



The Encountering God Study Bible is the crowning work of the Blackabys.
Featuring their trusted approach to Bible study, this Study Bible includes:

Notes highlighting how God might choose to encounter you in His Word
Notes explaining ideas, events, people and places in the text

Word studies, character studies, and biographical sketches of figures from church history

Notes to help you navigate current cultural issues

Order your copy of the Encountering God Study Bible today!



My Review:

Encountering God Study Bible is a great study Bible. When I received my copy, my 12 year old instantly snatched it up and started flipping through it. He was really excited about having another way to study the Bible. I had to see what his excitement was about. It is a New King James Version, there are two ribbon markers, each book has an introduction with commentary. All throughout there is an inclusion of word studies, encounter notes, historical encounters, character studies, Encountering a Creative God, maps, and graphs. My son and I loved and we look forward to read it together on a daily basis.

I am giving Encountering God Study Bible a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for those who are searching for study Bible. It would make for a great gift. 

I received a complimentary copy of Encountering God Study Bible from Harper Collins Christian Publishing , but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.     


Disclosure:

Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.


Giveaway: 

1 Encountering God Study Bible

Leave a more than two word completed sentence telling me what feature you are looking forward to most from Encountering God Study Bible. Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. Winner’s name will be drawn on May 8, 2024.



Giveaway Rules:   

Giveaway is limited to US winners only.        

Two word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.

Chosen winner/s will be contacted by email to verify information needed to give to the appropriate channels to get the prize to you. 

Winner/s MUST reply to this email within 24 hours

If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.

Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible for lack of response from the chosen winner. 

Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days will be disqualified. 

Please note: Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible in sending the prize.

Spotlight Book Tour and Giveaway: The New Rules of Attachment: How to Heal Your Relationships, Reparent Your Inner Child, and Secure your Life Vision by Dr Judy Ho

 



Book Details:

Book Title:  The New Rules of Attachment: How to Heal Your Relationships, Reparent Your Inner Child, and Secure Your Life Vision by Dr. Judy Ho
CategoryAdult Non-Fiction (18+), 350 pages
GenreMental Health, Self-Development, Self-Help, Relationships, Motivation
Publisher: Hachette
Publication Date: March 26, 2024
Content Rating: G: No bad language or adult themes



Book Description:

Discover a revolutionary approach to attachment theory that teaches readers how to heal their inner child to change their anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment style in relationships, friendships, at work, and home—perfect for readers of How to Do the WorkPolysecure, and Amir Levine’s Attached. Did you know that attachment style impacts more than romantic relationships? As it turns out, most of us are thinking about Attachment Theory all wrong, and triple board-certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho is here to set the record straight.

Grounded in the science of attachment, Dr. Judy’s game-changing approach shows that our attachment style impacts every aspect of our lives: friendships, career, goal setting, and, critically, our sense of self. Moreover, we can all learn to become securely attached—no matter what attachment style we developed in childhood—meaning that we can reclaim our ability to feel safe, loved, and capable of achieving the life we’ve always wanted.

Through Dr. Judy’s innovative program, readers will learn to identify their attachment style, recognize their core needs and wounds, and implement evidence-based practical tools to heal their inner child as they develop the secure attachment we all need to thrive.

Readers will also benefit from:
  • A new attachment style quiz to identify your attachment style in all areas of life.
  • A personalized approach that allows you to start making positive change today.
  • More than two dozen transformative exercises to support your journey to healing.

With warmth, authority, and a bias to action, The New Rules of Attachment is a call to achieving unconditional self-love and a meaningful, joyful life.

Dr. Judy Ho
Meet the Author:

Dr. Judy Ho, Ph. D., ABPP, ABPdN is a triple board certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, and published author. She penned Stop Self-Sabotage (published by HarperCollins in August 2019), a book detailing a scientifically driven six-step program which has been translated into 7 additional languages around the world. Her second book, co-authored with Max Dubrow, titled I’ll Give it to Your Straight-ish: What Your Teen Wants You to Know, was published by Flashpoint in November 2021 and contains Dr. Judy's evidence-based tips to help parents raise healthy and resilient teenagers. Dr. Judy’s third book, The New Rules of Attachment, which focuses on healing insecure attachment styles at any age to optimize well-being, career, goal attainment, and relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, will be published by Hachette Book Group in March 2024.

Dr. Judy maintains a private practice in Manhattan Beach, CA where she specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and expert witness work. She regularly appears as an expert psychologist on television, podcasts, radio, and contributes to other media including print and electronic periodicals. She was a co-host on the syndicate daytime television talk show The Doctors, co-host of CBS’s Face the Truth, and host of The SuperCharged Life podcast.

Dr. Judy Ho is an avid researcher and a two-time recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health Services Research Award. She teaches masters and doctoral level psychology students, hosts an active research program to improve mental health care for high-need populations, and is the chair of the Institutional Review Board at Pepperdine University. Her treatment approaches integrate the scientific principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She is a sought after keynote speaker and educator for national and local events including research, clinical, and corporate conferences and workshops for businesses, organizations, and schools. Dr. Judy received her bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Business Administration from University of California Berkeley and Haas school of Business, and her masters and doctorate from the San Diego State University/University of California School of Medicine’s Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. She completed a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored fellowship at UCLA's Semel Institute. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology, American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology, and National Board of Forensic Evaluators. Dr. Judy resides in Los Angeles, CA and enjoys snowboarding, writing music, singing, running, biking, cooking, playing video games, and dabbling in the art of flying trapeze during her time away from work. Her favorite pup is the Border Collie, and most memorable places to travel include Greece, Italy, and Sweden.

connect with the author: website ~X/twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram youtube ~ goodreads

Interview: 

What made you write a book about…

I wrote a book about attachment because it is at the core of all negative self-talk, unproductive behavioral patterns, and struggles with difficult feelings. Attachment bonds form our core self-beliefs – what we think about ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we respond to challenging situations. 

Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?

Waiting for inspiration to write is not a great way to get over writer’s block, because you often won’t have inspiration. For me, setting a routine with deadlines and people who can help me stay accountable were the keys to getting my work done on time.

Where do you write?

I write in a variety of places that help me to focus and tune out the rest of the world. Sometimes that can’t be achieved in my home, so I will go to the coffee shop, out in nature, and on rare occasion, in the dark when everyone else in the house has gone to sleep so I can have that quiet, uninterrupted time.

Favorite travel spot?

My favorite travel spot is Italy. There is so much amazing culture and food there and a lot to explore. I learn so much about myself and others just by visiting and touring historical sites and talking with residents.

If you’re a mom writer, how do you balance your time?

I think you have to be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day, and your schedule could be hijacked at any moment, so exercising self-compassion is key. Even if I don’t get everything done on my to-do list, if I’m making progress, I allow myself to celebrate that. I am really mindful of my energy and mindset, so that if there are days where I am just too exhausted to do quality work, then I move to an activity that I can still do and be productive but doesn’t require my complete cognitive dedication (like cleaning up an area of the home that is cluttered, sorting through bills, or writing an outline for a chapter instead of the prose).

Enter the Giveaway:
The New Rules of Attachment by Dr. Judy Ho Spotlight Book Tour Giveaway



Monday, April 29, 2024

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Courting an Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele



About the Book



Book: Courting an Amish Bishop

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: April, 2024

No One Is Ever Too Old to Love Again

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Simon Graber became a widower and a bishop early in life. His focus is solely on his very close-knit Old Order Amish community—not entertaining the idea of marriage, despite what many of the elders think. When sickness comes to Cherry Grove, Kentucky, Simon reaches out into the next community for help. But help is beginning to look a lot like a second chance when Stella Schmucker agrees to offer her vast herbal knowledge to the sick. Can it be that these two, who have been too busy serving others to entertain the idea of love, have met at just the perfect time for an unlikely courtship?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mindy Steele is the award-winning author and bestselling author of over a dozen novels and novellas in Christian fiction. Raised in Kentucky timber country, Steele has been writing since she could hold a crayon on the wall and lives in northeastern Kentucky—where many of her stories are set.

 

 

 

 

 



More from Mindy

The Story Behind the Story with Mindy Steele

Courting an Amish Bishop

Sometimes the smallest detail can spark the greatest story.  It can be a laugh, a flower petal, or even a cup of tea. I have always been drawn to little details and there are times when I felt God tapping on my shoulder, saying pay attention to this. So from a brief chat or set of bones found on a wooded path, stories have taken root.

For this story, it was a cup of elderberry tea late one evening that sent my thoughts to wander. I grew up on the edge of Appalachia and had learned a few herbal remedies to quickly ward off the flu or stop poison ivy before the first itch. As an Amish fiction writer, I wondered if the Amish resorted to the same such natural ways. I knew my neighbors used charcoal internally at times, as well as stockpiling burdock leaves to dry in their attic for burns and wounds, but I wanted to know more.

There is a strong belief among many that the Amish refuse modern medicine. This is simply not true. Most prefer modern medicine as a last resort. Though I once had an Amish neighbor who’d run to the doctor quite often for the least little thing.

Coincidentally, I had gone on to a summer book tour in southern Kentucky, and crossed paths with an Amish healer. She was a remarkable woman, full of wisdom and information. I have also been blessed to have Doc Sam, an Amish man, living just down the road, as well as a few Amish women willing to share their thoughts with me.

Healers have a vast knowledge that is not limited to just one thing. An Amish midwife is often sought after for more than when a child is ready to be welcomed into the world. A chiropractor, or muscle stretcher as they are called since no degree has been obtained, can tell you the best remedy for burns, womanly issues, or how to detox your liver.

Stella Schmucker was my most interesting character to write.  As a woman who needed healing in her own life, it was by God’s grace she became one. As I got to know her, I knew a Bishop had to play a major part in her journey. We often think of men in such positions as stern, authoritarian, and well…old. But a man may draw the lot at as young as 30 if he has already held a position of a deacon or minister. I have seldom read a story where the bishop isn’t stern and always reminding us to follow the rules, but what we don’t see is the man under the hat! Simon reveals an outer and inner man, one struggling with loss, yet faithful in helping others. I have been waiting to write a Bishop’s story for some time, and once Stella’s life was laid out in front in me, the match was made.

I hope you enjoy this story and getting to know Ellie, my silver lab Stella borrows to entertain you. Who knows, you might even learn a few herbal remedies too.

Many blessings and good health,

Mindy

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 27

lakesidelivingsite, April 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 29

She Lives To Read, April 30

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

Lighthouse Academy Blog, May 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 3

For Him and My Family, May 4

Cover Lover Book Review, May 5

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 6 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, May 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 8

Holly’s Book Corner, May 9

Mary Hake, May 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 10

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away the grand prize package a $25 Amazon gift card and a print 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/2b147/courting-an-amish-bishop-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Courting an Amish Bishop is the fourth installment from multi author series, The Heart of the Amish. This contribution to the series from Mindy Steele was such a delight to read. I thought it was a sweet romance between the main characters, Simon and Stella. I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen between these two. I thought it was a joy to read and one that put a smile on my face. 

I am giving Courting an Amish Bishop four and a half stars. I believe fans of clean Amish romance will love it. I am looking forward to reading the next installment from The Heart of the Amish series,  Anne Blackburne's Mary's Calico Hope. 

I received a copy of Mindy Steele's Courting an Amish Bishop from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Earning the Mountain Man's Trust by Misty M Beller



About the Book


Book: 
Earning the Mountain Man’s Trust

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 9, 2024

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, second chances…and a hidden fortune.

Naomi Wyatt has finally given up on the man who once promised to love her for the rest of his life—then disappeared with no way to contact him. She’s now a single mother with a beautiful baby girl to provide for, a daughter whose red hair reminds her daily of the man she gave her heart to. She has to move on though, so when Jonah Coulter asks for her hand in marriage, she knows she would be hard-pressed to find a better husband for herself and father for her sweet daughter. He’s a Coulter, after all, and he’s proven to be a good friend during her darkest hours.

But when her first love rides onto the ranch property saying he’d been searching for her for months, her heart is shredded once again. Before she has time to catch her breath though, a new threat appears on the horizon. This time she has far more at stake than her heart, and only a Divine hand can turn this disaster for their good.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a second chance romance, love triangles, hidden treasure, and love that heals wounded hearts.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

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

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

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

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

More from Misty

A HEROINE DISGUISED AS A MAN

I love a heroine in disguise! It’s one of my favorite tropes, but I don’t often get to write stories with that plot. It adds so many fun and funny moments to the storyline. J

In Rocky Mountain Journey our heroine goes undercover as a “man” to travel with a group of trappers so she can reach her destination safely. Numbers meant a better chance of survival back in those days. I love that Grant, our hero, was the only man in the trapper group who looked close enough at the young “man” riding with them to realize things weren’t what they seemed at first glance.

One challenge that definitely arises in a story where the heroine is pretending to be a man is the development of the romance between her and the hero. In this case, Faith was pretending to be her (fictitious) brother Frank. Grant had met Faith in an earlier chapter before she took on the disguise, and he immediately noticed the resemblance between “Frank” and the woman whose memory still lingered with him, even days later. Every time he looks at “Frank” while they’re traveling with the trappers, he recalls the memory of Faith by the waterfall…and the attraction to that woman grows a little more every time. What a shocking surprise when he discovered she’s riding just ahead of him on the trail the entire time!

I pray you love Faith’s stint “in disguise” in Rocky Mountain Journey! J

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , April 23

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 24

Pause for Tales, April 24

Madi’s Musings, April 25

Alena Mentink, April 25

Devoted To Hope, April 26

Texas Book-aholic, April 26

Lighthouse Academy Blog, April 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 28

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, April 29

Wishful Endings, April 29

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 30

lakesidelivingsite, April 30

Cover Lover Book Review, April 30

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 1 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 2

For Him and My Family, May 2

Book Looks by Lisa, May 3

Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 3

Betti Mace, May 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, May 4

The Lofty Pages, May 5

Holly’s Book Corner, May 5

An Author’s Take, May 6

Blossoms and Blessings, May 6

Giveaway



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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2b143/earning-the-mountain-man-s-trust-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

I was excited to have the opportunity to continue Misty M Beller's Brothers of Sapphire Ranch in the newest installment, Earning the Mountain Man's Trust. It was an honor to take this adventure to the Montana Territory with Naomi. Her story took me on an emotional journey of betrayal, forgiveness, loss, love, and faith. There were times that made my heart just ached for all involved. I had to  continue to turn the pages to find out what choices Naomi would make and what happens to the other characters. 

Five stars is what I am giving Earning the Mountain Man's Trust. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I am looking forward to the next installment from the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series, Winning the Mountain Man's Love.

I received a copy of Misty M Beller's Earning the Mountain Man's Trust from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.