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Sunday, January 19, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Rebel Light by Marilyn Turk





Book: Rebel Light

Author: Marilyn Turk

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: 2018

She ran away from the war only to find herself in the middle of it. Who will protect her now?

It’s 1861, Florida has seceded from the Union, and residents of Pensacola evacuate inland to escape the impending war. But Kate McFarlane’s impulsive act of rebellion changes her life and that of many others in ways she never expected.
As a result, Kate finds herself with an eccentric aunt in an unfamiliar place. Lieutenant Clay Harris, a handsome Confederate officer, offers a chance for romance, but his actions make Kate question his character. When a hurricane brings an injured shipwrecked sailor from the Union blockade to her aunt’s house, Kate fights attraction to the man while hiding him from Clay. She’s determined to warn her sea captain father about the blockade, but needs someone to help her. Who can she trust – her ally or her enemy?

 

Click here to get your copy!


I really enjoy Christian Historical Fiction books. Rebel Light by Marilyn Turk is the lastest in this genre that I have read. It is Book 1 in the Coastal Lights Legacy series. I am excited to read this series, especially since I am reading it from the first book. 

WOW, what an intriguing and well written start to this series. The setting is 1861, Civil war period in Pensacola and Apalachicola, Florida. The main characters in this book are Kate McFarlane, Lieutenant Clay Harris and Kate's Aunt Sally. Kate has a rebellious lifestyle and in the midst of the war hides on her Dad's Ship, as he is a Merchant Business Captain. She is discovered and sent to live with her Aunt Sally, in Apalachicola. Kate and Aunt Sally begin taking care of a Shipwrecked Solider, Joshua Jones. Joshua is a Union Solider, the enemy, but the Love and Tender Care that Kate and Aunt Sally give to him is unmeasurable. Lt. Clay, Confederate Solider, has growing interest in Kate, Kate is very unsure about Lt. Clay as his actions towards many are unkind and not the type of person Kate wants to be associated with. Kate really shows her "Grown Up" side when she has important decisions to make for the safety of so many. There are many twists and turns in this storyline that it keep me reading until I finished it. The story is one of Trust, Kindness and God's plans are greater then ours. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romantic Fiction. FANTASTIC BOOK!



 




Award-winning author Marilyn Turk writes historical and contemporary novels laced with suspense and romance. She especially likes finding little-known historical tidbits to include in her books. In addition to fiction, Marilyn is a contributor to Guideposts’ Walking in Grace and other anthologies. She and her husband are lighthouse enthusiasts, have visited over 100 lighthouses, and served as volunteer lighthouse caretakers at Little River Light off the coast of Maine.

When not writing or visiting lighthouses, Marilyn enjoys reading, walking, kayaking, fishing, gardening and playing tennis. She also sings in the choir at her church and leads a women’s Bible study group.

She is a member of ACFW, Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers, AWSA, Word Weavers International and the United States Lighthouse Society.

More from Marilyn

When I moved to Florida, I “met” my first lighthouse in person, the Pensacola Lighthouse. I was hooked on lighthouses from then on. I’ve always been interested in Civil War history as well, since so much of it took place in the south where I live, and I’ve been curious about what it was like to live in Florida during the war. Research on the subject got my creative wheels turning, and the story of Rebel Light was born. The book takes place in the beginning of the Civil War in Florida and shows the effects it had on the people living in the area. I loved the story of Katherine, the only child of a seafaring father, as she matures after leaving her familiar home in Pensacola and finds herself in an unfamiliar place where she has to abandon the rigid societal  confines of her former life and become an asset to her hardy great aunt in Apalachicola.

These characters are like my good friends, and I love them and their personalities. In fact, I love them so much, I wrote a sequel to Katherine’s story, Revealing Light, and thus the whole series of the Coastal Lights Legacy was born.



Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 17

lakesidelivingsite, January 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19

Pens Pages and Pulses, January 20

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 21

Texas Book-aholic, January 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 23

Betti Mace, January 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 25

For Him and My Family, January 26

Holly’s Book Corner, January 27

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, January 28

Pause for Tales, January 29

Stories By Gina, January 30 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, January 30 (Guest Review from Melissa)




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

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54133







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Saturday, January 18, 2025

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: A Stolen Kiss by Mindy Steele





 

Book: A Stolen Kiss (The Heart of the Amish Book 7)

Author: Mindy Steele

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release date: December, 2024

Who Kissed Who First?

Full of faith, hope, and romance, the series takes you into the Heart of Amish Country.

LeEtta Miller has never done anything spontaneous before, but when a girl is the last one at everything, sometimes she has to take the reins into her own hands. What harm could come from kissing a stranger she’ll never see again?

Benuel Ropp isn’t sure he can ever forgive his father for giving away his inheritance. Taking work far from home, Ben hopes to earn enough to build his future, but nowhere in his plans did he predict being kissed by a beautiful stranger – or having to marry her. To save both their reputations he has little choice but to accept the elder’s demands. Well. . .if LeEtta thought he’d flinch, letting her boldness ruin the future he had all mapped out, she was mistaken. He has a dream to work for, and if he has to make sacrifices to reach them, so will she.

Who kissed who first? He couldn’t even remember anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Amish Fiction is my favorite Genre of books. A Stolen Kiss by Mindy Steele is Book 7 in The Heart of the Amish Series. The series is written by various authors and this is the 3rd book in the series written by Mindy Steele. I have read the entries series so far and I have to say it has been a GREAT series. 

I can honestly say this has to be my favorite book in this series so far.  The two main characters in this book are LeEtta Miller and Benuel Ropp. The setting is in Kentucky. Ben comes to town and all the women are gushing at the "Handsome Visitor". LeEtta allows her emotions to get the best of her and quickly gives Ben a kiss, even though he is a stranger. The kiss puts them into a predictment that has one solution. Ben and LeEtta have to get married due to Amish traditions and customs. The marriage starts out rough, and Ben is worried about disappointing his Dad. Ben has had some struggles in his life recently and he needs to heal. LeEtta has no clue how to be a good wife and Ben's aunt, Oneida, comes to the rescue. I really LOVE how Oneida truly is kind and loving to LeEtta and Ben. The book is one of healing, moving forward, learning from others, trust and hope! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Amish Fiction! AMAZING BOOK!





 





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

A Stolen Kiss

I’m always seeking the not-so-ordinary plot for one of my stories. So, when our youngest son and his intended traded a look one evening, something struck a cord in my always moving imagination. Mind you, Blake told me when he was ten, riding a new bus to a new school, that he met the girl that he was going to marry. So cute, yet, they married in May, eleven years later. A Stolen Kiss is not love at first sight. It’s not even love over-the-years, but that one moment birthed a new character. LeEtta Miller. Not all love stories are as beautiful as our son’s, but all love stories are worth telling.

I’m an author of romance, love inspired stories weaving through rural landscapes where characters unveil themselves into realistic people most of us are glad to know. Romantic fiction gives readers what no other genre seems to offer. It’s an escape, a hope. Hope across illness, loss, despair, and uncertainty. Its community, knowledge, a gathering of friends, unity, while representing comfort.

We all want to add more love to our lives. After all, it is the greatest gift God has given us. Gentle or fast moving, we are sucked in to reach those glorious chapters of a first kiss and a promising tomorrow.

But, what if the kiss came sooner? What if love isn’t fast moving, but something earned and quietly obtained through slow familiarity.

LeEtta Miller is quite the rule follower and people pleaser. I’ve shaken my head at her quite often as I got to know her. LeEtta also feels as if life is passing her by. How many times have we’ve been in those pair of shoes? In one bold moment, she’ll through caution to the wind, and act, impulsively. Thus we get introduced to Benuel Ropp, who’s visiting his grandparents, hoping to earn enough money to buy his own land, back in Ohio. As events escalate, from a chance meeting to an binding union, these two young characters are thrown into new roles neither of them intended. I’ve never laughed more writing LeEtta and Ben’s story, and hope it brings joy, hope, and a wiliness to accept that the mistakes we make in life, are only rocky paths leading us to where we belong.

May you never stop making mistakes and following love’s calling,

Mindy



lakesidelivingsite, January 9

Texas Book-aholic, January 10

Simple Harvest Reads, January 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Stories By Gina, January 12 (Author Interview)

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 13

The Avid Reader, January 14

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 15

Artistic Nobody, January 16 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 18

Vicky Sluiter, January 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 20

Holly’s Book Corner, January 21

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 22 (Author Interview)





To celebrate her tour, Mindy is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and a print copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54127







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Thursday, January 16, 2025

iRead Book Tour Blog Tour and Giveaway The After by J. Taylor


 




​Book TitleTHE AFTER by Joanne Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & YA Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  183 pages
Genre: Fictional Dystopian
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  October 2024
Content RatingG. No swearing, drug use, sex scenes, violence (minimal)

"Taylor’s debut is a taut tale of survival in a post-pandemic world that’s buoyed by an amiable protagonist and a well- developed setting. ... A riveting beginning to a promising new series." - Kirkus Reviews

"The After introduces an intrepid teenage heroine as she explores a changed world... this first series title lays ample groundwork for the coming volumes." - Foreword Clarion Review

Book Description:

Despite the deadly virus that caused borders to close and governments to fall ten years earlier, fourteen-year-old Charlotte and her family have lived a challenging yet relatively peaceful life, isolated on their acreage in rural Nova Scotia. However, when Charlotte discovers that an interloper has infiltrated their property, she must decide between keeping the potential threat a secret or embracing the potential for companionship that the intrusion represents. As the chaotic world that lurks outside the fence surrounding her farm disrupts Charlotte’s life even further, she must reach deep within herself and find the courage to become the mature young woman she claims to be—or risk losing everything that she and her family have worked so hard to build.


Young Adult Fiction is a genre that I still enjoy every once in a while. I was really intrigued to read this novel as the synopsis is really interesting. THE AFTER by Joanne Taylor is the latest book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 1 in The After Series. 
WOW, this book really captivated me from the very beginning and I didn't stop reading until I finished the book. The main character is in the book is 14yr old Charlotte, who lives in Nova Scotia with her family on their farm. Charlotte feels isolated from others due to a virus that ravaged the Country and Government 10yrs ago. Her life is changed when she meets a girl her age, Anna. Anna and Charlotte become friends rather quickly and their friendship is good for Charlotte as she comes out of her shell and the adventures she has are very intriguing. I LOVE how the author not only gives a glimpse at the past and current events, but goes into the future. The book is filled with Mystery and Intrigue. It is Dystopia based, which is a genre that I have come to enjoy. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone, but the age group of 10yrs through 15yrs old would truly enjoy this book. GREAT BOOK!





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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour: Trekking Toward Tenacity: Your Family’s Roadmap to Stronger Mental Health by Chris Morris





Book: Trekking Toward Tenacity: Your Family’s Roadmap to Stronger Mental Health

Author: Chris Morris

Genre: Parenting / Christian Living / Mental Health

Release date: September 24, 2024

Empower your children with the gift of tenacity through these practical, meaningful tools for their mental and spiritual health.

Trekking toward Tenacity walks through Psalm 139 verse by verse, discovering how we can help our children develop mentally healthy habits. The goal is to coach our kids to be more tenacious because we live in a tumultuous world. It can be hard to stay focused on God and on mentally healthy habits in that tumult, but this book gives concrete ways to help kids to do just that.

By teaching parents practical application steps to implement with kids of all ages, ranging from preschool to adolescent, this book will give them new tools to support their families in the quest for better mental health. It will provide rock-solid encouragement for parents who are stressed out and wondering if they’re making the right choices for their families. It provides counterintelligence against the onslaught of increased risks of mental health challenges for children and young adults today.

 

Click here to get your copy!


Christian Non-Fiction Self Help books are a genre that I read often. Trekking Toward Tenacity: Your Family’s Roadmap to Stronger Mental Health by Chris Morris is the latest in this genre that I have read. 

I have to say that I was really intrigued to read this book. Mental Health in Children, Teens, and Young Adults is unfortunately widespread. Our Household has one son who suffers severely from Anxiety and Depression. The book focuses on Psalm 139, a verse by verse explanation and how seeking God's word can help tame the Anxiety and Depression. Each chapter encourages the reader to ponder over the Scripture verses for that chapter. They also include Age Approiate activities and questions for different ages and stages in life. The author gives parents practical advice to help their children overcome Anxiety and Depression. I do feel that the book didn't have a STRONG biblical leaning, even with the Scripture references. I do believe this book would be a helpful resource for Parents and those helping children and teens through Anxiety and Depression issues. I do recommend this book for anyone who feels they need encouragement through the stages of Anxiety and Depression. GOOD BOOK!





Chris Morris is a certified mental health coach dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health issues within the church. Because of a lifelong struggle with depression and suicidality, Chris became committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek after holistic health.

As a writer and speaker, Chris has shared his personal story and insights with audiences across the country, inspiring many individuals to take control of their own health, break free from poor theological teaching placed upon them, and seek the support they need. He has published several books on mental health, the most recent being Resilient and Redeemed. His work has been featured in a number of media outlets, including CrossWalk, The Mighty, and Fathom Magazine.

Chris is deeply committed to creating a more compassionate and supportive world and church for individuals living with mental health issues. Through his writing and speaking, he is a powerful voice for change and a beacon of hope for those in need.

More from Chris

I literally wrote the book that I wish I had 20 years ago when I was raising my kids. Being a parent today is tumultuous. Especially in a post-COVID world, mental health is a strong contender for the biggest challenges facing our kids. There are plenty of books out there that give us theories on how to raise our kids, and plenty of books that are full of devotionals to walk through with our kids, but shockingly few books dedicated to coaching our kids to have tenacity.

In my experience, tenacity might be the biggest difference maker between seeing our kids move successfully through life and floundering. It’s a given that challenges will come, whether those struggles look like not making the varsity basketball team or something more serious. We simply have to help our kids know how to walk through the missed opportunities and hard times that will inevitably come into their lives.

Trekking Toward Tenacity does just that. We walk through Psalm 139 verse by verse and pull out practical, meaningful tips, tricks, and conversations to have with our kids to help them develop resilience. News flash: there’s no magic potion we can give our kids that gives them bounce-backability. Instead, this is found through conversation about life and God.

My favorite part of this book was writing the age-appropriate activities in the center of each chapter. Instead of only giving you theology or child psychology data without any practical application, Trekking Toward Tenacity includes specific activities you can try out with your kids. There’s obviously no guarantee that these ideas will work, but I can tell you that they worked for other kids. These are pie-in-the-sky concepts, but activities that have been tried in the real world.

If you’re looking for a book that will arm you with skills to coach your kids on how to develop tenacity in their lives, this is the book for you!



Its Mama Safe, January 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 17

A Reader’s Brain, January 18 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, January 19 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 19

Artistic Nobody, January 20 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Aryn the Libraryan, January 22

Back Porch Reads, January 23 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 24

Simple Harvest Reads, January 25 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 26

Fiction Book Lover, January 27 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 29 (Author Interview)



To celebrate his tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize of a $75 Amazon gift card, a copy of Trekking Toward Tenacity, and a free Audible copy of my previous book Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54132







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Wednesday, January 15, 2025

JustRead Tours Blog Tour: If My Husband Would Change I’d Be Happy & Other Myths Wives Believe AudioBook by Rhonda Stoppe

If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy JustRead AUDIO Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for the If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy & Other Myths Wives Believe audiobook by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!



If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy

Title: If My Husband Would Change I'd Be Happy & Other Myths Wives Believe
Author:
Rhonda Stoppe
Publisher:
Harvest House Publishers
Release Date:
August 1, 2015
Audiobook Publisher:
ChristianAudio
Audiobook Release Date:
January 7, 2025
Genre:
NonFiction, Self-Help, Christian Marriage, Christian Women

What's really keeping you from enjoying a better marriage? 

"If my husband would change, I'd be happy" and "I'm falling out of love with him" are among several common myths that lead women to search for marital happiness in all the wrong places. In this book, author Rhonda Stoppe shares, with candor and humor, how to enrich your relationship with your husband (even if he doesn't change). Along the way you'll read many helpful stories and real-life examples from other couples and discover: 

 - how to deal with unfulfilled longings
- the secret to keeping your husband's attention
- 10 keys to a happy marriage. 

Let this book help you realize God's highest good for your marriage! 

Contains discussion questions and personal reflections at the end of each chapter.



Christian Non-Ficton Self-Help books are a genre that I read often. If My Husband Would Change I’d Be Happy & Other Myths Wives Believe AudioBook by Rhonda Stoppe is the latest book in this genre that I have enjoyed. 

I will start out by saying that I listened to the Audiobook version of this book. I am not normally a person who listens to Audiobooks and for this one I am glad I did. The Narration of the book was very clear and the book was read in an encouraging and fun voice.

WOW, this book is a GREAT book for Married women of all ages. Marriage is an "investment" for life and many women get discouraged either as newlyweds or even in long standing marriages that they are not happy. It is a myth that we can be "happy in love" again if our husbands would change. The wife wants the husband to be a certain way for them to be happy, but only God can change the husband. A husband isn't supposed to live up to our standards, but he is supposed to live up to the Scriptural Standards for marriage. I really LOVE how Rhonda uses Scripture to show us how we can rekindle our marriage and how we can be happy in our marriage, even if our husband doesn't change. Our own personal walk with Jesus Christ plays a major role in our happiness in marriage and getting back the feeling we had when we first met our husband. I really LOVE how each chapter has discussion questions and encouragement. I HIGHLY recommend this book to wives who need encouragement in your marriage. GREAT BOOK!



PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Christianaudio | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Audiobook Excerpt


Also Available




Rhonda Stoppe

Rhonda Stoppe captivates audiences with her honest, relatable, and biblically grounded teaching. As a bestselling author of seven books and the host of the awarded podcast "Old Ladies Know Stuff," she has a powerful voice in the realms of family and faith. Rhonda is a sought-after speaker, appearing on national and international TV and radio, and is known for her engaging presentations at women's events, homeschool conferences and MC for events like the Legacy Grandparenting Summit. Her episode on Moms Raising Sons at Focus on the Family was recognized in their "Best of Episodes." With nearly 40 years of ministry alongside her pastor husband, Rhonda understands the complexities of balancing marriage, parenting, ministry, and homeschooling. The Stoppes are proud parents of four adult children and grandparents to fifteen.

Connect with Rhonda by visiting NoRegretsWoman.com to follow her on social media, receive a free gift, and subscribe to email newsletter updates.


(3) winners will each receive a downloadable resources bundle which includes A Christian Woman's Guide to Great Sex in Marriage by Rhonda Stoppe (audiobook), The Marriage Money Myth - Does More Money Really Mean Less Stress? by Steve & Rhonda Stoppe (ebook), and Your Marriage Can Survive Toddlers & Teens with Rhonda Stoppe (video)!

If My Husband Would Change JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 21, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours







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