Blurb Blitz and Giveaway: Everything You've Ever Wanted by Jess Ames

 

EVERYTHING YOU'VE EVER WANTED

Jess Ames

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GENRE:  Women's Fiction

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

BLURB:

 

Jenna Mitchell has spent her adult life under the control of her husband, her dreams of owning her own bakery pushed aside. But at twenty-eight, she's finally ready to reclaim her life and pursue her passion. Well… almost.

 

With the unwavering support of the Sensational Six—her close-knit group of friends—Jenna can finally envision a day where she is in charge of her own destiny, a big step forward for her. As she works at her friend’s café, Jenna begins to discover the strength and courage she needs to break free from her past and begin focusing on her future.

 

But can she quiet the echoes that keep finding their way back to her? Will the doubts they’ve created make it impossible for her to see—and trust—the path forward before her chance at a better life slips through her flour-dusted fingers?

 

Fans of Rachel Hanna will enjoy this warm and uplifting story about self-discovery, finding the courage to start anew, and the unbreakable bonds of chosen family.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

EXCERPT:

 

I was sifting powdered sugar over a just-cooled apple strudel when my husband called from county jail. Leaning over the tiny kitchen table in my tiny new apartment above the café where I worked, I was imagining myself with my apron-covered hip propped against a gleaming stainless steel table, putting the finishing touches on a last-minute order that had come in through my bakery’s website. Back and forth with the sifter… downy, white flakes danced around each other as they floated and settled into their resting places.

 

B-r-r-r-r-r-t

 

The rumble of the phone against the white laminate broke me from my time-worn daydream. I reached up to adjust the white baker’s cap that existed only in my mind, pressed pause on my dream, and shook my head to clear it. When I read the caller ID, my stomach folded in on itself.

 

‘Collect call’

 

Craig.

 

I took a deep breath that settled in my chest and refused to return. I set the sifter down on a nearby dish and picked up my phone. For a moment, just a moment, I held it in my hand and considered letting him go to voicemail. But a lifetime of experience told me that ignoring a man who will not be ignored would only delay the inevitable.

 

"Hello?" I said, forcing the air from my lungs.

 

My husband’s out-of-touch politician's voice poured through the phone. “Jenna, sweetheart. Are you busy?” Without waiting for me to answer, he continued. “I need you to do me a favor, baby. Can you please come down here and bail me out? I can’t sit here for one more day.”

 

I shifted the phone to my other ear and wrapped my free arm around my waist as I paced the twenty steps it took to reach the other end of my apartment and back. He wasn’t going to like my reply. "Craig, I just don't think I can do that. I don't have the money for it right now. I'm sorry."

 

This was apparently not the answer he was expecting, because, as expected, his demeanor slipped from the fake, sticky sweetness of corn syrup to hot, burning rage faster than a falling soufflé. "You're sorry? You're sorry? Be sorry that you haven't already come down here to get me. I'm your husband, Jenna. Remember the vows you took? Love, honor, and obey?"

 

Recognizing the opening line to the endless refrain of our marriage, I pulled a chair away from my kitchen table and willed my shaky legs to deposit me safely into it.

 

"Yes, I do remember, Craig. But I still can't afford to come and bail you out right now. I have expenses I need to think about."

 

The sound of what I could only assume was the phone bashing against a hard surface assaulted my eardrum. "You have expenses because you decided to leave our home and go live above that — that woman's café."

 

"That woman is my boss, and my friend," I reminded him, "and she’s been nice enough to let me stay here."

 

"You don't need to stay there," Craig argued back. "What you need to do is come and get me so we can go home together where we belong.”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Jess Ames is knocking on the door of fifty, but has the sense of humor of a twelve year old and the body of a fifty-four-year-old (according to her fitness app).

 

She is “mama” to nine, “mimi” to four, “friend” to all, an adequate wife, and living the dream of the little girl who wanted to be a writer when she grew up.

 

They are both still waiting for that moment, so she’s writing in the meantime.

 

https://JessAmesAuthor.com

Facebook.com/JessAmesAuthor

Instagram.com/JessAmesAuthor

TikTok.com/@JessAmesAuthor

 

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted

Ebook (Kindle):

https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Youve-Wanted-Clearwater-Dreams-ebook/dp/B0D9FMKVTQ

 

Paperback:

https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Youve-Ever-Wanted-heartwarming/dp/B0DZJ1DTXN

 

Signed paperback:

https://jessicaames.com/collections/books/products/everything-youve-ever-wanted-signed-paperback

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GIVEAWAY:

Jess Ames will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me by Allen Brokken Illustrated by Reace Erbe

About the Book

Book: Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me

Author: Allen Brokken, Illustrated by Reace Erbe

Genre: Christian Fable

Release date: March 15, 2025

When disaster strikes the family farm, Lauren gets a big job.  She has to milk their cow, Clarabelle, all by herself!  Her only help might come from her new feline friend Meow Meow, but how can such a little kitten help with such a big job?

This read-aloud will help you share the timeless truth from the Bible that God can use the least of us to solve big problems.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband and father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age appropriate way. He’s dedicated 15 years of his life to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his own children are off to college he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media and through his blog.

 

 

More from Allen

Sometimes, a story just HAS to be told.  When I first wrote the book that became Light of Mine, book 1 of the Towers of Light series, there was a scene in which the main character, Lauren, and her newly found kitten are trying to milk the cow.  It was a sweet moment in a chaotic story, and I had fun writing it as an homage to my kitten squeaker, who made trying to work around home very challenging at times.  However, my editor was pretty clear that as cute as the story was, Meow Meow’s interlude with the milk cow Clarabelle just didn’t fit the story’s action.  So, unfortunately, that scene found its way to the cutting room floor.

After a few years, I started having mothers of children who loved the Towers of Light Series ask the same question over and over….”But what about my littles?”  Do you have a story for me to read to my younger children?  After thinking about it, I realized Meow Meow’s adventure might be a perfect read-aloud.  So I reached out to a fellow Realm Maker, Pam Halter, who has a really fun series of books with Willougby the Dragon, to see if she could help me turn my 2500-word novel scene into an 800-word picture book…and she did a fantastic job! So now we have Meow Meow Milks the Cow.

Another fun fact is that the character Ethan in this book is all grown up now and engaged to be married to Reace Erbe, and this is her first illustrated work in print.  So we all hope you enjoy this Tower of Light read to me.

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 9

For the Love of Literature, April 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 10

By the Book, April 11

For Him and My Family, April 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 13 (Author Interview)

Vicky Sluiter, April 14

Hannahbandanarama, April 15

Blossoms and Blessings, April 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 18

Labor Not in Vain , April 19

Texas Book-aholic, April 20

Pause for Tales, April 21

A Reader’s Brain, April 22 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, April 22

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Allen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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/00adcf54199

My Review

I found Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me to be a cute picture book by Allen Brokken. I enjoyed the lesson that was taught within the pages. I loved it.

Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me is beautifully illustrated by talented artist, Reace Erbe. The pictures are so visually appealing and keeps the youngest of eyes captivated with the story. They are a perfect addition to the book. 

I am giving Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are between the ages of three and seven years of age. 

I received a copy of Allen Brokken's Meow Meow Milks the Cow: A Towers of Light Read to Me from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Book Blast and Giveaway: Smoke and Mirrors by Joanie Olson

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Joanie Olson will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Searching for an answer to a question you haven't asked yet? You are not alone. One small realization and a whole world unravels.

Woven through these pages are a series of my most significant life events relating to narcissistic victim/survivor syndrome. Inside are keys unlocking mysteries of complex PTSD, compounded through various forms of abuse.

A journey of highs, like the Freedom Convoy, and the lows of a failed longtime marriage. With spiritual forces at work behind the scenes, could a Christian home have so many secrets? The smoke will clear to reveal our true mirrored self.

Read an Excerpt

Oh, how I love to fly. One of my four older brothers, Ferg, loved it too. So much so our mother arranged for a private plane ride when we were little kids. He earned his pilot’s license as a young man, flying over our farm every chance he could. With those experiences growing up, everything about planes was fascinating to me and I was determined to enjoy this flight. As I’d told Michael, I could hardly believe I was leaving the country. It felt like an absolute miracle. I thought it was possible I would never see outside Canada again. Enduring over two years of isolation, confinement, ridicule and regulations mandating people like myself not be allowed to do the same as others. But none of that mattered right now. I was on my way to the place I’d dreamed of many nights. God really does answer prayer countless times.

Norway called to me like a long-lost friend, like a father telling me it was time to come home. I’d been there once before and every day since my return I’ve missed it, doing what I could to make my way back.

The thought of my last trip to the homeland four years prior, sent my head in motion, amazed at how much had changed since then. I was wondering how I’d gotten here. From being a financial advisor with three agencies, married, a son in high school, a daughter with a son of her own, a step-daughter and step grandchildren, a bi-level home on forty acres, the Challenger, dirt bikes, hot tub and camper…so blessed. And now? Well, life was unrecognizable.

When the plane’s landing gear securely retracted back into the plane, I could hear the clunk as I was thinking how light I felt. I’d literally left everything behind at this point. My luggage was in the cargo hold and my backpack I’d used while touring the Norwegian mountains years before was tucked safely beneath my seat.

I’d gone from all that four years ago until now? All alone, literally homeless, a few dollars in my bank account and kids that were fully independent. They didn’t seem to be concerned for much other than trying hard to keep up with their own daily struggles.

About the Author: Joanie was raised on a farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. Life revolved around chores, school and church. Six older siblings and all the nieces and nephews added up to a large family.

Strong in doctrine and armed with a passion for truth, she's walked the walk of faith, facing challenges to overcome. She was married at 19, became a mother to a stepdaughter, and later birthed two children. Following years of turmoil in her marriage, she hit the inevitable breaking point.

Starting life over, she attended broadcasting college, going on to anchor morning news for the airwaves. Feeling isolated and rejected, her drive to help others who have gone through similar circumstances inspired this book. Through the Refiners fire, she's ready to share tools required to escape the fake and embrace the truth.

Amazon: https://amazon.com/dp/1779624719
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/54144406.Joanie_Olson

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Wanderer's Legacy (The Wanderer Series Book Three) by Natasha Woodcraft

About the Book

Book: The Wanderer’s Legacy (The Wanderer Series Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Natasha Woodcraft

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: April 10, 2025

Adah lives trapped between the life she yearned for and the life she chose. Childless and desperate, she’s failed to produce an heir for her once-devoted husband, Lamech. As his love turns to obsession and control, Adah finds herself drawn to whispered legends of a mysterious Wanderer.

When Lamech takes a second wife, Adah’s world shatters – sending her fleeing to her family home. There, a fragile sense of freedom awakens long-buried hopes. But her body hides a secret that will propel her back into the heart of danger.

As survival becomes a daily challenge, can a legend offer her the salvation she craves? Or does someone else hold the power to help her dwell in safety?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Natasha Woodcraft lives in the UK with her family of boys and menagerie of animals. She holds an honours degree in Theology and believes stories have power to communicate deep truth and transform lives. Her novels explore God’s redemptive purposes for ordinary, messy people living in biblical times.

 

 

 

 

More from Natasha

I wrote The Wanderer’s Legacy because I believe stories have the power to communicate deep truths and transform lives, and Bible stories are no exception! Lamech, the first man to have two wives, features way back in Genesis 4, after Cain & Abel and before Noah. It’s not even a story, really, it’s a little poem stuck at the end of a chapter. What is it doing there, and what can it teach us about God’s goodness during a really dark time in humanity’s history?

That’s what this novel is about. It was an excuse to engage deeply with that story and the result is full of biblical truth that I hope will draw the reader closer to Jesus, understanding how his redemptive purposes are woven through the fabric of the whole Bible, even obscure little poems that almost feel like a sidenote.

Rather than telling you more, I’m just going to share the opening with you, to give you a taster…

“Adah presses her back to the pillar, squeezing into its evening shadow. Her heavy breathing is almost as loud as the heartbeat pummelling in her head. Surely someone will hear?

Her chance to escape diminishes with every moment of delay. She is a desert jerboa­ – alert, aware of every sight and smell, yet frozen in place as she awaits her predator’s pounce.

Azurak should be occupied. Her son arranged it when she pleaded with him on hands and knees, eyes streaming in desperation. But Adah is sure she hears him. His rasping breath and distinct blood-soaked-campfire smell linger, fusing her feet to the ground.

Unless it’s someone worse than Azurak. Perhaps her husband will find her.”

Blog Stops

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, April 10 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, April 11 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 11

Simple Harvest Reads, April 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 13

Artistic Nobody, April 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 15

Guild Master, April 16 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, April 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 17

Vicky Sluiter, April 18 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 19

For the Love of Literature, April 20 (Author Interview)

Devoted Steps, April 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 22 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, April 23 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Natasha is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54196/

My Review

I have had the joy of reading the first book from the The Wanderer series by Natasha Woodcraft. I was honored to have the opportunity to read the third installment, The Wanderer's Legacy. The author once again does a fantastic job transporting me back in time to the book of Genesis to meet Adah and immersing myself in her story. I loved how the author portrayed her and perfectly brought out the emotions. The vivid details made me feel as though I was there among her and the people.

I am going to give The Wanderer's Legacy five stars. I recommend it for fans of Biblical fiction. I will be looking forward to reading more from the talented, Natasha Woodcraft.

I received a copy of Natasha Woodcraft's The Wanderer's Legacy from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review and Giveaway: CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition

Order your copy of the 

CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, 

Large Print Edition today!

Engage with your Creator in a creative way.

Enhance your personal Bible study with the CSB Illustrated Notetaking Bible.

This uniquely crafted Bible features a single-column setting with wide journaling

margins and line-art illustrations on every page spread.

With wide journaling margins, line-art illustrations on every page spread,

Scripture art, and more, this Bible will inspire you to engage God’s Word in a fresh

and exciting way through meaningful creativity and personalization.

This beautiful Bible provides the perfect place for meaningful creativity and

personalization, over time creating an incredible keepsake for your journey.

Includes over 600 inspirational line-art illustrations, filigree designs, Scripture quotes,

and other unique Scripture art, with space for personal creativity and journaling.

Enhance your personal Bible study with the CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible.

This uniquely crafted Bible features large, easy-to-read 9.5-point type in a
single-column setting with wide journaling margins and line-art illustrations on every
page spread. Including filigree designs, Scripture quotes, and other unique Scripture
art alongside plenty of space for personal creativity and journaling, this Bible will
inspire you to engage God’s Word in a fresh and exciting way. This beautiful
Bible provides the perfect place for meaningful creativity and personalization,
over time creating an incredible keepsake for your journey.

Order your copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition today! 

Learn more at Lifeway.com/CSB-illustrator-s-notetaking.

Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible Buy Link: LINK

Share Copy: Learn more at lifeway.com/en/product/csb-illustrator-s

Holman Gift Guide: LINK

Share Copy: Shop for the entire family at holmangiftguide.com

My Review:

When I received my own copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition, I was excited to open it up to look inside. This beige, soft, leathertouch cover Bible is a nice size. It measures at about 7-1/2 by 9-3/4 inches. The larger font size was nice for me not having to squint to read the text. Every page includes lines for notetaking, or a picture to color one. Since the pages are thinner, I do advise to use crayons and / or colored pencils to prevent bleed through from markers. At the end of the Bible, there are several usable features, such as: Daily Bible Reading Plan checklist, CSB Concordance, and Biblical maps. 

CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition deserves five stars. I highly recommend it for those who love the art, drawing, taking notes, God and the Bible.

I received a link to view the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition from Lifeway Christian Resources, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Disclosure:

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Giveaway: 

Giveaway: 1 copy of CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition

Leave a more than a three word completed sentence telling me what you are looking forward to from he CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition . Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. Winner’s name will be drawn on April 18, 2025.

Giveaway Rules:   

Giveaway is limited to US winners only.        

Three or less 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.

Review: Ravens Hill by Garth Pettersen

Ravens Hill by Garth Pettersen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

In 1030 C.E. — When Harald, the second son of King Cnute, returns from fighting the king's enemies in Northern Wales, he expects his life to return to normal. He's surprised when he's granted a large landholding—an idyllic life, far from the power-mongering of King Cnute's court, farming in the Midlands, evening walks with his beloved Selia. It’s a gift they cannot refuse, but the king has other plans for Harald and his wife.

On arriving at their new holding, Ravens Hill, Harald and Selia receive a tepid welcome from tenants—belligerent housecarls; a conniving steward; an uncompromising abbess, bitter at not adding their estate to her abbey lands; a priest with roaming hands; and a grieving daughter of the previous landholder who has entered the nunnery.

Harald and Selia wish to improve the lot of their tenant farmers, but they face obstacles at every turn, and Harald’s generosity is seen as weakness.

Trouble brews when they learn the lands come with an unexpected millstone—an unsolved murder.

My Review: 

I have loved reading Garth Pettersen's The Atheling Chronicles series and was honored to have the chance to read the fifth installment, Ravens Hill. Harald and Selia's story was one of action, adventure, and danger. The author's historical details made me feel as though I was transported back in time seeing this tale unfold in real time. I thought this was a fabulous read.


I am going to give Ravens Hill a very well deserved five plus stars. I would give it one hundred if I could. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read historical fiction, particularly set during the Anglo Saxon era. I am hoping that there are more to come from The Atheling Chronicles series in the future.


I received a digital copy of Garth Pettersen's Ravens Hill from the author, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Book Blast and Giveaway: Being Broken by Geoffrey R Jonas

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Geoffrey R. Jonas will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

A young woman dies alone in a hotel room, her fentanyl-poisoned cocaine still on the desk. She had been missing for nearly 2 weeks. Social Services had been trying to find a place for her to live with her 3-year-old son, whom she had left with her parents. Six months later her father fights for his life in intensive care, but succumbs to his illness because of a lifelong use of alcohol and tobacco. A month after his death her mother is assessed by doctors to be unable to care for herself because of her Alzheimer's and mental health issues brought on by benzodiazepine and alcohol addiction.

The son, brother, stepson is the only one left to pick up the pieces. He begins a journey of the self and finds out the truth of his family. After going over letters, notes, emails, videos, and text messages, he uncovers a disturbing picture of the abuse his sister suffered at the hands of their parents. He also begins to better understand his own struggles with mental health and substance addiction because of the trauma and abuse he also suffered from their parents.

Follow the son as he looks through his family history to discover the generational abuse that trickled down through the years. Learn about how parents who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder emotionally abuse and manipulate their children. See how the abuse and trauma becomes mental illness in the abused, and how they fall into vicious traps of addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Witness the transformational change of the son as he works on the recovery of his inner child and tries to become the man he was meant to be.

Read an Excerpt

Part 1 - In the beginning…
What Came Before... – Part 1 Maternal Family History

My mother had a difficult upbringing. My mother’s mother was continually pregnant for 16 years, producing 4 boys (Robert, Edward, Charles, Shane) and 3 girls (R – my mother, Lorraine, Claire)2. She would later die of cancer while the children were young. My mother’s father led a jazz orchestra, resembling the ones in movies from the early 20th century that didn’t fit neatly into the category of a symphony or a standard band. He had even played for the queen.

However, the Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) of my grandfather became overwhelming, and the authorities of that time deemed him unfit to care for the children. They split the children up and put them into foster care. The foster care system back then did not have the safety systems we have in place to protect the children today, and I would not be surprised if some of the children were further emotionally or physically abused in foster care.

About the Author: Geoffrey is a first-time author. He lives peacefully by a lake, spending his time writing, painting, gardening, and woodworking. His recovery is ongoing, and he enjoys his privacy and seclusion.

Website: https://geoffreyrjonas.ca
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/55118142.Geoffrey_R_Jonas
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/livingwithcptsd.bsky.social
Amazon: https://a.co/d/eJTO4wq