Tuesday, August 30, 2016

"RICH MULLINS: Meeting Rich: A Liturgy. A Legacy. A man with a guitar in my living room." by Caleb J Kruse

  • File Size: 17474 KB
  • Print Length: 50 pages
  • Publication Date: March 13, 2016
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
  •  
  • Description
  • In 1997, the world was rocked with the news of Rich Mullins' passing. Christians everywhere paused their lives to mourn the loss. Radio stations paid tributes. Newspapers dedicated articles. Friends, family members, fans and fellow musicians came together to remember this man that had impacted their lives. I was with my family when I heard. I was standing in our driveway. It seemed strange, because just a few hours prior, I saw Rich Mullins alive, leaving our house. My last conversation with him took place the night before in our living room. I still hadn't yet wrapped my mind around the fact that this legend had somehow come to stay at our house. Now... he was gone? The world listened in sad silence, trying to find out what they could. We listened too, and knew there were details to the story the world wouldn't hear. Years have gone by, and I've always felt compelled to write down the story of Rich, staying in our home for the last three weeks of his life as a guest. I know how good things can be forgotten, and I haven't wanted to forget how this has impacted me. Not long ago I picked up a pen. I knew that I probably never would if I didn't simply make a move. I began to write down what I remembered. Now, I want to share with you what this story has meant to me. Welcome to Meeting Rich. A liturgy. A legacy. A man with a guitar in my living room. "It is a beautiful description of the great and complex man Rich was". - Michael Aukofer


My Review:  "RICH MULLINS: Meeting Rich: A Liturgy. A Legacy. A man with a guitar in my living room." by Caleb J Kruse is an autobiography about a man meeting Rich Mullins. I must admit when I bought the book I thought it was more about Rich Mullins but after reading the book and thinking about the title it was plain to see that the title was actually describing the book.

I really enjoyed reading the book. The book had pictures. It was a short read and very easy  to follow. It had links to videos to go along with story.I am glad I brought the ebook as I think it might had been a different experience if I had the print book and couldn't just clink on the links.

I really enjoyed reading about how the author's life was impacted by an icon like Rich Mullins. It was really nice to know that some stars truly practice in their personal life what they preach on stage.
  • I
  • Biography

Caleb Kruse, a nationally recognized and award winning writer, translates his experiences, thoughts and passions into a riveting picture for his readers.

Mr. Kruse has the unique ability to meet readers wherever they are in life - using his talent to take words and turn them into life changing "aha-moments" for his audience. Through his writing , he gives simple but effective perspectives to situations in everyday life.

Among the writings Mr. Kruse has authored, are:

- Meeting Rich
- To Blame A Sunset
- Practice Makes Harmony
- 10 Ways To Make Sure You Never Find Happiness.

Mr. Kruse currently resides in Wisconsin with wife and daughter.


Monday, August 29, 2016

"Tackling the Fields" By Janet W. Ferguson Book Tour and GiveAway


 
Purchase your copy here

About the Book



Cole Sanders is a changed man. The university quarterback questions his direction in life after serving on a mission trip in Honduras. Things that used to fill Cole’s ego seem empty after witnessing the developing country’s extreme poverty and the death of a precious child. The one glimmer of hope through his confusion is the fresh perspective he now has about his tutor, Audrey. She possesses something beautiful inside and out—something that might help him become the person he wants to be.

University senior Audrey Vaughn tutored Cole Sanders for an entire year and never imagined the popular quarterback would see her as anything more than a friend. After partnering with him on the mission trip, they are drawn together. And he appears to have changed for the better. To let Cole into her life, Audrey will have to overcome not only her brother’s distrust, but also the paralyzing fear still lingering from a past she’s tried to leave behind.

Cole can’t walk away from Audrey now that they’re back in Oxford. He’ll have to figure out how to keep her giant of a brother, a lineman on his football team, from killing him when the coach has his back turned. But can Audrey trust her heart to a player so similar to the one who stole so much from her in the past?


My Review: "Tackling the Fields" by Janet W. Ferguson is the third book in the (Southern Hearts Series ) and my favorite of the series so far.  I say so far because a fourth book is coming.

In my opinion "Tackling the Fields" by Janet W. Ferguson can be enjoyed as a stand alone, unless you are like me and must read series in order and in their entirety.

"Tackling the Fields" deals with hard subjects like drug abuse and alcohol and sex trafficking and porn and rape but nothing is explicit and this book is written without bedroom scenes or curse words. I applaud Janet Ferguson for writing about these subjects in an easy to follow story and in a way that all readers can enjoy. Please don't let these issues stop you from reading this book, I promise you this a clean story.

"Tackling the Fields" by Janet W. Ferguson is a five star book that details college life accurately.

There was a scene toward the end that was heart stopping for a moment because this reader was saying "Oh No, That cannot happen." No, I can't tell you anymore than this, you must read the book to find out for yourself.

The book is centered around football players and their families and friends but the book is really about becoming the person God intended them to be.  And for the record I do not like football but really wasn't bored with the few tackle scenes described in the story.

There are several themes in this book, such as trust, forgiveness and healing and yes it is a clean romance.  The characters all change as a result of these themes.

I was given a pfd copy of "Tackling the Fields" By Janet W. Ferguson by the author and Celebrate Lit for my honest review for the book tour.

About the Author



Janet W. Ferguson grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served her church as a children’s minister and a youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.

Guest Post from Janet Ferguson

Hi, I’m Janet W. Ferguson, and I’m so excited to be back again and meet more readers through Celebrate Lit!

This is a story I didn’t want to write, but felt called to tackle. The loss of the dream, the loss of innocence, and life’s other unfair struggles can challenge our faith—can make us captive to fear and disappointment.

 In the South, we love football. In writing this book, I’m not trying to make a statement for or against the sport. My husband and son loved playing the game. After my son suffered a torn ACL, torn shoulder labrum, and four surgeries, he could no longer participate in the game he loved. He mourned the loss of the brotherhood of his team. I saw the popular pastime differently from his eyes. For young men, I believe it is a bond between friends for a common goal. Though the character in this book is totally fictional, I’m dedicating this book to my son, Luke.

The other sensitive topics in this story seemed particularly sad, but relevant in our society. Trust me, I didn’t prefer to research acquaintance/date rape or human trafficking, but both are going on all too often in communities both small and large. There are a number of organizations set up to help victims of these crimes if you feel a calling to help.

Someone reading this may have had something terrible that happened in their past or may know someone who has. God is able to set free the captives, set you free from the bonds that hold you. My prayer is that you find comfort in that truth.

Blog Stops

August 15: Quiet Quilter
August 17: Blogging With Carol
August 18: The Power of Words (Spotlight)
August 21: Karen’s Krayons
August 22: Bigreadersite
August 23: A Greater Yes 
August 26: Mary Hake


Giveaway


 To celebrate her tour, Janet is giving away a $75 Amazon gift card Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a1c6https://promosimple.com/ps/a1c6

Friday, August 26, 2016

"The Honeybee Sisters" Series by Jennifer Beckstrand Booktour and GiveAway


 

About the Books

Sweet as Honey: 


Smart, kind, and good-hearted, the three Christner girls are affectionately known as The Honeybee Sisters in the beloved Wisconsin Amish community where, under the care of their aunt, they’ve grown into skilled beekeepers–and lovely, sought-after young women. . .

Though she has blossomed into a beauty, Lily Christner doesn’t really believe it. Deep down, she still feels like a lonely, gawky teenager. Maybe that’s why she’s all but promised herself to Paul Glick, the one boy who never teased her in her awkward girlhood–unlike Dan Kanagy, whose creative name-calling left her in tears many a time. Now he’s back in town after two years away–and being surprisingly sweet, suspiciously attentive–and making Lily unsettlingly yet deliciously nervous. It seems Dan wants Lily’s forgiveness–and her heart. But can he convince her–not to mention her protective schwesters and aendi–that despite the past, her future lies with him?…  

A Bee in Her Bonnet:  



Lively, determined, and independent, Poppy Christner isn’t about to let some vandal keep making mischief on her family’s farm. She’s been outrunning boys and standing up for picked-on children ever since she was a girl–no matter how much her prideful, arrogant schoolmate Luke Bontrager insulted her. So Poppy certainly doesn’t need his interference now, especially since he’s made it plain he prefers demure, ladylike companions. In fact, if Luke doesn’t stop helping her find the culprit–and growing humble and remorseful–she’ll be forced to notice how handsome his change-of-heart is making him. And that could mean falling in love–maybe for a lifetime…

Like a Bee to Honey:  


Shy, skittish Rose Christner is more comfortable tending to the beehives on the family farm and keeping her aunt’s unruly cats in line than attending social gatherings with the rest of the die youngie. A childhood trauma and secret shame keep her heart under lock and key, and Rose just can’t accept the sweet attention she’s receiving from a handsome neighbor. But the more she shies away from Josiah Yoder, the more their families sneakily plot to bring them together. And when a vandal who’s been plaguing the Honeybee Farm starts targeting Rose, Josiah’s steadfast protection—and patience—just may lead her into his waiting arms…

Buy Books here: 

Sweet as Honey: http://amzn.to/2blMtSh
A Bee in Her Bonnet: http://amzn.to/2bz7EQn

Like A Bee to Honey: http://amzn.to/2aXXsfq



My Review: (The Honeybee Sisters) series is a series of three novels, "Sweet as Honey" "A Bee in Her Bonnet " "Like A Bee to Honey" by  Jennifer Beckstrand. These stories are about three sisters who because of the death of their parents have been raised by their aunt B, who is not the typically Amish lady. These books are funny and even inspirational.

These three books are love stories and each one is about one of the three sisters. The sisters raise bees and sell honey. The stories have interesting facts about what it takes to raise bees and sell honey, you might think these facts would be boring but the author writes them into the story as part of the story so they are not boring at all.

There is also a mystery in this series, it is solved in the third book. 

Each story is a complete story, except the mystery, but each story just adds to the one before.

I am glad I got to read all three together because it would have been hard to have to wait to see who and why all the vandalism at the Honeybee Farm.

These books are about faith and love and forgiveness.  Yes, there is revenge and plain meanness within the pages.

Yes, there are characters in this book that you, like myself might like to take into a barn and make sure they are standing in the way while you are mucking out the stalls. 

I like each book but the third one is my favorite because Rose completely grows up and her past no longer enslaves her and it is a great ending to the series.

I I was given a copy of each book for my honest review in the book tour by the author and Celebrate Lit.






About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer was nominated for the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award and the 2015 RITA® Award, and Huckleberry Hill won the 2014 LIME Award for Inspirational fiction. Both Huckleberry Hill and Huckleberry Christmas appeared in Examiner.com list of top ten inspirational books for 2014.


Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth. Jennifer has a degree in mathematics and a background in editing. She and her husband have been married for thirty years, and she has four daughters, two sons, and four adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Guest Post from Jennifer Beckstrand

Lily, Poppy, and Rose Christner are known as the Honeybee Sisters in their Wisconsin Amish community because they keep bees and sell the honey they pull from their beehives. The orphaned sisters came to live with their aunt Bitsy when they were very young. Aunt Bitsy was an Englischer for twenty years, but she is trying to raise her nieces to be gute and devout Amish girls.

Still, Aunt Bitsy is a bit eccentric and has brought some of the Englisch ways with her to the Honeybee Farm. She wears her dangly earrings when she’s in a bad mood, sports temporary tattoos just for fun, keeps a shotgun by the front door, and has a cat named Farrah Fawcett. (Bitsy simply adored “Charlie’s Angels.”)

With the honey they pull from their hives, the Honeybee schwesters make all sorts of appeditlich, delicious, things to eat. Their baking and their beauty attract boys to the Honeybee Farm, so Aunt Bitsy has to keep her shotgun handy to ward off the would-be suitors.

Many of the Honeybee Sisters’ recipes are included at the back of the three Honeybee Sister novels. Many more can be found in The Honeybee Sisters Cookbook available on Amazon and other online bookstores.

I hope you’ll fall in love with the Honeybee sisters, Aunt Bitsy, and their incomparable Bienenstich (Bee Sting) Cake—which recipe is included in both the cookbook and Sweet as Honey.

Here is a recipe the Honeybee Sisters would definitely make. My dear friend gave me some of these caramels for Christmas last year, and they are heavenly. The honey is used in place of the more-common corn syrup and gives the caramels a rich, deep flavor. My favorite thing about these caramels is the coarse sea salt that gives the caramels a salty crunch. Yummy!  

Honey Vanilla Caramels

1 ½ cup sugar 
½ cup honey
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup salted butter, cut into bits
 Coarse sea salt

Line a rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a clay, enamel, glass, plastic, or stainless steel (non-reactive) pot, combine the sugar, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together using a large rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar melts. When the sugar has melted, increase heat to medium and cook until the mixture caramelizes and is a deep amber color. Do not stir the mixture once it starts to boil. Instead, swirl it around occasionally with the pan’s handle. (This will help the caramel cook more evenly.)

While the caramel is cooking, place the heavy cream in a small saucepan on low heat. As soon as it reaches a simmer, remove pan from the heat and set aside.

When the caramel has reached a deep amber color, reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the bits of butter. Whisk well until the butter is completely melted.

Add the warm cream and whisk until smooth.

Turn the heat back up to medium and cook until the caramel reaches a temperature of 245°. Carefully pour the hot caramel onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Let it rest for about 8 minutes, then sprinkle with desired amount of sea salt.

Cool completely (about three hours), before cutting into squares and wrapping with parchment paper.

(Adapted from http://www.unegaminedanslacuisine.com)


Blog Stops
August 25: A Reader’s Brain
August 28: The Power of Words
August 31: cherylbbookblog
August 31: Quiet Quilter
September 1: Rhonda’s Doings
September 1: Book Babble
September 2: Lighthouse Academy
September 4: Bukwurmzzz
September 5: Donna’s BookShelf
September 7: Blogging with Carol


Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away five copies of The Honeybee Sisters Cookbook! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a20d

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

"Blueberry Cupcake Mystery" by Naomi Miller Book Tour and GiveAway






Purchase your copy here

About the Book




In the small town of Abbott Creek, mystery is as much a part of daily life as The Sweet Shop’s sugar cookies. Katie Chupp spends her days at The Sweet Shop, taking care of customers and baking delicious treats . . . not exactly a profession where one expects to be thrown into the midst of mysteries and mayhem. But when the bakery is broken into, someone has to find the thief . . . besides finding another place to do the baking and get the orders to the customers. Is this a random theft, or is the thief trying to ruin the town’s Independence Day celebration?

My Review: "Blueberry Cupcake Mystery" by Naomi Miller is a short 115 page book. This book is a good story about love and forgiveness but I found it a little short on the mystery aspect. Yes, there was a "little mystery". I thought the mystery was solved to soon.

I did enjoy "Blueberry Cupcake Mystery" by Naomi Miller even if I found it short. I am adding a quote from the author from the  guest post on the blogs posts "I was actually writing an Amish suspense novel last winter, when God placed it on my heart to write a shorter story — a cozy mystery, with no suspense, no danger, but plenty of faith, family, compassion and community. Well, she has accomplished her goal.

This book shows the Amish generosity as well as forgiveness from the English.

If you want a short and inspirational book to read then I say look no farther because you have found one.

"Blueberry Cupcake Mystery" by Naomi Miller is the first book in the (Amish Sweet Shop Mysteries) series. This story was written about July 4th and I don't know how many stories are planned but I do know the next one is titled "Christmas Cookie Mystery" and I so want to read it, with it being about Christmas, ( I am assuming as I don't really know) and Christmas cookies.

I was given a copy of "Blueberry Cupcake Mystery " by the author and Celebrate Lit for an honest review as part of the book tour.



About the Author

Naomi Miller mixes up a batch of intrigue, sprinkled with Amish, Mennonite, & English characters, adding a pinch of mystery – and a dash of romance! Naomi’s day is spent focusing on her writing, editing, and blogging about her experiences with writing. When she’s not working diligently to finish the next book in her Sweet Shop Mystery series, Naomi tries to make time for attending workshops and writers conferences. One of her favorites is the four-day event that the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization holds annually. Naomi also enjoys traveling with her family, singing inspirational/gospel music, taking a daily walk, and witnessing to others of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.


Guest Post from Naomi Miller

Hello! I’m Naomi Miller — and I’m honored to be featured on Celebrate Lit!


 I want to share with you how the title and cover for my debut book, Blueberry Cupcake Mystery, was chosen. This is a story I haven’t shared with anyone else — yet. The story behind the blueberry cupcake…

I was actually writing an Amish suspense novel last winter, when God placed it on my heart to write a shorter story — a cozy mystery, with no suspense, no danger, but plenty of faith, family, compassion and community.

While thinking of the best way to begin the story, my daughter made a batch of blueberry cupcakes, which happen to be one of my favorite treats. Of course, the idea to use a favorite treat was too good to resist. Then, during the early days of writing, I began experimenting with the idea of baking cupcakes — but adding blueberries before baking. Two favorite treats in one!

And there you have it . . . once we had a picture of a blueberry cupcake, the designer quickly sent back a cover I fell in love with (although there were a few more tweaks before the final cover was approved).

I actually began writing many years ago — 1990 to be exact. But I had just become a single mom and I didn’t have time to pursue it. I wrote notes, letters, articles, short stories, and I occasionally thought about a career as a novelist, but not once did I consider that dream to ever become a reality.

Several years ago, after my children were grown, my daughter challenged me to write a novel. I began a sweet, Amish fiction story about a young girl—but about halfway into the story, someone was almost murdered! Needless to say, I was surprised, but kept going. Once done, I went back to the beginning to do a major re-write on what was now an Amish suspense novel.

And that’s . . . the rest of the story.

I’m also excited to be doing two special giveaways — 1) a gift bag full of treats and 2) an advanced reader digital copy of Christmas Cookie Mystery (but you’ll have to wait for it)!

In the meantime, here’s the recipe for those delicious blueberry cupcakes  

Blueberry Cupcakes:

Ingredients  
1 white or yellow cake mix 
2 cups fresh blueberries 
3 eggs 
1/3 cup oil 
1 1/3 cup water

Prepare cake mix according to the directions. Add blueberries and fold into batter. Bake following instructions on cake mix box.  

Icing:
1 cup confectioner’s sugar 
2 tbsp. milk 
additional milk as needed  

Directions Prepare icing, mixing small amounts of confectioner’s sugar with milk to desired consistency. Spread onto cooled cupcakes.

Blog Stops

August 23: Blogging With Carol
August 24: cherylbbookblog
August 25: A Greater Yes
August 25: A Holland Reads
August 25: Mary Hake
August 26: Gypsy Road
August 27: Bigreadersite
August 27: Bibliophile Reviews
August 28: Lighthouse Academy
August 28: Book Babble
August 29: Karilyn Putt
August 30: Daysong Reflections
August 31: Quiet Quilter
September 1: Lights in a Dark World
September 1: Just Commonly
September 3: Bukwurmzzz 
September 4: Ashley’s Bookshelf
September 4: just the write escape


Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away a gift bag full of treats and an advanced copy of her new book Christmas Cookie Mystery! Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/a20c

Monday, August 22, 2016

"Twice Redeemed" by Mimi Milan Book Tour and GiveAway



 
To purchase your own copy, click http://amzn.to/29tWviN

About the Book



Who will save her from herself? After helping another girl escape, Mercedes Nobles suffers unspeakable abuse at Jericho. So when an American cowboy rides into town, she jumps at the opportunity to start a new life… even though she carries a secret that could destroy any chance of happiness for either of them. 

 John Durbin may have turned in his badge, but he still believes in living by a code of honor. That includes returning to a seedy Mexican saloon and rescuing a woman who helped his friends escape. However, the tables turn and he finds himself married in name only. Struggling with cultural differences, they questions if their marriage will survive. Will John sacrifice his faith to make his new bride happy? How will Mercedes redeem herself when John learns of the secret she’s hiding?

My Review: "Twice Redeemed" by Mimi Milan is book 2 in (The Jericho Resistance Series) and is a great story of redemption. But I have to be honest and say that I am glad I read book 1 "A Rebel In Jericho" first because I don't think I wouldn't have enjoyed this story as well without having that background. Yes, "A Rebel In Jericho" is really Catalina's story and "Twice Redeemed" is Mercedes's story, they really ( in  my opinion) should be read in order.

Through "Twice Redeemed" was a great read I liked "A Rebel in Jericho" better.

"Twice Redeemed" is a story that shows love can conquer all. There are a few tense scenes in both of these books and they do keep you on the edge of your seat. These books have violence and alcohol. And the subject material is human trafficking, but there no explicit scenes but I really don't recommend young teens read them.

I love the ending, there is a surprise. In fact, there are a few surprises in this book and that is why I say reading "A Rebel In Jericho" first is better. The ending also leaves me wondering if there is going to be a third book in this series. I certainly hope so as I have questions that need answers like what happened to  -- and --- . I put the lines in because to fill them in it might be a spoiled alert.

Yes, I recommend these books to Christians and non Christians alike. There are references to God and Bible reading but these books are not preachy.

I was given a copy of "Twice Redeemed" by the author and Celebrate Lit for my honest review as part of the book tour.




About the Author



Mimi Milan spent two decades scribbling away in notebooks before realizing that her life’s calling was to write. So she returned from Mexico and attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in Creative Writing and minoring in Film. She currently resides in the suburbs of Charlotte, making time for God, family and imaginary friends.  

Blog Stops

                          August 9: Blossoms and Blessings

Sunday, August 21, 2016

"The Beauty Series" Books 1 & 2 by Carol E Keen Book Tour and GiveAway



Purchase your copy here



About the Books

Beauty for Ashes

 Jazz is being forced to move and her mom has given her a major task to accomplish. She has to pack up the attic. What Jazz finds in the attic changes her life in ways she never imagined, and opens her up to life altering possibilities.  



Monstrous Beauty

Ethan’s father was a piece of work, to put it mildly. His father managed to become quite wealthy before he died, yet he left Ethan deeply damaged in more ways than one. Can the love and care of a strange young woman with a past of her own free him, or is he doomed to never change?  
 



About the Author  

Carol E. Keen currently resides in Alabama with her husband and family. She spends her time writing, reading, working on photography, and working with her much loved critters. She started creating stories to share with others at the age of two years old. She was published for several years in FAMA magazine (Freshwater And Marine Aquarium) as a contributing editor. She published her first book on CD, called Simply Seahorses. She is overjoyed to be publishing her fiction to share with you now. Carol currently has more books in the “works”. Please feel free to follow her for updates.

On a personal note: Carol really enjoys coffee and a good book.

My Review: The first two books in (The Beauty Series) by Carol E.Keen are really exciting reads and hard to put down until you read the last word.  These are based on the fairy tales, Cinderella and Beauty and The Beast only with a Christian message. That message is that beauty and love can come from trials and tribulations and that no-one is out of God's reach. 

In "Beauty For Ashes" we read of betrayal and this reader found herself saying how can people do this to another person. I guess you might even say that time travel is what this book is about since Jazz becomes another person while reading an old diary she finds while cleaning out the attic.

There is a surprising twist in "Beauty For Ashes". Cinder as she is called in this story instead of Cinderella helps the prince solve a mystery.  Guess I should stop writing this review and just say read and discover how the title fits this story perfectly.

In "Monstrous Beauty" both the female and male characters have secrets to hide. And just like in the first story, family members are pretty rotten people.   I really liked this story better than the first just because it had more twists within it's pages.  Things aren't as they seem in this story.
Warning, there are acts of violence in this story but nothing to graphic.

I say you should read both of these stories and have a new spin on old favorite fairy tales.

I cannot wait to see what the next story in this series is.

I am giving both books five stars.

I was given a copy of both books by Celebrate Lit and the author for my honest opinion for the book tour!

Guest Post from Carol E. Keen

Can you believe it? I’m on my second tour with Celebrate Lit! Wow! I’m floored and happy and close to tears too. I have to say a HUGE thank you to Sandy and Denise for their encouragement and patience and help.


Today we are talking about my first series, The Beauty Series. The first book, Beauty For Ashes is the very first published fiction book that I have released. It started out as a contest entry. When it didn’t make the winning selection, I expanded it and had several trusted people read it. It was well received over all, and so I braved the scary world of navigation Amazon and published it.

Beauty For Ashes is based on Cinderella, and it was a challenge to write. I had always had some questions about why certain things weren’t covered in that story, so in my version, I added them. I answered my unanswered questions. I also have always felt that Cinderella had to be Christian to survive what she did and still be who she was.

My third published book is the second book in this series, and one of my favorite fairytales of all time. Monstrous Beauty is based on Beauty and the Beast. As with Beauty For Ashes, I always felt a “back story” to what drove the Beast was missing. In this version I have added all that, as well as having other answers to why “Beauty” was in this situation to start with. How would either of them relied on God to get through their situations?

 I had a lot of fun writing Monstrous Beauty, and I’m looking forward to the next book I plan to write in this series.

Thank you so much for joining me on this adventure, and please feel free to ask questions!

Blessings, Carol :)

Blog Stops

August 14: Back Porch Reads
August 15: Pause for Tales
August 17: A Greater Yes
August 17: inklings and notions
August 18: Karen’s Krayons
August 20: simpleharvestreads
August 22: The Power of Words
August 24: ArtisticNobody

Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away three ebook copies of the Beauty Series with bookmark. Enter the giveaway here: https://promosimple.com/ps/a180