Tuesday, October 31, 2017

"Straight Flies the Arrow" by Sydney Tooman Betts Book Tour and GiveAway

Straight flies the arrow facebook banner copy

About the Book

Name of book: Straight Flies the Arrow

Author: Sydney Tooman Betts

Genre: Historical, adventure, Romance

Release Date: July 8, 2017

During the winter of 1841, Pacing Wolf, the esteemed leader of the Many Lodges, follows the trail of a brutal murderer, leaving behind his beloved woman, Small Doe. When his tracking party returns without him, the Sparrow Hawks’ Real Chief pronounces him dead, insisting Small Doe grieve, but she cannot bring herself to give up hope her husband will return. The coming spring offers her few choices. She can accept the courageous new warrior chosen for her or risk falling prey to his war-society rivals.

Vengeance and loyalty, hatred and faithfulness, all vie within two enemy villages, one belonging to the Sparrow Hawks and the other the Allies, threatening to crush every hope of happiness for Small Doe and everyone she loves.

Click here to purchase your copy.

My Review

I know others have enjoyed this book as a standalone but I think I would not have enjoyed it if I hadn't read the other two first.

"Straight Flies The Arrows" by Sydney Betts is the third book in this series. It kept my interest till the very last page and then I wanted more. Yes,the book ended without a cliff hanger and it ended at a good point, but I want to read more of these characters.

This book had me wanting to skip to the end because of something that was happening in the story but I am so glad that I didn't give into the temptation. It was worth the wait and if I had let temptation win, I don't think the ending would have had such a great impact.

The book did not end the way I was hoping it would but I have to say it did end with a perfect ending, by this I mean it is the way I think real life worked out especially with Indians tribal wars. Let me end this train of though with just saying the ending is bittersweet. I could say more but don't want to give anything away, but I will add I think the ending will surprise you!

I don't think I have a favorite character from this story, but I do have one that I didn't like at all, his name was Red Fox, he was just evil and mean.

This book has many Biblical Scriptures and life lessons but is not preachy, I am going to include a quote from the book , but the book has many more such thought provoking quotes to take to heart " Most sins are not seen, even by the keenest eye. They lay deeply in the heart." I have a lot of quotes underline in this book. It is a kindle copy so no, I didn't write in my book, but I think I would still have underlined some even if it I would have read the print book!

I recommend this and the other two books to anyone who loves Christian, Inspiration Fiction and Historical and Romance and Indians.

This book is definitely five stars to me.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

About the Author

Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-husband currently reside near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of this book.

While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities. Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations.

Before penning her first novel, A River too Deep, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.

Guest Post from Sydney Tooman Betts

You know you are created for a purpose, but honestly, how much of a difference can one person make in a life filled with one foot put in front of another, cooking for a family, washing clothes, combing out tangles… You know you are created for a purpose, but honestly, how much of a difference can one person make in a life filled with one foot put in front of another, cooking for a family, washing clothes, combing out tangles… Come walk alongside one woman whose singular choice changes life for generations

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 19

Blogging With Carol, October 20

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 21

Christian Bookaholic, October 22

History, Mystery & Faith, October 23

Karen Sue Hadley, October 24

Singing Librarian Books, October 25

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 26

Mary Hake, October 27

Through The Open Window, October 28

Bigreadersite, October 29

Janices book reviews, October 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Simple Harvest Reads, November 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sydney is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed, soft-back set of The People of the Book trilogy!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c202

"Spotlight Tuesday" with Amy Lillard and a GiveWay

Amy's Bio

I’m a wife, mother, and bona fide Southern belle. Published author, expert corn bread maker, Fibro Warrior, and Squirrel Princess.

I live in Tulsa, though I was born in Mississippi. I moved to the Sooner State when I was seventeen and met my soul mate and best friend not long after. I’ve retained a little of my Mississippi accent though most people think I’m from Texas. (?) Rob and I have been married for over twenty-five years and have a son–a mom proclaimed prodigy, of course!

I love homemade tacos, nail polish, and romance novels–not necessarily in that order. I’m a big fan of country music, a staunch proponent of saving the Oxford comma, and I’m shamefully obsessed with all things Harry Potter.

I dislike people trying to convince me to read the Twlight series (I’ll get to it or I won’t, either way I’m good with it), gratuitous violence, and strawberry ice cream. (I know I’m alone on this last one, and again, I’m good with it.)

Favorite movies–(besides HP) French Kiss, Maid of Honor, A Lot Like Love, Just Married, and Sweet Home Alabama. Oh, and Miss Congeniality, Sabrina (both versions) and a 1940’s movie called Dear Ruth. If you haven’t seen it, you should! A-dorable. Anything with Doris Day and most all of Marilyn’s and Audrey’s.

Book Spotlight

FOR THE FIRST TIME! ALL THREE STORIES AVAILABLE IN PRINT!

United by faith, and bonded by their quilting circle, the Amish women of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, are there for one another through all life’s joys and challenges . . .

MORE THAN FRIENDSHIP
Youngest quilter Clara Rose Yutzy is planning her wedding to her longtime beau—which is why she resolutely ignores newly warm feelings for her best friend, Obadiah. But Obie is certain God intends them to be together. With the Lord’s help, he’ll prove to Clara Rose how much he loves her . . .

MORE THAN A PROMISE
Mariana Miller prayed for a child throughout fifteen years of marriage. But now, newly widowed, Mariana discovers she’s pregnant—with twins! She’s more grateful than ever for her caring community—especially Reuben Weisel, her late husband’s business partner and best friend. Reuben’s quiet strength comforts her—until he proposes marriage . . .

MORE THAN A MARRIAGE

Tess Smiley is new to Wells Landing and newly married. But her marriage isn’t the harmonious union she envisioned. Tess loves Jacob with all her heart, but her heart tells her she must take a stand—and ask for support. Only then does Jacob see how he has hurt her.

But is he too late? . .

Tell the readers a little about yourself: (short bio)

I grew up in the deep South, but I now live in Oklahoma with my husband and son, three cats and a hyper beagle. When I’m not doing someone’s laundry or taxiing the teen to baseball or guitar practice, I carve out a piece of my day to put on the paper these people who live in my head. I guess you could say I’m an avid reader, but I also enjoy gardening, cooking, and pretty much anything else that can get me out of doing housework! I’m a classic Virgo, I love tacos, and I’m shamefully addicted to everything Harry Potter. Please don’t ask me how many times I’ve read the series, it’s embarrassing! LOL

Why did you choose your genre?

I have loved romances since I was in the seventh grade. My grandmother and I used to share them, the old white cover Harlequins, Janet Dailey— Charlotte Lamb. I had a friend who would bring them to school in a brown grocery sack. I could read an entire book in one sitting. I LOVED them. Once I was finished with it, I passed it to my grandmother to read. So I guess you could say romance was the only choice I could make.

As for Amish fiction…well, I sort of fell into that subgenre–feet first. Basically my agent at the time suggested that I write one. I can make no claims to any familial ties to the Amish, but I find the culture charming and fascinating. Since beginning to write books about these peaceful people, I have made many friends in the Amish community in Lancaster County, PA, and go to visit them every chance I get.

Mysteries came about in a backhanded sort of way, but I have enjoyed learning to craft these tales (almost) as much as romance. :)

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? How has that childhood dream affected your current career?

I had to write a descriptive paragraph in junior high. The teacher praised my use of alliteration, and I was hooked! Of course, at the time I had no idea what alliteration was and had to look it up, but I was tickled all the same. I knew that I had found the one thing in life I wanted to do most.

What do you do for fun?

I love to spend time with my family—my husband and my son. Anything that I can do with them makes me smile. I also love going to visit my sisters, spending time with my mom, and my niece and nephews, even my brother. :P

How much of your work is real? How much is fantasy?

Once upon a time I would have answered, ‘Fantasy, all fantasy,’ but since I’ve started writing books about the Amish, I find myself using more and more tales from my friends than ever before.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?

Overcoming distractions. Sometimes it’s hard to sit down and get words ‘on paper’, especially when there are dishes in the sink and clothes that need to be folded. But all things have their time. When they lay me to rest and friends come around to tell what they know about me, surely someone will remember that I wrote books. No one will mention the lack of cleanliness in my kitchen—I hope!

What advice would you give to writers just starting out?

Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. Write what’s in your heart, but listen to the critiques and suggestions of others. It takes a lot of practice and patience to learn what to accept as your own and what to leave behind. Only by putting your work in front of others can you learn the difference. Enter contests and find a good critique group or partner. By good, I mean someone who’ll tell you the truth and not just what you want to hear. And don’t give up! Don’t ever give up. Did I already say that?

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

If I get ‘stuck’, it’s time to take a step back and reevaluate the scene. Most often times writer’s block for me means that I’ve moved the characters into an unnatural situation for the plot, and I can’t get them to react like themselves. They’re forced, and the reader will pick up on this. When this happens, the best thing to do is scrap the scene and start over. But I keep the scene in a separate file—just in case. It might come in handy later.

Who is your favorite author and why?

That’s such a hard question. There are so many great writers out there, and in this age of digital releases, I’m discovering more and more fabulous authors almost daily. But I have to say that Susan Elizabeth Phillips is my all-time favorite. I had the pleasure of meeting her not too long ago and she’s as gracious and humorous in person as she is in her writing.

How did you deal with rejection letters?

The first ones are always the hardest. But as time goes on, I’ve learned to use them to line the birdcage. Seriously though, the form letters with the copy-freckles are no good to a writer. They don’t say why the manuscript was rejected. There’s nothing to gain from them. They’re not personal, so you can’t take them as such. The ones with some sort of critique, with a reason why, can be a great tool for an author. But it requires an objective eye to glean any help from these and that’s very hard for most writers—our baby has just been told it’s not good enough. I’ve had to learn to look past that and to the business side of it in order to change tactics, word count, sub-genres, and the like in order to find the right publisher.

What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?

Every writer is different and should cater their work space to their own personal needs. Must haves for me are a notebook and pen within reach, a ‘baby name’ book and the internet open and ready to go. Oh, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

Have a question that’s not answered here? Feel free to email me at amylillard918@gmail.com with individual questions or use the ‘contact me’ form . I’m always happy to give additional information.

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely way up on the list.

Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don’t forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^

When she’s not creating happy endings, she’s chauffeuring her teen prodigy to guitar lessons and practice for whatever sport he’s into this week. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.

Amy is an award winning author with more than thirty novels and novellas in print. She is a member of RWA, ACFW, NINC, and the Author’s Guild. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

FIND AMY ON THE WEB

I LOVE HEARING FROM AND CONNECTING WITH READERS. HERE ARE SOME SPECIAL PLACES TO FIND ME ON THE WEB:

https://amywritesromance.com/portfolio/find-amy-on-the-web/

Giveaway

Amy is going to give away a print copy of "The Quilting Circle" To be entered to win answer this question!
This is the first time these three eBook stories have been in print. Do you have more print or digital books? Which do you prefer to read?

Monday, October 30, 2017

"Colors Of Christmas" By Olivia Newport Book Tour and GiveAway

colors of christmas celebration tour FB banner copy

About the Book

Name of book: Colors of Christmas

Author: Olivia Newport

Genre: Contemporary Christmas

Release Date: October 1, 2017

Christmas in Blue
Angela just wants Christmas to be over. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration, and everything goes from bad to worse. Can she rescue Christmas for the town—and herself?

Christmas in Gold
When eighty-year-old Astrid moves into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up Christmas hope one more time.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

My Review: I recommend reading "Colors Of Christmas" by Olivia Newport to anyone needing a reminder of what Christmas really is. These stories reminds us that Christmas means hope and brings happy tears along with a little sadness ( Christmas In Gold) and then reminds us ( Christmas In Blue) that when things seem like they couldn't be worse or what seems impossible is just the time that things might be better than before. "Colors Of Christmas" are two stories that are a great reminder that Christmas is a time to remember past Christmases and to remember other people.

I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

Guest Post from Olivia Newport

We All Have a Story

I’m younger than most of the people I exercise with. It started when I had a lot of pain in my feet and needed low-impact classes with the option of sitting down and learned I didn’t have to be a senior citizen to take their classes at my gym. Then I discovered how toughmost of them are. Years later, though my feet are better, these are still my people.

A couple of years ago, while we waited for the younger and allegedly-but-not-really-tougher crowd to clear out of the group exercise room so we could invade it, a woman I would not have guessed to be 80, because she could out-cardio and out-lift me any day of the week, mentioned she had been widowed since she was 39. And she’d been widowed the first time at 19. And she’d grown up in Germany while Hitler was intent on destroying Europe and life was not easy.

Then the changing of the guard happened and I was left with my mouth gaping. I knew I had to hear this story. The next week after class, we went across the parking lot to Culvers for lunch and I scribbled notes on the backs of a pile of brown napkins while Astrid talked. Later she let me read the account of her life that she had written herself.

Astrid faced so many tragic circumstances, but she would be the first to tell you that God was with her even before she knew how to call on him. Many people with her life story would have found plenty of reason to wallow and stagnate. But not Astrid. Truly she is one of the most hopeful people I know.

Her story was the beginning of Colors of Christmas, which includes two stories. Astrid’s is “Christmas in Gold,” and the other is “Christmas in Blue.” Astrid inspired me to write about hope for a time of year when the Christian message resounds with hope yet so many people struggle to grasp hope for themselves. I pray these stories will help many recover a sense of hope afresh.

Olivia Newport chases joy in Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Blog Stops

Books N Baubles, October 17

Christian Bookaholic, October 17

Bukwurmzzz, October 17

Janices book reviews, October 18

Singing Librarian Books, October 18

Moments Dipped in Ink, October 18

A Simply Enchanted Life, October 19

G.O. & D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 19

Bigreadersite, October 19

Reader’s cozy corner, October 20

Have A Wonderful Day, October 20

Reflections from my bookshelves, October 20

Blogging With Carol, October 21

Just the Write Escape, October 21

Zerina Blossom’s Books, October 21

A Greater Yes, October 22

Mary Hake, October 22

Daysong Reflections, October 22

A Baker’s Perspective, October 23

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 23

Baker Kella, October 23

Smiling Book Reviews, October 23

The Fizzy Pop Collection, October 24

It’s Storytime With Van Daniker, October 24

Remembrancy, October 24

Carpe Diem, October 25

autism mom, October 25

Bibliophile Reviews, October 25

A Reader’s Brain, October 26

By The Book, October 26

The Power of Words, October 26

With a Joyful Noise, October 27

Pause for Tales, October 27

Splashes of Joy, October 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 28

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, October 28

Karen Sue Hadley, October 28

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 28

Vicky Sluiter, October 29

To Everything a Season, October 29

Pursuing Stacie, October 29

Just Jo’Anne, October 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away a grand prize of a Christmas Bundle Bonanza which includes 7 Jumbo rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, 2 sets of stick-on gift tags, 2 packages of Christmas cards and envelopes, 2 collections of Christmas novellas—18 stories in all, and a signed copy of Colors of Christmas!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c319

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

"A Semi-Sweet Summer " by Jan Elder Book Tour and Give Away

About the Book:

Name of book: A Semi-Sweet Summer

Author: Jan Elder

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 18, 2017

Cassidy Cooper never wanted to set foot in Crystal Falls again. Ten years earlier, she’d given her heart to a boy who’d, in turn, humiliated her deeply. Now, back in town as the sole beneficiary of her sister’s estate, she’s determined to make her sister’s dream of an upscale chocolate truffle shop, come true.

Hunter Gray is very intrigued by his new neighbor. His escape artist cow, Marigold, engineers an introduction…but it’s not quite the first impression he was hoping for. Baffled by the nagging suspicion he’s seen this woman before, he plots to win Cassidy’s heart at every opportunity.

With the object of her unrequited love living within shouting distance, Cassidy prays for strength to forgive and forget. And Hunter? He just wants to get back to his own dream to grow his farm and get to know the pretty girl next door. If she’ll let him.

Click here to purchase your copy of Jan's wonderful book

My Review: "A Semi-Sweet Summer " by Jan Elder is a wonderful story of a second chance at love and forgiveness and being made into a new man and woman by God. Marigold, the cow will make you laugh because she just won't stay in her own yard! Reading this book might make you grab a few pieces of chocolate while reading because it is about a shop that specializes in truffles and another business is Cake, Cookies and Cobblers, so there are plenty of opportunities to get hungry while reading. This story is a clean love story with a slight mystery. My favorite parts of the story are when the pastor is telling Hunter how to treat women. I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.

About the Author

JAN ELDER is an inspirational romance writer with a passion for telling stories other women can relate to on a deep level. She strives to write the kind of book that will strengthen the reader’s faith, introducing the reader to a loving and forgiving Lord who walks beside us in our daily lives, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story.

Happily married for fourteen years to loving (and supportive) husband, Steve, the two live in central Maryland along with Jamie (a chubby black and white tuxedo cat), and Shu-Shu (a willowy tortoiseshell cat). On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the nearby countryside in search of the perfect ice cream flavor.

Guest Post from Jan Elder

How did you come up with your premise? Is there a story behind your book? How did the story evolve?

When I first parked myself in front of my laptop, preparing to write A Semi-Sweet Summer, I was waxing nostalgic. Shortly before that, I joined a Facebook group, people from a church I had attended when I was a teenager. Memories flooded through me and a myriad of feelings, some quite strong, rose up to assault me. There were a great many pleasant remembrances, but what I recall the most about being in those “stuck in the middle” years was that there was a great deal of anxiety, the sensation of being so very different—certainly not part of the “in” crowd.

A large part of this book harkens back to my teenage years, my thoughts swinging to a boy I had the biggest crush on in high school. He was three and a half years older (I still remember his birthday) and he was definitely in the “elite” segment of our church youth group—the cool kids I so longed to be a part of. Sorry to say, I followed him around like a puppy, learned all of his favorite foods, chosen hobbies, etc. I try not to think I actually stalked him, but I was very aware of his presence, and searched for ways to be near him.

In A Semi-Sweet Summer, I tried to transfer some of that raging angst into fodder for Cassidy’s discomfort in finding her unrequited love living right next door. Cassidy never really fit in, hardly that enviable cheerleader, not a person that anyone would notice. Rather, she sees herself as sort of an ugly duckling. Now she’s back ten years later and it’s a tough situation. By this time, my characters have grown and changed from the people they were in high school. They are well on their way to the path God has set before them. And by the end, they are very different—kinder, gentler folks who have learned a bit more of what it means to truly love.

I like to think that God can use our experiences to help others through similar situations. Maybe this novel will provide some hope or closure for those who have been in the same boat, and spur them on to get past the pain. And hey, who doesn’t love a good story about baked goods, happy cows, and chocolate truffles?

As for me? The funny thing is, my husband has the same first name as my first love. He even has the same color hair, the same easy grin as that other guy. I guess one could say I am attracted to a certain type. But oh, my sweetheart is so much better. My guy is the man God had waiting for me. The other was only a pale imitation, just practice for the real thing.