Saturday, February 26, 2022

"A Call to Courageous Manhood" by Paul Louis Cole Book Tour and GiveAway

Daring

About the Book

Book: Daring: A Call to Courageous Manhood

Author: Paul Louis Cole

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living/Men’s Interests

Release date: February 15, 2022

Victory is always on the other side of a fight. Here is help to win the battles and keep on winning!

Daring: A Call To Courageous Manhoodsets the tone for a new wave of masculinity by defining what it is to be a man of courage, endurance, and resolve. The unique, creative voice of Paul Louis Cole cuts through cultural clutter to speak to the
issues that lay in the heart of every man.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Paul Louis Cole, D.Th., president of Christian Men’s Network, is a communicator, church planter, pastor, author, and one of the world’s leading experts on men’s issues. Paul is an award-winning media writer/producer/director, but his passion is in carrying the message of Christlike manhood globally. The son of Edwin Louis Cole, he has continued the work of the Christian Men’s Network, helping pastors build strong men, strong families, and strong churches in over 100 nations. Paul’s mission is to rescue men, defeat fatherlessness, and end child abuse by providing leadership tools and strategies to bring a clear and defining word to men. Paul and his wife of forty-plus years, Judi, reside in Grapevine, Texas. They have three children and five grandchildren.

More from Whitaker House

“Electrifies the heart to beat loudly and strongly as the lion’s heart…”
—Leonard Sweet, New York Times Bestselling Author

“A masterpiece to challenge you…and change your life”
—Dale C. Bronner, Word of Faith Family Cathedral

“I highly recommend this book to help you navigate the challenges of life to become God’s man…”
—Jonathan Falwell

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 26

Artistic Nobody, February 27 (Spotlight)

Inklings and notions, February 28

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Spotlight)

Miriam Jacob, March 2

deb’s Book Review, March 3

Fiction Book Lover, March 4 (Spotlight)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 5

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 6

Spoken from the Heart, March 7 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 7

For Him and My Family, March 8

An Author’s Take, March 9

Guild Master, March 10 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 11

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Paul is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b060/daring-a-call-to-courageous-manhood-celebration-tour-giveaway

"Finding a Memory" by Chautona Havig Book Tour and GiveAway

Finding a Memory

About the Book

Book: Finding a Memory

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre:Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: January 25, 2022

He loved her then. Will she love him now?

When Mallory Barrows finds an old diary in a box of books, the story she finds within sends her on the hunt for the owner–and maybe more.

Theirs is a story ripped from a country song. A wedding, a former love presumed dead, her new love stepping aside. And over forty years later, their story is one few remember.

With Mallory determined to find the people in the pages of that diary, one couple is offered the second chance of a lifetime.

This “second-chance / seasoned romance” novel introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

I really liked this book. There were many quotes that I unlined in the book. This is

a second chance at love novel. I cannot wait to read the next book, hoping that it explains the mystery that this books ends with. I think this book is one my favorite book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Chautona Haviglives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

I was a weird child. While my friends were listening to… whatever 80s kids listened to, the enormous console in my bedroom played The Brothers Four, The Kingston Trio, Roger Miller, Billy Vaughn, Patsy Cline, and Patti Paige. One minute I was a “Rovin’ Gambler” and the next I was “Chug-a-lugging.” Hmmm… In hindsight, one could say I listened to some dubious music. Drinking, gambling… Oh, that reminds me of another one. The Sons of the Pioneers. “Cigarettes, Whiskey, and Wild, Wild Women. (Hint: they’ll drive you crazy. They’ll drive you insane. The song says so).

But there were other songs—beautiful ones. “Greenfields.” “Little Green Apples.” “You Belong to Me.” And of course… “Go on with the Wedding.”

If you’ve never heard it, you should listen. HERE.

That one used to tear me apart. I never could decide which man she should have chosen. I’m a sucker for the underdog—for a hero. So, I always said Fred. And I meant it. Right up to the moment I thought about Jim being away, fighting, finally making it home to his girl only to see her marry someone else. How horrible is that?

Well, one of the tropes I chose for my books in the Independence Islands was going to be a “second chance romance.” I also wanted a “seasoned romance,” so this song came to mind. And then I had my story. It’s not the one my twelve-year-old self would have wanted. Truthfully, it’s not the story I wanted to write today, but it’s the right one. It’s probably my favorite of all of the ones I’ve done in this series. I hope you’ll love Frank and Patti as much as I do.

All that’s left now is for me to write one more story—the one that has been forming through each book. It’s time for Mallory and Benjamin to both learn and write their story’s end (which of course, is only a beginning).

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 26

Blossoms and Blessings, February 26

Texas Book-aholic, February 27

She Lives to Read, February 28

An Author’s Take, February 28

Inklings and notions, March 1

CarpeDiem, March 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 2

Lots of Helpers, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

Blogging With Carol, March 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 4

deb’s Book Review, March 5

Simple Harvest Reads, March 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 7

Splashes of Joy, March 7

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

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 9 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 9

lakesidelivingsite, March 10

Giveaway

Finding a Memory Giveaway (1)

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b05c/finding-a-memory-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, February 25, 2022

"Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War" by Mary Davis Book Tour and GiveAway

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War

About the Book

Book: Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War

Author: Mary Davis

Genre: Christian / Historical Fiction / Romance

Release date: February 1, 2022

A WASP Goes Above the Call of Duty to Free Captive American Soldiers

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Peggy Witherspoon, a widow, mother, and pilot flying for the Women’s Airforce Service in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. Most of Peggy’s jobs are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her three daughters—until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an “ally.” Will Peggy go against orders to help the men—even risk her own life?

Don’t miss these other stories about Heroines of WWII:
The Cryptographer’s Dilemmaby Johnnie Alexander
A Picture of Hopeby Liz Tolsma
Saving Mrs. Rooseveltby Candice Sue Patterson

Click here to get your copy!

Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War" by Mary Davis was an interesting read about the Wasps and it was cool to learn a few things about what they did. I know the book is fiction but I thought the rescue was a little too easy. I did like the ending, it was really sweet.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

MARY DAVIS is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty titles in both historical and contemporary themes. She has been in numerous compilations and collections. Stories and characters have been running around in her head for as long as she can remember. Her published works have been on Publisher’s Weekly bestselling lists several times. Some of her works include her award-winning Quilting Circle series and Newlywed Games.

An empty-nester, Mary lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of over thirty-seven years and a black Norwegian Forest cat. She has three adult children and three incredibly adorable grandchildren. She enjoys playing board and card games, rain, and cats. She would enjoy gardening if she didn’t have a black thumb. Her hobbies include quilting, porcelain doll making, sewing, crafts, crocheting, knitting, and papercrafts.

More from Mary

AIRBORNE

When my agent asked if I had a WWII story idea that might fit in with Barbour’s Heroines of WWIIseries, I had to tell her I didn’t. At the time, I was writing book 4 in a series set in 1894 and proofing audio chapters for book 3 in that series. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to tackle war, but I told my agent I would think on it and pray. If the Lord wanted me to write a WWII era story, He would give me an idea. So I prayed.

I knew women had done some military flying but didn’t know the details, so I jump into some quick research. I couldn’t take too much time away from my current novel and its rapidly approaching deadline. When an idea started forming with a WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots), I wrote a brief one-page outline of my rough idea. I knew I couldn’t take too much time away from my other project to write a whole proposal if I was going to be told the publisher already had a story in the series about a WASP, which I assumed they had. Because who wouldn’t want to write about lady pilots?

My idea about a WASP, who flies an unsanctioned secret mission to rescue three US soldiers held captive in Cuba, now needed a title. No sooner had I thought that I needed a title than one—which I thought would be nothing more than a placeholder—popped into my flakey little head: Mrs. Witherspoon Goes To War. Well, now my heroine, at least, had a last name. My critique partners seemed to like this title, so I added it to my outline and sent it off to my agent, then I got right back to work on my novel with the looming deadline.

Since the publishing industry typically moves very slow, I figured I had a good chunk of time before I would find out if I needed to write a full proposal. So back to work on my contracted novel. Surprisingly, the publisher came back immediately with strong interest in the idea and wanted a full proposal in a week. Fortunately, this editor knew my writing, so I didn’t have to include three sample chapters, but my synopsis needed to be strong in details.

So now, I had a full, detailed proposal to write with historical notes ASAP, a novel I needed to finish writing, and audio chapters to listen to and give feedback on. Bouncing between two different eras isn’t easy and to keeping things straight. With God grace, I got the proposal written and submitted, the audio chapters checked, as well as completing my contracted novel, which I managed to turn in on time. Barely.

Since the publisher seemed very interested in my WWII premise and I had book 5 in my Quilting Circle series to get started on soon, I needed to pick up the pace on my writing. With the idea still fresh in my head and the WWII novel would be due first (if contracted), I decided to use NaNoWriMo in November to write a 50,000 word rough draft of Mrs. Witherspoon Goes To War, which would eventually be around 80,000.

As November progressed and my word count grew, I fell more and more in love with my characters in Mrs. Witherspoon Goes To War. I obviously received and signed a contract. I continued to enjoy my characters as I finished writing and editing this novel.

I would have to say that Mrs. Witherspoon Goes To Waris in my top five of the books I have written. My prayer is that this story ministers to others as it did to me as I wrote it.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 24

An Author’s Take, February 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 25

Labor Not in Vain, February 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 25

Texas Book-aholic, February 26

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 26

Inklings and notions, February 27

Bizwings Blog, February 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 28

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 28

For Him and My Family, February 28

Sodbuster Living, March 1

deb’s Book Review, March 1

She Lives to Read, March 2

Remembrancy, March 2

Betti Mace, March 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 3

Older & Smarter?, March 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 4

Blossoms and Blessings, March 4

Rebecca Tews, March 5

Connie’s History Classroom, March 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 6 (Spotlight)

Through the Fire Blogs, March 6

Pause for Tales, March 6

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 7

Genesis 5020, March 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 8

Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b059/mrs-witherspoon-goes-to-war-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

"No Turning Back" by Kate Vorreiter Autobook Book Tour and Give Away

No Turning Back

About the Book

Book: No Turning Back

Author: Katie Vorreiter

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Suspense

Release date: February 26, 2021

NTB audiobook cover Chronic panic attacks have stolen Livvy Fischer’s classically trained soprano voice and derailed her life. Due partly to a mix-up, partly to her crush on Pastor Lucas, Livvy joins a worship team bound for the chapel at San Quentin. But when a full-scale riot breaks out, she is separated from Lucas and the rest of her group. Survival becomes this songbird’s sole focus.

Snatched from the chapel by an inmate, Livvy doesn’t know who to trust. Tobin says he’s protecting her, but she’s been blindsided before. She struggles to put her trust in God, while all too aware that free will can wreak horrible consequences. Tobin wants her to hide and ride out the prison storm, but Livvy becomes the obsession of another inmate who is a serial killer. Will God protect her? Will Tobin?

It’s one thing if Tobin is turning his life around behind bars. It’s quite another to fall for him.

Click here to get your copy!

"No Turning Back" by Katie Vorreiter is a book that I really liked, but at the same time I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it.

This book is a book that could be true and probably has been mostly true before. I say this because the book is about a team of volunteers going into a prison to sing for the inmates and play baseball. While there Livvy Fischer is kidnapped by a serial killer during a prison riot.

This book has a few violent scenes like when a prisoner bites Livvy's ear and she is stabbed. Even with these scenes I still strongly recommend the book.

I like the faith element to this story and that a pastor is involved in a love triangle, but don't that that statement make you think this story isn't a clean read because it is. The love story part is just a slight twist since it involved a pastor. I really didn't see the book ending the way it did, but I loved the ending. This book shows that God can and does use people when they give Him the chance. This book does not happy ever after for some of the characters, which I believe is why the book is so good and so "real life".

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

About the Author

headshot 2 Writing for the wireless and caffeinated, award-winning author Katie Vorreitermakes her home in the San Francisco Bay Area. She writes suspense because she enjoys exploring what real people do in life-changing situations. Married, with two kids who are actually now young adults, she frequently talks aloud to her impossibly adorable cockapoo.

About the Narrator

christaheadshot Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorboauditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 23

Inklings and notions, February 24

Texas Book-aholic, February 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 26

For Him and My Family, February 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 1

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 2 (Spotlight)

Mary Hake, March 2

An Author’s Take, March 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 4

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 5

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 6

Blogging With Carol, March 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book in the winner’s preferred format!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b058/no-turning-back-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

"Everything" by L.M. Karen Book Tour and GiveAway

Everything

About the Book

Book: Everything

Author: L.M. Karen

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: November 5, 2021

Everything Cover A sweet second chance romance of healing as two childhood friends find their way back to each other.

Alison and Grady met in kindergarten and quickly became inseparable. They grew up together as best friends until a series of misunderstandings drove them apart just as they graduated high school. Ten years later, a chance meeting throws Alison and Grady together again. It might take him a minute, but Grady discovers he still knows Alison like the back of his hand.

As Grady and Alison reconnect they find the second chance at love they always wanted and the healing they never knew they needed.

This is the third and last book in the Oak Street Series Trilogy. Each book can be read separately as standalone books but are better when read together.

Click here to get your copy!

I really love and understand this passage in the book “Everything: Oak Street Series Book Three” by L.M Karen.

"I wish we could have those ten years back,” she whispers. I do too, but we can’t. Mistakes were made. Decisions final. Time doesn’t stop and you can’t get it back. You have to continue with what you have. I have recently learned that healing is not becoming whole again. It is growing into something stronger. Frequently in medicine and in emotional and mental health, healing isn’t perfect. It is certainly not easy, and most often there are scars left behind as proof of the pain. Healing often teaches you more about yourself and what you can endure, and it’s possible that is the purpose. It’s possible that sometimes things cause us such physical and emotional pain in order for us to heal. So that despite everything, we overcome. The human mind and body are resilient that way.”

This is the third book in the series and I recommend reading them in order because characters from the other books are mentioned. I think a reader could enjoyed this book even if they didn't read the other two. This book is my favorite of the series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

LM Karenwrites contemporary Christian fiction romance. As a longtime lover of words, she can generally be found behind her laptop or with a book in her hand. A graduate of Toccoa Falls College, her heart is in the mountains. She eventually made use of the voices in her head by putting them on the page.

Read an Excerpt from the Book

I take a deep breath before venturing back out to the popular establishment from the restroom, then begin to edge past the crowd back to the front where my date agreed to meet me before proceeding to a table for dinner. I haven’t gotten many steps before I hear a high-pitched squeal calling my name.

“Alison! Alison McKay!”

My shoulders tense. I would recognize that voice anywhere. I turn and find a beautiful brunette with glowing green eyes bouncing toward me.

“I just knew that was you!” she cries, scooping me into a huge hug.

Although at least eight years younger than me, Lily Knight towers over me. The last time I saw her was my high school graduation day. She was only around ten at that time but already my height. It’s been ten years since then, and she’s grown into a beautiful young woman. My heart aches unexpectedly, and I am shocked to find myself glad to see her.

“Lily, it is good to see you,” I say sincerely when she lets me go.

She squeals exuberantly, “Gosh, Alison, you haven’t changed a bit. Still so beautiful. How are you? Why did you stop coming around? We all miss you so much.” Lily hugs me again and, without allowing me to answer any of her questions, keeps talking. “Ohmigosh!” She pulls away from me and takes my arm excitedly. “Grady is going to die when he sees you!” she exclaims, pulling me toward the opposite corner of the bar from where I had previously been sitting.

My feet and my heart concurrently and instantaneously stop, and I pull my hand away from Lily’s. Of all possible scenarios, likely and unlikely, I would have placed seeing Grady Knight tonight as the single most unlikely thing to happen, only short of actually enjoying my date tonight. I am not prepared. The thought of facing Grady Knight, the only man I’ve ever loved, and therefore the only one to have shattered my heart, tonight? On monthly date night? When I have likely been spontaneously canceled on and left alone in a pretentious fusion restaurant? I shake my head in horror and back away. I feel conclusive in stating there is nothing more abhorrent that could happen.

Lily turns and blinks at me in surprise at my abrupt stop. “He’s this way, Alison. He’ll definitely want to see you,” she says with a worried frown “Are you okay? You look pale…well, even more pale than you usually are. Not that you’re normally pale, you just have a naturally alabaster complexion.” She adds the last with an envious smile.

“I…I am sorry, I have to go,” I stutter and turn quickly toward the door, making a run for it before Grady sees me, or I see him.

“Alison McKay,” a friendly voice calls appreciatively through the crowd. My actions freeze. I inhale a panicked breath as my heartbeat thunders at what I’m sure is an unhealthy speed due to the adrenaline and norepinephrine flooding my system. I force myself to turn around.

The crowd easily parts for Grady as he makes his way to me. He is below average height for a Caucasian American male yet he has a presence people notice. The last time I saw him was our high school graduation day. His light brown hair is the same, but instead of it being shaggy and long, it’s neatly cut and combed. The freckles on his face have lightened but his eyes are the same warm brown. His face is more chiseled, I notice. In truth, all of him appears to be more sculpted than the last time I saw him.

Deep breath. I can do this. “Hello, Grady.” I’m pleased my voice is even despite my insides quaking violently.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 22

Texas Book-aholic, February 23

Wishful Endings, February 23

Genesis 5020, February 24

Inklings and notions, February 25

For Him and My Family, February 26

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 27

deb’s Book Review, February 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 2

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 3 (Spotlight)

Living’ Lit, March 3

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 4

She Lives to Read, March 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, L.M. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1ab34/everything-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, February 21, 2022

"Her Guarded Heart" by Author: Sharlene MacLaren Book Tour and GiveAway

Her Guarded heart

About the Book

Book: Her Guarded Heart

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: FICTION / Christian/Romance/Historical

Release date: February 1, 2022

9781641237994 (1) At age twenty-one, Anna Hansen has had more than her share of hardship. Her mother died when she was eleven and her father just passed away under mysterious circumstances, leaving her to care for her ten-year-old brother, Billy Ray. She struggles to hang onto the family farm but it’s facing foreclosure and things are looking grim.

Next door, Jesse Fuller’s drive, work ethic, and skill ensure that his family’s farm is a growing success. His brothers think he should marry Anna to help out her and her kid brother…while also enabling the Fullers to expand their operation. But Jesse has never had romantic feelings for Anna and the idea doesn’t appeal to him.

In the meantime, Horace Blackthorn is hell-bent on acquiring the Hansen farm for reasons of his own. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get it—lie, cheat, steal…even murder.

Click here to get your copy!

"Her Guarded Heart" by Author: Sharlene MacLaren is a great read! It is a story about betrayal and faith and love. I had to keep reading this novel because I had to see how it all end up. I am glad I took the time to read this book, yes it dealt with death and murder but it was such an inspirational read.
This is the third book in the series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone but it does mention a few characters from the other two books. This is a "Rags to Riches" story.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

About the Author

Sharlene_McLaren_WhitakerHouse3 (1) Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLarenattended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree in 1971, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. Afterward, she returned to her teaching job, then in 1975, she reunited with her childhood sweetheart, and they married that very December. They have raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, Shar loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!

Shar has always enjoyed writing, and her high school classmates eagerly read and passed around her short stories. In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, so in 2006, she signed a contract with Whitaker House for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her professional writing career. With almost two dozen published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, Shar gives God all the glory.

Shar’s novels have won numerous awards. Most recently, Their Daring Heartswas named a 2018 Top Pick by Romantic Times, and A Love to Beholdwas voted “Book of the Year” in 2019 by Interviews & Reviews. The two prior books in Shar’s Hearts of Honor series, centered on the Fuller brothers, include Her Rebel Heartand Her Steadfast Heart.

Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and has participated in several interviews on television and radio. She loves to speak for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. Shar and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Connie’s History Classroom, February 23

For Him and My Family, February 24

Fiction Book Lover, February 25 (Spotlight)

deb’s Book Review, February 25

Inklings and notions, February 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 27

Artistic Nobody, February 28 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 1

Texas Book-aholic, March 2

Bizwings Blog, March 3

Simple Harvest Reads, March 4 (Spotlight)

Britt Reads Fiction, March 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharlene is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1ab32/her-guarded-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, February 20, 2022

"Glimpses of God: A Spring Devotional for Women" by Authors: Harriet E. Michael & Shirley Crowder Book Tour & GiveAway

Glimpses of God

About the Book

Book: Glimpses of God: A Spring Devotional for Women

Authors: Harriet E. Michael & Shirley Crowder

Genre: Non-fiction, Christian Living, Devotional

Release date: March 10, 2021

0 spring front Creator God made the world in which we live. He placed the moon and stars in the sky, the rivers and ocean on the earth. He also created seasons throughout the year. Each season is defined by specific features and attributes that are common, although the degree varies depending on where one lives. In winter we think of cold weather. In spring, blooming flowers take center stage. In the summer, we enjoy warm weather, and in the autumn, beautifully colored leaves.

As Christ-followers we also experience spiritual seasons. In the same way that nature’s seasons serve a purpose on earth, so do the seasons in our spiritual lives. God provides, cares for, and sustains the earth, and in His faithfulness, He does the same for us.

This devotional is focused on spring—both calendar and spiritual. During our spiritual springs, we catch a glimpse of the new life we have in Jesus Christ and the renewed life that He gives us.

Enjoy a season of rebirth, thirteen weeks of inspiration, full of God’s great love for us.

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"Glimpses of God: A Spring Devotional for Women" by Authors: Harriet E. Michael & Shirley Crowder has thirteen weeks of devotionals, with five days each week, focusing on the season of Spring and Palm Sunday and Easter and spring cleaning. I like that the authors shared stories from their own lives as well as sharing lots of hymns and what the verses mean. I haven't heard some of the songs and I am going to see if I can listen to them on the computer. There are questions and prayers at the end of each day. This is a book to keep and read over and over as well as the other books in this series.

I received a complementary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
About the Authors

Shirley Crowderwas born in a mission guest house under the shade of a mango tree in Nigeria, West Africa, where her parents served as missionaries. She and co-author Harriet E. Michael grew up together on the mission field and have been life-long friends. Shirley is passionate about disciple-making, which is manifested in and through a myriad of ministry opportunities: biblical counseling, teaching Bible studies, writing, and music.

She is a biblical counselor and is commissioned by and serves on the national Advisory Team for The Addiction Connection. Several of her articles have appeared in “Paper Pulpit” in the Faith section of The Gadsden Times, and in a David C. Cook publication. She also writes articles for Life Bible Study, Woman’s Missionary Union, and TheAddictionConnection.org. She has authored, co-authored, or contributed to ten books.

Shirley has spiritual children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren serving the Lord in various ministry and secular positions throughout the world.

Harriet E. Michaelwas born in Joinkrama, Nigeria, deep in the African jungle in the Niger River Delta, where her father served as the only missionary doctor at that station. A few years later, the mission moved the family to a larger hospital in Ogbomoso. Co-author Shirley Crowder and her family lived right across the dirt road. The two children became constant playmates. Today they continue to enjoy their lifelong friendship.

Harriet is a multi-published, award-winning writer, and speaker. She has authored or co-authored eight books (seven nonfiction and one novel), with more under contract for future release. She is also a prolific freelance writer, having penned over 200 articles, devotions, and stories. Her work has appeared in publications by Focus on the Family, David C. Cook, Lifeway, Standard Publishing, Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Upper Room, Judson Press, Bethany House, and more. When not writing, she loves speaking to women’s groups and teaching writing workshops on freelance, devotional, and memoir writing.

She and her husband of over 40 years have four children and three grandchildren. When not writing, she enjoys substituting at a Christian school near her home, gardening, cooking, and traveling.

More from the Shirley and Harriet

From time-to-time someone will comment on how difficult it must be to co-write with someone.

Guess what? It isn’t!

Including the books Harriet and Shirley have written together, both have collaborated with others to write books..

The most important thing in co-writing, after both of you being Christ-followers, is to share very similar theological beliefs and understanding. If these are too dissimilar, the final manuscript will be choppy and inconsistent in presentation of biblical truth throughout the book.

Practically speaking, there are a few things that help make the co-writing process work well.

Pray for each other.
Agree in advance who will write what portions.
Leave your pride behind.
Have the person with the most expertise in Word compile, make changes in, and maintain the combined document.
Be sure to turn on “tracking” so it is easy to see what edits the other person made.
Defend/explain why you think something you wrote should not be changed.
Explain why you think something the other person wrote should be changed.
Flexibility—be prepared for rewrites, edits, and delays.

As you work together, you read and edit each other’s work. The changes you each make in the other person’s writing will help give the book a more consistent writing style and presentation.

Finally, while there are portions of this process that can be tedious, like galley corrections, it is fun to work with another person. And, when you get stuck, they can help make suggestions that jump start your thought processes and make completing the piece easier.