Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Figs in Bloom by Bobbi Gentry Goodwin

About the Book

Book: Figs in Bloom

Author: Bobi Gentry Goodwin

Genre: Bible Study Curriculum for Girls Small Group Leaders/Parents

Release Date: June, 2023

The Bible is rich with families, communities, songs, poems, principles, and power. It allows the reader to learn of God and His ultimate plan for His people through the coming of Jesus Christ. Stories of heroism, courage, perseverance, and pain fill its pages and are often displayed through the lives of Biblical characters.

The FIGS in Bloom Bible Study and Group Curriculum seeks to foster independence, growth, and spirituality in God’s precious girls by highlighting Bible personalities. FIGS is comprised of twelve lessons complete with Bible study, teacher tactics, scripture memorization, group games, journal writing prompts, and more. Biblical stories of hope, uniqueness, sacrifice, and love seek to encourage each student to blossom and take God with them as they learn to navigate the twists and turns of life.

Click here to get your copy!

This is a book that helps someone have devotions for young girls offering hope and encouragement and how to memorize Scripture. The first part tells hows to have the group with games and journals entries and the second part is Bible scripture to read and questions to discuss. If you want to lead a group of girls this book would be a great tool.

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

About the Author

Bobi Gentry Goodwin is a native San Franciscan. The Bay Area was where she first discovered her love for people and their stories. She has held a passion for writing since early childhood and as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, her mission field has been working with women and children. Bobi is a spiritual growth enthusiast that writes inspirational fiction, Bible Studies, and blog articles. She has been a contributing writer to Chicken Soup for the Soul and her story “Gentrified” was featured in the anthology Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis. She is a wife, mother of two, licensed minister, and an avid member of her local church. She hosts the Finding Forever Podcast and in her free time enjoys dancing, walking, and spending time with her fur baby.

More from Bobi

Parenting a teenager is hard work! Finding ways to communicate with a teen can feel like finding a safe place to step into a field of landmines. One wrong word, one wrong look, and one wrong directive can lead to a literal explosion. With so much on their minds as they navigate hormones, social groupings, social media, and academics. How can parents find the space to sit them down and share the Word of God?

As a parent of two teenage daughters, many times I felt stumped. I couldn’t even get my words to move them, let alone God’s. But I knew His Word was exactly what they needed. What He says about them is much more valuable than anything I could offer, and that is how FIGS was birthed. FIGS in BLOOM is a Bible study guide centered around a social group approach to learning God’s Word in a non-threatening way. It is centered on a socialization approach that invites kids into a community grounded in food, fun, and fellowship.

FIGS served as a template to pull my teenage girls close while so many things sought to pull them apart. Hosting meetings in my home surrounded by my teenage girl and her friends allowed deep seeds to be planted in me and them. I learned, they learned. I laughed, and they laughed. I prayed, and they prayed. And I am certain that in the end, God got all the Glory!

Blog Stops

Splashes of Joy, November 17 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 18

Blossoms and Blessings, November 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 19

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Artistic Nobody, November 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22

Back Porch Reads, November 23 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 25 (Author Interview)

amandainpa, November 25

Cover Lover Book Review, November 26

Guild Master, November 27 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 28

A Reader’s Brain , November 29 (Author Interview)

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, November 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Bobi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Figs in Bloom!!

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/28eee/figs-in-bloom-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, November 20, 2023

Hearts Of Gold by Grace Hitchcock

About the Book

Book: Hearts of Gold

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: August 14, 2023

The Bridal Shop

Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time. When her best friend requests Alice to be her maid of honor, she reluctantly sets aside her feelings on marriage and dons a stylish bridesmaid’s gown, never intending to catch the eye of the handsome groomsman. Will he be able to convince Alice to open her heart again?

Miss Beaumont’s Companion

When Italian lady’s companion Aria St. Angelo is coerced into posing as her political employer’s absent daughter for the evening at the Louisiana Governor’s masquerade ball, she wasn’t planning on falling for Byron Roderick—the most eligible bachelor in the capitol. But, when he pays call at the Beaumont’s home, Aria is quickly shuffled into the shadows once more, forced to watch him fall in love with another woman.

The Becoming of Miss Blanche

Content to remain a Harvey Girl forever, fiery Tacy Blanche has worked in nearly every Harvey House down the Santa Fe line. But, when she accepts the position of second waitress at the new Montezuma resort, Tacy isn’t expecting her former fiancé’s brother to return to her life—

Pinkerton Jasper Caffery had long abandoned hope of ever finding Tacy again, but while on holiday in New Mexico, Jasper collides with the woman who had never noticed him before. He decides to take his chances and attempt to woo her. However, when Tacy’s past catches up with her, more than Jasper’s heart is at stake.

Click here to get your copy!

This book is three stories in all. They are all clean romances. This all have a wedding and the couples are all in a different relationship at the beginning than the ending. I don’t think I like anyone better than the next. They were all enjoyable. I did laugh out loud at a scene in the first story when a gentleman had to go into a bridal shop because he ripped his pants when he bent over to pick up a ball. If you want a selection of 3 enjoyable reads by one author then I recommend this book.

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

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

More from Grace

Q: What do you love about writing historical fiction?

Grace: I absolutely love the research aspect. I love learning and discovering little known pieces of history. In that research, I love asking the great “what if” question and see where it takes me while still having to follow the guidelines set up for historical fiction.

I’m pretty certain every author started as an avid reader who dreamed of how they would change an ending or change who the heroine ended up with if they could write the book instead. (Anyone else think Theodore Laurence should have married Jo March?) It’s that ever-beautiful question of “what if” that has haunted some of my favorite stories and often drives my own stories to spark to life.

Q: Have you traveled to any places you’ve written about?

Grace: My books have been set in Chicago, many in New York, Newport, New Orleans, and Charleston, which I’ve been able to visit! My upcoming Regency Romance, To Catch a Coronet, is set in London, which I toured many years ago. After writing my Regency, I’ve added an overflowing number of places to visit in England, and even Scotland where my third book will be set.

Want to know which book is set where?

Hearts of Gold: Charleston, Baton Rouge, and New Mexico

The Finding of Miss Fairfield: Charleston and New Mexico

The Pursuit of Miss Parish: New Mexico

To Catch a Coronet: London

My Dear Miss Dupré: New York and Newport

Her Darling Mr. Day: New Orleans

His Delightful Lady Delia: New York

The Gray Chamber: New York

The White City: Chicago

Q: How do you incorporate faith into your storylines?

Grace: I always weave in a faith theme, or verse, into the story. My goal with this novella collection, Hearts of Gold, is to provide readers with clean entertainment while subtly pointing them to Christ. And as with all of my books, something that I am learning inevitably ends up in the story in some form or another. Even though it feels a bit vulnerable to put my personal lessons in a book, I think that it offers a level of genuineness that can bring life to the story and hope to the reader.

Q: What aspect of romance do you enjoy writing about?

Grace: Before I started writing for publication, I would be reading and get very aggravated if the heroine chose the wrong hero in my eyes and I would rewrite the ending in my head, or even set aside the book with only pages left so I didn’t mess up the ending I wanted. Writing a romance is so much fun because now I understand the “formula” if you will about the obstacles placed in the lover’s path and the beauty of when they finally are together.

Q: Please tell us about your most recent book.

Grace: To Catch a Coronet releases with Kregel Publications in May 2024! This Regency Romance has been so much fun to research and while it is a challenge to change eras from Gilded Age to Regency, I’ve loved finding new, unique ways to get my heroines into trouble that inevitably has them meeting their true hero!

About To Catch a Coronet:

London, 1813

Sometimes the only way to out stride scandal is to catch a crown big enough to silence it.

After breaking off two arranged engagements, country baker turned heiress Muriel Beau takes matters into her own hands and asks the visiting baron she loves to marry her in a very public proposal and is met with an emphatic rejection. With no other course but to flee Kent society, Muriel knows the only way out of this debacle is to out stride it by catching what every society matron dreams of obtaining—a coronet with a sumptuous title to match. And after a glittering reception in the courts of London, Muriel’s best laid plans might come true after all.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 18

DevotedToHope, November 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 20

Lakesidelivingsite, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23

Alena Mentink, November 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 24

Cover Lover Book Review, November 25

Hannahbandanarama, November 25

For Him and My Family, November 26

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 26

Back Porch Reads, November 27

Exploring the Written Word, November 27

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Holly’s Book Corner, November 29

Splashes of Joy, November 29

Pause for Tales, November 30

Connie’s History Classroom, December 1

Lights in a Dark World, December 1

Giveway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Copy of My Dear Miss Dupré, Her Darling Mr. Day, and His Delightful Lady Delia!!

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/28ef0/hearts-of-gold-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Revenge: The Winslows of Texas by Tamara G Cooper

About the Book

Book: Revenge: The Winslows of Texas

Author: Tamara. G. Cooper

Genre: Romantic Suspense (Christian)

Release Date: May 7, 2023

Aaron’s life shatters in the aftermath of his best friend’s sudden, bizarre death. He firmly believes her demise was no mere accident, as the authorities ruled, but a cold-blooded murder. Driven to the brink of despair by the relentless media shadowing his every move, accusing him of causing her death, he needs a place to hide. Salvation dawns in an unexpected inheritance — the dense, sprawling wilderness of his great aunt’s East Texas estate. There, he discovers another surprise: his first love recently moved back to the area. She intrigued him at fourteen; she completely captivates him at twenty-six.

The discovery of a woman’s body on his property is chillingly timed on the grim anniversary of his friend’s death, shaking Aaron to his core. He realizes the bloodthirsty killer has delivered a disturbingly personal message to him: You cannot hide from me. Suddenly, his secluded sanctuary is exposed, a beacon for the merciless media relentlessly searching for him. He fortifies his estate, transforming it into a fortress against what he understands now is an inevitable attack. The murderer’s tightening noose of fear threatens to ensnare him. Outsmarting this ruthless predator has become a deadly game of chess, where every move could be his last.

Click here to get your copy!

This book kept me turning the pages. It was a story about a guy blaming himself for his girlfriend’s death, she fell from a ledge on a hiking trip. This is a mystery as well as a second chance at love. This is a good story but it brought a few tears to me as I am too dealing with grief even though it has been 2 years. I have to admit that I was surprised when the quilty was revealed. I really loved the ending. This is a story that proves the saying that revenge is murder.

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

About the Author

Tamara G. Cooperis a Texas-based author who finds inspiration in the simple things in life: hiking, camping, fishing, and long walks with her family that end in a picnic. She lives in a small town in East Texas with her husband, her youngest of five sons, and four dogs. Tamara loves writing suspense/mystery stories with just a touch of romance.

More from Tamara

I’m an East Texan, through and through. You should hear me talk! There is no mistaking that I’m from Texas. So, one day, I was wondering: what would it be like if a New Yorker moved to East Texas? Better yet, let’s make him a billionaire New Yorker who wants nothing to do with “rednecks” but is forced to move to Texas. What would motivate him to move there, especially when he’s made it very clear that he wants nothing to do with Texas or Texans?

Running for his life would work. Suddenly, he needs a place to hide. The people after him know of his other homes and have them staked out. So, where could he go? His great-aunt Dottie dies and wills her 6,000-acre estate in East Texas to him. Perfect! It sets him up nicely where he doesn’t want to be. And to add icing to this Texas cake? His first love at fourteen recently moved back to the area where he’d met her on one of his family’s rare visits with Aunt Dottie.

But life doesn’t settle down for him. Of course, it doesn’t, right?

And that’s how this book came about. I love Aaron. Every day, I couldn’t wait to get back to him and his story. He has so much to give and doesn’t even know it. As one of the “walking wounded,” he’s going to discover what really matters in life, but it’s not going to be easy for him.

One thing that’s somewhat different about me as a writer is that I don’t outline my books. I sit at my computer and let the characters tell me their stories. Sounds a little weird, doesn’t it? But it works for me. They take me in all kinds of directions! When the first draft is finished, I consider it my “outline.” Now, the fun begins with editing!

I love writing. I love storytelling. “Revenge” is one of my favorite stories and, yes, I fell a little bit in love with Aaron. I hope you do, too.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 15

Book Looks by Lisa, November 16

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 17 (Author Interview)

The Lofty Pages, November 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18

Texas Book-aholic, November 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 21

Blogging With Carol, November 22

Cover Lover Book Review, November 23

For Him and My Family, November 24

Artistic Nobody, November 25 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, November 25

Pause for Tales, November 26

Because I said so, November 27

Lights in a Dark World, November 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tamara is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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/28eeb/revenge-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tour

Thursday, November 16, 2023

A Penny Saved by Terri Gillespie@ Cynthia L.Simmons

About the Book

Book: A Penny Saved

Authors: Terri Gillespie & Cynthia L. Simmons

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy & Mystery

Release Date: May 27, 2023

A Move, A Mess, A Mystery

Mason’s world turns upside down when he, his little sister, Olivia, and their mother move into their grandfather’s house.

Mason misses his cool friends. Unfortunately, R.B., the weird kid down the street, thinks he’s Mason’s new best friend.

Mason’s grandfather, a retired professor, stays in his office filled with musty, dusty books. Never realizing there’s a magical treasure hidden in plain sight. An 1860 Indian Head penny, named Penny, who is alive!

When Penny goes missing, Mason helps his grandfather look for her.

Will Mason find Penny and learn her secret?

Click here to get your copy!

This was a short read about a penny that has been saved by family members for many years. I think young readers who like chapter books will like this book. This penny tells her story along with Mason’s grandfather. There is also a little bit of forgiveness in the story.

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

About the Terri

Terri Gillespie is a multi-award award-winning author and speaker and YouTube personality. Terri lives with her hubby outside Atlanta. They have one adult daughter, who lives in Chicago with her husband and son. Terri was one of the managing editors of the bestselling Tree of Life Version of the Holy Scriptures.

More from Terri

My grandson, DJ, loves to read, but there is a lack of inspirational and clean books with Black protagonists. DJ loves fantasy and mysteries, and as his safta (grandmother), I wanted a book that gives even more, a sense of legacy with a theme of looking past the exterior to the value underneath.

When the strange, awkward R.B. offers to pray for Mason’s grandfather and then brings over his granny’s tuna casserole, Mason is touched and wonders if he has misjudged R.B.

After tasting this recipe, would you change your mind?

Widow Savier’s (R.B.’s granny) Tuna Casserole

2 (5 oz.) cans chunky-type tuna in water (drain well)

1 cup frozen peas

1⁄2 cup milk

3⁄4 cup butter-Ritz-like crackers, crushed or crushed potato chips (R.B. prefers the chips)

4 oz. (about 2-1⁄2 cups) thick egg noodles

1 can (10.75 oz.) cream of mushroom soup

1⁄4 tsp. garlic powder

Bit of butter (it is the south after all)

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cook noodles according to package instructions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking; drain in strainer.
While noodles are cooking, in a separate bowl, mix together soup, milk and garlic powder.
Stir in the noodles and peas, then add the tuna.
Transfer to a 1-1⁄2 quart lightly buttered casserole.
Bake 15 minutes; top with cracker crumbs OR CHIPS. Continue baking 5 – 10 minutes or until heated through.

Serves 4, so Widow Savier doubles the recipe for Mason’s family so they have leftovers.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 16

Stories By Gina, November 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Vicky Sluiter, November 21 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 22

A Reader’s Brain, November 23 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 24

Blogging With Carol, November 25

Blossoms and Blessings, November 26 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 26

For Him and My Family, November 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 28 (Author Interview)

Little Homeschool on the prairie, November 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, signed copy of A Penny Saved, and A Penny Saved Mug!!

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/28eed/a-penny-saved-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Unstick Your Mind:Shift Your Mindset, Develop Grit & Break Barriers by Mimika Cooney

About the Book

Book: Unstick Your Mind: Shift Your Mindset, Develop Grit & Break Barriers

Author: Mimika Cooney

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction, Mindset, Women’s Christian Living, Personal Growth

Release Date: May 8, 2023

Do you question why you have negative thoughts? Every problem in life starts with a thought. Often we get stuck in perpetual cycles of bad thought patterns that cause us to repeat behaviors, over and over again.

But what if there was another way? What if we could unlearn the limiting beliefs, thoughts and ingrained patterns we learnt from childhood? What if we could free our minds and become who ever we wanted to be?

The good news is that you are not stuck with the brain you have!

You may think its is a pipe dream, but the reality is based on the concept of neuroplasticity. The brain is an amazing organ that is always learning.

Mindset is changing the way you think. You CAN learn new ways, new habits, and new success driven behaviors to finally achieve your goals.

Read this book for dealing with anxiety, and if you want to get over stress and anxiety. Come with me on a journey of self discovery and unlock the power of your mind!

Discover what elite athletes, CEO’s and high achievers do to unlock their full potential. Once you learn how to shift your mindset and develop grit, you will be positioned to break through any barrier holding you back!

In this powerful book you will discover…

* How to recognize limiting beliefs that are holding you back.

* How to take control of runaway thoughts that derail you.

* How to reinvent your habits for better productivity.

* How to partner with God to unlock your true potential and purpose!

This anxiety book for Christians is designed to help you move past stuck to successful.

Are you ready to change your life by changing your mind?

Click here to get your copy!

I haven’t read the entire book yet! But I plan on finishing it asap. I also plan on rereading it. The book starts out by saying that it isn’t intended to take the place of a therapist or a doctor. Most chapters end with questions to ask yourself and has suggestions on how to change your mindset. It has Biblical Scripture and quotes from Christian psychologists and other famous figures.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit. and these opinions are my own. I will update this review as soon as I finish the book. I haven’t finished the book as yet because of illness and it is the 2nd Anniversary of my son’s death so my concentration is not where it needs to be to read and understand the rich material that is presented in this book.

About the Author

Mimika Cooney is a leading faith-based Christian Mindset Author and Speaker known as the “Personal Trainer for your Mind”. She empowers Christians to rewire their brain by combining neuroscience, positive psychology, and a faith-based approach. She loves to empower purpose-driven individuals to transform their lives by shifting their mindset habits and patterns, as they pursue growth to achieve extraordinary results.

Mimika is the creator of the “Unstick Your Mind“ a mindset mastery method, a transformative program that equips Christians with the tools to achieve their breakthroughs. Mimika will teach you how to unstick your mind, develop emotional resilience, and unlock your true potential by becoming the boss of your brain!

More from Mimika

Unstick Your Mind was written from a place of deep pain and frustration. Having experienced anxiety, depression and disillusionment for years, I searched for sound biblical advice to help me get out of my mental rut. What I discovered was a lack of useful content that could help turn my compass toward Christ on my journey to mental wellness. After throwing myself into the world of neuroscience, positive psychology and coaching; I emerged with a fresh perspective and a passionate voice to help fellow Christians navigate the amazing miracle of renewing our mind God’s way. The good news is that you CAN change the way you think and completely overhaul your thinking when you focus on renewing your mind using biblical strategies and neuroscience.