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January 30, 2023

Kaitlyn Daniels – Main Character Monday

Kaitlyn Daniels Main Character Monday Welcome to Main Character Monday where today’s guest is Kaitlyn Daniels from Romance at Register Five by Amy R. Anguish. Romance at Register Five and Kaitlyn are from a new novella collection, Love Delivered, releasing on February 14th. It’s available for preorder now, and I’ll include that link after we chat with Kaitlyn.

Good morning, Kaitlyn. Let’s start off with the basics. Tell me a little about yourself?

Well, I’m not that interesting, really. I’m Kaitlyn. Normally I am teaching elementary school, but I moved during the school year, so I’m supplementing my mom’s income right now by subbing and working for the Grocerease app. Just your normal, average girl.

I don’t know about that. I think it takes a special kind of person to commit to teaching the next generations. You say you’re average, but I know there’s got to be something that grabs your attention. Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising?

It’s my “fault” Grocerease is even available in this sleepy little town. You see, I worked for the app while I was in college, so I knew what a great asset it can be. When my Mom’s MS kept flaring up, I saw a need for her to have access to groceries being delivered. So, I started the petition. And I’m not one bit sorry about it either.

I’m sure there are many in your town that are thrilled their need caught your attention through your mom’s struggle. There are so many out there who do find it difficult to take care of the necessities due to physical limitations. If you could solve one world problem, which one would you solve?

Uncurable diseases like MS and autism. Well, I guess autism isn’t exactly a disease, but you get my point. Health problems that render people unable to go out and do everything they want to do. Definitely.

I figured that might be your answer. It’s touched your life, and that brings it to life in your life. The New Testament tells of Mary and Martha. Two sisters who react to a visit from Jesus in very different ways. Mary chooses to spend time with Him, while Martha chooses to take care of the physical needs. Are you more Mary or Martha?

Ugh. Probably more of a Martha. I’m definitely a fixer and doer. It works well for me most of the time, but not always.

Nothing wrong with being a Martha. As long as we keep our relationship with God growing, He also wants it to be active in the world around us. That’s a Martha. ”Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27 – Do you think living out this verse would make a difference in your life? How?

Like I said above, I try to do things like this already. I love grabbing Grocerease orders for several families who I know are struggling and needing extra help. They might not be orphans or widows, but I think they rank similarly.

I believe you’re right. We can get too tied up in the specific wording and miss God’s points here. Is there a verse of scripture that holds great meaning in your life?

One that’s struck me recently is the one in Matthew where Jesus says, “If you did it to the least of these, you did it to me.” Sort of feel like I’m working on a theme here. Where is that? Matthew 25, starting around verse 34 and going through basically the end of the chapter. When we serve others, we’re basically serving Jesus. I love that thought.

Having a theme just means you’ve got focus. There are some of us that could use a dose of that in our own lives! If you could leave readers with one message, what would it be?

Even though life might not look exactly like you imagined, it doesn’t mean it can’t be amazing. It’s up to you what you make of it. And you don’t have to keep things the way they always have been just because they’ve always been that way, either. Ahem.

Sounds like your views on being open to change may come from personal experience. I have a feeling readers are going to be able to learn more about that in Romance at Register Five. So, we won’t include any spoilers here. Instead, let’s enjoy a few lighthearted questions. If you could buy one thing, without worrying about the cost, what would you buy?

A new car. Don’t get me wrong. I love my little hatchback, but I’d love something slightly bigger. Sometimes, I have to cram those grocery orders in the back!

Speaking of groceries. What is one thing that is always on your grocery shopping list?

Ooh. Hm. I almost always pick up a chocolate bar for myself. Not a cheap one, but one of the creamy, melty ones. Bonus if it has nuts. They’re never actually on my list, but they always end up in my cart. Gotta get through those days of subbing somehow.

I can relate to that. Well, not the subbing part, but the creamy, melty chocolate part. How about giving us a few more of your preferences with some rapid fire questions.

Apples or Pears? Pears

Indoors or Outside? Outside

Reading or Writing? Reading

And one final question I love to leave guests with, Kaitlyn, if you had only three words to describe Amy R. Anguish, what would they be?

Sneaky, Insightful, Creative

Thank you Kaitlyn for joining us today. Readers, keep reading to find out more about Romance at Register Five and Kaitlyn Daniels on this Main Character Monday.

January 25, 2023

No Comparison – Wednesday in the Word

Title: No Comparison There’s no comparison. Everyday chocolate bars do not come close to the flavor and texture of the more expensive choices now readily available on the grocery store shelves. In fact, I will go on record saying I believe the only acceptable use of the everyday chocolate bars is for making s’mores. Mixed with graham crackers and a melting marshmallow, the less expensive chocolate bars suffice.

Yes, I’m a chocolate snob. Candy bars are one thing. They can be made with the lower quality chocolate because they’re a CANDY bar. It’s not about the chocolate. But if I’m eating chocolate, it’s going to be the good stuff. Even the off-brand good stuff is better than the everyday stuff.

When my boys were growing up, I got them the good stuff once. My oldest son maintained there was no difference in quality between the two types of chocolate. Needless to say, I didn’t buy him the good stuff anymore. If he didn’t recognize the difference, there was no need to spend extra. My middle son, however, immediately commented on the difference. I don’t buy him cheap chocolate. (Please understand, my oldest was not penalized. He preferred other candies anyway, and I bought him those instead. He did not miss out.)

Once I had a taste for the good stuff, I couldn’t enjoy cheap chocolate any longer. It tasted flat and grainy. There was no smoothness, and the flavor just didn’t match up. It wasn’t as bad as eating chocolate flavored candy (yuck!), but it didn’t bring the pleasure chocolate should bring.

As I read through Philippians chapter three today, I couldn’t help thinking about my chocolate preferences.

The main idea of the chapter can be found in verses seven through eleven. “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

The first two verses, the beginning to “that I may gain Christ”, sums up the idea. What I once held as important, I know think as lowly as garbage compared to knowing Jesus. Nothing else even comes close. There is nothing earthly I can chase that is even a close facsimile of what it is to know Jesus.

Knowing Jesus. And it’s not simply knowing about Him. It’s not even simply accepting Him as my savior. It’s having my life conformed to His. Knowing Him intimately. That includes trusting that the power that raised Him from the dead lives in me, being knit together with Him through shared sufferings, and dying to self and sin as completely as He physically died on the cross.

I can remember the last time I had cheap chocolate. It was Christmas. I took one bite, and I gave the rest to my husband. There was no comparison, and I wasn’t going to pretend there was. Before that, it’d been years since I even tried to eat it. The best is so much better. Why would I give in to a cheap counterfeit?

Spiritually, I’ve had the best too. There is nothing on this earth that I can chase to even come close to an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus. Without a doubt, I know this is true. I’ve experienced it.

But still I struggle. I allow other things to steal my attention from spending time with God.

“I’ll do this now, and I’ll have my quiet time later.”

Only at the end of the day, later is conspicuously absent. Sure, I’ve prayed through the day. Maybe even praised. But I missed another opportunity to sit down with God and really listen to what He has to say to me, to draw closer to Him. To know Him more.

Trials come my way, and instead of looking to Jesus and taking strength and comfort knowing He’s going to grow me in faith through the fire, I balk. I struggle and cry out against the thing Jesus can use to help me understand Him better and make my reflection look a little more like His. Not that we ever enjoy facing those things. It’s okay to hurt. Wanting it to pass quickly is not wrong. But there are times I focus on me and the pain so much that I forget to keep my eyes on Him.

The cheap counterfeit calls to me from every direction, telling me I need to chase this one thing, and I follow like I’m chasing the best. In my heart, I know it’s not. Not even close. But I pursue the things self desires for comfort, security, and confirmation of who I am and my worth instead of holding on to the truth that those things come from God alone. And every time I do, I allow self to live just a little bit longer.

I want to want Philippians 3 to define my life. I pray that God continues His work in me to bring me to that place. That one day, the imitation will be more unappealing than cheap chocolate and only Jesus, the best of the best, will do. After all, there is no comparison. What about you?

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Published on January 25, 2023 09:07

January 11, 2023

Window of Opportunity: Wednesday in the Word

Sometimes God gives us a window of opportunity, and we can choose to take it or let it close. We know God’s plan for us is best, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy or without a certain level of trepidation. Understanding this, our human nature can kick in, discouraging us from living God’s best for our lives.

There are some of these choices so accepted by society that we shove our doubts aside and march forward. My son and daughter-in-law are experiencing one of those life changes right now. They’ve wanted to start a family, and just this week, their first child was born. It’s an exciting time, but even though my children are all adults, I can remember the doubts that hit as soon as that little one came along.

What do I do in this specific situation (first major fever or accident, colicky nights, etc) is joined by what if I do something wrong? What if I mess this child up? I find great peace knowing that if I’m seeking to raise my child the way God would have me to, I can’t mess them up beyond God’s ability to redeem the situation. I’d rather not make the mess in the first place, but God will guide me through even the muck of my own making.

Other opportunities feel like we’re entering brand new territory without a safety net. We don’t know how we will ever navigate this unfamiliar place with all its demands. I’ve had several of those times in the last year and a few that are still racing toward me at speeds I’m uncomfortable with.

My husband and I are pastoring a different church. It was a difficult move in some respects. It was like coming home in others. What causes a moment of trepidation? Each church comes complete with their own expectations for a pastor’s wife. I am who I am. Would that be acceptable? I’m still finding my footing on that one.

I joined my friend, Linda Goldfarb, in hosting a faith-based podcast this year. Staying Real About Faith and Family is a weekly podcast. That means this introvert has to extrovert every week. I believe we are doing what God would have us do in the podcast, but that doesn’t mean putting my socially awkward self out there for everyone to hear each week is comfortable. Teaching and speaking are one thing. Those create a defined box for me to work inside. I love taking those opportunities and wish I had more. But a podcast is more like a conversation. It can go anywhere. And I have to be along for the ride.

Even in my writing, God has asked me to move from my comfort zone, if only for a moment. This week, Window of Opportunity, released. It’s my first full-length novel released without a launch party/book signing. I couldn’t plan one due to my daughter-in-law’s due date. Other issues kept me from putting my usual launch team in place, though a few joined me for a quick one week launch team (big thanks to them!). Even release day had its hiccups. Between the new baby and a medical issue I had to help a family member deal with, I couldn’t post like I’d planned.

And release events weren’t the only deviation from my typical publishing path. The book itself was an exercise in taking the less traveled path. I’m a Contemporary Christian Romance author. I’m not a student of history. (I like the stories, but class was always off-putting. Memorize names and dates and places. Those aren’t stories, and I don’t find them interesting.) So, when God used a group of writing friends to open a window to writing a historical Christian romance, I had a choice.

Like Peter, I could step out of the boat onto unknown waves. Like Isaiah, I could say, “‘Here am I. Send me!”. Or I could say no.

Choosing to open this window of opportunity wide, I embraced it. I learned a lot crafting Evangeline and Brendan’s story. Facts about life in the 1920s, the people and events that make up my local history of the time, and page upon page of 1920s lingo all went into the story. As a writer, I learned how much research goes into a historical novel to give it the feel of the time. I learned that I can stretch beyond what comes naturally to me. And I learned when I listen to God’s prompting, He can grow me as a Christian, a person, and an author, all through the story He gifts me with.

Maybe next time a window of opportunity opens I won’t be so hesitant to say, “Here am I. Send me!”

A little more about Window of Opportunity:

Window of Opportunity Cover Faith and duty drive Evangeline Moore to protect her father’s pristine image as a judge in Harrisburg, Illinois. Her resolve’s biggest test? Dot, her childhood friend. With Evangeline beside her, Dot’s desire for the Roaring Twenties’ glitz and glamor leads the pair into questionable situations.

Born into a Chicago mob family, Brendan Dunne understands duty, but faith puts him at odds with his father’s demands. Even when his brother James’s propensity for trouble lands them in Harrisburg, the truth is undeniable. To their father, the lines he won’t cross mean Brendan will never measure up.

When circumstances push Brendan and Evangeline together, unexpected events create opportunity to break free of family expectations. Will they be brave enough to forge their own path before the window closes on their chance to change?

Purchase your copy here: https://scrivenings.link/windowofopportunity

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Published on January 11, 2023 09:29

December 19, 2022

Main Character Monday: Bree Henley

Main Character Interview Bree Henley Today on Main Character Monday interview, we welcome Bree Henley. Bree is one of a trio of friends from the Roadtrip Romance series by Amy R. Anguish. Bree’s story can be found in the second book, Roadtrip for Two, newly released by Scrivenings Press. We’re glad to have time with Bree today. And now, we’re going to jump right in.

From what I’ve heard, you and your friends love to take road-trips. Is there a destination that stands out as a favorite?

Oh man, that’s actually a hard question because we’ve taken quite a few trips over the last few years. I’m going to go with Boston. My friend Katie absorbed the history and Skye found all the fun shops to visit. And the food was amazing!

Sounds like you enjoyed a bit of everything. I’ve never been to Boston. I’ll have to check it out sometime. Have you always taken trips in the summer or are you an equal opportunity traveler?

Definitely equal opportunity. We did a few trips over spring break and fall break too. It was just easier in the summer since we were in school. And now I’m going to be a teacher, so I’ll still have that time off.

Makes perfect sense. Do you have a favorite travel tip for our readers?

When packing for a cruise, plan for the worst. And by worst, I mean not taking the cruise. While on a ship you might not need more than sandals, trapped on land, you’re probably going to want better walking shoes. And maybe an umbrella.

Sounds like there’s a story behind that tip. Maybe it’s your story? We’ll let our readers go check that out for themselves. We’ll keep going. Abraham, Paul, and Jacob were all travelers in scripture. Is there one of those whose story you enjoy most?

Neat question! I think I’m going to go with Paul because he went so many places. Abraham and Jacob just went back and forth. Think of all his adventures! Though I could do without the beatings or the snake.

I think it’s a safe bet most of us could do without those experiences! Many of the New Testament apostles traveled on their missionary journeys. Have you ever gone on a mission trip?

I actually went on one sophomore year. Nathan talked me into it. We went up to Canada for a week and put on a VBS and gospel meeting. And got to see Niagara Falls too.

It’s always good when you get to see some of the areas where you serve. Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 139:16 tell us God has a purpose and plans for our lives. Are you a planner? Have you ever had your plans changed in unexpected ways? How did you cope with that?

I’m not a planner as much as my friend Katie, but more than my friend Skye. In other words, I make more like goals, but don’t map out every step to get there. For instance, this summer I’m working on finding a full-time job, but in the meantime, I’m earning money other ways just in case. I think the only thing I’ve really planned out in detail was my wedding.

We spoke briefly of Jacob earlier. His trip back home wasn’t easy because he knew he was going to have to face his big brother and they weren’t on the greatest of terms. How would you handle a situation like that?

Oh man. I’m not sure. For one thing, I’m the oldest child—my sister is a few years younger. I guess I’d sort of do what I did when I first ran into Nathan at the airport the other day—try and play it cool and not let him see my heart is broken because of our estranged relationship. Not easy.

I can imagine it wasn’t. And while I’m dying to dig deeper into that one, I’ll leave it alone for now. We don’t want to give to many spoilers. Everyone needs to read your story for themselves. So instead, I think we’ll finish up with one more question and then some fun, rapid-fire questions. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I mean, I could probably talk all day, but you don’t want to listen to me go on and on. I’m not THAT interesting. But I did find some fun spots in Dallas and I highly recommend spending a few days there. My favorite part was probably walking around looking at murals in Deep Ellum. I love those things.

I hope everyone does check out Dallas, even if it’s through reading your story in Roadtrip for Two instead of visiting the area in person. Now the rapid-fire questions.

Chocolate or strawberry? Strawberry

Morning or night? Night

Rain or shine? Shine

Ham or turkey? Turkey

Just for fun, i f you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Mind-reading. That would have solved so many problems between Nathan and me. We might not even have broken up!

If you could describe Amy Anguish in three words, what would they be?

Persistent. Goal-oriented. Meddling.

A big thank you to Bree Henley for joining me for this Main Character Monday interview. It’s been fun. Readers, please stick around to find out a bit more about Roadtrip for Two and author Amy R. Anguish.

More About Roadtrip for Two

Recovering from heartbreak is hard when the ex-fiancé tags along …

Dallas wasn’t in the plans when Bree Henley set out to use the nonrefundable honeymoon tickets from her canceled wedding. Nor was running into ex-fiancé Nathan Hart. But their mutual friends and the weather have other ideas. A hurricane cancels their cruise and Bree decides to turn the disaster into a roadtrip for one, never imagining Nathan would object.

Nathan is furious when he uncovers the plot to get him back with Bree. But he can’t just let her go roaming around the big city of Dallas alone. Though he knows calling off their wedding was the right thing to do, he still cares for Bree. And before he knows what hits him, he’s volunteered to tag along. Suddenly, it’s a trip for two.

Spending the week together might remind them of why they fell in love. But is it enough to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of “til death do us part”?

More About the Author:

Where to Connect with Amy:

You can follow Amy at any of these sites:

http://abitofanguish.weebly.com http://www.facebook.com/amyanguishauthor https://twitter.com/amy_r_anguish

Learn more about Amy’s books at https://www.pinterest.com/msguish/my-books/

After reading this Main Character Monday interview with Bree Henley, I know you’re going to want to read her story for yourself. Here’s a link to purchase your copy.

https://scrivenings.link/roadtripfortwo

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Published on December 19, 2022 08:03

December 16, 2022

Book, Chapter, & Vows Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Book, Chapter, & Vows Review

About the Book

Book: Book, Chapter, & Vows

Author: Chautona Havig

Narrator: Christa DelSorbo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: September, 2022

Falling in love with Benjamin wasn’t in the plan, but Mallory finds she’s all but lost her head and her heart after two and a half years of banter, memories, and now shared books.

But when her ex-fiance (does it count if it was just for a few hours?) shows up right in the middle of a writing project with Benjamin, the guy manages to ruin her happiness… again.

Benjamin has been keeping one tiny part of him back from Mallory–just the one thing that’ll repel her for good.
So when the ex-boyfriend-slash-fiance shows up, and things look serious again, he takes a giant step back and prays he can keep his heart intact in the process.

They’re clearly meant for each other. God obviously has a plan. So what’s it going to take for Mallory and Benjamin to work things out and get those vows made?

This Breakers Head novel is Chautona Havig’s final book 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.

My Book, Chapter, & Vows Review: I’m not a fan of audiobooks, but when I saw reviewing this one was possible I jumped at the chance. Why? First, that title. What avid reader can resist a book with a bookish title? Second, it’s another installment of the Independence Island series which I generally enjoy very much. Third, but not the least important factor, this one is by Chautona Havig. You can always count on her for an entertaining story. And since my review is about that story, it doesn’t really matter if I usually read my books rather than listen to someone narrate them.

I loved this story. The Bud-isms scattered throughout are equal parts wisdom and humor. The characters are all enjoyable and relatable, like people you’d want to be friends with in real life. Plus, Mallory has a job any bookworm would love to have, a mobile bookstore. It has me dreaming of purchasing my own trailer and converting it. I even love the tongue-in-cheek way the author uses the character’s understanding of familiar tropes, like characters having misunderstandings that could be solved with a conversation, to prompt that character to action. The author has a way with phrasing what she says in beautiful ways, and it makes the story a joy to read.

Whether you’re a fan of books with bookish titles, the Independence Island series, Chautona Havig, or none of the above (yet, because you will be soon), this book is for you. I give it five stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives 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.

About the Narrator

Speaking Life into Story

Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned 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 *

December 15, 2022

Waiting on the Tides Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Waiting on the Tides Review

About the Book

Book: Waiting on the Tides

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 29, 2022

People are more than the sum of their mistakes.

After a life lived in her older brother’s shadow, Abby Solomon is ready to take on the world—or at least a teaching position that puts her face to face with the one guy who thinks she’s nothing more than an immature nuisance.

When his daughter’s mother abandoned them, Christian Johnson swore off women and the trouble they bring. No wife—no drama. Just how he likes it. But as Christian struggles to juggle his job as a cop with raising his daughter and tracking down a runaway teen, he’s forced to ask the one woman who reminds him of his wife for help.

Abby is thrilled with the opportunity to show Christian that there’s more to her than what he thinks. But just as Christian begins to trust Abby, she makes a colossal mistake that threatens to ruin everything.

She just wanted to be accepted.

He wanted to be left alone.

It’ll take a runaway teen to show them that love is not measured by a single mistake.

This Breakers Head novel is Tabitha Bouldin’s final book 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.

My Waiting on the Tides Review: I’ve read most of the Independence Islands Series, and it is worth the time to check them out. As with all series, some of the stories stand out just a bit more. Waiting on the Tides is one of those books. Reading it long before I needed to post my review, I knew I had time to take it slow. No cramming for this one. Only there was. I couldn’t help it. I began it one afternoon and finished it sometime after midnight that night, even though I had a 5:45am wake up call the next day. (Not my brightest move, but like I said, I couldn’t help it). As I glanced at the clock after every chapter, I found myself saying, “One more chapter can’t hurt. They are short chapters.”

Visiting with characters from other stories is always fun, and it is part of the charm of this series. Waiting on the Tides is no exception. I enjoyed spending time with them, like spending time catching up with old friends and getting to know some newer ones a bit better. For its great story, likable characters, ease of reading, and ability to keep one who knows better reading past their bedtime, I give this book a solid five stars. Once again, Tabitha Bouldin does not disappoint.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Tabitha Bouldin is a student at Southern New Hampshire University, where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she works with critique groups and provides endorsements for other authors. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart. Tabitha spent ten years working as a Medical Assistant before God opened the door which allowed her to become a stay-at-home-homeschooling-mom and author.

December 7, 2022

A confession (or three or four): Wednesday in the Word

Jane Austen Confession I have a confession to make. I am a romance writer who has never read Jane Austen. (Put away the torches and pitch-forks. It’s really not that serious.) One of my best writing friends heard my confession and exclaimed (and yes, I’m going to use an exclamation point here because there most definitely was one at the end of her declaration), “And you claim to be a romance author!”

Let me clarify. I don’t claim to be a romance author. I am a romance author. All six, soon to be seven, of my books fall into the Christian romance genre. They’ve sold and been read and reviewed. Whatever definition of author you might want to use, I think that qualifies me.

Giving in to her insistence that I “must” read at least something by Ms. Austen, I picked up Pride and Prejudice. (Never fear. No lessons on not giving in to peer pressure coming from me any time soon.) Now, I’ve watched Pride and Prejudice and a million holiday rewrites of the story. I’ve even watched Emma. I’m not completely ignorant of their plots and characters. Reading the story is completely different.

Confession number two coming up. I still don’t like Pride and Prejudice. I didn’t even finish it. After twelve chapters of every character being completely horrible, I had to put it away. Someone was backbiting, gossiping, and maligning other characters in every single scene. Every. Single. Scene. I couldn’t take it no matter how much fans of the book tell me there’s humor and sarcasm to be enjoyed in the story. I’ve got plenty of sarcasm of my own, thank you. I don’t need hers for my life to be complete.

And that brings me to confession number three. When the Bible study group I’m in began a precept study of Job, it felt a lot like trying to get through a Jane Austen novel. I didn’t like it. Really, I still don’t. I understand Job is a book few would say they actually enjoy. It’s pretty heavy subject matter. But it’s beyond simple lack of enjoyment for me. After the initial horrible things that happened to Job, there has been a predictable routine to what happens. Job laments. His friends say he brought it on himself through unconfessed sin. Job denies and laments. His friends say he’s brought it on himself through unconfessed sin.

Next chapter? More of the same. I’m not sure why we needed this constant back and forth of the exact same thing. For me, it grows tiresome. I do admit there are some great phrasing choices at times, but it’s still the same thing over and over.

It’s time for my final confession. Though Job will never be my favorite book, and I’ll probably never deep dive into it again, there are many nuggets of truth in the discourse that point to other scriptures that I really do enjoy. Just in chapters 29-31, those in the study found correlations to the following passages.

Psalm 1. I love that Psalm.

Luke 15. Job is as despised by his friends as the prodigal was his.

Matthew 5. The sermon on the mount is one of Jesus’ most familiar teachings.

Psalm 119:105. Who isn’t comforted knowing God’s word lights their way?

2 Corinthians 1:4. It doesn’t ease the pain we go through but gives hope that God will use it in us.

These are just a few of the scriptures our reading of Job 29-31 brought to mind. They are passages we relate to and love. They are familiar and comforting and challenging all rolled into one. And they were brought to mind through reading Job.

While I didn’t make it through Pride and Prejudice, I fully intend to finish Job. I may have missed a few weeks throughout the study due to life interfering with my schedule, but I will finish. And, one last confession. Job may never be my favorite book of the Bible or even one I’ll return to in the near future. (No, that’s not the confession). But by looking at the scriptures the events and dialogue bring to mind, I have found hope, encouragement, and challenge in between all the repetitive arguments of Job and his so-called friends.

Has God ever surprised you with hope, encouragement, or challenge in an unexpected place?

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Published on December 07, 2022 08:05

November 26, 2022

Under the Hibiscus Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Under the Hibiscus Review

About the Book

Book: Under the Hibiscus

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Christmas Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 25, 2022

Do you have to give God two-weeks’ notice when you quit the ministry?

After a lifetime of being her father’s right-hand girl, Ezra gets a small taste of freedom during her friend’s honeymoon visit to the Suamalie islands and decides enough is enough. All she needs is to find a replacement secretary, teacher, project manager, accountant… et cetera.

In fact, what he needs is a wife.

Scott Keil intended to serve the Lord on St. Alyn Island for life. He just never intended to do it without his wife. So, when his daughter begins balking at being saddled with a ministry she never signed up for, he knows he needs to find a replacement for her. And well, she’s right. A wife who loves organization and serving the Lord would be the perfect solution.

But only one woman interests him and loves his ministry nearly as much as he does. Natalie Dershem—the event planner at St. Alyn’s newest resort. Why did she have to be nearly as young as his daughter… and so intriguing?

Under the Hibiscus is the introductory Christmas “noella” in the brand-new, Suamalie Islands Series from Celebrate Lit Publishing. Grab this May/December Christmas romance today.

Click here to get your copy!

MY UNDER THE HIBISCUS REVIEW: The idea of putting God first and family second can be hard. Sometimes we put God and the individual ministries we’re led to be part of on the same level. Ezra sees the effects of this. Her father does not. The truths they have to face as they’re dealing with these issues are compounded by Scott being a single father for all Ezra’s life. These issues and the problems they can cause are portrayed very realistically. Even down to the issue of dating someone much younger. But even with all of these things happening, the story retains a fun feel. It’s not a heavy read at all.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and give it five stars.

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives 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.

November 25, 2022

Let Them Eat Fruitcake Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Let Them Eat Fruitcake Review

About the Book

Book: Let Them Eat Fruitcake

Author: Kathleen J. Robison

Genre: Christian Holiday Romance

Release date: October 11, 2022

Faith, romance, and fruitcake.

Victoria Randall has it all—a new job in an ideal locale and the eye of Chad, the hunkiest guy in her apartment building. Christmas is going to be great this year. But when a call from her best guy friend back in Bay Town tells her that her grandmother isn’t doing well, she decides to fly to Grandma’s rescue.

Art has loved Victoria since they were five, but after she returns and keeps him locked into total friend zone he decides to let his hopes go. Easier said than done when he spends so much time with her, making and delivering her grandmother’s fruitcakes. Add to that the legend of love surrounding them, and well… it’s tough.

A horrible accident puts things into perspective for both Art and Victoria, but Art decides it’s too late, and when some guy shows up acting like Victoria’s boyfriend, he’s sure of it. By the time she’s ready to head back to California, all hope of a romance between them seems lost—right up to the moment her grandmother thrusts a piece of fruitcake into her hands.

Are the matchmaking properties of Sally Trotman’s fruitcake their last chance at a happily-ever-after? Find out in Let Them Eat Fruitcake—a story of faith, romance, and of course, fruitcake.

Click here to get your copy!

MY LET THEM EAT FRUITCAKE REVIEW: Best friends, a hometown she’s loved but left, and a little bit of tasty Christmas magic make for a fun Christmas read. If you’re a fan of the friends trope, you’re going to enjoy this story. If you’re a fan of Christmas or fruitcake (is anyone a fan of fruitcake?), you’re going to enjoy it too. While I didn’t understand or maybe couldn’t relate to Victoria’s adoration of her hometown but staunch refusal to return to it, she is a likable character. Art is a guy we’d all want as a best friend. And Sally with her fruitcakes is a lot of fun.

I give this story four stars.

About the Author

Kathleen J. Robison is an Okinawan-American, born in Okinawa, and raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels and her family are the sources of her inspiration for her books. Kathleen and her Pastor husband have eight adult children. Seven are married, blessing them with eighteen grandchildren and counting. Her ethnically diverse background extends to her family of currently thirty-five personalities which provide many opportunities to share God’s amazing love amidst the challenges of real life.

November 18, 2022

Keeping Christmas Volume II Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Keeping Christmas Volume II Review

About the Book

Book: Keeping Christmas Volume II

Authors: Chautona Havig, Tabitha Bouldin, Susan K. Beatty, Jennifer Sienes, Melissa Wardwell, and Stacy T. Simmons.

Genre: Christian Christmas Romance

Release date: October 18, 2022

In castles far and near, long ago and yesterday, find happily-ever-afters wrapped in love and tied with Christmas joy.

Escape to Greenaway (by Chautona Havig): She just wanted to escape another holly, jolly family holiday. Because snowbound in a castle B&B with one of Santa’s elves (or as good as) is so much better. With the help of the castle’s owner, Tonya plays matchmaker in a bid to get that Christmas-loving girl out of her hair.

The King’s Promise (by Tabitha Bouldin): In a world of airships and kings, a prince makes a promise that tears him away from his love. An ordinary baker’s daughter finds herself caught in the middle of a game where the winner earns the queen’s crown. They both want what they can’t have as they struggle toward a seemingly impossible happily ever after.

A Castle for Christmas (by Susan K. Beatty): Sadie Foster abhors wealth. Will Randolph, on the other hand, works for the uber-wealthy owner of an over-the-top castle on the California coast–Sadie’s father. When Christopher Foster leaves the castle to her, Sadie doesn’t want anything to do with it or his money. But what if Sadie and Will use the castle and her inheritance for the good of others—together?

An Irish Christmas Heart (by Jennifer Sienes): Will she choose love or an arranged marriage? In the midst of post-famine unrest, Eleanor Blake, daughter of an English nobleman, is thrown into a maelstrom of emotions. How will she escape the duty for which she was born and the confines of the ill-fated Menlo Castle of Galway, Ireland to find her true love?

Christmas at Curwood’s Castle (by Melissa Wardwell): A Christmas party at Curwood Castle should have been Angel Davis’ Cinderella moment. Especially when her dear friend Jimmy arrives. Instead, one obstacle after another threatens to break any chance at a happily-ever-after.

Christmas in the Cotswolds (by Stacy T. Simmons): She’s a paleontologist and ardent Jane Austen fan. He’s enmeshed in the exactitude of mathematics, can they find common ground? Do opposites attract, will the romantic castle, and dashing duke be the undoing of Victoria’s plans?

Grab a mug of something hot and delicious and curl up somewhere comfy. Your literary chariots await to take you on a journey from an early twentieth-century castle in the San Gabriel Mountains of California all the way across the pond to the beautiful Cotswolds of England. These six novellas, all set in castles real and fictional, celebrate the heart and joy of Christmas in this second volume of castle Christmas novellas.

MY THOUGHTS: After reading Keeping Christmas Volume I, I was excited to be able to review this new set of stories. I knew my excitement was not misplaced after the first two stories, which also happen to be my favorites of the set. Each story was an enjoyable stand-alone, and I like that I didn’t have to keep track of characters or themes from story to story. If I wanted to, and sometimes I did, I could enjoy a single author’s offering in one evening. Even though there were two stories I didn’t feel were quite as attention grabbing and keeping as the others, all of them were entertaining and worth the time given to read them. The castle setting and Christmas backdrop threading each unique story to the others are perfect to set the tone for a great holiday read.

I give Keeping Christmas Volume II, four stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Jennifer Sienes holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in education, but discovered life-experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance and writing—and puts it altogether in inspirational contemporary fiction. Her daughter’s TBI and brother’s suicide inspired two of her three novels. Although fiction writing is her real love, she’s had several non-fiction pieces published in anthologies including several in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has two grown children and one very spoiled Maltese. California born and raised, she recently took a step of faith with her real-life hero and relocated to Tennessee.

Melissa Wardwell resides in Owosso, Michigan with her husband and three teen-aged children.She doesn’t mind alternating between the world of writing and the reality of being a mother, but she would rather sit with a good book or a good friend and a cup of coffee. When she isn’t penning works of fiction, she is busy reviewing books for her blog, Back Porch Reads. To see more from Melissa Wardwell, visit www.melissawardwell.com

Who says you can’t begin a new career after middle age? Certainly not Susan K. Beatty. She is passionate about writing about finding courage through faith and grit, particularly through the trials of breast cancer and other life trials. Her daughter is a metastatic breast cancer “thriver” and has been an inspiration for her writing. Susan’s first novel, Faces of Courage, debuted May 2021, as part of the Faces of Courage series, including several novelettes. She is also the author of An Introduction to Home Education (AKA California Homeschool Manual). Susan is a professional writer/journalist and is active in the writer community. She is proof you can begin a fiction writing career at any age.

Stacy T. Simmons writes uplifting fiction that delights the reader’s romantic sensibilities. Thirty-four years of marital bliss is a great contributor. She is a mom of two grown children, and she and her family have a menagerie of pets she likes to call “Noah’s Ark.” You can find her working on her next manuscript with a piece of dark chocolate and a cup of coffee nearby. Connect with Stacy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and her blog, Fueled by Faith and Caffeine.

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