Heather Greer's Blog, page 18

Spines and Leaves Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Spines & Leaves Review

About the Book

Book: Spines & Leaves

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: FICTION / CHRISTIAN / WOMENS FICTION / ROMANCE

Release date: July 8, 2021

Books are the strings that tie hearts together.

With a month to get from Orange County, California to Delaware for his next corporate challenge, Milton Coleridge decides to spend a week at Joshua Tree National Park.

He never expected to find a floundering bookstore in need of his particular business skills. Will his methods of saving companies from bankruptcy or takeover work on such a small scale? And can he convince two people to risk their hearts?

Step into the Spines & Leaves, Tamarisk, California’s oldest (and only ever) bookstore. Come in out of the harsh, desert sun and wind and peruse all the store has to offer. It might just be more than you think.

One man, one store, thousands of books.  What’ll it take to keep this bookstore from becoming a book ghost town… and what’ll it take for Milton to tie two heartstrings together?

Spine & Leaves is the introductory novella to the Bookstrings series.

MY THOUGHTS: Books about books and saving bookstores. It doesn’t get any better than that for a girl who loves stories. And I adore Milton. Though I would like for him to find a love of his own. He’s so sweet and caring and just a little bit nerdy in that really attractive way. And Milton inspires others to be their best and find solutions to their problems, whether they are business or heart related.

Spines and Leaves is an enjoyable story with a bookstore you’ll wish you could visit after the story is done and a cast of characters that feel like they could be friends you grew up with. It feels a bit like a step into the days when neighbors helped each other out and evenings were spent on the front porch swing. I give Spines and Leaves a solid four stars.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

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.

 

More from Chautona

The more I think about it, the more I realize that the Bookstrings series is a process rather than an idea. Each time I saw an indie bookstore close, each time I went in one with no one else in there for the hour or two I browsed, and each time I heard book lovers lament the lack of a store in their town… Yeah. Those experiences slowly grew into a wish—one where I knew how to rescue those stores from extinction. So maybe that’s a bit melodramatic, but that’s how it felt.

Somewhere in the midst of all that, Milton appeared—a business genius who, along with his faithful parrotlet, Atticus (not Finch), travels the country saving corporations from takeover or bankruptcy.

Milton went through several iterations. Older, balding, mustache, and always wearing a golfer’s cap. Then I had him as a young hipster dude who got sick of the rat race on Wall Street and took off on his own, using what he’d learned. That just felt too cliché.

Instead, I have a forty-ish guy who wears chinos and oxford shirts with topsiders, shorter than most men, and with a nonchalant air about him. And charm. The quiet guy with serious business skills just oozes quiet charm.

After deciding on Milton, I had to choose where to put the stores. I’ve been watching out for towns for years—using trips different places as research times. Would I create places that felt like real towns or use actual small towns? Though drawn to real towns, I had an idea for where to end the series, and, doing that meant a fictional town. Would it be weird to have four or five books set in small towns across America followed by a final fictional one?

The solution came to me as I learned that the Mosaic authors were doing a summer collection in 2021. If I started with a novella and ended the series with both in a fictional town, at least that fictional bit wouldn’t be out of the blue!

So, the Bookstrings series has two novellas and five full-length novels. (I couldn’t resist a Christmas “noella” in the charming town of Noel, Missouri—the “Christmas City.”) We’ll be off to other small towns around the country—one in Red Wing, Minnesota, another in Berne, Indiana, and one somewhere between Kingsport, Tennessee and Traveler’s Rest, South Carolina. If I can find a place in New England, that’d be great, too. Or maybe down in Mississippi… I’d love to visit my sister down there.

The Bookstrings series books all have one very important thing in common (aside from Milton and Atticus, of course). They all illustrate that books truly are the strings that tie hearts together.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Texas Book-aholic, April 26

Lots of Helpers, April 27

Mary Hake, April 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 28

By the Book, April 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 29

The Avid Reader, April 30

Vicky Sluiter, May 1

For Him and My Family, May 2

Miriam Jacob, May 2

Inklings and notions, May 3

Blogging With Carol, May 4

deb’s Book Review, May 4

She Lives To Read, May 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 6

Simple Harvest Reads, May 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 7

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 8

Pause for Tales, May 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/1d0b3/spines-leaves-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post Spines and Leaves Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit appeared first on Heather Greer.

Why Did God Give Me a Mouth: Wednesday in the Word

“Why did God give me a mouth?”

My son had just gotten in trouble. As usual, lack of control of that one little part of his body landed him in time out. Whether it was needing to have the last word, being a smart-mouth, or being mean to his siblings, if he was in trouble, it was his mouth that landed him there.

But in that moment, my heart broke for him. It’s so hard to guard our tongues, even as adults. For a little boy who felt like he got in trouble every time he opened his mouth, controlling his tongue had to seem as difficult a task as Frodo getting the ring to Mordor, maybe even more so.

The last thing I wanted was for my sweet, caring little boy to think there was something wrong with him, to despise what God intended as a precious gift. And as a Christian parent, I did believe it was a gift. I still do.

God needs those who will speak up in tough times. Think about Nathan. How easy would it have been for one of us to respond to God’s call to confront David with, “But David is the king. The KING. I can’t say that to him.” God needs the Nathans, Elijahs, and Pauls of this world. He desires those who can stand up for the truth in ways that don’t compromise God’s standards but still show His love, mercy, and grace.

Too many throw out truth like a spear, plunging it through the hearts of those standing in opposition to it. Or they don’t stand for truth at all, except in the recesses of their hearts. They never let the truth they know flow from their lips to the world in desperate need.

That night I shared with my son that God gave him a mouth so that one day, he could share God with others. God created my son perfectly for the purpose He has for him. My prayer for my son was that one day he would walk in that purpose and live the answer to his question. That’s still my prayer for him.

Why did God give me a mouth? Why did He give each of us one?

For building others up – Ephesians 4:29

To add sweetness to the soul and health to the body – Proverbs 16:24

To show what is in our hearts – Matthew 12:34 and Luke 6:24

For confessing our sins and find cleansing – 1 John 1:9

To show wisdom and bring healing – Proverbs 12:18

To acknowledge God and give Him praise – Hebrews 13:15

For declaring God’s praise – Psalm 51:15

To seek help through prayer and offer praise to God – James 5:13

So I can continually pray on behalf of other believers – Ephesians 6:18

To spread the word of God to others – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

For teaching and building up the body – Romans 12:6-8

To rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep – Romans 12:15

And finally, what should every word coming from our mouths be like?

Seasoned with God’s grace – Colossians 4:6

Like my son, I sometimes have difficulty with this concept. I say the wrong thing. Impatience flows from my lips more often than I care to admit. I hurt someone because what came in my mind slips from my mouth before I think to stop myself. But when I’m tempted to question,” God why did you give me a mouth?”, I can turn to these verses. In them I find forgiveness. There’s grace and mercy and healing. I find new direction for my words, one that brings sweetness to the lives of others even as I stand firm in the truth of God.

Have you ever questioned why God gave you a mouth? Do any of these verses speak to your heart above the others?

 

The post Why Did God Give Me a Mouth: Wednesday in the Word appeared first on Heather Greer.

Sweet Rivals Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Sweet Rivals Review

About the Book

Book: Sweet Rivals

Author: Kari Trumbo

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: March 29, 2022

Fay is about to lose her business…

…to the only guy she’s ever thought might be good for her.

Fay Ravven has spent years building a floral business on Mimosa Island. Too bad a chain florist has moved in right down the street. As her business wanes, she realizes her rival is none other than Corbin Lowel, the very man who swept her heart away at her friend’s wedding.

Corbin knows he’s not good enough for Fay. His friends remind him all the time that, as a florist, he’s not really man enough for anyone. That doesn’t stop him from stepping out of his comfort zone and going to Fay’s store to see if she remembers him. That’s when he discovers that his business is killing hers.

What are rivals to do when they can’t stop thinking about each other? Plan the flowers for someone else’s wedding, of course.

When Corbin and Fay must see each other and work together, will they dive through their pain and reach for the stars? Or will the roses be too prickly for two hurt hearts?

Read the next Sparrow Island novel 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 THOUGHTS: I’ve read a few of the Independence Island Series stories, and I’ve enjoyed them. Sweet Rivals is no different. It’s an easy read, perfect for a day at the beach or, if you prefer, an afternoon in your favorite chair.

I love Corbin. He’s not the typical male hero. Corbin has an artistic side and love of beauty which comes out in his job as a florist. He’s a man who cares if clothes look good together and understands style. The kind of guy that gets misunderstood, and his self-esteem takes a hit because of it. But he’s a great guy, and he’s a man of faith. I think part of the reason I liked his character so much is because he goes against what we usually see in stories, and he reminds me of one of my kids. We need to see more men like Corbin in the stories we read. It reminds us they’re out there. They have a lot to offer in friendship, love, and life. And they shouldn’t settle for less than God’s best for them, no matter what others say.

I also like the theme in the book of holding onto a dream so tightly it becomes an idol. Even good things in our lives, even God-things, can become a detriment to us spiritually when we chase them more than our Creator. It’s a balancing act, for sure. And not an easy one. Even if we’ve not made it an idol, being proactive about seeking God’s will is important. What might be His plan for us for a season, He may ask us to give up as time goes on. Are we willing to do that? This story explores that idea but does so without becoming too heavy.

I give Sweet Rivals four stars.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Kari writes swoony heroes and places that become characters with detail and heart.
Her favorite place to write about is the place her heart lives, (even if she doesn’t) South Dakota.

Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of over twenty years. They have two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove.

 

More from Kari

Nudge from the Almighty or personal desire?

Sometimes what we should do is as clear as mud. When I first felt the call to write, I worried that it was a “me” thing. I worried that the nudge that I felt was for my own glory. It didn’t matter that I felt the desire to write Christian fiction. We can do all the things we think are right and still be in the wrong place according to God’s will.

When I literally felt captive to the idea of writing—like, I couldn’t move forward without doing something about it—then I finally considered that perhaps this was God’s will and not just me wanting something. But it took years of the Holy Spirit prodding me before I ever acted.

Fay is like that. She starts her flower business certain she is doing the will of God and it helps that she really wants it too. But she works so hard, putting in so many hours, that she forgets about why she started it and it becomes all work for her own glory. Her business.

Enter Corbin, a really sweet guy who is in the wrong place at the wrong time and is used by God to nudge Fay away from her idol and into a deeper relationship. He’s a rival flower shop owner, and the only guy she’s ever felt a connection to. Which makes for some pretty interesting dialogue for the two of them.

Fact is, none of us likes to hear that our desire—especially when we think we’re doing the right thing—is wrong. No one ever wants loving correction by a Heavenly Father who cares about us deeply. We’re supposed to get it right.

Fay has to find out if it’s her business that’s getting in the way of her relationship or if it’s really a heart issue. I hope you’ll enjoy finding out along with her.

Kari

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 19

lakesidelivingsite, April 20

Texas Book-aholic, April 20

Inklings and notions, April 21

For Him and My Family, April 22

By the Book, April 22

deb’s Book Review, April 23

Blossoms and Blessings, April 23

The Christian Fiction Girl, April 24

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 25

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 26

She Lives To Read, April 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 28 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 29

Miriam Jacob, April 29

CarpeDiem, April 30

Connect in Fiction, April 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 1

Simple Harvest Reads, May 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Splashes of Joy, May 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kari 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/1cc84/sweet-rivals-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post Sweet Rivals Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit appeared first on Heather Greer.

New Release: Love in the Squared Circle

My new release, Love in the Squared Circle became available today on Amazon and at other online retailers. I can’t wait for you to read Trinity and Blane’s story. Here’s a little more about the story.

Love in the Squared Circle:

Trinity Knight is not a fan of professional wrestling. But with her husband gone, it falls to her to give their son the father-son trip they daydreamed about when he was alive. After Trinity causes them to miss a meet and greet with Jay’s favorite wrestler, a random act of kindness saves the trip and starts Trinity on an unexpected path.

Universal Wrestling Organization Champion Blane Sterling hears whiny children at photo ops all the time. However, overhearing a young boy comfort his mother piques his interest. Touched by their story, Blane works with the UWO Public Relations team to give Jay the experience of a lifetime.

As they learn each other’s stories, Trinity and Blane are drawn to each other. But they don’t just come from different states. They live in different worlds. Trinity might learn to fit into his life, but can those in her world look beyond Blane’s profession to see his heart? Or will a lack of acceptance cause Trinity and Blane to lose their shot at love?

Where to purchase:

https://scrivenings.link/loveinthesquaredcircle

 

More on Love in the Squared Circle from blog posts and interviews:

https://readingismysuperpower.org/2022/04/19/author-interview-and-a-giveaway-heather-greer-love-in-the-squared-circle/

https://shannontaylorvannatter.com/heather-greer-story-behind-the-story-part-1-of-1/

The post New Release: Love in the Squared Circle appeared first on Heather Greer.

Main Character Monday Interview with Jay Knight

Welcome to a very special Main Character Monday interview with Jay Knight from Love in the Squared Circle. My newest book, Love in the Squared Circle releases tomorrow, April 19, 2022, and I can’t wait for you to read it! Normally, I would have invited Jay’s mom, Trinity, or even professional wrestler, Blane Sterling, for an interview. But I fell in love with Jay as I wrote his part in the story, and I know you’re going to love him too. Jay, can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself?

My name is Jay Knight. I’m eight years old. One day my mom took me to meet Maverick. Maverick was my favorite wrestler. But I didn’t get to meet him. Only I did get to meet Maverick. But it was later. First, I got to meet Blane Sterling. He wasn’t my favorite wrestler. But he was the champion so that was so cool. And Blane was super nice. And he let me be the Champ in Training. And we went to church. And I got to be his partner. And it was lots of fun. 

Wow. Sounds like a lot happened when you met Blane. You said you went to church. Do you go to church a lot?

Mom takes me to church all the time. Sometimes she makes me wear collar shirts. I don’t like the collar ones, but sometimes I only have to wear one over my regular shirt. That’s okay. And I get to see David and Spencer. They’re my best friends. 

I’m guessing you also get to hear stories from the Bible and about Jesus. Do you have a favorite Bible story?

I like a lot of the stories. David likes ones about David. The teacher asked him why David. I was like, duh. They have the same name. I like David stories, but they aren’t my favorite. I asked my mom, but she says the Bible doesn’t have any Jays in it. So I have to pick a different favorite. It’s not easy like it is for David. Spencer has to choose too because there are no Spencers. He says he likes David too, but I think it’s only ‘cuz David likes David. Spencer always likes what David likes. But not me. I like someone else. I like Samson. Samson’s big like Blane. And he has long hair too, just like Blane. And Samson was strong. He fought off the enemies a lot. He was so good at it. I bet he woulda been champion if he ever wrestled. He did do something bad because of a mean girl, and he got captured. But God knew he was sorry and helped him defeat the enemy one more time. 

You know a lot about Samson. I can see why he’s your favorite. You said Samson did something bad. Do you ever do anything bad?

That’s silly. Everyone does bad stuff.

My mom told me that when David said superheroes are dumb. But they aren’t dumb. I love superheroes. I got mad and told him he couldn’t be my friend anymore. I said Spencer and I weren’t going to play with him because he was a baby who didn’t know superheroes are cool . He cried and told on me. I got in trouble. I didn’t mean to make him sad. I just wanted him to stop.

My mom said calling people names is wrong. God made everyone, and He loves everyone whether they like superheroes or not. She said we’re supposed to treat nice because God made them special. She said it makes God sad when we’re mean to each other. That made me sad. But mom asked me if I remembered Jesus dying on the cross. She said He did that because He knew I would do things that would make God sad. Everyone does wrong things. She said those bad things are sin, and God can’t be around sin. But Jesus died so God can forgive me for the wrong things I do. I asked God to forgive me, and mom showed me a verse in my Bible that says He did forgive me. I told David I was sorry too. Now, we’re friends again.

That sounds like a pretty important thing your mom taught you. Let me ask you something about when you were the Champ in Training. Did you ever get to meet your favorite wrestler when you were the Champ in Training?

Yeah. I did. Maverick came to breakfast one day. And I still like him. He’s really cool, and he does this thing when he comes into the ring and all the fireworks go off and everyone cheers. It’s so fun. But he’s not my favorite any more. I’m Blane’s partner now. So, he’s my favorite.

Now, I’m going to ask you some quick questions. You’re going to tell me your favorite out of each pair I mention. 

Batman or Spiderman? Spiderman, but I saw the Batman building and it was really cool.

Cookies or cake? Cookies. Cake’s good at birthdays, but I like chocolate chip cookies best.

Chicken Nuggets or Cheeseburger? Cheeseburger. But sometimes I like chicken nuggets too.

Extra fries in your kid’s meal or apple slices? I mean, I like apples and all, but fries. With lots and lots of ketchup.

Usually I ask guests to describe the author in three words. Instead of that, I’m going to ask you if there’s anything else you want to tell people about Love in the Squared Circle?

I hope everyone gets the book and reads it and finds out all about me being the Champ in Training. It was a lot of fun. Blane is like my best friend, but I won’t tell David and Spencer that. Well, maybe I could say he’s my best big friend. But everyone’s going to love my story. Oh, and there’s stuff about my mom and Blane in there too. But it’s gross kissing stuff, and I’m sure nobody wants to read about that. Yuck!

Thank you for joining me today, Jay, for a Main Character Monday Interview. I’m sure everyone is happy they’ve had a chance to meet you. And readers, if you’d like to find out more about Jay, his mom, and Blane, you can pre-order an eBook copy of Love in the Squared Circle today for the pre-order sales price of $3.99. The sale ends today because tomorrow is release day!  And you can check out the first three chapters of the book for free at the link below. 

https://scrivenings.link/squaredcirclepreview

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Squared-Circle-Heather-Greer-ebook/dp/B09VZDNWGH/ref

The post Main Character Monday Interview with Jay Knight appeared first on Heather Greer.

After God’s Heart: Wednesday in the Word

“After God’s heart” feels like an impossible task. Yet right there in 1 Samuel 13:14 it states, “The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.” God sought a man after his own heart, and God found that man. But God found him in the least likely place, at least to the prophet Samuel. And if God surprised His own prophet with the choice, I can imagine it surprised others even more so.

After Samuel and Jesse mistakenly thought Eliab would be king, God gave the prophet a powerful message. “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'” Message given. Message received. Only not.

Jesse continued to parade his biggest and best before the prophet seven more times. Each time, Samuel delivered the disappointing news. God has not chosen this one either. It didn’t even cross Jesse’s mind to bring his youngest, the music loving shepherd, David in from the fields. Samuel had to ask if there was another son available. David’s own dad didn’t think him worthy of the crown!

Samuel and Jesse focused on the wrong thing. The king was to be a man after God’s own heart. To find this man, one needed to look at the heart. Jesse’s other sons were capable. Bravery, strength, and charisma might have oozed from every pore. They may have looked like kings. But they were not chosen for this task.

Instead, God chose the least of the brothers to take the crown. David’s passion for the Lord couldn’t be denied. Sometimes, through the years, he got off track in how he chose to show it. And he made some really awful, sinful choices that affected his family, his legacy as king, and the families of others. Envy, lying, adultery, and murder are the big ones that affected David.

Looking at David from man’s perspective, it’s hard to see how he could be a man after God’s heart. But we’re looking through the wrong lens. When confronted with his sin, David mourned his actions. His sin deeply affected his relationship with God. So, his sin deeply affected him. David wanted to be right with God again, no matter what his sinful actions cost him physically. He didn’t come to God with a “you fix this and then I’ll come back” attitude. No matter what consequences he had to live through, David still sought restoration with God above everything else.

A man after God’s heart isn’t a perfect man. Looking back at 1 Samuel 13, we see a person after God’s own heart is one who keeps what the Lord commands. It’s a person who deems important the things God deems important. It’s one who loves the things God loves. A person who is after God’s own heart is one that reflects the image of Jesus to the world in their actions, words, and priorities. And when they stumble and sin, a person after God’s heart, like David, will feel the distance between them and God and stop at nothing to see the relationship made right once more.

One day I hope others look at my life, with all its successes and failures, and are able to say I was a person after God’s own heart.

Why These Verses?

Normally, I leave Wednesday in the Word posts as devotions only. But I shared these scriptures with you today and my thoughts on them because over the last year, they have taken on deeper meaning to me as I’ve written. My newest novel, Love in the Squared Circle, releases on April 19th. It’s a story that encourages us to look at others with God’s eyes instead of man’s.

Blane Sterling is the current champion of the Universal Wrestling Organization. When widowed mom, Trinity Sterling, meets Blane for the first time, she finds his look intimidating. His fierceness in ring only backs up this perception. But through her interactions with him, Trinity begins to understand there’s more to Blane than she first realized. Soon, she begins to see him as God sees him. But will the other people in her life be able to do the same?

Blane isn’t perfect. Neither is Trinity. And their story, while full of fun and romance, is one that also reminds no one in life is perfect. But like Trinity and Blane, like King David, God doesn’t require perfection to consider people after His own heart. Love in the Squared Circle encourages us to see others the way God sees them and to be the kind of person that when others look at our hearts, they see God’s heart.

https://scrivenings.link/loveinthesquaredcircle

Pre-order your eBook copy of Love in the Squared Circle at the link above before April 19th for only $3.99! The sale ends on release day.

 

 

The post After God’s Heart: Wednesday in the Word appeared first on Heather Greer.

Madness in Wonderland Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Madness in Wonderland Review

About the Book

Book: Madness in Wonderland

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Fantasy, Steampunk, Christian

Release date: March 8, 2022

Wonderland is in trouble.

Under the rule of the Red Queen, Wonderland is under constant threat. In fear for her throne, children are taken into the queen’s army and only the strongest survive.

Alice is nothing but a pirate, but with the help of Hatter, they hatch a plan to sneak into the Red Queen’s palace to free Hatter’s sister. After all, Alice has always wanted to fly an airship.

Dr. Frank N. Stein has created an army of automatons to serve their queen. Of particular note: a prototype soldier. Part man. Part machine. The best of both worlds.

Doc’s monster is a threat to everything they know, but Alice sees something in the man that begs she look beyond what he’s done and search out the heart of the beast for the better of the realm.

He’s their only hope of survival, but how can a monster learn to love when all he’s known is hate?

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS:

You most definitely want to click the link above and get your copy of Madness in Wonderland.

Tabitha Bouldin has created a rich world of intriguing characters that will keep you reading late into the night. I know. I stayed up way too late reading the story. The mash-up of Wonderland and Frankenstein’s monster is interesting enough on its own, but the author has woven well-known details from the original work into the story to make it familiar and comfortable while at the same time all-together new and interest grabbing.

While I love Alice and her heart for others to see beyond the obvious, my favorite character was Hatter. From the moment he was introduced, he caught and held my attention. Capitalizing on his trademark madness, the author has created a complex character that is still relatable and lovable. And in the middle of all the wonder and chaos of Wonderland, the author has delivered a story with depth and meaning. It’s a story I plan to revisit and pass on to all the readers in my family. Madness in Wonderland deserves more than the allotted five stars.

 

About the Author

Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, you’ll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.

 

More from Tabitha

Madness in Wonderland is a story of found family, good versus evil, rambunctious heroines and strong heroes who are not afraid to leap across airships for their people.

Trust me when I say I’ve tested their loyalty.

I put the Wonder’s crew through so much I started feeling sorry for them. Then I had another airship shoot at them with their cannons. That’s when I knew this story was not only a source of entertainment for me, but it was also challenging me. Madness forced me to become a better writer. Each page demanded my full attention if I wanted to have any hope of catching the true vibes of the story and bringing them to the page.

When I first started writing Madness, I had a rough idea of what I wanted. Evil Queen. Check. Alice as a tough but loving heroine. Check. Frankenstein’s monster. Check. (What’s Wonderland without a little havoc?)

Then the characters took over the story.

Frankenstein’s monster didn’t want to be a monster.

Hatter wanted to be more than a mad side character.

Alice wanted everyone to get along without losing another crew member.

Meeting their demands was a challenge and the story shifted from a whimsical fairy tale to something more. It dove deeper than I planned and showed me that I can do hard things too.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Where Faith and Books Meet, April 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 6

Inklings and notions, April 7

By the Book, April 8

For Him and My Family, April 8

deb’s Book Review, April 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 10

April Hayman, Author, April 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 12

Snark and Sensibility, April 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 13

Simple Harvest Reads, April 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 14

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 15

Christina’s Corner, April 15

cats in the cradle blog, April 16

Mary Hake, April 16

Sylvan Musings, April 17

Back Porch Reads, April 18

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package 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/1c57b/madness-in-wonderland-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post Madness in Wonderland Review: On Tour with Celebrate Lit appeared first on Heather Greer.

Sunflowers and Suspicions: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Sunflowers and Suspicions 

About the Book

Book: Sunflowers and Suspicions

Author: Karen Malley

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release date: October, 2021

A Deception Revealed…

When Julie Wagner’s identical twin Jade goes missing, Julie travels to New York intent on pretending to be her sister so she can unravel the truth. There, she meets the the only person who has ever been able to tell them apart. Together, can she and her sister’s neighbor unravel a shady restaurant owner’s mysteries and find Jade?

A Fractured Family Healed…

Matt Callahan has lived across the hall from Jade Wagner for a year, but never understood the pain behind her eyes. When her sister appears in his apartment building, he is amazed at the differences he sees in the twins. As he helps Julie find her twin, he discovers that she just might be the answer to helping his own fractured family.

MY THOUGHTS: If you’re looking for a quick, easy read, Sunflowers and Suspicions may be the perfect book for you. While the mystery portion of the plot did take a turn I was not expecting, the suspense level is low, making it suitable for those who don’t enjoy the edge of your seat level of mysteries. I did feel some of the answers came a little too easily, but again, it adds to ease of reading.

The story deals with guilt and the damage it creates in life, but it isn’t done in a heavy way. The theme of redemption and moving past crippling guilt and living the life God has for you shines through in a couple different character arcs and leaves the reader feeling good about the story they’ve read.

I give Sunflowers and Suspicions three stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karen Malley lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. She works full-time as a scientist but fits writing in her spare time whenever possible. This usually means writing in her pajamas on weekend mornings while the rest of the family is asleep. When not writing, she enjoys camping, hiking, playing board games, and especially reading! She loves reading faith-based stories because we can all use a happy ending.

Karen loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her on her website:

www.KarenMalley.com. Sign up for her newsletter and you’ll receive a free short story in your mailbox each week.

 

More from Karen

Sunflowers and Suspicions is the third full book in the Pine Springs series. While you may discover some spoilers from the previous books, this book can be read as a standalone. I wrote Sunflowers in Suspicions because I loved the characters so much, I wanted their stories to continue!

This was a fun book to write. Julie was a minor character in the previous books in the series, and her story needed to be told. Living in the shadow of a glamorous twin sister hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm for life, but her self-esteem suffered a hit, making it difficult to believe a guy could be interested in her instead of her sister. Most of us have been there! God promises He’s given gifts to all His children, but if our gifts don’t seem to measure up to those we perceive others have, we lose our joy.

 

Granted, Julie has a lot more than that to deal with – her twin sister goes missing, and her former boss may know more than he’s letting on. Couple that with feelings of inadequacy since all her friends have special guys and the fact the guy Julie starts to fall for seems more interested in her sister, and it’s easy for her to feel second rate. God never wants that for us. While Sunflowers and Suspicions is a tale of suspense and romance, it also taught me a thing or two about accepting myself for who God made me to be. I hope it does the same for you!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 15

Inklings and notions, March 16

Texas Book-aholic, March 17

For Him and My Family, March 18

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 19 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 19

Inside the Wong Mind, March 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 24

Splashes of Joy, March 25 (Author Interview)

By the Book, March 25

Blogging With Carol, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of e-copy of Sunflowers and Suspicions, an 11 x 14 canvas print of a sunflower, and some jewelry: two beaded bracelets, one bangle bracelet, a heart necklace, and a keychain!!

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/1b8bb/sunflowers-and-suspicion-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post Sunflowers and Suspicions: On Tour with Celebrate Lit appeared first on Heather Greer.

Sit in Silence: Wednesday in the Word

Asking my middle son to sit in silence was like asking the sun not to shine. The most horrific discipline we could put on him as parents was to give him time out. Being stuck in his room, away from the action of the family, was too much. Once, after attempting to have the last word in a conversation that should have ended much earlier, he sat on his bed near tears.

“I wish I didn’t have a mouth. It always gets me in trouble.”

It broke me heart as a parent. Yes, he needed to learn how to use it for his benefit and that of others. Controlling it would not come easy. But I reminded him that one day, God was going to use that very thing he wished away to do big things. God gave him that mouth with a purpose. But at that moment, he only wanted one thing, to be able to sit in silence and stay out of trouble.

I can relate. When trials and trouble push against me, I’ve been known to tell God how He needs to deal with whatever is causing the pain. When people do wrong against me, either maliciously or through carelessness or laziness or whatever, my mouth and mind work together to devise all sorts of things I can say to rectify the situation.

However, like my son, giving in to the prodding of my tongue usually results in more trouble for me. If only I lived Psalm 62:5 a little more consistently. God is my defense. He is my refuge in the hard times. The one who is worthy of vengeance, not me. He is the one to give me direction in the storm when I struggle to know which way to go. But how can He do and be those things, when I won’t stop and listen to what He tells me?

When I read Psalm 62, I’m not sure this wasn’t a struggle for David too. The first verse starts off with “My soul waits in silence for God only”. He’s doing it. Waiting in silence for God. Just like he should. Like we should. Then, he slips into talk of those who stand against him. He speaks of those who bless with their mouths but their hearts are cursing him. Raise your hand if you can relate.

After this little sidebar of what he’s dealing with, David’s phrasing changes. Here in verse five he says, “My soul, wait in silence for God only.” He goes on to speak of all the things God is to him in this trial. David tells us how he pours out his heart to God. But he starts off this section by commanding himself to wait in silence for God.

It’s like he’s giving himself a pep talk. “Don’t you do it. Don’t say it. Keep that mean thought to yourself. Don’t pour out your anger on the one standing against you. David, just keep your mouth shut and let God handle it.”

I find it comforting that David, a man after God’s heart, might have had to give himself the same pep talk I give myself at times. Reminding myself that God is in control. He will lead. There is strength and peace for whatever I face. I don’t have to avenge myself when others wrong me. Instead, I can and should choose to wait silently for God to deliver whatever the situation demands.

What do you do to help with the choice to sit in silence,  waiting for God, rather than taking matters into your own hand or speaking things that should not be spoken?

The post Sit in Silence: Wednesday in the Word appeared first on Heather Greer.

Shadows at Nightfall: On Tour with Celebrate Lit

Shadows at Nightfall Review for Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Shadows at Nightfall

Author: Brett Armstrong

Genre: Christian, Epic Fantasy

Release date: September 14, 2021

The shadows of Jason’s past have caught him. Having stepped into the Quest of Fire, Jason is pursued by a league of assassins formed of pure darkness. To his horror he discovers these creatures also were contracted to eliminate Anargen and his friends as they sought to understand the Tower of Light’s oracle. To unravel the mystery of who wants him dead and how he fits into the ages old quest, Jason must travel the lengths of the Lowlands. In the Ziljafu deserts a secret awaits him that will shake him to his core. He’ll have to move fast and cling fiercely to hope, as Anargen’s story twists down a bleak path to almost certain failure.

The creatures of darkness in the Lowlands have long waited for men to spurn the High King’s laws. With few concerned for the light and everything falling apart around them, Jason and Anargen will face the shadows of night’s falling as their world hangs in the balance.

MY THOUGHTS: I worried that I would be lost when I read this sequel because I hadn’t read the first one in a while. I was wrong. From the first page, I was sucked into the story as if no time had passed at all. I love the way the story takes place in two different times. It makes the experience richer. And the author does a great job at building a world, actually two, that readers can really immerse themselves in. I look forward to reading more from Brett Armstrong.

I give this Shadows at Nightfall five stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.
More from Brett

The Lowlands are on the edge of dramatic changes. In every era, warriors for the High King must rise to keep the light burning and hold back the beasts of the darkness that most believe only myth. But those creatures of lore have long waited for the hour of shadows to arrive and with it all the horrors they have schemed.

The protagonists of Quest of Fire saga—Anargen and Jason, don’t realize how great a change is upon them. Anargen’s experience in defending Ordumair from the Grey Scourge and his army of werebeasts have opened his eyes to realities of the Lowlands, but neither he nor his friends nor even their mentor Sir Cinaed understand the Oracle they found within the vaults of Ordumair. It foretold a looming struggle against the forces of darkness that gave rise to the Grey Scourge. The question of how to stop it as the shadows lengthen all around divides the group.

Jason has been running from the darkness in his past so long he only looks to his next step, never what’s coming ahead. He certainly didn’t see stopping at the Black River Inn to hear old Cinaed the Storyteller tell tales of a long past knight named Anargen as life-changing. Until he witnessed the old storyteller do battle with a creature straight out of his stories. Now he feels himself being drawn into the Quest of Fire as Anargen was, but his new found purpose is far from the safety and ease he’s been hoping for.

One of the most exciting aspects of writing Shadows at Nightfall was showing through sweeping epic fantasy the way Anargen does not forsake his allegiance to the High King. The Quest of Fire saga is in part a story about storytelling and that is reflected in the way Jason is shaped by the tale of Anargen’s failures and faithfulness. Much like the Apostle Paul’s exhortation that “…these things were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11) Though not the only spiritual theme woven into the stories, Shadows at Nightfall invites readers to journey with these characters to the brink, risking their lives, growing from the examples passed down to them, and find there the greatest gain.

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him .” —2 Timothy 2:1-4

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, March 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

Texas Book-aholic, March 18

Inklings and notions, March 19

For Him and My Family, March 20

deb’s Book Review, March 21

Simple Harvest Reads, March 22 (Author Interview)

By the Book, March 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26

Artistic Nobody, March 27 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, March 28

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 29

Guild Master, March 30

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Brett is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, copy of Shadows at Nightfall, and digital extras (exclusive map and music)!!

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/1bc97/shadows-at-nightfall-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post Shadows at Nightfall: On Tour with Celebrate Lit appeared first on Heather Greer.