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January 14, 2022

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: Hollywood is Not Home Book Review

Hollywood is not home

About the Book

Book: Hollywood is Not Home

Author: Annmarie M. Roberts

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction – Romance

Release date: July 13, 2021

Would you trade fame for privacy?

Movie star Maggie Malone has a glamorous lifestyle with everything money can buy—except privacy. Hounded by the paparazzi and ridiculed for her faith, Maggie secretly struggles with severe anxiety and loneliness. All she desires is to be herself—southern girl by birth, ranch lover by heart.

When an anonymous benefactor invites Maggie to participate in a secret project, will her hopelessness find a new direction? Or will she become another celebrity travesty? What if she discovers Hollywood is not Home? Her faith, family, love, and future hang in the balance.

MY THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed the premise of this book. I’ve seen various “remember who you are” type stories, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one done in this way. The idea of a star getting the opportunity to give up the limelight for a little while is also not new, but the way in which the author handles it is unique.

The one element that keeps me from giving Hollywood is Not Home my highest ratings is the way in which the story is told. I felt like there were many times the author narrated things to me rather than letting them play out through the action and dialogue. To me, this weighed down the story a bit, and I was tempted to skim over parts.

Others may not have the same issue. This is a good story with a likable cast of characters. It’s a unique take on themes we’ve read before. It’s an easy read that won’t demand a lot of time or energy. Readers can simply sit down and enjoy it. I give this one three out of five stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Annmarie M. Roberts is an author, copywriter, and scriptwriter. She is a wife and mother of two. Her soul grew to love writing at a young age. In grade school, she could hardly wait to receive her first writing assignment, “What I did over summer break.” She just loved to impress her teacher with a detailed descriptive read of a summer filled with wonder and fascinating adventures, some of which were true. Writing has been her passion in one form or another ever since. “There is nothing like the power of expression through words to create a moment in time or an imaginative place to magically transport your reader,” Annmarie mused when asked about why she loves to write. When she is not working on commercial script writing, she spends time with her family and volunteers with her church in the community.

January 12, 2022

Love Is: Wednesday in the Word

Love Is My prayer verse this week is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. You know, “Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

The Love Is list is a bit daunting and very active. On a good day, I may check off a few of these qualities and actions. On a bad day? Let’s just say I can list ones where I struggle with frequent failure.

God created me with purpose. He created you with purpose. We are salt and light. His ambassadors. New creations.

I believe in the call to be more Christlike in my actions and attitudes. As I struggle to do so, I’m reminded of another list that gives me hope. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds me that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (sounds a lot like the list above) are fruits of the Spirit of God living inside me and gaining more control over me every day.

It is Holy Spirit power that enables me to overcome my own sinful tendencies and show these traits and live out love in a more meaningful way each day. It’s His job because it’s His job to make me more like Jesus. And since we know Jesus is God and God is love (1 John 4:8), it is God’s Spirit inside me that will teach me what living love looks like in each day through every circumstance.

As I take time to search God’s word in order to understand Him more, I find out who and how He wants me to be. When I listen to Holy Spirit’s internal whisper and obey His guidance, I’m able to apply what I’ve learned from the Word becoming more like Jesus than I was the day before. When I become more like Jesus, I can’t help becoming more of what love is.

Living God’s love every day is my purpose. I want to fulfill it. What about you?

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Published on January 12, 2022 07:35

January 10, 2022

Main Character Monday: Anna Marie Johnson – Anna’s Song

Welcome to Main Character Monday where we take time to interview the main characters of the books you love to read. Today, we interview Anna Marie Johnson from Anna’s Song by Brenda Gates. Let’s jump into the interview and find out more about Anna.

Tell the readers a little bit about yourself, Anna.

I am an identical twin. As the stronger of the two, it’s my job to protect my sister. Adeline has always been kind hearted and trusts everyone, so she needs my protection. To tell the truth, I need her more than she needs me. Adeline and I were born each other’s best friends. She’s the only one in the world who understands me, and whenever we’ve been apart for any length of time I get anxious, and even angry. When she’s gone, it’s like someone has cut out a chamber of my heart and expects it to keep blood flowing. We need each other, from the moment our cells split into two identical parts, we’ve had each other. After our parents disappeared, it was her and me against the world.

Second to my sister, music is my life. It’s everywhere, and it vibrates in my bones, making me feel alive, and making me forget things I need to forget. I was eight when my aunt started me in violin lessons. For years, I wouldn’t put my violin down for anything save taking a bath. I even slept with the case tucked under the blanket beside me. Kids at school made fun of me because I wore my case like a backpack everywhere I went. You have to understand, because of me, my mom left us. Dad left later, probably trying to find my mom. Neither of them came back. I was scared that if I let my violin out of my sight, it would be taken from me, too. In the end, it didn’t matter. When my sister disappeared, the music left with her.

Tell me something about you that readers may find surprising?

Ever heard of synesthesia? It’s when one type of stimulation evokes a sensation of another. For example, you see the color blue and smell pine-needles. The sensory nerves are crossed, somehow. It tends to be linked to some head injury during childhood, like being dropped on your head or something. Well, I don’t know if I was dropped on my head, but I have an unusual form of synesthesia. I hear most people as sounds or music. Some are simple sounds, others more melodic. When it comes to my twin, she’s a whole symphony, and I can hear her even when we’re not together. That is how I knew she was alive, even when everyone thought she was dead. I could still hear her song.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

My favorite verse in all the world is John 15:13. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” I’m afraid you’ll have to read my story to understand why this verse means so much.

I’m sure readers are just as curious to find out the why as I am. We’ll have to check out your story. Is there a person from the Bible that you relate to most?

Oh, that’s a hard one. For a long time, I related to Cain, you know, as in Cain and Abel. In my dreams I would see myself holding the stone, and my hands would be covered with blood. The blood of an innocent who died because of me. Now, I think I relate best to the young girl who Jesus raised from the dead.

Relating to Cain is definitely a new answer for me. Again, you’ve piqued my curiosity.

The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Is there one of these characteristics you find is easier to show than the others?

Oh, dear. When you read the list of the fruit of the spirit, you are describing Adeline, not me. I still struggle with each of those. I love fiercely, once I trust someone enough to let myself love them. God may have given me new life, but He has a lot of work yet to do.

Is there one that is more challenging than the others?

One? *bent over laughing*. Ok, ok. You’re actually serious about making me pick one? It has to be patience. Its lack has gotten me into a whole lot of trouble, both in this century and in the past.

If you could give one message to those reading this interview, what would you tell them?

No matter how hard life gets, never give up. That, and don’t be scared to love. You might not have tomorrow to make up for it.

JUST FOR FUN QUESTIONS:

If you could visit just one place your entire life, where would you go?

Vienna, in 1806. (Since I fell back once, I claim this as a right of travel.) I would love to hear the original performance of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto.

If you could choose one talent you don’t already have, what talent would you choose?

I wish I could speak eloquently. You know, using words in a way that moves people. I was never good with words.

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS:

Dark or Milk Chocolate?

Dark. I like the bit of bitter with the sweet.

Beach or Mountains?

Mountains. Read my story and you’ll understand.

Sweet Tea or Lemonade?

Lemonade. Stuff that is too sweet turns my stomach.

LAST QUESTION:

In three words, how would you describe your author, Brenda Gates?

Heartless, twisted, and redeemed. They may seem like strong words, but look at what she did to me.

Thank you, Anna Marie for joining us for Main Character Monday and sharing a bit more about yourself today. We’ve enjoyed speaking with you, and I know readers are going to be curious to find out even more.
Keep reading to learn about Brenda Gates and Anna’s Song.

More About Brenda:

Ever since being the proverbial knee-high to a grasshopper, Brenda loved spinning tales.

Married in college, Brenda worked as a nurse, then was able to stay home to raise and homeschool their four children–a perfect occupation for a storyteller. Every bit of history learned, every place touched by people and time, has a story begging to be told. Now a proud grandma, Brenda lives with her husband, a German Shepherd who thinks she is mother to a cat, and a cat who thinks he’s a dog.Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Ps 19:14 Follow me at: www.brendagates.netLike me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrendaLGates/Where to find Anna’s Song:https://www.amazon.com/Annas-Song-Cries-Earth-Travel-ebook/dp/B07K2DHDG9/ref

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Published on January 10, 2022 05:00

January 7, 2022

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: Broken Together Book Review

Broken Together

About the Book

Book: Broken Together

Authors: Brenda S. Anderson & Sarah S Anderson

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: December 1, 2021

How do you persevere when you have no more will to fight?

Jennifer and Chad Taylor had dreamed of opening a coffee and cocoa shop since before they said, “I do.” When Chad is sent to prison for murder despite claiming innocence, that dream—along with their family—is shattered.

After years of fighting for Chad’s release, Jennifer finally breaks free from her shame, anger, and hopelessness, and forges ahead with the dream the two of them once shared. With the help of their college-aged twins, she begins to move forward.

Without Chad.

When their lawyer arrives with news of evidence that may prove Chad’s innocence, a strange mixture of emotions overtakes her. Does she want Chad to return home? He isn’t the same man he once was, and she certainly isn’t the same woman. She’s worked hard to piece the remnants of their family back together, and his coming home could fracture the family once again.

It all comes down to one question. She loves her husband enough to fight for his release from prison, but does she love him enough to fight for their marriage?

MY THOUGHTS: With the story’s themes I don’t know that I can call this story enjoyable, but I can’t deny it’s a beautiful one. The author does a wonderful job showing the highs and lows Jennifer goes through as she raises her kids as a virtually single parent. The struggles faced for convicts, ex-convicts, and their families are ones we may never have to face, but we could all do with a reminder that there are those who face the challenges the author describes on a daily basis.

With lighthearted and everyday moments mixed in with the touching and troubling ones, the author creates a balanced story that keeps readers turning the pages. She’s also give a story that opens eyes to real life issues without giving simplistic answers but prompting readers to consider what their part might be in helping those who face these challenges in everyday life.

Broken Together entertains while prompting readers to consider and start to understand those who they might otherwise push from their minds. I give this story five stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic, gritty, life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live music and theater, walking the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband. Together, they plan to travel across the United States, checking items off their bucket list, beginning with a bus trip to Niagara Falls.

Readers can learn more about Brenda S. Anderson at www.brendaandersonbooks.com

A former barista, Sarah S. Anderson loves all things coffee, so when her mother asked her to help with a book set in a coffee shop, the answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!” When not creating imaginary coffee shops, Sarah spends much of her time at the theater, either on stage acting, singing, and dancing, or offstage as musical director. She lives near the heart of Minneapolis with her two cuddly kitties.

January 5, 2022

Following the Directions: Wednesday in the Word

Back in the days before SIRI gave verbal directions step by step, I was the navigation system for our family trips. With destinations determined, I went to the Mapquest site searched directions from point A to point B and point B to point C. I mapped, printed, and added to a three-ring binder the directions for each destination of our trip.

We never went anywhere without that binder. It held a place of high position on my lap where I read every step in detail to our driver. I followed the directions exactly. Sometimes, it didn’t work. Missed streets, road construction, or reader error took us off-course a few times.

Scrambling to diffuse the quickly rising tension in the car, I reread the directions and scanned the area for signs pointing the way to the correct path. Some issues were easy to detect and correct. Other times, we stopped to ask for help along the way.

With rare exception (because Mapquest could get it wrong at times), when we followed the directions we printed, we reached our destination in good time and with few setbacks.

Following the directions we’re given for destinations we’ve never visited is a no-brainer. If our family wants to visit California from New York, we don’t simply jump in the car and head west hoping to find our destination. There are too many variables to take those kind of chances.

But too often, that’s exactly how we approach the most important road trip we take as believers, the road trip of life. We know where we start. We know our final destination is standing before God waiting to hear “well done good and faithful servant.” But everything in between is a little less clear.

But God has given us what we need to get from point A to point Z while hitting all the important stops alongs the way. Proverbs 3:5-6 assures us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Unlike Mapquest, God’s directions are never wrong. He knows about all the construction zones and one way streets along the way. When we choose to listen and follow the directions He gives us, we can go forward with confidence.

It doesn’t mean the road is always easy. Sinful choices, ours and those of others, add twists and turns we don’t expect. Navigating those times is difficult and can be unnerving if we forget who holds the map to our journey.

But what if I think I hear God saying turn left, and He really wanted me to go right? Don’t worry. God wants us to succeed in living Christ-like lives that set us apart as His children. Our failure to hear Him clearly and follow the directions He gives us doesn’t mean we’re lost forever off His path.

God understands our heart’s desire to stay on the path He gives us, and He gently leads us back to it. Our error may add some difficulty to the journey, but He will use even that to grow us into the image of His Son.

We find the key to following the directions God gives in the rest of the verse.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. I trust. But do I do it with ALL my heart? Is there something I’m holding back? An area where I want to snatch the map from God and chart my own course? A place where I think I know more than Him?

In all your ways acknowledge Him. I believe God all day, every day. But do I make Him the direction giver in ALL the things I do? What about my dreams? Have I allowed Him to direct the priorities I set in my life? Do I let God have every thought and action at work? At home? At church? Everywhere?

When we trust and acknowledge, the Holy Spirit inside us can speak clearly to our hearts. The paths we’re to take become more obvious. Following the directions He gives is easier enabling us to move with confidence down the road to our destination.

What do we need to give to God today so we can clearly hear and follow the directions He gives us?

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Published on January 05, 2022 08:04

December 29, 2021

Ditching Doubt in 2022: Wednesday in the Word

[image error]It seems everyone has a word for the new year. I thought I might try it. But no matter how much thought I gave it, I couldn’t choose one word to encapsulate all I want to do in 2022.

There are worksheets and websites to lead interested parties through the process. I checked some out, but I still failed to wrap my mind around the practice. Maybe it’s not for me.

Or maybe it is, just in a modified form. As a writer, speaker, and believer there is one thing I’ve struggled with lately that impacts all I do. What if I worked to eliminate that from my life?

One thing came to mind. Doubt. It’s not that I lost my faith. However, I’ve been praying a prayer for my family consistently for several years, and I haven’t seen results yet. I’ve been taking time to learn and grow in my writing and speaking ministries, and I haven’t seen the growth I’d hoped for at this point. These kinds of things can let a seed of doubt slip in.

Maybe you’ve experienced it in your own life. Trying to figure out the ‘why nots’ is exhausting spiritually and mentally.

That’s when I decided. I’m ditching doubt in 2022.

Direction set, I even wrote about it in my most recent newsletter. I figure there’s more accountability to stick with it if others know. Even though I wasn’t doubting my direction (see what I did there?), God still chose to confirm it.

I listen to the Your Best Writing Life podcast fairly often. New episodes release on Tuesday, and that just happened to fall on the morning after I made my decision about ditching doubt in 2022. Within the first couple minutes of this episode, the host’s words confirmed what I needed to do.

Reading from 2 Samuel 7, she reminded me of all God has done for my in my writing, speaking, and family life. I took time to really think about it, and I can see God working in all these areas of my life. I may not be where I think I should be and my final prayer for my family may not have arrived, but God is still working.

Then, came a reminder that with God all things are possible. It was as if God put that episode in the line-up just for me. If I’m called to writing and speaking and mothering, then despite my flaws and failures, God will provide what I need to do the job. He always has, and He always will.

I know it won’t be easy eliminating doubt from my vocabulary in the coming year. I’ll have to find new and creative ways to keep God’s promises of faithfulness, strength, provision, and guidance firmly in my mind and heart.

I know I’ll probably stumble along the way. But with the father in Mark 9:24,I’ll keep crying out, “‘I do believe; help my unbelief.'”

Do you have a word for 2022? I’d love for you to share it. Or maybe, like me, you feel like there’s something God wants you to ditch in 2022. You can share that too.

We can pray for each other along the way and cheer each other on to success.

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Published on December 29, 2021 10:31

December 24, 2021

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: Wish Upon a Star Book Review

wish upon a star

About the Book

Book: Wish Upon a Star

Author: Jennifer Sienes

Genre: Christmas Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: November 9, 2021

Fairy tales and wishing upon stars are for those who still believe in romance.

Sometimes misplaced trust injures more than ourselves, and doesn’t Elaina Hensley know it. When her oldest daughter is left suffering the consequences, Elaina vows to protect her girls at any cost. Nothing, not even her own happiness, will sway her again.

Or will it?

She’s got this protective self-denial down pat–right up to the moment her best friend’s brother arrives on the scene like a fairytale knight, vowing to slay all her dragons. She must—she will resist.

However, when her worst nightmare comes back to haunt her, Elaina has to admit she needs that white knight on her side.

MY THOUGHTS: When you trust the wrong person, it can have lasting consequences. Elaina learned this lesson, and she’s spent the rest of her life trying to make up for it. As a mother, her instinct is to protect her children at all cost. Overprotecting becomes a way of life.

When the chance at love comes around again, memories of her past mistakes haunt her worse than ever. With the past intruding in the present, Elaina fights against what her heart and her family want. The only way to move forward is to learn to forgive.

Whether romantically or not, I think most of us have experienced placing our trust in the wrong person on some level. Our situations may not have resulted in the same disastrous consequences as Elaina’s, but we can understand her hurt and her desire to protect herself. And if we happen to be parents too, we can also understand her strong desire for her children to avoid being hurt.

Wish Upon a Star touches on all this with a healthy dose of romance woven in. It’s a story I believe many of us can relate to and enjoy. I give it four stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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–two 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.

December 20, 2021

Main Character Monday – Character Interview Jess Thomas from October Outlaw

Welcome to Main Character Monday where I have the pleasure of helping you get to know main characters better by interviewing them. Today’s guest is Jess Thomas from October Outlaw by Debbi Migit. Thank you for joining me. Let’s get right to the interview.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?

I think I’d like to go to Scotland. My friend Cole’s dad is Scottish and has been there a few times. He took some amazing videos, especially of the Isle of Skye. It’s beautiful in a fierce kind of way.

I’ve never been there myself, but I’m with you. I think it looks beautiful.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Which of these traits do you find easiest to display in your life? Which of them is the hardest to display?

Yikes, that’s a little discouraging. I guess love and faithfulness are my best ones. I really love my family and friends and I’m definitely loyal, so that counts as faithfulness, right? The weird thing is those are the things that can mess up my self-control. If I think someone I love is in trouble I’ll do anything I can to help them. Sometimes I act before I think which has been a problem for me. I’m working on it though!

Interesting take on it. That your easiest ones to display also provide the stumbling block for the one you struggle with. I wonder how many of us are in the same boat on that. What is your favorite story from the Old Testament?

A few weeks ago, our pastor read the story of Jael, the woman who killed a bad guy named Sisera by putting a tent peg through his head. Ok, I know it’s gruesome, but I wish I could be that brave! She helped God’s people that day. I’m sure afterwards her family was like, “Jael, what were you thinking? What if Sisera woke up just as you got ready to, you know, end him? You could have died!” At least that’s what my family and friends would say to me. Not that I’ve ever been in that situation, exactly, but I guess I’ve taken a few risks. Anyway, I like Jael, even if she’s kind of a hot head.

I’m sure you’re right about her family. I’ve never thought about that before.What is your favorite book in the New Testament?

Again, this probably sounds weird, but I like Revelation. It’s so different from the rest of the Bible and it’s really hard to understand, but that’s why I like it. I love mysteries, and Revelation seems to be the biggest mystery of all. Did you know that it says right at the beginning that anyone who reads and studies Revelation is blessed by God? So, it must be important to at least try and understand. Plus, there is the verse that says, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to break its seals?” And later an angel says, “The Lion from the Tribe of Judah overcame so He could open the scroll and its seven seals.” Wow. There is just something about that scene that makes me want to cry and laugh at the same time.

Good choice. If you could leave us with one message, what would you want us to know?

“But God.” My mamma said that a lot. Whenever something bad or hard would happen, and it looked like there was no way out, she’d say, “But God.” I looked it up one time and there are over thirty times when that’s mentioned in the Bible. I know I’m young, but I’ve already had to face some really hard things, especially when our parents died. But every single time it looks like things won’t work out, somehow God steps in and takes care of us. My sisters and I remind each other all the time now-if something looks impossible, we say, “But God.” And He always shows up. Always.

That’s a beautiful reminder and a wonderful spiritual heritage your mother left you. Thank you for sharing it. Now, I have one more fun question and then some rapid fire questions for you.

If you could have one exotic pet, what would you choose?

A sugar glider. I like their huge eyes, and the fact that they can fly -kind of. You can even carry them in your pocket!

Sugar gliders do look like sweet, fun pets. Now on to our rapid fire questions.

Sunrise or sunset? sunset

Pie or Cake? Chocolate cake

Tulip or Iris? Tulip

Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla (can I add toppings?)

What three words would you use to describe Debbi Migit?

Nosy. Quirky. Nocturnal.

A big thank you to Jess for her time and to Debbi for allowing me to interview her. October Outlaw is out now, and you can keep reading for more information on the story and its author.

More about Debbi Migit:

Debbi Migit lives in Illinois, surrounded by pumpkin patches and cornfields. She writes stories filled with faith, authenticity, and humor. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and avoiding arithmetic. Her favorite color is turquoise and if playing Candy Crush was a paying gig, she would be rich.

Website: Debbimigit.com

Amazon Author Page: https://tinyurl.com/yrubzdhr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorDebbiM...

More about October Outlaw:

“If I’d known my evening included being stalked by a cougar, I would’ve worn different shoes.”

Jess Thomas

Jess Thomas is being tracked by Outlaws- one is a man, and one is a beast.

When Jess uncovers new evidence concerning their parents’ deaths, the Thomas sisters gain the attention of a very dangerous man. And when a cougar terrorizes Justice, Montana, Jess risks her life to save those she loves.

Cole McBride respects Jess’s courage, but he fears someday she will take one risk too many.

Sly Thomas is adjusting to her new responsibilities as guardian of her two sisters. But just as she begins to hope for the future, her blossoming relationship with Deputy Nick McBride is threatened.

Two sisters. Two brothers. Two Outlaws. All headed for Justice.

Get October Outlaw here:

http://www.scrivenings.link/octoberoutlaw

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Published on December 20, 2021 08:15

December 17, 2021

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: Home for Christmas Book Review

Home for Christmas-clc

About the Book

Book: Home for Christmas

Authors: Chautona Havig, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, Jaycee Weaver

Genre: Contemporary Christian Christmas Romance

Release date: October 21, 2021

CLC2021 3-d-sm Settle in with your favorite beverage, a Christmassy snack, and get ready for all the feels with these four heart-warming, military-honoring Christmas novellas.

The Christmas Lights Collection is back, and this year’s collection is better than ever. Full of love, joy, and hope, this year’s collection offers the celebration of freedom, sacrifice, and the greatest Gift ever given.

These novella features two veterans and two active servicemen and their stories.

The Stars of New Cheltenham (Chautona Havig): When a woman arrives at the Marine recruiting center, livid that her brother is ready to sign up tomorrow, the recruiter takes her on a journey through Rockland in hopes of showing her why her brother wants to serve.

Most Wonderful Time– Gabe loves Christmas, so when he discovers that his new co-worker Shanée wants nothing to do with the season, he makes it his mission to show her the true meaning. But he never expected feelings to develop for the Air Force veteran. Will he take a chance that she feels the same way or miss the best gift of all?

The Road Home: ally has tried to leave her military history far in the past, but she’s not ready to go back to her former life, either. Can an old army buddy help her find a new road home?

Now and Forever Christmas: The past eight years as a professional musician for the US Army prepared Tobin McGhee for his new job as high school band teacher. They didn’t prepare him for how he’d feel seeing an old girlfriend again. This time, though, he won’t make the same mistakes. Can they make holiday music together and rekindle the friendship they once had, or will romance ruin everything… again?

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS: This collection of novellas is a wonderful tribute to those who serve in the military while also being the perfect reminder of God’s love and faithfulness as expressed during the Christmas season. From family members dealing with the prospect of loved ones entering service to veteran’s navigating the sometimes heartbreaking reality of trying to find a new normal after experiencing the horrors of war, this series of stories covers each stage of military service with sensitivity and grace. It’s obvious each of the authors appreciate those in service to our country and the sacrifices they make. Joys and trials of military service and the effects it can have on those returning to civilian life are not glossed over or made to look hopeless. It feels true to life, though I cannot say this for sure since I have no experience with the subject.

And setting these stories with the backdrop of Christmas is perfect. A time dedicated to God’s message of love and hope is what each of the characters need. And just in case you think a series of novellas about those who chose to serve our country is going to be a heavy, emotional read, I can assure you it is not. There are touching scenes, but there is plenty of traditional Christmas fun included in each story. I give Home for Christmas five stars.

About the Author

Christian lights authors

Authors Chautona Havig, Toni Shiloh, Cathe Swanson, and Jaycee Weaver are about as different geographically and personally as you can get—except where they’re not. What they all share is a love of books, writing, and Jesus. Their great diversity is what makes their books so complementary and what makes the Christmas Lights Collection an eagerly-anticipated set each year.

December 10, 2021

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: Footprints on Her Heart Book Review

Footprints on Her Heart

About the Book

Book: Footprints on Her Heart

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 23, 2021

He’s saving the world, one animal at a time.

Trent Raines’ opinion, happily ever after has four paws and doggy breath. He spends his days isolated at the shelter, taking care of animals. Especially now that romance seems to be spreading across the islands faster than fleas in summer.

She lives a safe life behind the camera lens.

Kara Parker’s job at the animal shelter keeps her too busy to worry about romance. Sure, the boss is cute and all, but her introverted nature is perfectly happy as a photographer and website designer, thank you very much.

Even a quick trip to the mainland to retrieve a truckful of animals won’t change their minds.

Or so they think.

As Trent comes to understand Kara, he discovers there’s more than meets the eye in his quiet employee. Together, they plan a Christmas adoption festival that’s certain to empty the animal shelter in record time. Until a blast from Trent’s past puts all the animals in danger.

Sure, Trent and Kara are fine on their own, but they’re even better together.

What will it take for these soulmates conquer their fears and rescue the animals before it’s too late?

Footprints on Her Heart continues the Hooper Island stories of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this story. I’m not typically one for Christmas at the beach reads, but Footprints on Her Heart may just change my mind. And while it takes place at Christmas and with a Christmas themed adoption festival, the story’s plot doesn’t hinge on the season. Maybe that’s why I liked it as much as I did.

Trent’s a guy that’s made mistakes, big ones, in his life. Like many of us, he feels the need to make up for what he’s done. There’s nothing wrong with trying to right a wrong. The danger comes when God has forgiven us, but we can’t forgive ourselves. We lock ourselves in a prison of our own guilt and shame. It changes our choices and our outlooks on life. Trent’s in that place, and I felt for him through the story as he warred inside himself with what he wants and what he thinks he deserves.

Kara is a wonderful photographer who, like many of us, doubts herself and her abilities. Fear tends to hold her back. Fear of failure. Fear of public speaking. I think many of us can relate.

These two characters bring out the best in each other. I love that about the story. Also, it doesn’t hurt that there are cute four legged characters sprinkled in the middle of the action. Puppies (and maybe a bird or two) always make a story better! I give Footprints on Her Heart 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.

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