Heather Greer's Blog, page 22

November 28, 2021

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: The Nutcracker’s Suite

The Nutcracker's Suite

About the Book

Book: The Nutcracker’s Suite

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Christmas Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release date: November 26, 2021

Nutcracker “Time to dance, sugarplum.”

A painter at the Meyer’s Toys factory, Clarice Stahl, knows something is
strange about the way so many men come and go through Mr. Meyer’s
office, especially one in particular.

Then murder strikes a little too close to home and uncorks a barrel of
secrets.

When mob king, Mario Topo’s, enforcer goes missing the race is on to
prove he’s behind the murder. Police and mobsters alike are after Milo
Natale, and he who finds Milo first might determine the enforcer’s fate.

A race through the city, a new friend… or more… a new life in the
offing. Milo and Clarice must find who killed Topo’s man and why before
the police arrest him for murder or Topo’s men bump him and Clarice off,
too.

This next book in the Ever After Mysteries combines “The Nutcracker
Suite” with a murder mystery set in the heart of 1920s Rockland.

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS: I have never read The Nutcracker and the Mouse King or even seen The Nutcracker ballet. So, I can’t tell you if this is a close retelling or a very creative, loose retelling. What I can tell you is that if you like historical fiction, the 1920s, and murder mysteries you’re probably going to love this story.

Mystery and Romantic Mystery are not my go-to genre, but I loved the idea of this story and the time period it’s set in. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed all the characters, especially Clarice and her inability to remember all the slang of the time. Raising teens in the last five years, I understand the constant changing slang that works its way into everyday conversations, and I can relate to Clarice’s attempts at using the slang current to her time though she isn’t always totally sure she’s getting it right. Her innocence and awkwardness with it made her a lovable character.

She’s not the only one. Milo is also a likable character, and one who is not everything people make him out to be. And really, I enjoyed many of the characters. They were all well-written, interesting, and a good visual for the time period in which the story takes place.

Great characters, interesting setting, and an engaging plot make this a great story. I give it five stars.

About the Author

media-headshot-sm-240x300 Author of the bestselling 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 ChautonaHere Are Several Fun Facts & a Secret about The Nutcracker’s Suite

You’d think that while writing a book based on the fairy tale of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, I’d have heard “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” in my head as I wrote. Well, I guess for a brief moment I did, because at some point, someone actually says that. “Dance, sugar plum!”

But Tchaikovsky isn’t who played in my head as I wrote. Over and over, word after word, my fingers did their bourres and glissades across my keyboard to one, rather unexpected song. “Ballerina” (I prefer the version sung by Buddy Clark. You can listen HERE.)

However, there are so many elements of the original ballet’s story in mine. I thought I’d share a few of them.

Let’s talk about the cast of characters.

Clarice Stahl is our “leading lady.” It’s kind of obvious where I got her name since the original character was Clara Stahlbaum.

Clarice works for Mr. Dieter Meyer, the owner of Meyer’s Toys. He gives her the job of painting nutcrackers. So, it’s not too difficult to see the connection to Uncle Drosselmeyer who gives Clara the nutcracker, no?

All of 1925 Rockland is in the clutches of mob king, Mario Topo. For those not fluent in Italian, can you guess what “topo” is in that language? Remember… he’s the mob “king.”

But I think my favorite name of all is Emiliano (I call him Milo) Natale (Christmas in Italian… just sayin’) who is known as “the nutcracker.” He’s an enforcer for Mr. Topo, and that means he squeezes people until they crack and do what Topo wants. Let’s hope he repents!

Yes, I had a boatload of fun coming up with this stuff! How’d you guess?

I have a secret to confess about this book. I’m writing this post when I’m only about a quarter of the way done. I went to get the synopsis for this tour and went, “oops!” You see, I forgot that I’d planned to make Milo going missing a big part of the plot.

Guess who has to flex? I’d better get back to it. They need to figure out who killed our victim… and why. And before Clarice is next!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Blogging With Carol, November 26

Texas Book-aholic, November 27

For the Love of Literature, November 28

By the Book, November 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 29

Inklings and notions, November 29

For Him and My Family, November 30

Rachael’s Inkwell, November 30

deb’s Book Review, December 1

Bizwings Blog, December 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 2

Genesis 5020, December 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 3

Simple Harvest Reads, December 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Connie’s History Classroom, December 4

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 5

Connect in Fiction, December 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 6

Mary Hake, December 6

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 7

Through the fire blogs, December 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 8

Lots of Helpers, December 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 9 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, December 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away to three winners one Prize box each including a paperback of The Nutcracker’s Suite, themed goodies, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card in each!!

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/13cfb/the-nutcracker-s-suite-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Published on November 28, 2021 05:00

November 24, 2021

Wednesday in the Word: A Touch of Spice

Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

“This pie isn’t very yummy.”

My son said that to his father after trying my pumpkin pie. I knew it couldn’t be true. I followed the recipe exactly, and I’ve been baking for years. This wasn’t my first pumpkin pie.

His little kid tastebuds must not be ready for pumpkin pie, I reasoned. Convinced there was nothing wrong, I tried a bite. If I could have spit it out without being disgusting, I would have. There wasn’t a nasty flavor. There wasn’t any flavor at all. I had a mouth full of tasteless mush. My son was correct. The pie wasn’t very yummy.

I followed the recipe perfectly. The flavors should have been wonderful. But my spices were old and had lost their flavor. Whole containers of them could have been added to my pie, and it still would have been a flavorless mess.

As we go into the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, I’m reminded of my pie and the verse above. Many will gather with family for holiday meals. It’s a great time to catch up and reconnect.

But family get-togethers also bring the potential for hurt feelings, disagreements, and discomfort when differences of opinions and personalities season our attitudes. With nerves frayed and external stressors already at a high, even believers can find it challenging to project the image of Christ to those they love.

We’re to be the salt of the earth. The seasoning of God’s love to the world. What does that taste like? It tastes like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). This fruit of the Holy Spirit’s leading in our lives are the seasoning each of us should bring to our holiday tables this year.

Wonder what love tastes like? It tastes like patience when a family member just has to be right. Real happiness without envy for our family member’s new toy or raise or whatever. It tastes like refusing to one-up our loved ones and not giving in to any desire to tell everyone how great we are. Love is conscientious and polite to our family members, even the ones getting on. our last nerves. This seasoning tastes like looking out for others instead of our own wants. It’s keeping our attitudes in check, refusing to go off on others or holding long-since forgiven wrongs against each other. With love seasoning our time together, we will speak truth, do what is best for our family, trust, hope, and persevere (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

That’s a tall order for any day, but especially so in times of family gatherings. But it’s not ours to accomplish on our own. We can’t. The Holy Spirit helps direct us in the way we should go. His nudge tells us when we’re toeing the line of sin and losing our Jesus flavor.

Listening closely to Him will also tell us if we’re veering in the opposite direction. A pie with too little flavor is rendered inedible, but so is a pie with too much flavor. I’m not saying we can be too Christian or too like Jesus. But we can step in trying to do the work of the Holy Spirit instead of listening to His prodding. The result is an over seasoned holiday and unbelieving family members walking away with a sour taste in their mouths for all things God related.

When our desire to see our family members in relationship with God pushes us to make every discussion and every point about getting them to see the truth, our faith becomes a weapon used against them. Showing them truth ends up putting them on the defensive, and it leaves a bad taste in their mouths. It’s like opening that container of cinnamon and dumping it all into our pie. We aren’t called to shove the pie of faith into their mouths when they’ve already refused it.

It is our job to faithfully be the Jesus seasoning in their lives while letting the Holy Spirit move them to taking that first bite. He knows when they’re ready. If we’re listening to Him, the Spirit will guide our actions and our words at the right times and in the right ways to lovingly guide them into relationship with God.

As we face this holiday season, with all its opportunities for discord, let’s determine to season our gatherings with the seasoning of God’s love instead. Let’s go into each one with prayer covering our actions, attitudes, and words. Determine to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in every situation. Instead of being too much or too flavorless, taking time to speak and act according to the Spirit’s leading will make our seasoning just right this holiday season.

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Published on November 24, 2021 06:52

November 19, 2021

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: Garrett

Garrett

About the Book

Book: Garrett

Author: Izzy James

Genre: Christian Romance

Release date: November 27, 2020

IzzyJames_Garrett_eCover_HR Garrett Tyler thought he was leaving Ballard House for home, secure in the knowledge that love had finally won-out for his long-time friend Olivia. He steps out the door and into the past, 1769 to be exact. While finding his bearings Garrett stumbles upon a beautiful woman being attacked. He makes sure she gets home and because of his kindness, she allows him to stay in an outbuilding—even believing his time travel story—while he figures out how he will get back to his life in the future. The more time they spend together, the deeper friendship they build, but one thing is going to rip her world apart.

Mercy Hansford is a confidant, independent woman running her own tailor shoppe. Her world is shaken when she is brutally attacked after delivering one of her sought-after shirts. The consequences of this night could be more far-reaching than either of them can guess.

Should Mercy trust a man she barely knows?

MY THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this story, but I do think some confusion at the beginning and end would have been cleared up for me had I read Max before that. Without having done so, I understood the basics of what happened, but I was left with a few questions.

That being said, I enjoyed the story of Garrett and Mercy. I did think she came to believe him rather easily, but the author deals with the why satisfactorily. Mercy experiences the most horrible of situations life could give her and then in the next minute meets Garrett who shows her compassion, free of judgment for events she could not control.

While Garrett is the only one that has traveled to another time, both characters have been thrust into uncertain and unfamiliar situations. Trust needs to go in both directions for them to reach a positive conclusion, but trust is not easy.

I give this story four stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

izzy_james Izzy James grew up in coastal Virginia. She lives there still with her fabulous husband in a house brimming with books.

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: Shut the Front Door

Shut the Door

About the Book

Book: Shut the Front Door

Author: L.M. Karen

Genre: Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: July 15, 2021

Ebook_ShuttheFrontDoor+02 The zany story of an alpha male pursuing a headstrong woman and the hilarious entanglements that follow.

Maddy’s dating profile couldn’t be more together. Maddy, however, feels utterly not together when Derek is in the room. She thought living next to her best friend Brittany, (who happens to be married to her brother, Matt) would be the best move of her life; not realizing it came with the complication of Brittany’s older brother Derek. Their undeniable chemistry and passionate personalities make it hard for Maddy to continue ignoring his determined pursuit. This is a feel good romantic comedy with a hint of excitement.

MY THOUGHTS: At first, I was a little thrown by the style of writing the author uses in this book, but I quickly adjusted and ended up loving it. The way she tells the story draws you into it and keeps it moving. It is a very “now” way of telling the story.

I also enjoyed the fact that her characters are not perfect. It’s great to see non-perfect Christians living life, because that’s what we all are. And the chemistry between Maddy and Derek is undeniable which is great for a book heavy on the romance.

My issue with the book stems from the character of Derek. I like him, and I don’t have a problem with alpha male types in stories. There is, however, a line between alpha male and inappropriate behavior. The fact that he is willing to do what even he states in the story is borderline stalking behavior in the name of protecting the woman he has feelings for crosses that line for me. The first time he comes over to her house, she doesn’t want him there. His reaction didn’t sit right with me, and his behavior went downhill from there.

This line crossing comes out most when he’s concerned about her safety. The rest of the time, Derek is caring and thoughtful. But to make matters worse, he is a cop. Having a man who should be trained to recognize this as inappropriate behavior basically being unapologetic for it made what would have otherwise been a fun and entertaining story less so for me.

I give this one three stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

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

November 16, 2021

Meet the Author Monday: Cindy Bonds

Each Monday, I interview a character (Main Character Monday) or an author (Meet the Author Monday). Today, I have the pleasure of welcoming author Cindy Bonds to Meet the Author Monday. I do apologize that my Monday blog is being posted on a Tuesday. I had a website issue yesterday that prevented me from posting. So, without any further interruptions, let’s get started.

What character from the books you’ve written has impacted you more than all the others?

My second novel, Rainstorm, was the first female military veteran I’ve written. Her story is heartbreaking as a soul searching to belong. I was asked to pick a theme in that book and there are so many, I found so many answers as I wrote. Even though it wasn’t my ‘breakout’ novel, I connected with her story on a much more emotional level. God spoke loud and clear, guiding me to different questions in my own faith.

Isn’t it wonderful when God does that in an author’s life? What character you created was the easiest to write? The hardest?

In Hostage, both protagonists- Macy Packer and Kane Bledsoe were embedded in my brain from the beginning of the storyline. They spoke very loudly as I wrote that book! I knew everything about them as the story formed, they were just easy. In my latest novel, Fighter, I struggled with Bexley Bowers. She has this need to be accepted, to find those missing pieces she’d lost in her life. I had a hard time navigating her world and how she would react to the pressures of being damaged and keeping her emotions at bay.

Scripture is full of real people who had character to spare. Which one do you most relate to or enjoy reading about?

Peter. Peter amazes me. He was this strong, full of faith follower of Christ that threatened the soldiers and swore to Jesus that he would never leave. Then he failed. Three times. In a row. Just like Jesus said he would.

In John 21:15-19, Jesus shows His forgiveness when he asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter was pained at the questions, but simply stated, “You know everything, You know I love you.” It was a moment of realization for Peter that Jesus knew Peter’s heart, knew the future and yet, still ate with him and loved him. As exasperated as we feel Jesus would be seeing us fail, in His awesomeness, He’s also forgiving.

And, I mean, how amazing is it that Peter got to walk on water in the middle of a storm with Jesus?

I love that part of Peter’s story. Do you plan your characters and their backstories before you begin writing or are you as surprised by them as your readers?

I usually have an idea of their backstory and that weakness that threatens their future. I want to plan out those moments of realization and angst and use it throughout the novel. I want my characters to grow and evolve, usually in a way that finds a path to Christ.

Now, the twists and turns of the story, that seems to just flow from somewhere and is almost NEVER planned! I rarely have moments where I say, “I want to get this character here with a car chase in the middle.” I’m usually just as surprised as the reader when I get through a section and think, where did that come from?

I love being surprised by my characters.. If someone wrote a movie about you, who would you like to play your character? Why?

Sandra Bullock, because she can do anything and make it great! I imagine a movie about me wouldn’t be all that entertaining, so she would be good to fill in the gaps! (As you can tell, I’m still stuck in the 90’s/early 00’s movie scene, I’m not sure I could name a new actress in a more modern film!)

There is nothing wrong with the 90s and early 00s movie scene. What is the most encouraging thing you’ve heard or experienced as an author?

I’ve had a person comment after reading Rainstorm that she loved the action in the beginning and that the questions about faith in the book were the same she had about God and life. It’s always about what God wants to put in the book and who He wants to speak to. That’s why I write!

What is your biggest challenge as an author?

Time. I want to write more, read more, learn more and there is only so much time in the day to do so! With kids at home that have their own activities and a full time job, I’m just trying to make time to type at least a little bit every day. God always gives me that empty day when I need it so I can binge write as much as possible! Scheduling can help carve out time on occasion, but honestly, its just an eluding figure that I chase all the time, like Peter Pan’s shadow, as it disappears with a new day.

I want to thank Cindy for joining us today. I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know her a bit better. Keep reading to find out even more and learn about Cindy’s newest book. And if you have a question or comment for Cindy, please drop it in the comments.

More About Cindy Bonds and Her Books:

Cindy Bonds lives in rural Arkansas where she works for an aviation insurance agency and spends her free time with her husband and children. In between kid’s ball games and gymnastics, she loves to read and work on her crafting skills.

Writing has become an outlet for her creativity and she is excited for her novel Fighter, the first in a three book series. You can check out Fighter on the link below and sign up for her newsletter at www.cindybonds.com to keep up with all the new releases she has lined up! You can find her on Instagram @ authorcindybonds and on Facebook @cindybondsauthor, where she often holds drawings for chances to win a free book!

https://scrivenings.link/fighter

Back cover copy:

Bexley Bowers has lost everything during her 30 years on earth. Struggling to find her path, she’s targeted and kidnapped by a crazed terrorist.

Evan Mitchell retired from the Navy only to find himself back at work, clinging to his job with the Tactical Response Team. He meets Bexley while on assignment and a strange tug on his emotions leaves him scrambling. Bexley is too stubborn and too beautiful. He’ll never be able to get her out of his mind – especially now that he’s her protection.

When Bexley finds herself in trouble once more, can Evan and his team arrive in time?

Fighting the clock and their pride, Evan and Bexley must decide which is more important – their egos or their future.

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Published on November 16, 2021 05:00

November 12, 2021

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: Wolf Soldier

About the Book

Book: Wolf Soldier

Author: James R. Hannibal

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: October 26, 2021

The fate of the Dragon Lands are at play.

The knights of the Lightraider Order disappeared nearly two generations past. Now, the Keledan have withdrawn behind their barriers, and the Dragon Lands of bordering Tanelethar are overrun with dark oppression. The people are living in disobedience to the Rescuer who freed them long ago.

A shepherd boy, Connor Enarian, and four young initiates rekindle the fires of the Lightraider Order in the hope of striking out across the mountains into Tanelethar to destroy a portal and stop an impending invasion.

Once in the Dragon Lands, Connor learns that the key to success lies with a missing Lightraider spy and his lifelong companion, a talking silver wolf. Can Connor and his friends find the spy before the portal grows too large to destroy? Or will a local young woman—or Connor’s own family history—betray them?

The dangers and secrets of Tanelethar test both trust and loyalty, and to save his homeland, Connor may have to sacrifice his innermost dreams.

MY THOUGHTS: There is so much to love about Wolf Soldier, whether you fall into the age range of YA or not.

The world created is worthy of any epic adventure. Its beauty is described vividly as are the darker, more dangerous settings. Every sense is engaged in the world the author created.

The characters are enjoyable and relatable, struggling with many of the same issues we face every day. In their quest, they face doubt, fight impulsiveness, experience disappointment, and hold onto hope. And they do it all while learning to use the tools given to them as soon-to-be knights of the Lightraider Order.

For those with a Christian background and familiarity with scripture, the allegory will be obvious. But this doesn’t detract from the story. Quite the opposite. It’s a wonderful reminder of how to use what we’ve been given to move past surviving to success in our own quest of life.

If I could, I would give Wolf Soldier more than five stars. Since I can’t I’ll give it five with a recommendation that if you have a YA reader on your Christmas list this year, be sure to put this one under the tree for them.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Former stealth pilot James R. Hannibal is no stranger to secrets and adventure. He has been shot at, locked up by surface to air missiles, has hunted insurgents with drones, and was once chased by an armed terrorist down a winding German road. James is the Carol Award winning author of the Clandestine Service series and a three–time winner of the Silver Falchion Award for Juvenile Fiction for his Section 13 series.

November 8, 2021

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: A New Hope for Christmas

A New Hohpe

About the Book

Book: A New Hope for Christmas

Author: Erin Stevenson

Genre: Christian Christmas Fiction

Release date: December, 2021

Tour Dates: November 4 – November 17

This Christmas, Two Lost and Broken Families Need Restoration.

Sam Jarrett was just starting to explore spiritual things when his world was shattered. Now, he’s completely turned his back on God. Laura Preston is a devoted believer, leaning heavily on her faith to get her through each tortured day.

Two Chance Meetings Spark a Friendship and a Glimmer of Hope.

Sam battles God’s prodding through Laura’s gentle, caring spirit. When another tragedy strikes on Christmas Eve, Sam is sure that God has completely deserted him. Laura tries to show Sam that God loves him and has been there all the time, but how can Sam trust when he has no faith?

A New Hope for Christmas is a story of restored faith in a God who never leaves us, even when we can’t see or feel Him near.

MY THOUGHTS: A New Hope for Christmas holds a much needed message. Too often, believers are left feeling like their hurts shouldn’t hurt. And while we do have a Healer who can mend those broken places, most times the journey to that point isn’t quick and easy. But it is possible when we let God work through His word, other people, and sometimes even through unexpected ways. The characters in the story travel an emotional path to this truth.

A New Hope for Christmas offers the glimpse of hope that healing is possible and sets it against the backdrop of Christmas. Could there be a better time to remember hope?

With such a needed message of hope for healing, I wanted to give this book 5 stars, but one element keeps me from it. There are basically two parts to this story, and I found the transition from one to the other fairly jarring. It was too much to be an epilogue, but I feel like the time jump took me out of the story. Personally, I feel this might have been handled with an epilogue to prevent that feeling. However, it is a beautiful story that I would recommend for everyone. Those dealing with loss might find themselves in the pages. While those who haven’t might be reminded how hard the holidays can be for others. This story still gets 4 out of 5 stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Erin Stevenson has been writing fiction since 2014. She has published independently with Pelican Book Group and Winged Publications and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Writing is like breathing to Erin. Stories are running through her mind during most of her waking hours, and by the time she sits down at the computer, the words flow and time ceases to exist.

Erin was raised in Illinois and has lived in many places in the U.S., including on both coasts, but is a Midwest girl at heart. She spent many years as an educator from pre-school through college levels, and currently works in training and internal communications for a global corporation.

When she’s not writing, Erin loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and playing in the garden (which equates to mostly pulling weeds) at her central Iowa home. Her secret indulgence is plain M&Ms.

November 5, 2021

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: A Picture of Hope

picture of hope

About the Book

Book: A Picture of Hope

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: October, 2021

A Photojournalist Risks Her Life to Save Children

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

Journalist Nellie Wilkerson has spent the bulk of the war in London, photographing pilots taking off and landing—and she’s bored. She jumps at the chance to go to France, where the Allied forces recently landed. She enlists Jean-Paul Breslau of the French underground to take her to the frontlines. On the journey, they come upon an orphanage where nuns shelter children with disabilities. Can they help save them before the Nazis come to liquidate it?

MY THOUGHTS: First, let me say, I absolutely love this cover! It tells a story with no words at all. But since I am about the written stories, I’ll share my thoughts on that too!

I really enjoyed this story. The author paints a vivid picture of what is going on and why. Jean-Paul is a hero I can stand behind one hundred percent. It seems strange to call him the hero though. There are so many heroes whose stories are woven into this one book. Jean-Paul, Nellie, the nuns, and so many others were necessary for the story to progress to the ending it does. It would not have been the same if any one of them were missing.

My only less than completely positive comment for this book is the heroine. I like Nellie, but I want to love her. Due to her experiences she has compassion for those the rest of the world has written off. She’s brave and wants what she does to change the world’s perspective. She isn’t content to sit around and wait for things to happen. And this is where we go from what I see as positives to her negatives.

Nellie is a woman who isn’t content to be pushed aside because she’s a woman, and I can appreciate that. But there is a difference between taking action and being reckless. Too often, Nellie swung into the reckless and irresponsible camp in effort to prove herself. And even though each time she did, there were disastrous, life-changing circumstances, I never really got the sense she learned the difference. She, like the other characters, grew in other ways. But I feel like Nellie never learned this important lesson, and it kept me from really loving her as much as I loved the rest of her story.

However, considering I’d recommend A Picture of Hope to other fans of historical/WWII stories and I would read this story again, even knowing what I do about Nellie, I still give the book five stars.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

LizTolsma Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.

More from LizWhy Another WWII Novel Set in France

You may well read the back cover of my latest release, A Picture of Hope, and wonder why on earth we need another WWII novel set in France. After all, Kristy Cambron just had one. Melanie Dobson and Sarah Sundin will be coming out with theirs in 2022. So why did I feel the need to write my novel with the same setting?

First of all, I’m a Francophile. I love all things French. It started when I took French in high school. Everyone else was learning Spanish, but I wasn’t into being part of the crowd. There were only a few of us in the class, and it was great fun. We had a wonderful teacher. Being able to pull out some of that French, refine it a bit, and use it in the book was a blast. But I also love French food (who doesn’t?) and everything else.

Secondly, I hadn’t written about France before. When I wrote this proposal at least five or six years ago, I didn’t know France would be so hot. God did, and the book came about in His perfect timing. I’d explored the Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and the Philippines. Such a shame that I was leaving out France, so I set about to write a novel located in that country.

Thirdly, there was so much good material to pull from. The French resistance, while small, did good work and sacrificed a great deal to get Jews out of the country and into Switzerland or Spain. The books that Kristy, Melanie, Sarah, and I write are all so different. Only the setting is the same. And when I found out that the famous mime Marcel Marceau was part of the resistance, I couldn’t help but giving him a cameo. Be on the lookout!

Along the way, I discovered some truly heartrending incidents that took place in France. They also compelled me to write this book. I long for the world to remember what happened so that we will never forget. And so that the atrocities committed there will never be repeated.

Fourthly, this was originally the third book in a series. Don’t worry – it’s a stand-alone. Maybe someday I’ll get to publish the other two. The women in the series are all American journalists in Europe. One is a reporter, the other is a broadcaster, and so I decided to make Nellie, the heroine in A Picture of Hope, a photojournalist. And where better to take pictures than on Omaha Beach soon after D-day. How she gets there is based on a very interesting true story, so be sure to read to the end for that one.

There are so many stories about WWII to be told and so many countries that participated in the conflict in one way or the other. The ground is so rich that we aren’t plowing the same parcel. You’ll find all of these books to be very different from each other, each with its own message, its own voice, and its own plot.

The focus in my book is on children with Down syndrome. I have a background in special education, and my husband and I adopted a child from the Philippines with an intellectual disability, so I’ve always had a heart for people with special needs. My daughter brings us so much joy that I wanted to share a glimpse into what these remarkable people are truly capable of.

So that is why I wrote a WWII novel set in France. Make yourself a cup of café au lait, butter up a croissant, and enjoy A Picture of Hope!

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, October 28

Life of Literature, October 28

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 28

Genesis 5020, October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

The Book Chic Blog, October 29

Blogging With Carol, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Sodbuster Living, October 30

Spoken from the Heart, October 30

Elly Gilbert, October 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 31

Inklings and notions, October 31

Labor Not in Vain, October 31

CarpeDiem, October 31

Splashes of Joy, November 1

Reviewingbooksplusmore, November 1

Life, love, writing, November 1

For Him and My Family, November 1

deb’s Book Review, November 2

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 2

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 3

Betti Mace, November 3

Worthy2Read, November 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 3

Daysong Reflections, November 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 4

Vicky Sluiter, November 4

Southern Gal Loves to Read, November 4

Older & Smarter?, November 5

By the Book, November 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 5

Connie’s History Classroom, November 6

For the Love of Literature, November 6

Bigreadersite, November 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 6

Rebecca Tews, November 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 7

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, November 7

She Lives To Read, November 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 8

Where Faith and Books Meet, November 8

Pause for Tales, November 9

Christian Bookaholic, November 9

Through the Fire Blogs, November 9

To Everything There Is A Season , November 9

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, November 10

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 10

Mary Hake, November 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of A Picture of Hope!!

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/12b83/a-picture-of-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post On Tour with Celebrate Lit: A Picture of Hope appeared first on Heather Greer.

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Published on November 05, 2021 05:00

October 29, 2021

On Tour with Celebrate Lit: Glimpses of the Savior

About the Book

Book: Glimpses of the Savior

Author: Shirley Crowder & Harriet E. Michael

Genre: Christian Living, Devotional

Release date: September 2, 2018

Finding Jesus Among the Celebrations and Decorations 50 Meditations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year. In early November, our minds turn to the upcoming holiday season and the new year. We get busy preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year, and all too often, we forget the real meanings of these celebrations. As Christ-followers, we can guard against this by focusing our hearts on God’s Word. Thanksgiving is a time to give God thanks; Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Savior; the New Year brings new beginnings. This devotional book contains fifty meditations to help you find Jesus among the celebrations and decorations. Begin using the book the week before Thanksgiving and it will carry you into the New Year.

Click here to get your copy!MY THOUGHTS: Each devotion begins with a short scripture passage to read on your own, but it also includes a highlighted verse or two from the passage. I love the flexibility this gives the reader. Devotions are also broken into sections relating to various themes of the season leading up to Christmas. With a prayer and thought for the day included with each day’s reading, it’s easy to see how to personally apply the theme to daily life.

The real-life stories the authors include are a wonderful way to introduce each day’s meditation. They draw the reader in and give them a place to connect with the author’s experience and spiritual point. And the stories are woven seamlessly into the spiritual application for each day.

With practical devotions to turn minds and hearts to truths for the season, I give this devotional 5 stars.

About the Authors

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

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

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

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

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

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

More from Shirley and HarrietFrom Africa to America, Lifelong Friends

March 14, many years ago …

Deep in the heart of the African jungle in the Niger River delta of eastern Nigeria, the first cry of a newborn baby echoed from a small jungle hospital. The baby was a gir, the third child of medical missionaries, Alice and Keith Edwards. They named their daughter Harriet after Keith’s mother.

Joinkrama is located across the Niger River in the far eastern part of Nigeria. There were no bridges when Alice and Keith set out for their new home so long ago. They crossed the river in a large passenger thatched-roof, canoe-type boat. Joinkrama lies in the small section of Nigeria that is within the tropical rain forest. And it fit the role, with monkeys swinging in the trees, parrots, canaries, and other colorful birds sitting on branches and thatched roofs of the houses, and elephants in the nearby jungle sometimes getting a little too close for comfort. And of course, there were poisonous snakes to watch out for and crocodiles in the river. Children never played on the riverbanks, and swimming was absolutely prohibited! It was in this almost magical setting that Harriet was born.

Though the little jungle hospital was equipped for surgery, and the preferred place to give birth, it was not where Alice wanted to convalesce after giving birth, so she was transported home on a stretcher carried by four men, as it was much too far to walk just after giving birth. As Alice lay on the stretcher with newborn Harriet sleeping in her arms, the villagers they passed thought she and the baby had died in childbirth, people began to weep and mourn.

Alice quickly sat up and waved and held baby Harriet up for them to see. The villagers’ weeping turned to dancing and cheering as they followed her home, dancing, and praising God.

Harriet and her family stayed in this remote part of Nigeria for a year until the other family returned from furlough. At that time, they went for another year to Oyo, Nigeria, to language school and then on to Ogbomoso in central Nigeria, where they stayed the next ten years. Keith practiced medicine at the hospital in Ogbomoso, and Alice worked with him as a nurse.

October 24 of the same year Harriet was born …

Deep in the Yoruba country of southwestern Nigeria, some 260 miles away from Joinkrama, piercing through the tropical night sounds, was heard the first cry of another baby born in a guesthouse in Ogbomoso, under the shade of a mango tree. This baby was also a girl, the fourth child of missionaries Jeannie and Ray Crowder.

Early in the morning, missionary doctors Bill Williams and Ruth Berry, the second woman to ever graduate from the Medical College of Alabama, delivered this baby girl. Single missionary nurse, Lolete Dotson, an MK from South Africa who served a total of 25 years in Nigeria, stood beside the baby’s mom, holding her hand, wiping her face with a wet cloth, and whispering encouraging words.

The family thought the fourth baby would be a second Timothy, yet Shirley Jeanne arrived instead. The Nigerians gave her the name Bamidele, which means “come home with me.” It is a name given to a child born in a place that is not his or her parent’s home. The name was given by the Nigerians to missionary babies, both male and female, who were born there. This is Harriet’s Nigerian name as well.

Several years later, the Crowders moved to Ogbomoso. Ray served as administrator of the 96-bed hospital, and Jeannie taught kindergarten and ministered to the Nigerian women with home visits and Bible studies. Harriet’s parents worked at the Ogbomoso hospital with Ray.

Harriet ended up living just up the dirt road from Shirley. They played together nearly every day and formed a friendship that remained, even after years and distance separated them.

Fast forward to today…

Who knew that these little babies would grow up and write books together? The Edwards and the Crowders stayed in contact throughout the decades. At the annual Nigeria Mission Reunion, Harriet and Shirley reconnected and discovered they both liked to write and they shared similar theological beliefs. A series of social media posts sparked the idea of writing a devotional book together. Glimpses of the Savior is the result of that idea. And here we are today still writing books together.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 25

Inklings and notions, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26

Texas Book-aholic, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 28

By the Book, October 29

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 30

Mary Hake, October 30

deb’s Book Review, October 31

She Lives To Read, November 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 1

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, November 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 7

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Shirley and Harriet are giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of the book and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/126b8/glimpses-of-the-savior-celebration-tour-giveaway

The post On Tour with Celebrate Lit: Glimpses of the Savior appeared first on Heather Greer.

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Published on October 29, 2021 05:00

October 27, 2021

Wednesday in the Word: Worth the Wait with Liana George

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” – Psalm 37:7

Patience has never been my strong suit. When I was a child, I would carefully unwrap my Christmas presents, learn what was inside, then put everything back in proper order. As an adult, I can’t surprise anyone because I’m too impatient to see their reaction to my gift and usually end up telling them about it or giving it to them before the big event.

I have an issue, I know. I’m working on it, I promise!

But I haven’t conquered all my demons yet. Above all else, my writing journey has tested my patience time and time again. It’s also the one area in which I’ve failed the most.

Little did I know, December 2020 would challenge my ability to be patient, unlike ever before.

I spent three years working on my debut novel, Perfectly Arranged. When I sent it out to the ‘gatekeepers of the industry’, no one was interested. All I heard were crickets. So, rather than force the issue, I tucked the manuscript into a drawer and began a new writing project.

Yet something still nagged at me, especially when anyone would say, “I can’t wait to read your book.” Although I wasn’t ready to self-publish the novel, I toyed with the idea of blogging a chapter a week on my website, just to share the story with those who might be interested.

In the past, I would have immediately posted the first ten pages as soon as the idea came to me. Instead, I decided to take the situation to the Lord first.

For weeks I prayed, asking God to give me direction and show me whether this was a good idea or not. Again, crickets. I could feel my finger getting antsy, wanting to hit publish. However, I was determined to wait this out.

A few weeks later, as I was having my morning quiet time, I prayed again for wisdom about the situation. I had my Bible, my journal, and a box of cards with God’s promises next to me. After waiting but not feeling lead one way or the other, I stood and prepared to start my day. When I did, the box of promise cards fell to the ground, scattering them everywhere.

As I dropped to the floor and gathered them, I noticed one lying off to the side. I picked it up. Rather than add it to the pile, I stopped to read it: “God’s best is always worth the wait.”

Right then, I had my answer. I needed to wait. While it would be extremely hard, I was willing to wait as long as necessary – five days or five years – for whatever God had planned for this book.

Surprisingly, I didn’t have to wait long. A week later, I received an email from Scrivenings Press. After reading the first three chapters I had submitted six months prior, they requested the entire manuscript. Ten days after that, I signed a contract with them to publish Perfectly Arranged in 2021.

Although being patient is still a challenge for me, I’m learning to be still and wait on God. After all, His best is always worth the wait.

More about Liana:

Liana George is a sought-after speaker, blogger, and author. Before pursuing a career in writing, she was a professional organizer and the former owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston, Texas. Her debut novel, Perfectly Arranged, was inspired by one of her eccentric clients and Liana’s love for China, where she lived for two and a half years. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or playing tennis.