Tamera Alexander's Blog, page 13
February 26, 2014
Spring Cleaning My Bookshelves Giveaway
From my bookshelf to yours!
U.S. Mailing Addresses only due to postage costs
It's spring, and I've been cleaning!
You'll see some newer releases in the stack (A Shining Light by Judith Miller, for one, oh so good!) amidst some older releases (like a hardback version of Revealed). I wish I could keep every book I've ever read but the word hoarder comes to mind, so...
I'm sharing!
Enter to win by following the instructions inside the Rafflecopter box below.
There are TWO MANDATORY options. Both easy questions––just some very private and highly sensitive information I'd like to know about you and that I promise to never EVER share with anyone else. Trust me? : )
All other options are (to quote The Princess Bride), "As you wish!" But if you do choose to complete some (or all) of the extra chances to win, thank you in advance!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
U.S. Mailing Addresses only due to postage costs It's spring, and I've been cleaning!
You'll see some newer releases in the stack (A Shining Light by Judith Miller, for one, oh so good!) amidst some older releases (like a hardback version of Revealed). I wish I could keep every book I've ever read but the word hoarder comes to mind, so...
I'm sharing!
Enter to win by following the instructions inside the Rafflecopter box below.
There are TWO MANDATORY options. Both easy questions––just some very private and highly sensitive information I'd like to know about you and that I promise to never EVER share with anyone else. Trust me? : )
All other options are (to quote The Princess Bride), "As you wish!" But if you do choose to complete some (or all) of the extra chances to win, thank you in advance!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 21, 2014
Within My Heart $1.99 ebook
What do you do when God chooses not to heal? 
a Timber Ridge Reflections novel
That was the question that served as the seed for my novel Within My Heart. But that question swiftly became reality for me when my sweet mom was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer in 2009, and I had to put the novel aside.
Those last weeks and months with Mom were so precious. Hard, but precious. Yet in the months following her passing to heaven, God poured healing into me as I finished the story Within My Heart. So many of the last conversations between Mom and me found their way onto the pages of this novel. So it's a very special book to me.
If you haven't already enjoyed it, I hope you will!
CBD
Amazon
iBook
Nook
a Timber Ridge Reflections novelThat was the question that served as the seed for my novel Within My Heart. But that question swiftly became reality for me when my sweet mom was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer in 2009, and I had to put the novel aside.
Those last weeks and months with Mom were so precious. Hard, but precious. Yet in the months following her passing to heaven, God poured healing into me as I finished the story Within My Heart. So many of the last conversations between Mom and me found their way onto the pages of this novel. So it's a very special book to me.
If you haven't already enjoyed it, I hope you will!
CBD
Amazon
iBook
Nook
February 18, 2014
Movie Trivia and two-parter GIVEAWAY
I love movie quotes! So today at Writes of Passage, I'm hosting a two-part giveaway. If you long to know more about Heaven and also love quoting movies, then join me and let's see if we have any favorite movies in common.
Enter to win
Enter to win
February 12, 2014
Website Input GIVEAWAY
Hey friends, just posted this on Facebook this morning. Would love your input!
Click to leave a comment on the Facebook Post
Click to leave a comment on the Facebook Post
Excerpt for A Beauty So Rare, a Belmont Mansion novel
CBD Amazon
B&N
iTunes
Morning friends!
The excerpt from A Beauty So Rare, the second stand-alone novel in the Belmont Mansion series, is up and waiting for you. And it's nice and long since the book is the same. Hope you enjoy! The rest of the novel is coming March 25 to a bookstore or eReader near you.
Thanks so much for taking yet another journey with me, and please know that––as you read the dedication––I mean every word.
More below…
The back cover of the novel
More about A Beauty So Rare
Several have asked where the cover was photographed. It was photographed at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Minneapolis. Have you been there? Are you a nature lover? A gardener?
I learned so much about 19th century gardening and grafting as I wrote this story. Such fun!
~Tammy
February 11, 2014
Taking life minute by minute
Do you ever flip back through your journal to days gone by? Maybe to recall what happened on a certain day or perhaps to reminisce?
I did that recently and came upon this blog post I originally wrote on March 24, 2009 (in purple below), after Mom had been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. She was in the hospital and going through a very rough time. We all were.
But as I read back through this, I was reminded of God's grace and mercy. Of the time he gave us together before he welcomed Mom Home. I'm so grateful for those days, those hours, those minutes. They're tucked away inside me, yet return at the oddest times. A memory of something said. Or a look Mom gave me. Or a hug. Or the last time I kissed her forehead.
All so precious. All reminders of the truth that nothing comes into my life that doesn't first filter through the loving hands of my heavenly Father.
And all reminders to keep taking life minute by minute.
March 24, 2009
I'm incredibly grateful for the prayers that have been lifted up for my mom this past week (pictured to the right with my dad). Her healing since last Thursday's surgery has been very slow, and not without its setbacks.
I hadn't been home from the hospital long last night when the phone rang. I picked up and heard my dad say, "Tam...I think Mom's dying."
You can imagine what emotions hit me in that moment. Disbelief. Fear. Denial. Anger. Helplessness. And you can guess what questions came to mind. Can I get back to the hospital in time to say goodbye? Will I see her again this side of Heaven? Have I said everything there is to say?
I had trouble understanding what Dad was saying on the phone so I asked him to pass the phone to a nurse. She got on and said that they had indeed called a code on my mom because her vitals were dropping. It wasn't cardiac arrest though. It was due to respiratory problems, along with some other issues.
Long story short, they told us they thought she'd had a stroke. So around midnight last night they did a CAT scan on her head and chest, and we waited. The chest scan was clear but the brain scan was inconclusive. It wasn't until later this morning that we learned the brain scan was negative for a stroke, which was great news! They're not completely certain what happened yet. We're thinking perhaps a combination of medicines and other factors, but may never know for sure.
I'm sitting outside of ICU right now, dad's in with mom, and minutes ago we had our first real conversation with her since before her surgery last Thursday. What a blessing that was, and how precious those moments.
As dad and I sat together as mom "drifted," I told him that I realized last night (when he called me) that there was nothing left unsaid between me and mom. Nothing that needed "fixing." In that sense, we're ready to step into eternity in regard to each other. Dad and I talked about that and about how the same is true for our relationship. We live life with everything "said" between us. That's such a blessing. [Though my husband might disagree since he has to live with me constantly making sure "everything's said." :) ]
Mom has a long road of recovery ahead and it's not going to be easy. But we're hopeful for a complete healing and for many more years here together. We're still awaiting the pathology report on the tumor, of course. That's due to come back in the next couple of days, and we're finding strength in knowing God's already waiting for us there in that moment as surely as He's with us in this one.
Back to ICU, and to hug Mom!
~Tammy
P.S. Thanks for the private congrats on From a Distance being a 2010 Christy Award finalist. My daughter is taking full credit due to her hair being used on the cover. ROFLOL!
As much as I appreciate that nomination though, what means far more to me is having heard from readers who've read From a Distance and who've said they've taken a step closer to Christ because of it.
Now that's something I'll carry with me into eternity. Thanks, friends.
And may I thank you again, today, February 11, 2014, dear friends, for still reading and for taking these journeys with me. I'm so grateful our together forever started here.
Are you good at taking life minute by minute? Not borrowing trouble from tomorrow? Mom taught me how to better do that before she stepped into eternity, but I still have my days... : )
Tammy
I did that recently and came upon this blog post I originally wrote on March 24, 2009 (in purple below), after Mom had been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. She was in the hospital and going through a very rough time. We all were.
But as I read back through this, I was reminded of God's grace and mercy. Of the time he gave us together before he welcomed Mom Home. I'm so grateful for those days, those hours, those minutes. They're tucked away inside me, yet return at the oddest times. A memory of something said. Or a look Mom gave me. Or a hug. Or the last time I kissed her forehead.
All so precious. All reminders of the truth that nothing comes into my life that doesn't first filter through the loving hands of my heavenly Father.
And all reminders to keep taking life minute by minute.
March 24, 2009
I'm incredibly grateful for the prayers that have been lifted up for my mom this past week (pictured to the right with my dad). Her healing since last Thursday's surgery has been very slow, and not without its setbacks.I hadn't been home from the hospital long last night when the phone rang. I picked up and heard my dad say, "Tam...I think Mom's dying."
You can imagine what emotions hit me in that moment. Disbelief. Fear. Denial. Anger. Helplessness. And you can guess what questions came to mind. Can I get back to the hospital in time to say goodbye? Will I see her again this side of Heaven? Have I said everything there is to say?
I had trouble understanding what Dad was saying on the phone so I asked him to pass the phone to a nurse. She got on and said that they had indeed called a code on my mom because her vitals were dropping. It wasn't cardiac arrest though. It was due to respiratory problems, along with some other issues.
Long story short, they told us they thought she'd had a stroke. So around midnight last night they did a CAT scan on her head and chest, and we waited. The chest scan was clear but the brain scan was inconclusive. It wasn't until later this morning that we learned the brain scan was negative for a stroke, which was great news! They're not completely certain what happened yet. We're thinking perhaps a combination of medicines and other factors, but may never know for sure.
I'm sitting outside of ICU right now, dad's in with mom, and minutes ago we had our first real conversation with her since before her surgery last Thursday. What a blessing that was, and how precious those moments.
As dad and I sat together as mom "drifted," I told him that I realized last night (when he called me) that there was nothing left unsaid between me and mom. Nothing that needed "fixing." In that sense, we're ready to step into eternity in regard to each other. Dad and I talked about that and about how the same is true for our relationship. We live life with everything "said" between us. That's such a blessing. [Though my husband might disagree since he has to live with me constantly making sure "everything's said." :) ]
Mom has a long road of recovery ahead and it's not going to be easy. But we're hopeful for a complete healing and for many more years here together. We're still awaiting the pathology report on the tumor, of course. That's due to come back in the next couple of days, and we're finding strength in knowing God's already waiting for us there in that moment as surely as He's with us in this one.
Back to ICU, and to hug Mom!
~Tammy
P.S. Thanks for the private congrats on From a Distance being a 2010 Christy Award finalist. My daughter is taking full credit due to her hair being used on the cover. ROFLOL!
As much as I appreciate that nomination though, what means far more to me is having heard from readers who've read From a Distance and who've said they've taken a step closer to Christ because of it.
Now that's something I'll carry with me into eternity. Thanks, friends.
And may I thank you again, today, February 11, 2014, dear friends, for still reading and for taking these journeys with me. I'm so grateful our together forever started here.
Are you good at taking life minute by minute? Not borrowing trouble from tomorrow? Mom taught me how to better do that before she stepped into eternity, but I still have my days... : )
Tammy
February 5, 2014
WINNERS OF THE PANERA GIFT CARDS
Thank you to everyone who offered their input on which image should be used for the Timber Ridge Reflections $1.99 ebook sale in my newsletter update this week. I can't thank you enough. Image A was the most popular, but I'm going to make some tweaks on it according to your comments. Appreciate it, friends!
And now the winners are:
Linda G (who posted at 2/03/2014 6:41 PM)
and
Doretha Stroud
Congrats to these two, gals. If you'll send your snail mail addresses to me via this link, we'll get your Panera Bread gift cards in the mail!
If you haven't seen the next giveaway, HERE IT IS!
The winner drawn at random from the comments left on that blog post will win these two novels. But hurry, you only have through Monday, the 10th.
And now the winners are:
Linda G (who posted at 2/03/2014 6:41 PM)
and
Doretha Stroud
Congrats to these two, gals. If you'll send your snail mail addresses to me via this link, we'll get your Panera Bread gift cards in the mail!
If you haven't seen the next giveaway, HERE IT IS!
The winner drawn at random from the comments left on that blog post will win these two novels. But hurry, you only have through Monday, the 10th.
February 4, 2014
Would you help me spread the word?
I'd appreciate your help in spreading the word about the From a Distance ebook sale, and in exchange…
... one soon-to-be VERY happy reader will receive these two novels:
Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth CamdenThe Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
How to spread the word?
Simply share this link from my Facebook page anytime between now and Monday, February 10th (midnight eastern). Leave a comment here on this blog letting me know that you shared it, and your name will be entered to win these two best-selling novels. You must leave a comment on this blog to be entered in the drawing.
Winner's name will be posted on this blog Tuesday, February 11th. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours from time of posting or new winner will be drawn. ONLY U.S. mailing addresses, please.
Thanks for spreading the news, and be sure to let me know if you grabbed it too!
Gratefully,
Tamera
... one soon-to-be VERY happy reader will receive these two novels:
Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth CamdenThe Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
How to spread the word?
Simply share this link from my Facebook page anytime between now and Monday, February 10th (midnight eastern). Leave a comment here on this blog letting me know that you shared it, and your name will be entered to win these two best-selling novels. You must leave a comment on this blog to be entered in the drawing.
Winner's name will be posted on this blog Tuesday, February 11th. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours from time of posting or new winner will be drawn. ONLY U.S. mailing addresses, please.
Thanks for spreading the news, and be sure to let me know if you grabbed it too!
Gratefully,
Tamera
From a Distance ebook $1.99
I'd appreciate your help in spreading the word about the From a Distance ebook sale, and in exchange…
... one soon-to-be VERY happy reader will receive these two novels:
Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth CamdenThe Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
How to spread the word?
Simply share this link from my Facebook page anytime between now and Monday, February 10th (midnight eastern). Leave a comment here on this blog letting me know that you shared it, and your name will be entered to win these two best-selling novels.
Winner's name will be posted on this blog Tuesday, February 11th. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours from time of posting or new winner will be drawn. ONLY U.S. mailing addresses, please.
Thanks for spreading the news, and be sure to let me know if you grabbed it too!
Gratefully,
Tamera
... one soon-to-be VERY happy reader will receive these two novels:
Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth CamdenThe Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
How to spread the word?
Simply share this link from my Facebook page anytime between now and Monday, February 10th (midnight eastern). Leave a comment here on this blog letting me know that you shared it, and your name will be entered to win these two best-selling novels.
Winner's name will be posted on this blog Tuesday, February 11th. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours from time of posting or new winner will be drawn. ONLY U.S. mailing addresses, please.
Thanks for spreading the news, and be sure to let me know if you grabbed it too!
Gratefully,
Tamera
February 3, 2014
Which image do you like best?
From a Distance
Beyond This Moment
Within My Heart Hey friends,
Starting tomorrow, my Timber Ridge Reflections ebook series will be on sale for certain dates over the next three weeks.
To that end, I'd appreciate your input!
Which of the following images announcing the ebook sale do you like best?
Which do you think is most effective for social media (or "are," if you like more than one)?
Anything you'd change? Or add?
What catches your attention most (price? cover art? author name?)?
For you Pinterest pals, feel free to pin any or all!
In gratitude for your feedback, I'll randomly draw two comments from all the comments left through Wednesday noon (central time), and those two people will each receive a $5.00 Panera Bread gift card. Just my way of saying thank you! (Only USA Mailing addresses, please.)
Here we go…
Image A
Image B
Image C
Image D
Image E
Whichever one gets the most votes is the one I'll use in my newsletter this week!
Thanks so much, friends. And, as always, I look forward to hearing from you.
Tammy
Note: Participation in ebook promotions is up to the discretion of the individual vendors. Typically these vendors include Amazon, B&N, CBD, iTunes, and sometimes Kobo. But it's the ebook vendor who chooses to run the sale or not.
