June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~, page 109

Friday Fiction Feature 'Grace Restored' by Toni Shiloh

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~-- Author Toni Shiloh's Newest Release 'Grace Restored'  Book Two in the Freedom Lake Series -- LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS ABOUT THE BOOK:   Michelle Thomas has it all. Beautiful and successful, she’s just opened her own law firm in Freedom Lake. What more could she want? When her old flame rolls back into Freedom Lake, she’s intent on ignoring him. But how can she give the widower and his precious twin girls the cold shoulder?

Still reeling from the death of his wife, Guy Pierre returns to Freedom Lake to take over as town sheriff and raise his twin daughters. Alone. Yet, life keeps throwing Michelle in his path and sparks of interest began to rise.

Will old secrets tear them apart again or can they find the faith to let God’s grace restore what has been broken?
BUY LINKS: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lwLm4W
B&N: http://bit.ly/2CRiMTi
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ClORpa
iTunes: http://apple.co/2Et2Ozb
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/2nPz1di Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2ly7o7s
Early praise for 'Grace Restored' from a reader's review posted on Goodreads:  'Author Toni Shiloh continues to write heartfelt, loving stories showing how relying on God and His love can lead us through any situation. This story takes the reader into the lives of everyday people dealing with emotions and decisions. Excellent story.'
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.

You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com
CONNECT WITH TONI:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tonishilohwrite
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tonishiloh
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonishiloh
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh
BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-shiloh
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cmNFKD
Blogs Toni is part of: http://puttingonthenew.com ; http://heartwingsblog.com ; http://diversitybetweenthepages.wordpress.com
 ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~CURRENT GIVEAWAYS: Don't forget to check out my Current Giveaways Page to enter a chance to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in PayPal Cash {winner's choice} in a giveaway sponsored by Author Wendi Sotis to celebrate the release of her newest book, 'The Marriage Pact'. ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':--Monday, March 12th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Non-Fiction Feature: Book Spotlights for two books in a series of how-to books by Author Mari Bolte from Capstone Publishing, 'Share the Love: Projects You'll Love to Give' and 'Create and Keep: Projects to Hang on To'. 

--  Wednesday, March 14th:  Revell Reads Blog Tour Spotlight and Review for romantic suspense novel, 'Beneath the Surface:  Dive Team Invesitgations Book #1', by Author Lynn H. Blackburn.  

-- Thursday, March 15th: Blog Hop Post for Cedar Fort Author's T.J. Amberson's 'Lakewood Med', a New Adult Clean Romance. Tour hosted by Singing Librarian Books.

-- Friday, March 16th: Book Blast for the 'Whitcomb Springs' Series. Includes a $50 Giveaway. Tour hosted by I Am A Reader.

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~ Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Book Spotlight & Review for 'Wolf Hollow' ~

Wolf Hollow

Visit 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' to learn about this captivating middle-grade historical novel set during World War II. I've posted a review and a book spotlight at:

https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogs...

**While you're on the blog, don't forget to visit my Current Giveaways page to enter the awesome Book Blast giveaway for 'The Marriage Pact' by Author Wendi Sotis.

See you there!





Lauren Wolk

MMGM Historical Fiction Feature 'Wolf Hollow'

~ MIDDLE-GRADE HISTORICALFICTION FEATURE ~-- 'Wolf Hollow' by Author Lauren Wolk -- LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS

ABOUT THE BOOK:

I-Loved-This-Book!

I have been a voracious reader since I was about six years old, and this is--without a doubt--one of the best stories I have ever read. It is simply brilliant.

This is a touching historical middle grade novel set in rural Pennsylvania in 1943. The characters are engaging and well-developed. The events in the story are very believable and appropriate to the time period. The main character is an eleven year old girl, but I feel that children over ten along with adults of all ages would benefit from reading this exceptional novel. In fact, it would be a great 'family' read.

As a retired teacher, I appreciated the rich vocabulary the author used throughout the story--capricious, fathom, expectantly, belfry, etc.

I will not spoil the read for you by revealing plot details or the end of the story, just read it for yourself to discover all the twists and turns the story and the characters take.

It wasn't until I read the entire book that I looked at the back cover and noticed all of the Best Book awards it earned. It was a Newberry Honor Book for 2017. Below is a list of the awards it has received as posted on Goodreads.

***Highly recommended for fans of middle grade fiction, historical fiction, WWII fiction, and anyone who loves a touching story that will stir up your emotions and your compassion for others dealing with serious challenges.***

I borrowed this book from our local public library. I look forward to reading this author's other works.

Literary Awards for 'Wolf Hollow':  Newbery Honor (2017), Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (2018), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Middle Grade & Children's (2016) Carnegie Medal Nominee (2017)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR {GOODREADS AUTHOR PROFILE}: 
Lauren Wolk is an award-winning poet and author of the bestselling Newbery Honor–winning Wolf Hollow, described by the New York Times Book Review as "full of grace and stark, brutal beauty." She was born in Baltimore and has since lived in California, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Canada, and Ohio. She now lives with her family on Cape Cod.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *CURRENT GIVEAWAYS:  Click on my 'Current Giveaways' page to find out about a great book blast giveaway for a $100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 in PayPal Cash {winner's choice}.  ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *COMING UP ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Friday, March 9th:  My Friday Fiction Feature will be a book spotlight on an upcoming release by Christian romance author, Toni Shiloh. Her newest book, 'Grace Restored' will be released later this month.# # # # #    
 

~ Book Spotlight for 'Unseen Road to Love' ~

Unseen Road to Love

Click on over to 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' to view the Book Spotlight for debut Cedar Fort author Chelsea Curran's 'Unseen Road to Love'.

Here's the link:

https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogs...



Chelsea Curran

Friday Fiction Feature on 'Unseen Road to Love' by Author Chelsea Curran

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~-- Book Spotlight & Excerpt for  'Unseen Road to Love' by Author Chelsea Curran --
Learn More on GoodreadsABOUT THE BOOK:

The airbag deployed as the impact shove his car across the ice and straight into the intersection. In that smae time frame, the car's back end drifted into a half circle, until the last thing Logan saw was another set of lights in the passenger window. An then...

From the outside, Logan Atwood's life looks perfect: a successful career, a lavish lifestyle. But after a brutal car accident leaves him in a coma, Logan suddenly finds himself five years in the past. Only then does he realize that his perfect world may have cost him the woman of his dreams and the faith he once loved. Is it too late for Logan's second chance?
 EXCERPT:

"So what's on your mind, kid? You seem lost still."
"I'm not lost," he said in a sure voice. "Just discouraged. Everything about this alternate reality is all I ever wanted, and I didn't know it until now. It's wonderful, but it's all going to end and I'm going to wake up as my old self, surrounded by the huge mess I made.""I can see why that would be discouraging."

"And Addie..."

"What about her?"

"Mark convinced me to ask her out on a date and she agreed. It was just a simple dinner and a trip to see some Christmas lights, but it was the most real fun I have had on a date in a long time. And since then I haven't been able to think about anything else. She came over last night and our conversation go more personal, which was when I learned just how amazing and beautiful she is..."

"Sound like you're in love," Tommy said with a knowing smile on his face.

"No one falls in love in two days."

"Well you've know her longer than that. But if now love, then you're well on your way."

"But that's not part of the plan."

"Who said there was a plan?"

"I'm here to find out what would have happened if I made a different decision. And now... I could have had a much happier life here than the one I have in Chicago." Logan hung his head in his hands. "I feel like this is a punishment. Like everything I could have had is being waved in front of my face reminding me what I missed out on."

"Well I hate to break it to you, Logan, but this life is something you did, in fact, miss out on."

Logan felt him place a hand on his shoulder.

"But you also need to know that just because it didn't happen then, doesn't mean it can't happen in the future. Some things are intended to happen, but our choices can make them happen in different ways. Believe it or not, Addie is a real person. She exists in your reality and perhaps this is your wake up call to get out there and do something that will lead you to her again."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chelsea Curran lives in the desert valley of Arizona. Though secretly a romantic, she used to spend most of her time brooding over the idea of love until her college roommates (now best friends) introduced her to the exciting and fantastic world of romance novels. When she’s not teaching, dancing, painting, laughing or baking cookies, she’s in her blanket fort giggling over the handsome hero capturing the fair lady’s heart. And no matter how old she gets, that will never change.

Countless authors have inspired to her to write stories for those who seek the same ideas that brought her comfort, joy, and hope for the future. By experience, she believes one good book can change a person’s life forever. CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:
Author Website                                   Goodreads Page
BUY LINK:    Amazon

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CURRENT GIVEAWAYS:  Visit my Current Giveaways Page to enter two exciting giveaways before they close! ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~  COMING UP ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Monday, March 5th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Historical Fiction Feature on 'Wolf Hollow' by award-winning author Lauren Wolk. # # # # #

~ Book Blast with $100 Giveaway for 'The Marriage Pact' ~

The Marriage Pact

Join me on 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' for a Book Blast featuring Author Wendi Sotis's newest release, 'The Marriage Pact', Book One in her 'Loving an Aldridge' series.

Bonus: The author is sponsoring a $100 giveaway for an Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash (winner's choice). The Rafflecopter entry form is at the bottom of my post.

Find the post at: https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogs...





Wendi Sotis

Book Blast & Giveaway for 'The Marriage Pact'

~ BOOK BLAST & $100 GIVEAWAY FOR 'The Marriage Pact' by
Author Wendi Sotis ~
   --The Marriage Pact by Wendi SotisA Regency Romance The heir to an earldom has little control over his own fate, but Mr. James Aldridge promised himself one freedom. To marry for affection instead of wealth or connections. Anger flares when he learns his father has struck a deal: in one year, he will be leg-shackled to Miss Celia Colton, the dazzling beauty who had previously caught his eye. Now certain she was simply performing her role in a scheme to catch him as her husband, resentment prompts James to refuse to squander his last months of independence in the company of such a mistress of manipulation. But why can he not wrench his gaze from her at every encounter? Completely unaware of the pact that has matched her with James, Miss Celia Colton is at a loss to explain why the man she secretly loves has suddenly become cold and critical. Abandoned by James, who had promised to guide her through her debut Season, she fears she will have to navigate the ton with only her grasping mother and distracted cousin as companions. Surrounded by gentlemen merely interested in her dowry, young ladies who view her as unwelcome competition, and, worse yet, James’s icy stares and disdainful manners, her primary concern is to discover the reason for his altered behaviour. How can she make things right between them? Will a love-match be forever out of her reach?     --Praise for The Marriage PactThis novel had quite a few twists & turns to it that I didn’t quite expect. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I will say I truly enjoyed this book - I felt thoroughly engaged throughout the whole of it & being a regency style novel as well as being a clean read, I can highly recommend it.    --Excerpt: For the moment, the pair of matrons were silently observing Celia interact with a newly introduced gentleman, a Mr. Montgomery. As she rose from yet another curtsy, her gaze deviated from its mark and locked onto a sight that caused her heart to cease beating. James stood directly across the ballroom, speaking to a lady. Even from this distance, his handsome visage nearly took her breath away. She strained to discern a trace of the deep timbre of his voice from the din of the crowd, but she could not make it out. It had been too long since her heart had soared with the rumbling of his laughter — far, far too long since his smile had warmed her soul. She willed James to approach. Alas, he did not. The urge to call out to him almost overcame her sense of propriety before the recollection of the change in their situation crashed down on her all at once. Her elation burst, leaving an ache in its place. She sighed and glanced at Mr. Montgomery, who looked away from her neckline only long enough to sign her dance card. If she could put up with this man’s ogling her through a set, then surely, she could endure pairing up with James and withstand his angry glares. Mr. Montgomery returned the card to her hand, and she saw there were still two sets open. As was expected of her, she thanked the gentleman and curtsied once again. Mr. Montgomery bowed and retreated. Her mother immediately took hold of one of her hands. “Celia! Lord Eagleton has come, after all, and he moves in this direction. Remember everything I have told you, dear — simply everything. You must attract his attention immediately, before Miss Buchannan does so.” She craned her neck to peer around a group of ladies who had moved between them and James. “Oh, that disagreeable Mr. Kenilworth has delayed Lord Eagleton’s approach. I had the disadvantage of making his acquaintance last summer, while I stayed at Penelope’s estate. Mr. Kenilworth is a distant relation to the baron, and although he may be the younger son of an earl, I do not like that man. Especially not now.” She held out her hand to Celia. “Give me your dance card, dear.” Celia held onto her card tightly, already suspecting what her mother had in mind. She widened her eyes. “Why?” “If Mr. Kenilworth delays Lord Eagleton much longer, he will not be able to reserve a set with you. I shall do so for him.” “But mother …” Celia sputtered out, “Perhaps Lord Eagleton does not wish to request a dance.” “Nonsense.” Mrs. Colton laughed as she waved the idea away. “Of course he does. He would wish to reserve a set of honour.” She plucked the card and pencil out of Celia’s hand. “You are unengaged for the last set. I shall fill in his name.” “Mother, please do not —” It was too late. As her mother returned her card, Celia stared at the name now written next to the final set. Viscount Eagleton. Good Lord, what was she to do?   --Author Wendi SotisWendi Sotis lives on Long Island, NY, with her husband and triplets. While searching for Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s point of view, she became thoroughly enamored with Jane Austen Fan Fiction or JAFF. In early 2010, she dreamed an idea for a story and hasn’t stopped writing since: Promises, Dreams and Expectations; All Hallows Eve;The Keys for Love; Safekeeping (with just a dash of Austen); The Gypsy Blessing; Foundation of Love (The Gypsy Blessing 2); and A Lesson Hard Learned. A Very Austen Christmas, released in 2017, is an anthology of short stories and novellas including Wendi’s story No Better Gift. The Marriage Pact, and some of her works-in-progress, have branched away to Regency Romance (the Loving an Aldridge series) and Contemporary Romantic Mysteries (the Implicated series). Wendi will also continue bringing Darcy and Lizzy together again and again in an unusual manner. Website * Facebook * Twitter 
--GIVEAWAY:  $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 3/25/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
 a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~--CURRENT GIVEAWAYS ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':  Click on over to my 'Current Giveaways' Page for instructions on how to enter a fun Facebook giveaway for US readers. Cedar Fort Author Shawn Pollock is giving away a signed copy of his debut World War II historical novel, 'The Road to Freedom'. Entries close this Saturday, March 3rd, at 11:59PM. Don't miss out on a chance to win this great prize! ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~  COMING UP ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Friday, March 2nd: Book spotlight featuring debut Cedar Fort author Chelsea Curran's LDS romance, 'Unseen Road to Love'.
-- Monday, March 5th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Historical Fiction Feature on 'Wolf Hollow' by award-winning author Lauren Wolk. # # # # #

 

~ Picture Book Spotlight & Excerpt Link for 'When God Made Light' ~

When God Made Light

Click on over to my 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' blog to view the full spotlight for this exceptional picture book. Within the post you will find a link to access a Sneak Peek excerpt from the publisher.

Here's the link to my post:
https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogs...



Matthew Paul Turner

~ Picture Book Feature for 'When God Made Light' ~

~ PICTURE BOOK SPOTLIGHT,EXCERPT & REVIEW ~ 'When God Made Light' Written by Matthew Paul Turner Illustrated by David Catrow

About When God Made Light:From the author and illustrator of the best-selling When God Made You comes a new illuminating message about God's design affirming young readers.

'Let there be light!' that's what God said. And light began shining and then started to spread." Wild and creative illustrations from top children's illustrator David Catrow pair with Matthew Paul Turner's lyrical verse in this message of a God-made light that cuts through darkness to bring vision and hope to all young readers. This light radiates, chasing away the shadows, providing the wonder and fun of stargazing or firefly chasing. Most important, this light appears in each child--an inner God-given spark that grows and will be used to change the world.

About Matthew Paul Turner:
Matthew Paul Turner is a blogger, speaker, and author of Hear No Evil, The Coffeehouse Gospel, the What You Didn’t Learn from Your Parents About… series, and several other popular books. Matthew, his wife, Jessica, and his son, Elias, live in Nashville, Tennessee. He can be found online at:  Matthew Paul Turner


CLICK HERE TO READ A SNEAK PEEK OF THE BOOK:  Excerpt of 'When God Made Light'                         ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
MY REVIEW:

Rhyme, Rhythm, and Repetition: When I was earning my teaching credential many years ago, our professor for our early reading courses told us the three most important elements in picture books were rhyme, rhythm, and repetition. The author of 'When God Made Light' has done a masterful job of including these three components in his manuscript. I particularly enjoyed the higher-level vocabulary words he included in the story: gleamed, streamed, beamed; berries, cherries, strawberries, canaries; camping, stamping, tramping; constellations, formations, creations; etc.

Artwork: The illustrator has made the characters, children and animals, come alive on the pages of this book! His use of color, facial expressions, and light versus dark make the illustrations a supporting character in the story. I especially enjoyed the activities and body language the two African-American girls displayed throughout the book. The dog's exuberance from beginning to end was entertaining and humorous. As I reread the book several times I found different things to look at on each page. Those intricacies make a child want to hear a story and look at its pictures over and over again.

Faith: This story includes a positive view of how God sees the light in each of His children. Not only does the author touch on the creation of the world, but he writes that the light at creation is the same light God put inside each of us.

This is an excellent read-aloud book for families to share or for Sunday school teachers to read with their classes. Highly recommended!


I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for this review. I received no compensation from Blogging for Books or any other party for posting this review here or on any other sites.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':

-- Thursday, March 1st: Book Blast & $100 Giveaway for 'The Marriage Pact' by Author Wendi Sotis. Sponsored by 'I Am A Reader'.

-- Friday, March 2nd: Book spotlight featuring debut Cedar Fort author Chelsea Curran's LDS romance, 'Unseen Road to Love'.

-- Monday, March 5th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Historical Fiction Feature on 'Wolf Hollow' by award-winning author Lauren Wolk. # # # # #

~ Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Post on 'The Maypop Kidnappings' by Author C. M. Surrisi ~

The Maypop Kidnapping

Hop on over to my 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' Blog to read my book spotlight and full review of Author C. M. Surrisi's first book in her Queenie Boyd Mysteries series, 'The Maypop Kidnapping'.

It's a fun cozy mystery read for upper middle grade, teen, and adult readers.

Link to Post: https://authorjunemccraryjacobs.blogs...





C.M. Surrisi