June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~, page 91

~ WITH THIS PLEDGE BLOG TOUR ~

~ BLOG TOUR STOP ~ --  'WITH THIS PLEDGE'  -- AUTHOR TAMERA ALEXANDER~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight, Author Bio,Unique Guest Post by the Author & Giveaway~
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander, the first full novel of the Carnton series, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: With This Pledge
Series: Carnton, Book 1  
Author: Tamera Alexander  
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: January 8, 2019  
Genre: Historical Romance  

History takes on vivid life in the stunning first full-length installment of USA TODAY bestselling Tamera Alexander’s new series, The Carnton Novels.  

What can a woman—a mere governess—do against the scourge of slavery?

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Clouston’s quietly held principles oppose those of the Southern Cause—but when forty thousand soldiers converge on the fields of Franklin, Tennessee, the war demands an answer. The Carnton home where she is governess is converted into a Confederate field hospital, and Lizzie is called upon to assist the military doctor with surgeries that determine life or death. Faced with the unimaginable, she must summon fortitude, even as she fears for the life of Towny, her fiancé and lifelong friend.

As a young soldier lies dying in Lizzie’s arms, she vows to relay his final words to his mother, but knows little more than the boy’s first name. That same night, decorated Mississippi sharpshooter Captain Roland Ward Jones extracts a different promise from Lizzie: that she intervene should the surgeon decide to amputate his leg.

Lizzie is nothing if not a woman of her word, earning the soldiers’ respect as she tends to the wounded within Carnton’s walls. None is more admiring than Captain Jones, who doesn’t realize she is pledged to another. But as Lizzie’s heart softens toward the Confederate captain, she discovers that his moral ground is at odds with her own. Now torn between love, principles, and promises made, she struggles to be true to her heart while standing for what she knows is right—no matter the cost.

From the pages of history and the personal accounts of those who endured the Battle of Franklin, Tamera Alexander weaves the real-life love letters between Captain Roland Ward Jones and Miss Elizabeth Clouston into a story of unlikely romance first kindled amid the shadows of war.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository
EXCERPT
Click HERE for an exclusive excerpt!ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded and nominated for numerous industry-leading honors, including the Christy Award (two-time winner, seven-time finalist), the RITA Award (two-time winner, four-time finalist), the Carol Award, the Maggie Award, the Booksellers Best Award, and Library Journal's top distinction, among others. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband now reside in Nashville, Tennessee, where they live a short distance from Belmont Mansion and Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of Tamera’s two USA Today bestselling Southern series.  

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

****SPECIAL FEATURE -- GUEST POST BY THE AUTHOR:

SIX  BEHIND-THE-SCENES FACTS ABOUT THIS BOOK:

1.)  Captain Roland Ward Jones and Elizabeth ("Lizzie") Clouston, the two main characters in With This Pledge, are people who really lived. And With This Pledge is their love story.
2.)   The Battle of Franklin is a real battle that took place in the final days of the Civil War—on November 30, 1864 in the small town (at the time) of Franklin, Tennessee, some 20 miles south of Nashville.
3.)  Tempy, a secondary character in With This Pledge and Christmas at Carnton—and the McGavock’s cook and house slave—is based on the real woman who served in the McGavock household the majority of her life.
4.)  Nearly 10,000 men were either killed, wounded or captured during the five-hour Battle of Franklin.
5.)  All of the letters in the novel (with two exceptions noted in the Author’s Note) are real letters (and love letters) from people who truly lived.
6.)  The recipes in the back of the novel are all wonderful, tried-and-true Southern recipes just waiting for you to try!
Learn more about what’s truth and what’s fiction in With This Pledge, a Carnton Novel on Tamera’s Website—www.TameraAlexander.com

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win a release copy of With This Pledge + $10 Amazon Gift Card
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 14, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm January 28, 2019. US only for a print copy of the book. International winners will receive an ebook. Gift card prize will be issued as an e-gift card. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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~ WHO I AM WITH YOU BLOG TOUR ~

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~
BLOG TOUR STOP FOR: --  'WHO I AM WITH YOU'  -- AUTHOR ROBIN LEE HATCHER~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight, AuthorBio, Excerpt & Giveaway~

ABOUT THE BOOK:

For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith.
 
Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows.

Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination.

When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have broken their hearts, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.

Who I Am with You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever.

Who I Am with You is the first book in Robin’s new “A Legacy of Faith” series.


EXCERPT:
Click here to read an excerpt!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America.
When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.
CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:www.robinleehatcher.com, Facebook: robinleehatcher, Twitter: @robinleehatcher and Instagram @robinleehatcher.
GIVEAWAY:  

{Note: This giveaway ends at 11:59PM ET tonight, Friday the 25th of January, so don't delay!}


a Rafflecopter giveaway

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~ RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY ABIGAIL ~

~ RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY ~ --  'ABIGAIL'  -- Author Jess Heileman~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight, AuthorBio, Excerpt & Giveaway~
  
ABOUT THE BOOK: 
 
“A beautiful coming-of-age story with just enough romantic tension to keep you reading late into the night.”  

Since the death of her mother, Abigail Blakeslee has lost all desire to become a debutante and enter Society. But now, foregoing her first Season has brought an unwanted invitation to join her aunt and cousins for a summer at Timpton House, the large estate of the Stanton family. Reluctantly accepting, Abigail is thrust into the vexing world of social propriety and matchmaking she had hoped to avoid. More vexing still is her cousin’s suitor, the young Timpton heir—Edwin Stanton. Moody and distant at times, remarkably endearing at others, Edwin seems a puzzle she can never solve, but can never quite put away. Bet then, Abigail has her own secret to hide—her own mystery to conceal. Perhaps such puzzles are better left unsolved, or perhaps love can find a solution.
   
   
EXCERPT: 
The library was filled with books, and it reminded me of the one at Easton Manor with overstuffed shelves, large windows, and numerous seats for reading. I grabbed a thin book off a nearby shelf and held it in my hand. I traced my finger over the title, The Tempest. It had been sometime since I’d picked up a book. Mother taught me to read and had given me the joy of new worlds and unforgettable stories. I’d spent countless afternoons tucked in a chair in our library, unable to stop reading; but when Mother died, I found little delight in anything, including the things she’d taught me to love. 
“Have you read it?” Edwin asked peering over my shoulder. 
“Of course!” I answered placing it back on the shelf. 
 “And I presume you enjoyed it?” 
“Very much. I admit I am easily satisfied by a happy ending.” I kept my eyes searching the books, having little desire to receive the look of censure awaiting me. 
“The Shakespeare writings I enjoy most are those that end well—Twelfth Night, Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew—the ones where love is victorious.” 
 “A common ideal among ladies, I believe, and the reason his comedies are so popular.” 
I turned towards him, “Life has enough of tragedy and grief, is there something wrong with finding satisfaction in love and happy endings?” 
 “There is,” he said. “The harm is believing in something that isn’t real, Miss Blakeslee.” He stepped closer, and my feet faltered. “Love only brings misery. To think otherwise is foolish. You just declared life is full of tragedy—” 
“And that is why love is needed!” 
“And that is what love causes!” 
Neither of us moved and I could feel his warm breath on me. It was only then I realized how close we stood, my neck craning to look up at him, but I had no desire to move away. 
“You do not understand love then,” I whispered. The resentment in his gaze caught me by surprise.
“And you do?” 
“Yes! Love has saved me.” His eyes searched mine, “The love I know has the power to lift and to heal, to see past weakness and turn it to strength.” 
“Love is fickle and will fail you.” 
“Never.” I said shaking my head as tears stung my vision. “I do not know what counterfeit you describe but the love I have found is faithful and unconditional.” 
He said nothing and after a moment his eyes drifted from mine in contemplation. After taking a deep breath he looked down at me again. He wore the stern expression I knew so well and took a step backward. “I hope you are correct in your judgment,” he said with a brisk nod. “Thank you for telling me.” As he turned from me I wanted to call out to him, but I was too confused to contrive a response. I followed him to the study in a daze. Edwin positioned himself near the desk with his eyes cast to the floor as Diana glanced between us bewildered. 
“How is it you’ve found something to quarrel about already? You were in there less than five minutes! Perhaps I should take on the role of mediator instead of chaperon for the two of you.” 
Neither Edwin nor I smiled. “This will not do! What was the disagreement this time?” 
“There was not a disagreement,” Edwin said. “Well, at least that is not what caused the discontent.”
   
PRAISE FOR ABIGAIL:   
I loved reading Abigail ! The writing was witty and descriptive, providing a beautiful, vivid, and deep world to visit in my mind as I read. The characters were real and relatable, causing me to suffer or swoon as occasion permitted. A perfectly clean, charming yet profound, wonderful novel! – Kim, AZ
  Abigail is one of those stories that sweeps you into another world and won’t let you put it down. It’s a beautiful unlikely love story that you’ve never heard before. The storyline is enchanting, and you will easily see part of yourself in Abigail’s character as she explores the world beyond the walls of her precious Easton Manor. – Wendy, NV 
Most definitely a book that keeps you reading, even past your bedtime. Helps you forget about all your responsibilities in life until the last word, on the last page. – Larissa, UT    
I loved Abigail ! I couldn’t put it down and read into the night. Great plot and character development. I hope there’s more books to come! – Carrie, AZ   
  Abigail is an enchanting look into a historical time period full of tradition and social propriety. As Abigail struggles to fit into that society, she stands out for her willingness to be herself. I was quickly drawn into the story and a desire to follow Abigail through her adventure built quickly. The story does not disappoint. The visual images of places and events created in my mind were amazing. It was so engaging I couldn’t stop reading. – Kim, ID
    
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:In kindergarten, Jess won a first prize ribbon for her original creation Pigs in Wigs. It was a solid storyline: there was this pig that wore a wig--and it rhymed. Not impressed? Neither were her children when shown the very masterpiece that influenced her to become an author. "You won a ribbon for that?" Yes. Yes, she did. Thankfully, life has since exposed her to a thorough education with its share of awards and accolades--and, more importantly, to the trials and human experiences that form the heart of a storyteller and the substance of great stories. Besides her love of writing, Jess is an avid reader, shameless people observer, international café loiterer, and partially retired photographer. She loves being a mother to five amazing humans and a wife to the greatest man she knows.
Website * Newsletter * Facebook * Instagram
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:  $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/15/19 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. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    

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****CHECK OUT THE OTHER GIVEAWAYS ON MY CURRENT GIVEAWAYS PAGE

~ MMGM LOW MESS CRAFTS FOR KIDS ~

~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADEMONDAY S.T.E.A.M. FEATURE ~ --  'LOW MESS CRAFTS FOR KIDS: 72 PROJECTS TO CREATE YOUR OWN MAGICAL WORLDS'  -- AUTHOR DEBBIE CHAPMAN



LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS 

ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:

Messy crafts have met their match with these 72 creations that keep out the clutter and mess but pack in the fun and creativity.

When craft time rolls around, parents usually cringe at the thought of a creativity storm’s aftermath. Glue, glitter, globs of paint—it all adds up to Mom and Dad assisting (let’s be honest, doing everything) with cleanup. But Debbie Chapman—the supermom behind One Little Project —keeps that freshly cleaned kitchen table in mind with tips to keep these tutorials as mess-free as possible. With tricks like twisting pipe cleaners into fun shapes to avoid glue and using brightly colored cups and patterned paper to avoid paint, Debbie shows that keeping it simple doesn’t mean play time has to be less fun.
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids brings parents and caretakers solutions to the craft time conundrum. As well as being low-mess, all 72 of these awesome projects feature everyday items like pipe cleaners, pom poms and clothespins, which make playtime a cinch. And with step-by-step pictures, kids of any age can create something they can be proud of.
 
Watch as little ones create their own enchanting worlds—whether they want to explore outer space with a Paper Plate Flying Saucer, race cars on a Poster Board Road Track, or create a whimsical fairy city with Paper Roll Fairy Houses, each craft promises to spark your child’s imagination while leaving you stress free and ready to play along.
MY THOUGHTS:
This book is organized into nine child-friendly and engaging themes:
--My Secret Garden --Under the Sea --Summer at the Beach --Animals at the Zoo --Little Monsters Puppet Show --On the Road --Exploring Outer Space --Let's Go Camping – My favorite --Fairy Tale Dress Up
The introduction is about 'Building Up Your Craft Stash'. The author encourages the use of recyclable materials whenever possible.
*Safety Note:  I personally have a safety concern re glue guns for children. The author mentions low-temperature glue guns for independent use by children because they aren't as hot as regular glue guns. However, I have burned my fingers many times by touching the hot glue or glue gun inadvertently. I don't recommend allowing kids as young as age three to use guns as the author does. I'd advise they wait until a child is at least eight years old or so. Adults supervising these activities will obviously have to make their own decisions about this issue.
Each chapter features a 'Low-Mess Tip' before the projects are presented. Tips include:  'Keep It Simple', 'Organize Your Craft Supplies', 'Use Washable Art Supplies', etc.
Each project includes a level of difficulty rated on a scale of 1 to 5. and then states: Parental Supervision is Required/or Not Required. The author offers a couple of suggestions to make project less messy and/or less expensive. For example--Use colored paper instead of painting a cardboard tube to make your project.
Materials and tools are listed in a color-coded box at the top of the instructions list for each project.
Each project includes good stepped-out instructions with photos.
*My favorite projects in this book include:   
--Clothespin Shark {opens and closes shark's mouth when child squeezes and releases a spring-loaded clothespin}. Kids will love this project!
--Coral Reef with DIY Crystals:  Uses popular science experiment with borax in water to grow crystals on pipe cleaner coral plants. An amazing way to use science to create art.
--The entire set of 'Little Monsters Puppet Show' projects are awesome. Projects include hand puppets made using socks, rubber gloves, soft gloves, pipe cleaners, beads on string – very appealing to youngsters!
--Tissue Box Fire Truck:  What child does not like making something they can push around on the floor or on a table/bookshelf/bed, etc.? This project exhibited an excellent use of recycled materials to make a fun plaything. Will be a big hit with girls and boys alike.
*My favorite chapter:  'Let's Go Camping'. Fun play set to make includes trees, tents, snakes, campfire, people, ladybug, frog, and my favorite project in the entire book—a craft stick {I still call them popsicle sticks!} picnic table!
The back matter includes a list of supplies for each chapter along with a detailed index.
Highly-recommended for teachers, librarians,  youth group/scout leaders, child care providers, parents/grandparents, and teens who want to work with younger children to make projects kids will enjoy making and playing with for hours on end!
I borrowed this book from the non-fiction section of the new book shelf in the children's section of the local public library.
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Find the links to read more great Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts from middle-grade authors and bloggers at Greg Pattridge's 'Always in the Middle' Blog.

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~ HANDMADE HEARTS BLOG BLITZ ~

~  'HANDMADE HEARTS'   BLOG BLITZ  ~

~ MMGM ROCK COLLECTING FOR KIDS ~

~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE
MONDAY S.T.E.A.M. FEATURE ~ --  'ROCK COLLECTING FOR KIDS: An Introduction to Geology'  -- AUTHOR DAN R. LYNCH~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight & Review~
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS  ABOUT THE BOOK (FROM GOODREADS):

Nature's treasures are just beneath our feet, waiting to be discovered.  
With this book, you'll experience the excitement of finding, collecting, and identifying rocks and minerals. Dan R. Lynch, author of many field guides, presents a children's introduction to our amazing Earth. The book begins with geology basics, such as where rocks come from and how Earth's surface changes over time. Next, young readers are provided with an identification guide, which features full-color photographs and ID tips on 75 types of common and collectible rocks and minerals. From there, a "how to" section includes details on what to look for, where to look, and what to bring, as well as safety considerations. With rock collecting guidelines that the whole family will learn from and enjoy, this fun guide is engaging and informative--with plenty of kid-appeal--as it starts children on the path toward becoming successful rock collectors!
MY THOUGHTS:
This S.T.E.A.M. handbook begins with an introduction to geology and quickly moves into the history of our earth from a geological standpoint. I thought the landforms and tectonics plates section was especially interesting since I live in California where there has been a major earthquake and many small ones in our region during my lifetime. The weathering section discusses the power of water, rain, wind, waves, and ice and how these phenomenons wear down rocks. Spectacular photos of the Grand Canyon and rock arches in Wyoming give readers an understanding of this concept.

The author moves on to caves, sinkholes/cenotes/and more, glaciers, and rock formations. After reading this book I feel I have a greater understanding of why our country and world look the way they do!

The chapter on minerals culminates with a Minerals Hardness Scale that I found fascinating. The author cleverly includes non-mineral items which provide the reader a method of comparing the things they are familiar with to various minerals. For example, 2.5 on the hardness scale shows a fingernail; 3.5 shows a US nickel (coin), 5.0 shows a steel knife. In between these numbers various minerals are listed ending with diamonds being the hardest mineral on Earth.
 Next we move into the rocks chapter. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are defined in detail with thumbnail photos of where these types of rocks are found in nature. There are some beautiful photos along with a detailed diagram of volcanoes to go along with the igneous rock section.

The rest of the book is dedicated to rock identification techniques and rock collecting for middle-graders, tweens, and teens. In this section I especially enjoyed reviewing the color-coded range maps for common rocks and with a separate map for common minerals. These features give readers a glance at where the rocks they want to collect can be found in North America. Both sections contain a photo and a blurb of common rocks and minerals including the phonetic pronunciation of the names of the more difficult names.
 Lastly, the highlight of the book--in my humble opinion--is the chapter on agates, fossils, and dyed crystals. The photos of the agates and fossils are stunning! I liked the ways in which the author warned young collectors about purchasing items they may find in rock shops which are not what they appear to be.

The FAQ section on rock collecting contains tips on the storage and labeling of rocks, safety tips when out rock collecting, etc. The other back matter includes a thorough glossary, recommended reading lists for 'kids' and 'older readers', and several pages of a 'Rocks and Mineral Journal' young collectors can use to record their adventures and findings.

Other pluses of this guide:

--Size = field guide sized

--Photography = excellent, close-ups

--Maps/diagrams = color-coded, well-labeled, good detail, easy-to-read and understand
Highly recommended to scientists of all ages! A useful resource book to teachers, librarians, scout leaders, youth group leaders, camp leaders, parents, grandparents, middle-graders, tweens, and teens.
I borrowed this book from the non-fiction shelves in the children's section of the local public library.                                      ****************************


Find the links to read more great Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts from middle-grade authors and bloggers at Greg Pattridge's 'Always in the Middle' Blog.

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~ GARRISON'S LAW BLOG HOP ~

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~BLOG HOP FOR --  'GARRISON'S LAW' SERIES:  BOOK 4:  LOVING THE TEXAS STRANGER  -- AUTHOR MARY CONNEALY~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight,Author Bio, Excerpt, Clue forBlog Hop Scavenger Hunt & Giveaway   
Welcome to the Scavenger Blog Hunt and giveaway for the Garrison's Law contemporary romantic suspense series by Mary Connealy, hosted by JustRead Tours! At each stop, there will be:
special content by the blogger, anda clueKeep track of these clues each day because you'll need to enter the clues you've gathered that day in the Rafflecopter (a new entry each day for that day's clues). On the last day, the final piece of the scavenger hunt will be revealed in a puzzle on JustRead's (and JustCommonly's) blog.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Loving the Texas Stranger
Series: Garrison's Law, Book 4
Author: Mary Connealy
Release Date: December 6, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
An assassin takes a shot and hits two people with one bullet.
Natalie Brewster, a deep undercover agent for a group that doesn’t officially exist, saw the gunman aiming. He definitely waited, lined up the shot, and tried to kill both of them. Nat and Case Garrison hit the ground bleeding. They both come up shooting and kill the assassin—but that just makes him mad.

Now Case and Nat, who have never before met, have to figure out what they have in common to make them prey for a killer.

And they have to do it while running for their lives because, despite the two of them being highly skilled at keeping a low profile, the killer keeps finding them. They are running at break-neck speed, hiding with all the skill of long-time undercover agents, and falling in love with a passion that might be part of what brought a killer down on them.

PURCHASE:  Goodreads | Amazon

EXCERPT:

Case didn’t need to be told to move this time. He grabbed her and she grabbed him and they dove behind a steel girder with such perfect synchronization that it could have been a ballet—except for the crash landing.

And the hail of bullets.

They both rolled as the girder in front of them and the wall behind them flashed sparks and echoed with the high, sharp whine of gunfire and ricocheting bullets.

Case knew now why the wall had exploded behind him when she first crashed into him. He also figured out she’d been trying to save his life even then. He had started a step behind but now he caught up fast. He towed her to her feet, doing his best to make his body thinner than the metal shield between them and their attacker. He locked his eyes on the exit sign right in front of them. A bullet screamed past them at an upward angle and he knew the man had shot from a lower angle, he’d dropped down onto the tracks.

Another train roared through the station and Case wished it would run the gunman over and solve their problem. But nothing in Case Garrison’s life had made him an optimist.

They didn’t even look at each other, they just snagged a handful of the person beside them, dove between the moving walls of the escalator and barreled up a flight of steps to the street.

Case, his fingers locked into the fabric of her shirt, looked around. They had the length of time it took a high-speed train to pass through a station to get out of the line of fire.

She growled, “Move,” again and his instincts, his best friend for a long time, told him to do what she said.

~BOOKS IN THIS SERIES~
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of over 50 books and novellas. Her most recent book series are: Garrison’s Law, High Sierra Sweethearts, Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, and Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas. Mary has nearly a million books in print.  

CONNECT WITH MARY: website | Facebook | Twitter | Seekerville | Petticoats & Pistols

CLUE:  bring their 
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive:
a $25 Amazon gift card (open internationally)Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. A new entry option will be live each day for that day's clues. Giveaway begins at midnight on January 8, 2019 and lasts through 11:59pm January 15, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.
a Rafflecopter giveaway  Be sure to stop on every stop on the Tour Schedule for all the clues to enter!Follow along at JustRead Tours for the full list of stops!----------------------------COMING SOON:

~ CWR FOREVER YOURS KICK-OFF GIVEAWAY ~

~ CLEAN WHOLESOME ROMANCE'FOREVER YOURS' EVENTKICK-OFF GIVEAWAY ~
Forever Yours Clean Romance Event!January 2019
During the month of January, we will be featuring 12 fabulous Authors who write clean romance! There will be $400 worth of Giveaways plus great deals on books! You are invited to join the fun, learn about these great authors & find your next favorite book! There will be FREE ebooks, awesome sales & great giveaways! Check out this great list of featured authors who are sponsoring this event! 

Jennie GoutetLiwen Y. HoCrissy SharpJo NoelleLaurie WinterSophia SummersStephanie FowersLorin GraceRanee S. ClarkRebecca ConnollyReina M. WilliamsJess Heileman
  Never miss a giveaway, freebie, or sale by signing up for Clean Wholesome Romance’s Reader Newsletter! Are you a blogger or reader who would be willing to post about this event on your blog or social media? Sign up here. Are you an author who writes clean romance? Learn more about CWR upcoming events here, or Sign up for my Author Newsletter.  

To start things off we have a $100 Giveaway!  
Giveaway Details $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/3/19 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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader & Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway
********************COMING SOON:

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~ BOOK BLAST -- ENDURING PROMISES OF THE HEART ~

~ BOOK BLAST ~ --  'ENDURING PROMISES OF THE HEART'  -- AUTHOR VALERIE LOVELESS~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight, Author Bio & Giveaway~ 
 About the Book
"What if I told you there is a way that we could all be happy? That if I were to propose to you, your father couldn’t deny us?” 

“What is it, John? Tell me!” 

Just then the basket hit the water and the sea began to stream in through the spaces between the reeds. This was the end. The year is 1887, and the small community of Pleasant View is abuzz over Penelope Pottifer’s serialized romances in the local paper. Since the release of the first volume, the thrilling story has captured the hearts and minds of the entire town— and several towns over! Each successive edition of the Pleasant View Gazette spins a breathtaking tale of kidnappers, pirates, and forbidden love. 

Between volumes, however, Pleasant View resident Mary Clarence, the story’s toughest critic, hears a rumor that Penelope Pottifer is not, in fact, the author’s real name. Determined to uncover the mystery, Mary drags her friend Elizabeth Black into a hunt for the elusive author’s true identity. 

But fiction and reality seem to entwine when along the way, Mary and Liz discover unexpected truths, exciting adventures, and dramatic romances of their own.
 
GOODREADS | AMAZON
About the Author
Valerie has a love for stories with happy endings and bright comedy. A native to the California high desert, she now considers Utah her home where she lives with her husband, three children and two chihuahuas. Growing up in a family of seven kids, Valerie learned to embrace her unique creativity and way of looking at the world and hopes it will enrich other's lives. In 2015 she published two children's books, Singing Not so Sweetly and Anabelle Loves Babies. She believes writing is the ultimate end-all for creative pursuits because there are no limits to what you can create. A picture may say a thousand words but a novel is usually around seventy-thousand.
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE
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~ MMGM PHILANTHROPARTIES NON-FICTION FEATURE ~

~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADEMONDAY NON-FICTION FEATURE ~ --  'PHILANTHROPARTIES!'  -- AUTHOR LULU CERONE~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight & Review~



 LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS 

ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:

Why just party when you can party with a purpose?

Seventeen-year-old Lulu Cerone shows teens how to bring social activism into their daily lives—and have fun while doing it—with this colorful DIY party planning guide perfect for every socially- conscious kid!

PhilanthroParties are 'parties with a purpose.' In 2010, then ten-year-old Lulu Cerone was deeply affected by the earthquake in Haiti. She set out to raise money for Haitian relief by selling lemonade, but she upped the ante on the classic lemonade stand: she got her entire class to participate, boys against girls. Their lemonade 'war' raised $4,000!

Now seventeen, Lulu is bringing her message of social activism to kids and teens around the world, showing them how to have fun while taking action, giving back, and generally having an impact on the world and the communities they live in.

Having a birthday? Invite your guests to bring a toy to donate to a local charity instead of presents. Earth Day coming up? Host a Guerrilla Gardening party where guests make seed bombs with native flowers and throw them all around their neighborhoods for some drought resistant greenery and color. Want to have a movie night? Invite friends over for National Popcorn Day. Watch movies, snack on some wildly delicious popcorn, but give the party a philanthropic twist by asking everyone to bring old DVDs and Blu-rays to donate for soldiers overseas.

This creative DIY guide gives readers what they need to know—from inspiration to how-tos—to incorporate philanthropy into one’s social life. It includes party ideas and plans, event checklists, recipes, crafts, personal stories, and brief profiles of causes readers should know about. Organized by month of the year, the book features thirty-six PhilanthroParty concepts paired with vibrant photography and colorful design, to get kids started.

Whether they are in their schools or in their communities, individually or in groups, kids and teens can make a difference and inspire others to do the same. 
MY THOUGHTS:

This book is amazing!

And what's even more amazing is that the author is now an eighteen-year old young woman from Southern California who has been organizing charity fundraisers since she was ten years old.

The subtitle of the book is 'A Party-Planning Guide for Kids Who Want to Give Back.' The book includes 36 parties, 36 recipes, 54 games and activities, and 32 crafts.

I cannot emphasize enough how thorough and inspiring this book was to me. The Author's Foreward is written in a warm, inviting tone addressed to middle-graders, tweens, and teens. Although some of the projects and parties may be a little advanced for middle-graders to handle on their own, the author encourages philanthropists of all ages to work together to make a positive difference in their communities.

The book is formatted into twelve chapters, one dedicated to activities designed for each calendar month of the year. The author provides a list of a dozen or so 'National Celebratory Themes' for each month. She includes holidays such as New Year's Day for January along with some themes such as Braille Literacy Month and Blood Donor Month. There are also a few 'fun' days mentioned for each month, such as Dress Your Pet Day on January 14th, Opposite Day on January 25th, Puzzle Day on January 29th, and Backward Day on January 31st.

Each philantroparty involves attendees donating their time to provide service to someone or an organization or donating something such as school supplies, canned food, DVD's for the troops, teddy bears for children in crisis, handmade items {homebaked treats, DIY dog toy, and pet blankets} for the local animal rescue shelter, and sweaters for needy families.

Some of the activities are promoted in the neighborhood or community so that the activists can earn money for charities by selling lemonade, homemade cupcakes, etc.

The back matter includes a 'Philanthoparty Planning Guide' which goes into detail about how to choose a charity to support, a safety guide, a detailed timeline for planning a philanthroparty, a letter from the author's mother addressed to parents and educators, and a list of online resources for readers to use for reference.

A lot of time and effort and hard work went into this book, and this young author is to be commended for her global view of the world and how she and other young people play a major role in improving the situation of those around them.

The book also includes great photos and excellent stepped-out instructions for the projects, parties, and recipes.

Highly recommended to philanthropists of all ages and to do-it-yourselfers who want to contribute handmade items to local charities in their own community. This book would also be useful to youth group leaders, scout leaders, camp leaders, teachers, librarians, and parents/grandparents as they encourage the young people in their charge to take a global approach to those in need around them.

I borrowed this book from the children's section in the local public library.

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Find the links to read more great Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts from middle-grade authors and bloggers at Greg Pattridge's 'Always in the Middle' Blog.

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