June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~, page 94
November 25, 2018
~ MMGM WHO WERE THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN? ~
~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADEMONDAY NON-FICTION FEATURE ~
-- WHO WERE THE
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN? -- AUTHOR: SHERRI L. SMITH
ILLUSTRATOR: JAKE MURRAY~Post Includes: Book Spotlight & Review~
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS
ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
It's up, up, and away with the Tuskegee Airmen, a heroic group of African American military pilots who helped the United States win World War II.
During World War II, black Americans were fighting for their country and for freedom in Europe, yet they had to endure a totally segregated military in the United States, where they weren't considered smart enough to become military pilots.
After acquiring government funding for aviation training, civil rights activists were able to kickstart the first African American military flight program in the US at Tuskegee University in Alabama.
While this book details thrilling flight missions and the grueling training sessions the Tuskegee Airmen underwent, it also shines a light on the lives of these brave men who helped pave the way for the integration of the US armed forces.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
Sherri L. Smith is the award-winning author of YA novels LUCY THE GIANT, SPARROW, HOT SOUR SALTY SWEET, FLYGIRL and ORLEANS. In October 2015, she made her middle grade debut with THE TOYMAKER’S APPRENTICE from G.P. Putnam and Sons for Penguin Random House.
Sherri has worked in film, animation, comic books and construction. Her books have been listed as Amelia Bloomer, American Library Association Best Books for Young People, and Junior Library Guild Selections. FLYGIRL was the 2009 California Book Awards Gold Medalist.
She loves her family, travel, chocolate chip cookies, reading, and a really good cup of tea.
MY THOUGHTS:
I have read several books in this 'WHO HQ' series before, so I chose this gem for my final November MMGM book featuring World War I and II fiction and non-fiction titles.
I had heard about the Tuskegee Airmen before, but I had no idea of the depth of the history behind this program until I read this book. This group of brave and skilled African American men were the first airplane pilots of color to ever serve in the United States military.
In May, 1939, two African American men, Chauncey Spencer and Dale White, flew from Chicago to Washington, D.C., to meet with then US Senator Harry S. Truman. The pilots asked Senator Truman to help them encourage other black people to become pilots. The senator agreed to help, and later that year the United States Congress approved six Civilian Pilot Training Programs {CPTP} for black people. This book is about the most famous of these programs--the one held at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
Booker T. Washington had founded a black college, Tuskegee Institute, in 1881 in the town of Tuskegee, Alabama. A tremendous amount of work and construction was necessary before the CPTP could be launched. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the site in March, 1941, and was vocal about the program needing more money for a better airfield and newer airplanes. Her intevention resulted in a charitable fund lending Tuskegee Institute $175,000 to build a bigger airfield.
The author does not mince words about the rampant segregation in the United States military at this time. As the result of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, the country needed more troops, so minorities and women were called on to help out. However, the military still did not want to integrate its forces. So the Army agreed on January 16, 1942, to form an all-black squadron in their Army air force.
This first class in the Tuskegee Institute began with thirteen cadets but only five of the cadets graduated in March, 1942. These were the first African Americans to become Army Air Force pilots. The book follows this unit through their training and heroic combat missions in Europe and the Mediterranean. A total of 352 Tuskegee Airmen served overseas during World War II. Sixty-eight of these brave soldiers died in combat or went missing in action.
Unfortunately, when these war heroes returned to the United States they found that the nation had not improved its treatment of black soldiers in the least. The bases were still segregated. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman passed a law which desegregated the US Army. Soldiers of all races trained and served together, but it would take years and years before all branches of the military were fully integrated.
A highlight of this book for me was an interesting spotlight presented on Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., 1912-2002. His father, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., was the first African American general ever in the US Army. In June, 1936, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., became the first black man ever to graduate from the West Point Military Academy. He later became the commander of the Tuskegee Airmen and was the first African American general in the US Air Force. Eventually, he became a four-star general which is the highest rank in the US Air Force.
The final pages of the book list the awards and honors earned by these brave Tuskegee Airmen. There is also a detailed Timeline and Bibliography to aid young readers in their study of this subject.
This book is highly-recommended for middle-grade readers studying Civil Rights, United States history, United States twentieth-century history, United States military history, African-American history, aeronautic history, and for adults who wish to learn more about these subjects, too.
I borrowed this book from the New Book non-fiction shelf 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.
SPECIAL NOTE TO ALL BLOG READERS: I HAVE SEVERAL GREAT GIVEAWAYS LISTED ON MY CURRENT GIVEAWAYS PAGE HERE ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC' WHICH WILL BE ENDING LATER THIS WEEK. TAKE A MOMENT RIGHT NOW TO CLICK OVER TO POSSIBLY DISCOVER A PRIZE THERE THAT INTERESTS YOU. HERE'S THE LINK: CURRENT GIVEAWAYS
***************GOOD LUCK!******************
# # # # #
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN? -- AUTHOR: SHERRI L. SMITH
ILLUSTRATOR: JAKE MURRAY~Post Includes: Book Spotlight & Review~
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADSABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
It's up, up, and away with the Tuskegee Airmen, a heroic group of African American military pilots who helped the United States win World War II.
During World War II, black Americans were fighting for their country and for freedom in Europe, yet they had to endure a totally segregated military in the United States, where they weren't considered smart enough to become military pilots.
After acquiring government funding for aviation training, civil rights activists were able to kickstart the first African American military flight program in the US at Tuskegee University in Alabama.
While this book details thrilling flight missions and the grueling training sessions the Tuskegee Airmen underwent, it also shines a light on the lives of these brave men who helped pave the way for the integration of the US armed forces.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
Sherri L. Smith is the award-winning author of YA novels LUCY THE GIANT, SPARROW, HOT SOUR SALTY SWEET, FLYGIRL and ORLEANS. In October 2015, she made her middle grade debut with THE TOYMAKER’S APPRENTICE from G.P. Putnam and Sons for Penguin Random House.
Sherri has worked in film, animation, comic books and construction. Her books have been listed as Amelia Bloomer, American Library Association Best Books for Young People, and Junior Library Guild Selections. FLYGIRL was the 2009 California Book Awards Gold Medalist.
She loves her family, travel, chocolate chip cookies, reading, and a really good cup of tea.
MY THOUGHTS:
I have read several books in this 'WHO HQ' series before, so I chose this gem for my final November MMGM book featuring World War I and II fiction and non-fiction titles.
I had heard about the Tuskegee Airmen before, but I had no idea of the depth of the history behind this program until I read this book. This group of brave and skilled African American men were the first airplane pilots of color to ever serve in the United States military.
In May, 1939, two African American men, Chauncey Spencer and Dale White, flew from Chicago to Washington, D.C., to meet with then US Senator Harry S. Truman. The pilots asked Senator Truman to help them encourage other black people to become pilots. The senator agreed to help, and later that year the United States Congress approved six Civilian Pilot Training Programs {CPTP} for black people. This book is about the most famous of these programs--the one held at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
Booker T. Washington had founded a black college, Tuskegee Institute, in 1881 in the town of Tuskegee, Alabama. A tremendous amount of work and construction was necessary before the CPTP could be launched. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the site in March, 1941, and was vocal about the program needing more money for a better airfield and newer airplanes. Her intevention resulted in a charitable fund lending Tuskegee Institute $175,000 to build a bigger airfield.
The author does not mince words about the rampant segregation in the United States military at this time. As the result of the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, the country needed more troops, so minorities and women were called on to help out. However, the military still did not want to integrate its forces. So the Army agreed on January 16, 1942, to form an all-black squadron in their Army air force.
This first class in the Tuskegee Institute began with thirteen cadets but only five of the cadets graduated in March, 1942. These were the first African Americans to become Army Air Force pilots. The book follows this unit through their training and heroic combat missions in Europe and the Mediterranean. A total of 352 Tuskegee Airmen served overseas during World War II. Sixty-eight of these brave soldiers died in combat or went missing in action.
Unfortunately, when these war heroes returned to the United States they found that the nation had not improved its treatment of black soldiers in the least. The bases were still segregated. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman passed a law which desegregated the US Army. Soldiers of all races trained and served together, but it would take years and years before all branches of the military were fully integrated.
A highlight of this book for me was an interesting spotlight presented on Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., 1912-2002. His father, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., was the first African American general ever in the US Army. In June, 1936, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., became the first black man ever to graduate from the West Point Military Academy. He later became the commander of the Tuskegee Airmen and was the first African American general in the US Air Force. Eventually, he became a four-star general which is the highest rank in the US Air Force.
The final pages of the book list the awards and honors earned by these brave Tuskegee Airmen. There is also a detailed Timeline and Bibliography to aid young readers in their study of this subject.
This book is highly-recommended for middle-grade readers studying Civil Rights, United States history, United States twentieth-century history, United States military history, African-American history, aeronautic history, and for adults who wish to learn more about these subjects, too.
I borrowed this book from the New Book non-fiction shelf 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.
SPECIAL NOTE TO ALL BLOG READERS: I HAVE SEVERAL GREAT GIVEAWAYS LISTED ON MY CURRENT GIVEAWAYS PAGE HERE ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC' WHICH WILL BE ENDING LATER THIS WEEK. TAKE A MOMENT RIGHT NOW TO CLICK OVER TO POSSIBLY DISCOVER A PRIZE THERE THAT INTERESTS YOU. HERE'S THE LINK: CURRENT GIVEAWAYS
***************GOOD LUCK!******************
# # # # #
November 20, 2018
~ BOOK BLAST VIOLIN WORDS ~
~ CHRISTMAS ROMANCE BOOK BLAST ~
-- 'VIOLIN WORDS' --
AUTHOR TAYLOR DEAN~Post Includes: Book Spotlight, Author
Bio, Excerpt & Giveaway~
ABOUT THE BOOK:
'Violin Words' by Taylor Dean:
WHO IS THE AUTHOR? When Jade Lockwood begins to receive anonymous love letters, she becomes a woman on a mission. She’s determined to figure out who wrote the flowery, over-the-top letters filled with the sweetest violin words she’s ever heard. She’s neglected her love life, concentrating on Lockwood Cabins, the business her father built from the ground up. But her sweet letters have awakened something inside of her, something that can’t be ignored. Facing Christmas alone this year, her emotions are already fragile. Add in a mysterious burglary, a handsome stranger, and a little deceit, and it just might be the most eventful Christmas she’s ever endured. Will Jade find her happy ending? Or will her love letters prove to be nothing more than a sinister ploy? Find out in this charming Christmas novel. Get your copy on Amazon Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Praise for 'Violin Words':
Don’t miss this fun, perfect holiday read by a master storyteller! -Mylissa Demeyere, Author of The Songs of You and Me and The Songs that Brought Me Back
A sweet, heartwarming romance with a twist of mystery and suspense, all wrapped up in Christmas magic that makes this one hard to put down. -Charissa Stastny, Author of The Ruled Out Romance Series
EXCERPT:
I have no clue whatsoever as to The Author of the one and only love letter I’ve ever received. I’ve neglected my love life, giving all of my attention to Lockwood Cabins. Now I realize what a mistake that has been. When I read the letter, I’m filled with sensations I didn’t know existed. It’s as if I can physically feel the depth behind his words. I’m taken away to another world and I just want to float away, wrapped in his love.
The Author’s words are flowery and eloquent, stirring and moving. They’re as lyrical and achingly sweet as a few strokes from a violin. Violin words. Yes. My letter is filled with violin words. All meant for me. And I love them. A few simple chords from a violin inspires soul soaring emotion within me and leaves me breathless. Somehow the sound speaks to me and I have to close my eyes and thank God that I’m alive, if only to hear such a precious sound. But when I read my love letter, my reaction is the same.
Words alone have never had this effect on me. Plain and simple words—twenty-six letters all strung together in thousands of combinations—and together they form the most beautiful thoughts. I hold the letter to my chest and absorb the love. It’s the sweetest torture, the most exquisite agony. I welcome it. To feel is to live, I know that now.
Wow. Just wow. Are those violin words really directed toward me? I always figured I’d meet someone and get married one day. But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a man would speak to me like that. It sends a thrill through my body. Every time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter
GIVEAWAY:
Blast Giveaway Details $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/12/18 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
# # # # #
Bio, Excerpt & Giveaway~
ABOUT THE BOOK:'Violin Words' by Taylor Dean:
WHO IS THE AUTHOR? When Jade Lockwood begins to receive anonymous love letters, she becomes a woman on a mission. She’s determined to figure out who wrote the flowery, over-the-top letters filled with the sweetest violin words she’s ever heard. She’s neglected her love life, concentrating on Lockwood Cabins, the business her father built from the ground up. But her sweet letters have awakened something inside of her, something that can’t be ignored. Facing Christmas alone this year, her emotions are already fragile. Add in a mysterious burglary, a handsome stranger, and a little deceit, and it just might be the most eventful Christmas she’s ever endured. Will Jade find her happy ending? Or will her love letters prove to be nothing more than a sinister ploy? Find out in this charming Christmas novel. Get your copy on Amazon Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Praise for 'Violin Words':
Don’t miss this fun, perfect holiday read by a master storyteller! -Mylissa Demeyere, Author of The Songs of You and Me and The Songs that Brought Me Back
A sweet, heartwarming romance with a twist of mystery and suspense, all wrapped up in Christmas magic that makes this one hard to put down. -Charissa Stastny, Author of The Ruled Out Romance Series
EXCERPT:
I have no clue whatsoever as to The Author of the one and only love letter I’ve ever received. I’ve neglected my love life, giving all of my attention to Lockwood Cabins. Now I realize what a mistake that has been. When I read the letter, I’m filled with sensations I didn’t know existed. It’s as if I can physically feel the depth behind his words. I’m taken away to another world and I just want to float away, wrapped in his love.
The Author’s words are flowery and eloquent, stirring and moving. They’re as lyrical and achingly sweet as a few strokes from a violin. Violin words. Yes. My letter is filled with violin words. All meant for me. And I love them. A few simple chords from a violin inspires soul soaring emotion within me and leaves me breathless. Somehow the sound speaks to me and I have to close my eyes and thank God that I’m alive, if only to hear such a precious sound. But when I read my love letter, my reaction is the same.
Words alone have never had this effect on me. Plain and simple words—twenty-six letters all strung together in thousands of combinations—and together they form the most beautiful thoughts. I hold the letter to my chest and absorb the love. It’s the sweetest torture, the most exquisite agony. I welcome it. To feel is to live, I know that now.
Wow. Just wow. Are those violin words really directed toward me? I always figured I’d meet someone and get married one day. But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a man would speak to me like that. It sends a thrill through my body. Every time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Newsletter
GIVEAWAY:
Blast Giveaway Details $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/12/18 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
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November 19, 2018
~ DEADLY GRATITUDE FICTION FEATURE ~
~ FICTION FEATURE ~
-- 'DEADLY GRATITUDE' -- DEBUT AUTHOR LORI DONNESTER
~Post Includes: Book Spotlight, Author
Bio, Author Interview & Giveaway~
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Tortured by the loss of his wife, Detective Don Layden isolates himself behind an emotional wall, until a case comes along that shakes him to his core. An axe-wielding murderer kills the wife of a Denver prosecuting attorney and Don has to find him.
In spite of an unsupportive, narcissistic police captain who insists the investigation focus on the widowed attorney’s cases, Don and his partner, Luke, are convinced the killer is a heinous lunatic preying upon innocent Denver woman; one of whom is Kate Fitzgerald. Spirited and defiant, Kate has such compassion for the bereaved families that she is determined to discover who is at the root of this terror before the killer strikes again. But does Kate’s fortitude put her at risk? Don suddenly realizes his concern for Kate’s safety goes beyond public service…a thought that scares him as much as this case.
As the clock ticks on, the killer gets bolder. Can Don, Luke, and Kate battle blood, blades and devil worshippers to solve this mystery before anyone else loses her life?
AMAZON
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Donnester started out life in Illinois and then traveled west to study ballet at the University of Utah. Deciding finance would be a better bet, she made the switch, but her creative genes encouraged her to study writing as well. It all worked out because today she is a newly retired financial controller, is writing full time, and recently won an award in a writing contest.
Lori remains steadfast in her conviction that her parents’ prayers and positive thoughts helped her overcome a devastating bicycle accident from which doctors said she would never walk again. (Spoiler alert: She walks just fine today.) When her father passed, she decided to honor him with a story that both entertains and inspires, thus leading to her to write the suspense, crime novel, Deadly Gratitude.
In her spare time, Lori skis, hikes, and enjoys life with her husband in the beautiful mountains that surround her Salt Lake City home.
CONNECT WITH LORI:
FACEBOOK WEBSITE TWITTER
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
JUNE: Welcome to 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic', Lori. Tell us a little about yourself. How did your education and/or previous job and life experiences impact your road to publication?
LORI: I was born and raised in Illinois. I took up ballet there while I was in the 6th grade. I loved it and was in the little company in my ballet school within about three years. I wound up going to the University of Utah which has the best public dance school in the country. I started to learn about the dancers' lives and realized that I was spending an awful lot of money to graduate from college and be poor. So, I switched to finance and had a successful career in that field.
I’m convinced that ballet and finance both helped me with my writing aspirations. In ballet, I often choreographed dances, telling stories through movement. Ballet was a terrific way to build and hone creativity.
Also, students in ballet crave an instructor’s critique. Critique is essential in that it helps you to improve your skills. That led me to seek out and listen to professionals in the field to give feedback on the manuscript of Deadly Gratitude.
Ballet also is the constant pursuit of perfection. Writing is the same. Every paragraph, every sentence, every word must be examined.
The skill set to be successful in the world of finance also spills over to writing. Accounting is a detail-oriented job. Certain tasks such as budgeting may require repeated revisions. Writing requires countless revisions as well. In addition, details are essential. The timetable must be right on. A character cannot have blue eyes in chapter one and brown eyes in chapter twenty.
JUNE: Please tell us a little about how you created your setting and developed the characters for this book.
LORI: I basically wrote the story while jogging. I jogged run after run, figuring out the characters and the conflicts. I finally sat down to write it. I opened Word and started at my computer screen. I remember thinking, "Word is vertical. But a storyline and a timeline are both horizontal. How can anyone write a novel on Word?" So, I closed Word and opened Excel. I've told numerical stories, non-fiction of course, on Excel for decades.
Across the top of the worksheet from January through December, I've given history with projections of what is going to happen numerically. To me, a story is the same shape. I used the tabs to map out each segment of the story. That made it easy to keep track of what day of the week I was on, and I could track the conflict for each segment as well. That's how to make it a page-turner. Only after I had the whole thing mapped out on Excel, did I open Word again. This time I didn't sit and stare; this time I started writing.
JUNE: What led you to write a thriller for your first book? Do you read in this genre a lot? If yes, who are some of your favorite authors/books in the inspirational thriller genre?
LORI: Gratitude. I had a devasting bicycle accident and was paralyzed as a result. After a lot of work and a lot of time, I recovered. Any doctor that looks at my MRI is shocked that I can walk. I’m told that I’m a miracle. I’m convinced my parents’ and friends’ prayers had much to do with my recovery. Then about twelve years later, my parents came out to visit. Unfortunately, my dad got really sick while they were here, and he passed away.
When someone passes, you find yourself reflecting on his or her life. My dad was a good man. We didn’t have a lot of money, but I was always safe; I was always loved; and I was always cared for.
There is something in the human DNA that wants to tell stories. I believe the combination of living a miracle and reflecting upon what a good person my Dad was made me want to write a story. I briefly considered writing an inspirational novel, but every writing class I’ve ever taken advised to write the genre that you love to read. And I’ve devoured thrillers since I was a little girl reading Nancy Drew novels. So, I wrote a thriller with an inspirational character.
I read many different authors in this genre. As a matter of fact, I started reading all of the mystery authors who begin with the letter ‘A’ in the library. I did this to make myself a better writer. But of course, I have favorite authors. Three of them are Lee Child, Terri Blackstock, and Tasha Alexander.
JUNE: Who is your favorite character in your story? Why is this person your favorite? Is there anyone in the story who you do not like? Why not?
LORI: That’s a tough one. I like the leads and I even like the bad guy. I spent a lot of time developing him. But I think I’m going to say I like Luke, one of the detectives. He is a straightforward man who is tender behind all of his toughness. He's a big teddy bear buried underneath a lot of muscle. As far as the character I like least, that's easy. The police captain is so narcissistic. She really thinks the world spins around her. Not the way to be!
JUNE: What do you hope readers will gain from reading your book?
LORI: I want to entertain my readers. I want them to want to keep reading. I also want to sprinkle in some thoughts for contemplation. So the short answer to that question is to mix a combination of page-turning entertainment in with a dash of reflection.
JUNE: What do you like to do in your spare time--assuming you have any spare time?
LORI: I like to snow ski in the winter. I also like to curl up in front of the fire and read!! In the summer I like to go boating including water skiing. And hiking is always good. And so is reading! Next summer I decided I’m going to take up paddle boarding.
JUNE: Thank you so much for sharing about your novel, your life, and your writing practices with us. We wish you all the best in your future writing projects.
***********
GIVEAWAY:
Lori has generously offered to send a print copy of 'Deadly Gratitude' to one 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' reader who lives in the United States. For a chance to win, please post a comment below telling which one of Lori's interview answers was the most interesting to you and why.
{NOTE: If you have trouble posting a comment, don't worry! I will also accept comments at my email address: junemccraryjacobs [at] gmail [dot] com. Type 'Deadly Gratitude Comment' in the subject line of the email message, and I will include you in the drawing.}
You must be eighteen (18) years or older to enter and have a United States mailing address.
The contest will close on Thursday, November 29th, at 12:00PM noon PST. Good luck!
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November 18, 2018
~ MMGM WINNIE'S GREAT WAR ~
~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADEMONDAY HISTORICALFICTION FEATURE ~
-- 'WINNIE'S GREAT WAR' --
*A Novel Based on the True Story of
the World's Most Famous Bear*
AUTHORS LINDSAY MALTICK & JOSH GREENHUT ART BY SOPHIE BLACKALL
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS
ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
A wartime adventure unfolds through the eyes of the world’s most beloved Bear.
The story of the real bear that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh has been capturing readers’ imaginations since the publication of the Caldecott Medal award-winning picture book, Finding Winnie.
But there was so much left to be told – not just about Winnie, but about the great world events she witnessed. Now, the creative team behind the bestselling picture book has reunited to bring you Winnie’s Great War.
In a triumphant blending of deeply researched history and magnificent imagination, we follow our irrepressible Bear on her journey -- from her infancy in the woods of Ontario, to her unlikely friendship with Captain Harry Colebourn and her time as the mascot of the Second Canadian Infantry Brigade, to her experiences in wartime London before she met Christopher Robin Milne.
Told in beautifully crafted language and infused with Sophie Blackall’s irresistible renderings of an endearing bear, the book is also woven through with actual entries from Captain Harry Colebourn’s wartime diaries. The result is a one-of-kind exploration of the realities of war, the meaning of courage, and the indelible power of friendship, all told through the historic adventures of one extraordinary bear.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
Lindsay Mattick is the author of Finding Winnie, a new picture book which explores her family’s unique connection to the world’s most famous bear, Winnie-the-Pooh. Born in Winnipeg, Lindsay spent her summer days collecting lucky stones on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, finding adventures in her red wagon. As the great-granddaughter of Captain Harry Colebourn, Lindsay grew up thinking of Winnie as her own ‘great-grandbear’. She has shared her family’s story as a radio documentary, spearheaded an original exhibition, and participated in Canada’s National Arts Council UK tour to commemorate WWI. After working in public relations for over a decade crafting other peoples stories, Lindsay is very excited to share one of her own. Today, she is likely still found with sand between her toes on the beaches of Toronto, her son Cole in tow, in his own Radio Flyer. Finding Winnie is Lindsay’s latest adventure and proof that dreams come true.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR {from Goodreads}:
Sophie Blackall grew up in Australia where she learned to draw on the beach with sticks, which has not altogether helped her sense of perspective. She completed a Bachelor of Design in Sydney, which furnished her with useful Letraset, bromide and enlarger machine skills. The following few years were spent painting robotic characters for theme parks, providing the hands for a DIY television show, and writing a household hints column.
In 2000, Blackall was inveigled by New York. She convinced her husband, and two small children (who couldn't talk and had no say in the matter), to pack suitcases and sense of adventure and join the diaspora. After two months of pounding the streets, portfolio in hand, and despite the tireless efforts of her agent, the return plane ticket was cashed in to pay the rent. Just when the highlight in the day had become half a can of Budweiser at six o'clock, the fax machine coughed and spluttered and delivered a commission of nine illustrations for The New York Times.
After lots of editorial work and several animated TV commercials in the UK, the first children's book Sophie Blackall illustrated was Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges (Chronicle), which won the Ezra Jack Keats award in 2003.
Since then, she has illustrated Meet Wild Boars by Meg Rosoff (Holt) which won the Society of Illustrators Founders Award; Summer is Summer by Phillis and David Gershator (Holt); What’s So Bad About Being an Only Child? by Cari Best (FSG); Red Butterfly by Deborah Noyes (Candlewick); Ivy and Bean (books one through five) by Annie Barrows (Chronicle); Jumpy Jack and Googily by Meg Rosoff (Holt); Wild Boars Cook by Meg Rosoff (Holt); and Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields (Dutton).
In the rare moments that Blackall is away from her desk, she can be found in the kitchen making preposterous birthday cakes for her children or wandering the flea markets in a daze.
MY THOUGHTS:
You know that wonderful feeling you get when you read the last page of the book, close the cover, sigh, and say to yourself "I loved this story so much I wasn't ready for it to end" ? That is exactly how I felt when I finished reading the last word of this book.
I restrained myself from ready any, and I mean not one single word, of the back matter of this book before I began reading the story. This was unusual for me because I always read the back matter {including Author's Notes, Acknowledgments, Author Bio, Glossary, Bibliographies, etc} before I start reading a story.
By willingly keeping myself uneducated about the story, I was immediately drawn into the drama and details of this delightful narrative. The story is told in the form of a mother telling her young son a bedtime story. Except this one is based on her family's history, and in particular one exceptionally, perfectly unordinary bear!
Set in Canada and Europe during World War I the story weaves fact with fiction to create an appealing, endearing, and educational story about The Great War. {The author does a nice job of distinguishing fact from fiction for young readers in a note at the end of the back matter.}
The author has entitled the back matter, 'The Colebourn Family Archive', and this section includes an author's note directed at middle-grade readers about the war, photos and bios of characters from the story {human and otherwise}, and some other ephemera pertaining to a certain Ursus Americana, 'black bear', named Winnie. The images are arranged to look like an old-time scrapbook with black photo holders on each corner of the photos and a caption beneath each photo which keeps the historical theme of the story in tact until the very end.
This is book is highly-recommended for middle-grade readers or as a family or classroom read-aloud. Fans of animal fiction, literary fiction, Canadian/European history, World War I history, and military fiction will also enjoy this well-written story.
This was definitely one of my Top Ten of middle-grade reads of 2018!
I borrowed this book from the New Book shelves in the children's section of the local public library.
ATTENTION, ALL WRITERS: Check out my Bonus Content section below to learn some great writing tips shared in an author interview with inspirational novelist Phyllis Clark Nichols posted on 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' on Friday, November 16th. She has some great organizational tips I had not heard of previously. Enjoy . . .
**************
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. ***********BONUS CONTENT FOR WRITERS:
Click over to my recent blog interview with Author Phyllis Clark Nichols to learn some about some of the tools/tricks she uses to stay organized when she's writing a novel. Find the post here: WRITING TIPS FROM PHYLLIS CLARK NICHOLS
# # # # #
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADSABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
A wartime adventure unfolds through the eyes of the world’s most beloved Bear.
The story of the real bear that inspired Winnie-the-Pooh has been capturing readers’ imaginations since the publication of the Caldecott Medal award-winning picture book, Finding Winnie.
But there was so much left to be told – not just about Winnie, but about the great world events she witnessed. Now, the creative team behind the bestselling picture book has reunited to bring you Winnie’s Great War.
In a triumphant blending of deeply researched history and magnificent imagination, we follow our irrepressible Bear on her journey -- from her infancy in the woods of Ontario, to her unlikely friendship with Captain Harry Colebourn and her time as the mascot of the Second Canadian Infantry Brigade, to her experiences in wartime London before she met Christopher Robin Milne.
Told in beautifully crafted language and infused with Sophie Blackall’s irresistible renderings of an endearing bear, the book is also woven through with actual entries from Captain Harry Colebourn’s wartime diaries. The result is a one-of-kind exploration of the realities of war, the meaning of courage, and the indelible power of friendship, all told through the historic adventures of one extraordinary bear.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
Lindsay Mattick is the author of Finding Winnie, a new picture book which explores her family’s unique connection to the world’s most famous bear, Winnie-the-Pooh. Born in Winnipeg, Lindsay spent her summer days collecting lucky stones on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, finding adventures in her red wagon. As the great-granddaughter of Captain Harry Colebourn, Lindsay grew up thinking of Winnie as her own ‘great-grandbear’. She has shared her family’s story as a radio documentary, spearheaded an original exhibition, and participated in Canada’s National Arts Council UK tour to commemorate WWI. After working in public relations for over a decade crafting other peoples stories, Lindsay is very excited to share one of her own. Today, she is likely still found with sand between her toes on the beaches of Toronto, her son Cole in tow, in his own Radio Flyer. Finding Winnie is Lindsay’s latest adventure and proof that dreams come true.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR {from Goodreads}:
Sophie Blackall grew up in Australia where she learned to draw on the beach with sticks, which has not altogether helped her sense of perspective. She completed a Bachelor of Design in Sydney, which furnished her with useful Letraset, bromide and enlarger machine skills. The following few years were spent painting robotic characters for theme parks, providing the hands for a DIY television show, and writing a household hints column.
In 2000, Blackall was inveigled by New York. She convinced her husband, and two small children (who couldn't talk and had no say in the matter), to pack suitcases and sense of adventure and join the diaspora. After two months of pounding the streets, portfolio in hand, and despite the tireless efforts of her agent, the return plane ticket was cashed in to pay the rent. Just when the highlight in the day had become half a can of Budweiser at six o'clock, the fax machine coughed and spluttered and delivered a commission of nine illustrations for The New York Times.
After lots of editorial work and several animated TV commercials in the UK, the first children's book Sophie Blackall illustrated was Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim Bridges (Chronicle), which won the Ezra Jack Keats award in 2003.
Since then, she has illustrated Meet Wild Boars by Meg Rosoff (Holt) which won the Society of Illustrators Founders Award; Summer is Summer by Phillis and David Gershator (Holt); What’s So Bad About Being an Only Child? by Cari Best (FSG); Red Butterfly by Deborah Noyes (Candlewick); Ivy and Bean (books one through five) by Annie Barrows (Chronicle); Jumpy Jack and Googily by Meg Rosoff (Holt); Wild Boars Cook by Meg Rosoff (Holt); and Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields (Dutton).
In the rare moments that Blackall is away from her desk, she can be found in the kitchen making preposterous birthday cakes for her children or wandering the flea markets in a daze.
MY THOUGHTS:
You know that wonderful feeling you get when you read the last page of the book, close the cover, sigh, and say to yourself "I loved this story so much I wasn't ready for it to end" ? That is exactly how I felt when I finished reading the last word of this book.
I restrained myself from ready any, and I mean not one single word, of the back matter of this book before I began reading the story. This was unusual for me because I always read the back matter {including Author's Notes, Acknowledgments, Author Bio, Glossary, Bibliographies, etc} before I start reading a story.
By willingly keeping myself uneducated about the story, I was immediately drawn into the drama and details of this delightful narrative. The story is told in the form of a mother telling her young son a bedtime story. Except this one is based on her family's history, and in particular one exceptionally, perfectly unordinary bear!
Set in Canada and Europe during World War I the story weaves fact with fiction to create an appealing, endearing, and educational story about The Great War. {The author does a nice job of distinguishing fact from fiction for young readers in a note at the end of the back matter.}
The author has entitled the back matter, 'The Colebourn Family Archive', and this section includes an author's note directed at middle-grade readers about the war, photos and bios of characters from the story {human and otherwise}, and some other ephemera pertaining to a certain Ursus Americana, 'black bear', named Winnie. The images are arranged to look like an old-time scrapbook with black photo holders on each corner of the photos and a caption beneath each photo which keeps the historical theme of the story in tact until the very end.
This is book is highly-recommended for middle-grade readers or as a family or classroom read-aloud. Fans of animal fiction, literary fiction, Canadian/European history, World War I history, and military fiction will also enjoy this well-written story.
This was definitely one of my Top Ten of middle-grade reads of 2018!
I borrowed this book from the New Book shelves in the children's section of the local public library.
ATTENTION, ALL WRITERS: Check out my Bonus Content section below to learn some great writing tips shared in an author interview with inspirational novelist Phyllis Clark Nichols posted on 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic' on Friday, November 16th. She has some great organizational tips I had not heard of previously. Enjoy . . .
**************
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. ***********BONUS CONTENT FOR WRITERS:
Click over to my recent blog interview with Author Phyllis Clark Nichols to learn some about some of the tools/tricks she uses to stay organized when she's writing a novel. Find the post here: WRITING TIPS FROM PHYLLIS CLARK NICHOLS
# # # # #
~ NEW GROWTH PRESS CHILDREN'S BOOK GIVEAWAY ~
~ New Growth Press's Spirit of Giving Children's Book Giveaway ~
Who doesn’t love giving and getting books for Christmas? Books are a great gift, especially for children. Not only do we want to encourage the love of reading and give them stories they will enjoy, we want to provide teaching moments. Plus, giving little ones new books is really a gift to the parents as well. They need a break from the same old bedtime stories.
You don’t have to be a parent to buy for kids, you know! Maybe you have grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors, or want to bless some children from church.
New Growth Press is jumping into the gift giving season by giving away THREE children’s book gift boxes (retail value of $125 each). All of their children’s books are beautifully illustrated, entertaining, teach a lesson, and most importantly, are biblically based!
From November 19-25, you can enter to win one of three children’s gift boxes. Just click on the following link to enter this amazing giveaway:
LINK TO ENTER GIVEAWAY
Each gift box includes five of New Growth Press's new children’s releases and two of their best sellers:
· God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World by Irene Sun
This playful children’s book serves as a beginner’s theology book for young readers who love numbers and patterns. By discovering numbers in God’s world and in his Word, parents help their children foster a deeper love and knowledge of who God is and how he counts them as his. With countable illustrations and an easy-to-learn structure, children who are always seeking, finding, tracing, and counting numbers will be captivated by God Counts.
· Buster’s Ears Trip Him Up: When You Fail edited by Edward T. Welch
· Jax’s Tail Twitches: When You are Angry edited by David Powlison
· Zoe’s Hiding Place: When You are Anxious edited by David Powlison
These three books are a part of the Good News for Little Hearts series. This is a new series of hardback, illustrated children’s books for three-to eight-year-olds—each centered on an animal family. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure, bringing biblical counsel and hope to issues every child faces. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in everyday life.
· God Made Me and You by Shai Linne
God Made Me and You invites kids to explore God’s design for ethnic diversity. Because Scripture teaches that ethnic diversity is not something that should be tolerated but rather enthusiastically embraced, Christian hip hop artist Shai Linne helps children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate this biblical truth through a lyrical, rhyming style and colorful illustrations.
· God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb
God Made All of Me is an invaluable resource and beautifully illustrated story to help families talk about sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children. This helpful guide starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth to kids and their bodies. With the help of God Made All of Me, parents and caregivers can begin conversations with boys and girls about their bodies, navigating a discussion that can so easily be warped into confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy.
· The Radical Book for Kids: Exploring the Roots and Shoots of Faith by Champ Thornton
The Radical Book for Kids is a fun-filled explorer’s guide to the Bible, church history, and life for boys and girls ages eight and up. Vibrantly illustrated and chock-full of fun facts and ideas, this interactive book competes with screen time by stimulating children’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure! Along with the many fun and exciting stories of historical figures, young and old readers alike will learn about the roots of our faith and the importance of the gospel in our lives.
In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’s e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).
GOOD LUCK!
# # # # #
November 15, 2018
~ BLOG TOUR RETURN OF THE SONG ~
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~BLOG TOUR STOP FOR
-- 'RETURN OF THE SONG' --
AUTHOR PHYLLIS CLARK NICHOLS~Post Includes: Author Interview, a Favorite
Nichols Family Fudge Recipe, BookSpotlight, Author Bio & Giveaway~
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Return of the Song by Phyllis Clark Nichols, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Return of the Song
Series: The Rockwater Suite #1
Author: Phyllis Clark Nichols
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
Release Date: September 18, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
When Caroline lost her love, she lost the music too.
Caroline Carlyle's dreams were crushed when her fiancé died six weeks before their wedding. For years she wrestled with aching loss and shattered faith, struggling to find the inspiration that once came so easily. Abandoning her half-finished piano compositions, Caroline trades her old ambitions for the comfort and familiarity of life as the town’s piano teacher.
But Caroline's world turns upside down when a mysterious stranger enters her life. Filled with courage and fresh purpose, Caroline embarks on a quest to track down the beloved, rare piano she played as a child. Her search leads her to Rockwater, the Kentucky estate of a wealthy gentleman, where Caroline finds her heart may be composing a surprising new song.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
JUNE: Welcome to 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic', Phyllis. Thanks for taking some time to chat with us today. You have released two books in 2018. Congratulations!
JUNE: Please tell us how you created your setting and developed the characters for this book, 'Return of the Song'.
PHYLLIS: I’m Southern through and through - the sense of family, of history, shared meals, taking care of neighbors, deep friendships, secrets, a slower pace, and the sultry nights and the smell of magnolias. That’s Southern, and it’s home. So, setting this story in the Deep South was the most natural thing to do. And the characters? I know them, how they think, and how they respond in certain situations. They are bits and pieces of people I have known.
JUNE: Who is your favorite character in the story? Why is this person your favorite? Without spoiling the story, is there anyone in the story who you do not like? Why not?
PHYLLIS: Bella, a young musical savant, is my favorite character. The research for developing her was fascinating. She is miraculously gifted with music and a bit other-worldly. Bella’s grandfather, Ernesto, is definitely the character I do not like because he was restrictingly abusive and hid Bella from the world. It was painful to create him, but his darkness was needed to contrast the beautiful light in Bella and her grandmother Gretchen.
JUNE:Along with composing original songs and four musical dramas for children, you have written four books in the inspirational fiction genre. If you were not writing in those genres, what other fictional genre might you try? Would you ever consider writing non-fiction? If so, what subject(s) would you like to write about?
PHYLLIS: Southern fiction with the faith element is my comfortable place, and I’m not quite certain I could get comfortable in another fictional genre. However, I would consider writing non-fiction, and I know just what it would be. I have two close friends who are award-winning medical doctors, and they are mother and daughter. They have a beautiful story that sweeps three continents, and they each have done marvelous things with their lives. I’d so enjoy writing their story, but only if they’d walk those three continents with me. I have had the blessing of sitting at their feet and listening to some of the most amazing stories I’ve ever heard. The world needs to hear them.
JUNE: Your friends' story sounds fascinating! I hope you have a chance to work together on putting their lives and their important work down on paper for the rest of us to read.
JUNE: What or who inspired you to become an author?
PHYLLIS: I’ve always been a reader and had a desire to write. There was an author in the church where I grew up, and she was quite inspiring to me as a child. Then meeting Thomas C. Chubb when I was writing my senior term paper was a life-defining moment for me. He was a Dante scholar, and I had quite an unusual visit with him. And finally, Dr. Abraham Verghese, a three-time NY Times best seller, was my writing mentor. I remember the day and the exact place he said, “If I you have a book in you, then just write it.”
JUNE: When you write a book, do you outline the entire story, or do you have a different way of organizing your plot, characters, etc.? Do you always know the ending of your story before you begin putting things down on paper, or into your computer?
PHYLLIS: Oh, the perils and perks of the creative process! This will not be an easy answer, but I’ll start by telling you that I generally have the story outlined in my thinking, and I do know the ending. Knowing where I want to arrive keeps me on the right track. I do not put that outline on paper or on my computer. I use an Excel spreadsheet to keep up with scenes and a timeline as I write, and each character has his/her tab on that spreadsheet where I keep notes – hair color, eye color, birthday, favorite foods – you understand, the things you would know about the people you know intimately.
I always start a fresh writing session with re-reading the last session, no editing, only reading. Then, there comes the occasional morning when all of a sudden, a new character appears and wants to enter the story, or one the characters I’ve created has been nagging me since 4:00 am and wants to do or respond to something differently than I had planned. So, the writing is very fluid and not rigid for me. Sometimes a scene takes a turn I never expected, and it’s wonderful, but then I must find my way back.
JUNE: Your writing process and organizational techniques are so interesting to me. I love the spreadsheet idea for keeping track of the scenes and a timeline with a section for each character's personal data. What an excellent tool that I am certain other authors will enjoy learning about. Thanks for the tips, Phyllis.
JUNE: As I visited your website and Amazon and Goodreads Author Pages, I noticed that three of your four books are Christmas books. Please tell us about some of your family's favorite Christmas traditions, recipes, church activities, decorations, etc.
PHYLLIS: Because I’m Southern, Christmas means family gatherings, food, music, and a house that looks and smells like Christmas. Our house was filled with family and friends for meals and musical events from Thanksgiving until New Year's. We sold the big house in the city and moved to the Texas Hill Country a few years ago, and now our oldest daughter has taken on the responsibility of family gatherings. Of course, I still do much of the cooking.
One tradition we particularly enjoyed was making our Christmas cards. My husband, Bill, is a fine artist, and he would do a drawing each year, usually of the Holy Family. We had the drawing printed on water-color paper, and then we hand-painted 125 Christmas cards, so that in a way, each was an original. We enjoyed getting photos from family and friends across the country who framed each one and displayed them with their family Christmas decorations. Even in our downsizing, I held on to every one of those pieces we had framed for ourselves.
JUNE: Your watercolor Christmas cards sound like a treasured memento for your friends and family. A true labor of love.
PHYLLIS: I’ll share with you one of my favorite recipes. In fact, when my five-year-old granddaughter took her first-ever bite of this fudge, she said, “Nana, you could start a business with this.” I still chuckle when I remember this. This one never fails.
**********
~NEVER-FAIL CHOCOLATE FUDGE~
This always-smooth fudge recipe was given to me by my childhood pastor, and that makes it all the sweeter to me. I never miss a Christmas making this to share with family and friends just like he did.
Bring these ingredients to a boil, and boil for exactly 8 minutes.
2 sticks of butter
5 cups of sugar
1 tall can evaporated milk
Add, stirring until blended:
18 ounces semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow crème
Add: 1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
Pour onto a greased cookie sheet and spread quickly. Allow to set before slicing into 1 ½ inch squares. Just one little morsel is enough.
*********JUNE: Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Phyllis. Thank you for graciously sharing your family's fudge recipe with us all, too. Sounds like it would make a great neighbor or church friend gift for the holidays.
I appreciate your taking a few moments out of your busy schedule to visit with us. Wishing you continued success in your writing and musical endeavors!
PHYLLIS: Thank you for allowing me to share a bit of myself with your readers and for asking such interesting and insightful questions. We writers bleed a few drops on every page, but oh, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
JUNE: You're welcome, Phyllis. Thank you for your kind words about the questions I composed for you. I agree with you--I can't imagine doing anything other than writing at this time in my life. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Christian Book | Book Depository
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Phyllis Clark Nichols’s character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions using the imagined residents of small town communities you just know you’ve visited before. With a strong faith and a love for nature, art, music, and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment . . . often through surprisingly serendipitous events.
Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Born during a hurricane, she is no stranger to the winds of change: In addition to her life as a novelist, Phyllis is a seminary graduate, concert pianist, and cofounder of a national cable network with health- and disability-related programming. Regardless of the role she’s playing, Phyllis brings creativity and compelling storytelling.
She frequently appears at conventions, conferences, civic groups, and churches, performing half-hour musical monologues that express her faith, joy, and thoughts about life—all with the homespun humor and gentility of a true Southern woman.
Phyllis currently serves on several nonprofit boards. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband.
CONNECT WITH PHYLLIS: website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive (US only)
a print copy of Christmas at Grey Sage a print copy of Return of the SongEnter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 12, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 19, 2018. US only. 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
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
# # # # #
Nichols Family Fudge Recipe, BookSpotlight, Author Bio & Giveaway~
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Return of the Song by Phyllis Clark Nichols, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Return of the SongSeries: The Rockwater Suite #1
Author: Phyllis Clark Nichols
Publisher: Gilead Publishing
Release Date: September 18, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
When Caroline lost her love, she lost the music too.
Caroline Carlyle's dreams were crushed when her fiancé died six weeks before their wedding. For years she wrestled with aching loss and shattered faith, struggling to find the inspiration that once came so easily. Abandoning her half-finished piano compositions, Caroline trades her old ambitions for the comfort and familiarity of life as the town’s piano teacher.
But Caroline's world turns upside down when a mysterious stranger enters her life. Filled with courage and fresh purpose, Caroline embarks on a quest to track down the beloved, rare piano she played as a child. Her search leads her to Rockwater, the Kentucky estate of a wealthy gentleman, where Caroline finds her heart may be composing a surprising new song.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
JUNE: Welcome to 'Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic', Phyllis. Thanks for taking some time to chat with us today. You have released two books in 2018. Congratulations!
JUNE: Please tell us how you created your setting and developed the characters for this book, 'Return of the Song'.
PHYLLIS: I’m Southern through and through - the sense of family, of history, shared meals, taking care of neighbors, deep friendships, secrets, a slower pace, and the sultry nights and the smell of magnolias. That’s Southern, and it’s home. So, setting this story in the Deep South was the most natural thing to do. And the characters? I know them, how they think, and how they respond in certain situations. They are bits and pieces of people I have known.
JUNE: Who is your favorite character in the story? Why is this person your favorite? Without spoiling the story, is there anyone in the story who you do not like? Why not?
PHYLLIS: Bella, a young musical savant, is my favorite character. The research for developing her was fascinating. She is miraculously gifted with music and a bit other-worldly. Bella’s grandfather, Ernesto, is definitely the character I do not like because he was restrictingly abusive and hid Bella from the world. It was painful to create him, but his darkness was needed to contrast the beautiful light in Bella and her grandmother Gretchen.
JUNE:Along with composing original songs and four musical dramas for children, you have written four books in the inspirational fiction genre. If you were not writing in those genres, what other fictional genre might you try? Would you ever consider writing non-fiction? If so, what subject(s) would you like to write about?
PHYLLIS: Southern fiction with the faith element is my comfortable place, and I’m not quite certain I could get comfortable in another fictional genre. However, I would consider writing non-fiction, and I know just what it would be. I have two close friends who are award-winning medical doctors, and they are mother and daughter. They have a beautiful story that sweeps three continents, and they each have done marvelous things with their lives. I’d so enjoy writing their story, but only if they’d walk those three continents with me. I have had the blessing of sitting at their feet and listening to some of the most amazing stories I’ve ever heard. The world needs to hear them.
JUNE: Your friends' story sounds fascinating! I hope you have a chance to work together on putting their lives and their important work down on paper for the rest of us to read.
JUNE: What or who inspired you to become an author?
PHYLLIS: I’ve always been a reader and had a desire to write. There was an author in the church where I grew up, and she was quite inspiring to me as a child. Then meeting Thomas C. Chubb when I was writing my senior term paper was a life-defining moment for me. He was a Dante scholar, and I had quite an unusual visit with him. And finally, Dr. Abraham Verghese, a three-time NY Times best seller, was my writing mentor. I remember the day and the exact place he said, “If I you have a book in you, then just write it.”
JUNE: When you write a book, do you outline the entire story, or do you have a different way of organizing your plot, characters, etc.? Do you always know the ending of your story before you begin putting things down on paper, or into your computer?
PHYLLIS: Oh, the perils and perks of the creative process! This will not be an easy answer, but I’ll start by telling you that I generally have the story outlined in my thinking, and I do know the ending. Knowing where I want to arrive keeps me on the right track. I do not put that outline on paper or on my computer. I use an Excel spreadsheet to keep up with scenes and a timeline as I write, and each character has his/her tab on that spreadsheet where I keep notes – hair color, eye color, birthday, favorite foods – you understand, the things you would know about the people you know intimately.
I always start a fresh writing session with re-reading the last session, no editing, only reading. Then, there comes the occasional morning when all of a sudden, a new character appears and wants to enter the story, or one the characters I’ve created has been nagging me since 4:00 am and wants to do or respond to something differently than I had planned. So, the writing is very fluid and not rigid for me. Sometimes a scene takes a turn I never expected, and it’s wonderful, but then I must find my way back.
JUNE: Your writing process and organizational techniques are so interesting to me. I love the spreadsheet idea for keeping track of the scenes and a timeline with a section for each character's personal data. What an excellent tool that I am certain other authors will enjoy learning about. Thanks for the tips, Phyllis.
JUNE: As I visited your website and Amazon and Goodreads Author Pages, I noticed that three of your four books are Christmas books. Please tell us about some of your family's favorite Christmas traditions, recipes, church activities, decorations, etc.
PHYLLIS: Because I’m Southern, Christmas means family gatherings, food, music, and a house that looks and smells like Christmas. Our house was filled with family and friends for meals and musical events from Thanksgiving until New Year's. We sold the big house in the city and moved to the Texas Hill Country a few years ago, and now our oldest daughter has taken on the responsibility of family gatherings. Of course, I still do much of the cooking.
One tradition we particularly enjoyed was making our Christmas cards. My husband, Bill, is a fine artist, and he would do a drawing each year, usually of the Holy Family. We had the drawing printed on water-color paper, and then we hand-painted 125 Christmas cards, so that in a way, each was an original. We enjoyed getting photos from family and friends across the country who framed each one and displayed them with their family Christmas decorations. Even in our downsizing, I held on to every one of those pieces we had framed for ourselves.
JUNE: Your watercolor Christmas cards sound like a treasured memento for your friends and family. A true labor of love.
PHYLLIS: I’ll share with you one of my favorite recipes. In fact, when my five-year-old granddaughter took her first-ever bite of this fudge, she said, “Nana, you could start a business with this.” I still chuckle when I remember this. This one never fails.
**********
~NEVER-FAIL CHOCOLATE FUDGE~
This always-smooth fudge recipe was given to me by my childhood pastor, and that makes it all the sweeter to me. I never miss a Christmas making this to share with family and friends just like he did.
Bring these ingredients to a boil, and boil for exactly 8 minutes.
2 sticks of butter
5 cups of sugar
1 tall can evaporated milk
Add, stirring until blended:
18 ounces semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow crème
Add: 1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
Pour onto a greased cookie sheet and spread quickly. Allow to set before slicing into 1 ½ inch squares. Just one little morsel is enough.
*********JUNE: Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Phyllis. Thank you for graciously sharing your family's fudge recipe with us all, too. Sounds like it would make a great neighbor or church friend gift for the holidays.
I appreciate your taking a few moments out of your busy schedule to visit with us. Wishing you continued success in your writing and musical endeavors!
PHYLLIS: Thank you for allowing me to share a bit of myself with your readers and for asking such interesting and insightful questions. We writers bleed a few drops on every page, but oh, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
JUNE: You're welcome, Phyllis. Thank you for your kind words about the questions I composed for you. I agree with you--I can't imagine doing anything other than writing at this time in my life. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Christian Book | Book Depository
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Phyllis Clark Nichols’s character-driven Southern fiction explores profound human questions using the imagined residents of small town communities you just know you’ve visited before. With a strong faith and a love for nature, art, music, and ordinary people, she tells redemptive tales of loss and recovery, estrangement and connection, longing and fulfillment . . . often through surprisingly serendipitous events.
Phyllis grew up in the deep shade of magnolia trees in South Georgia. Born during a hurricane, she is no stranger to the winds of change: In addition to her life as a novelist, Phyllis is a seminary graduate, concert pianist, and cofounder of a national cable network with health- and disability-related programming. Regardless of the role she’s playing, Phyllis brings creativity and compelling storytelling.
She frequently appears at conventions, conferences, civic groups, and churches, performing half-hour musical monologues that express her faith, joy, and thoughts about life—all with the homespun humor and gentility of a true Southern woman.
Phyllis currently serves on several nonprofit boards. She lives in the Texas Hill Country with her portrait-artist husband.
CONNECT WITH PHYLLIS: website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive (US only)
a print copy of Christmas at Grey Sage a print copy of Return of the SongEnter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 12, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 19, 2018. US only. 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
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
# # # # #
November 14, 2018
~ BLOG BLITZ TEAL PAISLEY TIGHTS ~
~ RELEASE DAY BLOG BLITZ ~
-- 'TEAL PAISLEY TIGHTS' --
AUTHOR BARBARA BRUTT~ Post Includes: Book Spotlight, AuthorBio, Excerpt & Giveaway ~
Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Teal Paisley Tights by Barbara Brutt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Happy Release Day to this debut author!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Teal Paisley Tights
Author: Barbara Brutt
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Release Date: November 15, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Life post-graduation was supposed to see the launch of paisley-loving Jadyn’s art career, or at least an art gallery showing one of her watercolor paintings. Instead, this Pittsburgh native is locked into a low-paying, buttoned-up consultant position with an impossible boss. When another colleague is dismissed, Jadyn inherits extra workload, including the company’s biggest client. If she loses him, she’s fired.
Jadyn people-pleases her way through life, resulting in extra work opportunities and a community classroom of art students. But when two guys appear on her doorstep, she just might not be able to people-please her way out of this love triangle. At the end of the day, she can’t please everyone.
Then, because of a small spending problem, Jadyn is evicted from her apartment, and she must move in with her know-it-all sister. Jadyn needs to decide between a job transfer that would place her near her love interest, or a full-time art career with all its risks.
Stretched like canvas between responsibility and dreams, she must choose. Will practicality always win?
EXCERPT:
Okay, I needed a pick me up.
Paisley! Where had I put those tights? I ran to the bags by the door and pulled the teal paisley hose from the outside pocket of my purse. Had they been hanging out of my purse the entire way from downtown? Oops.
I plopped onto the carpet and began working the tights up my legs, and as I did I remembered Victoria's censure earlier that morning. Would Ethan agree with her assessment?
What Would Mel Do?
My beautiful, stubborn sister. She did what she wanted and had a wonderful fashion sense, but she also hated my obsession with paisley. I think she thought it was too childish or something.
Maybe it was.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barbara Brutt, a born and raised Pittsburgher, spent her growing-up years with her nose in a book. After claiming her bachelor's degree in English, she plunked down hard into a smattering of jobs from shop girl to communications director with a healthy dose of nanny and house-cleaner. Flying to new adventures is her favorite, especially on an airplane or aerial silk. Barbara adores ice cream and only buys purses that provide room for a book or two. Barbara talks books, aerial silks, faith, and travel on her website and blog at barbarabrutt.com.
CONNECT WITH BARBARA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive (US only)
a pair of teal paisley tights (one size fits most)$15 Starbucks gift cardEnter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 15, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 22, 2018. US only. 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 giveawayFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
# # # # #
Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Teal Paisley Tights by Barbara Brutt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Happy Release Day to this debut author!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Teal Paisley Tights Author: Barbara Brutt
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Release Date: November 15, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Life post-graduation was supposed to see the launch of paisley-loving Jadyn’s art career, or at least an art gallery showing one of her watercolor paintings. Instead, this Pittsburgh native is locked into a low-paying, buttoned-up consultant position with an impossible boss. When another colleague is dismissed, Jadyn inherits extra workload, including the company’s biggest client. If she loses him, she’s fired.
Jadyn people-pleases her way through life, resulting in extra work opportunities and a community classroom of art students. But when two guys appear on her doorstep, she just might not be able to people-please her way out of this love triangle. At the end of the day, she can’t please everyone.
Then, because of a small spending problem, Jadyn is evicted from her apartment, and she must move in with her know-it-all sister. Jadyn needs to decide between a job transfer that would place her near her love interest, or a full-time art career with all its risks.
Stretched like canvas between responsibility and dreams, she must choose. Will practicality always win?
EXCERPT:
Okay, I needed a pick me up.
Paisley! Where had I put those tights? I ran to the bags by the door and pulled the teal paisley hose from the outside pocket of my purse. Had they been hanging out of my purse the entire way from downtown? Oops.
I plopped onto the carpet and began working the tights up my legs, and as I did I remembered Victoria's censure earlier that morning. Would Ethan agree with her assessment?
What Would Mel Do?
My beautiful, stubborn sister. She did what she wanted and had a wonderful fashion sense, but she also hated my obsession with paisley. I think she thought it was too childish or something.
Maybe it was.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barbara Brutt, a born and raised Pittsburgher, spent her growing-up years with her nose in a book. After claiming her bachelor's degree in English, she plunked down hard into a smattering of jobs from shop girl to communications director with a healthy dose of nanny and house-cleaner. Flying to new adventures is her favorite, especially on an airplane or aerial silk. Barbara adores ice cream and only buys purses that provide room for a book or two. Barbara talks books, aerial silks, faith, and travel on her website and blog at barbarabrutt.com.
CONNECT WITH BARBARA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive (US only)
a pair of teal paisley tights (one size fits most)$15 Starbucks gift cardEnter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 15, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 22, 2018. US only. 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 giveawayFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
# # # # #
November 11, 2018
~ MMGM HISTORICAL NON-FICTION WWI ~
~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADEMONDAY NON-FICTION FEATURE ~
-- 'DK FINDOUT!:
WORLD WAR I' --
AUTHOR: BRIAN WILLIAMSCONSULTANT: SIMON ADAMS~Post Includes: Book Spotlight & Review~
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS
ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, Findout! dicusses the build-up to the war, along with battles, history, technology, and more.
Explore pre-war Europe, the US's entry into World War I, the role of women during the War, the technology developed, tanks and artillery, intelligence, espionage, propaganda, and much more. Become an expert on World War I and learn all about the key events that would shape the world. Read about the conditions that made a world war inevitable, and who the key players were. Written by an expert in the field, DK findout! World War I is a perfect addition to any home, school, or classroom library.
MY THOUGHTS:As I continue my November MMGM theme on the history about World War I and World War II, I am pleased to present an informative, engaging, and appealing book from DK Publishing, an imprint of Penguin Random House. This title is part of the 'findout!' series by the publisher.
I am interested in learning about World War I for two reasons -- I am fascinated by American History from the late nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century -and- my grandfather was a veteran of World War I. He served in the U.S. Army and was proud to tell us about his military service. Although he did not see combat, he felt he made a useful contribution to the cause by being a cook for the troops at a base camp in the southern United States.
Now, my thoughts about this book. The information in this book is very well presented. The data is organized and is embellished with photographs, maps, diagrams, and sidebars filled with vocabulary words and interesting fingertip facts.
The front matter features a 'World War I Main Powers' map with the Allied Powers and Central Powers defined and detailed. I learned so much about the logistics of the war and who was fighting whom that I think I finally understand the entire political mess that became known as 'The Great War'.
The back matter in the book include a detailed Glossary, Index, and Timeline of World War I. Once again, this timeline sorts out facts previously presented in the text and is an excellent visual tool for learners of any age.
Four chapters, in particular, were of interest to me. 'War Horses', 'Trench Warfare', 'Wartime Intelligence', and 'Women in Wartime'. The horse chapter included details about how war horses were used in the cavalry, in battle, and to move supplies to the front. The chapter on intelligence showed photos and gave information on how dogs and pigeons carried messages for the troops since radios were too heavy to carry and there were no cell phones. {A fact that many young people born in this new millenium will be shocked to learn!}
I had heard the term 'trench warfare' before, but I never understood the concept until I read this book with its carefully-labelled diagram listing each section of a Western Front trench, i.e. No Man's Land, Listening Post, Reserve Trench, Command Post, etc. I can't express in words how fascinating this entire strategy was to me.
Finally, as a woman, I enjoyed the 'Women in Wartime' chapter which featured the various ways in which women served during wartime by taking over jobs previously performed only by men. The list includes nurses, farm workers, ambulance drivers, factory workers, and bus conductors. Some nurses and ambulance drivers served near the battlefields.
The 'Spying' chapter should stir up some serious interest in young readers, too. It includes a recipe for invisible ink, a comparison of codes and ciphers {who knew?}, and how spies hid an escape kit in an ordinary-looking meat can. {See pages 28-29 if you want to know, too!}
For being about an horrific war, this was an enjoyable, informative read in my opinion.
*****Highly-recommended for fans of world/US/military history, teachers/librarians/parents/grandparents, veterans/military families, and readers of any age who are interested in learning something new about this significant war.
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. # # # # #
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS
ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, Findout! dicusses the build-up to the war, along with battles, history, technology, and more.
Explore pre-war Europe, the US's entry into World War I, the role of women during the War, the technology developed, tanks and artillery, intelligence, espionage, propaganda, and much more. Become an expert on World War I and learn all about the key events that would shape the world. Read about the conditions that made a world war inevitable, and who the key players were. Written by an expert in the field, DK findout! World War I is a perfect addition to any home, school, or classroom library.
MY THOUGHTS:As I continue my November MMGM theme on the history about World War I and World War II, I am pleased to present an informative, engaging, and appealing book from DK Publishing, an imprint of Penguin Random House. This title is part of the 'findout!' series by the publisher.
I am interested in learning about World War I for two reasons -- I am fascinated by American History from the late nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth century -and- my grandfather was a veteran of World War I. He served in the U.S. Army and was proud to tell us about his military service. Although he did not see combat, he felt he made a useful contribution to the cause by being a cook for the troops at a base camp in the southern United States.
Now, my thoughts about this book. The information in this book is very well presented. The data is organized and is embellished with photographs, maps, diagrams, and sidebars filled with vocabulary words and interesting fingertip facts.
The front matter features a 'World War I Main Powers' map with the Allied Powers and Central Powers defined and detailed. I learned so much about the logistics of the war and who was fighting whom that I think I finally understand the entire political mess that became known as 'The Great War'.
The back matter in the book include a detailed Glossary, Index, and Timeline of World War I. Once again, this timeline sorts out facts previously presented in the text and is an excellent visual tool for learners of any age.
Four chapters, in particular, were of interest to me. 'War Horses', 'Trench Warfare', 'Wartime Intelligence', and 'Women in Wartime'. The horse chapter included details about how war horses were used in the cavalry, in battle, and to move supplies to the front. The chapter on intelligence showed photos and gave information on how dogs and pigeons carried messages for the troops since radios were too heavy to carry and there were no cell phones. {A fact that many young people born in this new millenium will be shocked to learn!}
I had heard the term 'trench warfare' before, but I never understood the concept until I read this book with its carefully-labelled diagram listing each section of a Western Front trench, i.e. No Man's Land, Listening Post, Reserve Trench, Command Post, etc. I can't express in words how fascinating this entire strategy was to me.
Finally, as a woman, I enjoyed the 'Women in Wartime' chapter which featured the various ways in which women served during wartime by taking over jobs previously performed only by men. The list includes nurses, farm workers, ambulance drivers, factory workers, and bus conductors. Some nurses and ambulance drivers served near the battlefields.
The 'Spying' chapter should stir up some serious interest in young readers, too. It includes a recipe for invisible ink, a comparison of codes and ciphers {who knew?}, and how spies hid an escape kit in an ordinary-looking meat can. {See pages 28-29 if you want to know, too!}
For being about an horrific war, this was an enjoyable, informative read in my opinion.
*****Highly-recommended for fans of world/US/military history, teachers/librarians/parents/grandparents, veterans/military families, and readers of any age who are interested in learning something new about this significant war.
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. # # # # #
November 8, 2018
~ BLOG TOUR STOP ENCHANTING NICHOLETTE ~
~ BLOG TOUR STOP ~
-- 'ENCHANTING NICHOLETTE' --
AUTHOR DAWN CRANDELL~Post Includes: Book Spotlight,Author Bio, Excerpt & Giveaway~
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Enchanting Nicholette
Series: The Everstone Chronicles #5
Author: Dawn Crandall
Publisher: Whitaker House
Release Date: October 9, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
In this captivating novella by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again–this time for love…and to someone safe.
As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can’t help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of “what if” at bay?
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BAM! | Christian Book
EXCERPT:
Sylvie squeezed my arm. "Don’t be shy about wanting to marry again—that is lesson one. No one will blame you, believe me."
I didn’t outwardly respond right away to Sylvie’s first lesson as we walked down the sidewalk toward Brittle Brattle Books, but her words had a profound impact on my heart. Not that I was intent on finding a new husband that day, but I’d always been wary of showing an interest in men for fear that they would pursue me. Because I hadn’t wanted them to. But now…how was I supposed to switch that part of my thinking around?
"I will try my best, Sylvie."
God, I have no idea what I’m doing. Please help.
As Sylvie opened the door deeply set in the windowed front, the bells hanging off the inside door handle clanged loudly, announcing our arrival. Before going in, I noticed a display of books inside the front window to our right. A copy of my sister-in-law’s book, The Little Fox—the only one published so far—was situated with a number of other little books that also looked like they were written for children.
"Oh, I do hope they have more than one!" Sylvie gripped my arm tighter, and then pulled me through the open door.
"I’m sure they wouldn’t put their only copy in the window display, Sylvie," I said as she guided me toward the cashier’s counter, where a tall, slender gentleman stood sorting through a pile of books.
When we drew near to him, he took a moment to look up, and then asked, "May I be of service, ladies?"
"We are looking for a copy—actually quite a few copies—of a book you have in your front window. The one called The Little Fox by Violet Hawthorne."
"We have a number of copies of that one. Written by one of our own, you know. The author lives right here in Boston. Married to one of those Everstone gents now, but I believe she was from Maine originally."
"Yes, we know," I stated. "Will you please point us in the direction of the books?"
"Should be right there near the far corner." He motioned toward the back of the large double-leveled room in which we were standing.
Shocked that he hadn’t felt the need to actually find the books for us, I stood there for a moment longer, then turned to Sylvie. "I suppose they shouldn’t be too difficult to find."
She was already on her way to the other end of the large room when the bells at the front door rang again, announcing another customer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dawn Crandall's debut Gilded Age Victorian romance, 'The Hesitant Heiress,' was a 2015 ACFW Carol award finalist in the debut category and received the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2015 Write Touch Reader’s Choice Award and the 2015 Romancing the Novel Reader’s Choice Award. Her follow-up novel, 'The Bound Heart,' received the 2016 Laurel Award from Clash of the Titles. Dawn earned a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University. She’s been balancing books and babies lately as her two sons were both born as the four books of her Everstone Chronicles series were being released from Whitaker House from 2014 to 2016. Dawn lives with her husband and two young sons on a hobby farm in her hometown in northeast Indiana.
CONNECT WITH DAWN CRANDALL: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) Winner will win: A print copy of Enchanting NicholetteA library card zipper bagTwo pairs of Jane Austen socksTwo hand poured candlesA historically accurate soap from Austen’s timeA Jane Austen set of playing cardsA set of Jane Austen notecards6 magnets with Jane Austen quotes(US Mailing Addresses Only)
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 29, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm November 12, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. 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
Follow along at JustRead for a full list of stops!
# # # # #
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Enchanting Nicholette by Dawn Crandall, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Enchanting Nicholette Series: The Everstone Chronicles #5
Author: Dawn Crandall
Publisher: Whitaker House
Release Date: October 9, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance
In this captivating novella by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again–this time for love…and to someone safe.
As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can’t help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of “what if” at bay?
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BAM! | Christian Book
EXCERPT:
Sylvie squeezed my arm. "Don’t be shy about wanting to marry again—that is lesson one. No one will blame you, believe me."
I didn’t outwardly respond right away to Sylvie’s first lesson as we walked down the sidewalk toward Brittle Brattle Books, but her words had a profound impact on my heart. Not that I was intent on finding a new husband that day, but I’d always been wary of showing an interest in men for fear that they would pursue me. Because I hadn’t wanted them to. But now…how was I supposed to switch that part of my thinking around?
"I will try my best, Sylvie."
God, I have no idea what I’m doing. Please help.
As Sylvie opened the door deeply set in the windowed front, the bells hanging off the inside door handle clanged loudly, announcing our arrival. Before going in, I noticed a display of books inside the front window to our right. A copy of my sister-in-law’s book, The Little Fox—the only one published so far—was situated with a number of other little books that also looked like they were written for children.
"Oh, I do hope they have more than one!" Sylvie gripped my arm tighter, and then pulled me through the open door.
"I’m sure they wouldn’t put their only copy in the window display, Sylvie," I said as she guided me toward the cashier’s counter, where a tall, slender gentleman stood sorting through a pile of books.
When we drew near to him, he took a moment to look up, and then asked, "May I be of service, ladies?"
"We are looking for a copy—actually quite a few copies—of a book you have in your front window. The one called The Little Fox by Violet Hawthorne."
"We have a number of copies of that one. Written by one of our own, you know. The author lives right here in Boston. Married to one of those Everstone gents now, but I believe she was from Maine originally."
"Yes, we know," I stated. "Will you please point us in the direction of the books?"
"Should be right there near the far corner." He motioned toward the back of the large double-leveled room in which we were standing.
Shocked that he hadn’t felt the need to actually find the books for us, I stood there for a moment longer, then turned to Sylvie. "I suppose they shouldn’t be too difficult to find."
She was already on her way to the other end of the large room when the bells at the front door rang again, announcing another customer.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dawn Crandall's debut Gilded Age Victorian romance, 'The Hesitant Heiress,' was a 2015 ACFW Carol award finalist in the debut category and received the 2015 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, the 2015 Write Touch Reader’s Choice Award and the 2015 Romancing the Novel Reader’s Choice Award. Her follow-up novel, 'The Bound Heart,' received the 2016 Laurel Award from Clash of the Titles. Dawn earned a BA in Christian Education from Taylor University. She’s been balancing books and babies lately as her two sons were both born as the four books of her Everstone Chronicles series were being released from Whitaker House from 2014 to 2016. Dawn lives with her husband and two young sons on a hobby farm in her hometown in northeast Indiana.
CONNECT WITH DAWN CRANDALL: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) Winner will win: A print copy of Enchanting NicholetteA library card zipper bagTwo pairs of Jane Austen socksTwo hand poured candlesA historically accurate soap from Austen’s timeA Jane Austen set of playing cardsA set of Jane Austen notecards6 magnets with Jane Austen quotes(US Mailing Addresses Only)
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 29, 2018 and lasts through 11:59pm November 12, 2018. Void where prohibited by law. US addresses only. 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
Follow along at JustRead for a full list of stops!
# # # # #
~ BLITZ FOR SWIMMING IN THE DEEP END ~
~ BOOK BLITZ ~
-- 'SWIMMING IN THE DEEP END' --
AUTHOR CHRISTINA SUZANN NELSON~Post Includes: Book Spotlight, Author Bio, Excerpt & Giveaway~
Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Swimming In The Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Swimming In The Deep End
Author: Christina Suzann Nelson
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: September 25, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
A moving novel entwining the many faces of motherly love
Jillian Connors has the perfect daughter: loving and smart, she's an Olympic hopeful with a bright future. But when Gabby becomes pregnant, Jillian fears that future is lost. Worse, she must confront her own secret past and hope the decisions she's made don't drown their whole family.
Gabby can't believe God let this happen to her. She knew the risks, but who thinks about that when they're in love? Now she has to face the consequences--and the disappointed stares from everyone who thought she was the perfect Christian girl. At least she has the baby's father, Travis. Nothing can tear them apart, right?
Margaret Owens had determined dreams for her son. She's furious that Gabby's pregnancy jeopardizes his college baseball scholarship and terrified that Travis will be trapped in a life of struggle and poverty--the life she's tried so hard to save him from. She'll do anything to protect him--even if it means forcing him to leave Gabby.
Stacey Meyers is aching for a child of her own. But the son she was meant to adopt was taken before she could hold him in her arms. It feels like she'll never stop mourning; even the move to this new town hasn't distracted her from the pain. How can she and her husband find peace? Is there any hope of a family in their future? And in the midst of all this . . . an unborn baby. Whose arms will hold him in the end?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Christian Book | Book Depository
EXCERPT:
Stacey Frey--
I should be excited. Today is the first day of our great new West Coast adventure. But it’s also a Monday, and it feels like a Monday.
Keith turns the key in the lock of our new two-story Victorian. Before he can open the door, I rub my fingertips along the rough lap-board exterior, only a degree lighter than the dirt near the home we left in Tennessee. Up close, the color is darker than I first thought when we pulled up to the curb. The rich green of the yard has a way of muting the hue of the house.
For the last week, my nerves have swung from numb to tingling with pure excitement. Why does numb choose to visit me now?
The door swings open and Keith scoops me into his arms. Like the day we were married, he still steals my breath. “Whoa there.” Lacing my fingers behind his neck, I offer him an approving grin, thankful I’ve resisted the urge to call my mama. This time is for Keith. He deserves my full attention. “We’re hardly newlyweds.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Suzann Nelson, inspirational speaker and award-winning author of If We Make It Home, is celebrating the release of Swimming in the Deep End, on September 25, 2018. She writes and speaks about hope after dysfunction. Christina is over the top about her passions, including the stories created somewhere in the twists and turns of her less-than-focused brain. When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breathing in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her just-as-crazy family.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive (US only)
a print copy of Swimming in the Deep End$10 Amazon gift cardSwimming in the Deep End water bottleEnter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 9, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 16, 2018. US only. 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 Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
# # # # #
Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Swimming In The Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Swimming In The Deep End Author: Christina Suzann Nelson
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: September 25, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction
A moving novel entwining the many faces of motherly love
Jillian Connors has the perfect daughter: loving and smart, she's an Olympic hopeful with a bright future. But when Gabby becomes pregnant, Jillian fears that future is lost. Worse, she must confront her own secret past and hope the decisions she's made don't drown their whole family.
Gabby can't believe God let this happen to her. She knew the risks, but who thinks about that when they're in love? Now she has to face the consequences--and the disappointed stares from everyone who thought she was the perfect Christian girl. At least she has the baby's father, Travis. Nothing can tear them apart, right?
Margaret Owens had determined dreams for her son. She's furious that Gabby's pregnancy jeopardizes his college baseball scholarship and terrified that Travis will be trapped in a life of struggle and poverty--the life she's tried so hard to save him from. She'll do anything to protect him--even if it means forcing him to leave Gabby.
Stacey Meyers is aching for a child of her own. But the son she was meant to adopt was taken before she could hold him in her arms. It feels like she'll never stop mourning; even the move to this new town hasn't distracted her from the pain. How can she and her husband find peace? Is there any hope of a family in their future? And in the midst of all this . . . an unborn baby. Whose arms will hold him in the end?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Christian Book | Book Depository
EXCERPT:
Stacey Frey--
I should be excited. Today is the first day of our great new West Coast adventure. But it’s also a Monday, and it feels like a Monday.
Keith turns the key in the lock of our new two-story Victorian. Before he can open the door, I rub my fingertips along the rough lap-board exterior, only a degree lighter than the dirt near the home we left in Tennessee. Up close, the color is darker than I first thought when we pulled up to the curb. The rich green of the yard has a way of muting the hue of the house.
For the last week, my nerves have swung from numb to tingling with pure excitement. Why does numb choose to visit me now?
The door swings open and Keith scoops me into his arms. Like the day we were married, he still steals my breath. “Whoa there.” Lacing my fingers behind his neck, I offer him an approving grin, thankful I’ve resisted the urge to call my mama. This time is for Keith. He deserves my full attention. “We’re hardly newlyweds.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Suzann Nelson, inspirational speaker and award-winning author of If We Make It Home, is celebrating the release of Swimming in the Deep End, on September 25, 2018. She writes and speaks about hope after dysfunction. Christina is over the top about her passions, including the stories created somewhere in the twists and turns of her less-than-focused brain. When she’s not writing, she’s working with the Every Child initiative, chasing escaped steers, reading, breathing in the sweet smell of her horse, hiking with her dog, or enjoying her just-as-crazy family.
CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive (US only)
a print copy of Swimming in the Deep End$10 Amazon gift cardSwimming in the Deep End water bottleEnter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 9, 2018 and last through 11:59pm November 16, 2018. US only. 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 Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
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