June McCrary Jacobs's Blog: ~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~, page 97
October 2, 2018
~ BOOK BLAST SANTA'S DOG ~
~ BOOK BLAST ~
-- 'SANTA'S DOG' --
AUTHOR JOANN SKY~Post Includes Book Spotlight,Author Bio & Giveaway~
About the Book
In this rhyming picture book for dog lovers of all ages, readers follow the adventures of Santa’s best dog, Lance, when he falls out of the sleigh one Christmas Eve. He’s taken in by the animal shelter and then brought home by a military family who needs some help as Dad is called to serve his country. When Christmas Eve comes ‘round the next year, Lance must decide whether to return to the North Pole with his friend Santa or stay with his new family.
Kirkus Reviews describes SANTA’S DOGS as “a sweet, powerful Christmas story.”
SANTA’S DOG would be a great addition to any library or classroom reading program! To accompany this book, we have developed full teacher resources, including a Teacher Lesson Plans packet as well as an Activity Packet, both of which are available for FREE download from the Dogs & Books website. JoAnn also offers FREE virtual author visits to schools. Additional information about all of these resources can be found here.
GOODREADS
About the AuthorJoAnn Sky has written for years as part of her job (business and marketing plans and the like). One day she tried her hand at writing for fun—and liked it. Now she authors adult contemporary romance and young adult romance with a magical twist as well as children’s books. She is a two-time Golden Heart® finalist and a member of Romance Writers of America. Originally from the Midwest, JoAnn currently lives in northern Nevada with her husband a.k.a. love of her life, three teenage children, and three crazy rescue dogs.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | WEBSITE
Facebook Party
Join the Facebook Party HERE.
Giveaway
Enter the giveaway HERE.
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.
Book Blast Schedule
Bibliophile Reviews Emily YagerMaiden of the PagesReading, Writing & Stitch-MeticSinging Librarian Books
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Thursday, October 4th: Book Blast for 'Regency House Party: Somerstone Series'. Post includes spotlight and giveaway. Blast hosted by Singing Library Books.
-- Friday, October 5th: Blog Tour Stop for 'Summer Plans & Other Disasters'. Post includes a spotlight and giveaway. Tour hosted by Read with Audra Tours.
-- Monday, October 8th: SPECIAL EVENT! It's the five-year anniversary of the release of my first book, 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom'. Stop by for a chance to win an ebook copy of this award-winning holiday novella. Event hosted by Author June McCrary Jacobs.
-- Monday October 8th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday post. Title TBA.
-- Tuesday, October 9th: Book Blast for 'Rhapsody & Rebellion'. Book spotlight and giveaway! Event hosted by Clean Wholesome Romance.
# # # # #
About the Book
In this rhyming picture book for dog lovers of all ages, readers follow the adventures of Santa’s best dog, Lance, when he falls out of the sleigh one Christmas Eve. He’s taken in by the animal shelter and then brought home by a military family who needs some help as Dad is called to serve his country. When Christmas Eve comes ‘round the next year, Lance must decide whether to return to the North Pole with his friend Santa or stay with his new family. Kirkus Reviews describes SANTA’S DOGS as “a sweet, powerful Christmas story.”
SANTA’S DOG would be a great addition to any library or classroom reading program! To accompany this book, we have developed full teacher resources, including a Teacher Lesson Plans packet as well as an Activity Packet, both of which are available for FREE download from the Dogs & Books website. JoAnn also offers FREE virtual author visits to schools. Additional information about all of these resources can be found here.
GOODREADS
About the AuthorJoAnn Sky has written for years as part of her job (business and marketing plans and the like). One day she tried her hand at writing for fun—and liked it. Now she authors adult contemporary romance and young adult romance with a magical twist as well as children’s books. She is a two-time Golden Heart® finalist and a member of Romance Writers of America. Originally from the Midwest, JoAnn currently lives in northern Nevada with her husband a.k.a. love of her life, three teenage children, and three crazy rescue dogs.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | WEBSITE
Facebook Party
Join the Facebook Party HERE.
Giveaway
Enter the giveaway HERE.
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.
Book Blast Schedule
Bibliophile Reviews Emily YagerMaiden of the PagesReading, Writing & Stitch-MeticSinging Librarian Books
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Thursday, October 4th: Book Blast for 'Regency House Party: Somerstone Series'. Post includes spotlight and giveaway. Blast hosted by Singing Library Books.
-- Friday, October 5th: Blog Tour Stop for 'Summer Plans & Other Disasters'. Post includes a spotlight and giveaway. Tour hosted by Read with Audra Tours.
-- Monday, October 8th: SPECIAL EVENT! It's the five-year anniversary of the release of my first book, 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom'. Stop by for a chance to win an ebook copy of this award-winning holiday novella. Event hosted by Author June McCrary Jacobs.
-- Monday October 8th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday post. Title TBA.
-- Tuesday, October 9th: Book Blast for 'Rhapsody & Rebellion'. Book spotlight and giveaway! Event hosted by Clean Wholesome Romance.
# # # # #
September 30, 2018
~ MMGM BIOGRAPHY OF SECUNDINO FERNANDEZ ~
~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADEMONDAY BIOGRAPHY FEATURE ~
-- 'MY HAVANA: MEMORIES OF
A CUBAN BOYHOOD' --
~AUTHOR ROSEMARY WELLS withSECUNDINO FERNANDEZ~~ILLUSTRATOR PETER FERGUSON~
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS
ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
A young Cuban immigrant eases his homesickness by re-creating the city of Havana in a poignant tale that will resonate with readers today.
"You’re always drawing in that notebook of yours," Dino’s friend teases. To the small boy, 1950s Havana is alive with color, music, and glamour, and he itches to capture it on paper. When Fidel Castro and the Communist Party take over the Cuban government, Dino’s family must move to New York, where the lonely boy pours his heart into making a model of Havana’s archways and balconies, buildings and streets. Rosemary Wells composes a tender ode to an immigrant boy who grew up to be a U.S. architect, while Peter Ferguson’s atmospheric paintings evoke two vibrant cities as they were half a century ago.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
Rosemary Wells is the author of a number of popular children's books, most notably the Max and Ruby series which follows the everyday adventures of sibling bunnies - curious three year old Max and bossy seven year old Ruby. She gets the inspiration for Max and Ruby from her two daughters and the experiences they have with friends and school. Her West Highland Terriers Lucy and Snowy have also worked their way into her books, as McDuff and insight for other characters. She has also written Noisy Nora, Yoko, Voyage to the Bunny Planet series, a Christmas Book called Morris's Disappearing Bag and a collected book of illustrations of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs.
In April 2007, her children's book The Gulps featuring illustrations by Marc Brown was released. Also that year she published Red Moon at Sharpsburg, a historical novel featuring a young girl in the American Civil War. 2008 brings Otto Runs For President, followed by Yoko Writes Her Name, scheduled to be published in July. Wells grew up in Red Bank, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Helen Bamberger.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR {from Goodreads}:
ILLUSTRATOR PETER FERGUSON'S WEBSITE
MY THOUGHTS:
When I saw this title in our library catalog as I searched for books written by one of my favorite children's authors, Rosemary Wells, I knew I wanted to read this story. I'm so glad I did because this is a well-written, engaging book featuring an interesting individual who grew up to be an architect.
The story begins in 1959 Havana, Cuba, when the subject, who is also the narrator of the story, was eleven years old. Fidel Castro is on the television screen and Secundino's father predicts "he will be another dictator, much worse than the last one."
On the next page the reader finds a chapter entitled, 'Havana, 1952-1954'. In this chapter the narrator {Secundino} shares about his childhood in downtown Havana. His nickname is 'Dino'. He describes his family life and school life in great detail which provides young readers with an excellent background for what unfolds later on in the book.
Dino shares how he began drawing buildings when he was just old enough to hold a pencil. He is fascinated by doorways, windows, and other features of Havana's old buildings. Dino is small for his age and he wears thick glasses. He is teased by his cousins because he consistently wants to be filling his sketchbooks with images of the things he sees around Havana.
In 1954, Dino and his parents sail on a steamship to Madrid to help a relative who was injured in an accident. Dino's mother, Mami, is thrilled to be going to Madrid because it is where her parents live. The little family is does not receive a warm welcome from the customs police.
When little Dino speaks up as the customs agents pilfer items from the Fernandez family's suitcases, he is whisked away to be strip searched. Later when he asks his father why the police were so mean and rude, Mr. Fernandez explains that these police officers are former soldiers of Spain's leader, Generalissimo Francisco Franco, from a 'long-ago war'.
Dino is very unhappy in Madrid. There are no flowers, palm trees, or ocean as in Havana. He stops drawing altogether. When his mother asks him what is wrong, he tells her people are not friendly in Madrid like they are in Havana. This opens up a long discussion about Hitler, Franco, dictators, oppression, etc. Hard lessons for a young boy to learn about and experience personally.
When the family is called back home to Cuba so the parents can resume running their restaurant in Havana, Dino begins to draw what he sees in Spain.
The next chapter is called 'Home, 1956-1959'. Once home, Dino resumes drawing the palaces of Havana. But the Fernandez family is forced to make yet another major change in their lives due to the violent threats of the president of Cuba, General Fulgencio Batista.
In the middle of the night on December 31st, 1958, Batista's regime is 'chased out of Cuba' by Fidel Castro. His parents and other relatives explain all of these events and their ramifications to young Dino, who trembles with fear as he tries to go to sleep.
The final chapter of the book is called, 'New York, 1959--'. Dino's parents make a plan to fly to Miami. They will then travel to New York City by train to work in a relative's restaurant. Before they leave Havana, Dino wants more than anything to say goodbye to the buildings of Havana.
Once they arrive in the United States, Dino hates American food and tells his parents he wants Cuban food. When they arrive in New Jersey, Dino is shocked and dismayed to find the trees there have no leaves, the temperature is colder than he's ever experienced, and it is 'sleeting'. Lots of unwelcome surprises for an eleven-year old.
Dino shares his experiences in public school in New York as a Spanish-speaker placed in an English-speaking classroom with readers. There are a lot of students from Puerto Rico in his class, but they were not helpful to Dino because they spoke a different kind of Spanish than he did.
As a retired teacher, I was sincerely pained to read about how this young man was treated by his teacher. Miss Neubold was unkind in her words and deeds.
Meanwhile, Dino is homesick for Havana. He tells his parents he wants to go home--to Cuba. His father tells him "Havana is in the hands of madmen. New York is our home now."
Dino describes for readers how he began to build a model of Havana on his bedroom floor. He paints a map of Havana on a large piece of plywood and cuts his favorite buildings out of cardboard. He paints everything using the bright colors of Havana. He uses fluorescent paint to fill each window, streetlight, and porthole of ships in his harbor. When Dino turns out his bedside lamp, his Havana glows like his former Cuban home.
In the closing paragraphs of the book, Dino's Tio Manuel takes Dino and his friend, John, to Coney Island. On the Parachute Jump ride Dino sees the white sand beach of Sheepshead Bay and realizes New York is almost like Havana.
The artwork in this book is exceptional as it enriches each element of the story being told by Rosemary Wells and Dino Fernandez. I really loved this book.
Highly-recommended for readers of all ages! Fans of Latin American and Cuban history, immigration history, architecture, and biographies will enjoy this book. Teachers and librarians may find this book a valuable addition to their social studies curriculum.
I borrowed this book from the children's section in 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.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Blog Tour Stop for an inspirational historical romance, 'Lady of a Thousand Treasures'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Book Blast for a children's picture book, 'Santa's Dog'. Blast hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
# # # # #
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
A young Cuban immigrant eases his homesickness by re-creating the city of Havana in a poignant tale that will resonate with readers today.
"You’re always drawing in that notebook of yours," Dino’s friend teases. To the small boy, 1950s Havana is alive with color, music, and glamour, and he itches to capture it on paper. When Fidel Castro and the Communist Party take over the Cuban government, Dino’s family must move to New York, where the lonely boy pours his heart into making a model of Havana’s archways and balconies, buildings and streets. Rosemary Wells composes a tender ode to an immigrant boy who grew up to be a U.S. architect, while Peter Ferguson’s atmospheric paintings evoke two vibrant cities as they were half a century ago.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR {from Goodreads}:
Rosemary Wells is the author of a number of popular children's books, most notably the Max and Ruby series which follows the everyday adventures of sibling bunnies - curious three year old Max and bossy seven year old Ruby. She gets the inspiration for Max and Ruby from her two daughters and the experiences they have with friends and school. Her West Highland Terriers Lucy and Snowy have also worked their way into her books, as McDuff and insight for other characters. She has also written Noisy Nora, Yoko, Voyage to the Bunny Planet series, a Christmas Book called Morris's Disappearing Bag and a collected book of illustrations of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs.
In April 2007, her children's book The Gulps featuring illustrations by Marc Brown was released. Also that year she published Red Moon at Sharpsburg, a historical novel featuring a young girl in the American Civil War. 2008 brings Otto Runs For President, followed by Yoko Writes Her Name, scheduled to be published in July. Wells grew up in Red Bank, New Jersey. She is the daughter of Helen Bamberger.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR {from Goodreads}:
ILLUSTRATOR PETER FERGUSON'S WEBSITE
MY THOUGHTS:
When I saw this title in our library catalog as I searched for books written by one of my favorite children's authors, Rosemary Wells, I knew I wanted to read this story. I'm so glad I did because this is a well-written, engaging book featuring an interesting individual who grew up to be an architect.
The story begins in 1959 Havana, Cuba, when the subject, who is also the narrator of the story, was eleven years old. Fidel Castro is on the television screen and Secundino's father predicts "he will be another dictator, much worse than the last one."
On the next page the reader finds a chapter entitled, 'Havana, 1952-1954'. In this chapter the narrator {Secundino} shares about his childhood in downtown Havana. His nickname is 'Dino'. He describes his family life and school life in great detail which provides young readers with an excellent background for what unfolds later on in the book.
Dino shares how he began drawing buildings when he was just old enough to hold a pencil. He is fascinated by doorways, windows, and other features of Havana's old buildings. Dino is small for his age and he wears thick glasses. He is teased by his cousins because he consistently wants to be filling his sketchbooks with images of the things he sees around Havana.
In 1954, Dino and his parents sail on a steamship to Madrid to help a relative who was injured in an accident. Dino's mother, Mami, is thrilled to be going to Madrid because it is where her parents live. The little family is does not receive a warm welcome from the customs police.
When little Dino speaks up as the customs agents pilfer items from the Fernandez family's suitcases, he is whisked away to be strip searched. Later when he asks his father why the police were so mean and rude, Mr. Fernandez explains that these police officers are former soldiers of Spain's leader, Generalissimo Francisco Franco, from a 'long-ago war'.
Dino is very unhappy in Madrid. There are no flowers, palm trees, or ocean as in Havana. He stops drawing altogether. When his mother asks him what is wrong, he tells her people are not friendly in Madrid like they are in Havana. This opens up a long discussion about Hitler, Franco, dictators, oppression, etc. Hard lessons for a young boy to learn about and experience personally.
When the family is called back home to Cuba so the parents can resume running their restaurant in Havana, Dino begins to draw what he sees in Spain.
The next chapter is called 'Home, 1956-1959'. Once home, Dino resumes drawing the palaces of Havana. But the Fernandez family is forced to make yet another major change in their lives due to the violent threats of the president of Cuba, General Fulgencio Batista.
In the middle of the night on December 31st, 1958, Batista's regime is 'chased out of Cuba' by Fidel Castro. His parents and other relatives explain all of these events and their ramifications to young Dino, who trembles with fear as he tries to go to sleep.
The final chapter of the book is called, 'New York, 1959--'. Dino's parents make a plan to fly to Miami. They will then travel to New York City by train to work in a relative's restaurant. Before they leave Havana, Dino wants more than anything to say goodbye to the buildings of Havana.
Once they arrive in the United States, Dino hates American food and tells his parents he wants Cuban food. When they arrive in New Jersey, Dino is shocked and dismayed to find the trees there have no leaves, the temperature is colder than he's ever experienced, and it is 'sleeting'. Lots of unwelcome surprises for an eleven-year old.
Dino shares his experiences in public school in New York as a Spanish-speaker placed in an English-speaking classroom with readers. There are a lot of students from Puerto Rico in his class, but they were not helpful to Dino because they spoke a different kind of Spanish than he did.
As a retired teacher, I was sincerely pained to read about how this young man was treated by his teacher. Miss Neubold was unkind in her words and deeds.
Meanwhile, Dino is homesick for Havana. He tells his parents he wants to go home--to Cuba. His father tells him "Havana is in the hands of madmen. New York is our home now."
Dino describes for readers how he began to build a model of Havana on his bedroom floor. He paints a map of Havana on a large piece of plywood and cuts his favorite buildings out of cardboard. He paints everything using the bright colors of Havana. He uses fluorescent paint to fill each window, streetlight, and porthole of ships in his harbor. When Dino turns out his bedside lamp, his Havana glows like his former Cuban home.
In the closing paragraphs of the book, Dino's Tio Manuel takes Dino and his friend, John, to Coney Island. On the Parachute Jump ride Dino sees the white sand beach of Sheepshead Bay and realizes New York is almost like Havana.
The artwork in this book is exceptional as it enriches each element of the story being told by Rosemary Wells and Dino Fernandez. I really loved this book.
Highly-recommended for readers of all ages! Fans of Latin American and Cuban history, immigration history, architecture, and biographies will enjoy this book. Teachers and librarians may find this book a valuable addition to their social studies curriculum.
I borrowed this book from the children's section in 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.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Blog Tour Stop for an inspirational historical romance, 'Lady of a Thousand Treasures'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Book Blast for a children's picture book, 'Santa's Dog'. Blast hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
# # # # #
September 27, 2018
~ CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY ~
~ BLOG TOUR STOP ~
-- 'CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY' --
AUTHOR TINA RADCLIFFE~Post Includes: Book Spotlight, AuthorBio, Excerpt & Giveaway~
Welcome to CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY Blog Tour with JustRead Publicity Tours.
************ ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Christmas with the Cowboy
Series: Big Heart Ranch, Book 3
Author: Tina Radcliffe
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: September 18, 2018
Home for the holidays
A second chance at love on Big Heart Ranch
Former Navy SEAL Zach Norman has been avoiding his ranching roots—and the woman he couldn’t have. Back to visit his brother’s widow, Emma Maxwell Norman, and her adorable toddler twins, the bah-humbug cowboy is roped into helping prepare the ranch for the holidays. Working side by side, can Emma and Zach overcome their troubled past…and receive the greatest Christmas gift of all—love?
EXCERPT: Link to Excerpt Courtesy of the Publisher
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | iTunes | Book Depository | BAM! | Book Bub
************ ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Originally from Western, N.Y., Tina Radcliffe left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency (a branch of the NSA) stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa, she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. Her move to Colorado led to a career as a library cataloger. A freelance writer for over twenty years, Tina manages Seekerville, a thirteen-author blog which is starting its tenth year. Seekerville is a Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers award winner.
Tina is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist, a 2014 ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist, a 2014 Golden Quill finalist and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. In 2016 Safe in the Fireman's Arms was a Holt Medallion Merit Award finalist and a Detroit Bookseller's Best finalist and a NERFA finalist. She has won first place in over twenty RWA chapter affiliated contests in her career. Tina is also a short story writer and has sold over twenty short stories to Woman’s World Magazine. She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance.
TO CONNECT WITH TINA:
website, facebook, twitter, pinterest, instagram, Book Bub
Tina also has a great newsletter filled with fun facts and great giveaways for her newsletter subscribers. Sign up for her newsletter HERE.
************
TOUR GIVEAWAY
Tina has graciously offered (1) winner an awesome Christmas with the Cowboy prize pack that includes:An autographed copy of Christmas with the CowboyLED Christmas Bulb Necklace$50 Amazon gift card.Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Complete prize open to US mailing addresses only. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Be sure to stop at a stop each day for extra entries!
************TOUR SCHEDULEFor the full tour schedule, click on either of the launch pages below.(All stops expected to post by 12:00 NOON EST)
Launch Page @JustReadTours
Launch Page @JustCommonly
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC': -- Monday, October 1st: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Biography entitled, 'My Havana: Memories of a Cuban Boyhood' about the life of architect Secundino Fernandez. Post includes book spotlight and my review.
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Blog Tour Stop for an inspirational historical romance, 'Lady of a Thousand Treasures'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Book Blast for a children's picture book, 'Santa's Dog'. Blast hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Thursday, October 4th: Book Blast for 'Regency House Party: Summerstone Series'. Post includes spotlight and giveaway. Blast hosted by Singing Library Books.
# # # # #
Welcome to CHRISTMAS WITH THE COWBOY Blog Tour with JustRead Publicity Tours.
************ ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Christmas with the CowboySeries: Big Heart Ranch, Book 3
Author: Tina Radcliffe
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: September 18, 2018
Home for the holidays
A second chance at love on Big Heart Ranch
Former Navy SEAL Zach Norman has been avoiding his ranching roots—and the woman he couldn’t have. Back to visit his brother’s widow, Emma Maxwell Norman, and her adorable toddler twins, the bah-humbug cowboy is roped into helping prepare the ranch for the holidays. Working side by side, can Emma and Zach overcome their troubled past…and receive the greatest Christmas gift of all—love?
EXCERPT: Link to Excerpt Courtesy of the Publisher
LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | iTunes | Book Depository | BAM! | Book Bub
************ ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Originally from Western, N.Y., Tina Radcliffe left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency (a branch of the NSA) stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa, she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. Her move to Colorado led to a career as a library cataloger. A freelance writer for over twenty years, Tina manages Seekerville, a thirteen-author blog which is starting its tenth year. Seekerville is a Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers award winner.Tina is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, a 2012 ACFW Carol Award finalist, a 2014 ACFW Mentor of the Year finalist, a 2014 Golden Quill finalist and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. In 2016 Safe in the Fireman's Arms was a Holt Medallion Merit Award finalist and a Detroit Bookseller's Best finalist and a NERFA finalist. She has won first place in over twenty RWA chapter affiliated contests in her career. Tina is also a short story writer and has sold over twenty short stories to Woman’s World Magazine. She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance.
TO CONNECT WITH TINA:
website, facebook, twitter, pinterest, instagram, Book Bub
Tina also has a great newsletter filled with fun facts and great giveaways for her newsletter subscribers. Sign up for her newsletter HERE.
************
TOUR GIVEAWAY
Tina has graciously offered (1) winner an awesome Christmas with the Cowboy prize pack that includes:An autographed copy of Christmas with the CowboyLED Christmas Bulb Necklace$50 Amazon gift card.Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Complete prize open to US mailing addresses only. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.a Rafflecopter giveaway
Be sure to stop at a stop each day for extra entries!
************TOUR SCHEDULEFor the full tour schedule, click on either of the launch pages below.(All stops expected to post by 12:00 NOON EST)Launch Page @JustReadTours
Launch Page @JustCommonly
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC': -- Monday, October 1st: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Biography entitled, 'My Havana: Memories of a Cuban Boyhood' about the life of architect Secundino Fernandez. Post includes book spotlight and my review.
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Blog Tour Stop for an inspirational historical romance, 'Lady of a Thousand Treasures'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Book Blast for a children's picture book, 'Santa's Dog'. Blast hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Thursday, October 4th: Book Blast for 'Regency House Party: Summerstone Series'. Post includes spotlight and giveaway. Blast hosted by Singing Library Books.
# # # # #
September 24, 2018
~ COVER REVEAL THE SONGS THAT BROUGHT ME BACK ~
~ COVER REVEAL ~
-- 'THE SONGS THAT
BROUGHT ME BACK' --
AUTHOR MYLISSA DEYMEYERE~Post Includes: Book Spotlight,Author Bio & Giveaway~
Coming December 4th:
ABOUT THE BOOK: 'The Songs That Brought Me Back' by Mylissa Demeyere
Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end.
Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves. Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past. Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew. They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together. Always together. Sometimes the ending is really the beginning.
What Readers are Saying:
--A heartfelt romance with a powerful message about the sanctity of human life. If you've ever simply needed a friend, The Songs That Brought Me Back will resonate--and leave you thankful for the people in your life. -Taylor Dean, author of I’m With You and Chasing Fireflies.
--Another remarkable read by Mylissa Demeyere. Ethan and Ainsley had me laughing and crying as they face their own demons and fall in love while doing it. This book adds even more depth as it confronts suicide head on. Suicide has become an epidemic that some are afraid to address; Demeyere brings it to light from both the victims and the survivors giving us insight on the struggles of so many. It does not disappoint and I, again, am excited to see what comes next from this talented writer. – Amazon Reviewer
--A beautiful sequel to The Songs of You and Me that cleverly illustrates that there are always two sides to every story and that it is never too late for love to overcome any challenge. – Amazon Reviewer
"This poignant redemption story about second chances and forgiveness yanked my emotions all over the place. I cried, I yearned, I hoped. A beautiful story about what true love is and does." - Charissa Stastny, author of Between Hope and the Highway and The Ruled Out Romance Series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast. The Songs That Brought Me Back is her second novel in The Songs Series, with a third book releasing in the middle of 2019.
Website * BookBub * Facebook * Instagram * TwitterAmazon * Goodreads * Pinterest
$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash
Ends 10/9/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':-- Friday, September 28th: 'Christmas with the Cowboy' by Tina Radcliffe Blog Tour Stop. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
-- Monday, October 1st: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Biography entitled, 'My Havana: Memories of a Cuban Boyhood' about the life of architect Secundino Fernandez. Post includes book spotlight and my review.
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Blog Tour Stop for an inspirational historical romance, 'Lady of a Thousand Treasures'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Book Blast for a children's picture book, 'Santa's Dog'. Blast hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
# # # # #
Coming December 4th:
ABOUT THE BOOK: 'The Songs That Brought Me Back' by Mylissa Demeyere
Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end.
Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves. Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past. Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew. They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together. Always together. Sometimes the ending is really the beginning.
What Readers are Saying:
--A heartfelt romance with a powerful message about the sanctity of human life. If you've ever simply needed a friend, The Songs That Brought Me Back will resonate--and leave you thankful for the people in your life. -Taylor Dean, author of I’m With You and Chasing Fireflies.
--Another remarkable read by Mylissa Demeyere. Ethan and Ainsley had me laughing and crying as they face their own demons and fall in love while doing it. This book adds even more depth as it confronts suicide head on. Suicide has become an epidemic that some are afraid to address; Demeyere brings it to light from both the victims and the survivors giving us insight on the struggles of so many. It does not disappoint and I, again, am excited to see what comes next from this talented writer. – Amazon Reviewer
--A beautiful sequel to The Songs of You and Me that cleverly illustrates that there are always two sides to every story and that it is never too late for love to overcome any challenge. – Amazon Reviewer
"This poignant redemption story about second chances and forgiveness yanked my emotions all over the place. I cried, I yearned, I hoped. A beautiful story about what true love is and does." - Charissa Stastny, author of Between Hope and the Highway and The Ruled Out Romance Series
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast. The Songs That Brought Me Back is her second novel in The Songs Series, with a third book releasing in the middle of 2019.
Website * BookBub * Facebook * Instagram * TwitterAmazon * Goodreads * Pinterest
$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in PayPal Cash Ends 10/9/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':-- Friday, September 28th: 'Christmas with the Cowboy' by Tina Radcliffe Blog Tour Stop. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
-- Monday, October 1st: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday Biography entitled, 'My Havana: Memories of a Cuban Boyhood' about the life of architect Secundino Fernandez. Post includes book spotlight and my review.
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Blog Tour Stop for an inspirational historical romance, 'Lady of a Thousand Treasures'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
-- Wednesday, October 3rd: Book Blast for a children's picture book, 'Santa's Dog'. Blast hosted by Singing Librarian Books.
# # # # #
September 23, 2018
~ MMGM HISTORICAL FICTION DASH DOGS OF WWII ~
~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE
MONDAY HISTORICAL FICTION
FEATURE ~
-- 'DASH' --
AUTHOR KIRBY LARSON
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS
A FUN SIDEBAR BEFORE WE BEGIN THIS FEATURE:
Recently, I carried a hardcover copy of this book to an appointment. While I was checking in at the front desk the receptionist said to me, "That is such a cute picture! What are you reading?"
I turned the book over to see what she was pointing at on the back cover. It is a black and white photo of the front cover image. I showed her the front cover and said, "It's a great middle-grade historical by one of my favorite authors".
She scrunched up her face and said, "Isn't it kindof weird that you're an adult and you read kid's books?"
I restrained myself from telling her that I am a real freak because I write middle-grade novels and short stories, blog about middle-grade books, and spend a lot of my time reading middle-grade fiction and non-fiction.
"What kind of books do you read?" I asked.
"Oh, I haven't read a book in probably ten or fifteen years. I like to binge-watch movies and TV shows instead," she replied.
Happy reading, fellow middle-grade book fans, authors, and bloggers!
September 20, 2018
~ BLOG TOUR THE ORNAMENT KEEPER ~
~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~BLOG TOUR STOP
-- 'THE ORNAMENT KEEPER' --
AUTHOR EVA MARIE EVERSON~Post Includes: Book Spotlight,Author Bio, Excerpt & Giveaway~ 
Welcome to the blog tour & giveaway for The Ornament Keeper by Eva Marie Everson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Ornament Keeper
Author: Eva Marie Everson
Publisher: New Hope Publishers
Release Date: September 24, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Holiday
Award-winning author Eva Marie Everson wraps up a Christmas story of hope, love, and forgiveness just in time for the holidays.
The Ornament Keeper, a contemporary Christmas novella, features Felicia and Jackson Morgan who are spending their first Christmas apart after twenty years of marriage. But a lifetime of gifted ornaments helps Felicia piece together the story of their marriage and the one mistake of unforgiveness she made before they said, “I do.”
Can these memory-filled ornaments reunite this family before Christmas? Only time will tell.
PURCHASE:
EXCERPT:
I entered the bedroom we had shared for so long—the place where we laughed and talked, argued and made up—then stepped from the door to Jackson’s old bedroom closet, empty now, except for one item. The one thing he’d left behind—besides his wife and children—but had ever returned for. Maybe he hadn’t realized it remained. Or perhaps he did. I didn’t know. Couldn’t know unless I asked. And I dared not ask.
At some point, a single sweatshirt had been tossed in the direction of the overstuffed occasional chair in a far corner of the room. After sailing over the back, it landed on the floor, where it remained until after Jackson had been gone for at least a month—maybe six weeks—when in a cleaning frenzy I found it lying wadded up and wrinkled. I brought it to my face, nearly crushed by its sudden appearance, then knelt on the floor, pressed my face into it, and sobbed.
The scent of his cologne and his own masculinity clung to the fibers. I held it as if it were a tiny baby, then rocked back and forth, wishing for all the things that always had been but would never be again. I swore I would never, ever wash it. And I hadn’t.
Now, slowly, I opened the closet door and pulled it off the hanger, then crawled onto the bed and buried my face deep within the fabric. Once powerful traces of Jackson had faded in the days and weeks and months. And they would continue to fade. One day, the only bit left would be in my imagination.
Or my memory.
I lowered the shirt to my lap as Callie’s words slipped into the room without invitation, demanding my attention. I didn’t ask if he was your husband, Leesha. I asked if you love him.
“Yes,” I whispered into the chilled air without thinking, because the time for trying to decipher was over. “I do. I did. I do.” I brought the shirt to my chest and bent over.
Oh, Jackson.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eva Marie Everson is a multiple-award winning author and speaker who hails from the picturesque Southern town of Sylvania, Georgia. She is president of Word Weavers International, director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, Managing Editor at Firefly Southern Fiction, and enjoys coaching new authors through her company, Pen in Hand. She is an avid photographer who enjoys turning her photos into inspiring memes for you to share (with proper attribution). Eva Marie and her husband make their home in Central Florida. They are the parents of three fabulous children who have blessed them with the world's greatest grandchildren.
CONTACT: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive:
a print copy of The Ornament Keeper, andan ornament handpicked by the authorEnter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 17, 2018, and last through 11:59pm September 24, 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
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Monday, September 24th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday historical fiction feature on 'Dash: Dogs of World War II -- Book 1' by Kirby Larson. Post includes book spotlight and my review.
-- Friday, September 28th: Blog Tour Stop for 'Christmas With the Cowboy', a Love Inspired story by Tina Radcliffe. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
# # # # #
Welcome to the blog tour & giveaway for The Ornament Keeper by Eva Marie Everson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: The Ornament Keeper Author: Eva Marie Everson
Publisher: New Hope Publishers
Release Date: September 24, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Holiday
Award-winning author Eva Marie Everson wraps up a Christmas story of hope, love, and forgiveness just in time for the holidays.
The Ornament Keeper, a contemporary Christmas novella, features Felicia and Jackson Morgan who are spending their first Christmas apart after twenty years of marriage. But a lifetime of gifted ornaments helps Felicia piece together the story of their marriage and the one mistake of unforgiveness she made before they said, “I do.”
Can these memory-filled ornaments reunite this family before Christmas? Only time will tell.
PURCHASE:
EXCERPT:
I entered the bedroom we had shared for so long—the place where we laughed and talked, argued and made up—then stepped from the door to Jackson’s old bedroom closet, empty now, except for one item. The one thing he’d left behind—besides his wife and children—but had ever returned for. Maybe he hadn’t realized it remained. Or perhaps he did. I didn’t know. Couldn’t know unless I asked. And I dared not ask.
At some point, a single sweatshirt had been tossed in the direction of the overstuffed occasional chair in a far corner of the room. After sailing over the back, it landed on the floor, where it remained until after Jackson had been gone for at least a month—maybe six weeks—when in a cleaning frenzy I found it lying wadded up and wrinkled. I brought it to my face, nearly crushed by its sudden appearance, then knelt on the floor, pressed my face into it, and sobbed.
The scent of his cologne and his own masculinity clung to the fibers. I held it as if it were a tiny baby, then rocked back and forth, wishing for all the things that always had been but would never be again. I swore I would never, ever wash it. And I hadn’t.
Now, slowly, I opened the closet door and pulled it off the hanger, then crawled onto the bed and buried my face deep within the fabric. Once powerful traces of Jackson had faded in the days and weeks and months. And they would continue to fade. One day, the only bit left would be in my imagination.
Or my memory.
I lowered the shirt to my lap as Callie’s words slipped into the room without invitation, demanding my attention. I didn’t ask if he was your husband, Leesha. I asked if you love him.
“Yes,” I whispered into the chilled air without thinking, because the time for trying to decipher was over. “I do. I did. I do.” I brought the shirt to my chest and bent over.
Oh, Jackson.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eva Marie Everson is a multiple-award winning author and speaker who hails from the picturesque Southern town of Sylvania, Georgia. She is president of Word Weavers International, director of Florida Christian Writers Conference, Managing Editor at Firefly Southern Fiction, and enjoys coaching new authors through her company, Pen in Hand. She is an avid photographer who enjoys turning her photos into inspiring memes for you to share (with proper attribution). Eva Marie and her husband make their home in Central Florida. They are the parents of three fabulous children who have blessed them with the world's greatest grandchildren.
CONTACT: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive:
a print copy of The Ornament Keeper, andan ornament handpicked by the authorEnter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 17, 2018, and last through 11:59pm September 24, 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
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Monday, September 24th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday historical fiction feature on 'Dash: Dogs of World War II -- Book 1' by Kirby Larson. Post includes book spotlight and my review.
-- Friday, September 28th: Blog Tour Stop for 'Christmas With the Cowboy', a Love Inspired story by Tina Radcliffe. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.
# # # # #
September 18, 2018
~ LOVE & SECRETS AT CASSFIELD MANOR ~
~ BLOG TOUR STOP ~
-- 'LOVE AND SECRETS AT
CASSFIELD MANOR' --
AUTHOR SARAH L. McCONKIE~Post Includes: Book Spotlight, Author Bio, Snippet, Behind-the-ScenesFacts About the Book & Giveaway~
About the Book:
Genre: Adult, New Adult, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Regency, Romance
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: August 14, 2018
Wealthy socialite Christine Harrison’s life seems perfect until the man she planned tomarry, Mr. Davenport, proposes to someone else. Heartbroken, Miss Harrison vows never to love again, and to distract herself, she sets out to rescue a fallen young woman. Little does she know that her journey will reveal more than she expected about her friends, her seemingly perfect life, and her own heart.
GOODREADS | AMAZON
About the Author:
From writing an award-wining tale of a dragon falling from the stars in the third grade to regency romance written at thirty, Sarah McConkie has always had a passion for creating intriguing stories. After years of singledom looking for romance (and teaching Junior High Choir to fill up her real life), Sarah began a Master’s degree in Literacy. When love finally found her, she married and became a wife and eventually a mother. After tucking in her own little princess one January evening she determined to attempt her life-long dream to write and publish a novel. Using her many years of experience in the single realm, a robust knowledge of regency classics, and a love of all things old fashioned and proper, Sarah wrote Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor. She now lives with her own Mr. Right and her two daughters, and believes providing stimulating and moral stories promotes literacy in a world which needs more readers. This is her first novel.
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE
Behind-the-Scenes Facts About the Book:
1. Several of my character’s physical appearance are based on my friends, and I let them choose their character’s name.
2. I wrote the whole story in 1st person first, and then re-wrote it in 3rd person.
3. The font on the cover is the same font I used in my own wedding invitation.
4. The two characters who are sisters have the names Elizabeth (Lizzy) and Christine. My two daughters’ middle names are Elisabeth and Christine.
5. I finished editing the final manuscript 4 days before I had my third child. I told my doctor I couldn’t go early because I had to finish my book!
6. The love stories of Lizzy and Edmund, Christine and William, and Meg and Mr. Grenville are all based on real people’s love stories.
7. The front cover background is an actual beach in England: Cornwall.
8. It took me about 2-3 years from first word to a finished manuscript.
9. Much of the boy drama comes from my years of college roommates and actual connections between different people.
Snippet:
Christine breathed deeply, circling her arms around herself. As she stood among those high, stalwart cliffs, she formed a resolution. Their presence spoke to Christine once more, reminding her that she could change. She could be more steadfast in her desires. She determined then to look outward, toward others, and stop caring about herself and her status in life. She affirmed that day that she did not need high connections to validate her existence. She did not need a man to establish or promote her social standing. And perhaps most importantly, Christine resolved to never again let these base motives stand in her way of real and lasting relationships with the people around her.
Giveaway:
Enter the giveaway HERE.
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.
Tour Schedule:
September 17-Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Paulette’s Papers
September 18-Mindy Houng (reviewer) | Blooming with Books
September 19-Emily Yager | Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
September 20-Heidi Reads… | Life Is What It’s Called
September 21-Pause for Tales | Bookworm Lisa
September 22-Jorie Loves A Story
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':-- Friday, September 21st: Blog Tour Stop for 'The Ornament Keeper'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.-- Monday, September 24th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday historical fiction feature on 'Dash: Dogs of World War II -- Book 1' by Kirby Larson. Post includes book spotlight and my review.-- Friday, September 28th: Blog Tour Stop for 'Christmas With the Cowboy', a Love Inspired story by Tina Radcliffe. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.# # # # #
[image error]
About the Book:
Genre: Adult, New Adult, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Regency, Romance
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: August 14, 2018
Wealthy socialite Christine Harrison’s life seems perfect until the man she planned tomarry, Mr. Davenport, proposes to someone else. Heartbroken, Miss Harrison vows never to love again, and to distract herself, she sets out to rescue a fallen young woman. Little does she know that her journey will reveal more than she expected about her friends, her seemingly perfect life, and her own heart.
GOODREADS | AMAZON
About the Author:
From writing an award-wining tale of a dragon falling from the stars in the third grade to regency romance written at thirty, Sarah McConkie has always had a passion for creating intriguing stories. After years of singledom looking for romance (and teaching Junior High Choir to fill up her real life), Sarah began a Master’s degree in Literacy. When love finally found her, she married and became a wife and eventually a mother. After tucking in her own little princess one January evening she determined to attempt her life-long dream to write and publish a novel. Using her many years of experience in the single realm, a robust knowledge of regency classics, and a love of all things old fashioned and proper, Sarah wrote Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor. She now lives with her own Mr. Right and her two daughters, and believes providing stimulating and moral stories promotes literacy in a world which needs more readers. This is her first novel.
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE
Behind-the-Scenes Facts About the Book:
1. Several of my character’s physical appearance are based on my friends, and I let them choose their character’s name.
2. I wrote the whole story in 1st person first, and then re-wrote it in 3rd person.
3. The font on the cover is the same font I used in my own wedding invitation.
4. The two characters who are sisters have the names Elizabeth (Lizzy) and Christine. My two daughters’ middle names are Elisabeth and Christine.
5. I finished editing the final manuscript 4 days before I had my third child. I told my doctor I couldn’t go early because I had to finish my book!
6. The love stories of Lizzy and Edmund, Christine and William, and Meg and Mr. Grenville are all based on real people’s love stories.
7. The front cover background is an actual beach in England: Cornwall.
8. It took me about 2-3 years from first word to a finished manuscript.
9. Much of the boy drama comes from my years of college roommates and actual connections between different people.
Snippet:
Christine breathed deeply, circling her arms around herself. As she stood among those high, stalwart cliffs, she formed a resolution. Their presence spoke to Christine once more, reminding her that she could change. She could be more steadfast in her desires. She determined then to look outward, toward others, and stop caring about herself and her status in life. She affirmed that day that she did not need high connections to validate her existence. She did not need a man to establish or promote her social standing. And perhaps most importantly, Christine resolved to never again let these base motives stand in her way of real and lasting relationships with the people around her.
Giveaway:
Enter the giveaway HERE.
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.
Tour Schedule:
September 17-Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Paulette’s Papers
September 18-Mindy Houng (reviewer) | Blooming with Books
September 19-Emily Yager | Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
September 20-Heidi Reads… | Life Is What It’s Called
September 21-Pause for Tales | Bookworm Lisa
September 22-Jorie Loves A Story
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':-- Friday, September 21st: Blog Tour Stop for 'The Ornament Keeper'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.-- Monday, September 24th: Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday historical fiction feature on 'Dash: Dogs of World War II -- Book 1' by Kirby Larson. Post includes book spotlight and my review.-- Friday, September 28th: Blog Tour Stop for 'Christmas With the Cowboy', a Love Inspired story by Tina Radcliffe. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour hosted by JustRead Publicity.# # # # # [image error]
September 17, 2018
~ CHRISTY AWARDS BLITZ & GIVEAWAY ~
~ CHRISTY AWARDS BLITZ
& GIVEAWAY~
If there were a Christian fiction version of the Oscars, The Christy Awards would be it. And we are teaming up with The Christy Awards to help you read good fiction!
Some of the best of the best, in fact. Last year's 2017 Christy Award winners included The Lady & The Lionheart (Joanne Bischof), A Note Yet Unsung (Tamera Alexander), Her One and Only (Becky Wade), The Mark of the King (Jocelyn Green), The Silent Songbird (Melanie Dickerson), The Long Journey to Jake Palmer (James Rubart), and more!
Image Source: The Christy AwardsThe 2018 Christy Award Celebration Gala is coming up on November 7, 2018; but first the finalists will be announced on September 19th!! And you don't want to miss it! Make sure you're following along with their social media accounts so you don't miss the big announcement!WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
The Christy Award team invites you to two events that celebrate fiction, both held on November 7, 2018, at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN!
First, from 1-5:30pm, is the Art of Writing Conference - a focused conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators. This is a half day of intensive seminars that celebrate the creative life, provide practical tips for overcoming challenges in a rapidly-changing industry, and answer questions authors are asking. Head here for a full list of speakers, including Carla Laureano, Joanne Bischof, Donald Miller, and Charles Martin.
Then, starting at 7:00pm, The Christy Award Dinner Gala will celebrate the art of Christian fiction, announce the 2018 winners of The Christy Award, and honor the power of Story, the legacy of Madeleine L’Engle, and the year's best in Christian fiction.
Wanna know which authors will be at The Christy Awards gala? How about Charles Martin, Carla Laureano, Francine Rivers, Sarah Arthur, and Cynthia Ruchti, for starters? Many of the finalists will be there too so make sure you follow The Christy Award on social media for the big announcement on the 19th!
On behalf of the ECPA, JustRead is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card (US only) to help you read good fiction!
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight September 15, 2018, and last through 11:59pm September 21, 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
*****************************
September 16, 2018
~ MMGM S.T.E.A.M. ARTS & CRAFTS SKILLS BOOKS ~
~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE
MONDAY S.T.E.A.M.
DOUBLE-FEATURE ~ -- 'CRAFT SKILLS' and 'ART SKILLS' from the Super Skills series -- AUTHOR STEPHANIE TURBULL
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS
ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}: Provides readers with step-by-step instructions to create innovative crafts using everyday household items. Outlines Origami, weaving, papier-mache, and many more fun and easy crafts for children of all ages and abilities. Encourages readers to try all kinds of media and expand their skills. Lists potential careers for crafters. ***********************
LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
Provides easy-to-follow instructions for many creative art projects including: perspective drawing, photo collage, watercolor painting, and many more. Helps readers develop important artistic skills in a fun and engaging format. *******************MY REVIEWS:
The format of this pair of middle-grade hands-on S.T.E.A.M. education books is the same. Well-organized and easy-to-follow including stepped-out project instructions with some photos and detailed illustrations/diagrams.
Both books present excellent back matter: What Next?, Glossary, Useful Websites, and an Index.
The 'What Next?' sections include information on how readers can explore the world to discover more about crafts and art, respectively. Readers are encouraged to try new things. One of my favorite sections of each book was the 'Careers' blurb which listed 'Careers in Crafts' or 'Artistic Careers', respectively.
I was impressed when I read the list of artistic careers because the author included being an architect, florist, animator, art teacher, furniture maker, and stonemason--some of which I had never considered as career possibilities for lovers of art. {Proving yet again that you can teach 'old' dogs like me new tricks.}
In the crafts book, the author included fashion designer {hats, shoes, bags}, theater prop designer, sports car designer, and makers of stained glass windows and musical instruments as career possibilities for crafters. {See above for disclaimer about old dogs/new tricks!}
Some of the projects in each book include pertinent historical information about the technique(s) being presented. For example, in the 'Easy Weaving' chapter in the Craft Skills book, reference is made to the Native American Navajo rugs and blankets and a photo of an actual hand-woven Navajo blanket is shown.
In the Art Skills book I enjoyed the 'Seeing Spots' project because it discussed one my favorite French artists, George Seurat and his pointillism technique. A reprint of his painting, The Circus, is shown in the Super Facts sidebar.
There are many memorable and fun projects in each of these books. Readers are encouraged to use recycled materials found around most homes and inexpensive arts and crafts supplies such as glue, paint brushes, paint, etc.
Highly recommended for teachers, parents/grandparents, youth group/scout/camp leaders, and crafters and artists of all ages! I think this would be a really fun pair of books to use for parties and events and for snowy/rainy/stay-indoors kinds of days!
I borrowed these books from the children's section in 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.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Tuesday, September 18th: CHRISTY Awards Blitz & Giveaway. Blitz organized by JustRead Publicity.
-- Wednesday, September 19th: Blog Tour Stop for 'Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor'. Post includes a book spotlight, excerpt, ten behind-the-scenes facts about the book shared by the author, and a giveaway. Tour organized by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Friday, September 21st: Blog Tour Stop for 'The Ornament Keeper'. Post includes a book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity.
-- Monday, September 24th: A Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday historical fiction feature on 'Dash: Dogs of World War II, Book 1' by Author Kirby Larson. Post includes a book spotlight and review.
# # # # #
September 13, 2018
~ BLOG TOUR AN UNPRESENTABLE GLORY ~
~ BLOG TOUR STOP ~
-- 'AN UNPRESENTABLE GLORY' --
AUTHOR ELEANOR ~Post Includes: Book Spotlight,
Author Bio, Excerpt & Giveaway~
Welcome to the blog tour & giveaway for An Unpresentable Glory by Eleanor K. Gustafson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: An Unpresentable Glory
Author: Eleanor K. Gustafson
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: July 1, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance
“I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands.”
Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly-acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. What is not so joyful is finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink water—and beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, an unpresentable glory.
Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Linda’s garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Linda’s garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencers—on a national scale.
PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository
EXCERPT:
Labor Day week was an odd time to celebrate anything; but for nearly a decade, Linda and Bonnie had made an annual trek to Philadelphia to mark another cancer-free year for Bonnie. She had survived not only her own bout with breast cancer, but the death of her husband, as well. The celebration was bittersweet but had become sacred to them both. They had no set agenda and did whatever came to mind. One year, they spent thousands on shopping and going to the theatre. Another, they worked among the poorest of the poor.
This year, they were touring funky art galleries and learning the art of rock climbing at a storefront gym not far from their hotel. They had just emerged from the gym, counting bruises as they walked the narrow sidewalk toward the hotel district. Bonnie stopped short.
“My purse! I knew if I put it in the bottom of the locker, I wouldn’t see it, and sure enough . . . ”
They swung around abruptly, almost colliding with two men close behind. “Oh!” said Bonnie, recognizing the face on the right.
“Oh!” said Linda for a far different reason. The man on the left stiffened, his hand moving toward a holstered gun.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ellie grew up in Branchville, NJ, in a county with more cows than people. She attended Wheaton College in Illinois as a music major, then married a pastor/college professor/tree farmer/organist and writer. Together, they have three children and eight grandchildren. Music was Ellie’s first love until she tried on the cloak of writing and found it a comfortable fit. However, early writing attempts saw friends—and even her mother—advising her to stick to music as a career. She pushed manfully along, though, and An Unpresentable Glory is her sixth novel. “God first touched me through story,” Ellie says, “and made the bigger Story come alive. I love Him passionately!”
CONNECT: website | Facebook | Twitter
BEHIND-THE-SCENES FACTS ABOUT THE BOOK SHARED BY THE AUTHOR:
***My first garden: God planted a gardening seed in my soul–perhaps genetically. An aunt routinely won blue ribbons at the local flower show. When I showed interest in flowers, I was granted a small patch, perhaps two by three feet, to plant johnny jump ups and small marigolds. My tiny arrangements got only token ribbons, but I was hooked.
***Daughter Rachel planned an unusual wedding. The church was empty of flowers, with just some sheet-covered boxes up front. During the processional, assorted friends carried in flowers and set them on boxes. Then came the wedding party, with Rachel carrying a large bouquet of flowers, fresh picked from my best-ever annual garden. During the ceremony, one of the bridesmaids noted a spider exploring Rachel’s veil. That topped off the wedding, making her spider-wed!
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive:
a print copy of An Unpresentable Glory, andchoice of (1) garden in a bag from
a Rafflecopter giveawayFollow along at JustRead for a full schedule & more chances to win!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Monday, September 17th: A Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday post featuring two 'Super Skills' books by Stephanie Turnbull: 'Art Skills' and 'Craft Skills'. Post includes a book spotlight and review.
-- Wednesday, September 19th: Blog Tour Stop for 'Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, behind-the-scenes facts shared by the author, and giveaway. Tour organized by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Friday, September 21st: Blog Tour Stop for 'The Ornament Keeper'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity Tours.
# # # # #
Author Bio, Excerpt & Giveaway~
Welcome to the blog tour & giveaway for An Unpresentable Glory by Eleanor K. Gustafson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: An Unpresentable Glory Author: Eleanor K. Gustafson
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: July 1, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance
“I trusted you, and some day, you may know just how much you hold in your hands.”
Linda Jensen leads a relatively quiet life in Westchester County, New York, as the owner of a highly-acclaimed garden. Inherited from her parents, the garden is her pride and joy. What is not so joyful is finding a strange man sprawled near her delphiniums! The mysterious man is sick, unable to do anything more than drink water—and beg for secrecy. Ignoring all alarm bells, Linda sees to his needs, but her caring act takes on unexpected significance, an unpresentable glory.
Seeds of trust, and perhaps love, are planted in Linda’s garden haven. But as secrets are revealed and scandal hits the headlines, the act of caring for this man threatens to tarnish both of their reputations. Like weeds in Linda’s garden, circumstances threaten to choke out their fledgling relationship, and small moments prove to be the biggest influencers—on a national scale.
PURCHASE: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | CBD | Book Depository
EXCERPT:
Labor Day week was an odd time to celebrate anything; but for nearly a decade, Linda and Bonnie had made an annual trek to Philadelphia to mark another cancer-free year for Bonnie. She had survived not only her own bout with breast cancer, but the death of her husband, as well. The celebration was bittersweet but had become sacred to them both. They had no set agenda and did whatever came to mind. One year, they spent thousands on shopping and going to the theatre. Another, they worked among the poorest of the poor.
This year, they were touring funky art galleries and learning the art of rock climbing at a storefront gym not far from their hotel. They had just emerged from the gym, counting bruises as they walked the narrow sidewalk toward the hotel district. Bonnie stopped short.
“My purse! I knew if I put it in the bottom of the locker, I wouldn’t see it, and sure enough . . . ”
They swung around abruptly, almost colliding with two men close behind. “Oh!” said Bonnie, recognizing the face on the right.
“Oh!” said Linda for a far different reason. The man on the left stiffened, his hand moving toward a holstered gun.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ellie grew up in Branchville, NJ, in a county with more cows than people. She attended Wheaton College in Illinois as a music major, then married a pastor/college professor/tree farmer/organist and writer. Together, they have three children and eight grandchildren. Music was Ellie’s first love until she tried on the cloak of writing and found it a comfortable fit. However, early writing attempts saw friends—and even her mother—advising her to stick to music as a career. She pushed manfully along, though, and An Unpresentable Glory is her sixth novel. “God first touched me through story,” Ellie says, “and made the bigger Story come alive. I love Him passionately!”
CONNECT: website | Facebook | Twitter
BEHIND-THE-SCENES FACTS ABOUT THE BOOK SHARED BY THE AUTHOR:
***My first garden: God planted a gardening seed in my soul–perhaps genetically. An aunt routinely won blue ribbons at the local flower show. When I showed interest in flowers, I was granted a small patch, perhaps two by three feet, to plant johnny jump ups and small marigolds. My tiny arrangements got only token ribbons, but I was hooked.
***Daughter Rachel planned an unusual wedding. The church was empty of flowers, with just some sheet-covered boxes up front. During the processional, assorted friends carried in flowers and set them on boxes. Then came the wedding party, with Rachel carrying a large bouquet of flowers, fresh picked from my best-ever annual garden. During the ceremony, one of the bridesmaids noted a spider exploring Rachel’s veil. That topped off the wedding, making her spider-wed!
TOUR GIVEAWAY(1) winner will receive: a print copy of An Unpresentable Glory, andchoice of (1) garden in a bag from
a Rafflecopter giveawayFollow along at JustRead for a full schedule & more chances to win!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Monday, September 17th: A Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday post featuring two 'Super Skills' books by Stephanie Turnbull: 'Art Skills' and 'Craft Skills'. Post includes a book spotlight and review.
-- Wednesday, September 19th: Blog Tour Stop for 'Love and Secrets at Cassfield Manor'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, behind-the-scenes facts shared by the author, and giveaway. Tour organized by Singing Librarian Books.
-- Friday, September 21st: Blog Tour Stop for 'The Ornament Keeper'. Post includes book spotlight, excerpt, and giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity Tours.
# # # # #
~ Author June McCrary Jacobs ~
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