Robin E. Mason's Blog: Robin's Book Shelf, page 98

BLOGWORDS – Thursday 25 July 2019 – CHAT THURSDAY – MANLY MAN BLITZ NEWS ANCHOR INTERVIEW – MICHAEL COGDILL

BLOGWORDS – Thursday 25 July 2019 – CHAT THURSDAY – MANLY MAN BLITZ NEWS ANCHOR INTERVIEW – MICHAEL COGDILL
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CHAT THURSDAY – MANLY MAN BLITZ NEWS ANCHOR INTERVIEW – MICHAEL COGDILL

“Throwing a bash for the written word.”

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“Even the dark isn’t darkness to Thee. The night is bright as the day.”

Please join me in giving a feathered welcome to Michael Cogdill.

 

FAST FAVES

Cookout—chicken or brats  BRATS

Dogs or Cats  DOGS

Eggs or Pancakes EGGS

Fishing or hunting  FISHING

Vacation: mountains or beach  BEACH

 

rem:  Hullo, Michael. Welcome to my little nest. Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?

MICHAEL:  I’m a small-town boy, raised by working class parents in Weaverville, NC.  I live in Greenville, SC now, at the base of the mountains that were my family’s home.

rem:  Beautiful country up there. My mom was a North Carolina gal. Tell us three random things about yourself no one knows.

MICHAEL:  I love a good boat and the feel of water.  I adore hot weather.  I’m a pretty serious weight trainer.

rem:  I love a boat and the water—not so sure about hot weather, though! LOL Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?

MICHAEL:  Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Loved by me for its sense of surrender and wait upon God.

rem:  A lifeline to cling to when going through difficult times. What is your favourite quotation and why?

MICHAEL:  So many come to mind.  One of my favorites is thich nhat hanh — “We are to love so that those we love feel free.”

rem:  I love that quote—it is the essence of Who God is, and who we are to strive to be.  What’s the most random thing in your car or on your desk?

MICHAEL:  Macha green tea

rem:  This tells me two things—your desk is quite tidy, and you are a healthy eater! If you could spend an evening with a fictional character, who would you choose?

MICHAEL:  Boo Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird

 

rem:  You are the third person to choose a character from To Kill a Mockingbird!! Somebody tryin’ to tell me somethin’?  When reading, what makes or breaks a story for you? Your fiction pet peeve?

MICHAEL:  A sense of wonder is essential.  Turgid carrying on is a deal breaker.

rem:  Oh yes, a sense of wonder is magical—it’s what transports the reader into the story! What are you reading right now?

MICHAEL:  So We Read On (An examination of the Great Gatsby and why it still matters.

 

rem:  So much depth to that story. T’would be fascinating to see what Ms. Corrigan has to share. Which came first (in your life): journalism or story telling?

MICHAEL:  Storytelling, which is the essence of fine, readable journalism

rem:  As a storyteller myself, I must say I agree wholeheartedly. How is journalism different to writing a novel?

MICHAEL:  A novel is a fantasy of the heart.  Journalism is a practice of the heart and mind.

rem:  My favorite genre is historical fiction, rather a weaving of the two perhaps. What do you like best about being a news anchor? What is the hardest?

MICHAEL:  I love to bring copy to life, especially in a caring way.  The hard part is the death of a child.

rem:  Michael, you have a gift with words, your copy (and FaceBook posts) are prose in action. I can’t imagine having to report the death of a child. What’s the most memorable story you’ve reported?

MICHAEL:  Susan Smith ties with the Emmanuel Nine

rem:  I remember that story, and how horrific it was at the time. Still is today. Do you have a tale or anecdote on your coworkers?

MICHAEL:  Not for public consumption.  lol

 

rem:  Ah! Faithful coworker you are! Or afraid perhaps a story on you would be told?? LOL Tell us about the delightful Miss Polly.

MICHAEL:  Miss Polly is not steel magnolia.  She’s a platinum mountain laurel – a survivor, a vital spirit who loves deeply, and who is a living joy.  She’s struggling with dementia, but remains a light to all who know her

rem:  I adore your posts about her, sharing her light with the rest of us. And I admire your devotion to her. How did your book, She-Rain, come about?

MICHAEL:  I started it as a way of digging out of his early grave my grandfather, Ernest Keyes.  He died of opium addiction well before I was born.  The tale took the arc of a love triangle that rises to meet the best of humanity, rather than descending into the darkness of betrayal.  It’s a fictional adventure in the truth of grace, human capacity for evil, goodness and hilarity.

rem:  Deep and profound, indeed. You have shared much, both on Facebook and on your blog, about your father. What can you tell us of his journey?

MICHAEL:  My dad was born in deep poverty.  He suffered terrible shame as a child and turned to alcohol to numb the wounds.  He ultimately hit a low bottom, grasped the grace of God, and became the most beautiful man I will ever know.

 

rem:  Poverty can wreak such devastation. As can alcohol, something I am familiar enough with. Do you have another book project?

MICHAEL:  Yes.  A novel, The Sinners of Honeysuckle Road, a Vietnam-era story of loss and reclamation.

rem:  Oh, I do look forward to that! What is YOUR favorite part about the book or why do you love this book? Why should we read it?

MICHAEL:  It’s human.  Everyone is flawed, yet worthy of love.

rem:  “God causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” He makes us all worthy of His love. What is one take-away from your book(s) that you hope readers identify with?

MICHAEL:  No human being is called to save or salvage a broken human being.  Enabling is death to both.  But mutuality of love is a miracle we get to live.

rem:  Oh, so very true. And so hard to stand against (enabling.)  So glad to have you here today, Michael. Thank you so much for chatting with us at my little nest today!

 

“My television career has carried me into the wheelhouses of death.  And right there, in one of them, I found life.”

 

https://michaelcogdill.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WYFFNews4MichaelCogdill/

https://twitter.com/MichaelCogdill

 

 

“ … reminds me never to fear writing what makes us human, even the suffering.  Perhaps especially the suffering.  It reminds me the night is no match for the moon. The sun still shows.”

 

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#Blogwords, Chat Thursday, Manly Man Blitz News Anchor Interview, Michael Cogdill

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 24 July 2019 – GUEST POST and GIVEAWAY – CREATING AN ACTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL BLOG – KRISTENA MEARS

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 24 July 2019 – GUEST POST and GIVEAWAY – CREATING AN ACTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL BLOG – KRISTENA MEARS

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BLOGWORDS – GUEST POST and GIVEAWAY – CREATING AN ACTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL BLOG – KRISTENA MEARS

This post was written for Kristena Mears, and appears on her blog today at

Creating an Active and Successful Blog

 

Imagine yourself a small child watching an NFL game, dreaming of one day becoming one of the big burly players.

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Or a little girl watching a live performance of The Nutcracker or Swan Lake, dreaming of one day becoming one of the lithe slender ladies dancing en pointe.

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Starting a blog doesn’t take more than a few clicks on your computer. Zippo, zammo, ENTER, blam! And you’ve got a blog.

 

Well, that’s how I did it anyway. Le sigh…

 

But like a child dreaming of a professional career, there was so much I didn’t know, and my first efforts were like a three year old Crayola drawing compared to Monet or Renoir.

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“I’ve been thrown in the deep end. Of a deep ocean. In a tidal wave. And all I want to do is write my stories. [Well, and get people to read ‘em… ] Write a bio, they say. What do you want to know? I write, that’s what I do.”

https://wp.me/s2j59i-drowning

 

That was my first authorly post on my blog. And man-o-man, did I ever feel like I was in over my head. WAY over my head.

 

But I did it. I started. And I learned as I went. I’ve seen comments here and there that blogs aren’t the *thing* they once were, and honestly have wondered if I should let mine go. But it’s MY place, versus the big social media sites. Although I spend most of my time on one of those, my blog is where I share and post the features—reviews, interviews, etc—of my choosing. My blog is about interacting, community, like a virtual family room or game night. Besides, there are plenty of blogs that are going strong and thriving.

 

First of all, what is a blog? It’s actually a contraction, as it were, of “web log.” Log being record or journal or register of some data or activity. And web, well, that’s the web of course, world wide web (the WWW of a URL address.)  Which brings me to my first point.

 

Select a Host Provider

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Your blog has to have a place to exist, to call home. This is where your blog will get your URL address, the www (dot) BLOGNAME (dot) com or net or org…

There are probably countless venues out there, but at the suggestion of a friend, I chose WordPress, and I have been happy there. They have the option to upgrade to a paid service, which, of course, would offer more features, but for now I’m content with what I have. Here are a few others I’ve heard of:

 

Wix.
WordPress.
Weebly.
Blogger.

 

Choose a theme

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My first blog post in 2012 was actually an attempt at accountability, and nothing to do with writing. It floundered after one post.

Two years later, after I published my debut novel and realized I would need a blog, I revived it. I didn’t have a theme, though, other than, “Hey! World! Look at me!”

I was a novice author floundering for a foothold in an overwhelming industry. My theme developed over the course of time.

For all the years that I loathed my name, I am now quite fond of it, and play on that all.the.time. Thus the name of my blog, Robin’s Nest. (also my logo and publisher.) Family and family gatherings show up in my writing a LOT, and that is thematic to my blog as well—that’s the “nest” part.

There are blogs that are straight up all about the craft and art of writing. I follow several blogs that are reviewer blogs, and others that are, like mine, author blogs. Your blog should reflect what you’re about, whether writing or mountain climbing or running and jogging, or some other topic.

 

Choose a color scheme

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This sort of goes with theme. You want your blog to appear cohesive, and pleasing to look at. There are studies on what colors to use to convey the feel you want for your blog. Robin’s Nest, with trees and, well, nests, the colors come easy—browns and greens and robin’s egg blue. (I’m also an artist, and colors are instinctive to me.)

 

Introduce yourself

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Every blog needs a bio, whether you are blogging solo or in a group. There should be at least a snippet about you for your followers to know who you are and what you’re about.

Look at other blogs to get an idea of what to include. Your bio should contain your basics, and whatever is pertinent to your theme. Mention awards and honors you’ve won, or your expertise in your area. Include family members and your physical location.

Part of your bio should be a good head shot, professional if you can. Note about your profile pic: you should use the same or similar images across social media platforms. The reason for this is so that a potential follower can identify or recognize you if they look for you on Twitter or Instagram, etc.

Utilize the tools to add buttons so your blog followers can also follow you on your other social media platform, and identify if you belong or participate in groups or activities relevant to your theme.

 

Vision and Mission Statement

Another item that didn’t occur to me. And one I added well into my blogging days.

Your vision is just that—where do you see your blog in a year, five years, ten years?

A MISSION STATEMENT is a short statement of why an organization exists, what its overall goal is, identifying the goal of its operations: what kind of product or service it provides, its primary customers or market, and its geographical region of operation. Definition found on Wikepedia

 

How often will you post

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This goes to your schedule and comfort level. I started with weekly-ish posts, but no thought or commitment to what or when.

One of the things that readers and followers look for, and that attracts new followers, is consistency. A weekly post is a good starting place, but whatever your comfort level is, be consistent with it.

I got overambitious and was trying to post a different feature each day. More on that later.

I didn’t know in the early days that I could schedule my posts in advance, and let me tell ya what a boon that was to discover!!

 

Scheduling

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In the early days I made notes for myself on whatever scrap of paper was handy. As my blog grew this became problematic; I lost slips of paper and missed a couple of interviews or reviews. #horrors

I do much better to do some things manually—like scheduling—and created an Excel spreadsheet (of all things) that serves as my calendar.

As with many things in my life, I have color coded aspects of my calendar, most notably each month is a different color. When I create a blog post doc (I work OFFline to create my blog posts, then upload them when they’re complete.) I notate it with a D (for Document), and once it’s uploaded and queued up to go live, I change that to a Q (for Queued up), to be replaced with a checkmark after it’s live. You’ll note that I also have doctor’s appointments listed as well; it helps me to have all.the.things noted in one.handy.place.

This is my system. Figure out what works for you and go with it.

 

Blog content

As an author, and besides my early “Hey, look at me posts,” I also posted a review for a book I had read. While the review was lovely, the post was meager and anemic!

I believe it was my second year blogging that I added interviews. It wasn’t as meager as the first review, but it was still pretty bland.

The following year, I added guest posts. That first year, I left the topic up to my guest blogger; I now choose a theme topic for each month. Along with the guest posts, I introduced my feature banner—a different banner for each feature on my blog; formatted the same but individual to each feature.

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Also consider the length of your posts. Some blogs keep their posts quite short, under 1000 words. Others I follow are clearly much longer. (My word count for this post is just over 2K.) If a post is interesting and engaging it will hold the reader’s attention. Images help with this as well. More on that later.

Look at your theme and your schedule, and decide what works best for you. You will want posts that engage your reader; it’s part of what keeps them coming back. You will also want content that gives the reader something of value.

It goes without saying, or at least is should go without saying—proofread and edit your post! As in reading any other published material, bad grammar and poor spelling speak of the author’s indifference or laziness.

NOTE: It’s a good idea to develop guidelines for guest posts. For me, at least, it makes the process easier than answering the same questions every time. Also, twice I had a guest blogger submit a post that was not the topic I asked for and was expecting. One blogger was defensive and said she didn’t have time to write a piece for me. (The post submitted was a) had been previously written and published elsewhere—which I have no problem with—and b) not only not on topic, but largely promoting one or more of this author’s books, which is also not a problem per se, but the post itself was not on topic.) The other off-topic author happily rewrote and resubmitted a piece on the topic requested.

 

Contests and Giveaways

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This goes hand in hand with content. And, of course, with a contest you have to have a prize to offer. With most of my giveaways, the prize offered comes from a guest blogger or an interviewee. It’s not a requirement of course, but I offer the option.

 

For the longest time I resisted offering giveaways, or used blog comments as giveaway entries; not sure why but Rafflecopter intimidated me. In truth, I found it quite easy to set up. (I ignore the HTML bit—that confuses me! LOL)

https://www.rafflecopter.com

 

Comments

It’s always exciting to me when I get comments on a blog post. I do my best to answer or reply to each comment. This boosts interaction, and encourages followers to participate—and come back to read new blog posts!

 

Share Buttons

A couple of the blogs I follow don’t have share buttons! Which means I can’t, well, share the post once I’ve read its wonderful goodness and wisdom. I can’t speak for other blog platforms, but I can’t imagine the option for share buttons not being available.

Sharing is one of the big things I do. Also known as networking, it helps build your blog and add to your followers.

 

Disclaimer and Giveaway Rules

These would be Disclosure Statement, GDPR Statement, FTC Regulations, and Privacy Statement. Another bit I was clueless about, but can save you much grief and headache if at any time there is a legal question.

There are generic statements available online; I downloaded these and tweaked them with my blog information.

 

Blog Decoration

Peruse other blogs. Get a feel for how each blogger designs / decorates their blog-home. I drew and painted the piece I use as my header. It’s the same artwork I use on Twitter and on my website. (www.robinemason.com) I also created a banner to use with each feature. Because of my affinity for color, each feature is a different color.

 

Images

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WHATEVER else you do, make certain you are not using photos and images that are copyrighted!!! HEADS UP—Google images are NOT free to use!!! I got nailed for an image that was, in fact, found in a “free to use” category on Bing.com. It had been “harvested” from a paid site and illegally posted on Bing. The owner contacted me, and by the grace of God was generous with me, asking only a small fee. I’ve heard horror stories of people using images and then being sued for ridiculous amounts.

I get my images from Pixabay—and rather than posting a generic disclaimer, I take the time to “watermark” the image with its URL. (Yes, it’s OCD of me, and not truly necessary but for me it’s worth the effort.)

There are other ROYALTY FREE stock image sites, and of course, if you take your own pics then no worries.

That said, don’t be shy about using images. It catches a reader’s attention, and adds color and vibrancy to your posts.

 

Headers, Hashtags and Labels

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Think of the header on each blog post as the engine, and hashtags as the caboose. A header should bolded and contain the date, title of your post, and author name (author of the post or if it’s a review, author of the book, or the interviewee.) I use all caps. This post, for instance, is:

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 24 July 2019 – GUEST POST and GIVEAWAY – CREATING AN ACTIVE AND SUCCESSFUL BLOG – KRISTENA MEARS

Hashtags and labels still trip me up! LOL At the end of each of my posts, I list the labels for that post. I need to use hashtags more, too!

 

Blog Tutorials and Tools

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I’m not sure when I discovered a YouTube tutorial on WordPress. But it sure boosted my posts from the earlier skimpy little posts to what I have now. Search for tutorials for the Provider you choose to learn about the features available to you. This was one of the “thrown in the deep end” things that I was utterly clueless about in the early days. There are other tutorials I want to watch, other tools I want to learn about to make my blog stronger and better.

 

Now, go forth and blog! Then come back and tell me about it!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

[image error]“I’ve always had voices—er, stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!”

 

Ms. Mason has been writing since 1995.  She lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; she didn’t want to be who she was and struggled with her own identity for many years.  Her characters face many of these same demons. They encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I really?”

For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, Mason’s stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. “I know, I write from experience.”

 

Ms. Mason is a Christian and writes from a Christian world view, but some of her characters are not believers and therefore do not abide by the Bible and the guidelines for life that we take for granted. Her books contain some mild swear language in a few places—and demonstrate the difference when the grace of God prevails.

 

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Author.Robin.E.Mason/

http://www.amazon.com/Robin-E.-Mason/e/B00MR5IQ9S

https://twitter.com/amythyst212

http://www.pinterest.com/amythyst212/

https://www.instagram.com/robinemason212/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-e-mason-a323b142/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7808042.Robin_E_Mason

 

GIVEAWAY

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Robin is offering an e-copy of one of her books, winner’s choice.

Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway will begin at 12:oo A.M. on Wednesday 24 July and end at 12:oo A.M  on Wednesday 31 July. Giveaway is subject to the policies found on Robin’s Nest.

 

RAFFLECOPTER
ENTER HERE

 

 

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#Blogwords, Guest Post and Giveaway, Creating an Active and Successful Blog, Kristena Mears, Robin’s Nest

 

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 23 July 2019 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY – CLEAR CONFUSION by KATHY M. HOWARD

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 23 July 2019 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY – CLEAR CONFUSION by KATHY M. HOWARD
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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY – CLEAR CONFUSION by KATHY M. HOWARD

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Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour (and Giveaway!) for Clear Confusion by Kathy M. Howard, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

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Title: Clear Confusion

Author:Kathy M. Howard

Publisher: Ambassador International

Release Date:July 1, 2019

Genre: Inspirational Suspense/Thriller

THE BLURB

What am I going to do, God? Who am I?

Charlotte Hallaway needs to come to terms with her father’s death. He had been her only family, and she wasn’t handling her grief well. It was just supposed to be a few weeks of peace and quiet to process it all, but then she saw them-a drug deal and a murder within seconds of each other.

And they saw her.

Now running for her life, Charlotte boards a bus to escape her pursuers and wakes up the next morning in the woods of Jennings, Georgia, without a memory of how she got there or of who she is. All she knows is an underlying fear she can’t seem to shake.

When two hunters find her battered and scared, can she put aside the clear confusion she’s experiencing to trust them? She wants to trust them, especially Nicholas, but fear is holding her back. Trust is incredibly hard when one is so clearly confused. Could it be he and his friend are not who they claim to be?

Who are they really . . . and who is she?

 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Christianbook

 

THE AUTHOR

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Kathy M. Howard resides in south Georgia with her husband and two children. She has been involved in some form of education since 1998 as an elementary school teacher, a private school principal, and presently as a homeschooling mom. As a child, she despised reading, dreading every assignment the subject gave. As an adult, Kathy finally learned to appreciate the written word, so much so that she is rarely seen without her nose in a book.

She loves the Lord and wants to share Jesus where she can, using words written and spoken. By God’s goodness and with the support and love of her family, she has written two novels, From Dishes to Snow (October, 2014), and its sequel, From Driftwood to Sapphire (August, 2015).

 

CONNECT WITH KATHY:  Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

 

MY REVIEW

Oh the twists in this story! The opening jerked this reader right into the story—and held me fast, the tension flipping page after page.

The way Ms. Howard introduced Charlotte’s amnesia shrouded the reader in confusion and darkness—exactly what Charlotte was feeling. And the fear that held her memory hostage was palpable.

The shards of her memory that surfaced came in flashes and slivers. With no other real options, Charlotte had no choice but to trust those who were caring for her. And with that trust, came a bond and friendship.

The Gospel woven neatly into the fabric of the story, giving an added depth and dimension to the connections Charlotte was feeling, and helped restore her memory.

As the men she had witnessed making their transaction closed in on her, this reviewer couldn’t read it fast enough.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

[image error]ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

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(1) winner will receive a print copy (US only)

plus (1) additional winner will receive an ebook

Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 23, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 30, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Print US only. Ebook available internationally.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review and Giveaway, Clear Confusion, Kathy M. Howard

BLOGWORDS – Monday 22 July 2019 – NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – ELIZABETH MADDREY – GIVEAWAY WINNER

BLOGWORDS – Monday 22 July 2019 – NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – ELIZABETH MADDREY – GIVEAWAY WINNER
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NEW WEEK NEW FACE – GUEST POST – ELIZABETH MADDREY – GIVEAWAY WINNER

 

 

WINNER! WINNER!

 

Congratulations to

TRACY URSCHLER

Elizabeth will be in touch with you to send your gift!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

[image error] Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.

 

http://www.ElizabethMaddrey.com

http://www.Facebook.com/ElizabethMaddrey

http://www.instagram.com/ElizabethMaddrey

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-maddrey

https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Maddrey/e/B00A11QGME/

 

 

GIVEAWAY

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One winner will win their choice of one of Elizabeth’s e-books.

 

 

#Blogwords, New Week New Face, Guest Post, Elizabeth Maddrey, Giveaway Winner, #WINNER

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 20 July 2019 – CHAT THURSDAY – MANLY MAN BLITZ AUTHOR MINI-INTERVIEW – WARREN JOHNSON

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 20 July 2019 – CHAT THURSDAY – MANLY MAN BLITZ AUTHOR MINI-INTERVIEW – WARREN JOHNSON
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CHAT THURSDAY – MANLY MAN BLITZ AUTHOR INTERVIEW – WARREN JOHNSON

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Please join me in giving a feathered welcome to Warren Johnson.

FAST FAVES

Cookout—chicken or brats:  chicken

Beer in a bottle or a can: can

Dogs or Cats: both

Eggs and Pancakes: both 

Fishing or hunting: Fish don’t know who I am. I can hunt, small game in particular; recurve archery is fun

Vacation: mountains or beach: beach

 

rem:  Hullo Warren, and welcome to my little nest. Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?

WARREN:  Born in the western Finger Lakes area of NY, south of Rochester, Steuben County where the Corning Glass center makes Steuben Crystal. At age of four left town with my parents as dad went to work for construction companies as an operating engineer (crane operator). Six years on the road and we moved three times one year and the longest in one place was one and a half years. Graduated NYS Regents high school diploma and went to the NYS Forest Ranger School in Wanakena, NY. Navy Vet. Most of my early years’ income came from surveying and I also became an Emergency Medical Technician (Nationally Registered in 1974), EMT Instructor by 1977, Paramedic by 1978. Went on to work in land investment as an acquisition agent and manager for a company, then moved to manufacturing healthcare training aids like CPR manikins and full body simulators. I worked with a bunch of dummies there… Retired after sixteen years of that. Now live in South Carolina where my two daughters live with their families. My son lives in Melbourne, Fl. I’ve lived in NY, IN, KY, TN, now SC.

rem:  And I know one of your delightful daughters!  Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?

WARREN:  I have a side business called Haversack History where I discuss early US history. II Chronicles 7:14—if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land—is an important message for Christians to know and act on in this day and age.

rem:  We surely need that now more than ever! What is your favourite quotation and why?

WARREN:  If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft, and two loaves alone to you are left; sell one, and with the dole, buy hyacinths to feed your soul. Especially in today’s mixed up world, we need to get off the push to have material things, even a meal or two, in order to get back to the purpose God made us for; worshipping Him. I need to do more of it, and this little poem draws me to it.

rem:  I’ve never heard that quote before, but what a simple and powerful message.  What’s the most random thing in your car or on your desk?

WARREN:  Me, or the trash I tuck into the car door slot until I empty it…

rem:  LOL Wait, isn’t that what the door slot is for… What do you munch on while you write?

WARREN:  Nothing. Sometimes a decaf coffee (caffeine medically prohibited), but I hate cold coffee and it gets that way before I finish it when I write.

 

rem:  Meh, I can drink my coffee (cinnamon hazelnut) no matter the temperature. What do you think is significant about Christian fiction?  How has being an author impacted your relationship with Christ?

WARREN:  The old saying goes something like, “You may be the only Bible a person sees.” (rem: YESSS!!!)  So goes our writing. I’m on the edge of submitting a book proposal for devotions. My editor has it for tweaking and off it will go. The devotions I write must reflect Jesus. The only way for that to happen is to get closer to Him so I know what He wants me to do.

rem:  Oh yes! Whenever we draw closer to Him, He is reflected in us, in whatever we do.  When reading, what makes or breaks a story for you? Your fiction pet peeve?

WARREN:  I started reading Christian fiction when all that was on the market was Historical Romance by Gilbert Morris, in particular, the series on the Hawaiian shipping family. Almost all my secular fiction reading is done with authors like Tom Clancy, W.E.B. Griffith, and the like. Because of my association with DiAnn Mills and Lynette Eason, (rem: love those ladies! Amazing authors, both of them.) I read theirs, too, along with a few other Christian writers. I most often read for recreation rather than some larger picture thing, so if I can get past the first six chapters, I’ll likely finish it. If I don’t get past those because of poor writing or lack of action, that would break it. My pet peeve is mundane descriptions. If you tell me the scene is in Cairo, Egypt, I’ll skip over the three paragraphs trying to tell me about the sand and palm trees.

rem:  You are so right. Good description puts the reader right IN the scene, even to forgetting they’re reading and not actually there. What are you reading now?

WARREN:  The 2nd Amendment Primer by Les Adams.

 

rem:  A little light reading, I see… Tell us a little about your latest book? What is your current project?

WARREN:  I mentioned the devotion book. I’m also working on a series called the Pheromone Chronicles, although I think the whole chronicles thing is overused. I must think of another context for the three-book-wip. Book 1 is The Affair, book 2 is the Affect, and book 3 is the Affirmation. Book one: If she survives the assassins, Audrey must determine if a WWII pheromone still exists, and if so, to stop its production, or all Israel will die. Book 2: The only way Jenna can stop the Patron’s thirst for world domination is to trust the woman she’s been hired to kill. Book three is about one third done and I don’t have the hook set yet.

rem:  Well, I’m certainly intrigued! Tell us about why you wrote this book. Why should we read it?

WARREN:  It’s a long story, but the short version is a friend told me about a movie he was going to make then said, “We’ll never make the movie. Somebody ought to write the book.” The construction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem sets the era. What I found as it developed reflects the growth of Jenna beyond what I intended for Audrey’s story. It’s an action/intrigue novel with Biblical implications.

rem:  My favorite kind. Please give us the first page of the book.

WARREN:

CHAPTER ONE

Jenna Tomaras jerked the transmission of the black, luxury Citroen down a gear, raced the engine, and never thought about the screech the tires made in downtown Moscow. The police sirens filled her ears. She hit the clutch and slammed the shift lever into high gear. Jenna revved the engine at full power. Two dozen kilometers later, the taillights of a similar car disappeared around a curve. “Good timing, Jenna,” she said. She cranked the wheel and cut into the drive of her rented country home. The barn entrance stood open, and the car slid to a stop on the hay residue inside. She jumped out and tugged, first one, then the other of the large gate-like doors. The last banged shut as the sirens’ noise broke out of the distant woods. 

Jenna twisted around and braced her back against the door. Her feet splayed when she slipped on the hay chaff-covered floor. She closed her eyes and tilted her head against the door. The panic in her stomach rose to her throat. Her chest heaved, calling for more air. She fought the urge to crack the door as she sucked air into her lungs to control the intensity of the attack. She lifted her wrist and squinted at her watch. It showed 3:10. Three minutes passed before her panic eased enough for her to focus on the outside noises.

Convinced the police followed a false trail, she strode into the house to pack. If she waited any longer, prison in Russia became a real possibility.     

Three Months Later

The early spring warmth added to the heat in her French apartment, even at five in the morning. Her headband kept most of the moisture out of Jenna’s eyes, but the heavy, sweat-laden, curly black hair clung to her shoulders. She grunted again from the exertion of double stair stepping. Any other day she would ease up. Not today.

rem:  Well that is certainly an intense opening! What is one take-away from your book(s) that you hope readers identify with?

WARREN:  Audrey’s Christian contentment and peace changes the heart of an assassin. Our faith should be so strong!

rem:  If I wasn’t sure before (I was) then I’d definitely have to read it now. Anything you’d like to add?

WARREN:  Listen to what God’s saying to you and act on it. I waited too long before believing my writing had value. It may not have been good writing, but that’s why action is required.

rem:  Ah, yes, that leap of faith. The step out of the boat. Methinks we all dally, but oh! when we take that step what marvelous things do behold. Warren, thank you so much for chatting with us at my little nest today!

 

https://www.facebook.com/warren.a.johnson.3

https://warrenajohnson.blogspot.com/

 

 

#Blogwords, Chat Thursday, Manly Man Blitz Author Mini-Interview, Warren Johnson

 

BLOGWORDS – Friday 19 July 2019 – WREADING WEDNESDAY-on-FRIDAY – FEATURED BOOK– MOSAIC COLLECTION – REGINA RUDD MERRIC

BLOGWORDS – Friday 19 July 2019 – WREADING WEDNESDAY-on-FRIDAY – FEATURED BOOK– MOSAIC COLLECTION – REGINA RUDD MERRIC
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WREADING WEDNESDAY-on-FRIDAY – FEATURED BOOK – MOSAIC COLLECTION – REGINA RUDD MERRICK

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Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory…

The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ’s finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

…and our good

We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God’s grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

 

 

THE AUTHOR

[image error]Regina Rudd Merrick is a writer, church musician, wife, mother, former librarian, and grateful follower of Jesus Christ. Having lived most of her life in Western Kentucky, she dreams of the sound of crashing waves and sandy beaches. Married to her husband of 35+ years, she is the mother of two grown daughters, and the keeper of a 100-year-old house where she lives in the small town of Marion, KY. She is the author of three books: Carolina Dream (Apr. 2017), Carolina Mercy (July 2018), and Carolina Grace (February 2019) in the Southern Breeze Series.

 

 

CONNECT WITH REGINA: Website | Facebook | | Twitter | Pinterest

 

 

 

Cornerstone message from the collection: 

Trust God and do the next right thing.

I want my readers to know that they are not alone, and that what they’re going through is not unique to them. Life isn’t a series of obstacles to overcome, but a series of events that point us to Jesus, who loves us more than we can imagine.

 

FUN FACTS

Favorite place to read: In my bed – okay to be honest, on a balcony overlooking the beach, but reality . . .

Favorite book character from childhood: Laura Ingalls Wilder – I know, she was a real person, but she made me want to be a pioneer so badly!!

Favorite movie: Tough one. I have several: You’ve Got Mail, Sahara, How the West was Won, Notorious, Star Wars. How’s that for variety?

Favorite quote or Bible verse: Psalm 37:4. “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Favorite splurge/treat: Anything with hot fudge on it.

BLOGWORDS – Thursday 18 July 2019 – CHAT THURSDAY – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – HARRY WEGLEY – GIVEAWAY WINNER

BLOGWORDS – Thursday 18 July 2019 – CHAT THURSDAY – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – HARRY WEGLEY – GIVEAWAY WINNER
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CHAT THURSDAY – AUTHOR INTERVIEW – HARRY WEGLEY – GIVEAWAY WINNER

“A climate of suspense and a forecast of stormy weather.”

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“I grew up in one America and I’m growing old in another. Nevertheless, these are my times—our times, the times God has appointed us to. In a very real sense, we were born for a time such as this. Neither nostalgic reflection on the past nor fearful focusing on the future are productive.”

 

WINNER! WINNER!

 

Congratulations to

TRACY URSCHLER

Harry will be in touch with you to send your gift!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

L. Wegley served as an Air Force Intelligence Analyst and a Weather Officer. In civilian life, he worked as a research scientist at a national lab, publishing in the scientific literature, then developed Boeing computing systems for twenty years before he and his wife retired near Seattle where they enjoy grandchildren, the rugged coast in the Olympic National Park and where he crafts his stories. He is an award-winning author of inspirational thrillers and high-action, romantic-suspense novels.

 

https://www.hlwegley.com       

https://www.amazon.com/H.-L.-Wegley/e/B00B1XMR56      

https://twitter.com/hlwegley       

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4460203.H_L_Wegley     

https://www.facebook.com/HLWegley      

https://www.facebook.com/harry.wegley.1   

 

 

“Ours is not a time for retreating, cloistering, or just holding down the fort. It’s a time to risk making our voices heard when it may not be safe to do so. But isn’t that what the prophets of God did in olden times? Some were mistreated, but we look back at what they did and call them people of honor. Isn’t that who we want to be?”

GIVEAWAY

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Harry is offering an e-copy of Slanted, or a paperback copy to a US reader.

“… but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15

 

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#Blogwords, Chat Thursday, Author Interview, Harry Wegley, Giveaway Winner, #WINNER

BLOGWORDS – Thursday 18 July 2019 – CHAT THURSDAY – MANLY MAN BLITZ AUTHOR INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY – DAVID CORBETT

BLOGWORDS – Thursday 18 July 2019 – CHAT THURSDAY – MANLY MAN BLITZ AUTHOR INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY – DAVID CORBETT
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CHAT THURSDAY – MANLY MAN BLITZ AUTHOR INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY – DAVID CORBETT

“ What can you learn from a murderer? How one moment of your life can change it for the worst forever. How some mistakes can’t be corrected.”

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“ What I discover as I’m writing a given scene or chapter is that the first couple of drafts only descend so far into the emotional, dramatic, and experiential truth of the situation. I sometimes describe the process as working out a preliminary sketch then gradually, slowly, layering on the color.”

 

Please join me in giving a feathered welcome to David Corbett.

FAST FAVES

Beer in a bottle or a can: nitro can, preferably British ale

Dogs or Cats: Dogs (I have a Wheaten terrier named Hanley and we’re looking to add a pup in the coming weeks)

Eggs or Pancakes: I like the occasional pancake or waffle, but eggs are a staple (soft boiled with toast)

Fishing or hunting: Fishing, though my fishing buddy just passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly, and I’m a bit lost (rem: so sorry for your loss)

Vacation—mountains or beach: We just returned from 2 ½ weeks in Ireland, and I’d go back in a heartbeat, so—oceanside mountains?

 

rem:  Hullo, David, and welcome to my little nest. Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?

DAVID:  I grew up in Columbus, Ohio, parochial education through high school, Ohio State for college (B.Sc. in mathematics), came out west to Berkeley for grad school then dropped out to escape the ivory tower, looking to “get my nose bloodied and my heart broken.” I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area ever since.

rem:  That’s some kind of switch up from math to words! #winkwink  Tell us three random things about yourself no one knows.

DAVID:  I played football in high school until my mouthing off became an issue with the coach (the weasel). I played guitar in a traveling bar band in the Midwest and in several folk duos during college. And in second grade I was called “an evil boy” by Sr. Alphonsa for signing my own report card (I had straight A’s, btw).

rem:  Them’s some fun factoids! Do you have a favorite Bible verse? And why is it a favorite?

DAVID:  John 8, especially the often quoted line: “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (Though modern scholarship has indicated that the earliest known version of the Gospel of John did not contain this passage, I still find it compelling, because quickness to judgment very seldom arises from just intensions.)

 

rem:  Seems this verse is conveniently overlooked in our culture today. Calling out sin is one thing (also Scriptural) but condemning someone for it is not Scriptural at all! What is your favourite quotation and why?

DAVID:  Ecclesiastes 7:9 “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” (I was raised in a family where the unspoken rule was: “The angriest person wins.” It has taken me a very long time to learn to check my anger and instead seek patience and understanding.

rem:  There’s also the adage (verse) about a soft answer turns away wrath. Remarkable feat, overcoming a heritage of anger. Methinks your life is not only happier but much more productive for it. What’s the most random thing in your car or on your desk?

DAVID:  I don’t know that it’s random, it was a gift from my wife, but I have a pen with the head of a toucan within easy reach.

rem:  Mary Poppins’ talking umbrella comes to mind—I recently watched the remake. (thoroughly enjoyed it, I might add)  If you could spend an evening with a fictional character, who would it be and why?

DAVID:  I’d like to meet Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird and see who she became when she grew up. It’s one thing to be the child of Atticus Finch. It’s quite another to have to live up to his example as an adult.

 

rem:  That is too uncanny! Last week Harry Wegley answered this same question with Atticus Finch.  When reading, what makes or breaks a story for you? Your fiction pet peeve?

DAVID:  Poor prose, faulty logic, or authorial self-absorption.

rem:  “Authorial self-absorption.” Gee, that sounds rather pompous! The author, not you, and yes, I agree, makes for rather “rolling my eyes” reading. What are you reading right now?

DAVID:  Joseph O’Connor’s Star of the Sea about a group of Irish emigrants sailing to America in 1847 at the height of the famine.

rem:  Sounds intriguin’ it does. Methinks I shall hav’ta read it for meself.  What do you munch on while you write?

DAVID:  I have a cup of coffee almost always at hand, though I try not to munch it.

 

rem:  I dunno, coffee brownies or coffee shortbread cookies are quite tasty and quite munchable.  You were a private investigator in a past life. What was the most fascinating case you worked?

DAVID:  The People’s Temple trail. I became quite close with several Temple survivors, and witnessed their having to come to grips with being part of something they had thought would be so altruistic, just, and transformative, only to become a living hell.

rem:  HOLY OY!!! I remember that. I can well imagine the trauma suffered by the members—mind control and behavior modification—had to be a difficult road to recovery. How does your P.I. mind play upon your writing?

DAVID:  Keep questioning. Appearances far more often give way only to more appearances than the truth. The truth often takes a lot of patient, honest inquiry to discern, because the things that deceive seem to beguiling and convincing.

rem:  Such a profound truth, David, in far more than doing an investigation. You also have several non-fiction books on the craft of writing. What prompted the switch?

DAVID:  I began teaching and it was a natural transition to write books on the subject matter I’d developed in my courses.

rem:  Makes perfect sense. You teach a class on writing at the California Men’s Facility (CMF) in Vacaville, California. How did that come about?

DAVID:  Kent Zimmerman and his twin brother Keith had been teaching at San Quentin for nearly a decade when they decided to seek a grant to teach in more facilities. The grant was awarded just as Keith’s wife insisted on returning to Scotland to live, so Kent needed a sidekick to help him at the various new locations. Vacaville isn’t far from my home, so I agreed to join him. It’s been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. (For more on that, see my blog post for Writer Unboxed, “What Teaching in Prison is Teaching Me.”

rem:  I did read that post, and it inspired me.  What is your most meaningful moment from this experience?

DAVID:  One of the students is in for 25-to-life for having killed the man who was using him for sex when he was a meth-addicted teenager desperate for money to buy drugs. The story of the day he committed the murder, and his own reaction as he read it out loud—at that point he had spent 30 years inside prison—was profoundly moving. If someone ever tells you people don’t change, they don’t know what they’re talking about.

rem:  What a deeply profound story. And what an honor for you to be a part of that. David, thank you so much for visiting my little nest today.

 

 

http://www.davidcorbett.com/

https://www.amazon.com/David-Corbett/e/B001HD3GQY?

https://writerunboxed.com/

https://www.facebook.com/David-Corbett-157804457579661/

https://twitter.com/DavidCorbett_CA

https://www.instagram.com/davidroguedogcorbett/

 

 

“ Those of us who have made major changes in our lives can most likely point to a moment when death or mortality made an indelible, inescapable impression on how we thought about ourselves and our lives. Basically, we found ourselves saying, “I can’t do this anymore. I don’t want to be this person anymore… whether you rise up or give up, it’s your choice.”

 

GIVEAWAY

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David is offering a print copy of The Long-Lost Love Letters of Doc Holliday to three winners. U.S. addresses only.

Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway will begin at 12:oo A.M. on Thursday 18 July and end at 12:oo A.M  on Thursday 25 July. Giveaway is subject to the policies found on Robin’s Nest.

RAFFLECOPTER
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b485f64b36/?

…what makes a journey truly memorable is defined largely if not entirely by what happens that wasn’t or couldn’t be planned.

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#Blogwords, Chat Thursday, Manly Man Blitz Author Interview and Giveaway, David Corbett

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 17 July 2019 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK– MOSAIC COLLECTION – JANICE L. DICK

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 17 July 2019 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK– MOSAIC COLLECTION – JANICE L. DICK
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WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK – MOSAIC COLLECTION – JANICE L. DICK

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Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Mosaic Collection, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE COLLECTION

For His glory…

The Mosaic Collection is an international community of women authors who use faith-based fiction to touch hearts with the good news that Christ’s finished work on the cross has made us one family, and to nurture affection for the people God has placed within our circles of influence, so that the grace and glory of God may become visible and personal to everyone we meet.

…and our good

We are sisters, a beautiful mosaic united by the love of God through the blood of Christ. We have experienced the redemptive, restorative power of God’s grace in our marriages and families, and we believe our God is able to heal, restore and redeem our brokenness. His love fills us with the courage to persevere, and to offer others a Christ-like compassion that is full of His wisdom and grace.

Visit the Mosaic Collection Website to stay posted on each new release & follow the collection blog for meaningful posts from the authors!

 

 

THE AUTHOR

[image error]Janice L. Dick was born and raised in southern Alberta, Canada, into an ethnic Mennonite farm family. She has always loved stories of family heritage and the emigration of her people from Russia. Her aim is not only to share the faith journeys of her forebears, but also to showcase God’s sovereignty in the midst of that milieu. Besides historical fiction, Janice writes contemporary novels and short stories, blogs, articles and book reviews. Janice is the winner of the 2016 Janette Oke Award.

 

 

CONNECT WITH JANICE: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

 

 

 

Cornerstone message from the collection: 

I believe that God is faithful through all things, even when it doesn’t look that way. He does what he does, and is not accountable to anyone, but his love and mercy hold us up.

 

FUN FACTS

Favorite place to read: On the couch, with the fireplace going, if it’s chilly.

Favorite book characters from childhood: Nancy Drew, Jo from Little Women

Favorite movies: Ever After, Indiana Jones…, National Treasure, Pride & Prejudice

Favorite quote or Bible verse: Psalm16:5-6 “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”

Favorite splurge/treat: Anything dark chocolate.

Favorite character you’ve created:  Debbie Doram McCormick (The Christmas Sweater)

Last 3 great books you read: Wings of the Wind – Connilyn Cossette, A Trick of the Light – Louise Penny, anything by Chris Fabry, also love Sara Rosett.

Dream vacation: Driving with my hubby wherever the road leads, for weeks!

Hidden talent/little-known fact: Used to ride a Goldwing (as a passenger).

Plotter or pantser: Plotter; I love lists and charts.

In no particular order, ten of your favorite things (i.e. hot cocoa, a warm breeze, the sound of my kids’ laughter, etc.) : My hubby, my kids, my grandkids, books, did I mention dark chocolate, low-maintenance friends, lol humor, freedom in Christ, green grass and trees, my home.

 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

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(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card & an ebook prize pack*!

Winner will receive an ebook of:

Where She Belongs
Pieces of Granite
Lifelines
Christmas on a Mission
Vigilant
Other Side of the River
The Third Grace
Carolina Grace
The Benefit Package (a devotional)
Dance of Grace
When Love Calls

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 10, 2019 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 24, 2019. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Open internationally, but international winner will receive a gift card only *(may be substituted for a Book Depository gift card if winner cannot accept from US Amazon)

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2b09c62e500/?

 

See tour landing page for a complete list of authors & book release dates.

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

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*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

 

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Mosaic Collection, Janice L. Dick

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 16 July 2019 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – AMELIA’S LEGACY by BETTY THOMASON OWENS

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 16 July 2019 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – AMELIA’S LEGACY by BETTY THOMASON OWENS

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TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – AMELIA’S LEGACY by BETTY THOMASON OWENS

                                                                            

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THE BLURB

It’s the Roaring Twenties and anything goes …

Orphaned and living with her grandmother since the age of six, Nancy Sanderson desires only her freedom from her strict grandmother, Amelia Woods Sanderson, who divides her time between Nancy and a successful career. Her grandmother’s plans include a wealthy, smart, and well-connected young lawyer named Robert Emerson, who bores Nancy.

Instead, Nancy seeks the company of the wild-hearted Nate Conners. When her rebellion turns deadly and her dalliance with Nate leaves her in trouble, Nancy turns to Robert, who promises to protect her. But Robert has underestimated Nate’s thirst for revenge.

As hidden truths become known, can Nancy find the strength to forgive herself and gain true and lasting freedom?

 

THE AUTHOR

[image error]Betty Thomason Owens has been writing for thirty years. She’s a multi-published, award-winning author of historical fiction, and fantasy-adventure. An active member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she leads a critique group, and serves as president of the Louisville area group. She’s a mentor, assisting other writers, and co-founder of the Inspired Prompt blog. She also serves on the planning committee of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference.

Her friends say she’s creative, loyal, thoughtful and funny. She’s a storyteller, a word-weaver, writing stories that touch the heart. “If I was an artist working with oils, I’d want to paint scenes so real, you’d think you were looking at a photograph. They’d include minute details that grab your attention and pull you into the picture. My characters could be your next-door neighbors. They’re open and friendly. They include you in their conversations.”

Her themes include the grace of God, forgiveness, restoration, and redemption, but most of all, love. For years, her tagline has been: Love is the Legacy. That’s her greatest desire, to leave a legacy of love.

You’ll find her here: Facebook author page, Twitter, GoodReads, Pinterest, Instagram, Amazon Author Page. And she posts weekly on her blog, Hello, Thursday Morning, found at https://bettythomasonowens.com/

 

 

MY REVIEW

Oh, how the flighty whims of youth scorn the wisdom of the elderly.

Nancy Sanderson’s grandmother was old school, and strict. Raising Nancy, she expected her granddaughter to abide by her rules. Many of which were terribly outdated and old fashioned. Or so Nancy believed.

This story took hold of this reader and didn’t let go. Blind to his unsavory nature, Nancy insists on sneaking around with Nate Conners. Equally blind to Robert Emerson’s kind and gallant nature, Nancy spurns his attention, and resents her grandmother’s trust in him. What began as innocent fun—to Nancy’s thinking—escalated to dangerous proportions, and Nancy realized it too late.

Ms. Owens’ story evokes the era, with details and characters that make the story vibrant and authentic. Life lessons, both for Nancy and the reader, are woven into the fabric of the story. Truth and love are evident, after all, as Nancy realizes the wisdom of her grandmother’s ways. Her legacy to her.

 

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

 

I purchased this book, and offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my own honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

 

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Amelia’s Legacy, Betty Owens Thomason Owens