Julie Arduini's Blog, page 47

Fiction Finder: December New Releases

December 2019 New Releases

More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website.

Contemporary Romance:

Stranded for the Holidays by Lisa Carter — Running away led her right where she belonged. A new mom for Christmas? She’s everything they’ve wished for. Runaway bride AnnaBeth Cummings needs shelter for the holidays when a blizzard leaves her stranded, and rancher Jonas Stone’s happy to help. But his son’s been wishing for a mommy for Christmas, and town matchmakers are convinced Annabeth and Jonas are perfect for each other. As the storm clears, city girl AnnaBeth will have to decide: does her heart now belong in the country? (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson — After a knockout first date where Cassie Everson and Jett Bentley claim to not want kids, both come home to find three children dropped in their laps. . . each. While struggling to keep their heads above the parental waters, and without wanting to break up their relationship, they decide to do the mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong? (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Home for Christmas by Candee Fick — After an embarrassing failure, a prodigal retreats to a secluded cabin in backwoods Missouri where he encounters an intriguing young woman and an old guitar. When the message in the music touches his heart, will he make it home in time for Christmas? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Getting Out of the Comfort Zone: Ayanna by Barbara James — While interning as a hospital chaplain, a young military officer falls for an EMT who is an antiwar activist. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Children’s:

Battle In The Valley by Susanne Blumer — The church bell tower transports Chip, Caroline and Billy back thousands of years to an ancient battlefield. There they meet a young shepherd destined to be king and a giant warrior bent on his destruction. Will the children survive the upcoming fight and make it back to Palmetto Island in one piece? (Middle-grade from Sutton Avenue Press)

Historical:

Hope Unchained by Carol Ashby — When a former legionary and a gladiator are hired to escort a young woman on her quest to rescue her brother and sister from slavery, more chains are broken by forgiveness and love than any of them thought possible. (Historical from Cerrillo Press)

Historical Romance:

The Major’s Daughter by Regina Jennings — In a western land run, an adventurous socialite stakes a claim on an orphaned outlaw’s chosen land, so he decides to stake a claim on her heart. (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker])

Sew In Love by Debby Lee, Jacquolyn McMurray, Darlene Panzera, and Kimberley Woodhouse — When four women put needle and thread to fabric, will their sewing lead to love? In Hearts Sewn with Love, during the California gold rush, a beautiful seamstress finds her heart torn between the men who want to marry her and the one fortune hunter who won’t. In Woven Hearts, a shirtwaist factory fire survivor struggles to provide for her family despite the disastrous misguided intentions of the handsome union organizer who tries to help. In A Language of Love, a milliner with thick Irish accent and a renowned baseball player with speech impediment meet at the office of a language teacher. But the issues with their backgrounds that first brought them together will also drive them apart. In Tailored Sweethearts, a parachute seamstress struggles with her faith in desperate circumstances. A fighter pilot teaches her to hope in her darkest hours. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

The Rebel Bride by Shannon McNear — During the clash between Union and Confederacy, quiet Tennessean Pearl MacFarlane is compelled to nurse both Rebel and Yankee wounded who seek refuge at her family’s farm. She is determined to remain unmoved by the Yankee cause—until she faces the silent struggle of Union soldier Joshua Wheeler, a recent amputee. The MacFarlane family fits no stereotype Joshua believed in; still he is desperate to regain his footing—as a soldier, as a man, as a Christian—in the aftermath of his debilitating injury. He will use his time behind enemy lines to gather useful intelligence for the Union—if the courageous Rebel woman will stay out of the line of danger. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)

Romantic Suspense:

Silent Night Suspect by Sharee Stover — Suspected of a crime she knows she didn’t commit… All she wants for Christmas is to remember. Blood on her blouse. A gun in her hand. A cartel leader’s dead body in front of her. Widow Asia Stratton can’t remember what happened—just that she’s been framed. The only way to prove her innocence is to work with her ex-sweetheart, Nebraska state trooper Slade Jackson. But can they clear her name before this Christmas turns even deadlier? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])

Speculative:

Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig — After a catastrophic explosion, Kersei Dragoumis awakens in a derelict shuttle, alone, injured, and ignorant of the forbidden technology that has swept her into a nightmare. The brand she’s borne since childhood burns mysteriously, but the pain is nothing to that when she learns her family is dead and she is accused of their murders. Across the quadrants, Marco Dusan responds to the call of a holy order-not to join them, but to seek a bounty. Gifted-or cursed-with abilities that mark him a Kynigos, a tracker sworn to bring interplanetary fugitives to justice, Marco discovers this particular bounty has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with prophecy. One that involves the hunter as much as the hunted. (Speculative from Enclave Publishing)

Thriller/Suspense:

Laynie Portland, Renegade Spy by Vikki Kestell — Laynie must fight to earn her place on the task force—even as unfolding events expose a looming danger. Wolfe’s task force has a leak . . . one that threatens them all. (Suspense, Independently Published)

 

 

Plus check out these recent additions to Fiction Finder published within the past month:

Promise for Tomorrow by Michelle De Bruin, Historical Romance

Call to Love by Mary A. Felkins, Contemporary Romance

Joy’s Song by Ruth Kyser, Contemporary Romance

Hope Between Us by Christy LaShea, Contemporary Romance

The Trouble in Willow Falls by Pat Nichols, Contemporary

Off the Ground by Catherine Richmond, Historical Romance

Crinoline Cowboys by Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Marilyn Turk, Kathleen Y’Barbo, Historical Romance

A High-Country Christmas by Davalynn Spencer, Historical Romance

The Christmas Gazebo by Marilyn Turk, Lenora Worth, Historical Romance

Julie Arduini Books & #foreverbeaustrong

When I moved to Ohio, I was completely broken. Sure, I put two feet in front of the other and kept things going, but the grief hanging over me from the season nearly did me in. In a short order of months our daughter nearly died, my husband’s job changed from salary to benefits to commission, no benefits, and my dad was diagnosed and then months later, passed away from lung cancer. When my husband was offered a new job, it was 300 miles away from everyone and everything I had ever known.

MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, was my lifeline. I started attending in Upstate NY, and when I knew I was moving to Ohio, I wrote and let them know I did publicity and would be happy to help. Little did I know the help came from them. The day we moved there were meals. Flowers. Handels ice cream. Prayers and Prayers.

When the meetings started up that year, I was paired with a Mentor Mom, a woman a little ahead of the game who could sit with us, hold our newborns, and assure us we would survive the birth to kindergarten season. For me, that mentor mom poured so much encouragement and love into my life. She became a friend, and then, when I finally surrendered my fears and started writing as a ministry, she was and is my prayer warrior.

Well, that friend has an amazing family of her own, and I think one year I ended up being her daughter’s Mentor Mom. We also gave them a play yard our kids outgrew. They are a vibrant, dynamic young family.

That’s what made Beau’s cancer diagnosis so shocking. Burkitt’s lymphoma is rare, and yet Beau not only was diagnosed once, but just last October learned it is back and more widespread. He learned this six years to the day of being cancer free. Their third son is an extra miracle baby because he came after cancer treatment.

Julie Arduini

Beau not only has to go through multiple rounds of chemo, but a stem cell transplant.

Oh, and when he shared his diagnosis, he was let go of his job.

This month Julie Arduini book royalties will be given to support the Halcomb family. Those eligible include my inspy/clean romance Surrendering Time series featuring Entrusted, Entangled, and Engaged. I also have the Surrendering Stinkin’ Thinkin’ series I co-authored with the same daughter we nearly lost 15 years ago. Those books include You’re Beautiful and You’re Amazing. They’re perfect for tween/teen/young adult/ and women of all ages. I also have two stand-alone romances: Match Made in Heaven and Restoring Christmas.

Julie Arduini

If you’d rather give to the family directly, or perhaps purchase a shirt or other item to support them, no hard feelings. Just go to support.com/foreverbeaustrong. Of course, you can buy my books and donate to them directly. What a double blessing for them.

Can I be honest?

I’d love to tell you my royalties feed my family and that I have much to give elsewhere. There are months I’ve been able to give, and months when the statement was zero. I truly have no idea what my offering will be. I price my books with the reader in mind, not me. But I’d love, love, love to send them something that would bless. Thank you for considering, and for telling/sharing this. I’d love as many people as possible to be aware,

Thank you!

Laura V. Hilton: Amish Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Baked Oatmeal with Bananas and Walnuts

Amish Baked Oatmeal

This recipe was my Amish grandmother’s. She never measured, using a pinch of this and a pinch of that, so I played with it to get approximate measurements. It tastes like an oatmeal cookie. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the microwave and served with milk. This has to sit overnight, so plan accordingly. It is well worth the wait, however!

Laura V. Hilton, author, The amish Wedding promise

Six servings

1⁄3 cup butter2 large eggs3⁄4 cup brown sugar 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla 1 teaspoon nutmeg or 1 teaspoon cinnamon1⁄4 teaspoon salt1 cup milk2 tablespoons milk3 cups oatmeal (regular or quick)



Grease 1 1/2 quart baking dish and drop in eggs and beat well.Add brown sugar, baking powder, vanilla, nutmeg or cinnamon, and salt. Mix well, no lumps.Whisk in butter and both measures of milk, then add oats.Stir well, and refrigerate overnight.Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 35-45 min, or until set in the middle.Serve hot with warm milk poured over.

I like to sprinkle with fruit – usually bananas and walnuts – but other fruit works well too. 

The
Amish Wedding Promise  Book
1

A
line of severe thunderstorms moved through the region during the
overnight/early morning hours. Widespread straight-line wind damage resulted
across much of northern Indiana and southwest lower Michigan before the storms
weakened over northwest Ohio. Eleven tornadoes have been confirmed with
straight-line wind damage determined to be the cause in other locations across
northern Indiana and southwest lower Michigan.

Grace Lantz’s wedding was planned and everything was
ready when a series of strong storms whipped across Northern Indiana, taking
out trees and downing power-lines, dismantling barns and houses and leaving
chaos and destruction in its wake. With the Lantz’s barn gone and all hands
needed for cleanup, the wedding has to be postponed. Grace’s special sister,
Patience, isn’t living up to her name with all the havoc, and Grace isn’t sure
where to begin helping. Especially when Grace’s groom has disappeared. Does she
console her sister, deliver food to all the needy and the workers, look for her
missing groom, or grab a chainsaw and start removing trees from across roads,
driveways and homes so emergency crews can get in? Or maybe all of the above?

Amish and English respond from miles around, and
desperate to make a difference, Ezekiel Bontrager joins the volunteers from his
district and travels to Shipshewana to help with the worst of the damage. When
Zeke happens upon a disheveled Amish woman wielding a chainsaw, while a wailing
woman and a picnic basket of sandwiches wait in the nearby buggy, sparks fly.
When the chainsaw is safely turned off and put away, he learns she is trying to
distract her sister and find her groom. Zeke agrees to help.

As Zeke and Grace spend time working together, it seems as if a cold-footed groom took advantage of the commotion and bolted. By the time the world begins to resume some semblance of order, the groom is found. And Grace must decide if the wedding will go on.   

visit my blogs:  http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/    

twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton

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Purchase my books:

Amazon   http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q  

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Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with thirty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs. Her most recent series is set in Mackinac County, Michigan, and includes Firestorm, The Amish Candymaker, and Married to a Stranger (July 2019).

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Thankful to be an Author

Earlier this week I shared how I am thankful to be a wife and mom. It’s not easy, but with each year we’ve all matured, grown in Christ, and are enjoying being around each other.

Today I thought I would blog about how I’m thankful to be an author. Growing up words were everything. I talked a lot, I read even more, and it wasn’t long before I was writing. In middle school that was the small way I stood apart from the others in a good way, and what a blessing, because there was much bullies found wrong about me they felt separated me from their cliques.

By high school, I was writing a romance with new chapters written each night for school bus hand out the next day. My friends were characters and we were living out our small town version of The Outsiders. It was awful writing to be sure, but I felt the most alive when I was writing.

It took decades to transition from hobbyist to author. I didn’t have great English teachers, and grammar is a weakness. After college I was working and story ideas just weren’t there. Once I became a Christian, things changed. All I wanted to do was write.

But it wasn’t time. God took me through a lot of life lessons, article writing, a course, and volunteer publicity work before I had the courage to start blogging. Then some of those posts were published in gift books and anthologies. I took an old story and re wrote it. That story took several complete re writes before I pitched it. That little story became my first published work, Entrusted.

Today I have a complete series under my belt that starred with that book. I have my own publishing business, Surrendered Scribe Media. I’ve published Entrusted (re-release,) Entangled, Engaged, Match Made in Heaven, Restoring Christmas, You’re Beautiful and You’re Amazing. My infertility story was featured in A Walk in the Valley. All of this since around 2014.

I’m thankful because I know I’m not the best. I’m grateful because in 2012 I broke my right wrist and had complications with it. I can type. I have no issues in pursuing this passion. The writing, edits, revisions, formatting, cover work, and marketing take hundreds of hours. We rely on reviews and word of mouth to get our names and titles out. It is hard. Time consuming. Lonely.

Julie Arduini

But I love what I do. I love the networking, the readers, the growth not so much in the reader base but in me and the craft.

I don’t know your job or career, but I pray it gives you a smile and good feeling.

***

My latest work is .99 for Kindle for a limited time. Free Kindle Unlimited. 7.99 Print. Check it out!

Thankful as a Wife and Mom

For years I’ve used this blog to post 30 days of thankfulness during November. There were years others created posts they shared here, writing their blessings. This year I wasn’t feeling it. Not that I’m not thankful, but as I make my way back to the active schedule I was known for, putting it all together was a bit overwhelming to me.

I was also locked in for NaNoWriMo, with a less than ambitious goal of 50k, aiming for 20. Well, I’m at 4k. They are a great quality 4k, but I’m far from the goal.

So here we are, Thanksgiving week. I thought I’d take a few days and share the many roles I’ve got going on, as do you, and share why I’m thankful. I bet if you read along, you’ll smile and realize you’re grateful for these things as well.

As a wife, I’m thankful we’re at the 23 mark. For the most part, we get each other and although our home isn’t filled with chatter or conversation, the few words we say matter. Our wedding song was “When You Say Nothing at All” and it makes sense, because we’re comfortable with ourselves, and with each other. Some of my favorite moments are just sitting with him and watching the news. Do we have room to improve and grow? Absolutely. But the games and guessing of the early years are gone.

As a mom, I’m thankful for who they are in Christ, as people in the community, and that they are older. Instead of racing around making sure their basic needs are met, we can have experiences together. Deep conversations. Journeys. I was not a mom who thrived in pregnancy or the early years. They were tough because of hormonal imbalance. They are good kids I love being around and miss when they aren’t. I will never take that for granted!

I know a lot of parents who dread or hate the teen years. I feel bad, because for the most part, they have been amazing times with both kids. They help bring in the groceries. They do their laundry. I have help with the recyling, lawn, and so much more. But they are so much more than people to assign chores. I love talking with them. Binging shows. Playing board games.

If you have kids in the teen/young adult zone, don’t fear this stage, embrace it!

***

Speaking of being thankful as a parent, Carla is a single mom with a really blessed life. Until regret gets in the way. Check out Entangled!

Book Review: Be Loved by Emma Mae Jenkins

Emma Mae Jenkins, a young Christian writer, has inspired many with the freedom she has to be herself a dearly loved child of God. In her first book, Be Loved, she invites readers to join her on a journey of life-changing faith and the freedom that comes from knowing the love of God.

She chronicles her own high school journey through starting a new school, navigating the typical pressures of school work and sports, going to prom, and even homecoming. Emma Mae faced each new challenge with the confidence that God was with her and was going to make her uniquely useful in the place he had prepared for her.

For Emma Mae, it all starts with her relationship with Jesus Christ. Because she knows she is loved by him, she is free to be herself and to live out her faith no matter what the cost. As a young, passionate, and intimate lover of Jesus, Emma Mae’s love for her holy Savior overflows unashamedly into her unconditional, fierce love for people.

Readers will experience the chain-breaking liberty of knowing the Lord’s presence and the freedom to be unique. This full-color, hardback book includes pictures from Emma Mae’s life, along with key Bible verses that God used to strengthen and guide her through the ups and downs of her high school years as a young Christian. Readers will learn to face the challenges of their student years with religion, courage, hope, and lifegiving love for others.

I’ll admit right out I’m not the demographic for Be Loved. I’m almost 50 and can barely navigate YouTube let alone know who the brand celebrities are. Yet Be Loved was an inspiring book I thoroughly reading that I can’t wait to pass on to my teen daughter.

Be Loved is very visual, just perfect for teen girls. The format is like a diary with different fonts and arrows and beautiful, vibrant colors. More than that, Emma Mae Jenkins shares her story that teens can relate to. Fitting in. Image. Homecoming. The author is unapologetically Christian and she consistently shares the hope of Christ and Scripture throughout the book. It’s refreshing to see Bible verses as the first place she gots to and tells readers to, as well.

If you have a teen girl in your life, this is a must-have. With so much media out there full of toxic negativity and choices that are downright heartbreaking, this is relatable, beautiful, and exactly what this generation needs.

I received a copy of Be Loved from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated and all opinions are my own.

Product Review: Amber Vale Holiday Sampler + #Giveaway

Amber Vale Home Holiday Sampler

Amber Vale Home is a brand new home decor company focusing on hand-crafted items. Their flagship product is soy-coconut blended, wooden wick candles with a variety of unique scents such as Porch Chat (whiskey + leather).

The Holiday Sampler combines three 4oz candles: Tennessee Christmas (evergreen + deciduous), Gathering (orange + clove) and With Extra Whip (peppermint + hot chocolate). With a focus on natural, wholesome products, these candles are made with phthalate-free fragrances blended meticulously to nail down the scents of the season: evergreen, clove, hot chocolate and peppermint.

Features include:

Natural soy/coconut blendWooden wick that “crackles” when burningPhthalate-freeRealistic scents

The Amber Vale Home Holiday Sampler came beautifully packaged complete with instructions on how to light with a wooden wick. I’m glad for that, because that was a new experience for me. I couldn’t wait to open each jar and take a whiff.

As the instructions said, lighting the candles take practice and trial and error. Once I got it going, there was a crackle to it, and the scent was immediate. My favorite was Tennesee Christmas. It wasn’t overpowering, and changed the living room from a regular Saturday to it’s Christmas-time! The evergreen and deciduous was just the right combination to ring in the season.

The family agreed the second best scent was With Extra Whip. The sweet hot chocolate fragrance was the dominant scent, and again, it wasn’t overpowering. It was the perfect companion to Tenneesee Christmas. The other fragrance was peppermint, but we didn’t detect it. Honestly, I loved the hot chocolate aspect and too many candles out there use peppermint and too much. This was perfect as is.

The last candle was Gathering, a mixture of orange and clove. This was a miss for me. I’m not a big fan of clove, and this was the bigger scent. It gave me a headache. When one of the kids took a whiff, he felt it was like smelling a Pizza Hut mint. We’re not huge peppermint/cinnamon/clove fans, so I’m going to say this is on us.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the holiday sampler collection. It’s beautifully packaged, the candles look simple, yet elegant, and I think the wooden wick make this collection stand out. Although I didn’t love the Gathering scent, it’s still one I’d count as a holiday fragrance, so it goes well with the other two. Tenneesee Christmas was absolutely perfect, and we loved With Extra Whip.

Julie Arduini on the Amber Vale Home Holiday Sampler

Guess what? One of you has the opportunity to enjoy this sampler as well. Leave a comment below on what your favorite Christmas smell is and I’ll choose one random name to receive their own Amber Vale Home Holiday Sampler. This is a $40 value for one US winner.

Bible Study Recommendations

It’s funny that I write fiction, because for a few years now, most of my reads have been non-fiction. I’ve wrestled with it, but came away with the revelation that writing books will give me an audience. Reading the books I have with equip me for the day when a remnant of that audience comes forward to share their story. I will be ready in God’s strength and timing to pray and encourage those women.

This year I’ve done more reading and study than I anticipated. I didn’t feel great most of this year, a long bronchitis and sinus infection bout messed with my hormones and adrenals. The recovery has been slow, so I’ve pulled back on things I used to do. I think although I didn’t see this coming, God did, and He used the season to draw me close to Him without the distraction of my schedule. It forced me to study His word and lament feelings buried way down I didn’t even know I had. I believe this time has been a healing and preparing process so when I the next season arrives, I’m prepared for a new level of serving Him.

I thought I would share the Bible studies I’ve read this year in case you’re looking for something to feed your soul, or maybe you’re looking for gift ideas for the Bible study loved one in your life. These are in random order.

Advent: The Weary World Rejoices

I actually haven’t started this, but I mention it because it’s timely and it is a study LifeWay is offering now. For a limited time, access to the Advent videos are free that go along with the study. I believe there is an online group for discussion as well, or form your own, or like me, go solo. I really want to embrace what the CHRISTmas season is really about, and I think this study will help me a lot.

20/20 by Christine Caine

This was also video-driven and once again Christine Caine delivers a passionate message meant to grow our faith. 20/20 shows us how God sees us and how we’re chosen to make His name known. Really good stuff.

You’re the Girl for the Job by Jess Connolly

There are so many treasures in this book that I highlighted a lot. A LOT. I even bought extra copies for friends. You have purpose and the title is a promise from God. One of my favorite reads this year.

No More Holding Back by Kat Armstrong

This is a study I’m currently working through both with the book and study guide. I was captivated when I read her experience as a theology student when a man asked why she was even there, and to stop, just stop. Her professor’s reply was for Kat, as a sister in Christ, to never stop. But as women, how do we serve in our calling when we put out limitations? I’m learning a lot in this one.

Rhythms of Renewal by Rebekah Lyons

I searched for this one after reading about it I believe from Jess Connolly. I honestly didn’t think I really needed it, but wow, what a book of healing and comfort. Loved, loved, loved this one.

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst

This was probably my favorite Lysa TerKeurst study yet. It was raw and challenging, but if you really surrendered your pain to Christ, you would find the healing process in motion.

Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado

Although I’d read this before, I participated in a video-driven study to focus on Easter and boy, it did not disappoint.

Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado

I believe this was video-driven as well. I participated thinking it would help me encourage loved ones who struggle with anxiety. I walked away feeling set free from my own anxiety. Love Max’s gentle teaching.

Overcomer Bible Study Book by Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick

I participated in this through a small group at our church. I haven’t seen the movie yet, but the book and video clips generated great discussion about our identity in Christ. I reviewed the books associated with this movie and my favorite was targeted for teen girls by Priscilla Shirer.

I hope these help! Are there any books/Bible studies that you recommend?

***

Like I said, I write fiction to encourage an audience to find freedom in Christ by surrendering the good, the bad, and—maybe one day—the chocolate. Holly has to surrender her anger and grief so she can help her elderly uncle save a beloved tourist attraction. I really enjoyed writing Restoring Christmas, and I think you will enjoy reading it. Check it out!

Book Review: Sweet Seasons by Rita Garcia

Slip into Paradise with Rita Garcia’s new novel “Sweet Seasons, Julia’s Story”. Don’t miss out on the long-awaited fourth book of the Serenity Cove series!

Romance and family drama intertwine in the small town of Serenity Cove.

Julia, a sixty-something widow, wears the title Pastry Chef at the Sea Crest Inn.
She calls Primrose Cottage home, with a legend handed down through generations.
Julia shares her life with Pete-dog and a gray tabby that answers to Mr. Kitty.
Challenges, changes, and choices are not on her list of intentions. Until Nicholas Callahan.

Skye, a twenty-something, with curls the color of pink diamonds, brings chaos and music into Julia’s kitchen. With a passion for singing, she pursues her dreams, against all the odds.

Paige is a thirty-something, with the roles of wife, mother, and Nicholas’s daughter-in-law. She objects to a relationship between Julia and Nicholas, as her own world spins out of control. Paige brings chaos and children into Julia’s home. Julia determines to soften Paige’s heart with kindness.

An unforgettable portrait of human fallibility and resilience, the author, reveals the strong character and determined spirit of these three women, each in a different sweet season of life.

Serenity Cove is a contemporary town where people are still good neighbors and family and friends are an important part of everyday life. Where life is a step back in time, blending the best of both worlds. Even a town as charming as Serenity Cove has its villains, but you’ll need to read the novels to find out who they are.

Sweet Seasons: Julia’s story, is the fourth book in the Serenity Cove series. I think it could be read as a stand-alone, but I also think you would be missing out on the heart of Serenity Cove. This time around, Julia is the heroine, and I loved her sweet spirit and the fact that a widow was the central character.

When the author promises family drama and conflict, she delivers. Julia barely has time to celebrate a major event in her life when everyone around her appears to be falling apart. There are health scares, a missing loved one, and much more.

Although Julia is certainly the main character, Sweet Seasons is full of characters who were richly developed and important to the story. I think I related best to Paige, an independent mom who really needs the helping hands extended around her.

There was even a personal sweet surprise when I found my own name within the book. That was completely unexpected, and so fun to see.

Sweet Seasons is the best of the author’s work, and it has all been excellent so far. I truly enjoyed it, and her writing, along with Serenity Cove, reminded me of Jan Karon’s Mitford series. If you love a beautiful setting, cozy feelings, and great conflict, grab Sweet Seasons: Julia’s Story today!

Julie Arduini

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated, and all opinions are my own.

Toni Shiloh: Once Upon a Christmas

We are so excited to bring you Once Upon a Christmas. All of us had a lot of fun writing it as we delved into the fairy tales of Sleeping Beauty, Mulan, Snow White, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid.

How do five Christian
authors go about writing a collection of fairy tales in a modern-day Christmas
setting? It was surprisingly easier than we thought it would be. At the heart
of every good fairy tale is the triumph of love and good over darkness. That’s
the central theme of our faith. After that, incorporating the rest was simply
about choosing a tale that spoke to each of us, and allowing inspiration to
flow.

We discovered along the way that inside every girl beats the heart of a princess. Not necessarily the gowns and tiaras and royal family type of princess (though most of us would happily play dress up in a heartbeat!), but rather the heart of a woman longing to be loved and treated as royalty. After all, aren’t we heirs to the King of Kings? And as such, that yearning to be loved unconditionally and accepted for who we are in Him comes naturally.

Toni Shiloh

Can Talia find someone
who can accept all of her, including her health issues? Can Amala find someone
who will love her for her and not her money? Can Li find acceptance for who she
truly is and not the façade she presents? Will Ella find a familial kind of
love? And Gabrielle, can she find a love so powerful that all her dreams will
come true? Will they all find a way to overcome obstacles and heartache to find
victory and love and a hope-filled ever after?

As the heroines of our
stories journey down their paths to love and acceptance, they all come to
realize their princess identities. They are loved. They have a Father King who humbly
came to earth in a manger and grew up to lay down His life for theirs. A King
who sees who they truly are and loves them without hesitation. A King who
brings them out of struggles and circumstances and points them to the life He
longs to bless them with.

We pray these stories will
touch your heart. We hope they will entertain you and maybe even make you
laugh. We pray they put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. And
lastly, we pray the truth and joy of Christmas will bless you and keep you this
holiday season.

Andrea, Mikal, Toni, Angela, and Jaycee

Andrea Boyd
Each of Andrea Boyd’s series represents a different genre but all fall into the category of romance. All offer an element of her own brand of humor. And all are a tribute to God. Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible. Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC. Visit her at www.andreaboyd11.com.

Andrea Boyd
Social media links –

Newsletter- https://www.subscribepage.com/u8c5f9  
Twitter- https://twitter.com/andreaboyd111  
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/andreaboyd11/
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14689507.Andrea_Boyd  
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/andreaboyd11/
Bookbub- https://www.bookbub.com/profile/andrea-boyd

Mikal Dawn

Mikal Dawn is an inspirational
romance author, wedding enthusiast, and military (retired) wife. When she isn’t
writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest
(with coffee in hand!) for wedding ideas for her characters.

Mikal lives in Oklahoma with her
husband and two of their three children. Visit her at www.mikaldawn.com.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mikaldawnauthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mikaldawn
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mikaldawn
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mikal_dawn

Toni Shiloh
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. Visit her at www.tonishiloh.com. 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tonishilohwrite
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonishiloh
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/toni-shiloh
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh

Angela Ruth Strong
Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon bestsellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK. Visit her at www.angelaruthstrong.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1557213161269220/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelaRStrong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ang_strong/

Jaycee Weaver
Jaycee Weaver is a wife, mother, and substitute teacher living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Jaycee writes contemporary Christian romance with lifelike characters in everyday situations who always get their happy ending. Vist her at www.jayceeweaver.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayceeweaver
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/weaverjaycee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayceeweaver
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/weaversgrrrl
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17239020.Jaycee_Weaver
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jaycee-weaver
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Jaycee-Weaver/e/B076CVKRPJ
Also associated with Pure Romance Reads on the web and on Facebook.