Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Figs in Bloom by Bobi Gentry Goodwin

About the Book

Book: Figs in Bloom

Author: Bobi Gentry Goodwin

Genre: Bible Study Curriculum for Girls Small Group Leaders/Parents

Release Date: June, 2023

The Bible is rich with families, communities, songs, poems, principles, and power. It allows the reader to learn of God and His ultimate plan for His people through the coming of Jesus Christ. Stories of heroism, courage, perseverance, and pain fill its pages and are often displayed through the lives of Biblical characters.

The FIGS in Bloom Bible Study and Group Curriculum seeks to foster independence, growth, and spirituality in God’s precious girls by highlighting Bible personalities. FIGS is comprised of twelve lessons complete with Bible study, teacher tactics, scripture memorization, group games, journal writing prompts, and more. Biblical stories of hope, uniqueness, sacrifice, and love seek to encourage each student to blossom and take God with them as they learn to navigate the twists and turns of life.

Click here to get your copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions given are my own and not an endorsement of all author’s opinions.

Author Interview

1. Why did you want to become an author?

Creativity is an incredible gift. It was something I was born with. I started writing stories in elementary school. While other kids were out playing I was writing. Sculpting worlds, people, and places from my imagination thrilled me and I simply could not stop. Professionally, I ended up in a different career as my desire to help people was equally as strong, but I don’t believe they contradict one another. As a therapist, I use my creativity and skills to help people see their stories, change their stories, and even sometimes re-write their stories. Everyone has a narrative, and it is my passion to see it come to life whether real or imagined.

2. What was the most challenging part of the writing process for you and why?

Finally ending a book is the absolute most challenging part of the writing process for me. I can re-write forever. Editing is never done. There is always more to the story. The finality of closing the computer, walking away, and resisting the urge to take one more peek is painstaking. I have found I have to set rules and firm boundaries with myself to survive each project. Placing projects in my absolutely done folder has saved me more times than I am willing to admit. The visual reminder helps me to stay accountable, but more times than not I have considered changing the passcode on my computer. Some hardstops are better than none.

3. What did your research process look like for this book?

Studying the Word of God for me has a multi-prong approach. Spending time in the Bible and prayer is always the first step in my process of launching into a Bible study. Secondly, I review other study materials on the chosen text or subject matter. I then return to Bible study, prayer, and meditation. Some of my steps also include consultation with other ministry leaders, reviewing commentaries, and researching historical facts, culture, and word studies. I also return to God throughout as I seek out His divine wisdom, direction, and guidance through the Holy Spirit as I navigate all those spaces.

4. What audience did you have in mind when writing this book?

This book is for a very specific audience. FIGS in Bloom is for the culture disruptor. The parent or group leader who wants to pour into a generation of girls that don’t just look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside too. The homeschooling parent, the life group leader, the community mom and dad who desires to do more, but would like a step-by-step practical resource to help them lead.

FIGS was birthed for leaders who understand that the Word of God is the best thing you can gift to a child. The intended reader is a parent or group leader who has decided to tangibly pour into teenage girls to plant seeds of truth and connection. The adult who believes being social is talking face to face and meeting eye to eye. The teacher who believes that liking something or someone is experiential, not only digital. The adult who wants to make a difference and is willing to take that chance.

5. Do you have a favorite drink or snack for when you’re writing?

I had to answer this question. My true confession is that I am a foodie. Snack time is my time and a good cookie is worth its weight in gold. Oatmeal-raisin cookies stand heads above the rest for me and a bonus is that they are made with oats.

Snacks are essential I’m writing and on a very good day, I find my favorite mug which is a leftover from Christmas, pour myself a cup of hot Earl Grey tea, and find the perfect bite of my cookie.

About the Author

Bobi Gentry Goodwin is a native San Franciscan. The Bay Area was where she first discovered her love for people and their stories. She has held a passion for writing since early childhood and as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, her mission field has been working with women and children. Bobi is a spiritual growth enthusiast that writes inspirational fiction, Bible Studies, and blog articles. She has been a contributing writer to Chicken Soup for the Soul and her story “Gentrified” was featured in the anthology Art in the Time of Unbearable Crisis. She is a wife, mother of two, licensed minister, and an avid member of her local church. She hosts the Finding Forever Podcast and in her free time enjoys dancing, walking, and spending time with her fur baby.

More from Bobi

Parenting a teenager is hard work! Finding ways to communicate with a teen can feel like finding a safe place to step into a field of landmines. One wrong word, one wrong look, and one wrong directive can lead to a literal explosion. With so much on their minds as they navigate hormones, social groupings, social media, and academics. How can parents find the space to sit them down and share the Word of God?

As a parent of two teenage daughters, many times I felt stumped. I couldn’t even get my words to move them, let alone God’s. But I knew His Word was exactly what they needed. What He says about them is much more valuable than anything I could offer, and that is how FIGS was birthed. FIGS in BLOOM is a Bible study guide centered around a social group approach to learning God’s Word in a non-threatening way. It is centered on a socialization approach that invites kids into a community grounded in food, fun, and fellowship.

FIGS served as a template to pull my teenage girls close while so many things sought to pull them apart. Hosting meetings in my home surrounded by my teenage girl and her friends allowed deep seeds to be planted in me and them. I learned, they learned. I laughed, and they laughed. I prayed, and they prayed. And I am certain that in the end, God got all the Glory!

Blog Stops

Splashes of Joy, November 17 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 18

Blossoms and Blessings, November 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 19

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Artistic Nobody, November 21 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22

Back Porch Reads, November 23 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 25 (Author Interview)

amandainpa, November 25

Cover Lover Book Review, November 26

Guild Master, November 27 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 28

A Reader’s Brain , November 29 (Author Interview)

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, November 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Bobi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of Figs in Bloom!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28eee/figs-in-bloom-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, November 24, 2023

Unstick Your Mind by Mimika Cooney

About the Book

Book: Unstick Your Mind: Shift Your Mindset, Develop Grit & Break Barriers

Author: Mimika Cooney

Genre: Christian Non-Fiction, Mindset, Women’s Christian Living, Personal Growth

Release Date: May 8, 2023

Do you question why you have negative thoughts? Every problem in life starts with a thought. Often we get stuck in perpetual cycles of bad thought patterns that cause us to repeat behaviors, over and over again.

But what if there was another way? What if we could unlearn the limiting beliefs, thoughts and ingrained patterns we learnt from childhood? What if we could free our minds and become who ever we wanted to be?

The good news is that you are not stuck with the brain you have!

You may think its is a pipe dream, but the reality is based on the concept of neuroplasticity. The brain is an amazing organ that is always learning.

Mindset is changing the way you think. You CAN learn new ways, new habits, and new success driven behaviors to finally achieve your goals.

Read this book for dealing with anxiety, and if you want to get over stress and anxiety. Come with me on a journey of self discovery and unlock the power of your mind!

Discover what elite athletes, CEO’s and high achievers do to unlock their full potential. Once you learn how to shift your mindset and develop grit, you will be positioned to break through any barrier holding you back!

In this powerful book you will discover…

* How to recognize limiting beliefs that are holding you back.

* How to take control of runaway thoughts that derail you.

* How to reinvent your habits for better productivity.

* How to partner with God to unlock your true potential and purpose!

This anxiety book for Christians is designed to help you move past stuck to successful.

Are you ready to change your life by changing your mind?

Click here to get your copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book,

All opinions given are my own and not an endorsement

Of all author’s opinions.

Author Interview

1. Why did you want to become an author?

As a child I loved writing in my journal and documenting my thoughts and feelings. I remember the joys of typing my first story on a typewriter in the early 1990’s. I knew there was something important and valuable in capturing and sharing words. Over the years my writing style morphed and I began to understand just how important books are. If you think about it, without scribes we would not have the bible today! Books outlast and outlive writers. I see it as a mission and a duty to put to paper what future generations will need to know. I like to think of writing as living out my legacy.

2. What was the most challenging part of the writing process for you and why?

I’ve written eleven books so far and every book is just like a child. I love them all, and I worked hard to create and nurture them. Just like parenting, we face challenges when it comes to balancing time, staying creative and taking action to be productive. Without a plan and time blocked in my calendar, nothing would get done. I always love the ideation phase and planning, but I have to work on my mindset to stay motivated when I have to get a book finished. It’s amazing how procrastination likes to show up when you’re on a deadline, but I've learned that I can’t let it derail me. I make decisions ahead of time about my writing schedule so I stop arguing with myself when my mind is behaving like an unruly toddler having a fit.

3. What did your research process look like for this book?

Having experienced a hard season of burnout and breakdown, I found myself in a place where I needed help. I sought out books, videos and podcasts on the topic of Christian mindset but I soon discovered a lack of biblical based content. Since I couldn't find what I needed, I decided to create the resources myself. I spent three years researching dry medical journals on neuroscience, reading other psychology based books, and taking several courses and classes. I spent lots of time in prayer asking God to reveal the truth in it all. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that neuroscience was confirming what the bible says is true that we are to renew our mind daily! The church tells us the scriptures, but I felt so much teaching was lacking the how. I’m a practical gal who likes to know why and how, so I set out to create a blueprint for walking out Christian mindset with step by step tools.

4. What was something new you learned while writing this book?

The whole genre of mindset, neuroscience and biblical truths was a continual mind blowing experience for me. I don’t come from a psychology background, so I learned things the hard way by walking it out. Once I discovered how important it is to teach others how to renew their minds to change their lives, I took it up as a mission. My biggest lightbulb moment was realizing that God wants to work in us and through us when we are willing vessels. But we need to put in the effort to work through what I call the “junk in the trunk” to finally be free to flow in the spirit. When we partner with God, and allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, it is amazing how our lie will change!

5. What message do you hope readers take away from your book?

The good news is that you CAN change your life by changing your mind! You are not stuck with the brain you have, nor do you have to allow the chains of the past to keep you stuck. My prayer is for readers to feel enthused by the news that they can practically change their mind, their brain chemistry, their habits, their relationships and their future. When we allow God to take us through the process of mind renewal, we come out the other side refined. I’ll be honest, the process is not easy, it will be hard at times and there will be tears. But the good news is if you follow the tools I lay out in the book, and you rely on God to highlight the areas that need work, you WILL become a new creation!

About the Author

Mimika Cooney is a leading faith-based Christian Mindset Author and Speaker known as the “Personal Trainer for your Mind”. She empowers Christians to rewire their brain by combining neuroscience, positive psychology, and a faith-based approach. She loves to empower purpose-driven individuals to transform their lives by shifting their mindset habits and patterns, as they pursue growth to achieve extraordinary results.

Mimika is the creator of the “Unstick Your Mind“ a mindset mastery method, a transformative program that equips Christians with the tools to achieve their breakthroughs. Mimika will teach you how to unstick your mind, develop emotional resilience, and unlock your true potential by becoming the boss of your brain!

More from Mimika

Unstick Your Mind was written from a place of deep pain and frustration. Having experienced anxiety, depression and disillusionment for years, I searched for sound biblical advice to help me get out of my mental rut. What I discovered was a lack of useful content that could help turn my compass toward Christ on my journey to mental wellness. After throwing myself into the world of neuroscience, positive psychology and coaching; I emerged with a fresh perspective and a passionate voice to help fellow Christians navigate the amazing miracle of renewing our mind God’s way. The good news is that you CAN change the way you think and completely overhaul your thinking when you focus on renewing your mind using biblical strategies and neuroscience.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 14

Blossoms and Blessings, November 15 (Author Interview)

Joy Suzanne Hunt, November 15

It’s Mama Safe, November 16

Texas Book-aholic, November 17

Artistic Nobody, November 18 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 19

Splashes of Joy, November 20 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 21

An Author’s Take, November 22

Guild Master, November 23 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 24

A Reader’s Brain, November 25 (Author Interview)

EmpowerMoms, November 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mimika is giving away the grand prize of a free Access to Mimika’s Course Mindset Make-Over and an eBook!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28ee9/unstick-your-mind-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

A Penny Saved by Terri Gillespie & Cynthia L Simmons

About the Book

Book: A Penny Saved

Authors: Terri Gillespie & Cynthia L. Simmons

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy & Mystery

Release Date: May 27, 2023

A Move, A Mess, A Mystery

Mason’s world turns upside down when he, his little sister, Olivia, and their mother move into their grandfather’s house.

Mason misses his cool friends. Unfortunately, R.B., the weird kid down the street, thinks he’s Mason’s new best friend.

Mason’s grandfather, a retired professor, stays in his office filled with musty, dusty books. Never realizing there’s a magical treasure hidden in plain sight. An 1860 Indian Head penny, named Penny, who is alive!

When Penny goes missing, Mason helps his grandfather look for her.

Will Mason find Penny and learn her secret?

Click here to get your copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book,

All opinions given are my own and not an endorsement

Of all author’s opinions.

Author Interview

Why did you want to become an author?

The desire to become an author began with my grandmother. She was my best friend and a spellbinding storyteller. I remember while my brothers played outside, I sat on the porch swing with Grandma as she spun tales that sixty-five years later, I still remember.

Somehow, she could see the writer in me. Which was discerning because I had challenges with reading that took decades to overcome.

The definitive moment for me was when Grandma set an ancient Royal typewriter atop a rickety metal table, with a small stack of paper and said, “Write.” My first “publication” on that old typewriter was Jilly the Teddy Bear (1959). That ignited the fire to write and the hope that maybe I could see a real book with my name—not one bound with tape.

Although I have written a women’s devotional (2008), it is stories I’m most drawn to. Those stories Grandma told me changed my life. How wonderful if I can do the same for readers.

What step of writing this book was the most challenging and why?

A Penny Saved was co-written with Cynthia Simmons. Cynthia was very gracious, especially when it came time to integrate our writing. Cynthia is the history maven, and I love contemporary characters with strong voices. The challenge arose when I kept imposing my voice on the characters she was writing. As I said, she was very gracious. We ended up working it out and are both pleased with the story and these great characters. And hopefully, I’ll be more sensitive in the subsequent Penny books.

What/Who inspired you to write on the main themes found in the book?

My inspiration was my grandson, DJ. DJ wasn’t much of a reader in elementary school. He is bright, kind, compassionate, and a handsome young man. He’s also Black and I lamented that there are so few inspirational books for young people with strong Black protagonists. What few books I found he loved, and he has since become quite the reader. But still there is a dearth of inspirational novels with Black protagonists out there.

I knew that Mason would be much like DJ. In fact, the artistbased her illustrations on photos of DJ.

Choosing to track Mason’s ancestors through the eyes of an 1860 Indian head penny, to post-Civil War Reconstruction era, will be a challenge in the upcoming books, but learning from the past will help Mason deal with his own questions about life and becoming a Christian man.

What made you choose the setting/time period for this book?

Cynthia and I wanted to bring a strong historical perspective into contemporary times. In the beginning, for Mason, history is boring pages in a book and memorized dates. He has no idea of his connection with the past and a seemingly insignificant penny name Penny will turn his world upside down.

Did you have to step out of your comfort zone to write this book? If so, how?

Both Cynthia and I stepped out of our comfort zones. She lives history, and I live contemporary. Like young Mason, until a few years ago, history was dry and brittle pages of dates for me. I’m beginning to see that history is the story of people—the good and the cruel. Connecting the lessons from the past to Mason’s life today has been extremely satisfying, albeit emotional at times.

About the Terri

Terri Gillespie is a multi-award award-winning author and speaker and YouTube personality. Terri lives with her hubby outside Atlanta. They have one adult daughter, who lives in Chicago with her husband and son. Terri was one of the managing editors of the bestselling Tree of Life Version of the Holy Scriptures.

More from Terri

My grandson, DJ, loves to read, but there is a lack of inspirational and clean books with Black protagonists. DJ loves fantasy and mysteries, and as his safta (grandmother), I wanted a book that gives even more, a sense of legacy with a theme of looking past the exterior to the value underneath.

When the strange, awkward R.B. offers to pray for Mason’s grandfather and then brings over his granny’s tuna casserole, Mason is touched and wonders if he has misjudged R.B.

After tasting this recipe, would you change your mind?

Widow Savier’s (R.B.’s granny) Tuna Casserole

2 (5 oz.) cans chunky-type tuna in water (drain well)

1 cup frozen peas

1⁄2 cup milk

3⁄4 cup butter-Ritz-like crackers, crushed or crushed potato chips (R.B. prefers the chips)

4 oz. (about 2-1⁄2 cups) thick egg noodles

1 can (10.75 oz.) cream of mushroom soup

1⁄4 tsp. garlic powder

Bit of butter (it is the south after all)

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Cook noodles according to package instructions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking; drain in strainer.
While noodles are cooking, in a separate bowl, mix together soup, milk and garlic powder.
Stir in the noodles and peas, then add the tuna.
Transfer to a 1-1⁄2 quart lightly buttered casserole.
Bake 15 minutes; top with cracker crumbs OR CHIPS. Continue baking 5 – 10 minutes or until heated through.

Serves 4, so Widow Savier doubles the recipe for Mason’s family so they have leftovers.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 16

Stories By Gina, November 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 19 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 20

Vicky Sluiter, November 21 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 22

A Reader’s Brain, November 23 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 24

Blogging With Carol, November 25

Blossoms and Blessings, November 26 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 26

For Him and My Family, November 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 28 (Author Interview)

Little Homeschool on the prairie, November 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, signed copy of A Penny Saved, and A Penny Saved Mug!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/28eed/a-penny-saved-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, November 20, 2023

Demolishing the Stronghold by Allen Brokken

About the Book

Book: Demolishing the Stronghold

Author: Allen Brokken

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy

Release Date: November 4, 2023

Lauren, Aiden, and Ethan finally found respite for their whole family in the grove surrounding the Wellspring of Life. However, the threat of the Dark One’s forces still looms over the Heathlands, and lighting the tower of Light in Blooming Glen is their only hope of cleansing their land of The Darkness once and for all. While the family plans a surprise attack on the stronghold at Blooming Glen, the Bishop calls forth the Calamitous Drake, a monster forged from the essence of The Darkness in the corrupted heart of the Iron Mountain. In the midst of the battle, the monster scatters the family, leaving Mother, Uncle, and Tye in the hands of Lord Refi’Cul and the evil giant Skull Crusher who aims to make Tye his wife and become the Master of the Heath Wardens

The children must take to the skies to forge a weapon capable of defeating the Calamitous Drake. Will Lauren, Aiden, and Ethan’s faith give them the strength to Demolish the Stronghold?

Click here to get your copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book,

All opinions given are my own and not an endorsement

Of all author’s opinions.

Author Interview

Why did you want to become an author?

As a kid, I always had an active imagination and took to writing as soon as I learned how. I began the Towers of Light Series as a story for my kids. I was traveling for work 4 days a week and spent a lot of lonely nights in hotels across the country. I started writing a story about them in a fantastic setting and then shared it on the weekends. They loved it.

What/Who inspired you to write on the main themes found in the book?

I began the Towers of Light Series as a story for my kids. I was traveling for work 4 days a week and spent a lot of lonely nights in hotels across the country. I started writing a story about them in a fantastic setting and then shared it on the weekends. They loved it. It also gave me a way to take Christian Worldviews and communicate it to them in a way that they would understand.

What did your research process look like for this book?

For this series, I did a bunch of research on the technology of 1700-1800 in America. A lot of it was research from trips to places like the Little House on the Prairie Museum and the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. I really wanted to build out an American frontier feel for this series. However, the most interesting stuff for this book came from learning about Hot Air Balloons in the 1800’s

What made you choose the setting/time period for this book?

The setting is inspired by Little House on the Prairie and the rural Midwest I grew up in. I was really inspired by the wilderness stories by Jack London as a child and I try to bring as much realism to my fantasy world as possible.

Did you have to step out of your comfort zone to write this book? If so, how?

My readers really wanted me to add a dragon to this series. However, I kept telling them there aren’t any dragons on the Prairie. But they insisted, so I had to get really creative with how I introduced a dragon into the story and come up with something unique, memorable and that fit the overall plot.

What message do you hope readers take away from your book?

I hope that people walk away knowing ultimate victory comes from God. That while we can follow his ways and solve big problems through his grace. He’s still in charge and that we should be humbled when he works through us in big ways.

About the Author

Allen Brokken is a teacher at heart, a husband, and a father most of all. He’s a joyful writer by the abundant grace of God. He began writing the Towers of Light series for his own children to help him illustrate the deep truths of the Bible in an engaging and age-appropriate way. He’s dedicated 18 years to volunteer roles in children’s ministry and youth development. Now that his children are off to college, he’s telling stories and sharing clean humor on social media.

More from Allen

As I worked to close out the Towers of Light series, I had to work hard to develop something new and different that still fit the 1800s frontier setting. I had a lot of pressure from my readers to bring a dragon to the prairie. On multiple occasions, I had to remind my biggest fans that there aren’t any dragons on the prairie. But they were insistent that dragons make an appearance.

So, as I put the final touches on the previous book, Wellspring of Life, I thought that the censors spreading evil could bring evil things into the world to corrupt the prairie. So, the concept of a dragon formed from the censor’s smoke made a lot of sense. But what would a “Smoke Dragon” be like? I shared the idea with my Realm Makers critique group, and they helped form something that early feedback says works well. The dragon’s name, The Calamitous Drake, is also an homage to a line from “The Hobbit” that refers to Smaug as a great calamity.

With a dragon flying about, I also had to devise a way for the kids to engage it in the air. This took significant research as I didn’t want to introduce giant eagles or something else that didn’t exist on the frontier. As I investigated different options, I discovered that hot air balloons were more common in the 1800’s than I thought. It turned out they served in minor roles during the Civil War and used a technology they called a gasifier to fill them up. I took some artistic liberty with that, and Lauren, Aiden, and Ethan now had a way to get off the ground to meet the dragon in the air.

This story was so much fun to write, and early reviews from my biggest fans say it was the perfect end to the series.