Tuesday, January 30, 2024

No Matter What by Jennifer Carr

About the Book

Book: No Matter What

Author: Jennifer Carr

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2022

Jess Hayley, with her exceptional skill of deciphering people’s thoughts and emotions through body language and microexpressions, encounters Bryan Carsen, a member of the U.S. Army Cyber Force, setting her on an unforeseen path that challenges her beliefs and abilities.

As Bryan becomes embroiled in a covert investigation, Jess comes to grips with the consequences of his actions, which are further complicated by the arrival of a mysterious box of evidence that endangers everything she holds dear. Caught in a perilous web of intrigue, trust becomes elusive, and Jess must navigate a world turned upside down, even questioning the trustworthiness of those closest to her.

In the midst of turmoil, Jess confronts the unsettling possibility that someone she trusted deeply may have harbored long-hidden secrets. Despite enduring numerous challenges, she must summon the strength to open her heart and rediscover the capacity to trust.

Amidst the uncertainty and concealed truths, Jess’s journey unfolds, marked by twists and turns, self-discovery, resilience, and the intricate interplay between perception and reality, showcasing the deep impact of unexpected encounters and the courage needed to move forward in the face of pain.

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?

Complete transparency alert – I never set out to become an author. I know, that probably sounds unlikely considering, but it’s true. I sat down one day and decided I wanted to write a story because I needed to know how a dream I’d awoken from ended. It snowballed and turned into chapters and eventually into an entire book. When I finished that book, I needed to make sure my characters were OK and thriving so I wrote the second book (The Lost and Found).

It was at that point I realized that being an author was something I could see myself doing for a really long time. Now, my third book (Fall When You’re Ready – not related to the No Matter What series) comes out February 1 and the second book in that series is halfway written.

2. If you could meet your characters in real life, what would you talk about?

I would love to hang out with Marí. She’s a feisty older woman from the Dominican Republic who loves Jesus and her family fiercely. I’d want to hear her entire life story just to see how her faith started and grew into the bulwark we see in No Matter What. She also tells it like it is so I’m pretty sure she and I would get along great.

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

I love research. That’s true for my writing and life in general. I’ve always been curious by nature so finding answers is something I’m really good at. I also like KNOWING things – anything and everything.
For No Matter What I spent hours every day researching Cybersecurity, the military, FBI procedures, even Dr. Ekman’s emotional awareness research. There were days I just knew I was probably on some kind of watchlist based on my Internet searches. Thankfully, I’m still in the clear, but my browser history is testament to my love of research even if I’m not writing a book!

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

No Matter What is my debut novel. Publishing this book was terrifying from the moment I texted my husband and said (as I had about four chapters worth of material on the page), “I think I’m going to write a book.”
I’d never considered writing fiction before even though I was always making up stories in my head. And there are already so many great authors out there who write amazing books, I wasn’t sure why I would even attempt it. Not to mention, I don’t love the idea of my work potentially being criticized (who does?).
After much encouragement, I continued the story and the next hurdle I faced was letting someone else actually read what I had written. I sent it to my husband and of course I assumed his high praise was biased for obvious reasons. And after a few more back and forth conversations of, “Are you sure?” “Yes, I’m sure.” I sent it to a couple of other readers who gave similar feedback.
Probably the absolute biggest step outside of my comfort zone was clicking “Publish”. It felt like something so much bigger than myself but to this day I’m so thankful I did it and I look forward to doing it more and more.

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

There is always hope, no matter what. In the wise words of Marí, ““The Lord tells you and he tells me in Isaiah chapter 43 verse two, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. He did not say there would be no water or fire. He said when there is, he is there, and you will live. I had to cling to this verse for many months when it felt like there was no way through. Now you must do the same. Because if he says that he will take you through, that means there is another side where there is no water.”

About the Author

A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster, Jennifer draws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.
Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama.
When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what’s likely her third coffee of the day.

More from Jennifer

I loved writing this book. There were days that words poured out of me as though a dam had broken. Other days I stared at the screen until my eyes felt crossed and only touched the keyboard to text my husband how absolutely uninspired I was.

The day before I clicked PUBLISH, I reread the entire book cover-to-cover, word-for word and just as I had the first time through, I smiled, I cried, my heart swelled, and it shattered into pieces. Then it was gently put back together as I was reminded of the hope that is always waiting for us, no matter what.

One of my favorite quotes from the book:

“…if you will let God redeem your losses, you might find that he restores you, too…”

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 20

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 22 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 23

Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Beauty in the Binding, January 26 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 27

Guild Master, January 28 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, January 28

Cover Lover Book Review, January 29

A Reader’s Brain, January 30 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

For Him and My Family, February 1

Through the Fire Blogs, February 2 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, February 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a Six Month Subscription to Kindle Unlimited ($60 value) and a copy of No Matter What!!

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/297d0/no-matter-what-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling by E.V. Sparrow

About the Book

Book: Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling, a Novella

Author: E.V. Sparrow

Genre: Historical fiction

Release Date: May 10, 2023

A heartsore widower with hidden fears and little faith…
The naïve daughter of a farmer guarding a repulsive secret…
A township unaware of the hidden menace amongst them…

Heartbroken from losing his family and his farm, Mick Muldoon is hopeful as he emigrates to America with his siblings. All he finds is despair and no work. Were America’s rumored promises of plenty all lies? Would God ever hear and answer his prayers?

Seventeen-year-old Shauna McGann is determined to marry Mick Muldoon despite her mother’s objections. His past and his limp might repulse others, but not her. What burdens Shauna is her terrible secret – a secret she promised her friends she would keep. Now Shauna needs help and protection. Could she trust Mick, or will she lose everything by telling him?

Will Mick finally be free of loss and find success in America? Will Shauna overcome her fears and finally feel safe?

In this Muldoon’s Misfortunes prelude novella, author E.V. Sparrow creates a provoking tale of flickering faith and enduring hope through an emigrant’s efforts to adapt, and a young woman’s unprejudiced love.

Click here to get your copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all

Opinions given are my own and not an endorsement

Of all authors opinions.

Author Interview

1. Why did you want to become an author?

My first goal was writing my favorite travel and mission stories, then being an author came after. My critique group insisted I was ready! My goal is the same—to lead readers to encounter God’s unexpected presence.

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

Research! Always research. For historical fiction it’s crucial for the era and details to be right. I will imagine a scene in my outline, then discover certain details don’t match reality, and must go back and edit. It works out well, but I’ve learned to adjust to the changes for creative aspects.

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

My dad’s family. They were raised with faith in God—the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but for many reasons battled with how to be in a relationship with God. My tagline is Encounter God’s Unexpected Presence in all my work, and these characters experience this. In my life, God has worked this way. He shows up in the most stunning ways to help, encourage, protect, and guide me. It took me years to recognize His personal touch.

4. If you could meet your characters in real life, what would you talk about?

They worry me! I want to help them grasp God’s love for them and hopefully keep them from destructive paths while they search for acceptance and belonging. I’d want to know more about their choices and tell them about why I made mine.

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

Because I’m inspired by a few relatives, they emigrated to America in 1866, and I’m using specific events in their lives.The era chose me!

About the Author

E.V. Sparrow is a short story writer turned novelist. Her readers encounter God’s unexpected presence through her character’s escapades. Her own adventures she wrote about involved traveling in over twenty countries. Sparrow lived on an Israeli kibbutz, worked for the U.S. Army in Bavaria, and hopped a freight train for a weekend.

A highlight for Sparrow is when Guideposts and Bethany House Publishers accepted four of her anthologized stories before she signed a 3-book historical fiction series contract with Celebrate Lit Publishing.

Her father’s family’s immigration from Ireland, their letters and documents, and some family stories inspired her current historical fiction novels.

In E.V.’s personal and church life, she ministered through prayer, worship, mission teams, and in Divorce Care and Singles. California native relocated to North Carolina, E.V. Sparrow and her husband enjoy family time with their grandchildren and exploring their new state.

More from E.V.

I’m writing books inspired by my father’s family because they believed in God but wrestled with their faith. Faith doesn’t come easy for every believer. We grapple with intimacy with God, but does God battle with us?

My oldest brother shared some stories of our great-grandfather, who emigrated here after losing his wives and children in Ireland. Yes, at least two families. I wondered, how could a suffering heart and soul survive those losses? Our great-grandfather’s inner turmoil didn’t change once he resettled in America. I read letters he wrote to his son—our grandfather and sifted through family photos. Certain aspects from the timeline of great-grandfather’s life fashioned my main character, Mick Muldoon. Mick encountered God’s unexpected presence several times without recognizing it.

Thinking through a Scripture verse, 1 Corinthians 13:13, (NIV) “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love,” reveals what remains when all else we are accustomed to is gone. I assume hope is as powerful as faith and love. It’s a triangle of strength for us until it goes wobbly. What happens when one or two of the three stabilizers are weaker than the others? Wounded, confused, and resilient characters named Mick, Orla, and Liam Muldoon.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Bizwings Book Blog, January 26

Sylvan Musings, January 27 (Author Interview)

An Author’s Take, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

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

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 30

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 31 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2

By The Book, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3

For Him and My Family, February 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 5 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, E.V. is giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling and an Amazon $50 gift card!!

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/299bb/muldoon-s-minnesot-darling-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Aivan: The One Truth by Kayla E. Green

About the Book

Book: Aivan: The One Truth

Author: Kayla E. Green

Genre: Young Adult Christian Fantasy

Release Date: July 23, 2022

Two young people from opposite sides of the Great Continent must make sense of their life.

Rune has grown up all of her life in the mountainous northern nation of Kansanai. As granddaughter of the Senior Elder, she has been a devout believer of the Vihishki gods her whole life. Yet, when a prophet challenges the Vihishki gods against his Aivan, the One Truth, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. Will she be able to let go of the life she thought she deserved for something far greater than what she could have ever imagined?

Rolf goes through the motions of everyday life in the southern nation of Etalentin. Yet, his routine is disrupted when a voice claiming to be the one true God speaks to him. Listening to his heart, he follows Aivan, but he is thrown temptation after temptation on his journey. Will Rolf be able to resist the temptations in order to fulfill Aivan’s plan for him?

Aivan: The One Truth is a story about self-discovery, identity, and faith.

Click here to get your copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and 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?
I have made up stories since childhood, and I entered my first writing contest when I was in 8th grade–the story was about two middle school students who opened Pandora’s Box and had to close it before the school was destroyed by the ghosts released! The following year I excitedly joined my high school newspaper. Being a part of journalism helped me grow tremendously as a writer in terms of grammar, audience focus, overall skill, and confidence. I took a step back from creative writing in college as academic writing took up a lot of my time; however, in my early twenties I began to mindfully write again while working through a lot of grief. The more I wrote, the more at peace I felt. I crafted stories and poems that God placed on my heart, and after much prayer pursued publication. I don’t think there was ever a moment I said, “I’m going to become an author.” I simply have always been an author–even before any of my work was published. I think, because of imposter syndrome and anxiety, it is often easy to minimize our own abilities. I urge everyone who writes to embrace their passion and openly declare that by crafting stories they are indeed authors!

2. What/Who inspired you to write on the main themes found in the book?
The prophet Elijah and his experiences discussed in 1 Kings inspired an important scene in Aivan: The One Truth. In fact, several key instances in Rune and Rolf’s journeys pulled inspiration from the Old Testament. In doing so, I wanted to weave biblical truth within the fantasy narrative of two young people trying to make sense of the world around them and their role within said world. My prayer is that readers will see that just as Rune and Rolf have Aivan, we all have God, the one true constant and source of redeeming love, in our own world.

3. Which character in your book do you relate to the most?
In Aivan: The One Truth, I most relate to Rune. She has her life planned out and has a difficult time when everything falls apart. In her heart, she knows where her faith should be placed but still struggles with doubts and fears exacerbated by societal pressures. When I was young, I experienced similar internal battles as Rune. Writing books that reflect real-life situations for children and teens, even within a fantasy setting, is important to me. I strive to write books that I would have been drawn to as a young reader while sharing the truth about God’s redeeming love.

4. Do you have a favorite drink or snack for when you’re writing?
When writing, I tend to hyper-focus and not snack while in “the zone.” However, I really like recharging with hummus, crackers, and cherry-flavored water. If I want something special, I’ll get a refresher with lemonade and a cake-pop from Starbucks—it’s one of my favorite ways I ‘treat’ myself!

5. What message do you hope readers take away from your book?
It is my prayer that with reading Aivan: The One Truth, readers walk away comforted by the fact that we were made resilient and we can rebuild when our plans fall apart, empowered knowing that the one true God in our own world loves them, and filled with hope at the reminder that light will always prevail over darkness.

About the Author

Kayla E. Green is a school librarian, speculative fiction author, and poet who adores her husband and their furbabies. When she isn’t writing, reading, or taking photos for her bookstagram, she loves singing loudly and off-key to KLove Radio, napping, and pretending she’s a unicorn. Her award-winning YA fantasy novella, Aivan: The One Truth, and her inspirational poetry collection, Metamorphosis, are now available through book retailers. Kayla also has stories and poems featured in various anthologies, contest-winning stories published with Clean Fiction Magazine, and several flash fiction stories available online through Havok Publishing.

More from Kayla

Working in education, it often is disheartening to see how much darkness bombards today’s youth. With Aivan: The One Truth, the forthcoming Chronicles of the One Truth series, and all my writing, my primary goal is to offer young readers a beacon of hope in this dark world. Alluding to many stories and lessons found in the Old Testament, Aivan is a fast-paced novella designed to capture young readers and pull them into the world of the Great Continent. It is my biggest prayer with this book that Rune and Rolf’s journey in this fantasy narrative will serve as a guiding light to lead readers of all ages to seek truth in our reality—the truth that can only be found through our one true God.

One of my current projects is developing a companion devotional for Aivan: The One Truth as well as the full-length novels that will be part of the complete Chronicles of the One Truth series (which will be released at a later date). The devotional would be a tool for parents, teachers, and pastors to use along with the book to help young readers understand the themes and biblical parallels.

Two major themes within the novella center around identity and purpose. Rune’s struggles with disappointment with shattered dreams and the heartache of feeling lost, alone, and unfulfilled are struggles that are arguably universal. In looking at Rune’s journey, young readers as well as adult readers can recognize the real-world challenges of identity: Who exactly are we? In today’s world, there is a constant battle between God and society. How can one embrace their identity as a child of God when the world demands us to rage and rebel against that title?

In Exodus 3:11 (NIV) Moses asks God, “Who am I?” after he is told to go to the Pharaoh to rescue the Israelites. God tells Moses, “I am with you,” (Exodus 3:12, NIV). Similar to Moses’ walk of faith, Rune, like us all, must learn to accept the truth. Like Aivan in the fantasy novella, our God, the one true God, is always with us. We may not immediately—or ever—understand His plan; however, through Him we are whole, redeemed, and loved. And in that, we have great purpose.

I pray that whoever reads Aivan: The One Truth finds parallels to our own world and finds solace knowing that we are because God is the great “I Am.”

In my upcoming companion devotional, I will explore the concepts of identity and purpose from a biblical perspective. Anyone who wants updates on this, should follow my blog and subscribe to my newsletter to be the first to know!

Blog Stops

Splashes of Joy, January 11 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 12

Blossoms and Blessings, January 13 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 13

Artistic Nobody, January 14 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, January 15 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 16

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 19 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, January 19

Pause for Tales, January 20

By The Book, January 21 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, January 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 23 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, January 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kayla is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback of Aivan: The One Truth, a paperback of Metamorphosis, an Aivan inspired booksleeve, Rune and Rolf character art cards, and a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card!!

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/2958a/aivan-the-one-truth-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, January 19, 2024

New Chicks at the Peaceable by Caryl “Grami” McAdoo

About the Book

Book: New Chicks at The Peaceable

Author: Caryl “Grami” McAdoo

Genre: Children’s Animals Picture Book

Release Date: November 23, 2023

Chickens from newborns to old hens have a “pecking order” but bullying is never right! What to do if you’re bullied by those around you!

Click here to get your copy!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and 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?

I always loved reading and writing. It seemed the natural thing to do. My mother wrote a book (HOW TO HEAR GOD AND KNOW HIS VOICE) and her father wrote a book, so I came from a long line. My granddaughter Lillian became a published author at age six, so she’s the fifth generation!

As an adult and a Christian, I wanted to write stories that would give God glory and bring my readers into a closer walk with Him.

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

Hearing God as to its premise. From the beginning I thought NEW CHICKS at the Peaceable was to be about bullying. When I finally asked His help to finish it—I was getting nowhere fast—Holy Spirit clearly showed me it was to be about fear . . . not being afraid.

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

That would be Almighty God. Yes, He cares about me writing a children’s book for preschoolers. He inspired a friend to ask me to give her flock a new home because she was moving. I had no chickens before that.

Then I loved my hens sitting a nest and hatching sweet fluffy peepers and wanted to share!

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

I loved going outside and just sitting with my chickens to watch the chioks antics and hen’s teaching them. Of course, I carried my camera (my phone) with me! I did look up/google a few facts for questions I had, but that was the extent of my research for this book! 😊

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

That fear is a sin. I know it will be subliminal for the little ones, but there will be a grownup reading it, right? Too many Christians will argue that it okay—even beneficial—to be afraid, when that is totally opposite to God’s Holy Word.

Scripture tells us that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. He tells us three hundred and sixty-five times in the Bible to “fear not!’ “Be not afraid!” That’s once for every day of the pagan Romans’ calendar we complacently follow.

How did He know their pagan calendar would have exactly 365 days? As the books in this series says, He knows everything!

About the Author

Award-winning, Christian author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory. Of her best-selling novels, readers love her historical Christian romance family sagas most, but also enjoy their contemporary cousins, Caryl’s Biblical fiction, her new historical mystery series, and tales for young adults and mid-grade booklovers as well as the new picture books for the still younger set. The majority of reviewers award her stories five-stars and praise Caryl’s writing style and the depth of her characters, feeling as though they get to know them well.

The prolific writer loves singing the new songs God gives her almost as much as penning new novels—hear a few at YouTube! She’s been married to Ron fifty-five years, and they share four children and twenty-seven grandsugars. The McAdoos live at The Peaceable in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

As the chicken population grows at The Peaceable Farm & Bookery, troubles come–all based all on the true story! One of our beautiful ‘Golden Laced Wyandotte’ hens got broody and wanted to sit on a nest and hatch a clutch of chicks!

The wee peepers, designated the “Songsters” and named Reba, Celine, Loretta, and Miley (the last by a reader’s daughter), experience the famous and proverbial “pecking order” chickens are so famous for. In human terms that can be called bullying though, and so Goldie, their mother teaches the girls how to respond those bully chickens!

Grami loves her “backyard birds”, and so does O’Pa! She expects the name of the twenty acres she and O’Pa live on in Red River County—The Peaceable—to be the spur for all its inhabitants to cohabitate peacefully with one another—and that includes the chickens!

She and O’Pa, her husband of fifty-five years have bought an incubator to hatch purebred chicks then raise fine, healthy birds to their laying age—usually four to five months—before finding them forever homes. We love our flock, and the babies grow so fast. Watching them is so much fun and relaxing, too!

Grami knows each hen and rooster by name, and they all are so affectionate! They come running whenever I head out the door (mostly because they want to see if I brought any food! 😊) I love thinking about what they are saying to each other with all their clucking and purring and cackling!

This is why the books are partially written from the hens’ point of view as our first animals’ series, The River Bottom Ranch Stories featuring horses and goats and dogs among other wild animal characters. And all those farm animals were real ones that we owned and loved, too—like the chickens!

This series ‘Grami’s Stories for Children’ also has a narrator speaking throughout—that’s me, Grami McAdoo! I talk to the children through a few pages full of dialogue to teach them about poultry and things of God. In NEW CHICKS at the Peaceable, I talk about bullies and how Jesus teaches us to respond, how they can be scary, but God is always with us and sends His angels to protect us!

The illustrations are photographs of our real chickens and The Peaceable Farm & Bookery. In the back of the book, there are a few pages of “Chicken Terminology” and fun “Chicken Facts” to teach the little ones more about the wonderful world of chickens!

I pray the precious little ones so dear to God’s heart will love the story and be blessed by it! 😊