Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Bloom in Your Winter Season by Deborah Malone with 23 Contributing Authors

About the Book

Book: Bloom in Your Winter Season

Author: Deborah Malone with 23 Contributing Authors

Genre: Bible Study

Release Date: April, 2024

Deborah’s latest book, Bloom in Your Winter Season, encourages women that God can use them and their strengths, talents, wisdom, and knowledge in their mature season of life. Written with twenty-four different authors, also in their silver season, Deborah created a unique concept that combines scripture reading, reflection and application questions. Previous books in the series are Blooming in Broken Places, and Bloom Where You Are Bible study.

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 choose to write about this particular topic? I wrote “Bloom in Your Winter Season,” because I’m in my winter season😊 I felt there was a need “seasoned” women to see examples from the Bible where God used “seasoned” women in mighty ways. Anna, Elizabeth and Lois are just a few examples we have. As my friend and mentor, Babbie Mason says, “God did not stamp an expiration date on our forehead.” He can and will use us until our last breath. I wanted to encourage other women to be mighty Winter Warriors for God!

● What was the most challenging part of writing your book? “Bloom in Your Winter Season,” is comprised of 24 authors including myself. The biggest challenge was to get all the devotions together from the authors. This took a lot of coordination. But the final product was well worth the effort. A compilation had been a dream of mine for many years – and now it has come to fruition. With having that many authors there is such a great opportunity to reach many more women in their winter season.

● What was the most enjoyable part of writing your book? Meeting and having contact with all the other authors.

1. Did you learn anything new during your writing process?Studying the women of the Bible who I presented in my book “Bloom in Your Winter Season” was eye-opening. I’d heard of all the names of these faithful ladies but did not know them up close and personal. After studying them more intimately I grew to know them on a deeper level. This helped me to grow in my winter season as well.

● Was your writing process spontaneous as it came to you or very planned and organized? Why? For my non-fiction books it would have to be very planned. When you are taking facts from the Bible you want to make sure that you are presenting it in truth. So, the research takes a lot of time.

● Do you have a favorite time of day you are most productive in your writing? Not really😊 It is hard to make myself sit down and do the actual writing – so I’m just happy when I do make myself sit down and write.

● How many books do you personally own? LOL I don’t have time to count them. And that is not counting the books I’ve given away over the years. I’m sure I’ve owned thousands over the years.

● What is your next big goal as an author? Many people have asked me what I am writing next. And for now, I am telling them I’m not sure I will be writing another book. (But I’ve said that before😊 I have nine books out and the last three are Devotions/Bible Studies so I would love to take time to market my non-fiction books. So for now that is the plan.

About the Author

Deborah received Georgia Author of the Year Award 2018 in Inspiration Category for her book Blooming in Broken Places. Her companion workbook, Bloom Where You Are, was runner-up in the prestigious Selah Awards 2023 in Bible Study Category. Deborah is a certified Advanced Writers and Speakers Association Power Speaker. She is a member of the Georgia Writers Association, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and American Christian Fiction Writers. Deborah lives in the North Georgia mountains with her husband, Travis.

More from Deborah

Deborah’s latest book, Bloom in You Winter Season, encourages women that God can use them and their strengths, talents, wisdom, and knowledge in their mature season of life. Written with twenty-four different authors, also in their silver season, Deborah created a unique concept that combines scripture reading, reflection and application questions.

Welcome to the Winter Warriors club. A club made up of “seasoned” women who have a desire to give their heart to Abba even during the phases of their winter season. Maybe you’ve been going through changes that have you discouraged and ready to throw in the towel.

Change is inevitable: hearing aids, eyeglasses, and a knee replacement are just a few I’ve already experienced. Not to mention the changes to my body shape and style – yikes! Maybe you’ve been through some of these changes, too. If we dwell too long on the inevitable, it can be easy to get discouraged and want to just sit down and give up.

In this study you will be treated to twenty-four devotions by “seasoned” authors who continue to be active for the Lord in many ways – large or small – it is all for God’s glory.

You will hear me saying often: “God did not stamp an expiration date on our forehead.” While studying these women from the Bible, you will discover that God can and will use you even in your winter season.

As my friend Beth says, “There’s only one alternative to growing old.” And we all know what that is – something we will all have to face eventually, but until then, let’s make a pact to grow old as “seasoned” women being Winter Warriors for our Abba!

Blog Stops

Godly Book Reviews, September 7

Divine Perspective, September 8

Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 9

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 10

Girls in White Dresses, September 11

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 12

Blossoms and Blessings, September 13 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 15

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 16 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, September 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 18

A Reader’s Brain, September 19 (Author Interview)

She Lives to Read, September 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Deborah is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card and the winner’s choice of one of Deborah’s books!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5434

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers by Andrea Jo Rodgers

About the Book

Book: Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers: True Stories of Faith and Miracles from a First Responder

Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

Genre: Christian Inspirational

Release date: June 4, 2024

Powerful Stories of Life’s Emergencies

For more than 35 years, veteran EMT Andrea Jo Rodgers has been helping people in their most terrifying and vulnerable moments—and bearing witness to the miraculous power and handiwork of God.

In this new collection of unforgettable stories, Andrea shares more heart-pounding accounts of rescues and interventions from her vast experience as a first responder. Whether it’s a boy fallen through thin ice into freezing water, an old woman and her walker stuck at a railroad crossing, or a loyal dog playing guardian angel for his incapacitated owner, join Andrea as she responds to incredible scenarios that testify to God’s power and love.

Not only will you be astounded by the courage exemplified by Andrea and other first responders, but you will also be inspired by her faith, empathy, and hope—even amid the most daunting circumstances. These powerful stories will encourage you and deepen your awe for God’s amazing mercy and grace.

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.

About the Author

Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for 30 years, specializing in women’s health, oncology rehab, and ALS. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for 37 years and has responded to more than 9,700 first aid and fire calls. She lives with her family on the east coast. She enjoys reading, writing, day trips, and savoring a slice of avocado toast along with a cup of green tea. Andrea’s latest book, Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers, shares more inspirational stories based on her experiences as a volunteer EMT.

What did your research process look like for this book?

I’ve been a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) on my town’s first aid and rescue squad for over 35 years, responding to more than 9,600 emergency calls. Along with my fellow squad members, I’ve been called to help those suffering many different kinds of medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, near-drownings, and overdoses as well as victims of trauma. My research comes from education, training, and hands-on experience.

What was something new you learned while writing this book?

Writing about rescue calls from my personal experience has helped me to better realize how blessed we are to serve as instruments of God, acting as cogs in the wheel of heavenly orchestrated interventions. As an EMT, I’ve observed firsthand how God carefully puts together all the pieces to create jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring rescues.

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

I wrote Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers for people who enjoy inspirational medical stories and for those looking to affirm their faith through reading about miracles, rescues, and answered prayers. I write for a non-medical audience, so I try to make sure to explain medical terms and the treatments we render in an easy-to-understand manner.

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

While I’m writing, I like to snack on popcorn with a mug of decaf green tea (plain-no cream or sugar, please). Of course, anything chocolate is another go-to!

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

As an EMS volunteer, I meet people at their most vulnerable moments, when a seemingly ordinary day can suddenly morph into one that is dark and sinister, challenging their faith and calling into question an ongoing earthly existence versus transitioning to eternity with God. In these times of profound crisis, people turn to God for help. I know He hears our prayers, for I’ve seen them answered in ways that defy logic. His loving hand pulls us literally or figuratively to safety in ways that cannot be written off as mere chance.

More from Andrea

Have you ever wished you could keep yourself and loved ones safe from danger? Perhaps you envision placing a protective bubble around the newest driver in the family or maybe figuring out a way for germs or cancer cells to bounce off those closest to you. For some, the desire may be not for physical protection but for safeguarding the hearts and minds of family members or friends during periods of personal difficulties.

I’ve been a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) on my town’s first aid and rescue squad for 37 years, responding to more than 9,700 emergency calls. Along with my fellow squad members, I’ve been called to help those suffering cardiac arrest, victims of trauma from accidents, near-drownings, people suffering from drug overdoses, and a variety of other medical emergencies. We’re blessed to be able to serve as instruments of God, acting as cogs in the wheel of heavenly orchestrated interventions. In my capacity as an EMT, I’ve observed firsthand how God carefully puts together all the pieces to create jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring rescues.

“Wow, that was a lucky save!” some might say. I believe it’s not luck at play but rather God’s saving grace. The orchestrator of miracles, He puts all the pieces in motion to create occurrences that are truly beyond mere coincidence. In Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers, I share my firsthand accounts of the ways God works to protect and save us. If we open our minds and hearts to the quiet presence of God in our lives, we’ll be able to recognize these heavenly rescues.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 29

Artistic Nobody, August 30 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 1 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 3

For the Love of Literature, September 4 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, September 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 6 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 7

A Reader’s Brain, September 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 8

Dee S. White, September 9

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, September 10 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5427

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Conversation Hearts by Marguerite Martin Gray

About the Book

Book: Conversation Hearts

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Contemporary Romance

💝 Release date: July 30, 2024

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

When Megan Standish finds out about her father’s new relationship, she storms into the Suamalie Islands to rescue her father and carry him home to New Mexico. He’s firmly planted on Alexandre, however, but she refuses to let the island’s magic cast a spell on her decision. Even when a handsome islander and his daughter knock at her heart.

Jean Girard is a local with a flourishing transportation business taking passengers from island to island. When he encounters Megan’s stormy tirade on his boat, he promises to shelter his daughter and himself from her negative vibes. His concern continues to grow as he watches his daughter get attached to the American.

Either Jean will have to create an even bigger hedge of protection around his daughter and his heart from this pouty, controlling woman, or he will have to trust God to peel back the stubborn, hurting layers of the past and allow the miracle of His love again.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

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

• What was the most enjoyable part of writing your book?

I loved continuing my characters’ stories. The island theme flavored my vacations as I tried to soak up the ambience, food, and beach time in Florida, Marseille, and Naples. I never made it to Bora Bora! Since this is a contemporary, I enjoyed the freedom in writing in a new genre, different from historical. Also, Conversation Hearts connects to the first book Room for Love and the third book Dreams Revived giving the characters extended lives.

• Was your writing process spontaneous as it came to you or very planned and organized? Why?

I am a planner and organizer by nature in all areas of my life, so it overflows into my writing. I start with my imagination and an outline. Now, the outline can change and morph as the characters take off in different directions.

• Do you have a favorite time of day you are most productive in your writing?

I love writing in the morning. Since I work at home full time, I can arrange my schedule to give me some time then. It is quiet and free of distractions, except for my constant Tully companion (my rescue dog.) I can produce more words with the least amount of pressure without anyone else around.

• How many books do you personally own?

Oh, what a question. So many from so many years. I have many collections—old, new, research, TBR, friends, travel. Hundreds. Recently, I got rid of about 100 and still have an abundance.

• What is your next big goal as an author?

I have a new series in mind that explores the micro states of Europe like Andorra, the Vatican, Monaco. It will involve history, treasures, mystery, romance, past and present. I’ve already started the first one. So, we’ll see where it goes.

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young.

More from Marguerite

I have enjoyed this series and the relationships forming as the characters find new ways to communicate on the journey. Are you a good communicator? Introvert or extrovert? Conversation is so very important. Think about how we use it every day: directions, warnings, concerns, prayers, instructions, disciplines. Even though I teach online, my words of concern and instruction are needed to spur the students toward success. Somehow, I have the words to communicate well in so many areas of my life.

Then what about the heart? I think of the Valentine’s candy hearts—Conversation Hearts! As relationships develop between characters in Room for Love and Conversation Hearts, the heart becomes more and more a major component with all the characters. Yet, sometimes we fail to really say what we think in order to protect our hearts. There are many lessons to learn about being honest in relationships. Sometimes we avoid the conversation part and miss out on the wonderful relationships.

I embrace the conversation of the heart in my life through love, decisions, marriage, job, God appointments, children, and difficult circumstances. Explore different facets of important conversations with Amy and Walker and their families as you read this installment of Suamalie Islands series.

Happy Reading!

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

Stories By Gina, August 31 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 31

She Lives to Read, September 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 3

A Reader’s Brain, September 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Back Porch Reads, September 6 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 6

Karen Baney Reviews, September 7

Simple Harvest Reads, September 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Artistic Nobody, September 9 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Beauty in the Binding, September 12 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5429

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Guess Who Is In God’s Family by Karen Ferguson

About the Book

Book: Guess Who Is in God’s Family

Author: Karen Ferguson

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Release date: June 24, 2024

When Lucy comes across some old family pictures, she has a lot of questions for Papa Joe.

Who are these people?
Why doesn’t she look like them?

As Papa Joe tells Lucy about her family, he shares with her the uniqueness that God created in each of us from the very beginning, all the way back to our first ancestors, Adam and Eve.

What follows is a wild adventure through the Bible, where Lucy and her papa discover God’s love and faithfulness for all people throughout all of history.

In this second book in the Questions for Kids series, discover how much God loves diversity and how God created your family in the most beautiful and perfect way.

Click here to get you 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. How do you weave Biblical truths into your writing?
a. This book series is all about biblical truth. The main character, Lucy, takes her big questions to her trusted advisor Papa Joe, and this leads them on an adventure into the Bible where they explore things like Creation, the First Family (Adam and Eve), and what will be other major Bible accounts important to building a solid faith in God. The biblical truth is easy to weave into this series because the main characters literally jump into these Bible accounts. What I add to it is a creative, relatable storyline for children to engage with. In the first book it was the concept of bullying and feeling unloved. This book deals with family and diversity.
2. Why did you pick this genre for your book?
a. I’m a mom and grandmom with a background in K-8 education and have worked with children most of my adult life. My heart has always been for young people. To share the truth that they are fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image and loved more than they could imagine. I think some of it stems from my own experiences as a young child, trying to find my identity in all the wrong places. I realize the importance of honoring the inherent value of each child, and planting seeds of God’s truth in young hearts. I’m grateful to play a part in that through this book series.
3. What was the most challenging part of writing your book?
a. Covering such a complex and foundational topic in the Christian faith in a way that is relatable to children, and keeping it to the limited word count required for a picture book. I’ve heard some say that it must be easy to write a picture book because it’s short, but I find it to be a challenge. It’s not easy to take an in-depth Bible account and write a creative storyline that aligns with solid theology, but with very few words. But that was my mission with this book, and thankfully God’s grace is sufficient! This book is a bit longer than some picture books, though, as I felt it was necessary in order to lay a firm foundation for young readers.
4. How many books do you personally own?
a. Oh boy, that’s hard to say! I will say I have enough books to fill three big bookshelves and several large boxes of books in the garage, plus multiple books on my dining room table, night stand, and work desk. What can I say, I love books! My TBR list is a long one, and I keep adding more to my collection.
5. What is your next big goal as an author?
a. I’m working on the third book in the seven part series. While I don’t want to spoil the surprise, I will say it has to do with a boat and a rainbow :) My goal is to submit it to my publisher within the next month.

About the Author

Karen Ferguson is a freelance writer and children’s book author with a background in K-8 education. A grateful wife, mom, and grandmom she is passionate about writing stories that grab and hold young readers’ attentions, while teaching them all about God’s unchangeable truths, and His unchanging love for them. She wants every child to know their life matters. Her first children’s book, Guess How Much God Loves You, was published through Ambassador International in 2022. Now a seven book series, her newest book, Guess Who Is in God’s Family is scheduled to release June 2024.

More from Karen

Did you know the cherubim that guard the Garden of Eden have four faces – that of an ox, human, lion, and eagle? You’ll find their description in Ezekiel 10:14, and it’s quite different from most angels you’ll see in traditional children’s books. But you will see them beautifully illustrated in this second installment in the Questions for Kids picture book series, all about the First Family in the Garden of Eden.

You see, my mission from the very beginning has been to present accurate biblical accounts to young readers that are foundational to increasing their understanding of the Bible and growing a solid faith in God. Kids are bombarded with so many counterfeit messages these days that contradict the Bible, and it’s leaving them confused and hopeless. Is truth relative? Absolutely not! The real Truth lies in God’s Word, and I am grateful to play a part in counteracting the lies of our culture by presenting Truths straight from the Bible, in a fun and dynamic way.

In this book (and book series), you won’t find a regurgitation of Bible facts (that never worked for me as a child). Rather, you’ll find a young girl with many questions about God and life, much like our own children and grandchildren. And you’ll find her loving grandpa who is happy to answer those questions by pointing her to the Word of God. Their adventures into unique periods in Bible history, driven by some serious 7-year old questions, will help pull young readers into the narrative and connect the Bible to their world. It’ll also open doors to faith-building conversations with parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers.

The hardest part of writing these books? Keeping it short enough to fit into the picture book category ;).

I pray you and your young reader will be blessed as you journey with Lucy and her Papa Joe into the Bible to discover God’s power, His faithfulness, and His never-ending love.