Saturday, September 30, 2023

Zuggy the Rescue Pug- Happy Howlidays by Jean Marie Alfieri

About the Book

Book: Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays

Author: Jean Marie Alfieri

Genre: Kid-lit Activity Book

Release Date: June 17, 2023

Three fun Zuggy the Rescue Pug stories in one action-packed activity book! First, Zuggy goes ‘Costume Crazy.’ How many does he model before finding the perfect Halloween outfit? Color them all. Then, Zuggy must save dinner from racing out the door, in ‘The Great Turkey Chase.’ Finally, Zuggy can’t stand the thought of the family having no presents this holiday. Can he work some Christmas magic? Only if the cat keeps his secret.

Packed with book club questions, puzzles, and games, this activity book makes a paws-itivly perfect gift for parents, teachers, and kiddos!

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Zuggy is just too adorable on his holiday adventures that are fun and teach good lessons. The text included was appropriate for young school age children and had a good rhyme to it. The illustrations were all such that you can color the scenes which is fun. The activities that separated the pages of text ranged from tic tac toe, to word puzzles, to drawing. It really is a well thought out, meaningful activity book that would be great for a Christmas gift this year! Especially dog lovers :)

I receive a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are my own.

About the Author

When Jean’s eyes locked with those of a smooshy-faced little dog who sat inside a kennel at the Humane Society, it was love! He captured her heart. She captured their many adventures in short story poems starring Zuggy the Rescue Pug. An author, speaker, and advocate for the adoption of senior dogs, Jean and her husband currently live with their three fur-kids in Colorado. They joke that although the humans pay the mortgage, it’s really the dogs’ house! Jean finds much of her writing inspiration from her “vintage puppies” and work at the Pikes Peak Humane Society.

More from Jean

Pug-Lovers Magazine recently sat down with America’s favorite rescue pug to interview him on the new trio of Howl-iday stories and activity books that were released last month. Here’s what Zuggy had to say.

Q: This is book #11 in an award-winning collection. How do you continue to be your Mom / Jean’s most influential writing inspiration?

Zuggy: Oh, that’s easy. I just jump on her lap and wiggle around until I almost fall off and she tells me to settle down. Then I sit and stare deeply into her eyes and subliminally ask for a snack. She thinks I’m giving her story ideas, but it works for her, so I don’t ruin it.

Q: What is the best activity in these special edition books?

Zuggy: The puzzles and games and coloring pages where you can decorate me! The book club questions are also a great feature. (Mom said she got the idea from her own reading club – thanks, Auntie Karen!)

Q: What is your favorite holiday?

Zuggy: This pug is all about love and hugs, so Valentine’s Day is my fave. (I should have been named Very-Valentino, or Vee-vee for short! It’s so Ooo-la-la.)

Q: Do you ever get writer’s block?

Zuggy: Every day around breakfast and dinner time I simply can not focus. I scour the kitchen for lost and forgotten kibbles and wait impatiently for my chef (I mean, Momma Jean) to prepare my next meal. Who could write in such conditions?

Q: Which story from this collection is your favorite?

Zuggy: That’s ruff. ‘Costume Crazy’ is based on a true story and I really enjoyed all the belly-rubs between wardrobe changes. ‘The Great Turkey Chase’ starts out sad but is so exciting, and I score a drumstick in the end, so that’s a super story. And ‘Santa Paws’ is full of surprises. I love them all!

Q: Where can friends and fans get this new book?

Zuggy: The whole collection is available on Amazon and Jean will be signing copies on September 16, 2023, at the Humane Society’s Pawtoberfest, in Colorado Springs. Grab a beer and a book! And remember, she loves visiting schools (in person or remotely) so drop us an email to schedule a class visit: ZuggythePug@gmail.com

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 18

lakesidelivingsite, September 19

Texas Book-aholic, September 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, September 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 23

Blossoms and Blessings, September 24 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, September 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 25

Blogging With Carol, September 26

For Him and My Family, September 27

Artistic Nobody, September 28

Cover Lover Book Review, September 29

Guild Master, September 30

Vicky Sluiter, October 1 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, October 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jean is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a print-copy of the newest special-edition activity book, “Zuggy the Rescue Pug – Happy Howl-idays”!!

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/27fb2/zuggy-the-rescue-pug-happy-howl-idays-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, September 15, 2023

Powerful Whispers by Christa Joy Spaeth

About the Book

Book: Powerful Whispers: A 7-week Journey Discovering Who You Are To God

Author: Christa Joy Spaeth

Genre: Christian non-fiction, devotional

Release Date: February 22, 2023

Powerful Whispers gives you a glimpse of how awe-inspiring God’s whispers of His love are for you. He desires to capture your heart, to communicate personally with you, to encourage and strengthen you.

Each daily devotional offers God’s life-giving words, suggests powerful worship, and provides an activation step applying that day’s principe to your life. Let the Lord fill your cup to overflowing as you embark on this amazing 7-week journey.

Whether you’be been walking with the Lord for years or have been recently saved, you will discover in fresh new ways that: God Knows You – God Loves You – God Fights for You – God provides for You – God Chose You – God’s Peace is for You – God’s Powerful Whispers Can Change your Life

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

As a new author, I learned so much! I felt like I learned a new software program every week trying to get my book self-published, haha! For this Gen Xer, it was overwhelming at first, but afterward, I felt more accomplished that I could tackle new technology.

Challenges aside, what I valued the most from this writing journey was meeting numerous Christian authors, many of whom are first time authors themselves. The love and support I was shown by these ladies was incredibly specialand made the journey more fun. I wish I had plugged into the author community earlier. Their insight would have saved me time and I would have valued their prayers throughout my writing journey.

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

As a new author, I had no idea about the value of a good editor, nor did I understand the different types of editors. The first editor I hired was a copy editor, who is really meant to be the final editor. Her focus was on punctuation, spelling, and basic grammar. Thankfully, an experienced friend in book publishing suggested I hire a content editor. I was led to work with the perfect person for me and my book. This editor took a step back and provided great direction to help my book be consistent in tone and content. She challenged me to add several thousand more words. I am thankful for her insights because they made my book more complete.

I’ve heard it said no matter how good you think you are as a writer; you need an editor. This process sure validated that statement to me. The lesson I learned for my future books is to build in lots of time for the editing process. If you plan to write books in the future, one tip I have for you is, however long you think editing will take, double that.It’s a slow process but it was well worth the time and money!

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

Yes, I stepped way out of my comfort zone in writing my first book! I am a quiet introvert, so writing is my preferred way of communicating. However, I discovered that in order to market my book, I needed to come out of my shell and talk about myself and my book on social media.

When I first showed my face online, it took me a couple hours to get the nerve to film. After I posted, I cried for 3 hours because I felt awkward and that I wasn’t cut out for this. Thankfully, I have gotten much more comfortable on camera. I’m now able to jump on a few times a week with little hesitation to share hope and encouragement!

4. How did you celebrate when you completed your book?

I celebrated completing Powerful Whispers by throwing a book signing party at a beautiful, old church in my town! Although I had to reschedule due to the biggest storm Minnesota had in decades, I was thrilled to celebrate! It was encouraging to have support from friends from high school, neighbors, and family near and far who all come to join me in this simple celebration. I also hired a photographer to take photos and I am so glad I did because the event went so quickly. I will cherish these photos for a long time.

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

I am an avid coffee drinker! Thus, when I write in the mornings, I always have my hot cup of coffee nearby.However, since I do most of my writing in the afternoon, I switch to tea so I can sleep at night. Iced tea in the summer and hot in the winter. My favorite tea is from the restaurant Good Earth, which was founded in Minnesota. The non-caffeinated Sweet & Spicy is the best. You can find this tea at many grocery stores around the country now. If you are a tea drinker, I encourage you to give it a try.

My favorite go to snack is nuts with a little chocolate chips. I love the sweet and salty mixture. Currently, pecans are the top of the list for my nuts of choice. But, I am not too picky, I love all nuts!

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

I want my readers to have a deeper understanding of how much God loves them, knows them and that He chose them to be here on this earth right now.

One of my readers wrote this review which sums up what I was hoping the readers to walk away with “I grew up in a tradition focused more on theology than on relationship, and this has been a good study in listening for that still, small voice that relates to me on a personal level! I love the music recommendations for each devotional. Highly recommend this 7-week study!”

About the Author

Christa Joy Spaeth is the founder of Christa Joy Ministries. It was in 2022 when Minnesota-based author Christa received a compelling message from God. In a prayer cabin called “Whisper,” He prompted her to write a seven-week devotional.

Since then, Christa’s eyes, heart, and ears were opened to more whispers, so that she may start fulfilling her new purpose of helping the hurting and share the love of Christ.

This blessed wife, mother of two, and businesswoman is passionate about living up to God’s plans for her every day. So much so that in 2022, she stepped down from her decades-long career as a Registered Dietitian at a large food manufacturing company to pursue the promptings of the Lord and encourage others in Christ.

Today, Christa owns and operates Christa Joy Ministries where she publishes her own books, writes daily encouragements and God whispers on her social media accounts. In addition, she does guest blog posts for various social media accounts.

More from Christa

One morning while I was away at a prayer cabin, the Lord laid on my heart that I was to write a book. My first thought was, “Oh, my! Lord, I have never written anything other than work-related documents. Where do I begin? What do you want me to write?”

I am so honored and humbled that the Lord placed amazing book experts in my path over the next year to launch this unique devotional book in a mere 55 weeks. This feat is spectacular as I didn’t know anything about the publishing business.

Two components of Powerful Whispers that my readers love are the suggested worship and the activations. After each devotional was written I searched for the perfect worship song. You will find several suggested indie artist songs and a few popular worship songs too. Daily you will find an activation which engages your entire body to be able to get the daily truth deeper in your soul.

The Bible verse I read before I starting to write Powerful Whispers is found in James 1:5, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” God continually showed His faithfulness to me by providing wisdom to share with my readers.

My heart’s desire is that readers will soon learn through this daily devotional that God chose them, He loves them, and He wants to share His powerful whispers daily for their life.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 13

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 15

A Reader’s Brain, September 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17

Texas Book-aholic, September 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 19 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 20

Its Mama Safe, September 21

The Book Club Network, September 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 23

Artistic Nobody, September 24 (Author Interview)

By The Book, September 25 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 25

Lots of Helpers, September 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Christa is giving away the grand prize package of a $30 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of Powerful Whispers devotional book, and a hand-crafted leather bookmark!!

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/27de3/powerful-whispers-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Moving to the Peaceable by Caryl McAdoo

About the Book

Book: MOVING to The Peaceable

Author: Grami McAdoo (Caryl McAdoo)

Genre: Children’s Animals Picture Book

Release Date: December 22, 2022

Moving can be hard for any age, but the wise old hens might make it easier for the little ones in your life! Follow their journey!

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. What/Who inspired you to write on the main themes found in the book?
The hens inspired me to write this book! They used to belong to my friend Kristin who I met through my books at an online promo party. When she moved, she asked me if I would take them and let them live out their lives at The Peaceable (that’s what I call our home on twenty acres).The move from her place to ours and my love for the hens inspired the story!

2. Did you have to step out of your comfort zone to write this book? If so, how?
Not really so much to write it. Talking for the hens came quite naturally, and there’s a part of the book that is just me—Grami—talking to the children, and I loved the creativity of making the colorful pages. The stepping out of my comfort zone only came in that it was my first children’s book.

3. How did you celebrate when you completed your book?
Nothing special, but I definitely passed out the books to my grandsugars and nieces and nephews! That was fun!

4. Do you have a favorite drink or snack for when you’re writing?
I don’t really snack when I’m working on the computer, but I most always have a drink beside me wherever I am. Black coffee in the morning and then I switch to ACV (apple cider vinegar—organic with the mother) with a splash of water-flavorer. My favorite is Sweet Southern Tea! 😊

5. What message do you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope my young readers will take away an appreciation for chickens, that moving is not a scary thing because it all works out, and also that God loves them and will take care of them!

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. 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-four years, and they share four children and twenty-four grandsugars. The McAdoos live 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

This is the story of how I became a Chicken Lady from start but not the finish! I have two more “chicken”! books planned based all on the true story! Before we had “backyard birds”—except mine are also front and side yard!—I called our back in the woods twenty acres in Red River County The Peaceable. After the chickens, I added “Farm & Bookery”.

My husband of fifty-five years Ron and I now incubate purebred chicks and raise them to laying age—usually four to five months—then sell them. We both love being around our flock, and the supplemental income is nice as well. They grow so fast; watching them is both so much fun and also relaxing!

I know 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’s story throughout, and 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 MOVING to the Peaceable, I talk about changes and how they can be scary, but God is always with us wherever we go.

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 they will love the story and be blessed by it! 😊